Category Archives: TV Show reviews

TV Pilot Reviews: ‘Mindy Project,’ ‘The New Normal’ And More

by

2

With the million shows premiering this fall, I decided to watch the new comedies’ pilots and share my first impressions with you.

If you haven’t watched the comedies, you can watch them online. Let’s start with FOX’s new comedies, “The Mindy Project” and “Ben and Kate.”

The Mindy Project

“The Mindy Project” premieres Sept. 15 on Fox.

The plot: Mindy Lahiri stars as Mindy, a 31-years-old Indian-American OB/GYN, who is successful in every area of her life, except her love life. Anna Camp plays Gwen, Mindy’s friend (I hope Anna will be given more screen time), Danny Castellano played by Chris Messina who is Mindy’s rival, fellow doctor, and potential love interest, and Ed Weeks plays Jeremy, Mindy’s fellow doctor and friend.

First impression: This show had everybody talking. When I saw the trailer, I mentally added it to my list of upcoming shows. Mindy is so funny and hilarious all the time, that you can’t stop grinning while watching the show.

Another thing that makes the show great is the cast: Anna Camp, Stephen Tobolowsky, Chris Messina and its guest stars: Bill Hader, and Ed Helms. Hello! I hope the show keeps inviting great guest stars.

I will definitely tune in. It is funny, fun and hilarious. However, the romantic clichés and untimely pop-culture references could be down turned a bit. Just a bit.

Grade: B

Ben and Kate

“Ben and Kate” premieres Sept. 15 at 7:30 p.m. on Fox.

The plot: An idiotic brother returns home to help his single sister raise her adorable five-year old daughter.

The pilot was good; it was not laugh-out-loud funny, but it was funny. The show has potential. I hope we get to see more of Tommy, Ben’s friend who is obsessed with Kate. Am I the only one who doesn’t find BJ funny?

If you don’t like watching shows which are stupidly funny, this show is not for you. The show has heart and potential, so I will give the show a few more episodes.

C+

“Animal Practice” premieres Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. on NBC.

The plot: Dr. George Coleman’s ex-girlfriend Dorothy Crane returns to run Crane Animal Hospital more “professionally” and annoy Coleman in the process.

I’m surprised I sat through it. The pilot was messy. Maybe the show should focus more on the animals other than the humans. The monkey (Hangover) was great, and it is pretty obvious she is the star of the show.

I’m a fan of Justin Kirk (“Weeds”), so might stick around. If you’re not or do not enjoy watching animals on-screen, this show is not for you.

Grade: D

The New Normal

“The New Normal” premieres Sept. 11 at 8:30 p.m. on NBC

The plot: a homosexual couple decides to have a baby via a surrogate. However, the surrogate they choose has an outspoken bigot grandmother, a cute daughter and financial problems.

This show was not on my radar, but it is now! The show is great. It delivers, and nails every scene. It has a lot of heart; it is funnay,  interesting, and entertaining. I want more!

The cast, including Nene Leakes rocked. The chemistry between the cast was great. I would be adding this show to my DVR. Despite the controversies surrounding this show, but I hope it sticks around. If you do not like the gays, this show is CLEARLY not for you. But if you do, you should give this show a trial and ratings!

Grade: A

Go On

“Go On” premieres Sept. 11 at 8 p.m. on NBC.

The plot: a sportscaster is requested to see a therapist after he losses his wife in an accident.

I know the show sounds depressing, but it isn’t. Well, not yet. When I learnt Matthew Perry was returning to prime time, I hoped he found a decent show. And I’m happy he did.

I hope the show is here to stay because the show is great. It is funny, witty, and definitely has potential.

Grade: B

Have you watched the pilots? What do you think? Share your thoughts below.

 

About these ads

Summer TV Review: ‘Longmire’

by

0

Who thought a Western drama could be so catchy and entertaining?

Walt Longmire (Robert Taylor), is a recently widowed Sheriff in Absaroka County, Wyoming. Due to his loss, Longmire gave up on everything. But with the help of his new deputy Vic (Katee Sackhoff), and best friend, Henry (Lou Diamond Phillips), Walt decides to reclaim his life – personal and professional one dead body at a time.

