The Next Lost?: Flash Forward

The latest show to catch my eye is the new American drama, from ABC (shown on FIVE in the UK) Flash Forward. The basics of the story are that everyone on the planet blacks out for 2 mintues and some odd seconds at the same time, and during this time most (not quite all, or so we have been led to believe at this point) people saw flashes of some future event roughly six months in the future. Everything is in chaos when they wake up, as you'd suspect and people are wondering what now? Why did this happen? Can those that saw great futures ensure they happen, and can those that had not so great futures stop them? Flash Forward has all the elements that generally catch my eye in a tv show: an intriguing and mysterious hook with a seemingly sci-fi twist, attractive actors, great cinematography, and decent writing. Plus, the very famous Jett Jackson, of course. The questions is: haven't I seen this all before?

Perhaps it is precisely because I love these kind of shows that it is getting harder to for me to feel like I am seeing something new. Don't get me wrong, I think the pilot was pretty strong and the acting pretty good. All those British actors (three by my count) pretty much nailed their American accents, and I'll take Joseph Fiennes (Ralph's younger brother) any day. But much of the pilot felt familiar. From the opening scene focusing on a man's face, to a seemingly random but endlessly repeated number (the amount of time people were under), to the use of flashes, I felt the show was trying a little to hard to be the next Lost. Add a hobbit in the mix, and it's practically the same show.

Obviously, I am exaggerating. In fact, I can't fault the show for using flashes as it is the underlying premise for the show, a premise that from the second I heard about it I knew I wanted to watch . And better it try and emulate Lost than something of a lesser quality, like According to Jim. Even with its familiarity, it was still a thoroughly enjoyable experience. One of the major critiques that I had was that the audience is supposed to buy that in six months, not only is the relationship of the two main characters going to fail, but that she is going to let another man move into the house. (I'm not using the character names yet as I haven't seen enough episodes to remember them. So to me they are: Shakespeare and Penny are going to separate, and Penny is going to let Steve move in. Don't worry, as the series moves on, that will change.) But, I'm willing to give the show time to explain that better.

I suspect one of the biggest questions surrounding the show will be its sustainability of the pilot and premise. How will they keep the story moving but not get is six months in the future too quickly? (Are they going to emulate Lost once more in making a whole season be just a few weeks?) Can they keep up the mystery and suspense ? Do the writers and producers have a plan? I've been burned so many times by tv shows, that at this point I'm just going to go with the flow. That didn't work so well for Alias. It's worked out so far with Lost, and since Flash Forward so desperately wants to be Lost, then I'll trust there is a direction, at least for now.

I don't want to be too harsh on Flash Forward, as I really did enjoy the pilot. I suspect that within a few episodes there will be more differences between Flash Forward and Lost than there are similarities. And, if the similarities are good writing, good acting, and a great mystery, all with a helping of sci-fi, then I know I will be a Flash Forward fan for the long haul.

Returning Fall Favorite: Fringe

Fringe, which just started its sophomore season this week, ranked as one of my favorite shows from last season. From J.J. Abrams, Fringe was a lot of sci-fi fun and it was easily addict-able with strong performances from most of the cast, especially from John Noble as crazy-scientist Walter Bishop. The stories were fun and entertaining, and the first season cliffhanger was brilliant. Apparently controversial in the U.S., but brilliant nonetheless. My main issue last year with the show was that it was often predictable; I often knew the outcome of the show or a twist that was coming many scenes before it was revealed. In fact, the best part of the Season 1 finale was that while I knew what was going to happen before each of the two big reveals, it was only a few seconds before, which leads to that great feeling that you figured something out while still getting to be shocked at the same time. So, how did the the second season kick off? I'd have to say about the same as last year--good fun, but alas, somewhat predictable.
***Season two premiere spoiler alert****

Season two picks up close to where we left off, but not in the same place, i.e., we're not getting answers to soon about that alterna universe Olivia visited. We meet a new character, an FBI agent who we know from summer scoops, is going to be Olivia's new partner. The actress has some work to do, she was a little dull for me, though I will grant you that could be tainted by my love for Kirk Acevedo's character, Charlie. Olivia was in a car accident, but she wasn't present when the FBI were first on the scene. In fact it isn't until later that she comes flying through a window. (UPDATE**I've seen it said that this was the almost-accident that happened at the end of last season. I remember when it happened I wondered what the point was. I don't entirely get it, but I sort of do.) The show tries to get us to think that she is brain dead, but as she's the main character, we all knew this wasn't the case. (And this is not the kind of predictability I was talking about--although this was predictable, it is an often used plot device, and well, you can't be groundbreaking every time.) She comes back to life, says some gibberish (or Greek, as we later find out, something Peter's mom used to tell him), and then realises she can't remember where she went.

From there we meet the 'monster of the week,' this one in the form of a shape shifter who communicates to someone (or something) via a typewriter and a magnifying glass, who tells him to grill Olivia and then kill her. Most likely communicating from different universes. Whilst all this is happening, Walter & Co (and please please give Astrid more to do) are figuring out this shape shifter dude and realise that Olivia is in danger. The shape shifter has shape shifted into her nurse, is prevented from killing Olivia, is chased by Charlie, the new girl, and Peter. Charlie shoots her, Olivia is saved. In the B storyline, there is fear that the Fringe Division will be de-funded, but Peter helps to save the day. All's well that end's well.

