Category Archives: Fav TV

We like NBC’s “Bent”

Posted on March 22, 2012 | 2 comments

Wilson and I enjoy watching TV together after the kids go to bed.  It’s how we relax.  But Wilson doesn’t like new shows. He claims we have too many programs stacked up on the DVRs (yes, we have two because I am a show hoarder) and we should be reading more.

(A secret about Wilson: he is a closet intellectual and likes to read the great classics. Right now he’s in a Shakespeare phase and some nights would be happy to sit together and read “Othello” instead of watching “The Office.” I know, it’s crazy. )

But I digress. Each new season, I get excited to try shows that have buzz or involve some of my favorite writers and/or actors, but Wilson can be a curmudgeon about adding anything to our full repertoire. So imagine my delight when he suggested watching the new NBC comedy, “Bent.”  He read a review of the show and thought it sounded like its dry humor and quirky characters were in our wheelhouse.

The first two episodes were promising. Usually pilots suck, even if the show goes on to be a favorite (see ”Parenthood”) But “Bent” is special. It stars the stunning and talented Amanda Peet, who despite her fresh-faced beauty, also pulls off the hapless girl-next-door vibe….and David Walton, who –in his perfectly worn jeans and beat up leather jacket—is also mad handsome and exudes sex appeal.

"Bent"/NBC

Peet plays “Alex” — a divorced mom to a charming pre-teen daughter– who’s trying to keep it together after her cheating ex got sent to the slammer for insider trading. Walton is “Pete,” a surfing, drinking, philandering contractor who is building her a new kitchen while nosing in on her personal life.  The chemistry is palpable but it’s their clever, witty banter that makes the show work. I’m a sucker for smart writing and this show delivers.

Think “Scrubs” meets “30 Rock.“ We had to rewind a few times to catch some of the irreverent, LOL lines. The supporting characters seem promising as well, with a classic Jeffrey Tambor turn as Pete’s bit-actor dad, still looking for his close-up.

There’s a line in the episode that refers to the quote, “I may be bent but I’m not broken….” so I’m guessing the show’s name is a nod to both  lead characters who are getting past life challenges (her painful divorce, his gambling addiction and other bad habits.)  If the first two shows are any indication, the show is going for more than cheap laughs.

“Bent” has gotten great reviews so I hope the placement against “Modern Family” on Wednesday nights doesn’t kill it before it has a chance to catch on.

If it’s worth Wilson’s time, it’s worth yours.

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Idol Predictions for Top 10

Posted on March 19, 2012 | 1 comment

Ok kids, time for my “Idol” predictions.  Some say this season has been boring but I say, “Quit your whining!” “Idol” is one of the few shows I can watch with my boys and for that alone I love it.

After ten years, I find “Idol“ comforting– like eating a big bowl of mac and cheese– although maybe you have a little bit of the same regret afterwards.  Plus, I can’t take my eyes off JLo. I was never a huge fan—she seemed like a diva who craved the spotlight and made questionable personal life decisions.

But then she got married for real, had kids, and a bunch of her rom-com movies tanked and she was humbled. Now she seems to have a new appreciation for all the attention she’s getting, which makes me like her more. She seems comfortable in her own skin and has a lot of heart. And how can you deny that she’s impossibly gorgeous? I can’t wait to see what she’ll do with her hair, makeup, and wardrobe. I might not always share her taste, but she makes it work. She makes 40+ look good. And unlike other judges—like Kara and even Randy at times– she seems to really enjoy her role in the show and watching the kids bloom.

Getty

This season I had some favorites early on. I told my kids that Phil Phillips was going to make it to the Top 10 after that crazy cool version of “Thriller” he offered up during his audition.  I have never purchased an “Idol” album or song on iTunes, but I just may buy his take on Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition.” He is amazingly talented and completely unaffected.  He must be frustrating the wardrobe staff, but I love how he performs in jeans and a long-underwear shirt every week and no one notices or cares. (It’ll be funny to see what style guru Tommy Hilfiger does with him.)

I also love me some Skylar Laine. I’m not a huge country fan but she has spunk and pipes and her performances are never boring.  Despite some talent, forgettable contestants include Deandre Brackensick  (the curls and falsetto don’t impress me,) Erika Van Pelt (meh,) and Elise Testone, who has a rich voice but always looks like her cat just died. Have some fun up there girl!

Michael Becker/FOX

Completely themselves and fun to watch:  Colton Dixon and Heejun Han.  I don’t really care if every note is right if they are great performers, whether jumping on pianos or making me laugh.

