October, 2008
October 1st, 2008, 11:20 p.m. - Those are heliotropes, by the way
"Where Have All the Flowers Gone?"
October 3rd, 2008, 5:36 p.m. - This week was bee and nature week, apparently
The Amazing Race: - "Bees Are Much Calmer Than All This!": First off, shut up, Terence. I have a feeling I'll be saying that a lot this season. Other than that, this was a pretty good start, if a little uneventful. I was pleasantly surprised to find Nick and Starr a lot more likable than I expected (and from what I've read, a lot of people feel the same way). I'm happy to get to see more of the teams in the next few weeks because I feel lost on a lot of them. Lost, just like I hope Terence winds up. Soon. Rating: 3 steps that Andrew and Dan didn't count
How I Met Your Mother - "The Best Burger in New York": Apparently a lot of people didn't really like this episode, but I thought it was great. Of course, I'm a sucker for a happy ending. Or maybe I just like the episodes that don't focus completely on Ted. Rating: 4 ATMs
Heroes - "One of Us, One of Them": I could totally get used to Sylar and Bennet working together. Awesome. But how dumb is Sandra that she would actually believe Claire was going to a sleepover? Hello! Rating: 3 frozen roses
House - "Adverse Events": This episode was more about the B story than the A story for me. I couldn't care less about the artist, but Taub had my full attention. Bravo to Peter Jacobson for some stellar acting. The rest was ho-hum. Rating: 3 new cars
Pushing Daisies - "Bzzzzzzzzz!": This is a new addition to my TV lineup, and I really hope it can recover its previous ratings because it's such a perfect little treat in the middle of the week. The actors are all terrific, especially Kristin Chenoweth and Chi McBride (who I think is really overlooked in this role). No one else can mix suspense and comedy like this without making it feel forced. Rating: 4 queen bees
America's Next Top Model - "Natural Beauty": Once again, Analeigh has a great week! I wish the editors were a little more subtle, though; it was obvious that Clark and Joslyn were going to be in the bottom two. And they really need to feature Lauren Brie more, because I actually feel sorry for the poor girl for never getting any screen time. Rating: 4 explanations for why a traffic jam is not a natural disaster, Tyra
Project Runway - "Nature Calls": I really can't say anything else except shut up, Kenley. This whole season has been disappointing. I hated the fakeout where they didn't send anyone home. This show is going off the rails. Watch, now Kenley will win. Rating: 2 random belts that Kenley used for no apparent reason
Survivor - "She Obviously is Post-Op!": Awww, why did Paloma have to go? She was actually tolerable. I kind of loved Ken getting his moment to shine, though. And it's nice that Fang isn't going to get Pagonged. Rating: 4 giant poles
October 5th, 2008, 6:46 p.m. - What's the moral, boys and girls?
49. The Year of Fog (Michelle Richmond)
Up next: Hardly Knew Her (Laura Lippman)
10:52 p.m. - Farewell, whoever you people were
October 8th, 2008, 11:13 p.m. - Girl power
October 10th, 2008, 11:10 p.m. - I bet the Grey's Anatomy writers were sorry they'd already used the title "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head"
The Amazing Race: - "Do You Like American Candy?": I'm starting to think that Kelly & Christy and Marisa & Brooke were only cast because the producers knew they would provide wonderful moments of stupidity. In fact, Kelly & Christy are currently topping my list of dumbest racers ever. Rating: 3 containers that weren't actually there
How I Met Your Mother - "I Heart NJ": That was really weak. Really, really weak. Rating: 3 girls' bikes
Heroes - "I Am Become Death": I love the episodes where they go into the past or the future and show us how things were/how different things will be. This is one of those shows where the writers can do pretty much whatever they want, then change them if they want to without it ruining the continuity (well, for the most part). It's also fun to see how things are in the future and then try to guess how they get that way (like Claire turning to the dark side). A lot of people have given up on this season, but I'm sticking with it. Rating: 4 turtles
Pushing Daisies - "Circus Circus": Mostly okay, but the procession of the dead clowns cracked me up (especially the one on stilts). This show has great sight gags. An Emmy for Chi McBride, please! Rating: 3 human cannonballs
America's Next Top Model - "The Fiercee Awards": The claws really came out this week, didn't they? And Lauren Brie proved to be kind of a jerk. And still completely without a personality. And as we all know, the girl without a personality never makes it past the halfway point. Good for Marjorie for shutting everyone else up, Analeigh for coming in second two weeks in a row after being in the bottom two, and McKey for not only continuing to rock but for finding a more flattering way to wear that hairstyle. Rating: 4 fake awards
Project Runway - "Finale, Part 1": I can't believe Kenley wasn't annoying this week! And that I liked her bridesmaid's dress! Amazing. I'm pleased with the final three, even with Kenley in it - I've seen the final collections and actually liked hers, as well as Leanne and Korto's. I don't want her to win, mostly to teach her that a bad attitude can come back around to bite you, but if she does, she might actually have earned it. Rating: 4 weird flower headpieces
Survivor - "It Was Like Christmas Morning!": Maybe Sugar should try to get herself sent to Exile Island every week. Then she can just hang out in that hammock all day and not get herself voted out. Poor Jacquie, though. She actually seemed to be pretty nice. Too bad she got stuck on the wrong side of her new tribe. Rating: 3 goals, all scored by freaking Randy
The Office - "Business Ethics": Not as good as the last episode, but still some funny moments. Finally, Meredith had something to do! She's so wasted on the show. (Uh, in both sense of the word.) And Dwight actually found something he cares about more than his job. Awww. Rating: 4 steaks
Grey's Anatomy - "Here Comes the Flood": Is it just me, or were the parallels between the patients and the doctors not as in-your-face as they usually are? I liked that. Also, has Derek always been this much of a jerk and I just haven't noticed because of the cuteness? Because he's pretty lucky Meredith is willing to keep putting up with him. Rating: 8. Oh, wait. I mean 4 flooded elevators
October 12th, 2008, 11:32 p.m. - Of course, the question is, why did Christy leave her sports bra on something it could fall off of?