Or not, of course. And here is the twist I could have told you was coming a mile away. Perhaps it is because I've watched a lot of sci-fi, and maybe even because I watched a lot of Alias, which is another J.J. Abrams show with a similar feel, but when it turns out that the shape shifter killed Charlie, I wasn't surprised. I was disappointed, because I just knew they were going that way, and was hoping I was wrong. In fact, in the earlier scene where Charlie was talking to Olivia, I kept waiting for him to try and kill her. It is eerily reminiscent of the Evil Faux Francie storyline on Alias, and I really hope it doesn't take all season for it to get sussed out. Also, how was it that the dead body looked like the nurse, but then later the dead body was Charlie? I'm a bit confused on that one, but I'll leave it to the internets to help sort me out.

Still, overall it was a promising entry, and I assume we'll get answers to that other universe Olivia visited soon. Also, what was up with that kiss between Nina and Boyles? And is the shape shifting device that most likely will save the Fringe division going to be used for nefarious means by the US Government? I still put this show high on my list, mainly due to the great cast and well let's face it, I watched Charmed for five years. Need I say more?

They have a lot to tackle moving forward: which Peter do we know, what was the new girl looking at the Bible for, what does it mean that the division seems to be on the offensive now. I am optimistic for the future, but I do hope the writing gets stronger, and that maybe it can surprise me now and then.

Glee

This is a show that totally describes itself in one word...I feel glee when I watch Glee! This week was the season premiere and was much anticipated after the May teaser. In my opinion, it totally came through in both writing and performances and damn, Lea Michelle can SING. I love her from Spring Awakening and now I love her weekly. Her rendition of 'Take a Bow' is better than the original and I am sure it has iTunes hopping. Maybe I love this show so much because I am a muscial theater junkie and any tv show that has musical numbers is automatically a winner. But, the mass audience seems to agree with me.

Before Mad Men: Dreaming of the 1960s with American Dreams

My internet has been acting up lately, especially in the evening, making browsing a bit difficult. Since I do a great deal of my television watching, especially my American tv watching online, the slow internets have been impeding my ability to catch up on this past season. I'm still getting it done, just a bit slower than I'd like. As an upshot of this, I have dived into my DVD collection. I don't have even half of my DVDs with me, but a large portion of what I do have, are television shows. One of the shows I have with me that I decided to revisit is the first season of the show American Dreams.

If you don't remember this show, it aired on NBC for three seasons, from 2002-2005. It told the story of the very Catholic (and white) Pryor family in Philadelphia just after the assassination of President Kennedy (which occured at the end of the pilot episode), and to a lesser extent the Walker family (who are black). Meg, the oldest daughter dances on American Bandstand, and this is the way the show brings the music of the era alive. The show also tackles racism and civil rights, feminism, Vietnam, and space. (It also happens to be the show that one of my favorite tv columnists Matt Roush answered my question about, relating to its third season. Yes, I am a huge dork, but *spoiler alert* do go and have a look.)

While I like the first season, the show gets much stronger in the second and third season. It is a little predictable in this season, but always enjoyable. It is sometimes not historically accurate, but I can deal with that in the name of poetic licence. I particularly love how everyone talks over each other. It takes a little getting used to, but that's exactly how life is. The actors of all ages are pretty good, and by the end of the series they are all turning in strong performances. I can't decide who is my favorite character, but I think it is down to Sam Walker and Roxanne, who is Meg's best friend.

The reason I like American Dreams so much are the feelings it invokes in me. As I've been watching the first season, I have had to ask: Is it possible to be nostalgic for an era you weren't alive to experience? Oddly, I seem to miss the 1960s, a decade that was long gone by the time I was born. I suspect this is partially because the 1960s have been "done" so much, in movies, on the tele, in novels, and through our history books, that I think we all feel very familiar with the decade. I tend to think of the sixties as a time for activism, a true the "times they are a changin'" period, and frankly it just seems so much more exciting. I have always wished I could have helped to register voters, marched in civil rights parades, and helped make a difference. Also, can you imagine what it must have been like to see color on the tv for this first time? Obviously the sixties weren't perfect, but man, what I time to live through.

The other main reason why I love this show is it makes me think of my parents. The kids in this show, are my parents--especially my mom' as her family, like this one, was a large Catholic family. I think most anyone with a good relationship with their parents, wonder what their parents were like as teenagers. This show gives me a glimpse, and I think in some ways, it is my parents' youth I am missing. That may be a bit weird, but I've always been one to reflect back on the past (look, I was sad when the 80s ended, okay), and really, reflecting on my parents's past makes sense to me.

American Dreams was sadly cancelled in its third season, and it ended without any type of closure. An alternative ending that helped to tie some things up was filmed, but never aired. As of right now the second and third seasons are not available on DVD, mainly due to all the music copyright issues; the latest bit of information I could scrounge up was that the studio was committed to resolving this and releasing the DVDs.

