Tonight's TV Schedule-June 29, 2006

• ABC: 8/7-Master of Champions, 9/8-Primetime (two hour episode)
• CBS: 8/7-Gameshow Marathon, 9/8-CSI, 10/9-Without a Trace
  
• NBC: 8/7-My Name Is Earl, 8:30/7:30-The Office, 9/8-The Office, 9:30/8:30-My Name Is Earl, 10/9-Windfall
• FOX: 8/7-That '70s Show (back-to-back episodes), 9/8-So You Think You Can Dance
  
• WB: 8/7-Smallville, 9/8-Supernatural
• UPN: 8/7-Everybody Hates Chris, 8:30/7:30-Love, Inc., 9/8-Eve, 9:30/8:30-Cuts
  
• FX: 10/9-It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (one hour season premiere)
• MTV: 9/8-Making the Band, 9:30/8:30-Run's House, 10/9-Pimp My Ride
  
• Spike TV: 11/10-TNA: Impact!
• Comedy Central: 10/9-The Showbiz Show With David Spade, 11/10-The Daily Show With Jon Stewart, 11:30/10:30-The Colbert Report
  
• National Geographic: 8/7-Science of Superman
• History: 10/9-American Eats
• Travel Channel: 9/8-Drew Carey's Sporting Adventures

Bold means new episode.

America's Got Talent-June 28

Like last week, I will be analyzing the show performance by performance. Here are my thoughts on this week's contestants:

• All That (Clogging Group)-I wasn't all that impressed by these boy band wannabees but I can see why the audience liked them. My Score: 5/10, Judge's Verdict: Moved On (Unanimous)
• William J. McGolin (Singer)-He really hurt my ears. I wish the judges would have stopped him earlier. It sounded like he was dying during parts of that. My Score: 1/10, Judge's Verdict: Eliminated
• Leonid the Magnificent (I can't even describe his talent)-He's all show with not much talent. I would have buzzed him much earlier. My Score: 3/10, Judge's Verdict: Eliminated (Thank goodness)
• Elliot Zimet (Magician)-He was quite good but I would have liked a little more variation. My Score: 7/10, Judge's Verdict: Moved On
• Corina Brouder (Harpist)-The harp is too boring for a talent show like this. She's relatively talented but just too boring for me. My Score: 5/10, Judge's Verdict: Moved On (Unanimous)
• Dave Smith (Guitarist w/ Legs Behind Head)-Those two talents were a little bizarre together. He did have a decent voice but I wouldn't move him on. My Score: 6/10, Judge's Verdict: Moved On
• Leonid the Magnificent (Again.....)-A lot more deserving contestants should have moved on over him (like the juggler from last week). His outfit was ridiculous and he dropped the thing he was balancing. He shouldn't have even been considered for the next round. Judge's Verdict: Moved On (I have no idea why)
• PBM (Rock Band)-I didn't think they were that great (although I'm not a fan of rock music). My Score: 3/10, Judge's Verdict: Moved On (Two Votes)
• Frank Simon (Balancing)-How the heck did this guy get three buzzes! He might have been the best act yet. That was amazing. This guy doesn't move on yet that weirdo that dropped the thing he balanced did (and it was even smaller). I'm pissed at the judges now. My Score: 10/10, Judge's Verdict: Eliminated
• Matther Furman (Talentless)-How is that a talent? It is more a striptease than a talent. My Score: 0/10, Judge's Verdict: Eliminated
• Michlle L'amour (Stripper)-Brandy, how can be offended by her yet not even insult the previous guy? However, she certainly shouldn't have moved on. My Score: 2/10, Judge's Verdict: Moved On (I have no idea how)
• Side Swipe (Martial Arts)-The first martial arts act we've seen was quite good although it looked more like gymnastics to me. My Score: 7/10, Judge's Verdict: Moved On (Unanimous)
• Marlon Reynolds (Singer)-That might have been the fastest buzz yet. My Score: 0/10, Judge's Verdict: Eliminated
• Bianca Ryan (Singer)-She's only 11 but I didn't think she was that great of a singer. In addition, she's already a greedy and media hungry. I'm sick of these kids getting preferential treatment just due to age. At best, she was average. My Score: 5/10, Judge's Verdict: Moved On (Unanimous)

Closing Comments-This episode the judges really made me mad. The stupid angel moved on yet the Hungarian who lifted ten times as much (and didn't drop anything) didn't. I also didn't like the fates of the stripper and the last singer (she wasn't even that good). It's almost like the judges lost their taste for talent. This is still a great show but the judges are really starting to make me mad.

