Wednesday, December 31, 2008

More of the Greats of 2008

I hate that these are so short, but here are more dearly departed and truly gifted celebrities that are listed that I think definitely deserve a mention.

Beverlee McKinsey:
I really wish I could see more of Beverlee’s work. From what little I’ve seen, she did a great job on Another World as Iris, and she pretty much won me over as Alexandra Spaulding on Guiding Light after seeing her play the role. What a truly excellent actress. The soap world is definitely not the same without people like her.

Harvey Korman:
What a great guy. As much as I loved him on Mama’s Family and The Carol Burnett Show, I will never forget his game show appearances. One including Tattletales back in 1974. Gene Rayburn was hosting, and there was a question about sex and the other two couples got it wrong. Harvey however, when it came to be his turn, he got it right after talking about how terrible it was that the other couples got it wrong. Truly funny moment. He will be missed.

George Carlin:
I respect and enjoyed this man for his Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television and him pointing out the ridiculousness of banning things. For years I’ve thought that a lot of the censorship on TV today is just silly, especially on basic cable. And it’s amazing how we are compared to some other countries like Australia and Great Britain. It’s interesting how we’ve evolved slightly over time since the time it was released. Though obviously before this as I was way too young to hear such a routine, I had remembered his voice best on Shining Time Station. I was a regular viewer of that show. And I also barely remember his short-lived sitcom on Fox in 1993, The George Carlin Show.

Bernie Mac:
I admit that I was never a huge fan of Bernie Mac’s. But I have seen his sitcom before and I did like what I saw. I loved him with Ashton Kutcher in Guess Who?. And I do think he was a generally funny man. And what I really seemed good to me about him was what I heard Steve Harvey say about him on Ellen after his death: that he was a family man. No matter how much of a success he was, that his family always came first. It was definitely one of those celebrity deaths that are just pure shock when you hear about it. I didn’t know that he was sick and he was way too young.

Paul Newman:
It’s been a really long time since I’ve seen many of his movies, but still, all in all this man was nothing short of a legend and a treasure to Hollywood. And what I really respect him for is that after seeing his interview on MSNBC’s Time & Again, I loved how modest he was. Many of the actors I love are grateful to their fans and are proud of their work, but are not conceited. I think it’s lovely that one of America (and the world’s) best actors is someone who was not only great at what they did, but also a kind and charitable man.

Isaac Hayes:
I’m not a fan of how things ended with him and South Park, but I love his contribution to disco, with items like The Theme from Shaft. I LOVE disco, it has to be my favorite type of music… EVER. And the genre wouldn’t have been the same without his musical work.

Neal Hefti:
The Odd Couple is one of my favorite themes. I looked up Neal’s bio on the web, and I was amazed at what I found. He not only composed the theme to The Odd Couple, but he was also a big band leader and composer. I didn’t know he also worked with Frank Sinatra, and released numerous albums on his own, and composed the scores for several movies. The theme is practically synonymous with the show The Odd Couple along with the famous opening dialogue.

Eartha Kitt:
I wish I could see some of the old Batman shows. I haven’t in a really long time, and I wish I could see some more of her other movies. What a talented actress and singer, and I respect her for speaking out for gay rights.

Best Game Show Moments of 2008

It’s truly hard to have just one, so I’ve come up with four! My picks for best game show moments in the year 2008!

I’d definitely say my favorite moment this year game show wise was Betty White’s appearance on Million Dollar Password. I must be a real sentimental person, especially for ranking this as #1, not only because it was a pure treat to see her play on both episodes, but also because seeing the clip of Betty and Allen on the original Password just really tugged at the heartstrings!

Another great moment I’d say would be the million dollar win on Wheel of Fortune. As I’ve said before, I’m tired of the gimmicky things this show pulls, but there’s something about the million dollar wedge. Yes, the show should tone the glamour down, I’ll always think that. But with the million dollar wedge, I like how the contestant really has to work for it and earn it. And that’s exactly what Michelle did back in October! It was EARNED and her reaction was just priceless. It was all about the emotion.

A third one for me would be yet another million dollar win -- this time with contestant Cynthia on The Price is Right Million Dollar Spectacular back in April, when playing Clock Game. Again, just like Michelle’s win, it was about the emotion. Emotion that wasn’t forced out and unnecessarily overdrawn by ridiculous commercial tosses and “missions.” The emotion in that moment was raw and real, like how it should be on a game show.