Really, I think American Dreams is simply making me aware of the passage of time, and how quickly we all grow up. I don't want to be a teenager again, but I'd like to do it now and again. I strongly recommend giving this show a go, for those of you who lived through the 60s, and for those of you who wanted to. I think we all, as the theme song says, deserve a chance to "live inside the spark of life" that was the 1960s.

Summer Viewing

First of all, I really suck. I haven't blogged here ALL summer. My summer itself has sucked though, so I have some excuse. (I was in the hospital twice, had emergency surgery, was put on bed rest and had to campaign to save my job...all while being pregnant and having a horrible pregnancy!) Disclaimer stated, I have been keeping up on my summer shows, especially So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD) and Big Brother. We also rented the entire 2nd season of The Tudors.

SYTYCD: This week is already the finale week of my favorite summer show. I am not a dancer, but I respect the artistry and movement. My favorite couple in the beginning was Randy and Evan and their Butt Dance (thank you Mia!!!) is still the best dance of the season. (Mia's dance always is, in my opinion.) But, I can't believe that Evan is in the finale. Where is this cult following and will they continue to help save Broadway? Sure, he has personality, a spark and can move, but, is he better than Ade? No. We have to remember that the basis of the show is America's Favorite Dancer, not BEST Dancer. Of the remaining 4, I think the other three are amazing. Kayla and her snow white appearance is perfect at every dance, Jeanne has a spunk and sass that Kayla doesn't have and still does every dance perfect. Brandon embodies strength, skill and precision. Who will win? Tune in this week.

Big Brother: The show started a few weeks ago and this year is based on high school clicks. I loved the idea that people that hate each other were stuck on "teams" together, but the show already dissolved the concept, so it didn't have much time to get more interesting. Ronnie, the evil-doer of this season grates my nerves and I hope, with Russell as HOH this week, that he will be sent out the door. There are already enemies, a shomance, BFFs and back stabbing! This is why we love BB.

Finally, the HBO series, The Tudors. Based on the drama of Henry VIII, King of England, this show is amazing. The first season set up his failing marriage to Catherine and his quest to marry Anne Boleyn, thus breaking away from the Catholic Church (divorces are a no-no) and creating a religious divide throughout the world. The 2nd season, which we recently watched, continued this storyline, ushering in a new queen and quest to have a male heir. The passionate courting of Anne turns sour as soon as they are married (go figure) and Henry continues to have affairs with women of the court and create more enemies through politics and religion. Poor Sir Thomas Moore is killed for his moral high ground and allegiance to the Catholic Church and Henry is at the onset of going crazy. Anne Boleyn gives birth to Princess Elizabeth, has two miscarriages and goes a tad crazy herself trying to reclaim her king. The climax of the season ends with her death (this is old news....read a history book!) and Henry's proclamation of Jane Seymour to be his third wife. The current season is on HBO, of which we don't have, so I will probably have to wait until next summer to watch season3. The show is amazing though and I highly recommend it. Great acting, historically (somewhat) correct, beautiful visuals and lots of passion.

40 Years of Sunny Days

I grew up in a small town in the middle part of America, the kind of town where the same families have lived generations, and everyone mostly looked like each other, which is to say, in my case, this was white. I point this out because for the most part my exposure until 18 or so to people who didn't look like me came from television, and as a small child, specifically from Sesame Street. In May, Sesame Street turned 40 years old, which makes it older than me, and also certainly make me part of the first generation that grew up with Sesame Street.

As someone who loves TV (obviously) it can certainly be easy for me to overstate the importance of a particular show in political or generational terms. And whilst I certainly do not want to say that, for example, Sesame Street is the only reason that Barack Obama was elected president, I think it is fair to say that Sesame Street played a part. So many of the people who elected him were 35 and under, or the Sesame Street generations.

I was an ideal canvas for Sesame Street I suppose. I grew up in a home not hearing racially motivated slurs of any kind, from a class position that would (especially as a kid) have been no higher than middle-middle class, and was generally taught, both in places like school and church, and by example from my parents, that all people were equal. What I lacked was many if any real life examples of People of Color, or even people with a disability. Sesame Street worked fit what I was being taught, and visually showed to me from a young age that Americans are all sorts of people. I think there were many children like me who were just as influence by this message.

Sesame Street was designed to give pre-K children a television learning experience, teaching us basic numbers and our Alphabet while also showing us life on the "Sesame Street." I somehow always knew that Sesame Street was in New York, and that New York was very different than my small town. But it was okay to be from a small town or a big city or somewhere in between! I can, to this day, count to 10 in Spanish, and know that "Hola means Hello." More importantly, because of Sesame Street, I knew that Gordon was Black, Linda was Deaf, Luis was Hispanic, Bob was White, Kermit was Green, and they all were friends with Big Bird, who is six. (I remember when I was six thinking how we were the same age!) Sesame Street has the most integrated cast in television, one that matches its message of acceptance.

