Most Notable TV News

Hey friends! This post will feature some of the most notable TV news I gathered during the past 2-3 weeks. I'll try to do this weekly, so.. here we go!

1. Saturday Night Live has added a new featured cast! She is KateMcKinnon and she'll first appear on the April 7 episode of the show - host: Modern Family's Sofia Vergara, Musical Guest: One Direction

2. New Girl's Rachael Harris lands a role in Suits as a representative from Harvard Law School who causes problems for Louis.

3. Cougar Town's Ian Gomez will guest star in FOX's new hit show Touch as a tsunami survivor obssessed with digging up artifacts.

The New Girl's New Guy

This week's episode of New Girl is probably my most favorite. Honestly, I was quite disappointed with the performance of the said sitcom so far. Jesse's "quirkiness" and Schmidt's "douchebaggery" does not work for me as I though it would be during the first few episodes of the show. But the episode "Fancyman Pt.1" which aired March 20, 2012 highlighted Jesse's awesome personality and Nick's funny side which was always overshadowed by Schmidt. Although the Winston-Schmidt subplot is boring and pointless, the Jesse-Nick storyline revived the episode.

In this episode, Jess found a new guy! It's Dermot Mulroney as Russel(which I know because he guest starred in FRIENDS for 3 episodes in 2003 as Gavin - the bossy colleague of Rachel)! He plays the very rich father of one of Jesse's students. 

Jess reluctantly dates the wealthy father of one of her students. Meanwhile, Nick attempts to buy a new cell phone and Schmidt and Winston get ultra-competitive   playing bar trivia. 


Why I love this episode?

It isn't democracy anymore, it's Ricktatorship

Last Sunday, AMC's The Walking Dead concluded its successful second season... with a few deaths, hundreds of zombies, and a spice of what may happen next season.

The finale episode started where the penultimate ended - Shane's death. Rick, because of the provocation and evil accuses by Shane, killed him before the latter shoots Rick. But, as Rick laments over the death of his "best friend", Shane became a Walker. Yes, I asked the same question. Why? Wh-what happened? He wasn't bitten? Well, that question will be answered later. Anyway, the annoying son Carl suddenly appeared out of nowhere (seriously Lori. What the fuck. It's the apocalypse and you let your kid go anywhere alone) and shot the zombie/Shane before it bites his dad..  

Apparently, walkers heard the gunshot and followed the sound. And then... they finally saw the farm! Maybe you're wondering why there aren't that much walkers for season 2. Well, the producers put hundreds and hundreds of Walkers in the finale. I mean, a LOT.

So, the gang tried to escape. I'm not gonna go to the details but Patricia and Phillip died. Yes, who are they? The blonde mom and the blonde guy. Yup. Nobody from the original group died from that killing spree. Ehem, T-dog, ehem.

Scrubs in Cougar Town

Photo from someone on Tumblr. No copyright infringement intended

The latest episode of Cougar Town (s03e05) featured a lot of casts from Bill Lawrence's sitcom Scrubs (2001-2010). Sarah Chalke had already appeared last episode as the new love interest for Bobby, and Ken Jenkins in a recurring role as Jules' father. 

On the last scene of the said episode, Zach Braff, Robert Maschio, Sam Llyod, Sarah Chalke, and Ken Jenkins Scrubs appeared (although some for only 5 seconds). I think it was hilarious! Just seeing the casts all over again is amazing.

Who is A?

Before the season 2 finale of Pretty Little Liars on Sunday next week, wherein the show will finally reveal this mysterious 'A' who bullies/stalks the four ladies of Rosewood -  Aria, Hanna, Emily, and Spencer - for more than two years now, here are MY suspects of who I think A is:

#CoolCoolCool or #NotSoCool

After 3 months of waiting, Community is finally back to continue its third season! Apparently, the episode wasn't as perfect as the fans have expected. But nonetheless, I still enjoyed it because...... Community is back! It's really nice to see the Greendale 7 back on my television once again.