However, Walt’s job might be in jeopardy when he realizes his obnoxious deputy Branch (Bailey Chase) is running for Sheriff. Walt Longmire, who picks up litter and cries when informing a next of kin a loved one is dead is not giving up without a fight.

It is apparent Longmire hasn’t moved on. He still listens to his wife’s voice on their answering machine. Walt hasn’t even buried her ashes (talk about issues!)

The series is based on Craig Johnson’s best-selling mystery novels. “Longmire” is created by John Coveny and Hunt Baldwin, and stars Robert Taylor, Bailey Chase, Katee Sackhoff, Adam Bartley, Cassidy Freeman, and Lou Diamond Phillips.

 

 

Five reasons “Longmire” kicks ass:

It is pure Western. All Cowboys, trucks, guns, and Horses.

Katee Sackhoff. A villain in the eight season of “24.” I’m glad she is back on my screen. Her role on “24″ might seem similar to “Longmire,” but Victoria is not keeping secrets like Dana did (well we do not know yet). Victoria is a new deputy in town, who recently moved form Philadelphia. Her friendly chemistry with Longmire is refreshing. Vic understands Longmire better than the other deputies and his family. Aside from his best friend, Henry, Vic tries to pull Longmire from his depression.

The crimes are solved differently from other crime dramas. The murders/homicides are solved with “street smart.” Walt Longmire does not rely on back up or forensic ballistics to help him solve a case. He knows if a gun was fired by simply inspecting it. The series suggest that a crime can be solved by knowing your guns, calibers, and people.

Unlike other crime dramas, Longmire does not have/use a cellphone. Yet this doesn’t stop the Sheriff from solving the crimes or communicating with his deputies. Longmire relies on his radio to communicate with his office, which is very old school like.

Although, the Sheriff is best friends with an Indian, the Tribal Police living on the Reservation do not share Henry’s feelings. There is resentment and conflicts when the two police departments meet. The Sheriff loves the Indian culture and follow most of their way of life regardless of how the Indians feel about him.

Longmire was having a shower during the opening scene of the series and the wounds on his back revealed he has a secret which Henry can not share with Longmire’s daughter, Cady (Cassidy Freeman). Viewers are left wondering how he sustained those injuries. And the obvious question, how did his wife die?

“Longmire” is a refreshing, and promising thrilling drama. The series currently airs Sundays, at 10/9c on A&E

‘Scandal,’ A New Series By Shonda Rhimes.

by

4

From the creator and executive producers of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Private Practice” comes Scandal, a drama revolving around the life and work of a professional crisis manager and her dysfunctional staff. The upcoming series stars: Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope, Henry Ian Cusick as Stephen Finch, Columbus Short as Harrison Wright, Guillermo Diaz as Huck, Darby Stanchfield as Abby Whelan, Katie Lowes as Quinn Perkins, Jeff Perry as Cyrus Beene and Tony Goldwyn as Fitzgerald Grant, President of the United States. Scandal is an upcoming drama series premiering this mid-season on ABC.

The show follows Olivia Pope has she protects and defends the public images of the nation’s elites and keeps their secrets out of the media. Olivia is a former communications director of the President; Olivia left the White House to open her own crisis management firm, Olivia Pope and Associates. Olivia hopes to start a new chapter in her life, she discovers she cannot rid herself of her past.

Scandal (TV show) Guillermo Diaz, Darby Stanchfield, Columbus Short, Jeff Perry, Katie Lowes, Tony Goldwyn, Kerry Washington and Henry Ian Cusick (from left)

Olivia Pope’s dysfunctional staff includes: Stephen Finch (Henry Ian Cusick), a womanizer who is trying to settle down and have a family; Harrison Wright (Columbus Short), an efficient litigator; Huck (Guillermo Diaz), an extremely hacker with a CIA past; Abby Whelan (Darby Stanchfield), is the firm’s investigator; and Quinn Perkins (Katie Lowes), the new addition of the firm.

