The Couch Potato

The Couch Potato Has Moved!

2006-07-13T19:36:00.000-05:00

We have finally moved all of our blogs to their own domain. Check out The Couch Potato and make sure to check out all our other blogs by clicking here.

New TV on DVD This Week (July 4)

2006-07-04T08:28:00.000-05:00

Not a lot out this week but I do recommend Doctor Who for any fan of sci-fi shows.
Technorati Tags: tvondvd, tv, doctorwho, charlies angels, prince valiant, tv on dvd

Tonight's TV Schedule-July 4, 2006

2006-07-04T08:20:00.000-05:00

ABC: 8/7-According to Jim (four back-to-back episodes), 10/9-American Celebration at Ford's Theatre: The July 4th Special

CBS: 8/7-A Hero's Welcome, 9/8-NCIS, 10/9-Boston Pops 4th of July Spectacular

NBC: 8/7-Most Outrageous Moments (back-to-back episodes), 9/8-Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular, 10/9-Law & Order: Special Victim's Unit

FOX: 8/7-House, 9/8-House

WB: 8/7-Gilmore Girls, 9/8-Pepper Dennis (series finale)

UPN: 8/7-America's Next Top Model, 9/8-Veronica Mars

SciFi: 10/9-ECW

Bravo: 10/9-Queer Eye

PBS: 9/8-Capitol Fourth

Bold means new episode.
Technorati Tags: tvschedule, tv

Tonight's TV Schedule-July 3, 2006

2006-07-03T11:05:00.000-05:00

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-Mr. Deeds (movie)

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

TNT: 9/8-The Closer, 10/9-Saved

ABC Family: 8/7-Kyle XY, 9/8-Falcon Beach

FOX Reality: 6/5-Solitary

Lifetime: 9/8-The Last Trimester (original telefilm)

MTV: 10/9-The Real World/Road Rules Challenge, 10:30/9:30-Fast, Inc.

TLC: 9/8-Wild Weddings (two hours)

Bold means new episode.

So You Think You Can Dance?

2006-07-02T21:33:00.000-05:00

Dancing's answer to American Idol is one of summer's hottest shows. The show is hotter than ever before this season. While Dancing With the Stars is just plain corny, So You Think You Can Dance? is quite entertaining. The dancers are much more talented than those celebrities who just have to learn to ballroom dance. I only wish this show got the ratings Dancing With the Stars is getting. It is certainly more deserving. If you'd like to catch this underrated reality show, it's on Wednesdays and Thursdays on FOX.

http://www.fox.com/dance

This Week's TV Marathons

2006-07-02T13:26:00.000-05:00

Monday:

King of Cars, A&E, 8/7 AM-11/10 AM or 2/1 PM-5/4 PM
Inked, A&E, 11/10 AM-2/1 PM or 5/4 PM-8/7 PM
King of the Hill, FX, 7/6 AM-7/6 PM
The Twilight Zone, SciFi, Sunday-Tuesday Night
Animal Cops: Houston, Animal Planet, 9/8 AM-8/7 PM
100 Funniest Movies, Bravo, 11/10 AM-3/2 PM or 7/6 PM-11/10 PM
Bonanza, Hallmark Channel, 8/7 AM-8/7 PM

Tuesday:

Monk, USA Network, 6/5 AM-11/10 PM
COPS, FX, 8/7 AM-1/12 Wednesday
Law & Order, TNT, 8/7 AM-7/6 PM
The First 48, A&E, 8/7 AM-8/7 PM
Dirty Jobs, Discovery Channel, 9/8 AM-3/2 AM Wednesday
Project Runway, Bravo, 9/8 AM-9/8 PM
Star Trek, G4, 9/8 AM-7:30/6:30 PM

Tonight's TV Schedule-July 2, 2006

2006-07-02T12:51:00.000-05:00

ABC: 7/6-Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (two hour repeat), 9/8-Desperate Housewives, 10/9-Grey's Anatomy
CBS: 7/6-60 Minutes, 8/7-Cold Case, 9/8-How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (movie)

NBC: 7/6-Dateline NBC (two hours), 9/8-Law & Order: Criminal Intent, 10/9-Crossing Jordan

FOX: 7/6-The Simpsons, 7:30/6:30-Men of Honor (movie)

WB: 8/7-Charmed, 9/8-Charmed

USA: 9/8-The 4400, 10/9-The Dead Zone

HBO: 9/8-Deadwood, 10/9-Entourage, 10:30/9:30-Lucky Louie, 11/10-Dane Cook's Tourgasm

VH1: 9/8-My Fair Brady, 10/9-Supergroup (season finale)

WE: 10/9-Bridezillas

Lifetime: 5/4-Past Sins (telefilm)

E!: 10/9-The Simple Life

Bold means new episode.

Review-24: The Game

2006-07-01T11:36:00.000-05:00

24: The Game
Platform: PS2
ESRB Rating: M
Genre: Action
Release Date: February 28, 2006
Publisher: 2k Games
Gamerankings score: 64%
Pros: Great story, Fun gameplay, Loyal to television show, Must buy for 24 fans who own a PS2
Cons: Controls could have been better, A couple of bugs, Story is not quite as good as the shows stories, Not enough Chloe and David Palmer

When I heard there was going to be a 24 game I was thrilled. I love the show and thought it would be perfect for a video game. When the game was released I couldn't wait to buy it. Then I read the reviews. I was so disappointed because most reviewers did not like the game. So last week I had a free rental so I decided to pick it up so I could at least know the story of the game. After finishing the game I would have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I thought the game would be horrible but it was actually really good. Don't listen to all the bad reviews. This is a great game that every 24 fan should buy.

Story: The story of 24: The Game takes place between season 2 and season 3 of the show. I won't go into details about the story but it has all the characters from season 2 and 3. It also helps bridge the gap between season 2 and season 3. What happened after the attempt on David Palmer? Why did it happen? How did Chase Edmonds join CTU Los Angeles? I will give you hint on the big problem that Jack Bauer has to face. It has not been addressed on any of the other 24 seasons. The rest of the story is kind of repetative of events that have happened in previous seasons. You would think terrorists could come up with some new ideas. The new villain created for the game is also pretty good. Overall the story is great for a video game. The game's story isn't as good as the show's story lines. 24 fans and even people who arent' 24 fans will enjoy the story. The shining point of the game.

10 out of 10

Fun Factor: Overall the game is really fun. There are several different types of gameplay including shooting, driving, sniping, interrogating, and puzzle solving. Overall these modes are very fun. The shooting is very fun but is easy. There are a couple of bugs like having your character getting stuck that take away from the fun. There are also some control issues but I will talk about those later. Overall the game is really fun and most people should enjoy the game.

9 out of 10

Controls: The controls are the worst part of the game. The camera works against you at times. The controls aren't always responsive. The targeting system also has some problems. For the most part it does a good job but sometimes it doesn't target every enemy. The biggest problem I had was that if an enemy got behind the controls made it hard for you to shoot the enemy. You have to turn the camera and then you have to retarget again. This can easily lead to your death. Overall the controls do pretty well but when there are not working right prepare to die a lot.

6 out of 10

Presentation: The presentation is pretty good. All the characters lend their voices to their characters. THe voice acting is very well done. All the characters also were digitally scanned so they look very close to their counterparts. The cutscenes look like they were taken from the show. The music is loyal to the show as well. The only problem I had with the presentation is that the game didn't push the PS2 to it's limits for graphics. The game could have been more polished and the enviroments could have had a little work. Overall the presentation is very good.

9 out of 10

Value: The value could have been better but is still good. The game is average in length. It is around 8 to 10 hours long. That isn't bad but I think it could have been longer. I wished it would have actually been 24 hours long with the cutscenes but I would have been happy with 15 hours. The game is shorter than I would have liked. If you do well enough in the game you can unlock special features. Theya re not bad but they could have been better. I don't think it is worth trying to collect all of them. The game is pretty good and 24 fans will probably want to play it at least twice. The thing I wished for most would be a multiplayer mode. That would have been great. Overall the value is good but it could have been better.

8 out of 10

Overall: 41 out of 50 (82%)

Should I buy this game? Yes. If you are a 24 fan you should definently buy this game. It faithfully recreates the 24 universe and is really fun. The game is short but 24 fans will probably want to play it more than one time. Non 24 fans should probably wait till the price goes down a little. The game is really good but you can find better action games. Once you play the game don't be surprised if you get addicted to 24 and rush to watch the five seasons of the show.

If you would like to see more video game reviews and previews please visit our other blog the Gaming Guru.

Tonight's TV Schedule-June 29, 2006

2006-06-29T12:32:00.000-05:00

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

2006-06-28T20:59:00.000-05:00

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

2006-06-28T11:35:00.000-05:00

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)

2006-06-27T21:17:00.000-05:00

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"

2006-06-27T13:42:00.000-05:00

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

2006-06-27T13:09:00.000-05:00

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)

2006-06-26T21:25:00.000-05:00

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

2006-06-26T21:02:00.000-05:00

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"

2006-06-26T19:30:00.000-05:00

(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

2006-06-26T11:07:00.000-05:00

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"

2006-06-25T14:16:00.000-05:00

(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

2006-06-25T13:14:00.000-05:00

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"

2006-06-24T14:59:00.000-05:00

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

2006-06-24T14:19:00.000-05:00

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

2006-06-24T13:20:00.000-05:00

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

2006-06-23T17:18:00.000-05:00

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

2006-06-23T06:57:00.000-05:00

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

2006-06-22T22:11:00.000-05:00

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

2006-06-22T16:24:00.000-05:00

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

2006-06-21T23:25:00.000-05:00

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

2006-06-21T21:57:00.000-05:00

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

2006-06-21T12:51:00.000-05:00

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

2006-06-20T21:06:00.000-05:00

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?

2006-06-20T18:14:00.000-05:00

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)

2006-06-20T17:40:00.000-05:00

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

2006-06-20T16:21:00.000-05:00

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"

2006-06-19T13:37:00.000-05:00

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

2006-06-19T11:49:00.000-05:00

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.