Tonight's TV Schedule-June 28, 2006

• ABC: 8/7-George Lopez, 8:30/7:30-Freddie, 9/8-Lost, 10/9-Lost
• CBS: 8/7-Shark: Mind of a Demon with Fabien Cousteau (special presentation), 9/8-Criminal Minds, 10/9-CSI: NY
  
• NBC: 8/7-America's Got Talent, 9/8-America's Got Talent, 10/9-Law & Order
  
• FOX: 8/7-So You Think You Can Dance (two hour episode)
• WB: 8/7-Blue Collar TV, 8:30/7:30-Blue Collar TV, 9/8-One Tree Hill
  
• UPN: 8/7-One on One, 8:30/7:30-All of Us, 9/8-Eve, 9:30/8:30-Cuts
  
• AMC: 10/9-Hustle (75 minute, third season premiere)
• Spike TV: 10/9-Blade: The Series (two hour series premiere)
• Bravo: 9/8-Celebrity Poker Showdown
• Travel Channel: 9/8-World Poker Tour
• A&E: 9/8-Inked, 10/9-Criss Angel: Mindfreak
  
• MTV: 10/9-The Hills, 10:30/9:30-Cheyenne
• Comedy Central: 10:30/9:30-Dog Bites Man, 11/10-The Daily Show With Jon Stewart, 11:30/10:30-The Colbert Report
• Style: 9/8-My Celebrity Home
• CourtTV: 10/9-Psychic Detectives, 10:30/9:30-Haunting Evidence
• TLC: 9/8-Untold Stories of the E.R., 10/9-Mystery Diagnosis
• History: 10/9-Modern Marvels
• National Geographic: 10/9-Naked Science
  

Bold means new episode.

What are you going to watch tonight? Will you give Spike TV's first ever drama, Blade: The Series, a try? Excited about the third season premiere of the critical darling Hustle?

Upcoming Summer Shows (July)

This is a look at the shows that will entertain us throughout July:

• July 5th-Rock Star (90 minute premiere)
• July 6th-Big Brother
• July 6th-The Dudesons, Spike
• July 6th-Raising the Roofs, Spike
• July 7th-Monk, USA
• July 7th-Psych, USA (90 minute premiere)
• July 9th-Chapelle's Show, Comedy Central
• July 9th-Brotherhood, Showtime
• July 9th-Intervention, A&E
• July 9th-Mind of Mencia, Comedy Central
• July 9th-RENO 911, Comedy Central
• July 10th-I Love the '70s, Volume Two, VH1
• July 10th-The World Series of Pop Culture, VH1
• July 11th-Hi-Jinks, Nick at Night
• July 12th-Nightmares & Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King, TNT (mini-series)
• July 12th-Project Runway, Bravo
• July 14th-Stargate SG-1, SciFi
• July 14th-Stargate Atlantis, SciFi
• July 17th-Driving Force, A&E
• July 18th-Eureka, SciFi
• July 18th-The One: Making a Music Star, ABC
• July 18th-The Contender, ESPN
• July 19th-Work Out, Bravo
• July 21st-Sexual Healing, Showtime
• July 24th-Tabloid Wars, Bravo
• July 26th-30 Days, FX
• July 27th-Who Wants to Be a Superhero?, SciFi
• July 27th-Garth Marenghi's Dark Place, SciFi
• July 27th-Amazing Screw-On Head, SciFi
• July 31st-One Ocean View, ABC

Which shows are you most excited about?

Online Hatch Counter From "Lost"

If you want to push the button like the cast of Lost, check out this online version of the famous counter. Every 108 minutes, a user has to push the button. If you want your own personal one for your desktop, you can also check out Lost-tv.com. It doesn't have any music but it is still a neat application for any Lost fan.

Tonight's TV Schedule-June 27, 2006

• ABC: 8/7-According to Jim (four back-to-back episodes), 10/9-Boston Legal
  
• CBS: 8/7-NCIS, 9/8-The Unit, 10/9-48 Hours Mystery
  
• NBC: 8/7-Fear Factor, 9/8-Last Comic Standing, 10/9-Law & Order: Special Victim's Unit
  
• FOX: 8/7-House, 9/8-House
• WB: 8/7-Gilmore Girls, 9/8-Pepper Dennis
  
• UPN: 8/7-America's Next Top Model, 9/8-Veronica Mars
  
• Bravo: 9/8-Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, 10/9-Queer Eye
  
• FX: 10/9-Rescue Me
• SciFi: 10/9-ECW
• MTV: 10/9-The Real World, 10:30/9:30-My Super Sweet Sixteen
  
• A&E: 10/9-King of Cars
• Oxygen: 10/9-The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency
• Discovery: 9/8-Dirty Jobs
• History: 9/8-Mega Disasters, 10/9-Mega Movers
• Comedy Central: 11/10-The Daily Show With Jon Stewart, 11:30/10:30-The Colbert Report
  

Bold means new episode.

New TV on DVD This Week (June 27)

• Monk, Season Four
• Columbo, Season Five
• Fear Factor, Season One
• Project Runway, Season Two
• Roseanne, Season Four
• Commander in Chief, Part One
• Masters of Horror, Deer Woman/Sick Girl
• Masters of Horror, Sick Girl
• Masters of Horror, Deer Woman
• Acapulco H.E.A.T., Season One
• Alice, TV Favorites Compilation
• Civilisation (TV Mini-Series)
• Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman; Movies
• Family Affair, Season One
• Galaxy High School, Volume One
• Slings & Arrows, Season One
• Step By Step, TV Favorites Compilation
• Strangers With Candy, The Complete Series
• Tracey Takes On..., Season Two

To buy any of these series simply click on the title to be taken to its page on Amazon. Will you be buying anything this week?

Treasure Hunters-June 26

Tonight was a night of struggles for the nine remaining teams:

• The Brown Family continued to have water troubles. Their canoe tripped over yet they still kept going. They were eliminated but they look like they may be coming back next episode (possibly due to the Grad Students injury).
  