Each of the characters has their own subplots, but basically, the entire episode revolved around Shirley when her husband proposed to her for marriage. The funny thing is, the marriage took place in the study area which I guess is pretty cute and funny in some way or another. 

Now for the downside of the episode. Britta is probably one of the most well developed character in the series, bu in this episode, we saw the same Britta we saw during the first season of Community - hard rock, sarcastic, hates everything. I gotta admit that Britta is still funny, but her attitude towards marriage is annoying and, well, repetitive. I was like, "Grow up Britta! Stop being such a pussy".

FURTHERMORE, there is no Chang in this episode which is quite frustrating. Well, I expect to see him next episode! Nevertheless, in my opinion, Pierce brought the entire episode. His funny antics and his racist jokes never fails to make me laugh. Also, we were informed that he was fired in his own company which made him sad that's why he decided to invest into a lot of stuff. I really love it when Pierce has a "sad" moment. Makes him more humane and lovable. (PS. Pierce is my favorite character).

Overall, the episode is mediocre.  But I guess we were expecting too much to the return of Community. It just so happens that this episode did not exceed our expectations. I am sure, though, that the next episodes for the rest of the season will be funnier and better! And once again, I guess I'm just really happy for the return of Community that's why the "bad points" of the episode does not really matter.

By the way, Annie and her boobs are in Jeff's heart. 

Are you awakened by Awake? AWAKE: Pilot Review

NBC's new fantasy crime drama, Awake, premiered last March 1, 2012. The show features Jason Isaacs, Laura Allen, Wilmer Valderrama, BD Wong, and more. 

The series was announced by NBC last May 2011 to serve as a midseason replacement for the 2011-2012 tv season of the said network. 

Police detective Michael Britten (Jason Isaacs) is newly returned to work after being in a car crash along with his wife Hannah (Laura Allen) and his son Rex (Dylan Minnette). After the crash Britten discovers that every time he goes to sleep he switches between two realities, one in which his wife died in the crash and one in which his son died. In the reality where his wife is alive he is partnered with rookie Efrem Vega (Wilmer Valderrama) and is seeing a confrontational department-recommended psychiatrist Dr. Lee (BD Wong). His wife has redecorated the house and begins pushing him to move in an apparent effort to move past their son's death. In the reality in which his son is alive, Britten maintains his long-time partner Isaiah "Bird" Freeman (Steve Harris) and sees a more nurturing psychologist, Dr. Evans (Cherry Jones). His son, previously a football player, has recently returned to playing tennis, and is coached by Hannah's former doubles partner Tara (Michaela McManus). Britten remains unsure which of the two realities, if either, is real, and begins to worry he is losing his sanity when details begin to cross over between the two

Terra Nova For Sale

BREAKING NEWS. On March 5, 2012, Fox announced that its freshman show,TERRA NOVA, IS OFFICIALLY CANCELLED... for now.

Due to the low ratings of the show during its air from September to December 2011, Fox finally let go of this expensive series (en episode costs more than a million dollars). 20th Century Fox Television is currently selling Terra Nova to other networks for its second season.

Nikita's downfall

Maggie Q as Nikita

The CW's NIKITA is probably one of the most exciting show of the said network. Its first season was outstanding in every way - plot, acting, script, cinematography, character development, stunts.
I've seen season 1 of Nikita thrice already because I love how the surprises and mysteries were revealed throughout the show. 

But the show's second season is a huge disappointment to the series. The first season ended with a lot of exciting loopholes that needed some answers. However, the subsequent season didn't provide that much thrill and surprises as its predecessor. Nikita is already at the point wherein I have no idea what's going on. The plot and subplots were  interwoven, the characters are getting repetitive and annoying, and the 'questions' are all adding up that it's quite hard to understand anymore.