Treasure Hunters-June 18

2006-06-18T21:15:00.000-05:00

I had a feeling that this would be one of the best reality series of all-time. I always thought that this was the show The Amazing Race should have been. While I was slightly disappointed, this is still a great show that could be even better than the Race.

I have to say that I am disappointed with the teams. One would expect the teams to be extremely bright and physically strong. Instead, most of the teams were either very stupid or out of shape. The team called "The Geniuses" should rename themselves "The Stupids" after they thought the producers would send them to the little-known Mount Theodore Roosevelt instead of Mount Rushmore. They also apparently didn't learn to follow directions on their way to their many degrees. The Brown Family is way out of shape and I really can't see them sticking in this race much longer. Of course, if teams like the Wild Hanlons (I like to call them Team Dog the Bounty Hunter) keep searching trashcans and random rock crevices, they might have a chance. Don't even get me started on the person that didn't know which president number George Washington was.

Right now I don't have a favorite team but I certainly have a least favorite one. The pastor on the Fogal Team didn't follow his preachings when he stole the map from one of the other teams. It was a dirty move that nobody should make, especially a preacher.

Did you watch the premiere? Did you like what you saw? Feel free to discuss in the comments section.

The Six-Pack: The Six Reasons I Wish the Television Season Wasn't Over

2006-06-18T18:00:00.000-05:00

It's only been four weeks since the end of the 2005-2006 television season, and I already long for the days filled with hours and hours of great television. Here are the six shows I miss the most:

1) Lost-Anybody that doesn't miss this show should really have their head checked out. The season finale brought on so many new questions that I really want answered. I'm also worried for three of my favorite survivors; Locke, Ecko, and Desmond. Wednesday's suck without Lost.
Order Lost: Season One on DVD
Pre-Order Lost: Season Two on Amazon

2) Grey's Anatomy-If the third season is anything like this one, I cannot wait until it comes back on. In my opinion, it had the best season of any show. There wasn't really a big cliffhanger but I miss my weekly dose of George, Izzie, and the rest of the gang.

Order Grey's Anatomy: Season One on DVD
Pre-Order Grey's Anatomy: Season Two on Amazon

3) 24-I wasn't a huge fan of last season but I have a feeling this might be a turnaround year. With the news that 24 will shoot at least part of the season in New York, I can't wait to find out the reason for the change of scenery.

Order 24: Season Four on DVD

4) Prison Break-The story really heated up during the last few episodes but I was kind of disappointed with the cliffhanger ending. It will be interesting to see how Michael and his fellow inmates escape the guards hot on their trail. I know I can't wait until September to find out.

Pre-Order Prison Break: Season One on Amazon

5) How I Met Your Mother-I miss Barney so much. He made this show the best comedy on television and I can't wait to hear what he has to say next.

6) Veronica Mars-I have a feeling that this might be the year it finally breaks out (both in terms of viewership and story-wise). I didn't love the first two seasons quite as much as the critics but it is still in my top ten. However, I think this is the year it breaks into the top five.

Order Veronica Mars: Season One on DVD
Pre-Order Veronica Mars: Season Two on Amazon

Are you itching for fall to come already? Which shows do you miss the most? Please discuss in the comments section.

Tonight's TV Schedule-June 18, 2006

2006-06-18T16:47:00.000-05:00

ABC: 7/6-Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (90 minute repeat), 8:30/7:30-NBA Nation, 9/8-NBA Finals: Game 5: Mavericks at Heat

CBS: 7/6-60 Minutes, 8/7-Cold Case, 9/8-What Women Want (two hour movie)

NBC: 7/6-Dateline NBC, 8/7-Treasure Hunters (two hour series premiere), 10/9-Windfall

FOX: 7/6-Malcolm in the Middle, 7:30/6:30-King of the Hill, 8/7-The Simpsons, 8:30/7:30-The Simpsons, 9/8-Family Guy, 9:30/8:30-It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

WB: 8/7-Charmed, 9/8-Charmed

USA: 9/8-The 4400, 10/9-The Dead Zone (season premiere)

A&E: 8/7-Touch the Top of the World (two hour original telefilm)

HBO: 9/8-Deadwood, 10/9-Entourage, 10:30/9:30-Lucky Louie, 11/10-Dane Cook's Tourgasm

E!: 10/9-The Simple Life

Bravo: 9/8-Inside the Actors Studio

VH1: 9/8-My Fair Brady, 9:30/8:30-Supergroup

WE: 10/9-Bridezillas

Showtime: 10/9-Huff

Red font means new episode.

Tonight's TV Schedule-June 17, 2006

2006-06-17T11:58:00.000-05:00

ABC: 8/7-The Wonderful World of Disney-Lady and the Tramp, 10/9-The Evidence
CBS: 8/7-CSI: NY, 9/8-48 Hours Mystery, 10/9-48 Hours Mystery
NBC: 8/7-Stanley Cup Finals: Game 6: Hurricanes at Oilers
FOX: 8/7-Cops, 8:30/7:30-Cops, 9/8-America's Most Wanted
Hallmark: 8/7-Blackbeard (three hour mini-series)

Spike TV: 8/7-Carpocalypse, 9/8-Disorderly Conduct: Video on Patrol

Red font means new episode.

New Poll-Which Summer Show Have You Enjoyed the Most?

2006-06-16T15:11:00.000-05:00

The summer season hasn't quite hit full stream yet but I'd like to know which show you are enjoying the most right now. Are you lucky enough to have the quality HBO shows like Entourage and Deadwood or are you stuck watching celebrities play game shows on Gameshow Marathon? Make sure to place your vote in the right sidebar. Also, feel free to discuss your choice or the summer season in general in the comments section.

Tonight's TV Schedule-June 16, 2006

2006-06-16T14:36:00.000-05:00

ABC: 8/7-America's Funniest Home Videos, 9/8-Hope & Faith (back-to-back episodes), 10/9-20/20

CBS: 8/7-Ghost Whisperer, 9/8-Close to Home, 10/9-Numb3rs

NBC: 8/7-Dateline NBC, 9/8-Windfall, 10/9-Law & Order: Special Victim's Unit

FOX: 8/7-24 (season five premiere), 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!

Showtime: 11:30/10:30-Family Business

MTV2: 12/11-Celebrity Deathmatch, 12:30/11:30-Where My Dogs At?, 1/12-The Adventures of Chico & Guapo

Red font means new episode.

Windfall-June 15

2006-06-15T22:00:00.000-05:00

I may have hyped this show up a little too much last week. While I am still intrigued by the teen/Russian bride and pizza girl stories, none of the others have any spark at all. This whole episode was rather boring. It was almost as if the creative team ran out of ideas already. For like the third time already, someone cheated on their spouse. The murder story is going nowhere.

Hopefully the creative team can get the creative juices flowing or this show will go downhill very quickly. The show is still worth watching but I'm getting worried about its potential.

Gameshow Marathon-June 15

2006-06-15T19:55:00.000-05:00

Card Sharks is one of my favorite gameshows of all-time so I'm sad that these celebrities had to ruin it. Thank god that Paige Davis was finally eliminated. She had to be one of the most annoying celebrities I've ever seen.

Brande surprisingly played the game pretty well and moved onto the finals. She also won over $10,000 and a car for a lucky home viewer. Next week, Lance Bass and some comedian battle it out on Match Game for the right to face Brande in the finale.

Tonight's TV Schedule-June 15, 2006

2006-06-15T07:08:00.000-05:00

ABC: 8/7-America's Funniest Home Videos, 8:30/7:30-NBA Nation, 9/8-NBA Finals: Game 4: Mavericks at Heat

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-Dateline NBC, 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 (season premiere)

MTV: 9/8-Making the Band (season premiere), 9:30/8:30-Run's House (season premiere), 10/9-Pimp My Ride (season premiere)

Spike TV: 10/9-The Ultimate Fighter, 11/10-TNA: Impact!

Comedy Central: 10/9-The Showbiz Show With David Spade

Red font means new episode.

Dharma & Greg Comes to DVD June 13

2006-06-12T09:11:00.000-05:00

Press Release

IT'S LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT WHEN HIPPIE MEETS HARVARD
IN THE EMMY AWARD ® -NOMINATED COMEDY SERIES

DHARMA AND GREG
SEASON ONE DVD COLLECTION

Golden Globe® Winner Jenna Elfman and Golden Globe® Nominee Thomas Gibson
Share The Love When All 23 First Season Episodes Arrive June 13

On Three-Disc Collector's Edition DVD Set From Fox Home Entertainment

CENTURY CITY, Calif. – Two worlds collide when a free-spirited yoga instructor raised by hippies and an aristocratic-bred, Harvard-educated lawyer get married on their first date and prove that opposites attract to find true love in the hilarious series “ Dharma & Greg ,” debuting on DVD June 13 from Fox Home Entertainment. Experience the love and laughter of all 23 first season episodes with Golden Globe® and two-time TV Guide Awards® winner Jenna Elfman* (“Courting Alex”) in her breakout romantic comedy role alongside Golden Globe® nominee Thomas Gibson** (“Criminal Minds”) in the charming and whimsical series which tied for the People's Choice Award as Favorite New Television Comedy (1997). Nominated for six Emmy Awards®, “ Dharma & Greg ” was created by TV veteran Chuck Lorre (“Two and a Half Men,” “Cybill”) and Dottie Dartland (“Caroline in the City”) and features laugh-out-loud performances from Alan Rachins (“CSI”), Mimi Kennedy (“House, M.D.”), Susan Sullivan (“Hope and Faith”), Mitch Ryan ( Liar, Liar ) and Joel Murray (“Still Standing”).

Delivering hours of entertainment, the “ Dharma & Greg: Season One ” DVD collection features audio commentaries by various cast members, three hidden Easter Eggs with hilarious outtakes, “When Two Worlds Collide: The Dharma & Greg Story” featurette, a photo gallery and a “Reaching Your Inner Dharma” interactive game. The three-disc DVD set will be available for the suggested retail price of $39.98 U.S. / $54.98 Canada .

