jessica*bree

Some great shows you should be watching...

A few shows I am really enjoying and that you might be missing out on!

• The Killing - dark, suspensful, complex.  The show follows the investigation into the death of a teen age girl.  You see the cops who work the case, as well as how her family deals with her death.  You can catch Season 1 on Netflix.  Season 2 is running now on AMC.

• Girls - I struggle to explain the appeal of this show!  It's so awkward at times that some scenes are almost painful to watch!  Yet, I can't stop.  The show is about a group of young girls who are all still figuring out who they are.  Playing on HBO.

• SYTYCD - I am surprised by how many people I meet that have still never watch So You Think You Can Dance.  The name of the show is so super cheesy, but the talent on the show is just amazing!  And, unlike some talent shows, I think they have taken the approach of building people up rather than tearing them down.  New season just starting on FOX.

Fall TV

Today I was reminded of my duty when it comes to Fall TV recommendations.  I watch so much TV that many of my friends now depend on me to filter thru it all and recommend what is worth watching.  I wil admit that moving to Texas and adjusting to all the changes at work has gotten a bit in the way of my TV viewing, but I made some adjustments and got back on it!  I mean how can I let my friends down?  So here goes my current views on the new TV.

 

New Stuff I Like So Far...

1. New Girl - one girl, three guys, random singing, funny lines... this show walks a fine line between quirky hilarity and trying too hard.  So far, I am liking it, but need to see a couple more episodes to know.  My lead fav new comedy so far.
2. Up All Night - another quirky show that shows potential about a couple that has a baby and is still trying to figure it out.  I loved how they went out all night partying and realized they can't do that anymore with a baby.  It's a bit crass and over the top but worth checking out.
3. 2 Broke Girls - This new show is like the odd couple for modern times... a street savvy girl meets spoiled but smart rich girl who is suddenly broke.  Not great but better than a lot of the tv out there.
4. The Secret Circle - teen paranormal show about a circle of witches.  If you like reading young adult urban fantasy stuff (vampires, witches, etc.) then this show is worth checking out.  I am looking forward to seeing more!

 

No sold yet...

1. Free Agents - The show is based around 2 characters who work together and just hooked up.  One is recently divorced and still dealing with the emotional fall out while the other had her fiance die a year ago.  Somehow this is meant to be a comedy.  Maybe if they had made it darker it would work.  Instead it just felt sad to me.  I did crack up though at one of the office scenes (where they brain storm on how to help Alex get more dates/reposition himself) so perhaps it will get better.
2. The Playboy Bunny Club - I love the idea a retro show with glam, but I was surprised by the take on this show.  I was hoping/expecting a drama in line with shows like Mad Men or Swingtown.  But the show looks like it is going for a more over the top suspense angle including mobsters, affairs, hidden agendas and more.  I worry that as the show tries to keep topping itself it will just get to be too much.

Still want to check it out...

1. American Horror Story - looks really interesting and starts Oct 5th!  Check it out!
2. Pan Am - love the retro feel and hope its everything Playboy Bunny Club is not.
3. Ringer - already started and I missed it!  I need to find where I can watch it...
4. Revenge - previews looked interesting but  not sure its getting great reviews

 

New TV Shows

One of things I love about fall is all the new TV!  While most of it is yet to come, I thought I would comment on some of the shows that have started up so far...

1. Mad Men - I love this show and this season has not disappointed so far.  But... I will say I feel like this season is departure from the first three.  Don Drapper was big mystery in the first two seasons.  Last season his world started to change.  This season, we see him in a very different setting, facing new challenges.  I have to say that I like him less this season.  Not because he has changed as much as because you can see how flawed he is and I keep waiting for him to rally!  Overall, I am loving the season and can't wait for the next episode.  My favorite part of the show right now is Peggy and seeing how she grows and is being independent and her own person.
2. Rubicon - This new AMC show has the feeling more of the feel of a great movie to me than a TV show.  A thoughtful conspiracy theory show that requires you pay attention since they do not spoon feed the info to you.  Worth checking out!
3. The Big C - new Showtime series about a woman who finds out she has cancer and begins to make all these changes in her life because of this.  Its still too early to tell, but I am liking it a lot so far.  Some interesting characters and potential story lines.  
4. Weeds - honestly could this show get any worse?  I keep wondering why I am watching it.  I swear the only reason is "Andy" and my fondness for his character.  
5. True Blood - Glad to say this season seems to be doing well so far.  Sometimes they get too carried away with all the blood for me, particularly in romantic scenes.  I mean honestly can Bill not wipe the blood from his mouth before making out with Sookie?  Seriously gross!  I just hope they don't go nuts before the end of the season like they did last season.  But so far I am still loving Jason, and enjoying the Jessica/Hoyt storylines.

