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First Look: My Advanced Review of FX’s Justified

Filed Under: First Look, Justified by Nathan — 1 Comment
March 15, 2010

There is not much to say about Justified in the best possible way, but I tried my best!

What FX’s Says:

In Justified, which debuts in March 16th, Olyphant plays the lead role of Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens. Givens is a modern-day 19th century-style lawman, enforcing his brand of justice in a way that puts a target on his back with criminals and places him at odds with his bosses in the Marshal service. Justified was developed by Graham Yost (Boomtown, Speed) and is based on the popular character featured in several books and short stories by famed novelist Elmore Leonard. Yost wrote the pilot and will serve as Executive Producer/Showrunner of the series. Leonard is Executive Producer, along with Sarah Timberman (Kidnapped), Carl Beverly (Kidnapped) and Michael Dinner (Karen Sisco), who directed the pilot episode.

As I said at the top, I really do not have too much to say. Justified, is a piece of classic FX television. The first three episodes which I screened, where beautifully put together in the direction, editing, acting, writing, and just most of all the persona put out by Timothy Olyphant who plays the lead Raylan Givens.

The look of the show is most appealing, the dark Kentucky countryside is juxtaposed with the hubbub of the court and law system which is always moving. In some points in the pilot all that you feel is Raylan’s talk, nothing else, not where you are, who he is talking to, just Raylan.

The supporting cast is very strong, most notably in Walton Goggins, who plays Boyd, a villain of Raylan’s and as we soon learn an old pal. Other cast includes the wonderful Natalie Zea, as Raylan’s ex, Nick Searcy, as Raylan’s friendly boss, and a relative unknown to me but very strong actress Erica Tazel. She plays Erica, a US Marshall, that seems to be liked way more than Raylan and it drives him the wrong way.

Justified is simply magical. It tells a compelling tale, in a down-home fashion, that you can not help but put everything down to just take in the talent and look. It is another knockout by FX who has brought us Archer, Damages, Rescue Me, and more.

Justified premieres Tuesday at 10/9c on FX!

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Sunday Picks: Sons of Tucson, NBC’s New but Old Sundays, and Some Old Favorites

Filed Under: Celebrity Apprentice, FOX, First Look, The Amazing Race, What I will be watching by Nathan — 1 Comment
March 14, 2010

Sons of Tucson – 9:30/8:30c on FOX What to say, what to say? Tonight, FOX premieres a new live action sitcom starring the funny Tyler Labine. Sons of Tucson revolves around a man with no money, who is asked by three brothers to pretend to be their dad, so they do not have to go into foster care.

I have seen the first three episodes and while they work and do have laughs, I have found nothing memorable in the half-hours and really nothing to latch on to. The only real great thing is the discovery of the boys after an open casting call. They are very, very, funny. Is that enough for me? No, it could be for you. It airs after Family Guy tonight on FOX.

Minute to Win It – 7/6c on NBC Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives is a great show, it makes me so hungary every time I watch it. It’s host is awesome, Guy Fieri is a great cook and an even better personality and he is coming to broadcast in the form of the host for a new game show where people complete little tasks in a minute or less to win money. Minute to Win it airs an hour early tonight for two hours at 7/6c and while I am not overly enthused that it is not scripted programming, I am still looking forward to it for the reason of just the awesomeness of Guy! View full article »

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DVD of the Week: Greek’s Chapter Four

Filed Under: DVD Review by Nathan — Leave a comment
March 13, 2010

Greek is a fun show, a funny show, a smart show, but it is one that I forget to watch, and because of that I have not been caught up with the show. I hope that DVD’s like Greek: Chapter Four, will help me on that journey as it is now available for you to buy!

The fourth chapter is 12 episodes from the end of Season 2 (the previous three are also available), and mark the introduction of Jesse McCartney who comes in as a highly sought after item in the greek community.

The DVD features a couple of bonus features including a music video by the guest star himself, bloopers, recap that I found quite helpful, and the really fun feature “At World’s End,” the final episode of the season is also chronicled in a day-by-day encounter of creating it.

Greek, which stars Spencer Grammer, among others as the lead Casey, is one show that creates college life well, and unfortunately does not get the ratings it deserves, but the praise it does. It was recently renewed for a surprising 4th season for the fall, and it is garnering more buzz than ever, and the DVD is a great get for any collection or gift. Check it out now in stores, I know I will because I need it.

In case you were not aware, the ABC Family drama airs on Mondays at 10/9c!

