Deception "Pilot" & "Nothing's Free, Little Girl": AKA: My First Impressions

Ok, I admit I'm a little slow on this one, it took me a bit of time to get on the Deception bandwagon, mostly because the show airs at 10pm on Mondays, which as we all know is Castle time so clearly that took priority. Never the less, while the boy was out last night, I came home to a glass of wine and the first two episodes of Deception. 

I fully admit that when I saw the script last pilot season, my first thought was that this was NBC trying to cash in on the success of ABC's Revenge, and maybe it is, but that doesn't mean it's not enjoyable. The idea behind the show is that prominent socialite, Vivian Bowers is found dead, of an apparent accidental overdose. The FBI however, believes that she may have been murdered, by someone in her family. And so they bring in SFPD officer Joanna Locasto, who grew up in the Bowers home as her her mother worked for them, to go undercover and try and find the murderer.

The cast is a DREAM! Ok, well for me it is, as it is made up of actors who I thoroughly love and enjoy, which is the main reason I started to watch. I mean Victor Garber, come on, Titanic, Alias, the list goes on, that man radiates talent. Tate Donovan will forever be the voice of Hercules in my mind, regardless of whatever else he does.

Wes Brown. Yup that was the full sentence right there. I have such a crush on that man, I wanted to love him when he was on Hart of Dixie but lets face it, when it comes to that show, my heart belongs to Wade. Honestly though Wes Brown, is dreamy and I am already mildly in love with Julian. Even though they allude to the fact that he may have been the murderer, I am still a bit head over heels.

Ella Rae Peck as Mia is fabulously bitter and bitchy. You make recognize her from her guest stint as Lola on Gossip Girl, or from several guest spots on Tv, and a few small movie roles, but let me tell you this girl is amazingly talented. I am so happy she is now a series regular and will now be appearing weekly on my tv.

Even the smaller roles have been cast with awesome people I adore, David Gelles, Ken Leong (MILES!!!!! from Lost), Bree Williamson (best know as Jessica Brennan on One Life To Live), Mackenzie Leigh, and Jackie Stewart.

I do have to say though, with all the cast that I am in love with, I actually don't overly care for Meagan Good or Laz Alonso, which considering that they are supposed to be two MAJOR parts of the story may end up being a problem. However I don't hate them, I just am not nearly as excited by their characters as I am by some of the the others.

On a whole the first two episodes held my attention, and I am definitely looking forward to next weeks episode.

The Carrie Diaries: "Pilot": AKA: So It Begins

Ok, so yesterday I was chomping at the bit for everyone to watch the series premier of The Carrie Diaries on the CW, and now today I am prepared to render my verdict of it. For those of you who have not yet watched it, you may wish to go do so before continuing on...

THE CARRIE DIARIES Pictured: AnnaSophia Robb as Carrie Bradshaw. Photo Credit: Nino Munoz/The CW. Image Number: CD1_Mondo_Carrie_163.jpg. © 2012 The CW Network, LLC. All rights reserved.

SPOILERS AHEAD

It's important to note that this is not a direct prequel to HBO's Sex & The City, as right off the bat the Sex & The City fan tuning in will notice several facts that contradict what little back story we knew on the Grown Up Carrie's home life. First off she has a very loving father who is completely present, especially since it is revealed early on that Carrie's mother has just recently passed away. We also meet her rebellious little sister Dorrit. I kid you not, the girl's name is Dorrit, can we all take a mo-mo to feel bad for her?

THE CARRIE DIARIES Pictured: Freema Agyeman as Larissa. Photo Credit: Nino Munoz/The CW. Image Number: CD1_Mondo_Larissa_029.jpg. © 2012 The CW Network, LLC. All rights reserved.

The Good...

Over all the show was pretty cute, I have to say it is nice to see a "teen soap" focused on finding oneself, as opposed to snagging the guy. This Carrie is on a quest to discover herself, she hasn't even decided that she wants to be a writer yet. Of course there is still a guy to be snagged, but Carrie has had her heart stolen by another man...Man-hattan.

Wardrobe NAILED the 80's style on Donna and the Jens.  Those three look FABULOUS. The perms, the neon, the tacky jewelery, perfection. And so far Larissa is also showing some fabulously tacky 80's fashion, can we say shoulder pads?

I know it's a small thing, but I LOVED the fact that Dorrit immediately changes into her mother's dress, after it is given to her. We see the scene where Carrie hands it to her, then in the next scene, where they are packing up her mother's things, you can see what she was wearing lying on the bed, and that she is now wearing her mother's green dress. It was a really sweet and touching detail.

THE CARRIE DIARIES Pictured: Brendan Dooling as Walt. Photo Credit: Nino Munoz/The CW. Image Number: CD1_Mondo_Walt_033.jpg. © 2012 The CW Network, LLC. All rights reserved.

 The Bad...

Wardrobe didn't do such a fabu job on the main group. Not only is Carrie lacking the crazy style which she was an icon for, which I am willing to buy on the fact that maybe she needed to grow into her style, but her style is not really eighty's esq. Sure you can argue maybe her style sense isn't as flashy yet, but something just wasn't right. Same with Maggie and Mouse.


