Confessions of a TV Junkie

The TV Junkie's series finale

2008-06-03T21:07:30Z

Every good series finale has to have a montage, so I felt it only appropriate to write my own as this will be my very last post. I'm headed to Las Vegas, leaving behind a newspaper, blog and hometown all very close to my heart.

This departure reminds me of the beginning of HBO's "Six Feet Under" series finale montage when Claire drives away in her Prius as Sia's song "Breath Me" song plays and the sun sets. I won't be driving my Prius out west, but I may listen to that song on my iPod as I try to keep my blind poodle from biting fellow passengers on the plane.

After almost 400 posts, here's a written montage of my most memorable moments. Imagine it as a video set to "Feeling Good" by Nina Simone:

"It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good"

CLIP: Me pulling out my hair and also begging people with Nielsen boxes to watch the show.

Trying to save "Studio 60." I'm still a little heartbroken that this show was canceled. The Christmas episode gave me goose bumps, and makes me wonder what could have been. Sigh.

CLIP: Typical work day with me sitting at my desk, but then almost falling out of my chair with excitement after reading the best e-mail ever.

Almost getting the "Six Feet Under" complete series DVD set for FREE. Someone from HBO's publicity department stumbled across this blog post and offered to send me the DVDs for free. I wrote back saying I couldn't accept it for my own personal use, but I'd be happy to review it for the paper. Sometimes being ethical is really hard.

CLIP: Me making coworkers watch a "Mad Men" scene on YouTube to see if it made them cry as much as it made me.

Putting together my "Top 10" list. It's kind of scary how much television I watch, but the tube time pays off when I write my yearly list. Here's 2006 and 2007.

CLIP: Me scratching my head wondering what research certain "American Idol" fans expected me to do before I could give an opinion about a reality show contestant.

Reading and laughing at all the mean things David Archuleta fans wrote (here) about me when I said I didn't buy his "aw-shucks" attitude. I'm normally really sensitive, but for some reason I found it amusing.

CLIP: Me and my hubby walking the streets of Scranton after the Halloween character costume party. He was dressed as Dwight.

Attending the first "Office" convention in Scranton, Pa. It was way too much fun to be considered work. Those memories will stay with me forever.

To conclude my very last post, I want to officially hand over the remote to Fanboy 2.0, a new pop culture blog by NJ writer Tom Iacuzio. He watches a lot of the shows I do and even some I don't, so check it out and leave lots of comments. Bloggers love comments!

Donna Martin still lives in "90210"

2008-05-27T19:22:26Z

TVGuide reports that Tori Spelling will reprise her role as Donna Martin during guest-appearances on the CW's "90210."

The network already confirmed Jennie Garth will appear as Kelly Taylor in the spinoff's series premiere, so I wonder what original cast member is next?

I'd love to see Shannen Doherty/Brenda Walsh back in action. "Beverly Hills, 90210" wasn't as much fun after she left, and I think this spinoff could use a little more edge.

Sign the petition to BRING BACK BRENDA!!!

"American Idol" Season 7 winner is . . .

2008-05-22T02:01:59Z

The winner was just announced!

]]> DAVID COOK!

I'm so happy!!!

New '90210' could be good, but has bad tagline

2008-05-20T16:53:41Z

This fall, CW's "90210" will debut. It looks about what I expected, but its terrible tagline made me gag: "You wanna live in the zip, you've gotta live by the code."

But I'll probably still watch it because I have an incurable addiction to cheesy television shows (i.e. "7th Heaven"). Another reason to watch is that Jennie Garth, an original "Beverly Hills, 90210" cast member, will guest star in the first episode reprising her role as Kelly Taylor. The show is scheduled for an 8 p.m. Tuesday timeslot, but that could change.

Watch this clip and let me know what you think:

SNL's Digital Short: Japanese version of "The Office"

2008-05-19T14:09:45Z

This morning on my usual trek to the features department to get my morning coffee, I was asked by Tom, a co-worker and fellow blogger (FanBoy 2.0), if I'd seen the latest Saturday Night Live Digital Short. I was away all weekend, so I only had time last night to watch the very-hilarious opening segment with host Steve Carell. I think it was probably the best opening in at least 10 years. Luckily, he had the short ready to play on his computer, so I watched it. I've embedded the clip below. It's really good and is a must-see for any "Office" fan.

When I found out the Steve Carell was hosting this week, I knew it would be funny. But, then to add a little Ricky Gervais in the mix, and it becomes comedic heaven! I can't wait to go home and watch the whole thing (Darn you NBC for not having the entire SNL episodes online!).

"Desperate Housewives" -- five years later

2008-05-19T12:47:18Z

The last scene in the "Desperate Housewives" Season 4 finale flashed ahead five years and left me with a bunch of questions.

The first one was why? What's the point of doing this now? I could understand if it was the SERIES finale, but why when there's still three seasons left? Will we pick up there in the fall? From what I saw, I really hope not (especially Susan's storyline).

