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Returning Shows You Should Watch, Part 1

August 10, 2011 by cassiebelek

It’s August, which means it’s almost September, which means the fall television season is almost upon us! Fortunately, the wait between season finales and season premieres isn’t quite so agonizing anymore. Remember the days before Netflix and Hulu and TV on DVD? Remember the days before USA summer programming and THE BACHELORETTE? All we had were reruns, and it was awful. But as wonderful as summer has become, there’s nothing quite like fall television. By now you’re already tired of the promos for new fall series. (I’m talking about you, WHITNEY.) New series get all the attention, don’t they? That’s why I’d like to put the focus on returning shows I think you should watch. I’ll be unveiling my picks in parts over the course of the next week or so. Some of these shows are already hits, and others were lucky to get renewed, but all are worthy of spots on your DVR. Or you could, like, watch them when they air. Unheard of, right?

HAPPY ENDINGS (ABC)

Only two freshmen series from ABC’s 2010-2011 television season survived to see sophomore year: BODY OF PROOF and HAPPY ENDINGS. BODY OF PROOF was a solid midseason hit. But with low viewership, HAPPY ENDINGS was just plain lucky to get renewed. The series isn’t a perfect comedy, but it’s consistently funny and it seems to appeal to my generation. Countless friends have asked if I watch the show, and I’m pleasantly surprised by the number of people who found the show on their own without me forcing them to watch it.

For those of you who haven’t seen it (which is apparently everyone who isn’t 25), HAPPY ENDINGS focuses on six 20-something friends living in Chicago. Such an original premise, right? The series tried to stand out from the pack of 20-something big city comedies in the beginning. The pilot shows one of the friends, Alex (Elisha Cuthbert), leaving another one of the friends, Dave (Zachary Knighton), at the altar. The remaining friends are left to pick up the pieces and try keep the group together. But HAPPY ENDINGS seemed to gloss over the events of the pilot, and most of the first season ignores what happened between Alex and Dave. But it’s easy to forgive the show for pretty much abandoning its initial premise because it’s just fun to watch the ensemble, particularly cast members Adam Pally and Casey Wilson. By the way, how great is it to see Casey Wilson in something good after she was let go from SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE in 2009? I’m still bitter about that.

Can you watch Season 2 without having seen Season 1? Yes, but go back to Season 1 someday if you want some laughs.

Returns Wednesday, September 28 at 9:30/8:30c on ABC.

 

THE GOOD WIFE (CBS)

Like COUGAR TOWN, legal drama THE GOOD WIFE suffers from a misleading title that turns off potential viewers. I admit to being one of those quick-to-judge television viewers. I assumed THE GOOD WIFE was what I call a “Mom show.” I also lumped THE MIDDLE into that category until my own mother pestered me into watching it. Now I’m hooked on the ABC comedy because I was very much Sue Heck in high school. I cannot abandon her. But back to THE GOOD WIFE!

The series centers around lawyer Alicia Florrick (Julianna Marguilies) whose husband Peter Florrick (Chris Noth) was caught in a sex and corruption scandal while serving as the state’s attorney in Cook County. After taking years off to raise their two children, Alicia goes back to work as a lawyer at her former law school classmate Will Gardner’s (Josh Charles) law firm. I’m generally not a fan of procedurals, but THE GOOD WIFE isn’t your typical procedural. Yes, there is a case of the week, but those cases smartly advance character development and never seem unrelated to other events in the episode or series. More importantly, the case isn’t the most prominent aspect of a given episode. Episodes feature the ongoing drama of Peter’s political scandal and career rehabilitation. They feature Alicia’s struggles with her mother-in-law and children. And of course the episodes feature romance. Alicia is trying to be “the good wife,” but she also can’t deny her desire to act on her feelings for Will Gardner. And have I mentioned Kalinda (Archie Panjabi) yet? Kalinda is a badass, folks. Bottom line: You don’t have to be a 45-year-old woman who enjoys a glass of red wine every night to watch this show. You can also be a 25-year-old woman who enjoys half a bottle of red wine every night. Oh, and dudes will like it too. I mean, just look at Julianna Margulies rock this Victoria’s Secret CBS ad:

Can you watch Season 3 without having seen Seasons 1 and 2? I say yes, but there is enough serialization where you might be confused sometimes. You’ll also be missing out on some pretty stellar episodes (and acting) if you completely skip the first two seasons.

