Showing posts with label ANTM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ANTM. Show all posts

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Blame it on the book

I have a new Wednesday work schedule that allows me to get home before 9:00 and what do I do? I opt to read a book and fall asleep. Reading is for the summertime, when there's nothing on TV except reality shows. It keeps the mind sharp, but it has the same effect on me as chamomile tea ... a slow descent into la la land. Kids, don't be fooled! Reading has a time and a place and it's not during primetime TV hours. This book had better be good. Here's a rundown of Wednesday night, Twitter style:

"America's Next Top Model" (CW, 8:00): Tyra sends home Iman-wannabe Simone instead of dry as powdered milk Anslee. The girls posed as vampires and Alasia gets the best photo for the second week in a row. (OK, that's like 2 tweets)

"Modern Family" (ABC, 9:00): The episode was a glorified promo for Apple's new iPad, but still funny as hell! It was so good I watched it twice. But seriously, how much did Apple pay for this blatant product placement? (That one is like the text message that's so long it comes over in 2 separate texts)

"Ugly Betty" (ABC, 10:00): The Suarez sisters travel to London for Hilda's bachelorette party. Betty scores an interview with a snazzy magazine editor, but turns down the job. And I think we can be sure now that Justin is in fact gay. Maybe.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

My Superman sucks!

See, what had happened was ... I volunteer at a local high school, helping them put out their school newspaper. For the last 5 days, I have been up to my elbows in writing, editing and designing their paper! I haven't watched TV in 4 days!!!! YES, 4 days!!!! I'm still behind by about 3 hours on shows I watch, but I had to skip the Watch Parties so I could get some sleep. *Shaking my fists at Cleveland High School Newspaper Club!!!* Here's a recap of Wednesday night:

"Survivor" (CBS, 8:00): I almost forgot that during the NCAA Tournament that the show airs a day early, and they didn't skimp on the drama as we were hit with a double elimination.
After returning from Tribal Council, James asks Col
by if he wants a hug. Now that Tom is gone, he's the last one standing in his little alliance. Candice says she had no choice but to vote for Tom for fear of calling attention to herself, while Amanda is secretly plotting her demise. At the Villains' beach, both Russell and B-Rob can't sleep so Russ approaches him to have a little conversation. B-Rob warns him that if he does indeed have the hidden idol, he should tightly hang on to it. "He's not playing with the amateurs anymore. He's playing with the big boys now," Rob says. Pause it: I read somewhere that filming for "Heroes vs. Villains" began right after "Samoa" ended so none of the contestants had seen Russell play. Otherwise, B-Rob would've been more careful with his choice of words about that hidden immunity idol. He has no clue who he's dealing with.

The castaways get a surprise announcement at the challenge: They'll be competing as individuals against their own tribemates for immunity, and both tribes will vote someone out at Council. The last person standing wins a hot dog feast for their tribe and gets to listen in other the other group's Tribal Council. The game is a rope obstacle course that Coach, J.T. and Tyson have all run before. (Tyson won the challenge the first time around). James showed that his bum leg wasn't much of a hindrance as he held a lead for most of the course. But it came down to J.T. and Candice at the end with Candice taking the immunity necklace. Rewind: Did anybody notice that the Heroes lost the coin toss, too? They couldn't win a game if they were playing against headless torsos. For the Villains, B-Rob, Tyson and Russell are even for most of the race, but of course, Rob pulls away for the win. For the final leg, it's Candice vs. Rob in a tri-level rope course. Candy looks tough to beat at first, but ultimately Rob prevails, winning the hot dog feast for the Villains.

After the competition, Colby realizes that Candice was only thing keeping him from going home because the other Heroes can't trust her. But her winning immunity leaves him in a vulnerable spot. He tells the tribe not to waste any time scrambling and vote him out. That way the Villains won't get any information about the Heroes and they can spend the rest of the day relaxing. He then retreats to the ocean where he spends the day floating and sulking. Pause it: Colby is totally having a hard go of it this time around. I know it's been 10 years since he's played the game, but damn ... he's useless. Even James points out that he came in last at the challenge, getting beat by a fat man and a cripple. "It's like my Superman sucks!" James tells him.

Amanda warns James that he's still got a target on his back and he needs to prove to the tribe that his injury isn't as bad as it looks. Oh, and stop stealing the bananas. She tells James there is a "banana etiquette" and that he should ask everyone if they want want one instead of taking three or four for himself. James later challenges J.T. to a race on the beach to prove he can run on his bum knee. A "Hero Olympics" of sort. James loses the race, but the tribe can see how badly he wants to be there, while Colby is basically resigned to his fate.