Scandal is one of the anticipated drama series of the season. Check out the trailer below, Yay or Nay ?

Click here for the first ten minutes of “Scandal.”

Will you watch Scandal?

Scandal premieres  Thursday, April 5 at 10/9 EST on ABC. 

“Grey’s Anatomy:” Season 8 Ep.14 Recap “All You Need Is Love”

by

0

It’s Valentine’s day at Seattle Grey’s …Everyone’s loving up in and out of the hospital and the accidents multiply, which means more surgeries and late / cancelled dates!  The ER was filled with romantics, including a 10-year-old girl who had an allergic reaction to chocolates from her valentine (they were so cute btw) and a man who was hit by a car while chasing down his frustrated girlfriend who wants him to put a ring on it (if only she had opened those cheap necklaces, she would have found the real treasure a long time ago). Poor dude was only trying to be romantic, but she didn’t get the memo so he ended up dead (sad)! *lesson for the ladies* lol…moving on!

Highlight : Apparently Derek and Mer haven’t been getting any since Zola arrived…sucks for them! lol. jk…but they are hoping for some on Val’s Day. O_O

Cristina hasn’t been getting any either…since the big fight, but he saved her from the wreck so that’s a sign that things are gonna be fine soon! can’t be too sure,  because I really can’t tell what the writers/ producers are thinking these days.

And Alex was so sweet to the kids! Awwwwwwwwwwww! Please, Get him a girl already (a stable one) #justsaying

Avery has been slacking…lol! Dude #GetItTogether!  btw I like his relationship with McSteamy (big brother)…but it’s gonna get awkward soon and we know why! *hint* girl problems

Omg! Does that mean that Lexie and McSteamy are getting back together?! *doing a lil dance* I predict more Zola- Sophia play dates in the future…ermm…if you know what I mean!

*rant*

As for next week’s episode…it’s a crossover event between Grey’s and Private Practice…ugh, tired of those crossovers (it’s getting old)! besides, it looks like it’s dominated by the Private Practice characters…erm not all Grey’s fans watch Private Practice! #justsaying

Here’s the preview for the next episode!

‘Love & Hip Hop:’ An unusual reunion show/ spinoff coming to a new city!

by

15

So Monday was the long anticipated (by me at least) reunion show for Love & Hip Hop, and I have to say I really liked it! It had been two weeks since the last episode when an emotional Yandy drove away from her eight year managership of Jim Jones, a preggers Kimbella stood at a crossroads with her baby daddy Juelz, Olivia contemplated an uncertain future after turning down the EMI deal, Emily felt in control of her relationship with Fab (yeah right) and Chrissy and Mama Jones peacefully watched a sunset in Jamaica.

I, like other viewers, was salivating for the showdown that would inevitably happen in a typical reunion setting, but was I in for a surprise! Due to the MANY tensions between MANY of the cast members the shows producers decided to do a “Reality Check”, where they interviewed the cast members individually about what happened during the season. I was kind of bummed at first because Chrissy and Yandy wouldn’t come face to face and talk about what REALLY happened, but this narrative-style format kind of grew on me. They gave us a look into how reality TV works, which is something I’ve always wondered…I usually smell the roses, and I never know what is real and what isn’t.

The interesting part was getting to know Mona Scott-Young, an executive producer for the show (Yandy’s mentor who we also saw in a scene with Yandy after her email to Jim) and how she influenced the way the show went down. She shed light on some events, including what went on when cameras were down. I felt like I was behind the scenes, and was privy to why Chrissy had such a strong reaction to Yandy. According to Mona, Chrissy didn’t like that Yandy was taking over ‘HER’ show. If Yandy wasn’t there to kiss her ass and grow Jimmy’s brand, she wanted her off it. I guess people usually back down from Princess Chrissy, but being the strong person Yandy was, she pushed back. Chrissy was so pissed off by not getting her way and Mona’s ‘treatment’ of her throughout the season that she refused to be interviewed by her…hmm…bad Chrissy. She and Jim both hinted that they may not be returning next season because of this…DRA-MA!