I don't want to spoil anything for those of you who still have the episode safely recorded on a DVR/Tivo, so read this AP story if you want to know what's up with the Wisteria Lane ladies in the year 2013.

Watch the episode online here

"The Office" finale: a pregnancy, an engagement and an infidelity

2008-05-16T15:41:00Z

That was some season finale, wasn't it? A lot happened, but not the one thing most thought would: Jim proposing to Pam. It almost happened, but Andy stole his thunder when he proposed to Angela. So, that engagement was the first plot twist. The second was a pregnancy. Jan secretly went to a sperm bank while dating Michael Scott. But, nothing was as shocking as the very last scene with Angela and Dwight, which was the third plot twist: an infidelity. Will Dwangela reunite, or was it just a moment of weakness? Also, what do you think about Holly, the new H.R. rep.?

Other episode highlights were Kevin's "special" storyline, Michael's song to Toby and Ryan's arrest on YouTube (clip below)

Here are some quotes from last night's episode:

Michael: I want an anti-gravity machine. I saw it in a movie. You drink the potion, and then you just start floating all around.
Pam: So how much anti-gravity potion do you want?

Michael: Holly is sweet, and simple. Like a lady baker. I would not be surprised to find out that she had worked in a bakery before coming here. She has that kind of warmth. I'm pretty sure she's baked on a professional level.

For more visit TheOfficeQuotes.com

Also, here's the first deleted scene from "Goodbye, Toby." It's hilarious.

Gio hearts Betty

2008-05-16T13:00:56Z

I loved last night's "Ugly Betty" episode. I was getting extremely tired of Henry's baby mama drama, so it was nice to have an episode (mostly) without it.

I know I've said this a million times before, but I love sandwich-maker Gio and the actor that plays him, Freddy Rodriguez. He's considered a recurring guest star, but I hope they make him a regular next season.

My favorite Gio + Betty moment came when he tells her "I don't want to be the rebound guy, I want to be the guy." So sweet!

But, looks like Gio still has some competition. Henry, not sticking to the clean-break agreement he made with Betty, returns in next week's season finale (more details on that at the end of this post).

Another big development in last night's episode was Wilhelmina's return to Mode.

I'm glad she's back, which means her assistant, Marc, is back too. Yay!

Marc, the character played by Michael Urie, has some of the funniest lines on the show. I wish someone would post a montage of Marc's snarky comments on YouTube. I would watch that everyday.

]]> Here's the description of next week's season finale, "Jump" -- Just as Gio makes Betty an incredibly romantic offer, Henry pops back into her life with a proposal of his own. Meanwhile, Betty finds herself centerfield at the charity softball game of the year: Mode vs. ELLE Magazine. Can Wilhelmina strike out ELLE's star player, supermodel Naomi Campbell? In other developments, an orphaned boy from France turns up at Mode with an amazing claim, and Hilda learns some shocking news about Coach Diaz. ELLE Magazine editors Joe Zee and Robbie Myers appear as themselves. Also, Lindsay Lohan will guest star as a mean girl from high school who suddenly resurfaces in Betty's life.

Excited and sad about "The Office" season four finale

2008-05-15T19:03:47Z

Tonight, Dunderheads will be treated to an hour-long episode of "The Office" (9 p.m. NBC), but unfortunately it's also the last new one we'll get for season four. This day is sort of bittersweet for me.

]]> I'm super excited to finally find out what the much-rumored plots twists actually are. A past Ask Ausiello post reported that there would be three, which possibly could include: an engagement, a death, an infidelity, a pregnancy, a fire and a coming-out.

I hope Jim and Pam get engaged, Jan is pregnant (with Michael's baby) and no one dies or cheats.

I want to end this post on a happy note, so here's some very good news: Spoiler TV reports that another "Office" webisode series is planned to come out in July. This time it will focus on Kevin (Brian Baumgartner) and his pursuits to pay back gambling debts. It also stars Oscar Nunez (Oscar), Leslie David Baker (Stanley) and Craig Robinson (Darryl). Awesome!

"ANTM" finale photos

2008-05-15T18:12:50Z

The photos from last night's finale of "America's Next Top Model" are finally available, so I'm putting some up now. Enjoy!

THE COVERGIRL SHOOT:

From left: Witney, Anya and Fatima (Pottle Productions Inc. photo) .

]]> THE RUNWAY:

LEFT: Whitney in first gown. MIDDLE: Anya and Whitney in second gowns. RIGHT: Anya in first gown (CW photos/Elizabeth Carrillo).

THE WINNER:

LEFT: Anya and Whitney at final panel. RIGHT: J Alexander, Paulina Porizkova, Whitney, Tyra Banks, and Nigel Barker (CW photos/Elizabeth Carrillo).

BONUS:

LEFT: Whitney. RIGHT: Tyra Banks and Whitney (CW photos: Jim DeYonker).

"America Idol" is down to the Davids

2008-05-15T16:32:23Z

Last night's "American Idol" elimination wasn't that surprising. In fact, some people predicted the finalists weeks ago.