Back at the Villains' beach, the majority wants to get widow-maker Parvati out. Rob threatens Russell telling him "It's better to play with me than against me." Russell hates being bossed around and immediately runs to Parv, offering to give her his hidden immunity idol. Meanwhile, Rob has devised a plan to flush out the idol and send Parvati or Russell packing. They will split the votes three-to-three, forcing a tie-breaker vote. Either way, one of them will have to play the idol. Little does Rob know, Russ ain't no fool. He knows they can split the vote so he tells Tyson that he's voting with the bloc to get Parvati out. All the while, Russell, Parvati and Danielle are voting for Tyson to go.

At
Tribal Council, the Heroes are forced to sit and watch as the Villains devour hot dogs and soda while Jeff Probst grills them about keeping James. He continues to point out that Colby doesn't have the same drive and stamina he had the first time around, this time comparing him to "Superman in a fat suit". Based on the vote, the Heroes decide they can't risk keeping James around hoping his knee will heal enough to help the tribe. He's once again taken out down by an injury. Pause it: I hope he uses his "Survivor" earnings to get some medical insurance. Sounds like it's time for James to have a yearly physical.

After the Heroes are done, the Villains take the Council stage. San
dra immediately calls Russell out on having the idol. He pretends to be surprised and continues to suggest that he doesn't have it. After the vote, he makes a grand production of playing the idol, but wait for it ... he presents it to Parvati instead. She plays the idol, making any votes against her null and void. For a minute there is a faint look of smug on B-Rob's face, but once Tyson's name is thrown into the mix, things don't look so good for his alliance. The vote is tied 2-2 and you can almost see Rob getting ready to give Russell a shove out the door, but the last vote has Tyson's name written on it. He fell for Russell's story about voting out Parv and switched his vote, setting up his own demise. It's a blindside for the "Survivor" history books.

B-Rob continues to impress me with his "back-to-the-basics" style of game play, but he's met his match in the equally duplicitous Russell, who will stop at nothing to be crowned sole survivor. Russell totally outwitted Rob, so it might be worth his wild to get over the whole "we-didn't-have-immunity-idols-when-I-played" crap and realize that this show has become a much more cutthroat competition. This ain't your daddy's "Survivor," buddy!

The tribe has spoken: WHY, WHY WHY does Amanda always look like she needs a Prozac IV drip full at Tribal Council? Has she not learned that those sad puppy-dog eyes do not work on this show? It's so freaking annoying!

CHANNEL SURFING
  • If you are a hardcore "America's Next Top Model" fan, you would have recognized Cycle 11's Joslyn as one of the dates on "Millionaire Matchmaker" (Bravo, Wed., 10:00). And let me tell you, she was a lot more refined on this show than she ever was on "Top Model".
  • Speaking of "Top Model" (CW, Wed., 8:00), Ren was dismissed after she admitted she was only there because her mom loved the show and as the family disappointment, she was getting more attention from her mother. She should've worked that out in therapy instead of national television.
  • Some funnly lines overheard on "Ugly Betty" (ABC, Wed., 10:00): It's picture day at the Mode magazine office and Betty tells Marc, "I picked out a nice outfit," to which he tartly responds, "Aww, why didn't you wear it?" Later, Marc decides to "help" Betty's photo through some crafty work in Photoshop. "Marc, this looks nothing like me!" Betty exclaims. Marc: "You're welcome!" And finally, Betty gets her braces removed to which Wilhelmina barks, "Yes, yes, congratulations, Betty. Your smile will no longer induce seizures in children." I'm going to really miss the comedic timing on this show. They really know how to dish out the one-liners.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Timing is everything

It was a quick night, thank you Lord! I was three and out, just in time for reruns of "Will & Grace". I loves me some Karen Walker and Jack McFarland. But I digress. Let's discuss ...

"America's Next Top Model" (CW, Wed., 8:00): Tyra has definitely had some questionable model choices over the last 13 cycles, but she really outdid herself this season. There's something about these models that scream "low brow" and I'm not talking about the Groucho Marx eyebrows she let Raina keep after her makeover. The majority of them reek of poor taste while the others blend in with the wallpaper. I throw up my hands and jut out my hip.

It's the girls' first official photo shoot and they are thrown into the deep end right from the jump. They get to pick one item of clothing to model, but they must choose wisely because the rest of their body will be nude. Pause it: Those are accessories honey, not clothes. And ain't no bracelet big enough, no scarf long enough to cover up the hot messes that some of these models are.