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Rockin’ Wednesday: Human Target, Scrubs, Psych, and High Society

Filed Under: First Look, Human Target, Psych, Scrubs, What I will be watching by Nathan — Leave a comment
March 10, 2010

Some great things to talk about:

Scrubs – 8/7c on ABC What will most certainly be the penultimate episode of this once fantastical funny series airs tonight part of the ABC comedy Wednesday. Last year’s “My Finale,” was one of the best series finales for a comedy I have ever seen and it is just a shame it did not end there but here’s to having Eliza Coupe back on my TV again soon! Also on ABC, is a very funny The Middle guest starring Alexa Vega’s Axel’s gal-pal in a very funny role, Judy Greer guests on the Middle, and Cougar Town gets ready for Sheryl Crow next week!

Human Target – 8/7c on FOX I have checked out the next two episode’s of the FOX action drama that has been garnering modest ratings before the powerhouse that is AI. I am happy to say the show returns in a solid outing that revolves around an old friend of Chance in a Central American country and lets just say things get very explosive in the best possible way. Next week however is stellar, with Agent Barnes (Emmanuelle Vaugier) returning to help Chance catch an old friend turner killer (Lennie James). Great hour you will have to check out.

Psych – 10/9c on USA Psych did a season finale right last year (evidence is here) and that streak continuous tonight in a killer episode entitled, “Mr. Yin Presents…” It is a follow-up to last year’s serial killer-after-Shawn episode which found his mom being controlled by Mr. Yang aka Ally Sheedy (She plays a great psychopath). She returns tonight as the crew goes after her accomplice who is once again tormenting Shawn and his friends. The episode is also one for you love lovers. Both Shawn and Juliet get some powerful moments in the episode which just left me loving this show like never before, and just craving new episodes which arrive this August. Must-see TV if anything is tonight!

High Society – 9:30/8:30c on The CW Check out my clip post from last week and now that I have seen the first two episodes I can say it is a fun guilty pleasure. I know that term has really been thrown around lately but this is one. It contains drugs, love, fights, happiness, and angry, what more could you want? Tinsley Mortimer, the socialite it surrounds, is charming, and her friends (Paul, most of all) are pretty dang crazy. You might want to check this one out!

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Reminder: White Collar Finale

Filed Under: USA, What I will be watching, White Collar by Nathan — Leave a comment
March 9, 2010

I know some things can get lost in the shuffle, and I really hope this one does not. If you have at all be watching USA’s newest hit drama that mixes humor with drama like only USA can, you will definitely want to tune in tonight. The show is question, White Collar, revolves around Neal (Matt Bomer) a thief who teams with the FBI (Tim DeKay) to solve white-collar crime. The show has already been renewed for a year two, but tonight’s finale is both rewarding and suspenseful, completing a mystery and staring another.

As an added bonus, Marsha Thomason, who starred in the pilot as a lesbian FBI agent Diana Lancing, but disappeared to be replaced by the never used and departing Natalie Morales, turns up tonight and will return full-time this summer. Her character is explained and comes back with a great punch, that left me wanting more, a lot more!

White Collar wraps season 1 at 10/9c on USA.

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First Look: My Review of the New Episodes of Melrose Place

Filed Under: First Look, Melrose Place, What I will be watching by Nathan — Leave a comment
March 8, 2010

Not a lot of shows get a complete revamp, rarely ever to they get two. Melrose Place has once again been messed with, still with the same 2.0 characters for the most part, but with some major chances. Are they welcomed?

What The CW says about these new hours:

AMANDA’S BOYFRIEND (GUEST STAR BILLY CAMPBELL, “4400″) COMES TO TOWN WHILE VIOLET AND AUGGIE PREPARE TO LEAVE – Violet (Ashlee Simpson-Wentz) asks Auggie (Colin Egglesfield) to leave town with her. Amanda (Heather Locklear) puts Ella (Katie Cassidy) in charge of a lavish party at her house to celebrate the arrival of her billionaire boyfriend Ben (guest star Billy Campbell). However, after Amanda spies Ella and Ben together in a compromising position, she lashes out. Meanwhile, Riley (Jessica Lucas) asks Jonah (Michael Rady) if they can start over. Shaun Sipos and Stephanie Jacobsen also star.

NICK ZANO (“COUGAR TOWN”) GUEST STARS AS THE NEW TENANT AT MELROSE PLACE – Sexy Drew Pragin (Nick Zano) moves into Auggie’s old apartment and immediately clashes with Lauren (Stephanie Jacobsen). She becomes even more upset when he shows up at the hospital as the newest resident. Riley (Jessica Lucas) asks Ben (guest star Billy Campbell) for a job, which infuriates Amanda (Heather Locklear), and David (Shaun Sipos) receives life-changing news from an unexpected source. Meanwhile, Ella (Katie Cassidy) makes an unrealistic demand of Jonah (Michael Rady) that backfires.