Sesame Street has always gotten the biggest stars from film and politics and music, from Tina Fey to Jesse Jackson to Stevie Wonder. Sesame Street isn't "color blind"; it doesn't try and say there are no differences between us, but rather it says, we are all different in some way, and that's okay. I think the brilliance of Sesame Street is that is shows little kids what America should be like, before they realise that America is not like actually like that yet, and as they grow older these kids question why it is not like that. Sesame Street, and its progressive ideas on what America could be, have become part of our collective memories, and in turn, these attitudes have started to seep into our collective generational consciousness. We begin to believe that we can help make our country a bit more like Sesame Street. We are not where we need to be, but at least, we know we should be somewhere else.

Of course, the other great part about Sesame Street is that it is just so darn good! I could post about 20 clips that I love and remember from Sesame Street. Instead, I will stick to five.

1) This video, Me and My Chair, is one of those that has stuck with me after all these years. I certainly don't know why, but I never knew anyone who used a wheelchair when I was young so maybe that's why. Please excuse the bad video, and the bad voice, as I sing along.



2) I had to include this clip, sung by the Pointer Sisters. It routinely shows up in Best of Sesame Street lists. I can't argue because well, it is great. I warn you, it will get stuck in your head.



3) This is perhaps one of the saddest scenes ever in television. Big Bird can't understand that Mr Hooper (or Looper as Big Bird calls him) has died, and that this means he isn't coming back. I am old enough to remember when Mr Hooper was part of the cast and when he died. For some reason I have a memory of watching this at my Grandparents' house. It is a very pragmatic and real way of teaching children about death, and I sob every time I watch it.



4) The music is one of the best parts of Sesame Street, and there are so many I could include. There are the Bee-tles, Tammy Swine-ette, various musical guests, and a great version of Sing (sing a song). But for me, this one, sung by Ernie (and in this version) Aaron Neville, is one of the sweetest expressions of friendship in the form a very melodic, if slightly melancholic tune.



5) One of my absolute favorites, that I remember watching and singing to. It has the line, "my name is you" that I admit that as a kid, I didn't quite get what they meant but man, I totally wanted to play in that park with those kids. Who are all, like, 40 now. This is the perfect expression of "Sesame Street Values" and I for one think the choppy editing and crazy lip syncing add to its charm.



I really could go on and on, but once again, this post is so very long, and I didn't even talk about the Sesame Street records I used to listen to (like the one where Big Bird has to find the Orchestra). A great website to reminisce about Sesame Street is on Babble, where the author has posted 50 top Sesame Street moments, including the time when the adults finally see Snuffy. As one can see, when I love a television show, it is very easy for me to be idealistic and long winded!

So, I'll wind it up, with just one exaltation left to say: Happy Birthday Sesame Street, thanks for the memories, and keep up the good work.

I'm back!

After a very long break I am back! I apologise for being gone for so long. The short explanation as to why I've been gone is that I was spending nearly all of my free time applying to jobs, and after spending hours writing applications I just didn't have any thoughts in my brain. Also, I wasn't really watching much television, which is a problem for a blog about TV. As for why I have now emerged the easy answer is: I found a job in London. So, while I be working a full-time schedule, my free time is now mine again. Finally.

I have so much TV to catch up on, and my goal is to be caught up by the time the Fall Season starts in the US. This is probably too ambitious, but my goals generally are. (Remember that one where I was going to blog more often?) Anyway, here is my list of shows to catch up on (I will also take any suggestions if one of your favorites is not on the list):

Fringe
Chuck
Dollhouse
30 Rock
The Office
Ashes to Ashes
Mad Men
Scrubs
True Blood
How I Met Your Mother

Watching these will of course depend much on how easily I can access them, as well as how much time I ultimately have. I love television, but I won't spend ALL of my free time watching it. At least, it won't be healthy for me to do that.

The two shows I have been able to watch are Lost (I've seen the whole season) and Battlestar Galactica (just three more episodes in the series to go for me. I think I haven't finished them as I don't want it to actually be over). So, I will be writing some thoughts on those, most likely making me the slowest blogger on television in the land. I have some other posts in the works as well, and I hope to do my part in making this an actual working blog.

Thanks for your patience.

LOST & Heroes

Does anyone else think that both LOST and Heroes are FINALLY getting GOOD this season? I almost gave up on Heroes and my patience paid off two weeks ago. The whole storyline of scary secret governmental group hunting down the heroes was getting really old. Then, Mrs. Petrolli has herself a vi son (or dream in her case) and everything perked up by actually doing back in time to 1961...the beginning of everything. Cool. I loved the b/x footage and the details and links that it finally uncovered. And, she has a sister? Nathan and Peter have an aunt? Interesting. More interesting is the fact that she can control weather. WTF?!?! How cool and scary would that be?

Then, the Skyler storyline finally gets interesting as well. Thankfully. Now, a shape shifter, he is unstoppable, and a tad crazy. This week's episode of him becoming his mother was a bit Freudian to me, but interesting none-the-less. And, Rebel is a kid...how will that play out? Especially now that Skyler is working with Rebel. I am gearing up for the finale and I think it will be a Dosey. Let's hope that next season doesn't take as long to pick up before people tend to ship out.