Furthermore, there are so many characters that it's already difficult to track down their motives and goals. In short, so many things are going on! I know, some shows can put more than 20 characters but can still provide some 3D personality and equal subplots for each character (Downton Abbey;Game of Thrones). But sad to say, the writers of Nikita are lacking this. Everybody seems to want to kill each other so badly. At first it's quite exciting, but it gets annoying when Nikita becomes 'too good to be true'. It's unrealistic, unnatural, and weird. 

Bye Cougar Town?!

Last February 14, 2012, ABC's Cougar Town returned for its 3rd season after being on hiatus and being shelved for 9 months (supposed to premiere on Nov 2011) by its network. Also, the show was cut down to 15 episodes instead of 22 due to the low ratings it received from the sitcom's second season (filming of current season was finished last month).

Although many assume that its return would entice the viewers to watch Cougar Town,  the first few episodes of the 3rd season did poorly - at least, ratings wise. I'm always active on twitter and I am following all the 7 main actors of the show and one of its creators, Bill Lawrence. And recently, Lawrence's tweets about Cougar Town showed his desperation and willingness to make the show have its fourth season. (PS. Read it starting from the bottom tweet upwards to fully understand it)

Always in the Middle

ABC's The Middle is probably one of the most underrated TV sitcom airing right now. The said show never fails to make me laugh every episode, but despite its unique humor and 'family-orientedness', the sitcom does not receive the attention it deserves. What's weird is, The Middle's ratings aren't that bad so it means that ABC will keep this show for the long haul. 

The Middle boasts with its two main leads: Patricia Heaton (from Everybody Loves Raymond) as the mother of the Heck family, and Neil Flynn (from Scrubs) as the father. 

Paul Flynn and Patricia Heaton 

Just like Modern Family, the show is about the life and problems of a 'normal' American family. If we'll compare it with Mod Fam, we can say that the Heck family are waaay poorer than the Pritchetts. Haha. But basically, both shows are almost the same. Although Modern Family receives all the attention from all of ABC's sitcoms.

Another factor why many people don't appreciate this show is because critics compare it with Malcolm in the Middle featuring Frankie Muniz. I'm a big fan of the said show, but these two are really different from each other. Yes, they're both family oriented, but still, The Middle has its own "gems" to be proud of.

American Horror new Story

The first season of FX's critically acclaimed original TV series, from Glee's creators, American Horror Story ended with a thrilling finale that somewhat gave closure to the plot of the said show. Now that it will return for a new season, the creators said that Season 2 will be about a whole new story, new characters, and new setting... but still as creepy and scary as its predecessor. 

Since there will be a new plot, some of the casts will leave the show to make room for new actors. But of course, the producers won't let that happen so they cast SOME of the actors and actresses from the first season. 

Here they are, as of March 2012:


- Jessica Lange  
- Zachary Quinto
- Evan Peters
- Sarah Paulson (Constance's psychic, Billy Dean)
- Lily Rabe (the doctor's wife)

Jessica Lange as Constance

It's quite sad that Kate Mara, Taissa Farmiga and Alexandra Breckenridge won't be back. They would be really missed :( But they haven't started filming yet so there's still a chance that they would be back.

More news about season 2!:

• It will revolve around Lange's character, and Zacahry Quinto will be one of the male leads!
• Setting will be on the east coast! (season 1 in west coast, particlarly, LA)
• will involve an institution.. whatever that means.

How I Met Your... Aunt Robin

The current season (7) of How I Met Your Mother is probably one of the best of the said sitcom. HIMYM, as many people call it, showed development in the 'Mother' story based on the last few episodes that aired. But another note point to out, and the main focus of the season, is Robin's story line. 

Cobie Smulders as Robin Scherbatsky

Before season 7 started to air, the producers and creators of the show - Carter Bays and Craig Thomas - mentioned in an interview that this season will be a "Robin-season". And hell yeah I am happy about it. Robin is my most favorite character and I love how the writers gave so much attention to her  this season - not just the hot girl who everybody sleeps with. 