SYNOPSIS:

When free-spirited yoga instructor Dharma Finklestein (Elfman) meets conservative attorney Greg Montgomery (Gibson), it's love at first sight. Unfortunately, there is absolutely no love in the air when Dharma's hippie parents and Greg's blue-blood establishment parents
finally meet after their children have already married at a drive-thru chapel in Reno .
With friends and family all suggesting that a quick annulment would be best, it's no
surprise that the couple begins to second-guess their impulsive nuptials. But it's soon
evident that nothing can stand in the way of true love!

“ DHARMA & GREG: SEASON ONE ” DVD COLLECTION:

Presented in full screen 1:33:1 aspect ratio, the set also features English Dolby surround, Spanish stereo and English, Spanish and French subtitles. Individual disc content as follows:

Disc One – Side A

Pilot --Audio commentary by Jenna Elfman, Mimi Kennedy and Alan Rachins
And the In-Laws Meet
Shower the People You Love With Love
And Then There's the Wedding

Disc One – Side B

The Ex-Files
Yoga and Boo, Boo
Indian Summer
Mr. Montgomery Goes to Washington
Special Features:
- Hidden Easter Egg: Outtake from “The Ex-Files”

Disc Two – Side A

He Ain't Heavy, He's My Father --Audio commentary by Jenna Elfman, Mimi Kennedy and Alan Rachins
The First Thanksgiving
Instant Dharma
Haust Arrest

Disc Two – Side B

You Want Fries With That?
Old Yeller
The Second Coming of Leonard
Dharma and Greg's First Romantic Valentine's Day Weekend
Special Features:
- Hidden Easter Egg: Outtake from “The Second Coming of Leonard”

Disc Three – Side A

The Official Dharma & Greg Episode of the 1998 Winter Olympics --Audio commentary by Jenna Elfman, Mimi Kennedy and Alan Rachins
Daughter of the Bride of Finkelstein
Dharma's Tangled Web
The Cat's Out of the Bag

Disc Three – Side B

Spring Forward, Fall Down
Much Ado During Nothing
Invasion of the Buddy Snatcher
Special Features:
- “When Worlds Collide: The Dharma & Greg Story” featurette
- Vanity Cards” Art Gallery
- “Reaching Your Inner Dharma” Interactive Game
- Hidden Easter Egg: Outtake Montage

Tonight's TV Schedule-June 12, 2006

2006-06-12T09:10:00.000-05:00

ABC: 8/7-Wife Swap, 9/8-Supernanny, 10/9-How to Get the Guy (series premiere)

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 4: Hurricanes at Oilers

FOX: 8/7-Hell's Kitchen (two hour season premiere)

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

TNT: 9/8-The Closer (season premiere), 10/9-Saved (series premiere)

FOX Reality: 6/5-Solitary

ABC Family: 9/8-Falcon Beach

Lifetime: 9/8-Murder in My House (original telefilm), 11/10-Lovespring International

MTV: 10/9-The Real World/Road Rules Challenge, 10:30/9:30-Fast, Inc.

A&E: 8/7-Look, Up in the Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman (two hour special), 10/9-Rock, Paper, Scissors Championship (no, I'm not kidding)

Red font means new episode.

Doctor Who-June 9

2006-06-09T23:38:00.000-05:00

Doctor Who ended the season on a very high note. I am sad to see Christopher Eccleson go (he was such a great Doctor) but I'm sure the next Doctor will be just as good. The story was rock solid but I feel like it was kind of a cop out at the end. To take down those many Dalaks and not lose anything (other than the Doctor changing form) is kind of unrealistic. Actually keeping Jack dead would have been a good idea. He is a great character but there needed to be some consquences. Still, this episode was nearly perfect.

The Six-Pack: The Six Houseguests I Would Choose For Big Brother: All-Stars

2006-06-09T09:55:00.000-05:00

This summer, CBS will be airing an all-stars version of Big Brother. I've watched all six seasons and here are the six players that I think deserve another chance to play the game:

1. Howie-This jedi-in-training should be an obvious choice for the house. He wasn't a very smart player but he was just so entertaining.
He wasn't afraid to speak his mind and he was very lovable. What more could you ask for in a Big Brother houseguest?

2. Kaysar-Sure he has already had two shots at the game but he was jipped both times. The first time he was voted off mainly because he was Arab and a good player. The second time he was the victim of the bloodiest betrayal in reality TV history. Even though he will likely be an early boot (due to his strategic mind), he needs to be in the house.

3. Chicken George-He single-handidly made season one watchable. If it wasn't for him, that season would have been like watching paint dry. He played when there was absolutely no strategy in the game so he will have a tough time adjusting if he makes the house, but I'd love to see him play in this type of a game.

4. Jason-A nice guy who also knew how to strategize, Jason was one of my favorite houseguests of all-time. He isn't an explosive personality but he is one of the most lovable characters to ever play the game.

5. Jack-This ex-CIA agent was down in the game early but somehow managed to make it far. He knew how to strategize and was pretty funny. Those are two traits I want in a houseguest.

6. Alison-Like everybody else, I hated her. So why do I want her back in the game? It will be really nice to see her go first, that's why. Everybody will know she is a huge liar and will not trust her at all. I'd like to see her squirm in this type of a situation. We also need a villain or the house won't be too interesting.

Who would be your six choices for Big Brother All-Stars?

Tonight's TV Schedule-June 9, 2006

2006-06-09T09:10:00.000-05:00

ABC: 8/7-America's Funniest Home Videos, 9/8-Hope & Faith (back-to-back episodes), 10/9-20/20
CBS: 8/7-Ghost Whisperer, 9/8-Close to Home, 10/9-Numb3rs
NBC: 8/7-Dateline NBC, 9/8-Windfall, 10/9-Law & Order: Special Victim's Unit
FOX: 8/7-The Animal (movie)

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!

SciFi: 9/8-Doctor Who (season finale)

Showtime: 11:30/10:30-Family Business

E!: 10:30/9:30-The Chelsea Handler Show (season finale)

Red font means new episode.

Windfall-June 8

2006-06-08T22:07:00.000-05:00

After the first episode of this show I can tell that there is a lot of potential but the pilot didn't quite live up to my expectations. I think it probably was because of the huge number of characters and stories that needed to be introduced. If the rest of the episodes tackle on story and character each week, this could be a great show because some of the storylines are very intriguing. I especially like the kid/Russian bride one and the pizza delivery woman one. Once more time can be spent on each one, this show will probably pick up steam.

I did have a few problems with the pilot though. First of all, most of the winners didn't even seem that exciting. The first person to find out barely even celebrated. I also didn't think the acting was all that great. However, with the original stories being told I think this show can overcome that shortcoming.

Gameshow Marathon-June 8

2006-06-08T20:47:00.000-05:00

Once again, this game was dummied down for our celebrities. One of the questions was even about plastic surgery (which celebs should know a lot about). It also seemed like their were fewer whammies on the board than usual. However, Leslie Nielson still found a way to get four of them and get eliminated. Kathy moved on to the next round, meaning we get three annoying celebrities and an inept host next week. If I have to see Paige Davis with her dog again I'm going to barf. The only way I'll be happy is if Lance Bass somehow pulls off the win. He seems to be the only one that cares and doesn't annoy me.

At least the game was exciting for once. Both Kathy and Tim racked up tons of cash and prizes and kept things interesting until the very end. Tim did make a stupid move by not taking one spin himself at the end and passing the other. He may still not have won but his chances would have been better with this strategy.

Dog Bites Man-June 7

2006-06-08T14:56:00.000-05:00

This show is trying a little too hard to be the next The Office. It definitely has potential but it has a long way too go. However, The Office started off very slow as well. I almost stopped watching it even.

The concept of the show is that a documentary crew came down to a news station and filmed the daily happenings. While it doesn't have the individual camera confessionals like the NBC show, it is pretty much the same in every other way.

Thankfully, the show doesn't have an annoying, over-the-top character like Dwight on The Office. However, none of the actors are anything special and they need more polish in their delivery. It is still a decent show, it just needs some work.

Tonight's TV Schedule-June 8, 2006

2006-06-08T10:40:00.000-05:00

ABC: 8/7-NBA Nation, 9/8-NBA Finals Game 1: Heat at Marvericks
CBS: 8/7-Gameshow Marathon, 9/8-CSI, 10/9-Without a Trace
NBC: 8/7-My Name Is Earl (four back-to-back repeats), 10/9-Windfall
FOX: 8/7-So You Think You Can Dance (two hour episode)
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

MTV: 8:30/7:30-2006 MTV Movie Awards (two hour award show)

A&E: 10/9-Dallas S.W.A.T. (season finale)

Spike TV: 10/9-The Ultimate Fighter, 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

Red font means new episode.

Gameshow Marathon-June 7

2006-06-07T20:04:00.000-05:00

Our annoying celebrities got to play Beat the Clock tonight. I remember watching this old gameshow on GSN when I was younger and I used to love it. Unfortunately, my memories are now tarnished because of these horrible celebrities.

At least this time they represented the game well by playing exact copies of previous gems. The dried ice/cap and balloon games were incredibly funny. Of course, the celebrities had to ruin things by attempting to entertain us but actually annoying us. Paige's attempts to trash talk with the scissors was just embarassing and incredibly stupid. Kathy's whining about how she deserved the spot in winner's row was also idiotic. At least Leslie and Tim were smart enough to be quiet.

I had hoped that this show would improve in future episodes but it seems to have gotten even worse.

The Six-Pack: The Top Six Trends of the Upcoming Season

2006-06-07T12:23:00.000-05:00

Every year, the networks tend to have similar ideas and concepts. Last year it was supernatural shows (especially talking to the dead) and slightly improvised comedies (Sons & Daughters, Free Ride, and many cable shows all used this concept). Here are the things you will see on many networks this year:

1) Short (and Boring) Titles-Three out of four of CBS's new fall shows only have one word in their title. NBC has three. FOX has four. I have no idea why the networks are doing this. A title can be one of the biggest selling points so why would you make it short and nondescript. If I didn't already know, I wouldn't be able to tell you what any of CBS's shows were about based only on the name. Titles like Smith and Shark don't jump out at you and make you want to watch.