Returns Sunday, September 25 at 9/8c on CBS.

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My Emmy Nomination Wish List

July 12, 2011 by cassiebelek

Emmy nominations will be announced on Thursday, and as usual I am filled with a mixture of excitement and dread. I used to enjoy the Emmys much more when I knew less about television and the politics of award season. How I long to go back to my childhood in Kansas when nominees and winners were actually surprises and I believed whole-heartedly that the shows and actors who won were truly the best and most deserving.

Sadly, I have eaten from the Tree of Knowledge, which means I need to constantly calm myself down over all those snubs for THE WIRE. But just because I am jaded, doesn’t mean I can’t keep hoping. I have my own Emmy nomination wish list this year. I chose one series or actor in each of the major categories that I would most like to see get a nomination on Thursday. My list is completely subjective, but then again, so are the Emmys.

OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton finally received nods last year for portraying the greatest television married couple ever, but FNL has yet to reap a nomination for Outstanding Drama Series. Even with BREAKING BAD and LOST out of the running this year, breakout freshmen series (such as THE WALKING DEAD and BOARDWALK EMPIRE) have made the category extremely competitive. But a nomination for FNL’s fifth and final season would reassure all of us Panthers and Lions that no, we weren’t crazy for loving this show and the residents of Dillon. Texas forever.

LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

Kyle Chandler, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

Coach scored a nomination in 2010, but Chandler is just as deserving this year (and has been every year). It’s hard for me to put into words how I feel about Chandler and his work on FNL. He deserves all the Tostitos. ALL of them, Brent Musburger!

LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES

Nina Dobrev, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES

I fooled you, didn’t I? You thought I was going to say Connie Britton, didn’t you? Well yes, I do wish Connie Britton an Emmy nomination, but I wanted to share the love and the put the spotlight on Nina Dobrev, the 22-year-old actress who portrays Elena Gilbert and her vampire ancestor, Katherine Pierce, on the CW’s THE VAMPIRE DIARIES. Tired of this whole vampire fad? Me too! But if you’re going to watch anything with vampires in it, make it THE VAMPIRE DIARIES. (It’s way better than TRUE BLOOD.) Playing identical characters can be challenging, but Dobrev expertly differentiates between Elena and Katherine with fascinating results.

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES

John Noble, FRINGE

I’m about a season and a half behind on FRINGE, but I’ve seen enough of the series to know that John Noble should have received an Emmy nomination by now. Noble loses himself in the character of Walter Bishop, a conflicted and troubled scientist who experiences a great deal of pain and guilt. He excels dramatically, but Noble is also very funny, and Walter’s lighter moments are rather welcome in such a dark and mysterious series. There is no shortage of talent among the supporting actors this year, and Noble faces especially tough competition from the men of BOARDWALK EMPIRE and THE GOOD WIFE. But I would love to see some recognition for an incredible actor from an underappreciated show.

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES

Archie Panjabi, THE GOOD WIFE

Archie Panjabi was the surprise winner of this category last year, so I’m fairly confident she’ll receive a repeat nod this year. But I’m including her on my wish list because I feel so strongly about her performance in the second season of THE GOOD WIFE. I only recently caught up with the series, and while I think Panjabi did a wonderful job in the first season, she blew me away in the second (especially in those scenes with Julianna Margulies in the last few episodes).

OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES

PARKS AND RECREATION

PARKS AND RECREATION was nearly flawless this season (Think “Season Two of 30 ROCK” levels of good.) and was consistently the best comedy NBC had to offer. In a year where COMMUNITY sometimes disappointed me and 30 ROCK and THE OFFICE still weren’t back to their former glory, PARKS AND RECREATION delivered the episodes I had to re-watch at least two or three times. The comedy had already found its footing in season two, but new cast members Rob Lowe and Adam Scott helped make season three the funniest, warmest and smartest yet. But really the whole cast deserves credit. Amy Poehler, Nick Offerman, Aziz Ansari, Rashida Jones, Aubrey Plaza, Chris Pratt, Jim O’Heir and Retta: Keep doing what you’re doing.

LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Steve Carell, THE OFFICE

Steve Carell’s nomination might be all but guaranteed, but I’m putting him on my wish list anyway because I so badly want to see him get the Emmy. Past winners Jim Parsons (THE BIG BANG THEORY) and Alec Baldwin (30 ROCK) are sure to be nominated again. They remain Carell’s strongest competition, but they already won the Emmy. Here’s hoping that Carell finally gets official recognition.

LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

Martha Plimpton, RAISING HOPE

There was really only one new fall series last year that kept my attention throughout the whole television season, and that was RAISING HOPE. The comedy about a dysfunctional family raising a baby together is hilarious, warm and just the right amount of offensive. Martha Plimpton is the most deserving of recognition among the cast. She portrays a middle class woman who became a mother too young only to become a grandmother too young. If you’re a fan of the Tony-nominated actress’ guest appearances on THE GOOD WIFE, then you’ll certainly be a fan of her here. Actually, I would love to see Plimpton nab a nomination for her role on THE GOOD WIFE as well.

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES

Nick Offerman, PARKS AND RECREATION

Nick Offerman wasn’t even on my radar until he began portraying man’s man Ron Swanson on PARKS AND RECREATION, but Offerman has forever won a place in my heart for playing the bacon-loving head of the Parks Department in Pawnee, Indiana. Offerman is at his best when interacting with Amy Poehler’s Leslie Knope, but the actor excels at incredibly goofy and physical moments as well. Exhibit A:

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

Busy Phillips, COUGAR TOWN

I bet you’re still not watching COUGAR TOWN. I bet you still can’t get past the title that everyone (including creator Bill Lawrence) agrees is awful. But if you haven’t tuned into COUGAR TOWN yet, you’re making a mistake, especially because you’re missing an incredible comedic performance from Busy Phillips. Yes, Kim Kelly isn’t just scary. She’s really funny too! Watch this and laugh! My favorite part is Beef & Bubbles:

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Drink Up, Oscar!

February 28, 2011 by cassiebelek

Apparently people weren’t entirely pleased with Sunday night’s Oscar telecast. Anne Hathaway was overeager. James Franco was undereager. The winners were predictable. No one could speak in coherent sentences. Blah, blah, blah, blah. Obviously all these Oscar haters didn’t have four bottles of wine between two people and a handy drinking game to keep them entertained. Below is the game we invented and so creatively named “Drink Up, Bitch!” We took a sip for each item unless otherwise noted.

Drink Up, Bitch!: The Oscar Edition

  • Ugly dress/ugly hair/ugly person
  • Wrap-up music
  • Winner thanks God
  • “I know I’m forgetting someone.”
  • Flat jokes
  • Jack Nicholson cutaway
  • Charlie Sheen jokes
  • “I didn’t have a speech prepared.”
  • Censored language
  • Someone slips/falls
  • Political commentary
  • Helena Bonham Carter cutaway
  • Montage
  • Javier/Penelope cutaway
  • Control room shot
  • “Wow, this is heavy.”
  • Nip slip
  • Standing ovation
  • In Memoriam (Steady flow, guys.)