What Works: I have, unlike others, been a fan of the series as a whole since the beginning. The hour-long drama has had some stellar episodes including the show’s third which happened to writing by the net’s Life Unexpected creator Liz Tigelaar. The next two episodes I saw both end and start the series in a new direction. In Tuesday’s episode, both Auggie (Colin Egglesfield) and Violet (Ashlee Simpson-Wentz) depart the series and we are introduced to Heather Locklear’s (who sticks around the rest of the run) beau played by the talented Billy Campbell, who adds a nice layer in both Ella (Katie Cassidy, who is tremendous) and Riley’s (more on that later) stories.

In next week’s hour, we are greeted to Nick Zano, who plays Drew a new tenant and fellow doctor at the hospital of Lauren. He plays it great, being both funny and sarcastic, and adding a much more humorous layer to the show. That cannot be said however…

What Doesn’t: For the duo of Jonah and Riley, who I just do not care for, the rocky relationships comes to a concluding (sort-of) in the next hours, but both the chemistry and the acting are not of quality. I almost feel like they should be have been the ones to exit.

Another misstep is the use of David, who does not really seem to hold a purpose in any story after Sydney’s murder was cleared up.

Overall, I still quite enjoy the campy, soapy, fun drama of the apartment building but in the end does that really matter? The shows ratings are abysmal and the show is that of wait-and-see, if quality and ratings approve it could become something worth watching but for now its just there. (I would still watch however for the just the talent of the stellar Katie Cassidy, get here a pilot now!)

Melrose Place resumes after the return of 90210 at 9.8c on The CW.

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Monday Reminder: Changes and Returns

Filed Under: Castle, First Look, Life Unexpected, What I will be watching by Nathan — Leave a comment
March 8, 2010

How was everyone’s weekend? Is anybody attending what sounds like an awesome PaleyFest 2010? I for one am pretty busy this time a year and so is new television. Of course your usual monday affairs are new tonight including the best Chuck ever, new CBS comedies, and the return of Gossip Girl which lost my interest in the fall.

Life Unexpected is getting better and better each week and last week’s “Crisis Unaverted” showcased the fantatics acting between Kerr Smith and Shiri Appleby as well as the chemistry with Baze in teh mix. The show continues until its finale on April 19th but from now on it will do so at 8/7c, one hour earlier on the CW. Tonight’s “Bride Unbridled,” Lux is back living at Baze’s and mixing it up with Jones, the hot quarterback, after Bug has left. Below check out an intro to the episode by the awesome creator Liz Tigelaar!

Tonight also marks the return of two dramas, first on NBC, Trauma is back from the brink of cancellation, and was actually picked up for more episodes after being cancelled. It is most certainly because NBC needed filler but I took time to watch two new episodes airing on March 15th and 22nd. The show is not half-bad and does a great job with the actual “trauma” of it all but I still feeling the characters are not as engaging as I would like them to be and the relationships forced. Only time will tell if viewers will latch on with the return and I am still undecided if I will as well.

Castle on ABC is also back and far from cancellation. The ratings are growing and in two weeks will feature a two parter airing after Desperate Housewives on Sunday, and then on Monday, and will including DH’s Dana Delany. Tonight, the throughly enjoyable prodederal, goes deep into underground sex world in the city at 10/9c. Intriguing huh?

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Witches, Royals, and Vets: My Review of NBC’s Who Do You Think You Are?

Filed Under: First Look, NBC, Reality, What I will be watching by Nathan — Leave a comment
March 5, 2010

Reality shows have been around now for awhile, but they are still as popular as ever, and still putting a dent in the greatness of scripted television. NBC is in need of some filler but is the latest reality show exactly filler or something far more interesting….

What NBC Says:

“Who Do You Think You Are?” premieres Friday, March 5 (8-9 p.m. ET) and gives viewers an up-close and personal look inside the family history of some of today’s most beloved and iconic celebrities. Among the celebrities featured are Matthew Broderick, Lisa Kudrow, Spike Lee, Sarah Jessica Parker, Susan Sarandon, Brooke Shields and Emmitt Smith. Ancestry.com is NBC’s official partner on the series. From executive producer Kudrow (“Friends,” “The Comeback”) – in conjunction with her production company Is or Isn’t Entertainment and the U.K.’s Wall to Wall productions – “Who Do You Think You Are?” is an adaptation of the hit BBC television documentary series created and executive-produced by Alex Graham.

Who Do You Think You Are? is one of those projects that has been sitting on the shelf. It was announced way back in May 2008 and since has been pushed, and pushed, therefore I did not have very high hopes in it. When NBC sent all seven episodes I decided to pop one in to see what it was like. Seven hours later I was hooked and there was no more. I know I will be in the minority on this with the critics, but “Who” is a surprisingly sweet, compelling, and intellectual celebrity show, and the celebrities are likable and warming on screening especially the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker, Susan Sarandon, and Brooke Shields.