2) Saturday Night Live-esque shows-NBC has two of them-Tina Fey's comedy 30 Rock and Aaron Sorkin's dramatic Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. With SNL wearing down of late, I don't know if it was a smart move to add two similar shows to the lineup.

3) Running/Kidnapping/Vanishing-FOX has Vanished (about a Senator's vanished wife), The CW has Runaway (a family running from a crime they didn't commit), and NBC has Kidnapped (about a plot to kidnap a child from a wealthy family). To make matters worse, Vanished and Runaway are airing in the same spot. I can already tell that these three shows will get confusing to viewers and I'm afraid that all of them will be failures (even though they look like great ideas).

4) Soap Operas-My Network TV will be running two "telenovelas" every day of the week in September. ABC has a new soap Brothers & Sister that gets the comfy spot after Desperate Housewives. This has been a big category for years (thanks to Housewives) but this may be the biggest year yet for soap fans.

5) Great Show Concepts-I haven't ever seen a season so ripe with good ideas. I will probably watch most (if not all) of these new shows throughout the year. There are very few stinkers in this group. NBC especially blew me away with their lineup. 20 Good Years, Friday Night Lights, Heroes, Kidnapped, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, and 30 Rock all look spectacular. ABC and FOX both have solid ideas for serialized dramas. CBS has Jericho which could be the next Lost. There will be just too much good tv next season.

6) Feel-Good Type Comedies-On the heels of the success of My Name is Earl and Everybody Hates Chris comes a deluge of positive comedies. NBC has 20 Good Years (about two friends who realize they have twenty good years left in them and set out to make them the best ever) and Andy Barker, P.I. CBS has The Class (where a group of friends reunite at a class reunion). ABC has a pair of comedies about a wedding and a baby. Comedies are becoming less cruel and relying on other things to be funny.

Tonight's TV Schedule-June 7, 2006

2006-06-07T11:43:00.000-05:00

ABC: 8/7-George Lopez, 8:30/7:30-Freddie, 9/8-Lost, 10/9-Commander in Chief

CBS: 8/7-Gameshow Marathon, 9/8-Criminal Minds, 10/9-CSI: NY

NBC: 8/7-Dateline NBC, 9/8-Dateline NBC, 10/9-Law & Order

FOX: 8/7-So You Think You Can Dance (encore), 9/8-So You Think You Can Dance

WB: 8/7-Blue Collar TV, 8:30/7:30-Blue Collar TV, 9/8-One Tree Hill

UPN: 8/7-Gang of Roses (movie)

Bravo: 9/8-Celebrity Poker Showdown

A&E: 9/8-Inked (back-to-back new episodes), 10/9-Criss Angel: Mindfreak (back-to-back new episodes)

MTV: 10/9-The Hills, 10:30/9:30-Cheyenne

Comedy Central: 8/7-The Daily Show With Jon Stewart, 10:30/9:30-Dog Bites Man (series premiere)

Red font means new episode.

The Six-Pack: The Top Six Shows That Critics Hated But I Loved

2006-06-06T08:55:00.000-05:00

Unlike movie critics, I usually agree with what television critics have to say. Sure there have been critical darlings like The New Adventures of Old Christine that I have hated but I almost always concur with the critics. However, here are six shows that I loved but the critics didn't:

1. Committed-This quirky comedy about a mix-matched couple aired last January on NBC. The humor is of the stupid variety but I don't know if I've ever laughed more than I did at this show. Of the shows from last season, this is probably the one I miss the most.

2. Extreme Dodgeball-Very few people have probably heard of this (other than you gameshow fans) but this wacky show was funny and action packed. Surprisingly, the game was more exciting than any sport but football. The players were lovable and more relatable since many of them were just average people. This show deserved a much bigger audience.

3. Complete Savages-Maybe it was just that I related to the characters but I loved this show. Unfortunately, the critics hated it and it was cancelled midway through its first season. The acting wasn't that great and the plots were not very original but it was just so darn funny.

4. Murder in Small Town X-This murder mystery reality series is one of my most missed shows. It certainly wasn't for everyone but I would take this over a scripted mystery like CSI any day of the week. The show was very creepy, the actors playing the citizens were great, and the mystery was phenomenal. I've never theorized more about a reality series than this.

5. Surface-After Threshold was yanked, I thought this was the best new sci-fi show of the season. Critics constantly bashed it for its generic characters and plotlines but I loved it. It certainly was a whole lot better than the snoozefest that was Invasion (which critics loved).

6. Father of the Pride-This was a huge bust for NBC last season but I actually thought it was pretty good. The plot was a little limited but almost every episode was hilarious.

Which shows would be on your list?

New TV on DVD This Week (June 6)

2006-06-06T08:12:00.000-05:00

Entourage, The Complete Second Season
Home Improvement, The Complete Fourth Season
NCIS, The Complete First Season
Charmed, The Complete Fifth Season
Doctor Who, Story #78: Genesis of the Daleks
Doctor Who, Story #143: Revelation of the Daleks
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Season Two, Volume One
Air America, The Complete Series
Cheyenne, The Complete First Season
Def Poetry Jam, Season 4
F Troop, The Complete First Season
Kate & Allie, Seasons One & Two (Canada)
Power Rangers Mystic Force, Volume 1
The Time Tunnel, Volume 2
What's New Scooby-Doo?, Vol. 9: Route Scary-Six
The X-Files, Seasons 7, 8, and 9 (new release)
The Wild, Wild West, Season 1
The Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin, Volume 3
Combat!, Best of the New Replacements
Combat!, Best of the Squad
The Godzilla Power Hour, Volume 1
The Godzilla Power Hour, Volume 2
Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Q Fan Collective

Some pretty big releases today. NCIS finally gets released and Entourage, Home Improvement, Charmed, and Doctor Who all get their next releases. Will you pick anything up this week?

Tonight's TV Schedule-June 6, 2006

2006-06-06T07:46:00.000-05:00

ABC: 8/7-According to Jim, 8:30/7:30-Rodney, 9/8-According to Jim, 9:30/8:30-Less Than Perfect, 10/9-Boston Legal

CBS: 8/7-NCIS, 9/8-The Unit, 10/9-48 Hours Mystery

NBC: 8/7-Last Comic Standing (recap episode), 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 (season premiere), 10/9-Queer Eye (season premiere)

FX: 10/9-Rescue Me

Oxygen: 10/9-The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency (series premiere)

MTV: 10/9-The Real World, 10:30/9:30-Blowin' Up

A&E: 9/8-Dog the Bounty Hunter

Comedy Central: 8/7-The Daily Show With Jon Stewart, 8:30/7:30-The Colbert Report

Red font means new episode.

The Apprentice-June 5

2006-06-05T22:01:00.000-05:00

Going into the finale, I thought Sean pretty much had it wrapped up and I was right. Personally, I would have picked Lee for his youth and potential but he didn't do a very good job on his task. However, I think the Trump Organization needs someone that can identify with younger consumers.

Compared to past disasterous season finales, this one was much better. It was probably mainly due to the fact that it was only ninety minutes long. At least Trump didn't waste time like he usually does and he actually kept his teleprompter reading to a minimum.

Thankfully, we will get a break before the next season of this fading reality show. Hopefully this time off will give The Apprentice some of its luster back.

Deal or No Deal-June 5

2006-06-05T21:20:00.000-05:00

Why did they have to stretch out the one game into a ninety minute episode? Sometimes we would only get one case opened before another commercial. They should have finished her game quicker and let Howie play for charity or something. The way they did it made it one of the more boring episodes of the season despite the $5 million prize.

I've also got another rule to add to my "laws of Deal or No Deal"-do not sing under any circumstances. Between Celine Dion and the contestant, I heard that stupid song at least five times. The constant DHL advertising also annoyed me. How many times did they have to show their employees?

The contestant won $196,000 after she held onto the $5 million for quite awhile. However, her case contained $750,000 so she didn't make such a good deal.

Lifetime and GSN Order Series, FOX Reveals Hell's Kitchen Participants, Deadwood Gets Revived (for awhile), and More

2006-06-05T14:36:00.000-05:00

GSN has ordered 65 new episodes of Chain Reaction. The gameshow was first aired on NBC. It will begin airing on GSN in the middle of summer.
Deadwood is not quite dead yet. HBO has agreed to air four hours worth of tv-movies to wrap up the series
Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes has agreed to a three year, $10 million production deal with Touchstone Television. She is currently working on an untitled drama which Grey's alum Jeffrey Dean Morgan will star on.
FX has picked up thirteen episodes of Courteney Cox's Dirt.
ESPN has cancelled Bonds on Bonds due to creative differences with star Barry Bonds.
Lifetime has ordered twenty episodes of the German soap Bianca.
FOX has announced the twelve contestants for the second season of Hell's Kitchen.

New Poll Question-What was the best new show of the season?

2006-06-05T14:15:00.000-05:00

I made my picks last Thursday. Now, it's your turn to voice your opinion. Vote for your favorite show in the upper right corner of my blog. If you think I've forgotten a show that deserves mention in the poll, post it in the comments section. Look for a new poll question every week or so.

Tonight's TV Schedule-June 5, 2006

2006-06-05T08:35:00.000-05:00

ABC: 8/7-Wife Swap, 9/8-George Lopez, 9:30/8:30-2006 ALMA Awards (90 minute award ceremony)
CBS: 8/7-The 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-Deal or No Deal (90 minute season finale), 9:30/8:30-The Apprentice (90 minute season finale)
FOX: 8/7-Rush Hour 2 (movie)
WB: 8/7-Everwood (two hour series finale)
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 (series premiere)
ABC Family: 9/8-Falcon Beach
Lifetime: 9/8-Island Heat: Stranded (telefilm), 11/10-Lovespring International (series premiere)
Showtime: 10/9-Penn & Teller: Bull**** (season finale)
MTV: 10/9-The Real World/Road Rules Challenge, 10:30/9:30-Fast, Inc. (series premiere)

Red font means new episode.