Don’t get me wrong. This drinking game definitely got the job done. But it could certainly be improved for next year. For example, Hugh Jackman is apparently the new Jack Nicholson. And no one in Hollywood thanks God anymore, so next year, any mention of God should be answered with tequila shots for all. Other items to add to the list next year: Lesbian/gay jokes, Harvey Weinstein cutaways, hostess dress changes, dead celebrities being creepily brought back to life by technology, and a Hollywood legend hijacking the ceremony and refusing to announce the winner of the category.

Please feel free to add your own rules. We only have a year to get this right!

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My “Melissa Leo better win” Oscar Predictions

February 24, 2011 by cassiebelek

Because I couldn’t go a year without sharing my Oscar predictions, here they are!

BEST PICTURE

Nominees: BLACK SWAN, THE FIGHTER, INCEPTION, THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT, THE KING’S SPEECH, 127 HOURS, THE SOCIAL NETWORK, TOY STORY 3, TRUE GRIT, WINTER’S BONE

What will win: THE KING’S SPEECH

THE SOCIAL NETWORK has had Oscar buzz ever since it was announced that David Fincher and Aaron Sorkin were attached to the project. The film made good on its hype and gained what seemed to be unstoppable momentum as it dominated the critics’ awards in the fall and won the Golden Globe. However, THE KING’S SPEECH was always right behind it, nipping at its heels. The critics might have gone with the Facebook movie, but the guilds crowned THE KING’S SPEECH and all but guaranteed its victory at the Oscars. Don’t be to upset about THE SOCIAL NETWORK, though. THE KING’S SPEECH might win Best Picture in 2011, but in 2021 THE SOCIAL NETWORK will be the film that everyone is still talking about.

BEST DIRECTOR

Nominees: Darren Aronofsky (BLACK SWAN), David O. Russell (THE FIGHTER), Tom Hooper (THE KING’S SPEECH), David Fincher (THE SOCIAL NETWORK), Joel Coen and Ethan Coen (TRUE GRIT)

Who will win: David Fincher

Even though Tom Hooper won the DGA, Oscar pundits are leaning toward David Fincher to capture the Academy Award. Tom O’Neil over at The Envelope believes support is leaning toward Fincher because voters feel THE SOCIAL NETWORK is getting cheated out of the top prize this year. A win for Fincher would certainly validate the film, but it also feels like a consolation prize. Ang Lee’s Oscar in 2006 for directing BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN felt the same way after CRASH nabbed the Oscar for Best Picture.

BEST ACTOR

Nominees: Javier Bardem (BIUTIFUL), Jeff Bridges (TRUE GRIT), Jesse Eisenberg (THE SOCIAL NETWORK), Colin Firth (THE KING’S SPEECH), James Franco (127 HOURS)

Who will win: Colin Firth

Post-"Water Scene" in PRIDE & PREJUDICE

Ladies, Mr. Darcy is finally winning his Oscar. James Franco had a significant amount of buzz early in the season, but Colin Firth ran away with the race and should be practicing his acceptance speech for Sunday night. The Brit has scored an impressive two consecutive Oscar nominations. His nod last year for A SINGLE MAN was his first. I have loved Colin Firth since he stole my 9-year-old heart in the BBC’s PRIDE & PREJUDICE miniseries, so I couldn’t be happier for him now that he will forever be known as “Oscar winner Colin Firth.”

BEST ACTRESS

Nominees: Annette Bening (THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT), Nicole Kidman (RABBIT HOLE), Jennifer Lawrence (WINTER’S BONE), Natalie Portman (BLACK SWAN), Michelle Williams (BLUE VALENTINE)

Who will win: Annette Bening

It might appear that Natalie Portman is a lock for this category, but Annette Bening has been gaining more and more support. There isn’t so much an anti-Natalie Portman campaign happening as there is a pro-Annette Bening campaign happening. Bening has lost the Oscar three times in the last 20 years. If she doesn’t win for THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT, she’ll have gone 0-4, putting her on track to become the next Kate Winslet. Portman has the youth, beauty and pregnancy cards, but Bening has two cards of her own: She played a lesbian, and she’s a member of the Academy Board of Governors. Portman would be the safe prediction, but I’m feeling an upset.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Nominees: Christian Bale (THE FIGHTER), John Hawkes (WINTER’S BONE), Jeremy Renner (THE TOWN), Mark Ruffalo (THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT), Geoffrey Rush (THE KING’S SPEECH)