• One of the Grad Students suffered a knee injury. I commend them for continuing to push on. Thank goodness they beat the lazy and stupid Hanlons.
  
• The Wild Hanlons continued to look for clues in all the wrong places. They spent over 11 hours in the mine and more than four hours at the last clue. They also overslept by about three hours. Even worse, they went out to eat instead of finishing the leg. It is no wonder why they lost to a team with a member on crutches. It is too bad they didn't also lose to the Brown Family because they are really starting to annoy me.
  
• The Fogal Family continued to defy God when they backstabbed the Southie Boys after they had just helped them carry their canoe. I hate people who do something wrong only to immediately ask God for forgiveness. If these three keep it up, they may be worse than Vecepia in that matter.

I must admit that this episode was a significant step backwards for the series. It looked like it had a ton of potential last week but now it just seems like a cheap Amazing Race rip-off. It's still better than most of the junk on this summer but it is a disappointment.

Episode Score: B-

The Six-Pack: My Six Favorite Episodes of "Buffy"

(SPOILER ALERT) Obviously, this contains spoilers about what happens in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Unless you lived under a rock for several years, you've probably watched every episode but if you haven't, this article may spoil you. Proceed with caution.




From musicals to silent episodes, Buffy the Vampire Slayer has had some of the best individual episodes in the history of television. Here are my six favorite episodes:

1) "Hush"-This was easily the creepiest episode and also one of the more imaginative ones. "Hush" had absolutely no words until the final minutes. Even without any speaking, the episode was humorous and entertaining. It's no wonder almost everybody has this on their list of favorites.

2) "Once More, With Feeling"-Any episode that is this innovative has to be on this list. The songs were very catchy (I listen to the soundtrack at least once a week), there was a lot of humor, and the story didn't suffer with all the singing. Of all the Buffy episodes, this is the one I've watched the most.

3) "Anne"-I have no idea why I love this episode so much but I feel it is one of the more underappreciated episodes. This was the first episode of season three when Buffy is in Los Angeles after running away from home. I liked that the series dealt with a real world issue for once. Otherwise, I can't really tell you why I like this episode so much.

4) "Tabula Rasa"-This might have been the funniest Buffy episode of all-time. After Willow casts a spell to make the Scoobies forget her mistakes, they lose a whole lot more than their short term memories. Utter chaos ensues as the gang tries to figure out who they are. Who can forget Randy Giles?

5) The Final Three Episodes of Season Three-Buffy's last few days at Sunnydale High ranged from sad (her being awarded the "Class Protector" award made me cry) to action-packed (the battle against the Mayor was probably the best fight of the series). I can't name just one of the episodes because they were all that good.

6) "Grave"-With Willow being my favorite character, the murder of Tara and the subsequent arrival of Dark Willow were both heartbreaking and a highlight of the series. The final showdown between Xander and Dark Willow could make anyone cry.

I've made my selections. Now it's your turn to pick your six favorite episodes. Please post your picks in the comments section.

Tonight's TV Schedule-June 26, 2006

• ABC: 8/7-Wife Swap, 9/8-Supernanny, 10/9-How to Get the Guy
  
• CBS: 8/7-King of Queens, 8:30/7:30-How I Met Your Mother, 9/8-Two and a Half Men, 9:30/8:30-The New Adventures of Old Christine, 10/9-CSI: Miami
  
• NBC: 8/7-Treasure Hunters, 9/8-Treasure Hunters, 10/9-Medium
• FOX: 8/7-Hell's Kitchen, 9/8-Hell's Kitchen
  
• WB: 8/7-7th Heaven, 9/8-7th Heaven
  
• UPN: 8/7-One on One, 8:30/7:30-All of Us, 9/8-Girlfriends, 9:30/8:30-Half & Half
  
• FOX Reality: 6/5-Solitary
• ABC Family: 8/7-Kyle XY (series premiere), 9/8-Falcon Beach
  
• AMC: 8/7-Broken Trail (original mini-series, part two)
• TNT: 9/8-The Closer, 10/9-Saved
• Lifetime: 9/8-Cheater's Club (original telefilm), 11/10-Lovespring International
  
• MTV: 10/9-The Real World/Road Rules Challenge, 10:30/9:30-Fast, Inc.
  

Bold means new episode.

The Six-Pack: The Six Characters I Wish Were Still on "24"

(SPOILER ALERT) If you don't want to be spoiled about plot twists on 24 from seasons 1-5, stop reading now.









24 was the first show that wasn't afraid to kill of major characters. No other show in history has killed as many key players as 24. Unfortunately, I wish that many of the characters killed were still alive. Here are my top six:

1) President David Palmer-24 has seemed to have had trouble replacing Dennis Haysbert. While Logan was interesting, I would take Palmer any day of the week.

2) Tony Almeida-He was always one of my favorite characters (usually just after David Palmer). I was very upset when he was unceremoniously killed by a wimpy needle. He had been shot and almost blown up before so why would a stupid needle kill him? They should have just let him go out on a high note by being killed with his wife in the car explosion. His replacement, Curtis, is just not as interesting as Tony.