Tonight's TV Schedule-June 4, 2006

2006-06-04T15:51:00.000-05:00

ABC: 7/6-America's Funniest Home Videos, 8/7-Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, 9/8-Desperate Housewives, 10/9-Grey's Anatomy
CBS: 7/6-60 Minutes, 8/7-Cold Case, 9/8-Ocean's Eleven (movie)
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-War At Home, 9/8-Family Guy, 9:30/8:30-American Dad
WB: 8/7-Charmed, 9/8-Charmed
ABC Family: 8/7-Falcon Beach (two hour premiere)
E!: 10/9-The Simple Life (season premiere)
HBO: 9/8-The Sopranos (spring finale), 10/9-Big Love (season finale)
Showtime: 10/9-Huff
VH1: 9/8-My Fair Brady, 9:30/8:30-Hogan Knows Best, 10/9-Supergroup
Lifetime: 5/4-A Job to Kill For (two hour telefilm)

Red font means new episode.

Doctor Who (2005)-June 2

2006-06-02T21:05:00.000-05:00

This episode poking fun and game/reality shows was hilarious. It was the best episode since the first one. I can't wait to find out what happens next. It's a shame that some of the reality shows couldn't have been American ones. It would have been awesome to see Captain Jack on Survivor or American Idol.

If you missed the episode and want to know what happened, read on. If you plan to still watch it, stop reading now.

The Doctor, Rose, and Captain Jack all wound up on different gameshows. Unfortunately, the punishment for losing these shows is death. Doctor Who and Jack break out of their gameshows and get to Rose just in time to see her get disintegrated. However, after taking over the command center, Jack realizes that the losers were just sent to another spaceship-one that is commanded by Daleks. The Doctor vows to defeat the thousands of Daleks and rescue Rose.

What did you think of the episode?

Honoring the Dead of the 2005-2006 TV Season

2006-06-02T19:05:00.000-05:00

This website has the complete list of deaths during the 2005-2006 television season. Obviously, 24 had the most deaths with ten (8 if you take out the two very minor characters-Jenny and Dwayne). Alias had seven in its final season (including three in the finale). Surprisingly, Veronica Mars had six. This list is very alarming. TV deaths have become so common that many of them aren't even surprises anymore.

I'd have to say the most shocking death for me was Andrea on Ghost Whisperer. I thought the producers did a great job of hiding it and I was completely shocked when it was revealed. The Ana Lucia/Libby double murder was also a complete shock to me. The most ridiculous death had to be Jack on Close to Home. I didn't follow the show after January but this death makes very little sense at all. I know the producers want to make it less confined to small town crime but then the show just becomes a formulaic procedural. Killing off Annabeth's husband just seems cruel and unnecessary.

Which death did you think was most shocking? The most unnecessary? Do you think TV deaths are getting out of hand? Feel free to discuss in the comments section.

The Week in Posts (May 26-June 2)

2006-06-02T18:52:00.000-05:00

This was the biggest week in The Couch Potato's short history. I started a new column, had my first blog-a-thon, and started my awards for the 2005-2006 season. Here is the complete wrap-up of the action:

NBC's Shuffled Fall Lineup-I took a look at NBC's second version of their fall lineup.
New TV on DVD This Week (May 30)-The usual weekly recap of new DVD sets.
Laws of Deal or No Deal-A new column looking at the laws the cast of shows should follow.
Most Shocking Moments of the 2005-2006 Season-The first of a series of articles looking at the best of the past season.
Online Video Clip of the Day-May 31-The second new column started this week.
Best New Characters of the 2005-2006 Season-From Barney to Michael Scofield, this was a great year for new characters.
Game Show Marathon-May 31-I was quite disappointed by this show.
Best New Shows of the 2005-2006 Season
Upcoming Summer Shows (June)
If Jack Bauer Was On.....Grey's Anatomy During the Bomb Episode-The first of many fictional accounts of Bauer's exploits on other shows.

Tonight's TV Schedule-June 2, 2006

2006-06-02T11:28:00.000-05:00

ABC: 8/7-America's Funniest Home Videos, 9/8-Hope & Faith, 10/9-20/20
CBS: 8/7-Ghost Whisperer, 9/8-Close to Home, 10/9-Numb3rs
NBC: 8/7-Dateline NBC, 9/8-Last Comic Standing (repeat of the two hour premiere)
FOX: 8/7-Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (movie)
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!
SciFi: 9/8-Doctor Who
E!: 10:30/9:30-The Chelsea Handler Show

If Jack Bauer Was On......Grey's Anatomy During the Bomb Episode

2006-06-01T08:43:00.000-05:00

Note: This is a new column exploring how our favorite hero Jack Bauer would react on other television shows and in real life situations.

Alex: "This patient has live ammunition in him."
Dr. Jack Bauer: "How the heck did he get that in him? Tell me what I need to know!"
Alex: "His friend shot him with a bazooka."
Jack: "Son of a *****. This man is a moron. He doesn't deserve my attention."

(Alex leaves. Jack approaches Hannah and the patient).

Hannah (the one with her hand in the patient): "You know you could be a little nicer. I'm sure it was just an accident."
Jack: "That's unacceptable. He knew the risks in operating a bazooka. He should have taken the necessary precautions."
Hannah: "Still, you don't have to act like that Dr. House on television."
Jack: "When I'm done with this operation you will wish you worked for him."

(Jack and company wait for the bomb squad to arrive. They finally do.)

Bomb Squad Guy: "Why do you have your hand stuck in him?"
Jack (interrupting): "She doesn't know what she's doing, that's why. I can't live with this incompetence."
Hannah: "Fine, do it yourself. I'm out of here." (She runs out of the room. Jack quickly replaces her hand.)

Bomb Squad Guy: "I'm going to go get another doctor since you are a little preoccupied."
Jack: "No you won't. I'm not going to have another inept doctor work on this case. I'll do it myself.

(Jack somehow finishes the operation with his one free hand. He hands the bomb to the bomb guys. He follows them out the door.)

BOOM! (bomb squad guy blows up).

Jack (screaming): "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

(Jack mourns for awhile but gets back to work on the finishing touches of the surgery. He hits a rough stretch near the end; the patient is nearly dead).

Jack (frantically applying shock therapy): "Don't die on me."

(The patient dies. Jack cradles his patient for awhile but eventually gets over it. He sets out to interrogate the man's buddy.)

Jack (interrogating the friend): "You shot him on purpose, didn't you?"
Friend: "No, I swear. It was an accident."
Jack: "Cooperate with me or you will be in as much pain as your friend was."
Friend: "I said it was just an accident."
Jack: "It wasn't and you know it." (He starts to get animated) "TELL ME WHAT I NEED TO KNOW!!!!!!!!!" (screaming and knocking over his desk).
Friend: "Alright, alright. I caught him cheating with my wife. I meant to kill him."
Jack: "George, take him away. He'll be getting a nice prison cell."

So, what did you think? Was this fan fiction corny or did you enjoy it? Which show do you want me to place Jack in next? Feel free to discuss in the comments section.

Upcoming Summer Shows (June)

2006-06-01T01:12:00.000-05:00

June 4-Falcon Beach (ABC Family) 8/7 (two hour premiere): Seems a lot like Dawson's Creek.

June 4-The Simple Life (E!) 10/9: Paris and Nicole return to their hijinxs (though not together).

June 6-Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List (Bravo) 9/8: Our favorite D-lister continues her climb up the celebrity ranks.

June 6-The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency (Oxygen) 10/9: The former America's Next Top Model judge gets her own show.

June 6-Queer Eye (Bravo) 10/9

June 7-Dog Bites Man (Comedy Central) 10:30/9:30: A sketch style look at local news.

June 8-Windfall (NBC) 10/9: The only network scripted show to air this summer. The plot is intriguing.

June 10-Celebrity Deathmatch (MTV2) 12/11

June 11-The 4400 (USA) 9/8 (two hour premiere): The hit science fiction show returns.

June 11-Deadwood (HBO) 9/8: Those lucky enough to have HBO get a treat in Deadwood.

June 11-Entourage (HBO) 10/9:.....and Entourage.

June 12-The Closer (TNT) 9/8: The smash hit crime drama begins its second season.

June 12-Hell's Kitchen (FOX) 9/8: The chef gets to yell at more people starting tonight.

June 12-How to Get the Guy (ABC) 10/9

June 12-Saved (TNT) 10/9: TNT hopes they hit paydirt with a new drama again this year.

June 13-Tuesday Night Book Club (CBS) 10/9

June 18-Treasure Hunters (NBC) 8/7 (two hour premiere): This is the show that I am most excited for this summer. I think it may just be the next big summer reality hit.

June 18-The Dead Zone (USA) 10/9

June 21-America's Got Talent (NBC) 8/7 (two hour premiere): NBC hopes they have the next American Idol.

June 22-Masters of Champions (ABC) 8/7: This very odd looking show looks like it might be fun.

June 26-Kyle XY (ABC Family) 8/7

June 28-Blade: The Series (Spike) 10/9 (two hour premiere): This might be the show that puts Spike TV on the map.

June 29-It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX) 10/9: FX brings back its lone original comedy.

What will you be sampling in June?

Best New Shows of the 2005-2006 Season

2006-06-01T00:42:00.000-05:00

As the television season has wrapped, I've decided to honor the best of the year. So far, I've recounted the most shocking moments and the best new characters. Today's category is best new show. From the adventures of a young Chris Rock to the exploits of a group of convicts, it has been a great season for new shows. Here are some of the best:

Prison Break-Duh. This was the hottest new show of the year for so many reasons. The cast was great, the story was intriguing, and Wentworth Miller was the breakout star of the year.
How I Met Your Mother-My favorite new comedy of the year. This show combines good humor and a somewhat serialized story. Barney brought so many catchphrases to the table. It is no wonder why it is my favorite new comedy.
My Name Is Earl-The exploits of Earl and Randy made for great television. Unfortunately, it seemed to drop in quality later in the year.
Everybody Hates Chris-A great family comedy which didn't quite get the viewership it deserved.
Supernatural-I was somewhat disappointed in this show because I was hoping it would be more like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. However, it is still a great show.
Deal or No Deal-Until NBC decided to put it on its schedule three nights a week, this was one exciting game show.
Reunion-This was cancelled very early and it was slightly disappointing, but it was still one of the best new shows.
Surface-My favorite of the science fiction shows this season. Invasion was too slow and Threshold was kind of repetitive. Surface moved at just the right speed.