My favorite girl so far, Gabrielle (right) opted for a pair of sequined leggings. She is uber cocky but I love her look. She looks like she could be in one of those posters I see when I walk past Abercrombie and Fitch or American Eagle. I like that she's so sure of herself, but in the world of reality competition shows, that's means she'll be on the chopping block.

The models were hoping that Angelea would choke, but she pulled off a fierce picture while modeling nothing put a pair of heels. My other favorite, country bumpkin Jessica, opted for a pair of shorts but was too worried about her granny seeing the pictures. Pause it: Get over it Jessie. You're on "Top Model" not "The 700 Club". My least favorite and most annoying girl, Alasia, was a train wreck, modeling a vest that she decided to wear backwards to cover her chest. Her pictures would've been much better had she just covered her face with it.

On the judging panel, Vogue editor-at-large Andre Leon Talley takes over for the flaming and flamboyant Miss J. Alexander, and Sally Hershberger, who did the girls' makeovers, is the guest judge. That Andre definitely adds something to the panel, although I'm not quite sure I like what he's serving up. He may be a little to sophisticated for the girls on this cycle with all of his French words and such. I had a hard time keeping up. And what was with all the blurring of the photos? On Ren's picture, all I could stare at was the big, pixelated blog on her thigh.I maybe mistaken, but I'm fairly certain that the va-jay-jay does not sit on the hip bone. What was up with that, Tyra?

My worst fears came true when Gabrielle and Alasia end up in the bottom two. I knew the judges were going to keep that annoying wench Alasia because Andre gave her lame photo a positive review while the other judges laughed at it. I hate the Gabrielle went so early. I think she definitely had potential to go all the way. *Shaking my fists at Mr. Talley*


In the second half of this overinflated episode, the girls practice their runway walks with "runway coach extraordinaire" Miss J. He tries to teach them that timing is everything by having them walk across a busy New York intersection while removing their coats.

For their first runway challenge, the girls get to model clothes for designer Rachel Roy. The model with the best walk gets to keep the garment she wears down the catwalk. The twist is that there will be two pendulums swinging at them from both directions. Good luck, ladies. Overconfident Alexandra, who by now has told us a million times that she's a perfectionist, falls not once, but twice on her turn down the runway. A few other girls are hit by the pendulum, but Alex is the only one who is actually thrown off the stage. Ginger-haired Brenda wins the challenge.

At the next photo shoot, the models pose for a beauty shot. Pause it: Well, as beautiful as you can be with water and wind being thrown in your face in 40 degree New York weather. This time it's Naduah's (above, left) turn to be cocky, saying that she's done so much modeling that she has this one in the bag. But at panel, it's Raina's photo that the judges fawn over while Naduah and Ren end up in the bottom two. Ren is saved even though she doesn't really want to be there, and Naduah is no longer in the running towards being America's Next Top Model. Good riddance to that boasting b*&#h.

"South Park" (Comedy Central, Wed. 10:00): With a subject matter like Tiger Woods and an episode titled "Sexual Healing", you have to expect some naughty innuendo. But leave it to Trey Parker and Matt Stone to find a way to make Tiger's infidelity society's fault because we "dangled the carrot". Pause it: I would beg to differ and say it was Tiger who was dangling the carrot, but this is a family blog.

In true "South Park" fashion, the writers treat sex addiction like it's an STD that the Center for Disease Control can handle. There's an "outbreak" of it among famous, wealthy men. They are the only ones who can catch it because "regular men just don't think of sex that often". Yeah right! And I'm sure they daydream about unicorns and rainbows!

The CDC decides to test the elementary school to see if any of the children are suffering from sex addiction. They flash an erotic photo in front of them then ask what color scarf the lady was holding. WOW! Poor Butters is mesmerized by the ... eh ehm, female nether region, making him test positive for sex addiction along with Kenny and Kyle. They enter "rehab" where they learn the cure for their disease is to avoid getting caught.

I laughed out loud for most of the show, but it's always the commentary that really cuts like a double-edged sword. On the one hand you've got Tiger Woods, who had no business doing what he did when he's got a wife at home. But on the other hand, what did people expect? He's still a man with a dangling carrot.