Season 6 ended with Robin "realizing" she has still feelings for Barney. Then, at the start of the 7th season, we saw a flash forward scene where Barney is preparing for his wedding. But the question is, who's the bride? 

Of course, there would be ups and downs in Robin's life. She made decisions - turning down Barney in Episode 10; confessing that she doesn't love Ted; breaking up with Kevin - that changed her life and made other people sad. Furthermore, and one of the saddest episodes of the sitcom, Robin found out that she can never have kids. Ever. Cobie Smulders, the actress playing Robin, does an amazing job portraying the 'hot girl from Canada who went to New York and faced the real challenges of life and love'.

If you don't know yet, I am a big Barney-Robin fan. Since their hook up in season 3, I just want them to be together. I quite like what the writers are doing right now with their relationship - the 'would they-won't they' plot. But what I don't like about this is that it seems Robin is the only one who encounters many questions and heartbreaks. Yes, we saw Barney in his lowest point when Robin turned him down, but... that's it? I know. I KNOW that they still love each other despite the obstacles and the people they meet....

The Office without Michael Scott

For 7 seasons, Dunder Mifflin Paper Company has been led by Michael Scott (played by Emmy nominated actor Steve Carell). And last year, during the show's season 7 finale, the branch manager decided to leave the office to venture in a whole new life of being a husband and a father.

Now, the company is led by Andy Bernard (played by Ed Helms). But the question is: Is The Office still as better as before or Steve Carell's departure hurt the show's credibility really bad?

Steve Carell as Michael Scott

In my opinion, a lot of things have really changed. It's still weird not to see Carell in the said sitcom. For 7 years, he has been the main front runner of the show and it's really rare that a series will still continue despite the departure of the main character.

Nevertheless, Season 8 is still... quite promising. It's not as horrible as people had expected. Although there are episodes which were really dull and boring, The Office still has some 'jewelries' left for the people to enjoy. But sad to say, I wouldn't be surprised if this season won't be nominated in the Emmys 2012.

Furthermore, almost all of the previous casts did not leave. But then again, Michael Scott IS The Office.

If I have one comment about the current season, I just really hope that they end the whole Andy-Erin romance thing. It's not that I don't want them to be together, it's just we've already seen it before with Pam and Jim in seasons 1 - 4.

And also, take Robert California off the show. I'm really not feeling him. He's annoying and not funny.

Poster for Season 8

Over all, The Office season 8 is not that bad. Still funny, sometimes. But not bad. 

FRIENDS Forever

FRIENDS, television's most successful TV sitcom. A show that redefined comedy. A show that lasted for a decade without showing any weakness. A story about six people from Manhattan as they face the challenges of life and love, with a whole lotta' fun.

A sitcom which started with a low budget in 1994 ended up to be one of the most successful television series ever created. And as the series goes on, fans all over America - and all over the world - fell in love with Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Phoebe, and Joey.

Why do I love FRIENDS? What so awesome about it?

Casts of FRIENDS, from 'I'll be there for You'
Music Video

Well, the right question must be 'What is NOT awesome about FRIENDS?' Everything about the show is amazing and awesome and funny. I have seen the entire series more than ten times and seasons 6 and 3 (my favorites) more than... a million. Too many to count. I will never get tired watching these lovable bunch.

So why did I make this post?

FRIENDS is my MOST favorite show. Number 1. Numero uno. So I figured the show has to have a spot here in my blog.

What's my favorite part of the show?

10 years is looong. And the fact that FRIENDS lasted that long without any sign of weakness is unbelievably cool. I love FRIENDS because I was able to see the characters (and the actors) grow and mature. These people face challenges and make decisions that all of us can relate to. The difference is that for them, it is funnier and more exciting.

Favorite couple?