October 16th, 2008, 5:51 p.m. - Yay!
"Petals Marshall in Nature Wonderland"
October 17th, 2008, 10:54 p.m. - I hate Jan
The Amazing Race: - "Did You Push My Sports Bra Off the Ledge?": What I said last week about Kelly and Christy being one of the dumbest teams ever to appear on the show? Yeah, that's still true. Shut up, Christy. I hate that Mark and Bill went out not only before them but for such a needless mistake. This is why you must read the clue. Read it three times if you have to. Otherwise you're left digging in the sand for a container that isn't even there. Rating: 4 musicians
How I Met Your Mother - "Intervention": Barney as an octogenarian was brilliant. Neil Patrick Harris completely committed to the gag, too, which made it even better. Loved the tone of the whole episode. Probably the best one all season - and the season is still young, which makes me optimistic that we'll get a lot more episodes as good as this one. Rating: 5 robot cookie jars - did you catch that it was called R2-Sweet Tooth? Ha!
House - "Birthmarks": Samantha Quan must love medical shows - she was just on Grey's Anatomy last week. I liked the episode a lot until that needless mention of one of the needles (and can we just stop a moment and think about how shiver-inducing that idea is?) pressing on the patient's addiction center. Why not just let the character have a flaw? It's not like she'd be the only person with one. Also, how did the cop not find the Vicodin in Wilson's pocket? Whatever - I'll let that go in exchange for the wonderful revelation that House's ringtone for his team is "MMMBop." Rating: 5 needles. Eck
Pushing Daisies - "Bad Habits": Okay, Sister Christian cracked me up, and I liked the ending, but the rest was just eh for me. Still, this show is better than a lot of stuff on TV, so I can't complain. Rating: 4 truffles
Project Runway - "Finale, Part 2": Yay, Leanne won! It was very much deserved. That blue gown was spectacular. I would have been happy with Korto winning, and I think I would have been okay with Kenley winning, but I'm glad I didn't have to find out for real. Rating: 4 priceless looks on Kenley's face when she learned that Tim would be the fourth judge
Survivor - "This Camp is Cursed": Take a drink every time Ace's accent disappears (or changes - I swear he sounded Australian at one point). Take a drink every time you can't believe you don't despise Sugar. Chug whenever Probst is an annoying loudmouth. You'll be drunk after ten minutes. Rating: 3 elephants
The Office - "Baby Shower": Probably the least funny episode ever. I liked the ending, though. Rating: 2 strollers
Grey's Anatomy - "Brave New World": Good for Izzie for putting Alex in his place. He's acting like a 12-year-old, and he deserved having his stolen patient stolen back from him. But good for Derek, too, for telling them both to cut it out. It's rare to have someone act professional on this show. Also good: Amy Aquino, who is awesome in everything. Bad: the whole dermatology thing, Meredith being mad at Derek simply because he found something, and the fact that we saw Joe for the first time in a season and he had one line and said nothing about the twins he and Walter were supposed to adopt. Also, is Bailey homophobic? That was really weird. I keep thinking there's something I'm forgetting...what was it? Oh, yeah. THE GUY WITH NO FACE. I'm traumatized, by the way. Rating: 3 diaries
October 19th, 2008, 11:21 p.m. - Now I want some kiwi
October 24th, 2008, 11:05 p.m. - Five-second rule!