We checked in with Emily, who insists she’s in control and is now being “claimed” by Fab left and right. Am I the only one that thinks she’s in denial? Like, seriously??? Anyway, we’ll have to wait till next season to see what happens, but my bet? She will be back to square one… sorry booboo. She did stir up some drama, claiming that Kimbella did know who she was when she hooked up with Fab. Kimbella was quick to shut it down…separately, of course. It would have been nice to see what they would have said if they were in the same room…oh well.

Mama Jones came on to spread her hustle and her feelings about Olivia…apparently she “just doesn’t like her.” Olivia made a stiff as usual appearance, a little miffed about her portrayal by the show. I liked that Mona gave her the opportunity to speak her mind fully, but also called her out on her ish. I saw this too with Somaya, who I agreed was a bit boring this season and as a result shouldn’t be featured as much. Uhm…I don’t want to watch you go on awkward dates with your boyfriend! Somaya got flustered by this and called Mona a b-word but later apologized, probably because she didn’t want to get axed off the show altogether.

The most surprising interview was with Erica Mena, the spitfire who came on the show gunning for Kimbella for no apparent reason. When asked about her behavior, can you believe she broke down? I guess she was past the denial and was finally accepting that it was her on the screen acting stupid. I kind of felt sorry for her, but she bounced back, jiggling her “girls” for us to see.

The last interview was with Kimbella, who kept it real about her sitch with Juelz. Apparently he cheated on her, and she wasn’t having any of that. But she was resolute in her decision to co-parent their children with him, and hopeful that he would change so her children wouldn’t have to grow up in the same environment she did.

Mona did leave us with a teaser, that there would be a spinoff show with a new cast in…Hotlanta! Who do you think will be on the cast? And what are you thoughts about the reunion/reality check? Also, who did you think was best dressed…I think Chrissy was FIERCE!

Grey’s Anatomy, Season 8 Episode 13 ( If/Then)

by

0

“Your life is a gift, accept it! no matter how screwed up or painful it seems to be; some things are gonna work out as if they were destined to happen” — Meredith GreyImage

This episode was centered around Meredith as she analyzes her life and wondered if things could have been different, especially if her mom didn’t have Alzheimer’s and others what if’s include:

What if she wasn’t friends with Christina? O_O no twisted sisters!?

What if Richard Webber and her mom were together and he was her dad? I can manage that, but “Meredith Webber” doesn’t sound as good as “Meredith Grey”

What if  Meredith was in love with nerdy Alex? *cringes*…that was so wrong!!! #justsaying

By the way,  Alex’s look was hilarious, but he is still screwing around

What if Bailey wasn’t the Bailey we are used to? Didn’t see that one coming, she was thrown to the back seat on this one!

What if Kepner wasn’t a saint after all? Haha…but she’s still awkward as always.

What if Owen and Torrez were married with 3 kids? haha…that was so weird , but Mer got kids part right since they both wanted kids!

What if Lexie was a junkie, but still got the brains? I almost didn’t recognize her with the tattoos and piercings, good break from the normal Lexie.

************

Enough with the recap, now excuse me while I rant!

I am a huge fan of the show, but this season hasn’t really measured up to the earlier ones and it’s the last season :(

The writer keeps leaving us hanging, this episode wasn’t really necessary (just like the musical episode). It would have been awesome if she continued from where the last week’s episode ended: Owen and Cristina’s fight, that was a huge one and it would have been a very dramatic episode. Also Mark and Lexie’s story was left hanging (I miss them) don’t you?…people were expecting them to get back together, but the writer keeps deviating from the couple.

At some point, it looked like she was going to build on April Kepner’s Character…you know the encounter with Alex Karev (the scene from season 7 episode 8, when he wanted to get with her)…but it was like it never even happened. ugh…

On a positive note, the next episode promises to be a very dramatic one… according to the preview, see for yourself!

What do you think?