CHANNEL SURFING
  • "Ugly Betty" (ABC, Wed., 10:00): As the show nears it's final episodes, the writers are going all out to tie up the loose ends. Hilda is engaged, Betty is undergoing a rapid transformation, and Justin ... well, Justin had his first kiss tonight - from a girl AND a boy! The writers are still being very ambiguous about his sexuality and I love that we know, but we really don't know. Know what I mean? And how much is the Watch Party going to miss the comedic duo that is Marc and Amanda? While on their way to the hospital to visit an ailing Willy, her doctor stops them on the street and warns the two about bringing her more work. "What are we supposed to do? Kill her?" Amanda asks. "Can't. She'll only grow stronger," Marc replies. Hi-larious!
After these messages: Surely I can't be the only one who has seen advertisements for schoolinpjs.com. Really? School in PJs? How does that look on a resume? Can you really get a job at Microsoft with that degree? "Yes, Mr. Gates, I'm qualified. I got my degree online through schoolinpjs.com." It makes the University of Phoenix look like Harvard Law School.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Ghetto fab

I was so not in the mood to blog Tuesday night, even though I sat through 4 hours of TV and took a fair amount of notes. Sometimes I miss watching TV for TV's sake - just curling up on the couch and mindlessly watching a show without worrying about missing a pivotal plot point. But the Watch Party must go on, even when the host just wants to take a break. Here's a quick recap for the last 2 days.

"America's Next Top Model" (CW, Wed., 8:00): I don't know if I have the words to describe the ghetto-fabulousness of the girls that will grace the catwalk of Cycle 14. Loud, annoying, brash and did I say annoying? Pause it: At least Cycle 12 reject Angelea was intelligent enough to describe herself as "classy ghetto". Miss J goes on to say that one of the girls' runway walk looks "like you gon' whoop somebody's ass!"

The 33 girls are whacked down to 20, but before announcing the lucky ladies who will compete for the title, Tyra informs them that they are only picking 12 and a 13th girl would be waiting for them in New York. You've got your standard doe-eyed girl from Arkansas (Jessica), two biracial girls (Angelea and Gabrielle) and two hot-tempered chocolate girls (Krista and Alasia) who reinforce the idea that black women are always angry. Oh, and let's not forget the girl who was born into a cult (Naduah) who, I'm sure, Tyra will find a way to exploit her sob story in at least three episodes. The other girls include a plus-size model (Alexandra), a black white girl (Simone) and a girl with eyebrows as thick as my carpet (Enslee). The girls get makeovers and their first official photo will be a nude one. To be continued ...

Ripping the runway:
The most annoying thing about this show is all the screaming. Screaming when Tyra enters a room. Screaming when the models get a new task. Screaming when "Tyra Mail" arrives. It's like watching a horror movie that has no real horror.

"16 and Pregnant" (MTV, Tues., 10:00): Another week, another deadbeat baby daddy. This week we have Adam, a real winner who not only values his car more than fatherhood, but also calls the mother of his child a "stretch-marked bitch". Pause it: Taking trophy from Nikkole's boyfriend Josh and handing it to Adam.

Chelsea, a popular high-school senior, got pregnant at the end of her junior year and is starting the school year near full term. She so big she can't fit in her desk and has to sit on an exercise ball in class. Chelsea ends up going into labor five weeks early and gives birth to a girl named Aubree Skye. The doctors are worried that the baby has a premature immune system, but don't want to scare the young mom. Little Aubree does have respiratory problems along with a case of jaundice. Adam persuades Chelsea to give the baby his last name, but only sees the baby twice during her first eight days of life. Pause it: I don't know if you can even count that last one as a "visit". He leaves the baby to go work on his car.

Weeks go by and still no word from Adam. When he finally shows up, he's more concerned about going drag racing than worrying about his child's medical issues. Rewind: Is it just me or did anyone else feel like Chelsea just wanted Adam to notice how big her breasts were when she started feeding the baby in front of him? Adam's preoccupation with his car makes Chelsea wonder if she can raise the baby without him. Newsflash honey: You're already doing it without him!

After Adam sends Chelsea a text message telling her to "tell me when and where to sign over the papers for that mistake," she immediately heads to a lawyer where she has the baby's last name changed to her own. At 12 weeks old, deadbeat daddy is out of Aubree's life and Chelsea is heading back to school. At least she was smart enough change her daughter's last name. Now all she needs to do is slap that prick with child support payments and we can call it a day.

"Lost" (ABC, Tues., 9:00): In his flash sideways, Ben Linus is a high-school history teacher at the same school where John Locke is a substitute teacher. Alex is an adoring student instead of his daughter and Ben has aspirations of being the principal. On the island, when Ben was digging his own grave (literally), the camera cut to a book called "The Chosen". A quick Wikipedia search gave me this:

"The Chosen" tells the story of the friendship between two Jewish boys growing up in 1940's Brooklyn.One has a mind for mathematics and wants to become a rabbi while the other is a genius son of a Hasidiac Rabbi who expects him to eventually take over his position.