Make sure to vote for your favorite new show and feel free to nominate any that I may have forgotten. Tomorrow, I will take a look at the shows that improved this season.

Tonight's TV Schedule-June 1, 2006

2006-06-01T00:08:00.000-05:00

ABC: 8/7-National Spelling Bee (two hour special), 10/9-Primetime
CBS: 8/7-Gameshow Marathon, 9/8-CSI, 10/9-Without a Trace
NBC: 8/7-The Office (four back-to-back episodes), 10/9-ER
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
Logo: 8:30/7:30-So NoTORIous (season finale)
A&E: 10/9-Dallas SWAT

Red font means new episode.

Farina Leaving Law & Order, Rodriguez Leaves Jail, and More

2006-05-31T23:19:00.000-05:00

Dennis Farina is leaving Law & Order. Also, Conviction star Milena Govich will be joining the show in the fall (probably filling the ADA spot).
Michelle Rodriguez (Anna-Lucia on Lost) has been released from jail after only serving one of her 60 days (due to overcrowding).
Angela Ruggiero is the Olympian America selected to fill one of the slots on the sixth season of The Apprentice.
Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Denny on Grey's Anatomy and the dad on Supernatural) is finally getting a lead spot on Shonda Rhime's ABC pilot.
NBC will air a clip show of USA Network's The 4400 on Saturday, June 3, 9/8 PM.
The Television Critics Association has released their nominees for their award categories.

Game Show Marathon-May 31

2006-05-31T22:31:00.000-05:00

I came into this show with very high expectations but quickly found out that it wasn't warranted. I haven't been so disappointed with a show since Invasion. Ricki Lake was so bad as host that she is in contention with Rob Nelson (host of The Scholar) for worst reality host ever. The celebrity contestants were complete morons and had no idea how to play the game. Only once did they smartly use the bid $1 more method (thank goodness for Lance Bass). The winner asked if the trip to Australia was by boat or plane. She also thought that a sofa was worth $6,999. The games weren't even played the same way as in the real show. For example, Hole in One is always actually Hole in Two. Plus, Bob Barker would always take the putt first for inspiration.

This show would be so much better if they used normal people, had the regular hosts (if possible), and played the games the correct way. Otherwise, it is just a crappy attempt at a new gameshow.

Best New Characters of the 2005-2006 Season

2006-05-31T13:15:00.000-05:00

As the television season has wrapped, I've decided to honor the best of the year. Yesterday, I remembered the most shocking moments of the season. Today's category is best new character. From prison inmates on Prison Break to suit wearing wisecrackers on How I Met Your Mother, it has been a great season for new characters. Here are some of the best:

Martha Logan (Jean Smart) on 24. With her husband being the biggest traitor in US history, Martha had a lot of chances to shine and she did.
Christopher Henderson (Peter Weller) on 24. Quite possibly the best 24 villain since Nina Meyers. It's a shame he only had a year on the show.
Karl (Richard Burgi) on Desperate Housewives. Technically, not new but he had so minor of a role last season that I'm still nominating him. He was one of the few bright spots of this season on Housewives.
Julius (Terry Crews) on Everybody Hates Chris. The pennypinching dad is the best character on this great comedy.
Addison Shepherd (Kate Walsh) on Grey's Anatomy. She could have easily been a hated character but she made us sympathize with her.
Barney (Neil Patrick Harris) on How I Met Your Mother. This should be pretty obvious. He is the star of this superb comedy.
Sheriff Tom Underlay (William Fichtner) on Invasion. I may not have been a huge fan of this show but I still recognized the talents of Fichtner.
Dave (Tyler Labine) on Invasion. He made this dull show watchable.
Mr. Eko (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) on Lost. The best "tailie" added to the show.
Henry Gale (Michael Emerson) on Lost. This "other" quickly became by second favorite character on the show due to Emerson's great acting.
Earl (Jason Lee) on My Name Is Earl. The main character of the top-rated comedy has to be nominated for this.
Randy (Ethan Suplee) on My Name Is Earl. I personally find him to be funnier than Earl.
Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller) on Prison Break. The chicks love him and his acting is very solid.

Make sure to vote for your favorite new character and feel free to nominate any that I may have forgotten. Tonight, I will take a look at the best new shows of the season.

2006 Blog-a-Thon

2006-05-31T12:11:00.000-05:00

Today and tomorrow will be my first annual blog-a-thon. Expect plenty of posts including more "best of...." articles, the "Laws of Lost," a memorial article on those who lost their lives during the television season, and a whole lot more. I will also launch "If Jack Bauer Was On....."; a new column featuring short stories about what our favorite hero would be like on other shows/in real life. Also, make sure to check out our other blogs as they will be updated as well. Here is the list:

TV-A-Holic (my blog recapping what I watch each day)
The Box Office (my movie blog)
Dollars Galore (a blog detailing how to earn money online)
The Gaming Guru (our video game blog)
Packers Nation (our Green Bay Packers/football blog)

Online Video Clip of the Day-May 31

2006-05-31T09:16:00.000-05:00

If you watched the Last Comic Standing season premiere last night and want more stand-up, NBC.com is having a competition for comics that didn't make it to the semifinals. Some of the material was already shown and a lot of it isn't that funny but it is still a good use of fifteen minutes. I thought that Sapna Kumar was the funniest and Frances Dilorenzo made me laugh a few times. The rest weren't very funny. After you watch the clips, you can vote on your favorite. Two finalists will get to perform on the season finale.

Link

Tonight's TV Schedule-May 31, 2006

2006-05-31T09:15:00.000-05:00

ABC: 8/7-George Lopez, 8:30/7:30-Freddie, 9/8-Lost, 10/9-Commander in Chief
CBS: 8/7-Gameshow Marathon, 9/8-Criminal Minds, 10/9-CSI: NY
NBC: 8/7-Dateline NBC, 9/8-Deal or No Deal, 10/9-Law & Order
FOX: 8/7-Bones, 9/8-So You Think You Can Dance?
WB: 8/7-Blue Collar TV, 8:30/7:30-Blue Collar TV, 9/8-One Tree Hill
UPN: 8/7-My Baby's Daddy (movie)
A&E: 9/8-Inked (one hour season premiere), 10/9-Criss Angel: Mindfreak (one hour season premiere)
MTV: 10/9-The Hills (season premiere), 10:30/9:30-Cheyenne (season premiere)
Bravo: 9/8-Celebrity Poker Showdown (two hour season premiere)
SciFi: 9/8-Ghost Hunters (90 minute season finale)
VH1: 9/8-VH1 Rock Honors (two hour award show)
Travel: 9/8-World Poker Tour (two hour season premiere)

Red font means new episode.

A load of new series begins tonight. CBS has Gameshow Marathon for the gameshow fans. A&E and MTV both have a pair of reality series. Finally, Bravo and Travel Channel kick off their poker tournaments. Are you going to watch any of these new shows?

Most Shocking Moments of the 2005-2006 Season

2006-05-30T11:03:00.000-05:00

As the television season has wrapped, I've decided to honor the best of the year. Today's category is most shocking moment. From bombs in hospitals to murder on Lost, it has been a very shocking season of television. Here are some of the best:

Michael murders Anna Lucia and Libby on Lost and lets not-Henry Gale go free. I was pretty sure that Michael was with The Others but even I couldn't expect him to murder two people.
Melinda's best friend and only one of three regulars, Andrea, is killed by a crashed plane. This was very well done as I had no idea she was dead until the last few minutes of the episode. It was tough to pull off, but they nailed it.
President Logan is revealed to be a traitor on 24. I wasn't shocked by most of the deaths on this show. I kind of had a feeling that someone high up was a traitor but even I couldn't guess that the President was the traitor.
Izzie takes matters into her own hands and puts Denny into critical condition/Burke is shot/Denny dies and Izzie quits on Grey's Anatomy.
The bomb in the hospital on Grey's Anatomy. This whole episode was shocking.
The vice president is behind the conspiracy and kills the President on Prison Break.
Sam's daughter is the killer on Reunion. This never aired but it would have been a shock if it did.
J.D.'s new girlfriend is pregnant on Scrubs.
Jim and Pam kiss on The Office. I really did not expect this relationship to move so quick.
Beaver is the killer on Veronica Mars. I never even expected this quiet character to be a murderer. At first, I felt kind of cheated because there wasn't anything indicating him but I quickly realized that there was.

Make sure to vote for your favorite moment and feel free to nominate any that I may have forgot. Tomorrow, I will take a look at the best new characters of the season.

Laws of Deal or No Deal

2006-05-30T09:22:00.000-05:00

Note: This is a somewhat lighthearted series that looks at shows and the lessons that you should learn from them. We kick this new column of with Deal or No Deal.

1) In most cases, take the deal if there is only one higher amount than the offer left on the board. So many people have lost boatloads of money by not following this rule.

2) Do not break the phone/knock over your case/touch the models/etc. as the banker does not look kindly on that sort of behavior.

3) Do not make the banker mad. If he hates you, he may take a little discount off his offer.

4) Don't hate the banker. I have no idea why we are supposed to hate the banker. In almost every game, he has made a better offer than what the contents of the case was. He is basically giving you money so why would you hate him?

5) Look confident/gutsy as the banker tends to take a discount off offers to less risky players.

6) For the love of God, please DO NOT DANCE. It won't hurt your offer but it really makes me mad. Deal or No Deal has had some of the worst dance routines that I have ever seen. Please don't embarrass yourself with your horrible attempts at dancing.