I will admit, though I understand that her having just come back from her first adventure in "The City" was supposed to "empower" her I felt she was just a little too composed when dismissing Sebastian at that moment.  He was her first kiss, and only hours earlier she had been squealing over him with  Mouse. Big City empowerment or not that had to have stung.

The Carrie Diaries -- "Pilot" -- Pictured (L-R): AnnaSophia Robb as Carrie and Austin Butler as Sebastian -- Photo: Giovanni Rufino/The CW -- © 2012 The CW Network, LLC. All rights reserved.

The Just Was...

Um, is it just me or does Maggie hooking up with an older guy, a cop no less, seem a little skeevy? I mean do we think she's even 18 yet? You figure she's in the same grade as Carrie, who we know is 16 so she's more likely the same age or at most 17. Not only is she most likely under aged but her father is the chief of police, yeah, they threw that in during the not-actually-at-the-dance-dance-scene, so it would be fair to assume whoever this hot cop is knows exactly how old she is. Which makes the whole thing just seems a little wrong to me.  Plus in the book, please don't look at me like that I did it for research purposes I swear, she is hooking up with another guy in their grade, which to mean just makes more sense, and is slightly less creepy.

I find it hard to believe that Carrie, at 16 had no aspirations of being a writer. Ok, maybe she didn't yet know that she could be able to make a career of it, but she tells Larissa that she doesn't write, that her mother did in journals. Sorry, I'm not buying that. To have the kind of drive we know Carrie to have, Sex &The City version aside, there is no way that Carrie hasn't been writing stories all her life.

Also is it just me or did Carrie's voice overs sound like a combination of Lindsay Lohan ala Mean Girls/Emma Stone ala Easy A? Not so much what was said, but the inflections.

The show itself is nothing groundbreaking, but it is entertaining. I am excited to see how they are going to progress, without making the story too predictable. How deep into her double life will Carrie steep? Tune in next week for more Virginity & The Suburbs...

The Carrie Diaries Airs Tonight: AKA: Get Your Eighties On!

Happy Monday! Well, as happy as a Monday can be.  Tonight marks the season premier of The Carrie Diaries on the CW.  For those of you new to my musings I have been chomping at the bit for this show since the casting announcement of Brendan Dooling, silly musings can be revisited here. Throw in the addition of Freema Agyeman, hello Ms. Martha Jones, and I've been positively giddy.

I will fully admit to never having been a huge fan of Sex & The City, not because I have any dislike for it, I just don't have HBO and never really got into it. In actuality I've only seen a handful of episodes, so why then the excitement over The Carrie Diaries?

After all the series is meant as a prequel to the popular HBO series. It examines the life of Darling Carrie Bradshaw BEFORE she was a successful city dwelling columnist. This Carrie, played by the adorable AnnaSophia Robb, is still in high school, lives in the suburbs with her family, and still in possession of her V-card. Also, this is the 80's! Yes that's right, neon abounds!

The show itself is one of those cute coming of age stories. After all, haven't you always wondered what made Carrie, Carrie? So tune in tonight at 8pm and enjoy the ride.

Revenge Returns: AKA: Get Ready

PHOTO CREDIT: (ABC/BOB D'AMICO)

Ok, I admit it, I was having issues with Revenge since they decided it wasn't Daniel who lay dead on the beach that fateful night of the engagement party. I personally felt it was a total cop-out and that it insulted my intelligence. You can read all about my rant here if you missed it. I finished out the rest of the season, but with far less enthusiasm.

Then today I finally got the chance to watch not only the season recap, but the beginning of this season's premire, and suddenly I can  not wait for Sunday. I remember when I first read the script for the pilot I really enjoyed it, but couldn't help thinking that it would make a better movie than a show. I mean couldn't  really see how they could keep the premise of Revenge going for more than a season. Thank you Mike Kelly and your beautiful writers for, at least for the moment, proving me wrong.

Anyone who would like to watch the preview of Sunday's episode can do so here.

***WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD***

Random Thoughts

PHOTO CREDIT: (ABC/BOB D'AMICO)

1) Can we all agree that there is a 99.9% chance that Victoria is still alive? I mean come on if Lydia can survive that fall off a building, there's no way the Queen of Mean is going out like that. Plus she's in the promo pictures, and while you could argue that is for flashback purposes, I'm not buying it.

2) I LOVE Ashley Madekwe in real life. I think she is adorible, talented and sweet, plus her sense of style totally rocks my world. Check out her fashion blog here. That being said Ashley Davenport and I are fighting. I am so not ok with how she just dropped Emily. Is Emily the greatest of friends? No. However I feel like at some point in time Ashley decided to "get back at" Emily, for...I'm not even sure what exactly. 

PHOTO CREDIT: (ABC/BOB D'AMICO)

3) Daniel has become a giant ass. I mean I get that he has gone through a lot, and yes Emily did break his heart, but there is no excuse for his actions as of late. This from the man who proclaimed he NEVER wanted to be like his father, now he is like his "mini me". Speaking of mini, is anyone else thinking that he and Ashely are going to become mini Conrad and Victoria? Think about it, and ambitious girl from a working class family, becomes romantically involved with a wealthy powerful man who is growing colder every day. Look everyone, history DOES repeat itself!