Another memorable and great moment for me had to be seeing contestant Dorothy play on the daytime Price is Right again after 37 years. In 1972, she won the Grocery Game and made it to the showcase. It’s unfortunate that she didn’t do too well in 2008, but it was still a treat to see her.

Here’s hoping for more memorable and great moments in 2009!

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

ATWT: Noah Said Knock You Out

Tuesday, December 30th:

Oh my God, Brian, you have so much gall. Your marriage to Lucinda stopped being none of Luke’s business a LONG time ago. And anyone with a brain knows that Lucinda wants some action.

Luke, I can’t believe you. Kissing Brian… are you effing kidding me? The only thing that sucks about Brian getting his lights punched out by Noah is that at the time he didn’t deserve it. But then I’m reminded of all the bullcrap he’s pulled so all in all I don’t feel bad about enjoying it. And sorry Luke, being “drunk” after two glasses of wine is no excuse at all either for macking on your step grandfather. There is no justification about it period. Like I said last time, Luke being jealous of Maddie and Noah’s friendship is just silly. Silly and ridiculous. Noah’s days of being in the closet are OVER and he’s not going to just run off and sleep with Maddie because Casey screwed her over. Noah is gay. Gay, gay, gay! Have I mentioned that Noah is gay? Get yourself together, Luke! How can you be THAT insecure after Noah has shown you time and time again, especially in the past two weeks alone that you’re the only guy in his life that you turn to kissing resident skees-bucket Brian Wheatley?! I can’t say I blame Noah either for being royally pissed off either after it‘s all set and done (by the way, great job, Jake!).

And come on, show. This better be the last cockblock. That act is just getting past tired. Let Luke and Noah do the horizontal limbo. I promise the sun will rise the next day.

Really not a fan of nuMaddie. She was never this whiny and pathetic. Why does history have to be thrown out of the window when it comes to writing this show? Why does plot have to come first before character, even if it means sacrificing the integrity of the character? Even if it means dropping a character's IQ so a story can work? And I’m glad Jade is being apologetic, though I‘m not liking her bratty attitude towards Lucinda. Funny how Jade is being written to a T, but Maddie isn't.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

The Best and Worst Game Shows of 2008

Time to look back at some of the best and the worst, game show style in 2008.

Million Dollar Password I’ve really wound up liking overtime. I realize that it takes me some time to get used to the changes from previous versions that we know and love; and even if I still think the set’s a bit too busy and I think that there are unnecessary sound effects, I’ve found it to be really enjoyable. It’s been too long since this show has made first-run episodes. As much as I’ve grown to hate the nighttime version, I really love daytime syndie Deal Or No Deal. Howie does a great job as usual as a host. The show still has its themed and sponsored weeks every once in a while, but the show doesn’t veer off course and become a melodramatic zoo. The show during the day is about the contestant and the game; the way it should be. I think Trivial Pursuit: America Plays is definitely one of the better shows to debut this year. I really like the America Plays aspect and the questions are a lot of fun. If only the show would get better ratings. I certainly think it could have a better host, but I do like Catch 21.

The Moment of Truth had to be the absolute worst. It’s like a more nasty, vilified game show version of Maury. The questions do nothing but embarrass the contestants and their families. There’s no enjoyment factor in that. Amnesia was no big treat either but at least that was a show that tried to have fun with the contestants and their lives. Moment of Truth just makes me wish Mark L. Walberg was hosting something better. How Much Is Enough was a big disappointment. It was the same thing all show. I also think one of the least desirable shows to debut this year was Celebrity Family Feud. I don’t think it’s as terrible as some people do (but then again, I missed episode one) but it could have been much better. I was really not impressed by Al Roker’s hosting, and again I ask, what’s the point of bringing back retro music if it’s just going to be used terribly? In the end I wanted to see it only for Margaret Cho and Ed McMahon. And Hole In The Wall... that's just better left as a segment on Ellen.

Yearly Review: GSN

Well, we’ve gone through a pretty big year for GSN. Whether it came to new originals like Catch 21 and Bingo America, classic acquisitions like Tic Tac Dough, or the logo change… there was a lot in store for game show fans.