3) Nina Meyers-Nina was clearly the best villain in 24 history. I can see why she was killed off (she terrorized CTU for three seasons so she was due for death) but I wish they would have kept her alive and brought her back in a few seasons. I don't know if there will ever be a 24 baddie as evil as Nina.

4) Chase Edmunds-He only got one season but I liked him during the small time we got to see him. He provided the first good story for Kim in two seasons. It is a shame that it couldn't have been developed more. I also liked him because he was like a young Jack. It would have been interesting to see Jack groom him into the next great CTU agent.

5) Michelle Dessler-I loved Michelle and Tony's office romance story and really wish it could have been developed more. She is definitely replaceable but I wish she would have got another season or two.

6) Sherry Palmer-She might have been even more hatable than Nina Meyers. Obviously, she wouldn't have had any potential storylines after David left office but I still miss her. Luckily, Martha Logan is a solid replacement for her.

Which 24 character do you miss the most? Do you wish the producers would stop killing so many characters?

Tonight's TV Schedule-June 25, 2006

• ABC: 7/6-Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, 9/8-Desperate Housewives, 10/9-Grey's Anatomy
  
• CBS: 7/6-60 Minutes, 8/7-Cold Case, 9/8-Enough (telefilm)
  
• NBC: 7/6-Dateline NBC (two hour episode), 9/8-Law & Order: Criminal Intent, 10/9-Crossing Jordan
  
• FOX: 7/6-Malcolm in the Middle, 7:30/6:30-King of the Hill, 8/7-The Simpsons, 8:30/7:30-Family Guy, 9/8-Family Guy, 9:30/8:30-It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
• WB: 8/7-Charmed, 9/8-Charmed
• AMC: 8/7-Broken Trail (original telefilm, part one)
• TNT: 8/7-Half Light (telefilm)
• HBO: 9/8-Deadwood, 10/9-Entourage, 10:30/9:30-Lucky Louie, 11/10-Dane Cook's Tourgasm
  
• Lifetime: 5/4-12 Hours to Live (telefilm)
• USA: 9/8-The 4400, 10/9-The Dead Zone
  
• Bravo: 9/8-Inside the Actors Studio (200th Episode)
• VH1: 9/8-My Fair Brady, 9:30/8:30-Hogan Knows Best (season finale), 10/9-Supergroup
  
• WE: 10/9-Bridezillas
• Showtime: 10/9-Huff (series finale)
• E!: 10/9-The Simple Life
• Cartoon Network: 10:30/9:30-Venture Bros. (season premiere)
  

Bold means new episode.

Review-"Scrubs: Season One"

I first caught this wacky comedy when its fifth season premiered in January. I loved it and just had to pick up the DVD sets to catch up on this awesome show. While season one doesn't quite live up to the latest season, it's still great. Any fan of comedy who hasn't given this show a chance, should give it a whirl.

Plot-This is a comedy set in a hospital following the exploits of medical interns and other employees. Friends for life, J.D. and Turk are joined by nurse Carla and neurotic Elliot. The focus is on their relationships and their struggles to adapt to life in the hospital. Making life even harder is money hungry Dr. Kelso, demanding Dr. Cox, and the Janitor who finds every possible way to torture J.D. It's one of the freshest and most intriguing ideas for a comedy in years.

Rating-10/10

Acting-Most of the actors are relatively unknown (the lead, Zach Braff was waiting tables until he got this job) so it is pretty surprising that the performances are so good. Braff is incredibly goofy and lovable in the lead role. Judy Reyes (Carla) and Donald Faison (Turk) are also very good. Sarah Chalke is adequate as Elliot. In addition, the supporting cast is exceptional. John C. McGinley (Dr. Cox) deserves an Emmy for his very funny rants. Neil Flynn (Janitor), Sam Lloyd (Ted), and Ken Jenkins (Dr. Kelso) also deserve mention for their outstanding performances.

Rating-10/10

Episodes-This show is very inconsistent but most episodes have at least one laugh out loud joke. However, one of the things I like the most is that the show doesn't always have to be funny. For a comedy, Scrubs has some awfully good storylines.

Rating-8/10

Video/Audio-There were some serious video issues in the early episodes. It looked very grainy and old to me. Luckily, these issues were resolved very quickly. I still have to take a point off though.

Rating-9/10

Extras-I was very impressed with the special features in this set. I didn't listen to any of the commentaries but I watched everything else and enjoyed it all. The outtakes and deleted scenes were actually better than they usually are in these kinds of sets. The feature on ad-libbing was interesting but more could have been done with it. "Newbies" examines the actors before they got the part. While the stories of how they got the job were interesting, nothing else was really new. Overall, Buena Vista came up with some nice extras that complement the show very well.

Rating-9/10

Conclusion-Scrubs is a great comedy that deserves a lot more love. Anybody who loves wacky humor will be in love with this show. Even those of you who don't particularly like that kind of comedy should be entertained by the interesting storylines. If you haven't given Scrubs a chance yet, please pick up the DVD sets or try a few episodes when it goes into syndication this September. I'm sure you'll like what you see.