4) Who else is hoping that the body on the sunken boat with the flannel sleeve is Fauxmanda? I know, I know the arm looks a little manly, and all the imagery we were given, the picture, the compass are supposed to allude to it being Jack's body, but come on. First of all, it wouldn't be unheard of for them to pull a bait and switch on us, we all thought it was Daniel's body on the beach right? Plus, Fauxmanda would TOTALLY wear flannel, if fact she has on more than one occasion flounced around in one of Jack's button down shirts. More importantly, though, she has GOT TO GO. This whole "Jack I'm having your baby" act is driving me nuts. I, for one, am questioning as to whether the baby is actually his. I mean she was a stripper after all, who worked in a club with a private room. Now I am not saying all strippers are whores/prostitutes, but come on, in this world, with that character? She was at rock bottom, I wouldn't put it past her to make some extra cash the "easy way"? Just saying.

PHOTO CREDIT: (ABC/BOB D'AMICO)

5) I am also so not ok with the separation of Charlotte and Declan. I am aware it is an unpopular opinion, but I love them together. Also now that her family is in shambles, Charlotte needs Declan more than ever, even if she doesn't know/want to admit it.

So, are you ready to go back to The Hamptons? Revenge now airs on a new night and time. Watch for it Sundays at 9pm on ABC.

The Pilot Season Pay Off: AKA: The CW Edition

The networks have now officially released their new shows for the fall/winter of 2012. Which means its now time to talk about the ones that have me most excited. I'm starting with the CW.

-Arrow-

As you have probably figured out if you read pretty much anything else I have posted, including this entry right here, I'm a bit of a super hero geek. Basically I have been ridiculously excited, waiting with bated breath to hear if Arrow wold be picked up. For those of you who don't know, Arrow is the CW's new show based on the DC Comics super hero The Green Arrow. I can already hear a bunch of you going "Who?" and really that's part of the beauty of choosing to create a show based on a lesser known comic character. That's not to say that The Green Arrow is unknown, just that the majority of the world is less likely to know his origins as opposed to say, Superman or Batman. Anyway, the pilot gives some insight to how wealthy playboy Oliver Queen became The Green Arrow. It has plenty of ass kicking and pretty people. Also I'm going to put it out there that I am very excited that Paul Blackthorne has another job, now that ABC has crushed my dreams and cancelled The River. Arrow will be airing on CW Wednesdays at 8pm.

-The Carrie Diaries-

Next up is the other CW pilot my heart has been all a flutter for, as shown here.  The Carrie Diaries are  based on Candace Bushnell's books, of the same name is all about the one and only Carrie Bradshaw...when she was a mere 16, living in Connecticut and had just lost her mother. AnnaSophia Robb steps into the famous Manolo Blahniks as Carrie and is a fabulous fit. For fans of the original Sex & The City, the whole tone of the show is strikingly similar, voice overs abound, but now we have the added bonus of 80's fashion. Seriously, I could not be more excited for a show's wardrobe, neon GALORE. Also be sure to take note of the adorable Brendan Dooling, who's been cast as one of Carrie's best friends, Walt Reynolds.

-Beauty and the Beast-

I am all for the reinventing of fairy tales, in fact it is one of my favorite things, and at first glace the idea of a modified Beauty and the Beast television series, at least to me sounded like a pretty cool idea. Then came the promo photo...

Now I have yet to see the actual pilot, but if that J. Crew model sporting a scar qualifies as a "beast", well then I am not fit to be seen by humans. Ever.  While I will probably still at least check out the pilot, I really don't think I'm gonna be able to buy it.

-Emily Owens, M.D.-

Another Doctor show, because the world is so desperately in need of those. This one, seems to be about how hospitals are just like high school, with cliques and drama and such. This one stars Mamie Gummer and airs Tuesdays at 9pm, after Hart of Dixie.

-Cult-

 

 I'm also very excited for the mid season replacement Cult, though I'm not entirely sure how to describe it, so I'm going with Tvline.com's description, "A journalist teams with a young production assistant working on a popular TV drama about an enigmatic cult leader to investigate the show’s rabid fans, who may be re-creating crimes from the program." Seriously, this show looks awesome. Plus the TV themed cafe featured in it is kick ass. I swear if it was a real place, I'd probably live there.


So there you go, that's what you have to look forward to on the CW. More network pick ups to follow.

Entertainment Shakedown: AKA: I'm Back Baby!

First of all I want to apologize for the lack of updates recently, between Upfronts, family commitments, weddings and playoff hockey, let's go Devils, the month of May has been completely kicking my ass. But enough excuses, there is much to discuss. May brings all sorts of excitement to the entertainment world filled with renewals, cancellations and the announcements of the new shows to come.

I'm starting the news off with cancellations. Time to see how the "promising" shows of last year turned out.