Is ‘Homeland’ the new ’24′?

by

2

Watching a new series is like an adventure. Will I like/love the show? Will the characters be believable ? Will the writing be superb and the acting great? These questions I often ask myself while watching a new show. I found myself asking these questions over and over as I watched Homeland. Towards the finale I found myself  believing the characters.

A lot of critics compared Homeland to ’24,’ I actually do not think the shows are similar other than the occasional bombs and explosions. Homeland is definitely NOT ’24.’ ’24′ is fast paced while Homeland is more relaxed, not much action in it. I guess that is why i initially found the series moving slow. I am a ’24′ fanatic, so when i heard it was more like 24 of course i wanted to see it, but i prefer 24 to Homeland.  The first few episodes were bland, then i got to episode 5 and it got better.

This thrilling drama series stars Claire Danes, Daimen Lewis, Mandy Patinkin, and David Harewood. Homeland airs on Showtime. Season one consists of 12 episodes; season 2 will premier late this year.

The plot: a CIA agent Carrie Mathison learns that a prisoner of war has turned against the United States. During an emergency meeting, Mathison discovers that a U.S. Marine Sergeant, Nicholas Brody, who has been missing since 2003 was rescued during a Delta Force raid at a compound belonging to terrorist Abu Nazir. Everyone but Carrie believes Brody is a war hero. In order to catch him in the act and prove everybody wrong, Carrie sets up some surveillance in Brody’s house.

Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison- carries the weight of the Americans security on her shoulders. She is a CIA operation officer assigned to fighting terrorists.

Damien Lewis as Nicholas Brody- is an American hero, who was a prisoner of war for 8 years. Brody has a wife and two kids, who believed he was dead.

Mandy Patinkin as Saul Berenson- is Carrie’s old boss and mentor.

Morena Baccarin as Jessica Brody- is Brody’s wife, while she believed Nic was dead, she dated his best friend, Mike.

David Harewood as David Estes- the Director of  the CIA’s Counter terrorism center. Estes is also Carrie’s boss and ex boyfriend.

Haunted by the her inability to predict 9/11 attacks, Carrie will go to any length to prevent another attack on American soil. Her strong work ethic prevents Carrie from being in a relationship. She expressed her pain in season finale, ”I’m going to be alone my whole life aren’t I?” While battling some psychological demons Carrie is sometimes off paced or fast paced while working. Go on a journey with Brody’s family, as they adapt to the return of  their dad and how the family copes with Brody’s post traumatic stress.  Watch the series and find out who the “beauty and the beast” are, who else resurrected from the dead, and why Carrie becomes vulnerable. Lastly find out how Brody’s daughter, Dana makes a big impact in the season finale.

Rating B: the show is actually not bad, for me it just started off slow. A little more action & explosions would not hurt. I am looking forward to season two though to find out how Carrie’s illness will play out.  Here is the season one trailer of Homeland, take a peek.

What do you think about the series?

‘Episodes!’

by

1

File:Episodes logo.png

Episodes! Finally i get to write about Episodes! I love, love, love this show. I’m sorry, it is funny and i love a good laugh. :) Episodes is a witty, smart, humorous, Showtime series. The show was created by the creator of ‘Friends,’ David Crane and Jeffery Klarik, the creator of  ’The Class.’  The comedy series is about a happily married couple, Sean (Stephen Mangan) and Beverly (Tamsin Greig) Lincoln, who were persuaded to bring their British hit show Lyman’s Boys,  to LA. The problems began when the couple are forced to cast Matt LeBlanc, who not only changes the direction of their show, but also interferes in their marriage.

Sean and Beverly Lincoln – happily married writers of a British hit show move to America to air their famous show to an American audience. Ignorant  about the American show business, the stress of dealing with their clueless network executives, disruptive star, begin to affect Bev and Sean’s relationship.

Matt LeBlanc – stars as himself in this sitcom, an egotistical star. His character is going through a divorce & custody battle, which  affected his work ethic.

Merc Lapidus – is the President of the American network that buys Lyman’s Boys. Merc does not have a clue about the show which does not sit well with Sean and Bev.