Matthew Perry and Courteney Cox as
Chandler and Monica, respectively

MONDLER Forever. Monica and Chandler's relationship was very well developed and well written. A drunken  "mistake" turned out to be the best mistake of their lives. And the fact that their relationships before their 'hook up' ended drastically and very bad (Monica with Richard, and Chandler with Janice and Kathy) makes the couple more.. sweet.  Everytime I watch Seasons 1 - 4 and the two have scenes together, all i keep thinking is "you're gonna be together. you're gonna be together"

I know that many people are all in heels for Ross and Rachel. But Monica and Chandler are just too... cute to disregard. We saw them as single New Yorkers, as a secret couple, as engaged partners, and as a married couple. Just too bad we weren't able to see them as parents of their twins, Erika and Jack.

FRIENDS will remain to be the best show, for me. A lot of series have come and go, but THIS will remain forever in me. This sitcom has continuously made me happy everytime I am sad, or bored, or stressed. So if you haven't seen FRIENDS... you are missing the greatest gift that television has ever given.

Last scene from the show (series finale), Sept 2004

Downton Abbey: Emmy's Best Drama 2012?

Poster for Downton Abbey S1

Downton Abbey, the most successful TV series that aired in UK, has won numerous and notable awards since it first aired last September 2010 in ITV1 UK. One of which is the Emmys Most Outstanding Mini-series for 2011. But recently, news from the producers came out that the said series will change its category to Drama Series. And as one of the best shows airing right now, no doubt that it has a huge shot in winning on the aforementioned category. But will it really beat AMC's most successful TV series to date, winning 4 consecutive times in the category - Mad Men? 

Last December 2011, Downton Abbey aired its best episode so far... the Christmas episode (which somewhat served as the season 2 final). The second season (Sept 2011-Dec 2011), as what critics say, was not as good as the first one of the show. But for me? It's waaay better. The inclusion of the WWI and the Spanish Flu was a smart decision of the writers. We were able to see how these events affected the lives of the characters. Furthermore, I LOVE this season because it was able to show us the different sides of all the people of Downton - their highest points and their lowest. 

Casts of AMC's Mad Men 

Now back to the issue, will it really beat Mad Men in the 2012 Emmys for Most Outstanding Drama Series? Honestly, I think NO. But it WILL be nominated, that's for sure. Here are my reasons:

1. All of the best competitors for the same category gave their best seasons so far (Breaking Bad S4 was outstanding; Boardwalk Empire S2 was waaay  better than S1; Game of Thrones will surely blow our freakin' minds off)
2. New shows such as Showtime's HOMELAND is one of the biggest competitors. Amazing show, well written plot, engaging characters.
3. The people of Emmys have a soft heart for Mad Men, for some apparent reason.
4. 5-peat of Mad Men, if they win this year. And I am sure, its season 5 (which will premiere this March 2012) is going to kick the balls of Matthew Crawley (Downton Abbey reference, y'all). The producers of Mad Men will do anything to win.

Mathew Crawley played by Dan Stevens

As my conclusion, if DA does not win, one thing is clear: It is still nominated despite of being a British show, and it will lose from TV's best products ever. 

Tthe Start of Something New

Hello friends. Welcome to my blog. Here's a bit info about me, your blogger.

My name is Mark. I live in the Philippines.. a proud Filipino for that matter. I'm 19 years old and a pre-law student. I've been watching different American and UK shows since I was young  unlike others who grew up watching asian animes during saturday mornings.

As of today, 3/2/12, I've/am seen/watched/watching more than 60 TV series. And I think I even forgot some.

So what will you see in here? 

• TV series/episode reviews
• rants about some of the TV series airing
• news about some of the best series right now
• pilot episodes news for fall season '12-'13.
• and more... i think

If you love watching TV shows like I do - or heck, if you do nothing in life but watch TV - then this is the blog for you. 

PS. I'm just starting out and I hope - I HOPE - i can post here regularly. :) I'm busy with some school stuff lately so.... bear with me. 

-MP