And LOST. Always the crazy, storyline-on-acid, what-the-hell-just-happened moments is picking up as well. Are these writers in cahoots? Ben confronting the smoke was a tad cool, his dead daughter throwing him against the wall as neato-frito. Ben being shot as a kid and saved by Kate, didn't see that coming. Nor did I see the Darma-labcoat leader being the father of the guy who communicates with dead people! Whoa.

Overall, as both shows are wrapping up for the season, they are finally giving something for people to talk about. I just hope that the finales solve some of the mysteries that both shows have been dragging along for awhile.

End of an era, FX rebirth and keeping reality.

Last Thursday marked the end of an era in the land of television. Whether you watched it or didn't, everyone has heard of ER. (note Sara's great recap of 15 years below!) It was on the air for 15 years, breaking the mold of tv dramas, catapulting stars like George, Anthony Edwards, Noah Wyle and Eriq La Salle. I had high, high hopes for the series finale. I am a crier. I always cry at the end of a series. I feel like my friends are no more, my weekly "connection" to these people is no longer on my calendar, or DVR. But, I was slightly disappointed with the finale. I felt like it was disjointed and disconnected from the end of an era expectations. It played much like a typical episode with some old characters thrown in for good measure. The previews made it seem like a cry-fest and that it was not. The only thing that I was pleasantly surprised with and my "ohhh" moment of the 2 hr episode was the addition of Dr. Green's daughter, now an adult about to enter medical school and to continue the craft through the next generation. That was wonderful, a tad teary-eyed moment, as Rachel sneaked across the screen and I recognized her before she was pointed out. But that was pretty much it. I am sad to see it go, but even sadder to see it go without the pomp that it deserved.

My favorite channel on tv is probably FX for its cutting edge dramas and breaking the typical story lines and nature of tv shows. Each episode plays like a mini movie. Last week was the conclusion of Damages Season 2 and it again, left you on the edge of your seat until the end. You never know how something is going to turn out and when you think you have it figured out, well, quite frankly, you will be wrong. Patty was not shot by Ellen but was actually stabbed in the elevator by random trades guy?!?! Who the hell saw that coming? No one. And if you say you did, you lie. The corrupt FBI agent actually gets a bit of karma and is arrested at the end. Yea, not so much of a guess there either. This is probably the best, well written tv show on tv because it throws curve ball every second. Now that Damages is over, it is time for Rescue Me. Finally. It has been a long time since our not-so-faithful, messed-up-in-the-head, firefighters rejoin the small screen. This season brings a new addition of a French female reporter/writer. Anyone watch The L Word? If you do, then you will recognize this sultry bombshell. Tune in tonight to see who I mean.

In the world of reality tv, so much is going on, yet not much is exciting. This season seems hard for me to connect to the "characters" of Survivor, Amazing Race, Dancing Stars and probably something else I am forgetting. The only season I am truly loving is Biggest Loser. I love the people this season and the game-drama is finally starting, although there are record weight losses, so that in of itself is success. And, Allison had her baby, so that makes for good tv too. I do think that Bob needs a break. That poor guy is starting to lose it this season and maybe after years of drama without a break (remember, Jill was gone for 2 seasons) he is becoming erratic and crazy in the head. But, regardless, I love you Bob.

Well, that is about it in a nutshell. I haven't talked this season about 24. Maybe that will be my next post. Jack Bauer probably deserves his own entry because as everyone knows, Jack Bauer is the bomb. if you have missed any of this shows, you can always check out http://www.hulu.com/. It is a great way to catch up without being tied to the couch! Until next time...

Saying Au Revior to ER

I wrote my first television related article about E.R.; long before blogs, websites, or my family owning a VCR, I compared and reviewed E.R. and Chicago Hope for my high school newspaper, the "Eye of the Dragon." (For those of you not inclined to remember Chicago Hope, it too was a show about doctors in a Chicago hospital, although that is where the similarities ended).

Somewhere between there and here, I blinked, and 15 years went by. I am sure in some ways my 15 year-old self would not believe who she has become, or where she has gone--Jamaica, London, Leavenworth! But, some things have remained steadfast these many years, including, and amongst other things, my wicked laugh, worrying too much what people think of me, and of course my love of watching and writing about television. So, as E.R. officially ends tonight, I thought I should pay tribute to the show that gave me my start.

When E.R. first aired, I hadn't seen anything like it--fast-paced, quick dialogue, and so many cute men in one show (hey, I was 15!). I remember instantly liking the show, and also, instantly liking Dr. Carter. I had a total crush on him, and wanted to, like, marry him. The funny thing about E.R., is that, unlike Arrested Development or Sports Night, I can't really quote it, and I don't remember whole plots. But, I remember moments and, most of all, characters.

Par example:
I remember that Mark had a thing for Susan, but at the time was married to Jennifer, who had an affair with a guy in Milwaukee. Then Jennifer left Mark (taking Rachel, their daughter), but at this point, Susan was leaving, because her sister Chloe had a baby and was a junkie. This led to a great scene on a train but Susan still left (because for some reason Sherry Stringfield thought she'd get a better show?), and I always thought Susan and Mark would someday get together, in a very special episode. But, when she came back, it was too late (because, really, they never thought Sherry Stringfield would be back) Mark had ended up with Elisabeth, who dated Benton for awhile, but not before Peter and Carla had Reece (who was deaf) and Carla died. Not to mention Doug and Carole, who were never together, but always meant to be, but first he left, she had twins (Doug was the baby daddy), she flirted with Luka, but then moved to be with Doug. That is the same Luka, who ended up with Abby, but first Abby dated Carter.All of this from memory, btw, there was no episode guide cheating.