This network has had some real positives this year, or at least I thought so. As much as I dislike the amount of skipped episodes it can cause, I do like GSN Live. There have been some great guests as result of this show… Geoff Edwards, Bob Eubanks, Tom Kennedy, Bill Rafferty; it’s really helped the network go back to its old roots. There’s also been some good acquisitions. I love that Meredith’s version of Millionaire is on the schedule. I have my issues with Donny’s version of Pyramid, but I am glad to see it. I was so happy to see Russian Roulette come back to the line-up, as well as seeing To Tell The Truth with Bud Collyer and Wheel of Fortune returning. It's nice seeing Wheel before it became gimmick city. The special marathons were a real treat as well. The Play it Back marathons featured now rarely aired classics like The $25,000 Pyramid and The Dating Game. The Christmas marathons were really nice. I loved seeing Combs Feud get a marathon of its own. And I can’t wait for the $100,000 Pyramid New Year’s Eve marathon. The logo change I think was for the best as well. The new logo looks more game-like, and the slogan as well. Another sign of the network going back to its roots.

With the positives there have been some negatives. Removing Body Language and Double Dare from the weekend overnights being one thing. That awful summer campaign “Catch a Game.” It really wouldn’t have been so bad if they had more going for it than the same three promos played over and over during every commercial break. Some of the original stuff really wasn’t much to write home about. How Much Is Enough I found to be a huge disappointment. And Think Like A Cat? For that I have seven words: What. In. The. Hell. Was. That. Crap. Cancelling Lingo I don’t think was such a good idea either. And Alfonso Ribiero… I’m sorry, I’m sure you’re a nice guy, but I’m really not a fan of your hosting. PLEASE tone it down and use your indoor voice! It’s like watching Todd Newton on Whammy!.

Here’s hoping that 2009 is a great year for GSN, for game show lovers of all kinds!

Remembering the Greats of 2008: James E. Reilly

In all honesty, there are instances where I just don’t know how to feel about this man.

After seeing some of the episodes of Days of our Lives with the Marlena possession storyline, I have to admit I enjoyed them, but more for the camp factor. It was hard to take seriously, but it had its interesting moments. However, from what I’ve seen of it, outside of the theme arrangement, 2004’s Melaswen storyline looked just awful, and I don’t feel bad that I missed out on much of it.

And I’m a bit mixed with Passions as well. In 1999, I was furious to find out that Sunset Beach was cancelled, and in its place at 1 PM in Indianapolis was this show, but I found myself getting hooked. But the big problems I had with this show is that the payoff factor wasn’t very high. I distinctly remember more than once that whenever Theresa would think that her ultimate fear had come true and that the man of her dreams, Ethan was leaving her, there were just way too many instances where it or a storyline like that with a big reveal was all a dream, and it would become seriously annoying. And I also remember being a seriously disgruntled Sheridan and Luis fan. The storylines would drag out WAY too long and the dialogue could get really repetitive, and more than so than your traditional soap.

But I did love all the “accidents” that helped Ethan and Theresa eventually come together in the beginning, and although it would have been nice to see Sheridan and Luis be married at least ONE time, I admit I enjoyed it so much when a furious Ivy crashed into the church the first time it was supposed to happen. I enjoyed Tabitha Lenox’s relationship with her doll Timmy (RIP, Josh Ryan Evans). But regardless, of the fun times, in the end I’m not upset that I wound up eventually giving up on this show. The payoff and writing just weren’t that great for me to continue all the way through.

For fans of his work, he’ll be remembered as a legend. For people who were not, he’ll always be remembered for one (or two) of the biggest disliked storylines on Days of our Lives, and Passions, the show that many people hated to see replace Another World (or in some areas, Sunset Beach).

Remembering the Greats of 2008: Estelle Getty

Since Estelle Getty’s passing, I have been re-watching a lot of the show over the past several months. The Golden Girls is one of my favorite shows of all time, and even though it is rerun a lot, it’s one of those shows that do love to watch, but I can’t watch it every time it’s on, in fear that I’ll grow sick of it. For me it’s best to watch some favorites bunches at a time. And considering the circumstances, I have to admit that it was sad seeing a couple of episodes, for instance “The Heart Attack” from season one, where the girls fear that Sophia is dying.