Who will win: Christian Bale

The real race here is between Christian Bale and Geoffrey Rush (but yay for Mark Ruffalo’s nomination!). Rush was superb in his role as King George’s speech therapist, but Bale’s performance is the one that really stuck with me. Most Oscar pundits agree that Bale will win the prize, but there’s still quite a bit of support for Rush. An upset from him wouldn’t be surprising, but I believe Bale is the more likely winner and the more deserving one.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Nominees: Amy Adams (THE FIGHTER), Helena Bonham Carter (THE KING’S SPEECH), Melissa Leo (THE FIGHTER), Hailee Steinfeld (TRUE GRIT), Jacki Weaver (ANIMAL KINGDOM)

Who will win: Melissa Leo

Melissa Leo won both the Golden Globe and the SAG Award, but little Hailee Steinfeld could still pull the upset. My money is on Leo, who completely disappeared into her role as Mark Wahlberg’s fierce and ambitious mother in THE FIGHTER. Leo isn’t new to the Oscar race. In 2009, her performance in FROZEN RIVER lost to Kate Winslet’s in THE READER. Despite losing that Oscar, many believed Leo had the best performance of the year. Steinfeld is her biggest competition this year, which isn’t exactly fair. Steinfeld is a lead actress nominated in the supporting category. That could give her the edge over Leo, but I still predict a win for THE FIGHTER actress.

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE

Nominees: HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, THE ILLUSIONIST, TOY STORY 3

What will win: TOY STORY 3

Is there any doubt that TOY STORY 3 is going to win this category? I only wish Woody and Buzz could accept the award themselves.

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Nominees: 127 HOURS, THE SOCIAL NETWORK, TOY STORY 3, TRUE GRIT, WINTER’S BONE

What will win: THE SOCIAL NETWORK

Two words: Aaron. Sorkin. There is no doubt in my mind that THE WEST WING scribe will take home his first Oscar. It should look nice next to all those Emmys.

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Nominees: ANOTHER YEAR, THE FIGHTER, INCEPTION, THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT, THE KING’S SPEECH

What will win: THE KING’S SPEECH

The only other real contender here is THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT, but expect David Seidler to add to THE KING’S SPEECH’s big night with a win.

QUICK HITS

  • Pundits seem to be leaning toward INSIDE JOB, but I’m pulling for RESTREPO for Best Documentary. However, I think everyone would be interested to see what happens if Bansky wins for EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP.
  • TRUE GRIT should win for Best Cinematography. It’s a good old fashioned Western.
  • INCEPTION wasn’t nominated for film editing, which means I’m betting on THE SOCIAL NETWORK. Kudos to everyone involved, especially editors Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall, for making a film about a website feel like a thriller.
  • Oscar pundits universally agree that INCEPTION will take home the prize for Best Visual Effects. I would give the film the prize just for the Joseph Gordon-Levitt hotel sequence alone.

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    Premiere Week: Your Friday Night Preview

    September 24, 2010 by cassiebelek

    FRIDAY’S PRIME TIME SCHEDULE:

    Friday night is a bit of a snooze with the exception of two new series starring two big TV vets. OUTLAW’s Jimmy Smits will face off against BLUE BLOODS’s Tom Selleck (and his mustache). Fridays are usually where series go to die, so it’s unusual that NBC and CBS are launching dramas with such established stars on such a dead night. ABC will follow soon with Dana Delaney in BODY OF PROOF. Because Fridays come with lowered expectations, though, these series can still succeed with smaller audiences. And maybe the networks will manage to breathe life back into Fridays once again. Meanwhile SMALLVILLE premieres its 10th and final season on the CW while FOX comes back with HUMAN TARGET and THE GOOD GUYS. SUPERNATURAL’s sixth season premieres on the CW, but I really had no idea that show has been around for so long.