I'm sure this somehow ties into the whole theory that someone is about to be chosen to lead the island. Does being good at math give Ben Linus the edge? Talk amongst yourselves.

Oh, there was a really funny line from the show. When Ben offered Miles millions of dollars to help him, Miles responds with "What are you gonna do? Write me a check on this banana leaf?"

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Somebody to lean on

See how much I love you?! I'm sitting in Brooklyn, NY at 2:52 am (East Coast Time) writing this blog. There was no way I was going to miss "Glee", even if I am on vacation. But don't fret ... I am doing more than just sitting around watching TV. Later today it's the Brooklyn Museum of Art and a Manhattan comedy club. Here are my thoughts on tonight:

"Glee" (FOX, 9:00): When Mr. Schue made the announcement that the glee club would be doing ballads, I was totally ready to see some killer duets. What we got was crazy stalker crush story where several people were falling for their singing partners. Rachel fell for Mr. Schue after she was forced to pair up with him; Kurt admitted he was in love with Finn ever since the day they met; and even though they are already a couple, Finn professed his love to Quinn and their unborn baby. Too bad he decided to do it in front of Quinn's parents. Her dad kicked her out and she moved in with Finn. Pause it: I soooo wish I could do a cool mash-up with their names, but all I get Quinn ... or Finn. Not nearly as cute as Quick (Quinn/Puck) or Finchel (Finn/Rachel).

And let's just discuss this little love triangle that has quickly turned into a pentagon: Kurt loves Finn who thinks he should love Quinn who's really in love with Puck who was hooking up with Rachel who loves Finn. It'll be interesting to see how this clusterf*#@ plays out now that Puck has confessed to Mercedes that he's the baby daddy. And where was Coach Sue? I didn't chuckle out loud not once during this episode!

Featured songs:
"Endless Love" by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie
"I'll Stand By You" by the Pretenders
"Young Girl" by Gary Puckett (Union Gap)
"Don't Stand So Close to Me" by The Police
"Crush" by Jennifer Paige
"[You're] Having My Baby by Paul Anka
"Lean On Me" by Bill Withers

"America's Next Top Model" (CW, 8:00): Tyra crowns the show's first petite model: 5'7" Nicole Fox. It was a competition of quirky dork vs. girl-next-door, and not since Cycle 3 (Eva vs. Yaya) have I been so torn about who I wanted to win. Of course Laura's southern charm made her the perfect representative for Cover Girl, but Nicole had the best portfolio and you can't be a model if you can't book the job. I'm sure we haven't seen the last of Laura, but right now it's Nicole's time to rip the runway. Rewind: Did it really take Nicole 22 takes to get her commercial down? That's got to be a Top Model record! Are you happy Nicole won or were you a Laura fan?

"In the Spotlight With Robin Roberts: Janet Jackson" (ABC, 10:00): For anyone who has ever lost someone close to them, one of the most painful things in the world is getting that call telling you that some you love has passed away. I tragically lost a niece 2 years ago and I will never forget how hard it was to hear the news over the phone. So I can totally sympathize with Janet Jackson when she spoke about losing her brother and hearing about it first on CNN, then confirmed over the phone. Yes, Michael Jackson was an entertainer but he was also someone's father, someone's brother, someone's friend. To have a death be overshadowed with controversy and suspicion takes away from the grieving process. Janet says she copes by nervously smiling. How sweet is that?

I didn't expect Janet to be very candid and she didn't reveal much that we didn't already know about her. But it was nice to see a member of the Jackson family talk about Michael without trying to cash in on his death (I'm glaring at you Jermaine, LaToya, Joe). Plus, Janet has a really great smile.

I miss you, Roshundalyn.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Riding the reality wave

I got my reality check when the electricity went out for almost an hour. Here's yours:

"America's Next Top Model" (CW, 8:00): The four remaining girls learn hula hip-hop and the winner gets a Maui vacation. For the life of me I can't figure out what this has to do with modeling (unless they are trying out for the part of "hoochie" in a Lil Wayne video). Before a Pele (goddess of volcanoes) photo shoot, the models learn that two girls will be going home. I totally called Laura a fresher version of Rachel Hunter before Ty Ty and the judges did. Nicole served up her usual hot plate of fierce and they'll be going head-to-head in an unknown designer's fashion show. Pause it: You'd think with all her clout, Tyra could at least get a big name designer. I think Nicole is going to take it, but I wouldn't mind if Laura wins. Everyone who was happy to see Erin go, raise your hand! Which model are you pulling for?