Also, these (in no particular order):

1) Love's Labor's Lost--a frequently cited episode from the first season, where a pregnant lady dies in childbirth because of a Mark Greene error. It truly did make me cry my eyes out, and it also starred Bradely Whitford who would later become a regular on the West Wing.
2) Lucy and Carter get stabbed, and Lucy dies--Long before killing off regular characters became 'trendy' it was a shock when Lucy (Kelly Martin) died from stab wounds inflicted in the E.R. by a patient suffering from a mental illness. It was sad and great and we still miss her. Also, it sort of killed Kelly Martin's career.
3) The evolution of Doug and Carole--Carole, who was supposed to die in the pilot episode, was always more mature than Doug. She knew she loved him, and she knew she couldn't change him. Doug always loved Carole, but he needed to change on his own. And it took five years, his departure, and twins, to get them together. But, boy, when they got together, in Carole's last episode and with a surprise George Clooney at the end, it was great. It probably also marked the end of the best E.R. had to offer.
4) Ewan McGregor on E.R.--He showed up in a 'very special episode' in 1997 as a convenience store robber and Carole totally dug him. He totally had a sexy accent and was conflicted in a sexy way and he died. Of course. It was all very sexy.
5) Dr. Ramano loses him arm. I have to say, this was prob. the beginning of the end for me. When he lost his arm from a helicopter wing, E.R. crossed the line into just too much drama to be in good taste. I had stopped watching by the time he died from being crushed by a helicopter and yet somehow I know he did. So, I guess this moment wasn't good, but it was memorable.

There are many more than these, but if I wrote all my E.R. memories, this already way too long post would stretch the limits of blogspot's bandwith. I watched E.R. for many years, because first it was great and then it was good, and then because it was habit. I really only quit when I moved to a place where I couldn't watch as much television as I used too, and some things had to go. But I still checked in occasionally, like when the girl from Bend it Like Beckham was added to the cast, or the cute kid from Once and Again. Now that there is only one more episode, I have to check out the return of George Clooney and Julianna Margulies and Eriq La Salle and Noah Wyle. It will be 1994 all over again.

E.R. always was able to make me laugh, but more often, it sure could make me cry. All of my favorite episodes/moments made me cry. (Okay, except for that Ramono one.) E.R. brings the emotions like no other show ever has, and for that it will always have a place in my heart. It still does, evidenced by the fact that within 10 minutes of the most recent episode I watched, I was bawling.

All of this is then, a really long, convoluted, way of saying good-bye to E.R. Good-bye to a show that saw me through high school and my 10 year high school reunion. Good-bye to a show that started when wearing flannel was cool. It is part of my television history, and part of the history of television. And also, just in case you think I am waxing just a wee bit too much poetic for a television show, let's not forget-- it also made George Clooney famous--and for that we must truly be grateful.

So, good-bye E.R. and your crazy, very special, extra dramatic story lines. We'll miss you!

(No Longer) Weekly Video Clip: The West Wing

I've been spending a lot of time doing research, looking for jobs, etc. on the Internet; in my flat I can only get the Internet downstairs, which is bad news when I need to be in a quiet space to get stuff done. But, it's good news when I want to watch some TV while I sit on the computer. I've been itching for something familiar and good and lately, I've been watching old episodes of the West Wing.

A long time ago, when the West Wing was still on the air and TV on DVD was in its infancy, I decided that I really really wanted the West Wing on DVD. Except that there was no option for it in the United States. The U.S. was in fact, a little bit behind on this phenomenon in regards to other countries, especially the United Kingdom. So I did some checking and found that the U.K. had the first two seasons on DVD. I think we were probably in the midst of the third season, so this is how long ago it was. Of course the problem was the DVDs were encoded for Region 2, and I was living in a Region 1 world. But, after even more checking and research (thank goodness for slow days and Internet at Cingular Wireless in the early 2000s), I purchased a region free DVD player. Which then allowed me to spend a God-knows-what-and-I-don't-want-to-even-try-to-remember amount of money on said first two seasons of the West Wing from Amazon UK. Of course eventually, about a year or two later, they did finally release the West Wing on DVD in the U.S. I never bought the other seasons, and then my DVD player stopped working, and thus the DVDs started gathering dust.

So flash forward about eight years and I find myself living in a Region 2 world, with a bunch of Region 1 DVDs. Except, and I am sure you have guessed it by now, my lovely lovely West Wing DVDs. So, I brought them back to the U.K. after Christmas and to bring it back to the first paragraph, started watching them.

The West Wing in its heyday makes for some of the best television ever. It is dramatic and funny and well-acted. It is of course, well-written, and I am sure it comes as no surprise that I love it. It was after all, created by Aaron Sorkin, one of my favorites, who will always have a special place in my television heart because of Sports Night. The first two seasons were its heyday, before season three which began its slow drop off. It regained some of its grandeur in the last season, but nothing can match the first two.