I will try to post soon about returning shows I am looking forward to AND my review of new shows :)

Netflix TV Show Finds

Just a quick post to share some of my favorite finds so far since getting Netflix a bit back.  Let me know what you have found!

1. Gravity - TV Series:  Not for everyone, but great for fans of Dead Like Me and other dark, quirky shows.  This show is about a support group for suicide survivors (people who tried to kill themselves).  You see in each episode how & why a different person tried to kill themselves.  Overall its about their lives now and the changes some of them had made.  Reviewers on Netfilx compare it to Six Feet Under and Dead Like Me... but it lacks the depth of Six Feet Under.  The entire first season is up (at least I think its the entire season) - 10 episodes, 30 min show, Watch Instantly.
2. ThirtySomething - TV Series: I know this is kind of old, but its been fun going back and watching this show.  The characters are from my mom's generation for the most part, so I enjoy that dynamic.  I had watched all of these years ago, but seeing it now when I am in a different place in my life, when I am now "thirty-something" makes it hit home!  I can now see why sometimes the show was uncomfortable for my mom to watch - the issues these people face are so relatable for me.  The struggles over staying home to raise a child vs. working, worrying if you have a good marriage, seeing a friend's marriage fall apart, the relationship issue we have with our parents... all topics that still resonate.  Several seasons available, 60 min show, Watch Instantly.
3. Jekyll - TV Mini-Series: a modern take on the classic story from BBC. I am only about a third into it, but still willing to recommend.  Can be a little cheesy at times but overall well done and a lot of suspense.  6 one-hour episodes available, Watch Instantly.
4. Satisfaction - TV Series: A fun trashy indulgence, Satisfaction is a tv show from Australia about a modern day brothel.  You follow the lives of several different women, seeing how that came to be "sex workers", how they live their lives and of course, what kinds of people pay to have sex with a stranger.  Has an interesting voyeuristic element to it a bit like Diary of a Call Girl, but with more of a drama edge to it (less fun).  Several seasons, 60 min show, Watch Instantly
5. Sons of Anarchy - TV Series: I had missed this show at first, but caught up during the last season.  Well written and acted, this series takes you into the world of a "group of motorcycle-riding vigilantes" that feel a bit like the new Sopranos to me.  There is the strong family-ties, the violence, the money, the crime, and the "boys".  Great show to watch as a couple.  Three seasons available.  60 min show, DVD Only.
6. Madmen - TV Series: I can not get enough of this show!  Season 3 starts on AMC tonight, but if you missed the first two seasons, then you can catch up via Netflix.  A show about an advertising agency in the 1960's NYC, it shows how things used to be, from the 3 martini lunch to the typing pool to the perfect stay at home wife.  The show feels so real and every detail so well done that you have the simultaneous reaction of being shocked by how things were back then while relating strongly to the struggles they go thru.  2 Seasons available, 60 min show, DVD only.

Required reading (and watching)...

I know... I watch a LOT of TV.  Ironically I read a lot too.  How do I manage this you ask?  Well I do like zero housework and have no kids!  My dog loves to play fetch in doors, so I can still watch TV (or scrap) while we play!  Honestly, I would say I should get outside more but with all this pollen I HAVE to hide inside!  But my bad habits can be a benefit for you :)  Below my top list of must see or read right now:

1. WATCH: Parenthood on NBC.  Fantastic new family drama.  Touching and entertaining, with a great cast and writing.  WATCH IT!  if it gets cancelled I will hunt you down!
2. WATCH: Glee returns on Tuesday!  Woot!  I can not wait.  So fun, so silly, and lots of great music and dancing.
3. READ: Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr.  I can't tell you how much I love these books.  I love the cruel and dark world of faeries.  And for each book, Melissa Marr chooses a new voice... Something to experience yourself.  Her next book in this series is out on the 20th.  I will need to take a day off work I think lol
4. GO SEE: How to train a dragon - great movie for everyone in the family.  Very very well done!  Loved it!
5. GO SEE: Hot Tub Time Machine.  If you grew up on 80's movies like me this is a must see.  I feel like crimping my hair and listening to some cheesy 80's hairband music after seeing this.  I am sure I will be buying this on DVD.

Maggie Siff: Tara Knowles vs. Rachel Menken

 

If you are a TV addict with good taste, then you should recognize Maggie Siff.  She played Rachel Menken on Mad Men, and is now playing Tara Knowles on Sons Of Anarchy.  While I still watching season 1 of Sons of Anarchy (so NO spoilers allowed!), I thought a quick comparison of these two characters could be interesting.  