Overall Score-46/50=92%
Similar To: Arrested Development, My Name Is Earl, How I Met Your Mother, Grey's Anatomy

The Six-Pack: My Six Television Idols

Some people have celebrities as their role models. Others have sports heroes or presidents. I have television characters. Here are the six characters I idolize:

1) Adrian Monk (Monk)-Like Monk I have a lot of anxieties. I'm not afraid of milk or nature like he is but I do sympathize with him on many of his fears. Even with all of his problems, he still finds a way to be the best television detective. He is a great role model for anybody with anxiety.

2) Chloe O'Brien (24)-Chloe is showing America that nerds can be cool and heroic. She has some personality problems but she is still one of the better portrayed nerds on TV.

3) Earl Hickey (My Name Is Earl)-Earl used to be a crook but turned his life around. He changed his life for the better one step at a time.

4) The Scooby Gang (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)-As it said on her tombstone, Buffy "saved the world.....a lot." Willow, Xander, and Giles deserve mention for their work as well. While I won't be slaying vampires or stopping The First anytime soon, these characters should still be role models for many.

5) The Contestants on American Inventor-After watching this show, I found myself trying to think of the next great invention. I'm sure a lot of other people have been motivated to do the same after viewing American Inventor.

6) President David Palmer (24)-After Monk, he is probably my next favorite role model. I only wish we had a real President like him. He made all the right decisions and even told the truth. It is great that someone can get so far with good traits like that.

Which television characters do you look up to?

Tonight's TV Schedule-June 24, 2006

• ABC: 8/7-The Wonderful World of Disney: A Bug's Life, 10/9-The Evidence
  
• CBS: 8/7-Big Brother All-Stars: America's Choice, 9/8-CSI: Miami, 10/9-48 Hours
  
• NBC: 8/7-Dateline NBC, 9/8-Treasure Hunters, 10/9-Law & Order: Criminal Intent
  
• FOX: 8/7-Cops (back-to-back repeats), 9/8-America's Most Wanted
• Oxygen: 8/7-Banshee (original telefilm)
• SciFi: 9/8-Android Apocalypse (original telefilm)
• SpikeTV: 9/8-The Ultimate Fighter (three hour season finale)

Bold means new episode.

Gameshow Marathon-June 22

For once, this show was actually watchable though I wasn't too impressed with the players. Both Kathy and Lance were stupid with their answers throughout the game. I also have to point out the moron that is Adrienne Curry. She apparently thinks she can just throw an "ing" on the end of a word and call it a verb ("sex-taping"). She also made every one of her answers as vulgar as possible. Thankfully, some of the panelists were actually pretty good. Kathy Griffin was particularly good. If there is ever a remake of Match Game, I want her on the panel. Having a veteran of the show like Betty White was also nice.

Unfortunately, Kathy moved on to the finals after matching five panelists in round two. This means that the finals are made up of an annoying, idiotic model/actress and an incredibly boring comic. The only good thing about next week is that the game is Family Feud (and that this show will finally come to an end).

Tonight's TV Schedule-June 23, 2006

• ABC: 8/7-America's Funniest Home Videos, 9/8-Hope & Faith (back-to-back repeats), 10/9-20/20
• CBS: 8/7-Ghost Whisperer, 9/8-Close to Home, 10/9-Numb3rs
  
• NBC: 8/7-Treasure Hunters, 9/8-America's Got Talent (two-hour encore)
• FOX: 8/7-24, 9/8-24
• WB: 8/7-What I Like About You, 8:30/7:30-Twins, 9/8-Reba, 9:30/8:30-Living With Fran
  
• UPN: 8/7-Friday Night Smackdown!
• Discovery: 9/8-I Shouldn't Be Alive
• MTV 2: 12/11-Celebrity Deathmatch, 12:30/11:30-Where My Dogs At?, 1/12-The Adventures of Chico & Guapo
  
• Showtime: 11:30/10:30-Family Business

Bold means new episode.

Channel Surfing-June 22

Master of Champions-This might have been one of the corniest and stupidest shows I've ever watched. I had hoped it would be a hidden gem similar to Extreme Dodgeball. Boy was I wrong. I can't think of one good thing to say about this show. The hosts and judges suck and the contests are completely random and idiotic. Master of Champions deserves to be cancelled after one episode.

Windfall-After a slow second episode, this was a much better night. I do wish we would get more of the mail order bride story though. I think it is one of the more unique plots I've seen in awhile. The A-story of the week (of an outsider suing for her share of the pot) was predictable but still pretty well done. While this show hasn't become the breakout series I had hoped, it is still a nice summer treat.

Tonight's TV Schedule-June 22, 2006

• ABC: 8/7-Master of Champions (series premiere), 9/8-20/20, 10/9-Primetime
• CBS: 8/7-Gameshow Marathon, 9/8-CSI, 10/9-Without a Trace
  
• NBC: 8/7-My Name Is Earl, 8:30/7:30-The Office, 9/8-My Name Is Earl, 9:30/8:30-The Office, 10/9-Windfall
• FOX: 8/7-That '70s Show (back-to-back repeats), 9/8-So You Think You Can Dance
  
• WB: 8/7-Smallville, 9/8-Supernatural
• UPN: 8/7-Everybody Hates Chris, 8:30/7:30-Love, Inc., 9/8-Eve, 9:30/8:30-Cuts
  
• A&E: 9/8-The First 48
• MTV: 9/8-Making the Band, 9:30/8:30-Run's House, 10/9-Pimp My Ride
  
• SpikeTV: 10/9-The Ultimate Fighter
• Comedy Central: 10/9-The Showbiz Show With David Spade

Bold means new episode.