I think for a lot of people as well as myself, one of the biggest reasons why the Sophia character was so much fun to enjoy was, well for one instance, whenever I watch, I feel as though the characters are almost distant relatives of mine, in some odd way. Sophia to many people was like a grandmother, and not only that, but her character and the other characters on The Golden Girls proved that life does not stop at a certain age. You can date, work at a fast food restaurant or as an activities director at a retirement home that you once despised, and even meet someone like Burt Reynolds. Not only was she fun to be around, but Sophia was someone you could get great advice and hear great stories from. While fiery and feisty, she was also warm and caring. And the greatness of the character besides the writing I think had a lot to do with Estelle. She was a very gifted actress, and I just can’t imagine anyone else playing Sophia Petrillo as sharply and as lively as she did.

Picture it: September 1985. A new sitcom called The Golden Girls debuted Saturday on NBC, with four women, three widowed, one divorced. Their chemistry together along with love, laughter, fights, and cheesecake embraced audiences and America (and the world) hasn’t been the same since.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

GSN: January Schedule Changes

Beginning the week of January 5th. Changes listed only:

WEEKDAYS:
9:30 am Card Sharks (CBS 1986-89; replaces Tic Tac Dough)
12:00 am Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? (ABC 1999-2002; replaces Millionaire, Syndie (2002- Present))
1:00 am Wheel of Fortune (syndie 1994-95 season, replaces That’s The Question)
1:30 am Jeopardy! (syndie 2004-05 season, replaces Camouflage)
2:00 am Family Feud (syndie 2006-present version with O’Hurley, replaces Beat the Clock (CBS 1979-80))
2:30 am Match Game (CBS 1973-79, replaces Now You See It (CBS 1974-75))

WEEKENDS:
10:00 am Blockbusters (NBC 1987, replaces the 1980-82 version)

I’m not really that disappointed about Tic Tac Dough leaving because at least they ran through all the episodes they leased. And I do think Card Sharks with Bob Eubanks does deserve a spot on the weekday schedule, but I’m not liking it too much that they’re starting over with episode 1. That will make it the third time already that they’re in some form rewinding the show back to the beginning after not getting at least half-way through with another cycle of the show.
As much as I prefer Cullen’s Blockbusters over the Bill Rafferty version, Cullen’s version has aired a lot over the past few years and I think it deserves a bit of a break from the schedule. The Rafferty era hasn’t been seen in a while and a weekend timeslot is perfect for it considering the amount of episodes it had.

However, I am disappointed about Beat the Clock and Now You See It leaving. All I wanted to see were 4 more episodes of Beat the Clock from the finale week, and Now You See It would have gotten up to the series finale next month anyway. Couldn’t they have just waited until all the available episodes were shown at least once before pulling both shows, or at least move Now You See It to 2 am?

And what’s replacing these shows at night I find to be pretty disappointing. I was never a big fan of That’s The Question or Camouflage, and I love seeing Wheel of Fortune, but with it and Jeopardy!, seriously, I thought we were through with this repeating of the same episodes of shows a day. I realize that people can’t see/record these shows on GSN during the day, but I like the idea of having a bit of a bigger variety of shows. And the Match Game replacement for Now You See It I also find to be kind of a letdown since it’ll be late ‘74-’75 episodes again. This would have been a great time to get out something like PM or the 1990 version, which we haven’t seen in a while. And I could do without an extra Feud airing.

ATWT: More of the Newbs

Tuesday, December 23rd:

Today is a perfect showcase as to why I am not a fan of Jade (and not really feeling the new actress either). Give me a break, girl! Luke took Jade to the police in fear of what could happen to her if she were a fugitive; where she could easily be hurt or killed. Sorry, but if someone’s freedom and possibly their life is at risk, I’m hauling them to the cops. Also this is has to be the fourth or fifth time this year where some crazy convict or pissed off person is about to kill someone or himself with someone sane enough to talk them or force the weapon away from them. This show just milks that to no end.

With Maddie, it looks like another case of the character coming back to town, only to change with no real explanation whatsoever. I’m still trying to warm up to the actress, but writing wise, this is just not the Maddie that we’ve known before… and geez, horny much? And Maddie, you didn’t turn Noah gay. It’s called denial.