1. Best Dressed: Rachel!  I mean just check out all the cool vintage outfits.  But I would rather dress like Tara - much more comfy.
2. Best Job: Running your father's department store is fine, but I think being a doctor who can saves lives wins.  Score one for Tara.
3. Worst Weakness: Rachel smokes and has an affair with a married man - but ends it.  Tara struggles with her feelings for the bad boy.  Tie.
4. Most Interesting Dinner Guest: Tara.  Hands down.  Just imagine the stories she has to tell.
5. Best Role Model: Tara is a bit too wimpy for me at times so I gotta go with Rachel on this one.  

 

5 cancelled shows worth watching

Often is a show is cancelled after just 1 or 2 seasons, and I never got into it, I figure why bother now.  But there are those shows that defy this.  In this are of iTunes, DVD's and hulu, I find myself checking out some great cancelled TV, usually while scrapping on the weekends.  

Dead Like Me 

Watch: On hulu.com

Great show about a girl that dies only to find out that she is now a grim reaper.  Her new unpaid job is to separate people's souls from their bodies before they die from tragic accidents.  Unusual premise and interesting story lines.  Plus I heart the main character!

October Road (Drama)

Watch: On hulu.com

Great romantic drama about a young man that went on a short trip to Europe after college (promising to return home soon) and never went back home, leaving behind a girlfriend and his best friends.  To add salt to wound, he wrote a fiction novel with characters based on his hometown friends, painting them in unflattering light.  The show begins on his return home years later.  Beautifully filmed, great cast, fun music and perfect mix of drama and romance.  Oh how I miss this show!

Deadwood (Western)

Watch: Buy on iTunes

While NOT a fan of westerns, this show totally sucked me in.  Imagine saloons, whores and gun slingers.  Throw in some violence, sex and foul language.  Not for everyone but worth trying out a few episodes to see what you think.

Life (Crime Drama)

Watch: On hulu.com

This shows concept is that a police detective is serving life or a crime but is then cleared with new DNA evidence.  The time in prison changed him in new ways.  He now is back on the force and has a big settlement check.  Cool twist on crime drama - nice dose of quirkiness and zen attitude :)

Firefly (Space Western)

Watch: On hulu.com

From Wikipedia: Firefly is an American space western television series created by writer and director Joss Whedon, creator ofBuffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, under his Mutant Enemy Productions. Its future setting, modeled after traditional Western movie motifs, has been praised as an "oddball genre mix".  From me: fun, campy and unique.  

Fav TV right now...

My current TV favs - a few new, a few old :)

Drama - Life Unexpected

Love the mix of teen and adult story lines, with some romance tossed in.  Perfect pitch old-school WB.  Just makes me happy!

Comedy - Big Bang

By far my fav 30 minute sitcom still.  Makes me laugh out loud and is worthy of rewatching again each week!

  

New Show Fav - Parenthood

Seems to be loosely based on the movie.  Great casting and interesting storylines and characters.  Hope this one makes it.  Its like a new Brothers & Sisters (but I still love my B&S).

SciFi - Caprica

I love a good SciFi show.  And so far, Caprica is so fitting the bill for me.  Interesting ideas, cool sets, good acting, interesting character development... only thing missing is a bit of levity (something I loved about Farscape) but with its mysterious sexy tone, I can live without the jokes.

  

Guilty Pleasure - Greek

Totally stupid.  Totally silly.  Totally fun.  Cheesy show about college students, but not nearly as annoying as more preachy shows like Secret Life of The American Teenager.  Don't expect too much.  Sit back and enjoy the empty calories :D

Life

I am a huge fan of Hulu.  In part because I am a TV addict.  I like to have the TV on while I craft or surf the net.  I have been going back and rewatching favorite shows like October Road, and trying out new shows.  This week, I have been watching Life.  It got cancelled after 2 seasons, but still worth catching.  It has a crime to be solved in each episode, along with an on-going mystery that continues from episode to episode.

Fall TV Picks

So its usually my "job" to keep my friends and family up-to-date on TV worth watching... mostly because I watch so darn much TV!  So far this year I have been avoiding my duties!  But time to suck it up and get it done :)  For now I am focusing on shows that have already started or are starting THIS WEEK.

Shows I recommend giving a try:

GLEE (FOX): Most of you know I love this new show.  Its campy, witty, fresh and fun.  LOVE it.  If you missed it, check out episodes 1-3 on Hulu.com

MODERN FAMILY (ABC): Quirky new 30 min family sit com.  Looks decent.  Premieres Wed.