ABC

The River - Ok, so it was pretty much a given that the little show brought to you by the guy who "brought us Paranormal Activity" was probably not getting a pick up. Which is sad because I really enjoyed it, and will even go so far as to say it may have been my favorite show of last season. While having a short season, only eight episodes, the show was a creepy, crazy ride that I am sad to see end. Although the show had a decent ending which could work as a season or series finale, I still wish that ABC had stuck with it. There was a rumor circulating a few months back that NETFLIX was interested in possibly picking the show up and producing new episodes, and since the first season was released on DVD, and available on Amazon, I am still holding out hope.

Pan Am - The show was cute, and had some really awesome guests, but it was mostly forgettable. I wouldn't have been upset if it was renewed but I can understand why it wasn't.

CBS

 
A Gifted Man - Let's be honest CBS rarely cancels shows, especially after only a season, but in order to make room for new shows something's got to go. It wasn't a terrible show, but it definitely wasn't helped by having a Friday night time slot.

CW

The Ringer - It's sad that a show with such an awesome cast, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Nestor Carbonell would only last a season, but even I have to admit the show got a little too soapy/predictable for my taste.

The Secret Circle - Honestly, this show was pretty much presented on a silver platter, based on a book series by the same author and with the same creative team as its ridiculously successful lead in The Vampire Diaries, it looked like this show was almost a shoe in for success. But alas, it lacked whatever magic, no pun intended, that has kept The Vampire Diaries audience captivated.

FOX

The Finder - It was pretty much a given when FOX decided to move their Bones spinoff to Friday nights that it wasn't going to get a second season. The show itself was fine, awesome guest stars, but as seems to be the current trend in tv land lately of you're not a "hit" right off the bat, you get the axe.

Alcatraz - It seems with JJ Abrams, his shows either do ridiculously well, or the crash and burn. Alcatraz fell into the later category. The concept itself was pretty awesome, and having Hurley in it definitely added to the appeal, however the show itself sort of fell flat. While I watched the shoe, and enjoyed it, I didn't LOVE it. If I missed an episode I wasn't feening to watch it as soon as possible.

Terra Nova - I sometimes feel like Jason O'Mara on a show is like having a show written/directed by Joss Whedon. Both are quite talented and yet most of their shows barely last a season. Let's face it though, with the mega huge budget required to keep this show going, if it wasn't an automatic television phenomenon, it was destined to be canceled.

NBC 

Awake - I will state again for the umpteenth time, I am still devastated to know that I live in a world where Awake was canceled and Whitney was renewed. The show itself was great, my only complaint was that it required A LOT of brain capacity for 10pm on a Thursday.

The Playboy Club - I know, I know it was canceled FOREVER ago, it only had three episodes air, but I still feel it is worth mentioning. Here we have another classic example of an NBC screw up. Instead of taking the controversy caused by the fact that the were airing a show called The Playboy Club to their advantage, they decided to stop airing the show after only three episodes despite having several more already filmed. Um, that just seems like a waste of money to me. Why not air the remaining episodes, in the hopes of picking up some new viewership? If it doesn't pick up then don't renew, but the money has already been spent to not air the remaining episodes and replace it with reruns of another failing show is just a waste. News flash NBC you are already in last place, the only place to go is up, take some risks. 

Other cancellations include:
ABC
Charlie's Angels
Missing
GCB
Work It

CBS
How to be a Gentleman
NYC 22
Rob
Unforgettable

 CW
H8R

FOX
Allen Gregory
I Hate My Teenage Daughter
Napoleon Dynamite

NBC
Are You There, Chelsea?
Best Friends Forever
Free agents
The Firm
Prime Suspect  
  
Next up...What's new for the fall/midseason line up.

Terra Nova Canceled: AKA: Another One Bites The Dust

Well the other side to pilot season rears its ugly head. The side where last year's new shows start fully getting the boot. Sure there are some shows that get the axe quick, The Playboy Club, Free Agents, Work It, jut to name a few, and then there are the other casualties. The ones the network has allowed allowed those who watched to fall in love with.

This week FOX announced they are giving Terra Nova the axe, although they did say they would shop the show to other networks, but with it's super sized budget, it's hard to imagine many networks jumping at the bit to pick up the tab. While I didn't personally get full into Terra Nova, I am saddened by the amazingly talented Stephen Lang, otherwise know as "The Silver Fox", being out of a job. Though there are reports that Netflix is looking to maybe pick it up.

Now is when I go into panic mode, okay panic may be being a little over dramatic, but I am growing concerned for The River on ABC.  I've made it absolutely no secret that I hooked on this freaky little Tuesday night show, and with only two episodes left I can't help but be antsy over whether or not "The Powers that Be" over at ABC will renew.

I know the ratings have not been stellar, but it really is a good show. I feel like a lot of people tuned out after not "loving" the first hour of the two hour premiere. This frustrates me to no end, I am of the firm belief that pilots, with a handful of exceptions,  just aren't good. There's too much exposition and introduction to take care of, which is why I abide by the rule of three. Always give a show three episodes to decide whether or not it's worth watching. If you aren't hooked by the third episode you probably never will be.

I actually find it quite sad that our culture seems to become so impatient. Shows no longer have a chance to grow and find their audience. Not all shows are going to be breakout hits. Neither Cheers or M*A*S*H had very high numbers their first seasons and both went on to have very successful runs. It just feels like currently the networks are so concerned with finding the "next big thing" they have forgotten they need to give the audience time to get to know/love the characters/storyline/shows they already have.