As for pure musical talent, voices that stir me inside and give me the “goosies” as JLo says, I look to Jessica Sanchez, Hollie Cavanagh, and Joshua Ledet.  None of them look like they could open their mouths and have such power and grace come out, but all three have been pretty consistent each week.

My Idol predictions:  In the next few weeks we’ll lose Elise, Erika, and hopefully Deandre…soon to be followed by Heejun. Then it will get dicey and anyone could go but I’m going to say Phil, Colton, Jessica, and Joshua will be in the top four.  A great finale would be Phil vs. Jessica but I’ll have to weigh in again on the finale after a few more weeks.  And you know I will!

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Posted in Celebrity Happenings, Fav TV, Music Notes

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Lindsay Lohan Misses as SNL Host

Posted on March 11, 2012 | Comments Off on Lindsay Lohan Misses as SNL Host

NBCUniversal/Getty Images

Really Lindsay Lohan? It’s sad enough that you‘re having a “comeback” at 25, but you chose to do it on “Saturday Night Live?” Last weekend’s hosting gig did not say, “I’m back and better than ever!” More like, “I made it here, be gentle while I muddle through this.”

What happened to that child actress bursting with talent and promise? We only know what we read and see, but if even half of it’s true, you were let down by your attention-seeking, narcissistic parents and a circle of “friends” and handlers who encouraged you to keep partying, despite numerous attempts at rehab and the demise of your once shiny career.

You became a late night comedy punch line (even for SNL) with your endless tabloid escapades, frequent arrests, and dramatic court appearances. But lately you’ve laid low and we were hopeful you were getting healthy. You told Matt Lauer on “Today” last week that you’re making better choices and looking forward to working again.

The problem is, I still don’t believe you, Lindsay. First off, you don’t appear healthy. The over-bleached, extension-tangled blond hair is not doing you any favors. Why not go back to those beautiful auburn tresses that made you famous and brought out your blue eyes? A return to red may remind people why they always rooted for your clever, precocious movie characters. Stop plumping up your lips and wearing too much makeup —you’re 25! Embrace your inner ingénue! You look like you need a fruit smoothie and about two months of sleep.

Secondly, you don’t seem to be making smart decisions. If you’re going to reenter the snake pit that is Hollywood, was  hosting “SNL” the wisest choice? “SNL” host duties require amazing timing, comic chops, and an insane level of self-confidence. Some talented people have bombed on that show (January Jones anyone?) even without all the personal problems and media hype leading into it.

Kudos for being able to laugh at yourself during the self-deprecating opening monologue, but beyond that, your performances lacked any spark or humor. You were clearly relying on cue cards and looked like you were just trying to get to the after party. I don’t even remember seeing you smile.

My advice (not that you asked!) is to give the hosting “SNL” gig a rest and spend a month at Canyon Ranch spa, getting facials, exercising, sleeping, meditating, and attending self-help lectures. Determine what kind of performer you want to be and then start working at it as if you were brand new to the game. The hard work and hustle will be good for you and will lend itself to a great Barbara Walters piece when your real comeback role gets nominated for an Oscar. I think you have it in you Lindsay. But you have to believe it too.

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Posted in Fallen celebs, Fav TV

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“Modern Family” Menstruation Episode Strikes a Chord

Posted on March 6, 2012 | 2 comments

ABC’s “Modern Family” 

Another clever “Modern Family” episode this week took on how synchronized menstrual cycles among women in the family affect everyone’s mood.  Daffy Phil wanted to swing on a trapeze to celebrate Leap Day. But Claire and the girls –- who all happened to be menstruating at the same time of the month—couldn’t stop alternatively weeping and bursting with anger.

Phil goes to crazy lengths (surprise, surprise!) to avoid the cycling psychos, which only gets him in trouble.  The ladies just want a little empathy, that’s all. Jeez.

The best part of the Leap Day episode was watching it with wide-eyed Wilson who wasn’t sure if it was okay to laugh at the funny parts. He kept looking over at me timidly, and I could see him trying to determine whether I would giggle or rip his head off.

You see, Wilson shares some of Phil’s fears when I get my monthly gift.  Unlike Phil, I live in a house of men, which often smells like a locker room.  When my menstrual cycle is peaking I’m feeling erratic and emotional, they look at me like I am Medusa: a screaming insanely angry mythical creature with live, hissing, spitting snakes for hair.  That’s not empathy.

Wilson grew up in a male-dominated house and although we’ve been cohabitating for nearly 14 years, he still has no idea how to live with a woman.  We all have our quirks.  One of the reasons I married him is because he was a manly man. It’s also the thing that makes me want to throttle him.

But only once a month.

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