COUGAR TOWN (ABC): Courtney Cox is in this new comedy about a new divorcee that hooks up with a really young hot guy.  I love her so I am planning to check this one out.  On after Modern Family on Wed.

THE GOOD WIFE (CBS): Great cast, interesting idea, and the clip looks pretty good - subtle acting.  Starts Tuesday.

FLASH FORWARD (ABC): Looks like a very interesting concept.  Kind of hard to explain to explain so I recommend catching the preview if you haven't already.  On Thursday.

BORED TO DEATH (HBO): Very unusual and honestly have NO idea what to expect, but with all the attention HBO has been giving it, I plan to check it out.  On tonight!

HOUSE (FOX): I started to really get bored with this show (even though most of my coworkers still like it) but the end of last season has me back in!  2 hour season premiere tomorrow!  

DEXTER (SHO): Seriously one of the best dramas on TV with great acting, writing and direction.  Starts back up on this coming Sunday.  If you have never seen the show RENT SEASON 1 NOW!  :)

BIG BANG THEORY (CBS): So excited for one of my all time fav comedies to return.  If you have never seen the show I recommend catching the first two seasons on DVD!  Season premiere TOMORROW!

GREY'S (ABC): I am still enjoying this show.  I thought last season was quite good and the show seems to be back on track.  Not excited that they may be killing off a main character, but I will be sure to watch the 2hr premiere this Thursday.

DOLLHOUSE (FOX): If you like fantasy/sci fi kinds of shows are not overly critical, then worth watching.  Season 2 starts on Friday so I recommend watch season 1 first.  Interesting concept even if some of the story lines are bit predictable.

THE OFFICE (NBC): Its back this Thursday. Enough said :)

HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER (CBS): Still decently funny and returns for their 5th season tomorrow.

MEDIUM (CBS): Glad its back, but on a new network.  The end of last season was pretty interesting - just hope they can keep it fresh!

Currently on my Don't Bother list:

HEROS (NBC) - this show jumped the shark over a year ago.  So OVER it.  And its sad because it was such a great concept.

MERCY (NBC) - Looks like an overly estrogen-filled, nurse-focused medical drama ala HawthorRN.  So far I am not impressed.  Looks like it makes the women look like geniuses and male doctors idiots - well except the one "good" guy.  Pretty annoying.

ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE - sounds like a less funny rip-off of Knocked Up... two people (who are totally different) hook up one night, she gets pregnant, comedy ensues.  Looks seriously contrived  - having an audience that overly laughs at every bad line is NEVER a good sign.

CSI MIAMI (CBS): This is still on?

ONE TREE HILL (CW) - how the hell is this still on?  It has almost no resemblance to the first season by this point.

Still not sure (let me know if you catch it):

EASTWICK (ABC) - this show scares me... weird take off on the movie Witches of Eastwick.  All most feels like they are trying to create the next Desperate Housewives, but does have a nice dark magical spin to it, so I will most likely watch the pilot.  On this Wednesday.

COMMUNITY (NBC) - Okay I checked out the pilot and really have NO idea what to think yet.  Its a show about a group of random community college students (various ages, background etc.) who form a "study group" - sort of like a modern Dear John.

VAMPIRE DIARIES (CW) - I so want to like this.  I could use some teen vampire fluff in my life, but so far it seemed more like boring teen fluff.

THE BEAUTIFUL LIFE (CW) - Exactly what CW is good at... kind of superficial, trashy and fun all at the same time.  Looks to be a good new guilty pleasure but only time will tell.

MELROSE PLACE (CW) - The who-done-it approach is kind of boring me.  So far I don't really like any of the characters.  But if you liked the first series, then you might enjoy the new one too.

BROTHERS (FOX) - Eh?  Most likely not for me but doesnt' look so bad.

CASTLE (ABC) - The first season was fine.  Nothing great but a nice light crime drama.  Starts tonight.

FRINGE (FOX) - Like the new version of X Files, but with really bad fake "science".  I want to like this since I love a good SciFi show but I still not sure on this one.  New season starts Thursday.

BONES (FOX) - I usually catch this show on reruns.  Looks like this might be the final season?  And that are making the Booth/Bones romance a bigger part of the show this season. 

GOSSIP GIRLS (CW) - I like some teen drama here and there, but I never catch this show due to CW's bad scheduling ideas and their refusal to replay online.  New season doesnt' look so bad?

Okay I think that should be enough for now :)  And I am ignoring all reality TV.  Thank goodness networks seem to be spending more money on real TV again!