The Carrie Diaries: AKA: You Win CW

So I have to admit, so far I have been a little disappointed in the CW's new pilot casting. Over the years I have come to expect a certain kind of casting for them. While the ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX seem to cast "stars" are at least well know actors in their shows, I have always been able to count on the CW to cast less well known talent. I'm a sucker for new talent, so this whole trend of casting well know established actors in new tv shows, has not exactly thrilled me.

This year the CW seemed to merely be casting "kind of know" actors and recycling their own actors. A perfect example being their new pilot Arrow. Side bar, I'm in no way knocking Arrow, as I've mentioned before I am ridiculously excited for this series. The cast includes, Stephen Amell, who has guested on a few episodes of The Vampire Diaries, Katie Cassidy, who played characters on Gossip Girl, Supernatural and 7th Heaven, and Willa Holland who also appeared on Gossip Girl.

But now? All is forgiven. I know I am a little behind on this announcement, but hey give me a break I was out on vacation. On March 4th Deadline released an article announcing Brendan Dooling had been cast in the role of Walt in the CW's new pilot The Carrie Diaries. The series is based on the book of the same name which is written as a prequel to the Sex and the City series, and Walt is described as "Carrie's best guy friend who is most likely gay but doesn't know it yet as it isn't an easy thing to come to terms with in the mid-1983." For those interested the article can be found here.

Brendan Dooling is an awesomely talented up and comer, most recently heard as the voice of Chippy the Elf in the animated holiday film, An Elf's Story: The Elf  on the Shelf, and exactly the type of actor that the CW should be casting. I am beyond excited to see The Carrie Diaries now. CW you have totally redeemed yourself in my eyes...at least for now.

Awake: AKA: Alright NBC You Have My Attention

Last week was the premiere of NBC's new series Awake. I'm not going to lie I have been looking forward to this show since I read the script last pilot season. Although I was saddened when the premiere got pushed back from its original air date, because the "Awake Powers that be" needed to take some extra time to work on continuity, I was happy to see that the series was treating the complex story line with the care and commitment that it deserved.

I was beyond excited to finally get to sit down and watch the show, which luckily did not disappoint. I don't want to write too much plot wise about the show, since its so show is so beautifully interwoven, and talking too much about the plot would spoil it.

The basic premise is about detective Michael Britten, who gets into a horrific car accident with both his wife, Hannah, and teenage son, Rex, in the car, cut to the "present" where he is sitting in therapy. Here's where things get interesting and we learn that Michael is living in two realities, one in which his son died in the accident, and the other in which his wife was the one who perished. He goes to sleep in one reality and wakes up in the other, never knowing in which he is living and which he is dreaming. In both realities, his department has assigned him a partner and sent him to therapy, the catch? Both realities have different partners and therapists, both of whom are convinced that they are the "real" world. Adding an even more interesting twist to all this is the fact that details in Michael's cases at work seem to over lap.

They have assembled a fantastic cast to tell this story, Jason Issacs, B.D. Wong, Cherry Jones and Wilmer Valderrama just to name a few."The Powers That Be" have really done an amazing job at creating a different look/feel for the different realities. In the reality where Hannah, survived the world is brighter. Everything just seems to be shot in more vibrant and full of light. In Rex's reality, everything is shot in darker, more muted tones, allowing for a more dark and gritty feel. It's really interesting to see how just the way a series is shot can completely change the tone of a show.

I can not wait to see how they keep this premise going in future episodes.

ARROW: AKA: Please, Please, Pick This One Up

I am a super hero nerd/geek/whatever you want to call it. I would rush home from school to watch the Batman The Animated Series, and partly for that reason although Christian Bale maybe the love of my actor life, but Kevin Conroy will forever be Batman in my eyes.

Anyway, while I do not claim to be the biggest comic book aficionado, far from it, I am quite well versed in the Marvel and more so the DC Universes. Needless to say I get giddy when any of the comic book world I love gets any mainstream attention.

In what I can only assume is an attempt to fill the void left by the ending of Smallville, the CW is working on a pilot called Arrow, about Oliver Queen, better known to the world as Green Arrow. Can we all just take a moment to get excited about this? I fully admit as to not being as well versed in the Green Arrow cannon, in fact before diving further into his lore after reading the pilot script, all I really knew about this particular D.C. hero was that he sort of looked like Robin Hood and had a relationship with Black Canary, of whom I also don't know much about.

After reading what felt like endless amounts of doctor/lawyer/cop show pilots, I was beyond excited for this one. I found myself vocally reacting it, startling more then a few of my office mates at times. Soon news broke that Stephen Amell,  of Hung and Heartland,  has been cast as the title role. And lets be honest, the man is pretty easy on the eyes. If done right, this pilot could be beyond awesome. I'm really looking forward to see how they handle this show, and hopefully Arrow will make it to pick up.

Top Five: Shows of Last Pilot Season...Sorta

Well we are in the thick of pilot season now, which accounts for my lack of updates, sorry guys.