"So You Think You Can Dance" (FOX, 8:00): For the first time this season the vote is in the hands of the viewers and you guys almost got it right. Almost. The bottom three vote-getters were Ellenore & Ryan, Pauline & Peter and Kevin & Karen. What happened to Mollee and Nathan? They totally should've been in Ellenore & Ryan's spot. We're reminded that America votes for their favorite dancer, not necessarily the best one. Pause it: The best dancer never wins on this show. (I'm winking at you, Will, from Season 4 and Brandon from Season 5). The curse of the quickstep strikes again as Pauline and Peter are sent home. Thank goodness all of the tappers are gone. Good on them for making it onto the show, but seriously ... a tap dancer would never win this competition.

A few thoughts: I wish Nigel would stop comparing this season's dancers to Season 5. We've moved on; you need to as well. ... Was anyone else creeped out by the tall man in the midst of all those young, screaming girls after the commercial break. He looked out of place and kind of perverted.

"Real World/Road Rules Challenge" (MTV, 10:00): Unfortunately for the Challengers, lazy Casey is still around. She is the most useless piece of skin I have ever seen on these challenges. These people came to win money and she's acting like she's at MTV Beach House. The Champions win again and Johanna chooses to battle Sarah in The Ruins saying she could never live it down if she lost to Casey. And even though Cohutta has knocked out two power players, Darrell picks him because he has banked the most money so far. Johanna has been on four of these challenges and this is her first time being in a one-on-one showdown. Pause it: She must've been getting by on her looks because she proved tonight she's not as strong as people have made her out to be. Time to get a real job, Joey. Darrell beats Cohutta and now has the biggest cashpot with $31,000. What's that I see on Darrell's back? Looks like a target.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

The eyes have it

Crazy night, these Wednesdays! Crazy!

"America's Next Top Model" (CW, 8:00): There's only 5 skinny minis left and Tyra is really scrapping the bottom of the model barrel this season. These girls have no personality and no height. You can be without one or the other but not both! Tonight the girls learn how to pose in swimsuits from a Victoria's Secret model, Marisa Miller. Nicole wins the challenge and gets a chocolate pearl necklace and extra frames. In a school-yard pick, three other models also get extras, but Erin is left out. "She's a brat and gets on people's nerves," Nicole explains. Hi-five on that one, Nicole. Erin's age is showing and she's 18 going on 3.

At the photo shoot, the models have to pose underwater with the Fabio of photography, Russell James. Pause it: Seriously, the guy looks like he hasn't had a haircut since the early 70s. Laura has a fear of drowning and starts hyperventilating as soon as she goes under. She still manages to get a fantabulous shot, as does Nicole. But it's Jennifer who earns best photo of the week, leaving Sundai and Erin sinking to the bottom two. One would think Erin this is Erin's week to go seeing how she's been in the bottom 3 weeks in a row now. But Sundai's cherry is knocked off and she's sent home.
Nicole has perked up since her robot twin Brittney is gone. It's like her circuit board shorted and she learned how to smile. And has anybody noticed that Nicole bares a resemblance to the other red-headed Nicole from Cycle 5? Sundai knew better than to let that weave get wet during the posing challenge, but water could only help that sad piece of hair at this point. Two girls are getting cut next week and one of them had better be Erin.
"Criminal Minds" (CBS, 9:00): I would like to meet the mind who comes up with the ideas for the serial killers on this show. Last week it was a man impregnating women then killing them after they give birth. This week it was a freak who takes people's eyes after he kills them ... then puts them in the fridge next to the mustard.

This show has a very "Dexter" quality about it. You definitely can't eat while watching this show. It's like sitting through a horror movie. Especially when the victims go looking for trouble instead of running to their cars at the first sign of danger. Pause it: Don't you ladies know that a staircase is one of the most dangerous places for a woman at night? That is why I proudly take the elevator ... day and night ... to the second floor.

The killer was a borderline schizo taxidermist (wow) who had been told he was bad at doing the eyes. So he goes out and starts snatching people's pupils? Couldn't he just go back to taxidermy school or something? C'mon, dude! It's a stuffed animal. He could've got a whole bag of eyeballs from Build-A-Bear.

"Real World/Road Rules Challenge" (MTV, 10:00): I understand why former cast members return to these shows - they're broke and have no real talent. What I can't understand is why they come on these challenges and act like they don't know that the person sitting next to them would sleep with their own mother to win the cash prize.