I love the show for its fast talking and walking, its look at politics, and for its late '90s, early '00s fashion. I also love it for its ability to make me cry. The clip below is from the second season, "The Stackhouse Filibuster." It is one of my favorite episodes of TV ever. It brings politics, dorky rules and procedures like the filibuster rules, and heart-string pulling all together. The short synopsis is that the White House is about to pass a health care bill, but Senator Stackhouse, a 78- year-old Democrat whom the White House doesn't take seriously, is holding up the vote. The story is told with voice overs of various staffers (CJ, Josh, and Sam) writing their parents. It is finally figured out that he simply wants autism research added to the bill, because he has an autistic grandson. When the White House finally comes to this conclusiont, they decide to help him, which leads to the resulting scene:

Ok, I suck AND I have a problem.

I maintain 3 blogs; 2 for personal use, 1 for work and this is the blog I have the hardest time keeping up with. I have a hard enough time keeping up with my DVR, let alone write about everything I am struggling to watch. Here is a current list of "my shows" that I watch every week and it is too vast for one person...is there a 12 step program?

• Brothers & Sisters
• Amazing Race
• 24
• Gossip Girl
• Heroes
• Biggest Loser
• Nip/Tuck (one down, although it will soon be replaced in my schedule with Rescue Me)
• Idol
• Lost
• Top Chef (yet another now off my programming)
• Damages
• Lie To Me (a newbie to the season and we really like it in my household)
• Bones
• Ugly Betty
• L Word
• Grey's
• Private Practice
• ER
• Survivor
• Hell's Kitchen
• CSI (original, Vegas baby)
• Numbers
• Doll House (another newbie from genius Joss of Buffy...still on the fence about this one)

I am sure I have missed at least one or two, but do you now see my problem? I do work fulltime, "run" my household, try to exercise on the Wii Fit and I do love to read. (finished the entire Twilight series since Christmas) I need more hours in the day. Reality is my priority in my viewing order, next is FX dramas (because they are SO good), followed by network dramas. As you can see, comedies fall no where on the list...not one sitcom b/c I can only record so much. And, obviously, as I know, it is too much.

In explanation of...

...why I don't post as much as I'd like. It's mainly because right now I'm really busy, but it's a bit more than just busy.  The short of it: I'm still living in London, and trying to find a job in the charity sector.  I'm working full-time someplace else, and trying to apply for jobs and volunteer all at once in my 'free time.'  I really want to post, and I have great 'future post' ideas, but sometimes I'm just not physically able to get to it.  I'm hoping that I get a job soon, so that I don't have to apply for jobs. And boy with that time, you better watch out!

I know I've promised Lost and Battlestar, and I hope I get to write it soon. I've been watching Lost, and I am loving it.  I actually haven't managed to see any of the BSG yet, but I'm hoping to work that at soon.    

But, for now, I've posted a clip for the weekly video clip. This one is from Sports Night, which holds the title of Co-Favorite Television Show EVER in my book.  It's just a short clip where Dan realizes that someone he thought was crazy, wasn't actually crazy. The short story behind this clip is that Bobbi (the girl in the clip) always claimed that Dan spent a 'night of passion' with her in Spain, but then he never called.  Dan has always claimed he never went to Spain, and thus couldn't have done this. This clip exposes some of Dan's "misconceptions" of the situation. 

Here's the clip

This clip doesn't actually show my favorite part, the part which showcases why I love this show so much. Sports Night has a great way of showing a character being wrong, realising it, apologizing, and actually be a better person because of said apology. It's the part where Dan apologizes:  "What a jerk I was.  I should have called you. If my not calling you made you feel like any less than what you are...I'm sorry." To which Bobbi simply says, "Thank you."

Weekly Video Clip: Tobias Funke

Welcome to a new addition on the blog: the Weekly Video Clip, or WVC.  This is, obviously, where I (and Jen) put a video on the blog.  Also, we reserve the right to show more than one clip a week.  Plus, if you can think of a better than that "Weekly Video Clip" do give me the suggestion. 

You Tube is a great thing because it allows us to see clips of things that we thought we might never see again, like great old commercials. It is also a venue for people to show their creativity with editing.  

So, to start of this feature off, here is one of my favorite characters, in one of my favorite shows of all time.  Yes, you had to know I was going to start of with Arrested Development. Specifically, Tobias Funke and his, shall we say, peculiar way of speaking.  

15 hours in one day.

What can make a person watch 15 hours of tv in one day? The election of a new president. The election of hope. A season of change.

Today's coverage is unprecidented and I took the day off from work to revel in history and soak in the festivities. I watched NBC from 7am-7pm and for the past two hours I have been watching ABC for the Neighborhood Ball. Now I am watching a recap of the day with Diane and Charlie. Today was a day to be proud to be an American, proud to witness progress and proud to be a tv junkie. I love it all.

BSG is here! Lost is almost here!