As I wade through scripts for countless doctor/lawyer shows and the inevitable copycat shows, already looks like there is a "new" American Horror Story and a "new" Homeland, I am reminded of what the last pilot season had to offer. So I've decided to do a Top Five of my favorite shows to come out of last pilot season. Here they are in no particular order:

1) Revenge - Ok, I admit it, when I first heard about the show I really didn't understand how they were going to make this premise work as a weekly show. As a movie or mini series sure, but I couldn't see how they could continue out this story week after week without it going stale. I am beyond pleased to say how wrong I was. Revenge has become one of my favorite shows, you know one of those shows you just devour. The cast is amazing, I don't even have words to describe how amazingly talented I find Madeline Stowe. It's a show that I look forward to week after week.

2) American Horror Story - I have mixed feelings about this show, but for reasons that will soon be explained, feel it had to be included in the Top Five. The show wasn't as terrifying as I had initially been lead to believe it would be. The first episode I unnecessarily forced The Boy's Brother, who is our other roommate and 6'5 to watch with me in case I freaked. Was the show creepy? Yes. Disturbing? Often. Terrifying? Not really, well except for the underutilized "infantada". That thing was the stuff of nightmares. But I digress, despite being littered with plot bunnies, often time confusing/frustrating, American Horror Story did do one thing I loved. It got people talking, discussing, theorizing. I'm a big fan of shows that get you thinking. While it was airing, Thursdays, and Fridays too for those of us who would DVR it, meant that the office was a buzz with conversation about that week's episode.

3) Hart of Dixie - I grew up in what I like to reffer to as the "Glory Days of the WB". It was the station to watch, they had Buffy, Angel, 7th Heaven (when it was still good), Dawson's Creek, the short lived Young Americans (which had Ian Somerhalder) and Dead Last (which had Tyler Labine). Side bar if anyone remembers those last two shows we need to be friends. Anyway Hart of Dixie brings the CW back to the WB hay day, with it's cute, feel good vibe and really, it's hard not to love a show that has Scott Porter and a very often shirtless Wilson Bethel.

4) The Finder - So I know we have just recently gotten a taste of this new show but as a fan of Bones since the beginning I felt it had to be given a spot. The show, although still finding it's legs,  has made some positive changes since the backdoor pilot during an episode of Bones last year. Saffron Burrows Ike is no more, replaced, without any mention, with Mercedes Masohn's Deputy U.S. Marshal Isabel Zambada and Maddie Hasson's Willa Monday. Throw in the riddiculously awesome guest stars, Brett Davern (Awkward), John Francis Daley (Bones), Wilson Cruz (My So Called Life), my random adoration Ian Reed Kesler (guest star on EVERYTHING), with Geoff Stults and Michal Clarke Duncan and you got some serious gold.


Okay, okay so after mulling this over for two days I have only come up with four. Sure, there were other shows I like that came out of last years pilot season, The New Girl, Once Upon a Time,  2 Broke Girls, Person of Interest, but they haven't made it to my MUST view lists. Then of course there is Alcatraz, and Touch, which haven't been on long enough for me to officially proclaim them, and factor in the scores of shows I am still DYING to see, Awake (can we just please get that on the air ASAP), Apt 23, The River top that list, by the way. So there you have it my Top Four pilots of last year.

Harry Morgan Dies at Age 96: AKA: The Entertainment Industry Has a Profound Effect

Despite the fact that the final episode "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen", aired over a year before I was born, I grew up on M*A*S*H. It was and may still be both my mother and father's favorite tv show. They managed to collect all 11 seasons on DVD, slowly gathering them as Christmas and birthday gifts for each other. One of my favorite memories was when the both bought the same season for each other for Christmas one year. Not to mention that at some point they owned the M*A*S*H trivia game...yup that existed.

Anyway like I said, I grew up on the show, FX used to marathon episodes daily and I would come home from school and watch it with my mom. It was just the normal thing to do, it wasn't until I got to college that I realized it was a bit odd for someone my age to be able to describe entire episodes of a show that had been off the air for over a decade.

This morning I read on TVLine about the death of actor Harry Morgan. There was no big fanfare, in fact I almost missed the article entirely. Just a simple statement really that the man had passes away at the age of 96. You can read the article for yourself here.

It made me sad. I realize how utterly simplistic that sounds, but it's the truth. I talk to my mother often enough, as we do live on very different schedules, but reading the news made me immediately take out my phone to text her, because I knew she'd be sad too.

Despite working in the industry for years, I still am amazed at the way this silly little business has such a profound impact on our every day lives. The way it can cause such deep emotions and connections that you never really stop to think about or even notice all that much. A reminder that on some level my silly little job can, and often does have an impact.

R.I.P. Colonel Potter.

Fall Television: AKA: It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

CW Ringer Promo Photo

While I love that summer brings cute outfits unburdened by coats, and winter brings the holidays, my favorite season by far is Fall. Fall bring a lot of my favorite things, Halloween (probably my favorite holiday), yummy pumpkin flavored treats (lattes, muffins, beer and more), Hoodie weather, and the opportunity to start wearing knee high socks and skirts (one of my fave combos...I own far more knee socks than anyone my age probably should) and boots (my foot wear of choice).