The Champions are coming apart at the seams and the alliance among the major players begins to fracture when Johnny realizes that the plan only works to Evan's benefit. The Johanna and Susie are using Veronica as a means to stay out of the Ruins, although Johanna has done nothing prove her worth. Regardless, the Champions win the challenge and Johnny throws Syrus under the bus by electing him to go in. He chooses to go up against Cohutta, who has the most money on the Challenger team. They called it the battle of David and Goliath but it was more like the tortoise and the hare since nimble Cohutta was too fast for almost-40-years-old Syrus. KellyAnne proved too much for Veronica, leaving Susie and Johanna shaking in their sandals at the thought of going in next week. The teams are even in numbers now and I were on the Challengers, I would just sit back and let the Champions implode. It won't take long with this bunch of howler monkeys.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Everything's a challenge

With "Glee" on hiatus for the World Series, every show was about competing. Don't get me wrong, I love a good match-up, but tonight the competitions were a little uneven. Let's get to it.

"America's Next Top Model" (CW, 8:00): Even Hollywood is feeling the crunch of the recession as Tyra moves the six remaining models to Hawaii instead of somewhere overseas. Pause it: I didn't get the memo about Hawaii becoming a fashion capital, but I'll roll with it. Upon arrival,the girls are taught to surf for a photo shoot. Erin wins the challenge and gets a helicopter ride around the island. The 18-year-old then complains that she wanted a tangible prize like jewelry or a shopping spree, allowing us to see why 21-year-old Brittney hates her so much.

Pause it again: This season has the most dry, vanilla personalities ever to hit the catwalks of "Top Model". Brittney and Nicole are both void of any human emotion. Meanwhile, Erin thinks she's bubbling over with personality when in reality she's as blank as that hair color Tyra gave her. And speaking of hair, Tyra should be ashamed of herself for letting Sundai walk around looking like that. As a black woman and a model, she should know that Sundai's weave needs some more glue on it.

Tyra steps behind the lens again, and in an ode to Hawaii's most famous resident (winking at you, Mr. President) she has the girls made over into biracial women. Nicole has the best picture of the week as a Greek/Mexican woman, while SURPRISE! Erin and Brittney walk the runway to the bottom two. Undeserving Erin gets a pass and Brittney sobs her way back to being a mathematician. Chin up, Britt. With your love of numbers at least you'll be able to add up how you went so wrong in this competition.

"Top Chef" (Bravo, 10:00): Yay! A quickfire challenge I can sink my teeth into! The chefs must make a TV dinner based on popular television shows. Seattle's own, Robin, picks the "Sesame Street" knife and proceeds to make her usual plate of poo that puts her in the bottom two ... again. There's only two women left in the competition, and with Jennifer coming off the hinges and Robin serving up continuous crap, it's any wonder why "Top Chef" didn't do a double elimination just to get rid of them.

For the elimination challenge the chefs get to create a menu for Tom Colicchio's restaurant, Craftsteak Steak House. They all have their proteins picked out then enter vegetarian extraordinaire Natalie Portman to throw a wet blanket over the fire. Pause it: Thank you, rocket scientist Robin for letting us know that vegetarians are people too. The chefs are left scrambling for ideas and flipping coins for ingredients. Robin decides to make something she's never made before while Jennifer puts together a side dish and serves it as an entree. They both end up in the bottom two along with Motormouth Mike, who's ultimately told to pack his knives and go over an undercooked leek. Just watching this episode made me want a big, juicy steak with a ground beef chaser. I do not see converting to vegetarianism in my near future.

"Real World/Road Rules Challenge" (MTV, 10:00): The Challengers are down to just 7 members while the Champions are still stacked at 12. The simmering pot of mangled relationships (Cohutta, KellyAnne, Wes and Johanna) has finally reached its boiling point and Wes wants to go against Cohutta in The Ruins. Veronica finds out her team plans to throw her in against KellyAnne but the plan is shot down when the vote is deadlocked. The whole team then has to vote without discussion. Veronica gets a reprieve and they throw in Ibis instead. She decides to take on Kimberly.

Ibis hasn't proven herself in any of the challenges and probably would've been sent home already if her team wasn't on a winning streak. To make matters worse she shows up at The Ruins looking like she's going to a luau - full make-up, side ponytail and a flower in her hair. In the end, both Kimberly and Cohutta win and Ibis and that egotistical ginger Wes is sent packing. Thank you, Lord!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Healthy competition

The running theme tonight was competition, and I know if I were on any of these shows I would have to pack my knives and be out of the running for New Directions. Let's get to it!

"Glee" (FOX, 9:00): It's more mash-ups as Emma and Ken solicit the glee club to come up with a wedding song. She wants something elegant and traditional while he wants the Thong Song. Mr. Schue struggled to get the tunes to work together and that seemed to be the undercurrent of the show: things not mashing up. You've got football vs. glee, Puck and Rachel, Emma and Ken. A lot of matches made in high school hell. After growing tired of "slushy facials", Finn chooses football over glee club, but returns after a pep talk from Mr. Schue.