Big Brother: All-Stars-June 21

I was shocked by some of the options CBS gave us in the Big Brother All-Stars vote. Audience favorites like Jason and Jack were passed up for mediocre players like Bunky and Cowboy. There are still plenty of solid choices. Here are the twelve I would pick to play:

• Chicken George-We need some entertainment and George would definitely provide it. He was probably the funniest houseguest of all-time. It will also be interesting to see him play the new style game.
• Howie-This jedi is a shoo-in to make the house and it is pretty obvious why. He is funny and lovable yet still plays the game hard.
• Kaysar-This will be his third chance but I felt he was jipped out of his other two chances (first because he is Muslim and then because of the worst lie in Big Brother history). He is a good strategizer and I'd love to see him in the house (and more than likely he will be).
• Will-The first of many solid Big Brother players, Will will have some troubles making allies this time around. Everybody knows he is a liar so it will be tough for him to make it past the early rounds but I'd like to see him try.
• James-Another good player from season six that should be given another attempt.
• Marcellas-I struggled with my last male choice. None of the options were that intriguing but Marcellas is probably the best person to go with. I would have rather had Jason or Jack though.
• Janelle-She will probably be the top vote getter and I'm glad that we will get another chance to see her in action. She's a good game player and she is very entertaining.
• Danielle-Yet another good strategizer.
• Alison-I don't like her at all but it will be nice to see her go out early. Nobody will trust her and she more than likely won't make it past the second week or so. We also need some villains.
• Lisa-She won her game so she obviously knows how to play.
• Erika-She was one of the few people I could stand during her season.
• Nakomis-She goes in by default. None of the other possible women even deserve to be on an All-Stars list. I didn't even remember who most of them were. At least Nakomis knows how to play the game (she even came up with the six-finger plan).

Which twelve players would you pick to play the game? Did Big Brother forget some good players?

America's Got Talent-June 21

NBC's talent show kicked off tonight and here are my opinions on each of the acts:

• Bobby Badfingers-Terrible dancer but the talent of snapping his fingers to music was pretty good. My Score: 8/10, Judge's Verdict: Moved On (Unanimous)
  
• Dave the Horn Guy-I thought his act was pretty original but it looked pretty easy. My Score: 5/10, Judge's Verdict: Moved On (Two Votes)
• "Blue Velvet"-Eliminated after like two seconds. They couldn't sing. My Score: 1/10, Judge's Verdict: Eliminated
• "At Last"-I personally didn't think they sounded that great and there wasn't really anything unique about them. My Score: 6/10, Judge's Verdict: Moved On (Unanimous)
• Sid the Kid-I didn't think she was that funny but she is just a kid who could have potential. My Score: 4/10, Judge's Verdict: Moved On (Unanimous)
• Kenny Shelton (juggler)-Juggling isn't very unusual and he even dropped quite a few. My Score: 3/10, Judge's Verdict: Moved On
• "The Shadow Dancers"-That was very weird. I don't get what the talent was. My Score: 0/10, Judge's Verdict: Eliminated
• Bernie Barker (world's oldest stripper)-I hate David for not x-ing him earlier. He enjoyed it way too much. My Score: 0/10, Judge's Verdict: Moved On (What the heck are the judges thinking?)
• Alexis Jordan-She is a great singer but she should have just waited a few years and went on American Idol instead. My Score: 9/10, Judge's Verdict: Moved On (Unanimous)
• Eddie Haskell (Singing Saw)-That is a lot better talent than the old stripper. He should not have been buzzed so early. My Score: 8/10, Judge's Verdict: Eliminated
• Kevin Johnson (Ventriliquist)-Now that is a talent. He put a neat twist on an old talent. My Score: 10/10, Judge's Verdict: Moved On (Unanimous)
• Kathy Kavanaugh (the Singing Harp)-She wasn't as bad as the judges thought. It was quite boring though. Score: 6/10, Judge's Verdict: Eliminated
• Harry Carey ("Impersonator")-I could do a better Yoda and Shaggy than him. Score: 1/10, Judge's Verdict: Eliminated
• Vladimir Malachikko (Hand Balancing)-He is definitely talented but not that interesting. Score: 7/10, Judge's Verdict: Moved On (Unanimous)
• "Team AcroDunk" (Basketball Aerobatics)-That was definitely unique and the basketball fan in me loved it. Score: 9/10, Judge's Verdict: Moved On
• Jay Myl (Nose Flute)-Not good. His insults were hilarious though. Score: 2/10, Judge's Verdict: Eliminated
• Betty Victor (Singer)-I could probably sing better than that. Score: 1/10, Judge's Verdict: Eliminated
• "The Boofont Sisters" (Singers)-That was frightening but I really wish that idiot British judge would stop hitting other people's buttons. Score: 1/10, Judge's Verdict: Eliminated
• Ivan Pecel (Juggler)-I would have liked to see more of him. At least he didn't drop ten things like the other juggler. Score: 7/10, Judge's Verdict: Moved On (Barely)
• Nathan Burton (Microwave of Death)-That was a pretty humorous magic act. Score: 8/10, Judge's Verdict: Moved On
• "Holy Cow" (Dancing Cow)-It was funny for a few seconds. Score: 6/10, Judge's Verdict: Eliminated
• Michael Speaks (Gospel Singer)-He has a pretty good voice and deserved to move on. Score: 8/10, Judge's Verdict: Moved On
• Vladik (Juggler)-I liked the other juggler a lot more (even though he used more balls). My Score: 6/10, Judge's Verdict: Moved On
• Wild Life Wendy (Bird)-I thought the bird was talented enough to move on. Score: 7/10, Judge's Verdict: Eliminated
• J.R. Johns (Dog Trainer)-Good act and a very nice story. Score: 9/10, Judge's Verdict: Moved On
• S (Singing, Comedian Balloon Artist)-He should have just stuck with the balloon animals. He couldn't sing or dance. That Regis balloon creation was incredible though. My Score: 5/10, Judge's Verdict: Eliminated
• "Rappin' Granny"-This was the act I was looking forward to and I definitely wasn't disappointed. My Score: 10/10, Judge's Verdict: Moved On