Most importantly though, the fall signals the beginning of NEW tv shows, and new episodes of returning favorites. Huzzah! My view schedule kicks off tonight with CW's  Ringer, starting Sarah Michelle Gellar and Nester Carbonell at 9pm....Wait..Tuesdays at 9pm? Anyone else having Buffy flashbacks here?

TV Guide describes the show as:

Ringer (CW) 

Premieres: Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 9/8c
Sarah Michelle Gellar's back! And this time, there's two of her! Gellar plays twins Bridget and Siobhan — both decidedly un-Buffy-like — in this mystery thriller that was originally developed for CBS. Bridget, a recovering alcoholic, is on the run from some baddies and decides to hide out by taking the identity of her wealthy twin sis, who is thought to be dead. Turns out taking on Siobhan's persona puts Bridget in a very different kind of danger. Lost alum Nestor Carbonell co-stars, but don't expect any sci-fi stuff, à la Lost and Buffy, on Ringer. "No hatch! No island!" Gellar says. 

 

I have to admit I am excited to have SMG back on my television screen each week. I'm even more excited to see her taking on a more grown up/non campy role. Don't get me wrong I LOVED Buffy the Vampire Slayer, still do and always will, but let's be honest here, she can't play high school forever. Since the show ended, and I get that she took time "off" to travel and be with family, which isn't a bad thing at all, but there hasn't been much that she has done that made me really excited, TMNT being the exception, because I am a huge dork.  So I am excited to see her take on new more complex character. Also, seeing Nestor Carbonell's gorgeous lashes grace my tv screen again, is a welcome addition to my fall line up.

There are plenty of other shows I'm eagerly anticipating. I'm sure after a few episodes some of the newer shows may fall to the wayside, but as of now, here's how my nights are looking:

Sunday
8pm
Once Upon a Time (10/23)

10pm
Pan Am (9/25)
Homeland (10/2)

Monday8pm
Terra Nova (9/26)

9pm
Heart of Dixie (9/26)

10pm
Castle (9/20)
Playboy Club (9/19)

Tuesday8pm
NCIS (9/20)

9pm 

Ringer (9/13)
The New Girl (9/20)

Wednesday8:30pm
Suburgatory (9/28)

10pm
Revenge (9/21)
American Horror Story (10/5)
Psych (10/2)

Thursday8pm
Community (9/22)

9pm
Person of Interest (9/22)
Bones (11/3)

Friday
9pm
Grimm (10/21)


Winter Premieres I'm eagerly awaiting:
Alcatraz
Apt 23
Awake
The Finder
Good Christian Belles
The River
Scandal
Smash

 

Like I said I'm sure I'll fizzle out on  some of these, as every year I start off with and overly ambitious schedule, which inevitably gets trimmed down, but I am so glad that this year is offering a ton of new shows that I'm actually excited to see.

For a full calendar of fall premiers, you can download you're copy of the "Official JOpinionated 2009 Fall TV Calendar" here, created by the amazing Jo Garfein.

 

Tonight you will find me curled up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn kicking off the new fall season.

Loyalty: AKA: Think Before You Act

You would think that after working in the industry for several years, I wouldn't be surprised by it anymore, but I just don't get it, still. I don't understand the lack of loyalty, the self centered-ness, the disrespect that runs rampant.

Personally, I am an extremely loyal person. Once I become a fan of an actor/musician/ect, they pretty much have my support through all. I've been know to travel to see them preform, or make an adjustment to my sched in order to go support them in something last min. Some people may think of it as obsessive, but really it's just my version of being supportive. Everything is very professional, and even though over the years a more friendly relationship has developed with certain actors, I am still hesitant to call them "friends". Each and everyone of them knows that if they needed something, I would do everything in my power to help.

The point of the matter is I believe in loyalty and Karma, do unto others and all of that. In my years of working in the entertainment industry I have worked for two different agencies. The fist one, was tiny, the have since grown larger, but by industry standards, at least their NYC office is minuscule. The second, is a great deal larger, though by no means one of the BIG names. We may not be William Morris, but we have plenty of up and comers and names you'd probably recognize. Both agencies worked hard for their clients.

Here's what blows my mind though, actor's (or in some cases their guardians') utter lack of loyalty and their disrespect for the people who got them to where they are. I can not tell you the number of times I've seen an actor book a job, or two, that seems to be getting some heat,  then drop their agent and/or manager for someone "bigger". It is almost as if every actor who books one thing looses all common sense. Don't even get me started on those who end the relationship with an email as opposed to manning up and doing it in person, or at the very least, picking up the phone.

First off, dumping the people who believed in you and fought to get you where you are, the first chance someone bigger comes to you is bad Karma. Don't get me wrong, I think it's perfectly fine to leave your rep if they are not working for you. If they are neglecting you, which they never should be, not listening to your wants/needs or if you have gone as far as you possibly can with them. However, to leave them, just as you start to gain momentum, because someone "Bigger" began showing interest? That is the dumbest move an actor can make.