The last season of Battlestar Galactica got underway yesterday in the States, and while I haven't seen it yet, I hope to soon. I just need to find it (in ways we aren't going to speak of), and then we'll chat.  Lost starts up next week for its penultimate season, and let's just say, I CAN NOT WAIT.  I have already purchased my Season's Pass on iTunes (thanks in large part to a gift card someone gave me), and am ready for the shows to begin downloading. Let's hope iTunes is better at it this year, than they were last season.  

I love both of these shows for their suspense, their quest for answers, and let's face it, for their sci-fi-ness.  I haven't opined a great deal about these two shows, other than that I love them.  I'm going rectify that (hopefully) each week as I see the new episodes, and try and explain what it is that is great about them.  Maybe I can even get some of you who won't watch BSG because you think that people in space is just where you have to draw your sci-fi line, to change your mind.

I'm also looking forward to the new Joss Whedon show, Dollhouse, and seeing if it lives up to Buffy, Firefly, and Angel. 

A lot more to come as the real tv season for me heats up!

A week of new tv...

I am ashamed to say that I have hardly watched ANY tv this week, a week full of new episodes and the return to some favorites. I know my DVR is full to the brim, but I just haven't been home... I was so looking forward to Damages on Wednesday, but have not watched it. Nor I have watched Top Chef, Grey's, Private Practice, ER, and I know there are others. I hope to have time to catch up, but with my work schedule this weekend, it looks like Monday will be the soonest I can get to it. OH, and 24 offically returns this Sunday. I *heart* Jack Bauer and can't wait to him in action once more!!!

Damages Returns....

One of the best shows on tv, starring an amazing cast led by Glenn Close returns for its second season Wednesday (tomorrow!) at 10 p.m. EST on FX. I will be sure to post my thoughts after the season premiere.

Better Late Than Never: Sara's Best of 2008...

I’m a little late to the “Best of 2008” game, but I decided to go ahead and join in on the fun. I picked my Top 5 TV shows/moments this year, and while admittedly, I did not get to watch as much television as would have liked to, I think it’s a pretty good list. So, for what it is worth, here they are:

1) Lost
I have always been a big supporter of Lost, never missing an episode. I watched this entire season via iTunes, which was sometimes frustrating as I waited for each new episode to become available. This was the season that Lost showed its true sci-fi feathers (and I for one couldn’t be more happy), picked up the story telling pace, gave us a few answers and more mystery, got Penny and Desmond back together, and generally got its groove back. All those that left came crawling back, and those of us that stayed go to be smug about staying. He he. I can’t wait for the new season, and I suspect it will be one of the things that will get me through the dreary London winter.

2) Summer Heights High
My most recent post tells you why I love it, and it ranks as my best find of 2008. It also is my first non-American or English show to fall in love with, and is indicative of what I get see while in England. Hopefully this will lead to some exciting new posts.

3) The calling of California, Washington, and Hawaii for Barack Obama on the BBC, and the subsequent election coverage…
On a cold November morning, at 4 am GMT, thousands of miles away from my country, and in the quiet of my living room, I watched history being made. The BBC had a countdown, the calling of the win, and then just showed the jubilation, sans commentary for a few minutes. It was the best way to cover it since the election itself had all the pieces to a good drama, with suspense, a history making aspect, and most of all great dialogue. I was glued to the television that night through Obama’s speech, and after some sleep, all the next day. I can say it is a television moment (and a life moment) I will never forget.

4) Battlestar Galactica
While not its best year, it still delivers better than most. With great acting, generally great storytelling, and the weight of a penultimate season, it, like Lost, has me biting my nails to see what’s next. This leads me to ask of you, once again, please rent the DVDs from previous seasons, realize what a great show this is, and give it the send off it deserves.

5) Comparing the two Life on Mars
I tried not to do it, but do it I did. As a major fan of the BBC’s Life on Mars, I just couldn’t help comparing the American version to the original. Once I realized I was going to compare, I embraced it, and went all out. It was fun to be in the know on many storylines, to wonder about the differences in the two shows and why they were made, argue with myself on the merits of John Simm v. Jason O’Mara, or more importantly Philip Glenister v. Harvey Keitel, and to wonder just how different the ending will be.

A television related highlight for me, that didn’t occur on TV, was being a featured blogger on TV Guide.com. Unfortunately, TV Guide.com has ended that community, but it was fun while it lasted! It was for my post, originally published here, about how hard it is to watch tv legally. I was going to link to it, but it seems to have disappeared. In fact I see there are a lot of changes at that website, and I'm not sure I like it. But, that's another whole post!

I should also give Ashes to Ashes, Lost in Austen, The Bill, Fringe, and SNL’s election coverage aHonorable Mentions, for entertaining me greatly this past year.

I also cannot let the new year pass without some Two Girls in Love, with TV resolutions. The first being: BLOG MORE OFTEN. The rest are a little more nuanced, and start with watching Mad Men, catching up with 30 Rock, discovering new British shows, and oh did I mention, BLOG MORE OFTEN.

I am also really going to work to increase the readership of the blog, so if you read please comment and send your friends on over here. I promise there will be posts on a more regular basis.

I will see you all soon. Happy New Year!