Closing Comments-I was pretty impressed by this show. I was scared it would just wind up being another American Idol clone but there was quite a variety of performances. I have high hopes for this show and I really hope it did well. I could see this being the next breakout reality hit.

Tonight's TV Schedule-June 21, 2006

• ABC: 8/7-George Lopez, 8:30/7:30-Freddie, 9/8-Lost, 10/9-Lost
  
• CBS: 8/7-Big Brother All-Stars: America's Choice, 9/8-Criminal Minds, 10/9-CSI: NY
  
• NBC: 8/7-Dateline NBC, 9/8-America's Got Talent (two hour series premiere)
• FOX: 8/7-So You Think You Can Dance (two hour episode)
• WB: 8/7-Blue Collar TV, 8:30/7:30-Blue Collar TV, 9/8-One Tree Hill
• UPN: 8/7-My Date With Drew (movie)
• A&E: 9/8-Inked, 10/9-Criss Angel: Mindfreak
  
• Comedy Central: 10:30/9:30-Dog Bites Man, 11/10-The Daily Show With Jon Stewart, 11:30/10:30-The Colbert Report
  
• Bravo: 9/8-Celebrity Poker Showdown
• Travel: 9/8-World Poker Tour
• MTV: 10/9-The Hills, 10:30/9:30-Cheyenne
• CourtTV: 9/8-Forensic Files, 10/9-Psychic Detectives, 10:30/9:30-Haunting Evidence
  
• HGTV: 8/7-I Want That! Kitchens, 8:30/7:30-I Want That!, 9/8-I Want That! Baths, 9:30/8:30-Landscape Smart
  
• Style: 8/7-Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?, 9/8-My Celebrity Home
  

Bold means new episode.

Last Comic Standing-June 20

This week, the task was so much funnier than the showdown. Thank goodness we were able to get rid of two of the weakest links this week. The only one of the three that even made me laugh during the showdown was Michele Balan and none of her material was that outstanding either. It is pretty sad when she got 83% of the vote.

I certainly won't mourn the loss of either of the comics. Stella was just a drama queen with nothing to back it up. April Macie reminds me of season two's first person out. Like April, she had absolutely no material and went on based only on her appearance.

This week's task was hilarious but obviously meant to stir up emotions. The hecklers were even funnier than the comedians. There was a little too much foul language for my taste but I loved Gabriel Iglesias' idea to just laugh throughout Bil Dwyer's entire routine. I also enjoyed Kristin's banter. She has really grown on me in the last few episodes.

Make sure to check back tomorrow for my first "cast review." Also, feel free to discuss tonight's episode in the comments section.

New Poll-Which New Fall Show Are You Looking Forward to the Most?

It's only June but I'm already anticipating the new fall shows. It looks like there is a lot for everybody this year. Fans of serialized dramas will especially be happy with shows like The Nine, Heroes, Standoff, and Jericho. Comedy fans get two shows based on SNL and some other solid concepts. Crime drama buffs get Justice, Shark, and Smith. So, what are you looking forward to the most this season? Please make your vote in the right margin. Also, feel free to discuss this poll in the comments section.

New TV on DVD This Week (June 20)

• The King of Queens, The 5th Season Order It on Amazon
• NewsRadio, Season 4 Order It on Amazon
  
• NYPD Blue, The Complete Fourth Season Order It on Amazon
  
• Married With Children, The Complete Fifth Season Order It on Amazon
  
• Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, The Complete 3rd Season Order It
  
• Superboy, The Complete 1st Season Order It on Amazon
  
• Adventures of Superman, The Complete 3rd and 4th Seasons Order It on Amazon
  
• Superman: The Animated Series, Braniac Attacks Order It on Amazon
  
• Superman: The Animated Series, Volume 3 Order It on Amazon
  
• Justice League, Season 2 Order It on Amazon
  
• Krypto the Superdog, Volume 1: Cosmic Canine Order It on Amazon
  
• The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Complete 4th Season Order It on Amazon
  

Lots of Superman related shows this week along with a few other high profile shows like NYPD Blue and The King of Queens. Are you going to buy anything this week?