I find it very heartwarming the way the "gleeks" stand up for one another. Even though they aren't part of the popular circles, they've carved out quite a niche for themselves. And who knew that Mr. Schue was such a dancer. He has a very Justin Timberlake quality about him ... surprisingly talented but kind of a dork. What do you think of a Rachel/Puck pairing? Could they be the Bobby and Whitney of "Glee"?

Overheard
  • Quinn, whining about no longer being popular: "Status is like currency - when your bank account is full you can get away with doing just about anything."
  • Kurt, after taking a "slushy facial" for the team: "Someone get me to a day spa, stat!" Then the camera pans to him marching into the girls' bathroom.
  • A heartbroken Coach Sue taking her anger out on Mr. Schue: "... And if it's one minute late, i will go to the animal shelter and get you a kitty cat. I will let you fall in love with that kitty cat. And then on some dark cold night, I will steal away into your home and punch you in the face."
  • Kurt with more insight on slushies: "You know why they call them 'slushies' don't you? Because your butt looks like one if you have too many of them."
Featured songs
Bust a Move - Young MC
Thong Song - Sisqo
Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond
I Could Have Danced All Night - from "My Fair Lady"
What a Girl Wants - Christina Aguilera

"Top Chef: Las Vegas" (Bravo, 10:00): For the high-stakes quickfire challenge, the chefs are in a tag team cook-off. Seattle chef Rocky Robin is picked last and she says it's because she's a mom. I think it's because she's a bad cook. As usual, she's on the losing team.

Finally, it's Restaurant Wars! This is my favorite time on "Top Chef" because it really exposes who knows what they are doing and who shouldn't be allowed in a kitchen. The brothers end up on the same team and I haven't seen so much discord between family members since Cain and Abel. Pause it: I really wish the Voltaggio brothers would simmer down. Someone needs to turn the heat down on their fire. I'm tired of watching their rivalry.

Here's my scorecard:
Names: Revolt and The Mission. I don't know who in their right mind would eat at a restaurant called Revolt. That's not a visual I want with my food. Score one for The Mission.
Menu: Mission served practically all meat dishes with no dessert. For Revolt, Robin finally gets something right with her pear dish, as it was a favorite among the judges. At least we know she can make something. Point for Revolt.
Service: Both teams were lacking in front-house service, but Laurine was totally overwhelmed and even forgot to explain the dishes to the patrons. Over at Revolt, Eli came off as confident and chatty and the judges loved his enthusiasm. Match point goes to Revolt.

Laurine was told to pack her knives and I agreed with their decision. But how bad would it suck to lose a cooking show for being a bad hostess and not your cooking abilities. Do you think Laurine should've went home? Are you revolting the Voltaggio brothers?

CHANNEL SURFING
Every time I see the opening of "America's Next Top Model" (CW) I keep wishing Bianca was still in the competition. She had the most striking face and it would've been nice to see a girl with a shaved head win. The models tackle interviews and it's a good thing they are cute (most of them) because speaking is not their forte. Erin gets a big head after winning the challenge then falls apart during her commercial. Laura reveals she's dyslexic and even though the girl with the most face time usually goes home, she manages to stay another week and Rae was out of the running for becoming America's Next Top Model. I wanted Erin to go, but she does take killer photos with that alien makeoverTyra gave her. Who is your model favorite?

On MTV's "Real World/Road Rules Challenge", Walla Walla whack job Tonya gets sent home after smacking Veronica across the face with a backhand that I've only seen give on soap operas and by Rick James. Tonya had about five too many, but it was Veronica who refused to walk away from a volatile situation. I'm not saying she deserved to be hit ... maybe just shaken a little. Challenge veteran Katie was sent packing after losing to rookie Sarah in the Ruins, and Danny lost to Darrell. At least no bodily fluids were exchanged. It's the small things.

"South Park" (Comedy Central) manages to equate wrestling with acting in a Greek tragedy in an episode aptly titled "W.T.F" (Wrestling Takedown Federation). After the kids see a WWE wrestling match, they decide to join a team, but when the coach tries to show them proper techniques they think he's gay and into child porn. The boys start W.T.F. which eventually turns into elaborate theater complete with wine, intermission and playbills. "South Park" continues to be one of the smartest shows on TV, no matter how immature. To take something as silly as WWE wrestling and turn it into a theatrical production ... that's genius at work.