I’m sorry, but Luke being jealous of Maddie and Noah is just silly. For one thing, has this show forgotten that Luke and Maddie were once each other’s BFF? And secondly, Noah is GAY. Gay and OUT. The days of him denying his sexuality have long since ended. I reiterate: NOAH IS GAY. He’s not going to just up and hook up with her. Come on, writers. Stop trying to force drama where it doesn’t or shouldn’t exist. And the real potential awkwardness with Noah formerly dating Casey’s ex-girlfriend Maddie is apparently swept under the rug.

ATWT: Mistletoe-gate: One Year Later

Monday, December 23rd:

You know, I have to say that for the past year, I have never thought about mistletoe the same way again after last year’s Christmas pan-up at the end of the show. I couldn’t even watch the December 20, 2007 episode afterwards because despite all the scenes with Luke and Noah talking about how much they loved each other, I just couldn’t get past the rage of how they so quickly decided to pan up to the mistletoe as soon as their lips were about to meet. I just couldn’t do it, for fear of the urge to throw something at my TV in a fit of anger. Yet again.

I still have my annoyances with the writers; for one thing, how the hell can you have Maddie ask if Noah is gay after all that happened last year? And Luke being jealous of Maddie? Seriously? But today is a celebration for me. The gift that Noah gave to Luke was so sweet and the thought behind it was so, so precious. And, YES! The “same here” from last year, when all still was well, followed by mistletoe with a KISS, a REAL kiss that we could actually SEE and enjoy!

It’s nice that Maddie and Noah are still friends after all that’s happened. And Luke, if a guy kissed me the way Noah kissed Luke towards the end of the show (and oh boy, WHAT a kiss that was too!), there’s no way in Hades that I’d be questioning his sexuality!

And gotta Love Brian with his reasons for holding up sex. Sorry, Lucinda, but you aren’t getting any tonight.

In the end, I’m still disturbed by Brucinda affection and the writing can still be frustrating at times, but after all that’s been pointed out, the last thing I can say is bite me, homophobes!

ATWT: The Talk

Tuesday, December 16th:

Sorry, Brian, but I still have no sympathy for you. None. I really don’t like how when he brings up about how people try to help Luke during his downward spiral, that he includes himself, yet all the while trying to convince himself that he never came onto Luke -- twice. I’m sorry, but Brian’s no hero. And later on it was about time that he admits that he kissed him. It’s like despite all this, the creepy smarminess factor is still there. Although as much as I can’t stand him, I have to agree that Luke is pretty attractive.

And it’s so true about what Luke says when it comes to being in denial about being gay. It’s one thing to lie about yourself and in the process hurt only yourself, but it goes into an entirely different direction when you involve someone else, especially if you date or marry someone.

Brian and Lucinda are not having sex. Oh, GASP! What a shocker. Let me tell you. And please, writers, no more Nuke sex (or lack thereof) mentions in front of Brian? Please? Pretty please? Okay, thanks. Bye.

Thursday, December 18th:

I really don’t like it when the writers do this. Lily was basically saying that Jade made her mistakes but she always felt bad about it and didn’t want to intentionally harm them. That’s so not the case. For instance, when she slept with Will two years ago, when it all came out, it was basically more that she was sorry she got caught, and not just sorry about what happened.

And oh boy, how the tables have turned. There are people that insist that Noah “snitched” or ratted Luke out after the whole cheating situation with the election, and it just wasn’t that way at all. I think after all the lying about being gay and seeing Maddie, and the whole Ameera fiasco taught him that lying is just not the way out of things. But it was so obvious, at least to me, that Noah was just trying to do the right thing when it came to coming clean, and if he lied about it too, then they would have both been kicked out of school. Luke sort of to me had the same logic on this episode; that lying and covering up things, and not doing the right thing the wrong way wasn’t the way to go. He does this with Jade by going to the police with her instead of giving her money to skip town, and she winds up getting arrested. Both were doing the right thing for the person involved, but it just ended horribly.

And thumbs down to the writers for one other thing: how the hell do you have a scene with Luke catching up with Jade and there’s NO Noah mentions at ALL? Writers, are you kidding me?

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Christmas Episodes: Game Show Style

I’ve really had a good time this past week watching Christmas shows of game shows either on GSN’s 12 Days of Christmas this year, or watching some favorite Christmas episodes that I’ve recorded over the past few years.