Let's face it, the smaller agency you started with knows you. When I worked at my first agency, and worked on a desk not only did I speak with the clients nearly everyday, I also knew a wealth of information on them. I knew their schedules, who worked where on the survival jobs, various random skills they had, who slept in, who was an early riser, who was horrible at directions, ect. And when a client started to get heat they were the number one priority.

Though my position has changed, I still know a great deal about our clients and again those starting to gain momentum are always a top priority. If you leave for a bigger agency, you are more likely than not going to become just another name on their list. And when the lists includes names like George Clooney and Julia Roberts...you're gonna be much further down that list then you want to be.

Please don't misconstrue this, I have no problems with the BIG agencies. They do great work, I'm sure, but coming from a background of smaller companies, a move like that just doesn't make sense to me.

As I said before, I just don't understand why people think in order to make it be a success they need to sell their souls, that bigger is better and whatnot.

Sometimes it's just AWESOME that I get to do what I do...

Ok so I admit it I occasionally will bitch & moan about my job. Doesn't everyone? Sure sometimes inconsiderate people just piss me off. The assistants who have no regard for my schedule & think that they/their jobs are more important/harder than me/mine. The actors who show up late (w/out calling)/unprepared/ drag sessions on FOREVER....so yeah I in no way claim my job to be perfect or leave me in a constant state of bliss.
But today? Today was one of those days that just reminds me how awesome my job os & how lucky I am to be in the position I'm in.

I tell the clients the main difference in going on tape with me in the office & going with casting is: Casting wants someone to book this job. I want YOU to book this job. I want them to look their best on tape, b/c if for no other reason when they look good I look good.

Honestly I take pride in the fact that I am good at my job. I have a pretty good list of people who have ended up booking things that started with a session I did.

Years of being/being around actors has served me well. I know how to make them feel comfortable, who's gonna be late, who can bang it out, who needs to work through things. What questions to ask, when they're stressed, tired or hungry. Sometimes it means just listening.

I've even tried being more proactive. This year particularly I've started (and am pretty far into) reading ALL the pilot scripts. Am I being paid more for it? Definitely not. Why then?b/c when the clients end up coming in I KNOW the characters, the story lines. I can answer questions work through scenes better.

Today I had two people come in for pilots that I kept the full 1/2 hour time slots...simply b/c I WANTED them to book so badly that made sure we had several takes I could go back through & make sure there was the perfect clips for editing. Don't get me wrong I it's an audition NOT a workshop...I don't run a coaching session (don't get paid nearly enough for that) but if I have the time to play around a bit then why not? I'm not a director I won't tell you HOW to do things or change your portrayal, but I often ask how they see the character & will make suggestions on how that can better come across, which is always followed by the disclaimer that they can always tell me to fuck off & not take it.

Despite missing my train today was just felt really good. My sessions we're just fun. I'm pretty sure Jon may have found me borderline crazy for my gushing enthusiasm over the pilot he was audition for, but coped to loving the fact that I call him out & his shit & push for him to doing the best he can.
I don't know I just figure I write about being pissed off/annoyed at work all the time, it might be nice to have an entry about how good it is sometimes...so I can go back & read it on the NOT so good days, lol.

82 and counting....

I have been MIA for a bit, I know. been buried deep in the land of Pilot season. I have read, 83 pilot scripts thus far, and to be honest there isn't much that is all that exciting. Most of the stuff that I'll attempt to watch will be because of who's cast and not the actual writing...

Life is pogressing, the boy & I are actually attempting to get into more of a rutine, food shopping on sundays, actually getting laundry & cleaning done in a timely manner. We are even attempting to cook more, which is far easier when there is food to cook in the house. I've even started making & taking my own lunches to work...it's all oddly domestic. Not in a bad way.

I've been thinking a lot about what I want to do in life. It's odd, b/c I love my job, it's pretty kick ass, but I feel like there is got to be something I can do, for me, to give me some sort of fufillment maybe? Ok the word fufillment sounds weird, but something to be passionate about...I feel like there are some many projects started where I think "This is IT" that just never pan out...it's all a little disheartening.

So any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Pilot Season...

I feel like I have not made any sort of dent in the TONS of pilot scripts littering S.W.A.B. (aka Small White & Beautiful, aka my kindle...) despite the fact that I've already read at least a dozen...it didn't help that I didn't read any yesterday, or this morning. Seriously need to buckle down this weekend and wade through them. There's the usual mix of this is really good....this isn't bad and who the hell thought this was a good idea?

The snow has been royally ucking up my social life...didn't get to go see JJ play on Wed, didn't make it into work yesterday oh & not able to see Find Vienna tonight...which makes it a mystery as to why I'm so far behind in my reading...it's not that I am required to read all the pilot scripts for work...I just feel it makes my job easier if I'm more informed on what the clients are coming in for.  I don't do anything with them either I read them then delete them. I'll admit, it's kinda fun knowing what's coming out. Though there are negative effects too, I still haven't completely gotten over the fact that "Back" was never picked up...I guess I could see how people might not have been ready for it...but damn that was a good one.

Basically I'm going to need to just lock myself away & get some reading done this weekend. Sounds exciting I know, working through the weekend, but I don't know when else I'm going to get the chance. So here's to going home to a glass of wine and some (hopefully) good reading.