Tonight's TV Schedule-June 20, 2006

• ABC: 8/7-According to Jim, 8:30/7:30-NBA Nation, 9/8-NBA Finals: Game 6: Heat at Mavericks
  
• CBS: 8/7-NCIS, 9/8-The Unit, 10/9-Tuesday Night Book Club
  
• NBC: 8/7-Fear Factor, 9/8-Last Comic Standing, 10/9-Law & Order: Special Victim's Unit
  
• FOX: 8/7-House, 9/8-House
• WB: 8/7-Gilmore Girls, 9/8-Pepper Dennis
  
• UPN: 8/7-America's Next Top Model, 9/8-Veronica Mars
  
• Bravo: 9/8-Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, 10/9-Queer Eye
  
• SciFi: 10/9-ECW
• FX: 10/9-Rescue Me
• MTV: 10/9-The Real World, 10:30/9:30-Blowin' Up
  
• Oxygen: 10/9-The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency
• A&E: 10/9-King of Cars

Red font means new episode.

Review-"Dharma & Greg: Season One"

Who would have thought a sitcom about a couple different in every way imaginable would be so funny? I certainly didn't expect too much out of it but I was pleasantly surprised. The great storylines, acting, and humor help make Dharma & Greg one of my favorite sitcoms of all-time.

Plot-The idea for the show is one of the freshest concepts in sitcom history. Most of the time these shows are about a dysfunctional family or a look at a workplace environment. Dharma & Greg is a romantic comedy about a mix-matched couple who got married on their first date. They have nothing in common but they are deeply in love. It is a very cute idea for a show and you can't help but root for the two of them.

Rating-10/10

Acting-The acting is top-notch. Jenna Elfman is a superb actress who is very underrated. She can play both comedy and dramatic roles and it really shows in this season. Thomas Gibson is very lovable as Greg. The supporting actors/actresses can all take a scene and make it their own. Every couple on the show has so much chemistry. This has to be one of the most talented group of cast members I've seen on a sitcom.

Rating-10/10

Episodes-While most of the episodes in this season were spectacular, there were a few slower ones as well. The show started with a lot of steam in the beginning, waned a little in the middle, than picked it up to finish off the season. My favorite episodes included Pilot, And the In-Laws Meet, Indian Summer, The First Thanksgiving, and The Office Dharma & Greg Episode of the 1998 Winter Olympics. The show did struggle at times but this isn't too big of a problem because most comedies are inconsistent (especially in their first year).

Rating-9/10

Video/Audio-No problem here at all. The sound and video quality is fine.

Rating-10/10

Extras-This is probably the biggest problem with the set. There probably isn't a whole lot that can be done with this show in terms of extras but a better attempt could have been made. Extras include three commentaries with Jenna Elfman, Mimi Kennedy, and Alan Rachins; a featurette about the plot; a trivia game; and the complete set of "vanity cards" co-creator Chuck Lorre put at the end of each episode. The commentary is just average. Jenna Elfman is very knowledgeable and articulate but Kennedy and Rachins didn't add much to the conversation. There were a few nice fun facts provided (like the fact that Larry wasn't originally supposed to be in the pilot) but the conversation often turned boring. It was nice to see the "vanity cards" in one place without having to pause the tape. The featurette could have been longer and it would have been nice to see Thomas Gibson take part. Still, it was a nice addition to the set. The trivia game was way too easy and not something I'd do again. I wish there would have been a few more special features but the ones we got were solid.

Rating-8/10

Conclusion-Dharma & Greg fans will be thrilled to finally see their show hit store shelves. While there aren't as many special features as I would have liked, this is still a great set. Anybody who is a fan of comedy or romance should give this show a chance. It is a great mix of comedy and terrific storylines.

Overall Score-47/50=94%
Similar To: How I Met Your Mother, Courting Alex (but much, much better), pretty much any ABC comedy from the '90s.


Order Dharma & Greg: Season One on DVD

Tonight's TV Schedule-Monday, June 19, 2006

• ABC: 8/7-Wife Swap, 9/8-Supernanny, 10/9-How to Get the Guy
  
• CBS: 8/7-King of Queens, 8:30/7:30-How I Met Your Mother, 9/8-Two and a Half Men, 9:30/8:30-The New Adventures of Old Christine, 10/9-CSI: Miami
  
• NBC: 8/7-Stanley Cup Finals: Game 7: Oilers at Hurricanes
• FOX: 8/7-Hell's Kitchen, 9/8-Hell's Kitchen
  
• WB: 8/7-7th Heaven, 9/8-7th Heaven
• UPN: 8/7-One on One, 8:30/7:30-All of Us, 9/8-Girlfriends, 9:30/8:30-Half & Half
  
• FOX Reality: 6/5-Solitary
• TNT: 9/8-The Closer, 10/9-Saved
• ABC Famliy: 9/8-Falcon Beach
• MTV: 10/9-The Real World/Road Rules Challenge, 10:30/9:30-Fast, Inc.
  
• Lifetime: 9/8-A Girl Like Me: The Gwen Araujo Story (original telefilm), 11/10-Lovespring International
  

Red font means new episode.