The Amazing Race: - "I Wonder If They Like Blondes in New Zealand?": No, Marisa and Brooke. No, they do not. Apparently Phil's dad does, though. Rating: 3 kiwis
How I Met Your Mother - "Shelter Island": Something told me that Stella wouldn't be around for long, so I wasn't that surprised to see her go. I just didn't think she'd go out like this. Once Tony made an appearance in the episode, though, I figured that was where it was going. In other storylines, nice twist with Barney and Robin. THAT, I didn't see coming. Rating: 5 smart-making drinks
House - "Lucky Thirteen": Boring! Olivia Wilde just doesn't interest me. The subplot with Wilson was fine, but I figured he was either just talking to the hooker or he'd hired her because she looked like Amber. I knew at the beginning that Wilson would have to get House back for his prank, but I didn't put 2 and 2 together. Probably because I was so bored by Hadley. Rating: 3 donuts
Pushing Daisies - "Frescorts": More Emerson! MORE EMERSON! And his mom can stay, too, if she wants. Rating: 4 hugs
America's Next Top Model - "Now You See Me, Now You Don't": I'm sad to see Joslyn go, because I liked her and she obviously really wanted this (she auditioned 13 times, remember?), but yeah, it was her time. Even though Elina is so annoying that she's managed to make Marjorie a little annoying just through proximity. This was like a reunion episode, what with Whitney, the Aswirl Twins, and James St. James all making appearances. Comedy, screw-ups, drama, and lots of tears - pretty much the perfect episode. And my girls Analeigh and Sheena were first and second, which made it that much sweeter. Rating: 5 eyeshadow brushes (or whatever those things are called)
Survivor - "He's a Snake, But He's My Snake": So close! Ace was almost gone! Eh, Kelly was annoying, too. Six of one, etc., etc. Also, shut up some more, Probst. Rating: 3 pastries
The Office - "Crime Aid": This must have been bizarro week, because Michael and Holly were adorable, Jim and Pam kind of weren't, and I actually felt really sorry for Dwight. And this isn't bizarre, but Phyllis might be the greatest character ever. Rating: 4 squeaky gavels
Grey's Anatomy - "There's No I in Team": Can we change the name of the show to Bailey's Anatomy? Because she's clearly the most awesome person on the show. Also awesome: Carl Lumbly! He should stick around and be Bailey's new boyfriend. Not awesome: Derek being a completely out-of-character jerk, no one actually calling him on said jerkiness until the end of the episode, Lexie generally being an annoying 11-year-old, and Izzie embracing the Xander Harris method of talking someone down. Seriously, I was waiting for her to start talking about broken crayons. Rating: 4 jars of kidneys, of course
October 25th, 2008, 11:09 p.m. - Ug
50. Hardly Knew Her (Laura Lippman)
Up next: Trespassers Will Be Baptized (Elizabeth Emerson Hancock)
October 26th, 2008, 10:23 p.m. - If brains were money, Kelly and Christy would need a bailout
October 30th, 2008, 5:50 p.m. - If only I had a kid to take a photo with Obama...
October 31st, 2008, 10:56 p.m. - Go back across the pond, Ace
The Amazing Race: - "Do It Like a Madman": That leg was awful. They should have done something about the flights or had some hours-of-operation equalizer or something like that. Aja and Ty just didn't have a chance. Sigh. Rating: 3 pairs of chattering teeth
House - "Joy": I should have known there wasn't going to be a happy ending, but for a minute there I thought it might happen. I'm choosing to overlook the House/Cuddy kiss because I have no idea where it's going and I know it's mostly for shock value, so there's really no point in trying to analyze it. Other than that, though, good episode. Rating: 4 coffee pots
America's Next Top Model - "Planes, Trains, and Slow Automobiles": I knew it was going to be Sheena. Unfortunately, the signs were there. She kept talking about trying not to be hoochie, she didn't do well in either challenge, Elina mentioned the dream she had about the two of them crying (apparently Elina's psychic), and after McKey, Analeigh, Sam, and Marjorie all did well in their photo shoots, it was obviously going to be Sheena and Elina in the bottom two. Since Elina was praised during the window challenge and had an okay photo, I figured they wouldn't send her home. Fortunately, I now have Sam to root for. She never really captured my attention before, but I really liked her this week. She's very cute and amiable. I don't think she'll win, but then again, I really don't know who will win at this point. Rating: 4 dresses that turn into coats - how cool was that?
Survivor - "It All Depends on the Pin-Up Girl": And Sugar comes through! I was worried she wouldn't, but she's smarter than everyone gives her credit for. Also, the next the Matty wants to call her useless, he should wait until after she's made it to the final three in an immunity challenge. Which means she outlasted him. Yeah, shut it, Matty. Rating: 5 logs
The Office - "Employee Transfer": I don't know how they did it, but the writers made me actually feel sorry for Michael for once. Other than that, just a ho-hum episode. The plot with Jim's brothers seemed pointless. I loved The Dwight and Andy Show, though. Rating: 3 beets
Grey's Anatomy - "Life During Wartime": See? Bailey's Anatomy. Rating: 4 dolls
Obsessions pay off.
I don't even know why I bothered to finish this.