7) Do not pause/reconsider/etc. as it only gives Howie a chance to go to commercial.

8) Beat Howie up for me if he says any of the following:
"If you hit one of the high amounts, the bank offer is going way down." (well, duh)
"Meal or no meal." (or any variation on that stupid catchphrase)
"Hit one of the low amounts." (Why would I want to hit a high amount?)
"That's not bad." (when you hit $50,000 or $100,000, yes it is bad).
"Do you need a little time?" (How hard is it for a model to open a stinking case?)
Any corny remark aimed at the banker (once again, the banker is GOOD).

As more ideas come to me, I will update this post. If you have any ideas for this list, please post them in the comments section.

New TV on DVD This Week (May 30)

2006-05-30T08:42:00.000-05:00

Numb3rs, Season One
Night Stalker, The Complete Series
Joey, The Complete First Season
Rollergirls, The Complete Season One
Will & Grace, Series Finale
The Dukes of Hazzard, The Complete Sixth Season
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Seasons 1-7 (new packaging)
ALF, Season Three
ALF: The Animated Series, 20,000 Years in Driving School
Queer as Folk, Season Five
The Venture Bros., Season One
The Tomorrow People, Set 3
The Kids in the Hall, Season Four
Alftales, Alf and the Beanstalk
American Muscle Car, Season Two
The Doris Day Show, Season Three
and more

Tonight's TV Schedule-May 30, 2006

2006-05-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

ABC: 8/7-According to Jim, 8:30/7:30-Rodney, 9/8-According to Jim, 9:30/8:30-Less Than Perfect, 10/9-Boston Legal
CBS: 8/7-NCIS, 9/8-The Unit, 10/9-48 Hours Mystery
NBC: 8/7-Last Comic Standing (two hour season premiere), 10/9-Law & Order: Special Victim's Unit
FOX: 8/7-Shanghai Knights (movie)
WB: 8/7-Gilmore Girls, 9/8-Pepper Dennis
UPN: 8/7-America's Next Top Model, 9/8-Veronica Mars
FX: 10/9-Rescue Me (season premiere)
A&E: 9/8-Dog the Bounty Hunter
MTV: 10/9-The Real World, 10:30/9:30-Blowin' Up

Red font means new episode.

Tonight's TV Schedule-May 29, 2006

2006-05-29T10:26:00.000-05:00

ABC: 8/7-NBA Nation, 8:30/7:30-Pistons at Heat Game 4
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-Deal or No Deal, 9/8-The Apprentice, 10/9-Medium
FOX: 8/7-2 Fast 2 Furious (movie)
WB: 8/7-7th Heaven, 9/8-Everwood
UPN: 8/7-One on One, 8:30/7:30-All of Us, 9/8-Girlfriends, 9:30/8:30-Half & Half
Lifetime: 9/8-Between (original telefilm)
MTV: 10/9-The Real World/Road Rules Challenge (one hour season premiere)
Showtime: 10/9-Penn & Teller: Bull****

Red font means new episode.

Tonight's TV Schedule-May 28, 2006

2006-05-28T10:40:00.000-05:00

ABC: 7/6-America's Funniest Home Videos, 8/7-Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, 9/8-Desperate Housewives, 10/9-Grey's Anatomy
CBS: 7/6-60 Minutes, 8/7-Cold Case, 9/8-We Were Soldiers (movie)
NBC: 7/6-Dateline NBC (special two hour episode), 9/8-Law & Order: Criminal Intent, 10/9-Crossing Jordan
FOX: 7/6-NASCAR Racing (Nextel Cup)
WB: 8/7-Charmed, 9/8-Charmed
Lifetime: 5/4-Arthur Hailey's Detective
Bravo: 9/8-Inside the Actors Studio
VH1: 9/8-My Fair Brady (season premiere), 9:30/8:30-Hogan Knows Best, 10/9-Supergroup

Red font means new episode.

NBC's Shuffled Fall Lineup

2006-05-26T08:42:00.000-05:00

Due mainly to ABC's decision to put Grey's Anatomy on Thursday, NBC has decided to shuffle their lineup for the fall significantly. Here is their new schedule:

MONDAY
8-9 p.m. "Deal or No Deal"
9-10 p.m. "HEROES"
10-11 p.m. "STUDIO 60 ON THE SUNSET STRIP" (new day and time)

TUESDAY
8-9 p.m. "FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS"
9-10 p.m. "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" (new day and time)
10-11 p.m. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"

WEDNESDAY
8-8:30 p.m. "20 GOOD YEARS" (new time)
8:30-9 p.m. "30 ROCK" (new time)
9-10 p.m. "The Biggest Loser" (new time);
10-11 p.m. "KIDNAPPED" (new day and time)

THURSDAY
8-8:30 p.m. "My Name Is Earl"
8:30-9 p.m. "The Office"
9-10 p.m. "Deal or No Deal" (new day and time)
10-11 p.m. "ER"/("THE BLACK DONNELLYS" in January 2007)

FRIDAY
8-9 p.m. "Crossing Jordan" (new day and time)
9-10 p.m. "Las Vegas"
10-11 p.m. "Law & Order" (new day)

SATURDAY
8-9 p.m. "Dateline Saturday"
9-11 p.m. Drama Series Encores

SUNDAY
7-8 p.m. "FOOTBALL NIGHT IN AMERICA"
8-11 p.m. "SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL"

Personally, I think this is even worse than the original schedule. Putting two Law & Orders on the same night is a horrible idea. The poor original Law & Order is stuck on Friday (where it will likely die). Monday is incredibly risking (with two new dramas and Deal or No Deal, which is sure to drop in ratings soon). Medium isn't even on the schedule anymore (it will return midseason). The one idea I do like is putting Deal or No Deal up against the two heavy hitters on Thursday. It is a good bit of counterprogramming for the two dramas.

What do you think of NBC's new schedule?

Tonight's TV Schedule-May 26, 2006

2006-05-26T08:37:00.000-05:00

ABC: 8/7-Freaky Friday (movie), 10/9-20/20
CBS: 8/7-Ghost Whisperer, 9/8-Close to Home, 10/9-Numb3rs
NBC: 8/7-Dateline NBC, 9/8-Las Vegas, 10/9-Law & Order: Special Victim's Unit
FOX: 8/7-Mona Lisa Smile (movie)
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!
VH1: 11:30/10:30-Can't Get a Date
Showtime: 11:30/10:30-Family Business
E!: 10:30/9:30-The Chelsea Handler Show

Red font means new episode.

Tonight's TV Schedule-May 25, 2006

2006-05-25T08:36:00.000-05:00

ABC: 8/7-Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle (movie), 10/9-Primetime
CBS: 8/7-Numb3rs, 9/8-CSI, 10/9-Without a Trace
NBC: 8/7-Will & Grace (two episodes), 9/8-My Name Is Earl, 9:30/8:30-The Office, 10/9-ER
FOX: 8/7-So You Think You Can Dance (two hour season premiere)
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
Bravo: 8/7-The Jake Effect (six unaired episodes)
SpikeTV: 10/9-The Ultimate Fighter, 11/10-TNA: Impact!
Comedy Central: 10/9-The Showbiz Show With David Spade

Red font means new episode.

My Dream Emmy Ballot Part Two

2006-05-24T23:30:00.000-05:00

If you missed my first post (covering the best show and lead actors/actresses categories), click here to read it.

Supporting Comedy Actress:

Jaime Pressly (My Name Is Earl)-Everybody was surprised at how good a job Pressly did and I agree.
Sarah Chalke (Scrubs)-Chalke can be very funny at times.
Judy Reyes (Scrubs)
Jenna Fischer (The Office)-Easily the most believable and one of the most loveable members of the show.
Nicollette Sheridan (Desperate Housewives)-I didn't have any other good choices for the last slot so I picked the underused Sheridan.

Supporting Comedy Actor:

Ethan Suplee (My Name Is Earl)-Jason Lee is hilarious as Earl but even he is overshadowed by Suplee.
John Krasinski (The Office)-Even funnier than Steve Carell.
John C. McGinley (Scrubs)-Always hilarious.
Will Arnett (Arrested Development)-The best of the talented supporting actors/actresses on this show.
Donald Faison (Scrubs)

Supporting Drama Actress:

Sandra Oh (Grey's Anatomy)-One of the many spectacular actresses on Grey's.
Katherine Heigl (Grey's Anatomy)
Jean Smart (24)-Played an outstanding first lady. Too bad it was probably her only season.
Chandra Wilson (Grey's Anatomy)

Supporting Drama Actor:

Michael Emerson (Lost)-I don't know if he qualifies (seeing as he was just a guest star) but he was the best addition to Lost this season. He instantly became my second favorite character. Behind.......
Terry O'Quinn (Lost)-He should have won this award last year.
Josh Holloway (Lost)-He should have been nominated last year.
Gregory Itzin (24)-Itzin shined as a corrupt President on 24.
Isiah Washington (Grey's Anatomy)-The George/Burke moments won me over. In my opinion, he is better than award favorite Patrick Dempsey.

My Choices For Winners:
Supporting Comedy Actress: Jaime Pressly
Supporting Comedy Actor: Ethan Suplee
Supporting Drama Actress: Sandra Oh
Supporting Drama Actor: Terry O'Quinn

There you have it. My person picks for who I'd like to see nominated. Feel free to discuss/insult/praise my picks in the comments section.

"Lost"-The Season Finale

2006-05-24T22:19:00.000-05:00

The season finale of Lost was very strange but pretty good. It pales in comparison to the first season finale though. The biggest news had to be that the computer numbers are actually important (and might have caused our castaways to crash on the island). Other big events included the capture of Kate, Jack, Sawyer, and Hurley (who was subsequently released); the uncertain fates of both Locke and Ecko; and the possible destruction of the hatch.

Overall, this was a solid finale which left a lot to theorize about during the offseason. While the revelation that the numbers do matter and may have caused the plane crash was awesome, I wish more questions would have been answered. The episode was still pretty good though. What did you think?