Carol Rance – second in command at the Network. She quickly becomes a friend and confidant to Bev.

As the show Lyman’s Boys quickly changes to Pucks, Sean and Bev’s marriage becomes strained. Watch and find out who actually cheats on their spouse and with whom. If the Lincolns’ marriage will survive the stress of Hollywood. And if the show, Pucks gets picked up.

Tamsin Greig is so Beverly, i love her character the most. She is brilliant; she owns that character. The first season was aired last Jan, hopefully the second season premiers soon. I love this show!! I can not wait for the next season. Episodes is definitely one of my new favorite shows. What do you think about Episodes?

Next stop on the  new shows/ list is Homeland. I am three episodes in, but i find it dry. Like when does the action starts?! I will let you know how it goes!

Stay tuned.

“Glee,” “24″ & more!

by

2

Hello there, it is me again. Guess what i found out. It was announced today, that Jonah Hill’s animated series: “Allen Gregory” has been cancelled. The Animated series will not be returning for a second season. More FOX News, Kieffer Sutherland confirmed today, that filming for “24″ movie will begin in late April or early May. If you are a “24″ fan like i am, you are really excited about this. But, fear not for Kieffer Sutherland returns to TV soon. In fact, he returns to TV on March 19, starring in a new drama series, “Touch.” “Touch” is a drama about a widowed father who cannot communicate with his mute son (David Mazouz). Check out the trailer below.

Bravo has a few new shows coming this spring. “Kathy” a new primetime talk show hosted by Kathy Griffin. “Kathy” will premier this Spring. Also coming this Spring, is “Don’t Be Tardy for the Wedding.” The show revolves around Kim Zolciak as she plans her wedding with her now-husband Kroy Biermann.

Good news Gleeks. Lea Michele, Cory Monteith and Chris Colfer are returning for the next season of Glee. Even though their characters are graduating this season, Rachel, Kurt & Finn will be return for season 4 of “Glee.”

‘Breaking Bad’s review.

by

2

Hey guys, miss me? Anyway I’ve been really busy. I know i took so long with “Breaking Bad,”  but here it is. At first, I thought it was another Weeds wannabe. Breaking Bad started off slow, but later progressed to a great show. It is much darker than Weeds. The main character of the show is Bryan Cranston. Remember him? He played Hal on “Malcolm in the Middle”. Remember him now?

“Breaking Bad” centers around a High School Chemistry teacher, Walter White (Bryan Cranston), who is diagnosed with stage III Lung Cancer. Realizing his family is going to be in debt after he is gone, Walt decides to produce and sell crystal methamphetamine with the help of his former student, Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul).

Walter White, Walt aka “Heisenberg,” is a high school Chemistry teacher diagnosis with Lung Cancer; although he has never smoked a cigarette in his life. Walt is also a drug dealer. He produces/cooks meth with his partner, Jesse. Walt is Walt Jr. and Holly’s dad.

Jesse Pinkman is Heisenberg’s, partner. Jesse handles the “street” part of the business. He is also a junkie which tend to disrupt the partnership. According to Walt, Jesse was dropped on his head as a child.

Skyler White is Walter’s wife. She is controlling and bossy. She works as a book-keeper. She is also a mother of two (Holly & Walt Jr.)

Walter Jr is Skyler and Walt’s son. He has cerebral palsy.

Marie is Skyler’s sister. She married to Hank and she also a shoplifter.

Hank is a DEA agent. He is the big shot of his office. Although due to recent raids, Hank has been experiencing some anxiety attacks.

The series takes a lot of twists and turns as White becomes ”Heisenberg.” War between the Cartels and Drug dealers lead to a shocking twist. As usual i do not want to give much away. Watch Breaking Bad and find out how the Whites’ lives evolves as Walt becomes ill and a drug dealer. Also find out why Jesse ends up in Rehabilitation, and why he becomes a drug-pusher.

The show also taught me a lot of funky stuff about chemistry. AMC announced “Breaking Bad” season 5 is going to be the last season the series. Continue reading →