Other stars including the executive producer Lisa Kudrow is feautred in my favorite installment. She along with all the other celebs passionatly want to know more about their ancestory and are not just doing this for the camera. In Susan’s case she has been looking for information on her grandmother for years and she finally finds something that is so close to home it is scary.

The celebrities are the host and they really make or break the episode and in every episode from Spike Lee to Emmitt all do a fine job in convey their own personal history that is connected to the Salem Witches, royals, and war vets. If I were you I would want to learn theirs, and they maybe check out your own.

Who Do You Think You Are is based on the british phenomenon and airs tonight at 8/7c for seven weeks on NBC!

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The Drama! Real Housewives of New York City is Back!

Filed Under: First Look, Real Housewives, What I will be watching by Nathan — 1 Comment
March 4, 2010

Drama, drama, drama, and I love it. I watch a lot of Bravo thanks to its wonderful programming of shows like Top Chef and Kell on Earth but its signature series of the Real Housewives is now on year-round it seems. My favorite cycle is that of New York and the wives return tonight at 11/10c (regular time next week at 10/9c) with more drama than ever before. The premiere episode is cramazing! The best episode of the series to date and it features make ups, break ups, fights, loves, and a naked housewife. That’s right it is amazing and if you are at all a fan of the series check out this new year.

My favorite of the crew is probably the Countess or Jill, with Ramona being the one I wish was not part of the crew along with returning Kelly, after her scandal, more likable Alex, and Bethenny who will be departing to her own series soon. She has new love and has to flaunt it every moment, but I love her for it. Below check out what is to come this year as the series airs tonight at 11/10c on Bravo!

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Family Drama is….My Review of NBC’s Parenthood

Filed Under: Fall TV 2009, First Look, NBC, Parenthood, What I will be watching by Nathan — Leave a comment
March 2, 2010

The Braverman Family

If you have had at all been watching the Olympics this year, you have been told a thousand times, “Parenthood is….,” and could not be happier to have that put in your face. Parenthood is a new drama by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard based on the 80’s movies of the same name. The show centers around the Braverman family, a typical California family, with four grown up children at different stages of adulthood, a patriarch that is overbearing, and a matriarch that stands and watches. The series begins Tuesday at 10/9c after The Biggest Loser on NBC and it is a series that celebrates the ideas, the hopes, and troubles of beginning a family in the best possible way.

Parenthood has a tremendous cast, centered around Craig T. Nelson (The Incredibles) as Zeke, who loves to be included in anything that his children and grandchildren are involved in. He is married to Camille, played by Die Hard’s underrated Bonnie Bedelia, who takes a back seat to Zeke’s powerful attitude. We are brought into the series through the eye’s of Sarah, played by the wonderful Lauren Graham (Gilmore Girls) who replaced Maura Tierney, who departed the series after she learned of her breast cancer. Sarah after getting divorced, takes her two kids (Miles Heizer and Mae Whitman) back home to move in to her parents house much to the dismay of her teenagers.

Erika Christensen, Lauren Graham, and Bonnie Bedelia discuss girl talk at the dinner table

The other three children are leading successful and unsuccessful lives, Crosby (Dax Shepard) is the youngest and is still trying to find himself, not wanting to settle down with his girlfriend. Julia, played by Erika Christenson,who gave an amazing guest stop in Lie to Me last year, is a successful lawyer with a little girl that she does not see enough as her husband (Sam Jaeger, Eli Stone) stays at home. Finally, Adam and Krisina (Peter Krause and Monica Potter) are your typical suburban parents, three kids, all in various points of childhood, and as in the pilot they encounter a problem that is more and more prevalent that will pull at your heartstrings.

Parenthood sure lives up to its name with all the possibly meanings represented in the family. The pilot is full of drama, humor, and depth that pulls you in immediately to the family and after the first ten minutes I found myself caring about what happens. I true gem I found in the series are the kids. Child actors can sometimes be the burden but even with the youngest of kids, I found true to the character. I believe you will be especially taken with Max, Adam’s child, played by Max Burkholder, who has to deal with a lot in the pilot.

The second hour airing next Tuesday is just as fun on the pilot and includes a little more humor which I think the show does best. It also shows a great use of all the family, each having seperate but easily entangled stories. Also look for great comedic actress, Erinn Hayes, to show up as a mom from Julia’s daughters school. So glad she is getting work.

Parenthood is one of the best new series this year, and with all the behind-the-scenes troubles that came up, you never get that on-screen. What you get is a well-made, well acted family drama, that tells a real tale in an excellent way. It enters the new NBC lineup tonight at 10/9c.

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