"24" and "The Amazing Race" To Be Turned Into Games

2006-05-24T13:31:00.000-05:00

The 24 game is due out in August and has you take on the role of a CTU agent. In the game, a terrorist attack occurs and you have to choose which clues to follow to stop the full plan from fulfillment. A DVD is included for certain gameplay features. Future expansions are planned.

The Amazing Race one is mainly a DVD game. Players will face all the challenges the real racers face (from yields to pit stops). This one is due in the fourth quarter and expansions are also planned.

I'll probably buy both if they are the right price. Will you?

My Dream Emmy Ballot

2006-05-24T07:25:00.000-05:00

Best Comedy:

My Name Is Earl-Fantastic cast, consistently funny, and original.
Scrubs-Probably the best season yet for the medical comedy
Arrested Development-While not up to the standards of the first two seasons, it was still hilarious while it lasted.
The Office-Went from almost sure cancellation to hit comedy.
How I Met Your Mother-I know that this comedy doesn't have a chance for nomination but I personally found it to be the best new comedy. Great cast, great stories, and very funny.

Best Drama:

Lost-This show will probably be on this list as long as it lives. It had a slight sophomore slump but it is still the best show on television.
Grey's Anatomy-By far, the best show of this season. Last year it was average at best. Now it is my third favorite show and my fruntrunner for best drama.
24-Day five wasn't as action-packed as past days but the show still deserves a nomination.
Veronica Mars-This little show that keeps surviving deserves recognition.
Prison Break-The best new show of the season. It was probably even more thrilling than 24 this year.

Lead Comedy Actress:

Marcia Cross (Desperate Housewives)-Bree was the most believable of the housewives this year.
Felicity Huffman (Desperate Housewives)-Even stuck with worse plotlines, Huffman deserves a nomination.
Tichina Arnold (Everybody Hates Chris)-She played a very believable mother on the underrated new comedy.
Lauren Graham (Gilmore Girls)-I don't watch the show but all the critics vouch for her talents so she still makes my list.

Lead Comedy Actor:

Jason Lee (My Name Is Earl)-Should be the frontrunner in this category after his spectacular performance as Earl.
Zach Braff (Scrubs)-The wacky doctor deserves recognition for his outstanding acting.
Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother)-My award for this category would go to the legendary Barney.
Steve Carell (The Office)-Although he is over-the-top at times, Carell gets lots of laughs.
Tony Shalhoub (Monk)-One of the most consistently funny characters in television history.

Lead Drama Actress:

Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars)-She probably won't get nominated but she should.
Ellen Pompeo (Grey's Anatomy)-A lot of fans don't like Meredith but I think that is a sign of the great acting from Pompeo. Unlike most leads, Meredith is flawed. I like the fact that she makes mistakes.
Mary Lynn Rajskub (24)-I'm not sure if she is considered a lead actress, but she deserves to be nominated wherever she fits.
Evangeline Lilly (Lost)-She is one of the best actresses on the very deep Lost roster.
Mariska Hargitay-(Law & Order: Special Victim's Unit)-Easily the best actress in the Law & Order universe.

Lead Drama Actor:

Christopher Eccleston (Doctor Who)-I don't know how foreign shows figure in to the Emmy's (or if they are even eligible) but Eccleston was so good as Doctor Who that I had to put him on the list.
Kiefer Sutherland (24)-No explanation needed for Sutherland.
T.R. Knight (Grey's Anatomy)-TV Guide has him as a supporting actor but I think he fits better as a lead.
Wentworth Miller (Prison Break)-The newbie Miller did a great job.
Hugh Laurie (House)-Unfortunately, I haven't watched the show but I still know Laurie is a great actor.

My Choices For Winners:
Best Comedy: How I Met Your Mother
Best Drama: Grey's Anatomy
Lead Comedy Actress: Marcia Cross
Lead Comedy Actor: Neil Patrick Harris
Lead Drama Actress: Kristen Bell
Lead Drama Actor: T.R. Knight

I'll have the supporting actor/actress categories tomorrow. Feel free to discuss/insult/praise my picks in the comments section.

Tonight's TV Schedule-May 24, 2006

2006-05-24T06:10:00.000-05:00

ABC: 8/7-Lost: Reckoning (repeat of the clip show), 9/8-Lost (two hour season finale)
CBS: 8/7-Dr. Phil: A Primetime Special: Escaping Addiction II, 9/8-Criminal Minds (repeat), 10/9-CSI: NY (repeat)
NBC: 8/7-Dateline NBC (new), 9/8-Law & Order (two repeats)
FOX: 8/7-American Idol (two hour season finale)
WB: 8/7-Daredevil (movie)
UPN: 8/7-Hair Show (movie)
SciFi: 9/8-Ghost Hunters (season finale)
Bravo: 10/9-Top Chef (season finale)

The last day of May sweeps has the two big season finales but not much else. So, are you going to watch Lost or American Idol live?

MacFarlane Toys to Make "Lost" Action Figures

2006-05-23T17:25:00.000-05:00

The figures will be in stores before the start of season three. No word yet on which characters will be produced or the price (though they will probably be around $10). I for one, can't wait for these to come out. I really want a Locke (complete with wheelchair and hunting knives), Henry Gale (not sure if they will do minor characters like him), Sawyer, and Kate. Who do you want made into a six inch piece of plastic?

New TV on DVD This Week (May 23)

2006-05-23T10:53:00.000-05:00

Boston Legal, Complete First Season
The Closer, Complete First Season
Deadwood, Season Two
The 4400, Season Two
Little Britian, The Complete Second Series
The Dog Whisperer, Season One
Wings, Seasons 1 & 2
X-Men: Evolution, The Complete Third Season
M*A*S*H, Season 10
The Bugaloos, The Complete Series
EZ Streets
Redwall, Season 2
Samurai Jack, Season 3
Saturday Night Live, Best of Cheri Oteri
Saturday Night Live, Best of Commercial Parodies
Animated All-Stars (multiple shows)
Brilliant But Cancelled: Crime Dramas (multiple shows)

Some big names this week. Are you going to pick anything up?

Tonight's TV Schedule-May 23, 2006

2006-05-23T08:07:00.000-05:00

ABC: 8/7-Stephen King's Desperation (three hour telefilm)
CBS: 8/7-Academy of Country Music Awards (three hour event)
NBC: 8/7-Most Outrageous Moments (first half hour new, second old), 9/8-10.5 Apocalypse Part 2 (two hour telefilm)
FOX: 8/7-American Idol, 9/8-House (season finale)
WB: 8/7-Gilmore Girls (repeat), 9/8-Pepper Dennis (new episode)
UPN: 8/7-America's Next Top Model (repeat), 9/8-Veronica Mars (repeat)
ESPN: 7/6-Bonds on Bonds
MTV: 10/9-The Real World, 10:30/9:30-Blowin' Up
A&E: 10/9-King of Cars

Lots of movies and events tonight. What will you watch (if anything)?

Tonight's TV Schedule-May 22, 2006

2006-05-22T12:09:00.000-05:00

ABC: 8/7-Oprah Winfrey's Legends Ball, 9/8-Alias (two hour series finale)
CBS: 8/7-King of Queens (season finale), 8:30/7:30-The New Adventures of Old Christine, 9/8-Two and a Half Men (season finale), 9:30/8:30-The New Adventures of Old Christine (season finale), 10/9-CSI: Miami (season finale)
NBC: 8/7-Deal or No Deal, 9/8-The Apprentice, 10/9-Medium (season finale)
FOX: 8/7-24 (two hour season finale)
WB: 8/7-7th Heaven (repeat), 9/8-Everwood
UPN: 8/7-One on One (repeat), 8:30/7:30-All of Us (repeat), 9/8-Girlfriends (repeat), 9:30/8:30-Half & Half
Lifetime: 9/8-The Perfect Marriage (original telefilm)
Showtime: 10/9-Penn & Teller: Bull****
MTV: 10/9-Punk'd (season finale)

Drama fans have a tough choice tonight as the season finale of 24 competes with the series finale of Alias. Which will you watch?

Tonight's TV Schedule-May 21, 2006

2006-05-21T11:46:00.000-05:00

ABC: 7/6-Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (two hour season finale), 9/8-Desperate Housewives (two hour season finale)
CBS: 7/6-60 Minutes (season finale), 8/7-Cold Case (season finale), 9/8-CSI: Miami (repeat), 10/9-CSI: NY (repeat)
NBC: 7/6-Dateline NBC (special two hour episode), 9/8-10.5: Apocalypse (two hour, part 1)
FOX: 7/6-The Simpsons (two repeats), 8/7-The Simpsons (season finale), 8:30/7:30-Family Guy (90 minute season finale)
WB: 8/7-Charmed, 9/8-Charmed (repeat)
HBO: 9/8-The Sopranos, 10/9-Big Love
VH1: 9:30/8:30-Hogan Knows Best, 10/9-Supergroup (season premiere)
Lifetime: 5/4-Life of the Party (new telefilm)
Bravo: 8/7-Inside the Actors Studio
Showtime: 10/9-Huff

On the last Sunday of sweeps, what are you going to watch?

Tonight's TV Schedule-May 19, 2006

2006-05-19T11:36:00.000-05:00

ABC: 8/7-America's Funniest Home Videos (two hour season finale), 10/9-20/20
CBS: 8/7-Dr. Phil: A Primetime Special: Escaping Danger, 9/8-Close to Home (season finale), 10/9-Numb3rs (season finale)
NBC: 8/7-Dateline NBC, 9/8-Conviction (two hour series finale)
FOX: 8/7-X2: X-Men United (movie)
WB: 8/7-Bend It Like Beckham (movie)
UPN: 8/7-Friday Night Smackdown!
SciFi: 9/8-Doctor Who
MTV2: 9/8-The Andy Milonakis Show (season finale), 9:30/8:30-Wonder Showzen (season finale)
Showtime: 11:30/10:30-Family Business
E!: 10:30/9:30-The Chelsea Handler Show