As much as I agree with anyone that earlier episodes of Wheel of Fortune featured more charm and that it’s a better show without multiple gimmicks and fluff, I do admit that it’s nice looking forward to the Christmas shows ever year. I saw one from December 25, 2006 again and I did find it pretty enjoyable. It seems as though on this episode in particular, the show is more focused on the holiday theme than the extra things, which made it more fun to watch.

I think the Passwords did a really good job at getting into the holiday spirit. I love decorated game show sets, and Password Plus in 1979 did a really good job with theirs, and the Christmas puzzles in the game really help the mood as well. Super Password I enjoy just as much, and knowing that Bert was a singer, it really makes me wish that there was another instance where he sings a Christmas carol or two, like he did (albeit briefly) with “Mele Kalikimaka” in 1984.

Super Password’s 1984 holiday episode brings me to another show, the Pyramid Christmas show from 2003. I have my issues with Donnymid, but I always thought this was a high point in this version of the series. I find it really easy to get cozy and comfortable with the Christmas categories, with EVERY category both in the main games and the winner’s circle being holiday related. It’s one instance I think where the style of writing kind of came in handy. It also makes me wish we could see more of the possible Christmas shows from the Clark eras, including one from $25,000 Pyramid in 1986 -- hint, hint, GSN.

Seeing the holiday episodes of To Tell The Truth from 1990 were a real treat, and seeing them as well as a couple from the Collyer era also make me wish that television syndication was run differently back then, so we could have seen the same style of holiday charm on the 1969-78 version, which I thought were the truly the show’s best years. And as for another panel show, I’ve Got A Secret could really produce some great Christmas cheer.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

GSN: New Year’s Marathons

I’m pretty excited about this! On December 31st, GSN will be bringing in the New Year with their regular tradition, a marathon of The $100,000 Pyramid.

9:00 am - #26: Florence Henderson and Ed Begley, Jr.
9:30 am - #171: Ken Kercheval and Rita Moreno
10:00 am - #145: David Graf and Mary Cadorette
10:30 am - #65: Nipsey Russell and Teresa Ganzel
11:00 am - #432: Soupy Sales and Shelley Smith
11:30 am - #68: Howard Morton and Didi Conn
12:00 pm - #457: Audrey Landers and Nathan Cook
12:30 pm - #87: Vicki Lawrence and Dick Cavett
1:00 pm - #378: Betty White and David Graf
1:30 pm - #414: Brian Mitchell and Markie Post
2:00 pm - #121: Annie Bloom and Jamie Farr
2:30 pm - #186: Terry Lester and Florence Henderson
3:00 pm - #56: LeVar Burton and Markie Post
3:30 pm - #469: David Graf and Patty Duke
4:00 pm - #5: Brian Mitchell and Vicki Lawrence
4:30 pm - #389: Smokey Robinson and Gladys Knight
5:00 pm - #11: Betty White and Nathan Cook
5:30 pm - #99: Brian Mitchell and Markie Post

I think the truly best part of this marathon is that we will be seeing episodes that have not been shown in a good while! I have waited so long to see more of seasons 1 and 3. The first season of $100,000 Pyramid has not been seen on GSN in years, and what’s more, we’ll be seeing an episode from the premiere week! Pyramid is my favorite game show of all time, and the fact that practically all the episodes in this marathon are going to be relatively fresh (well at least for me), makes it all the more special. I'm really glad someone seemed to care enough to shake things up with this marathon!

January 1st will feature another marathon of Let’s Make A Deal (syndie 1971-77) from 9 am - 3 pm like in 2008. However, this marathon will not be strictly Las Vegas Hilton episodes. We should see at least a couple real goodies in it. The episode that airs first is the first episode! And the noon show features an appearance by Milton Berle!

Looks like a great way to start the new year and I personally can‘t wait.

Million Dollar Password: Season 2 Celeb List

Get ready for season two of Million Dollar Password, which starts December 18th on CBS!
The celebrity guest list is as follows:

Thursday, December 18th: William Shatner, Aisha Tyler
Sunday, December 21st: Phil Keoghan, Julie Chen
Sunday, December 28th: Betty White, Adam Corolla
Sunday, January 4th: Craig Ferguson, Serena Williams
Sunday, January 11th: Norm MacDonald, Jamie Kennedy
Sunday, January 18th: Neil Patrick Harris, Rachael Ray (season one repeat)
Sunday, January 25th: Chelsea Handler, Jeff Garlin
Sunday, February 1st: William Shatner, Aisha Tyler (repeat)

Granted, I’m still getting used to the new format and everything and I still have my issues with it (for instance I still think the set is too busy), but I’m still looking forward to the new season, and the celebrities sound really interesting. William Shatner and Craig Ferguson sound like crazy guests and for William’s sake we should be grateful there are no chairs! I kid, I kid. And it’ll be great to have legend Betty White back for another episode. I am excited for more new Password!