    MY GAME PLAN:

    DVR BLUE BLOODS and OUTLAW because I’m going to go see THE TOWN instead. It’s Friday night y’all!

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    Premiere Week: Your Thursday Night Preview

    September 23, 2010 by cassiebelek

    THURSDAY’S PRIME TIME SCHEDULE:

    Thursdays are even harder on my DVR than Mondays. I count 10 shows that I plan on watching tonight, but hopefully that number will go down in the coming weeks as I make decisions on which series gain a season pass. The most intriguing battle tonight is between COMMUNITY (NBC) and THE BIG BANG THEORY (CBS) at 8:00. The latter used to air on Mondays, but CBS is trying to start a one-hour comedy block on Thursday nights with $#*! MY DAD SAYS. I sense that the fan bases for COMMUNITY and THE BIG BANG THEORY overlap a bit. They happen to be the two nerdiest comedies on television, and I mean that as a compliment. COMMUNITY is the show that needs the most ratings help, so hopefully THE BIG BANG THEORY won’t squash the Human Beings of Greendale Community College. One of the more controversial new series, OUTSOURCED, also premieres on NBC tonight. I didn’t care for the pilot. I found the humor to be too broad, but my biggest problem with the series is that it is the reason PARKS AND RECREATION was pushed to mid-season. Elsewhere, BONES and FRINGE return on FOX, and both should perform solidly. I have a rule to watch only the season premieres and finales of GREY’S ANATOMY (I like to know what’s going on.), so I’ll be catching an episode for the only time until May. Also on ABC is the new drama MY GENERATION, but boy is it in a hard time slot for a freshman series. Some of its target audience might be watching VAMPIRE DIARIES (The CW) instead. One series that you should make space for on your DVR is NIKITA, which premiered two weeks ago on the CW. It’s one of the best new series I’ve seen so far, and it might be my favorite new show of the season.

    MY GAME PLAN:

    Watch COMMUNITY. DVR BONES. Have roommate record THE BIG BANG THEORY on her DVD recorder. Hulu MY GENERATION. Watch 30 ROCK, THE OFFICE, and OUTSOURCED. DVR $#*T MY DAD SAYS. Hulu GREY’S ANATOMY. DVR NIKITA.

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    Premiere Week: Your Wednesday Night Preview

    September 22, 2010 by cassiebelek

    WEDNESDAY’S PRIME TIME SCHEDULE:

    Obviously the most exciting return tonight is TV’s best comedy, MODERN FAMILY (ABC). ABC is debuting a two-hour comedy block with four sitcoms instead of three. Rather than a repeat of THE MIDDLE at 8:30, BETTER WITH YOU premieres and will try to seal its place in TV’s freshest comedy block. The pilot shows promise, but the multi-camera sitcom might be an awkward fit in a night of single-camera comedies. Make sure to tune into COUGAR TOWN, a show I am determined to save. Viewers will be treated to a mini-FRIENDS reunion with guest star Jennifer Aniston. Meanwhile, NBC premieres UNDERCOVERS, a new spy show from J.J. Abrams. The drama focuses on married retired spies who return to the CIA. LAW & ORDER: SVU kicks off with a two-hour season premiere, but fans of lighter fare should tune into THE DEFENDERS (CBS). Yes, I am recommending THE DEFENDERS, starring Jim Belushi and Jerry O’Connell. I saw the pilot and was pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable it was and how much I didn’t hate Jim Belushi. HELLCATS (CW) already premiered a couple of weeks ago, but trust me, you’re not missing anything.

    MY GAME PLAN:

    Watch THE MIDDLE, BETTER WITH YOU, MODERN FAMILY, and COUGAR TOWN. DVR UNDERCOVERS. Watch THE WHOLE TRUTH. DVR THE DEFENDERS.

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