So, who do you think will win? It's obvious who I'm rooting for, but do you know who Simon thinks should win?

Here's what the "Idol" judge said during a recent interview with Blender:

"I think he's done more to deserve it over the eleven weeks. He's taken more risks, he's done things with certain songs that have been more interesting. If I'm gonna base it on who has done the best performances over the live shows, David Cook deserves to win."

PHOTO: David Archuleta and David Cook. (FOX/Michael Becker)

Whitney is "America's Next Top Model"

2008-05-15T13:19:42Z

Yay! I'm so happy that Whitney won cycle 10 of "America's Next Top Model," the first time for a full-figured girl.

The winner will be managed by Elite Model Management, receives a $100,000 CoverGirl contract and six-page fashion spread in Seventeen magazine.

]]> The CW press site hasn't posted her official winner photo yet, so here's some pictures from past shoots.

LEFT: "Viva Italia!" -- The girls face their biggest challenge yet when they are told they will be filming a Cover Girl commercial - in Italian.CW photo/Elizabeth Carrillo. CENTER: "We are Spartans!" --The models embrace their inner warriors when they learn Gladiator-style fighting complete with swords. CW photo/Elizabeth Carrillo. RIGHT: "House of Pain" -- CW photo/Russel James.

LEFT: CW photo/Peter Buckingham. RIGHT: "Ready For My Close-Up" -- The final four models pose as famous movie icons in a shoot with photographer Nigel Barker. CWphoto/Nigel Barker/Pottle Productions Inc.

"Where's the Beef?" -- The models hit the meat-packing district for an unusual photo shoot. CWphoto/Trevor O'Shana/Pottle Productions Inc.

"American Idol's" top 3 sing 3

2008-05-14T12:33:04Z

In the first round, the last three "American Idol" contestants sing a song picked by a judge.

Paula chooses "And So It Goes," by Billy Joel for David Archuleta.

Randy picked of Alicia Keys' "If I Ain't Got You," for Syesha Mercado.

Simon gives Roberta Flack's "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" to David Cook.

I liked David C. the best (no surprise), but I thought they all did okay.

The next round, the "Idols" pick their own songs.

Was I the only one surprised by David A.'s song choice, "With You" by Chris Brown? Even if it wasn't his best performance, at least I felt he picked a new, cool song. It made me see him in a different (better) light.

Syesha picked "Fever," which I agree with the judges that it wasn't a great choice. Personally, I love the song and sing it sometimes when I'm washing dishes, but to me it's one of those songs everyone sounds good singing and that's why it's heard a lot in the audition process. Also agreed with the judges that it didn't show who she is.

David C. sang Switchfoot's "Dare You to Move," which is the type of song he'll probably make when he gets his big record deal after he wins "AI." It was good, but I love when he picks a song that doesn't seem like it could ever rock and then blows my mind when it does (like his Michael Jackson and Mariah Carey covers).

The final round were songs picked by the producers.

Poor David A. got stuck with "Longer" by Dan Fogelberg. Vocally he sounded great, but why can't these producers see he is 17 years old and shouldn't be singing these sappy ballads!

Syesha was given Gia Farrell's "Hit Me Up" (from the movie "Happy Feet"). It was an okay performance, but made me think she would have sounded better with a Beyonce's song.

And finally, David Cook closed the night with Aerosmith's "Don't Wanna Miss a Thing." I wish he would have changed it a little -- maybe more rock, less violin.

Simon said David Cook won the night, but the judges also think David A. has done enough to secure his spot in the final two. So, will Syesha be the next eliminated? If last night's performance was a real indication, I'd say yes.

PHOTOS: Ray Mickshaw/FOX

Fun links from last night's "How I Met Your Mother'

2008-05-13T14:12:03Z

I never get tired of the funny web sites that come from "How I Met Your Mother."

Here's two from last night's "Everything Must Go" episode:

· Guy forces his wife to dress in a garbage bag for the next three years

· LillyAndMarshallSellTheirStuff.com It's been super busy, which may cause a "Network Error" message, so be patient because you can buy stuff from the show and the money guest to charity.

Britney Spears was a much bigger part of this episode than her first and it almost seems like it was setting up Abby the receptionist as a recurring character.

Not sure if I like that idea.

Anyway, next week is the third season finale and guest star Sarah Chalke will return as Stella. I'm so excited!

PHOTO: Neil Patrick Harris and Britney Spears (CBS/Cliff Lipson)

"Gossip Girl" thoughts on "Woman on the Verge"

2008-05-13T13:40:26Z

I only had time to watch half of last night's "Gossip Girl" this morning, but I was very disappointed with the development of Serena's "I killed someone" storyline. Lame.

At least I still have the other half to watch, so my opinion could change. If you watched, please let me know what you thought. I've been getting up earlier in the morning, so maybe the show just isn't as enjoyable to me at 6 a.m. as it would be at 8 p.m.

Don't worry though -- I'm still a devoted "GG" fan. And I have faith that next week's season finale will be the most OMG episode ever.