ATWT: The Tables Have Turned

Thursday, December 10th:

Well this time the tables have turned, and Brian is the one that’s the drinker. Nice to see that Luke isn’t the one who’s drinking this time.

I honestly don’t blame Noah one bit for walking out on Luke at the bachelor party. That remark about Noah being in the closet was extremely uncalled for, and really not a good way to get him to see Luke’s side of this whole situation with Brian. Still seeing too little of Noah in this though. Lack of Noah equals an unhappy Brandon.

Brian… ugh, what a douche. Oh, “I had a bit too much scotch tonight.” How convenient. Thank God Lily and Holden walked in. Normally I hate the idea of Luke being interrupted before a possible kiss, but this is Luke-blocking I can get behind. I was glad to see Luke tell Brian off at the end, but honestly if I were him I would have told Lucinda by now. I’d love to see Brian try to deny his way out of it this time.

I really can’t wait for this to unravel. I’m just so sick of Brian Wheatley.

ATWT: Hey-La, Hey-La, My Ex-Wife’s Back

Monday, December 7th:

You know, I think Brian would be more justified in his little tirade if he hadn’t kissed Luke. And during the whole situation, not once does Brian seem to remember coming onto Luke. Not once. If he kept his hands (and lips) away from Luke, and Luke decided to call his ex-wife on just merely his own vague suspicions and general dislike for the man, then I’d be more likely to take his side. Deny all you want, Brian, but you’re as gay as the day is long. Maybe Luke dug a little too deep in trying to find out by calling Brian’s ex-wife. But I’d be just as weary to find out more about him if he pulled the same schtick with me.

Normally I love it when couples act schmoopy and lovingly in soaps. Couples that actually work together, that is. But knowing all the stuff about Brian makes his affectionate scenes with Brian just cringe-worthy.

And again, Still hating the little amount of Noah featured. Can we please see more of Noah’s side of this break-up?!

Sunday, December 7, 2008

ATWT: Full House

Monday, December 1st:

Luke, you’re now experiencing stomach pains. Will the light bulb go off in your head now and will you finally quit drinking? As a fan of the soap genre, I realize that break-ups with couples are going to happen, but now it’s just gotten to the point where it’s obvious that they’re keeping them apart so he can drink.

While it’s obvious to the viewer what happened with Brian and Luke, but I can see why someone like Noah doesn’t understand right now what’s going on. And the mere thought of someone’s step-grandfather macking his step-grandson is hard to comprehend, to say the least. And now Brian’s moved in and they all are gonna be one happy family? Yeah, I don’t think so.
Oh, Holden, Lily, and Lucinda, and Noah, how little you know.

Wednesday, December 3rd:

Another day, another instance of being totally creeped out by Brian. Gotta love Brian’s face when Luke says to Alison that “she doesn’t know the half of it.” Just like he had something to hide, which he does. Brian, you are no hero. And the Brian/Luke kiss flashbacks are just creepy! Enough of those; it’s like when Holden and Carly kept reminiscing about their affair.

There’s something about this story that seriously irritates me. Don’t get me wrong, I really enjoy the amount of time Luke has been getting lately; Van’s been getting really meaty material and I’m happier than ever that Casey is back in the Luke and Noah story, along with Alison; those two need to associate with young people. But I could not have been more annoyed when Luke was experiencing near fainting spells and Noah was not even notified. Where is he in this story? I can understand that there are going to be a few instances where Noah’s not going to be on, but seriously, why is Noah seen so seldom in this lately? They don’t even bother to mention where Noah is staying during this break-up and we barely get to see his perspective on it (not to mention, his logic about Kevin no longer works since he is MIA; that’s minus one point, writers). I realize that Luke and Brian are going to be saying more to each other, but still in the end, it’s like Noah’s making the occasional guest shot and it shows another sign that he‘s really not developed enough on this show.