90210 (1.5)

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 @ 8 PM

CW
90210 - Season 1, Episode #5 - "Wide Awake & Dreaming"



Recap: http://cwtv.com/shows/90210/episodes/105

Marmot: Dunnun nun nun nun nun nun nun CLAP CLAP

Manatee: Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll

Marmot: And nebisshy parents. WHERE IS BRANDON WALSH?!?! This show is unbearable...I don't know who anyone is except for Kelly and Brenda and they're not doing anything except running a play.

Manatee: They are boring. No one wants to see 2 old farts (aka people their teachers' age) dating. Kids these days want fresh faces.

Marmot: I want Steve Sanders, not Ethan...whatever his name is.

Manatee: I like Ty. I wish he was a cast regular.

Marmot: This is definitely not the 90210 of old. Remember towards the end of senior year when Dylan's dad was blown up in a car explosion by the mafia?

Manatee: Yeah, that rocked.

Marmot: I don't see anything like that happening on this show.

Manatee: No, this version is not as dark. But if the upcoming episodes are more like last nights, it might not be that bad. I think the back stabbing picked up last night. That's a good start

Marmot: I just don't know if I have the patience to wait for Ethan's dad to get blown up. That's a lot of show to get through. And when is Brenda going to talk about her family? Where are Jim and Cindy Walsh?

Manatee: China.

Marmot: Really? Why did they go there?

Manatee: Business.

Marmot: I forget what business they were in. The problem with this 90210 is the characters. I really couldn't care less about any of them, save for Annie and Dixon. Maybe Silver. But that's only IF they did something interesting.

Manatee: The show might get better if they move back to Kansas.

Marmot: What if that whole class moved to Kansas? The rich kids, too. That would be worth watching.

Manatee: It would be like 'Zip Code Swap.' - Fox's lately reality series!

Marmot: I know how to improve 90210. It came to me during last night's episode when Kelly said something to Brenda about remembering everything from high school. Get this - what if Kelly and Brenda were transported to an alternate dimension (ie, like they're in now), but in this dimension, they didn't exist as people, but characters on a TV show. And then you could have a scene with them watching the DVD's and remembering high school. How amazing would that be?

Manatee: I'm not sure I follow you.

Marmot: Like this show, 90210 takes place in an alternate reality, OUR reality. Where Kelly Taylor and Brenda Walsh were characters on a TV show, not real people. But Kelly and Brenda are magically transported to this reality from theirs, which exists are reality to them. Follow?

Manatee: Is this dimension scripted or reality? I have an idea. What if 90210 and Saved By the Bell merged?

Marmot: Are you kidding? I had this idea in 1991!

Manatee: I wish you had made it happen.

Marmot: I want there to be a Gossip Girl/90210 crossover event.

Manatee: They should consider that.

Marmot: It doesn't have to be the whole cast. Just send Chuck

Manatee: Stir up some trouble.

Marmot: Chuck should have his own show. Or better yet, just visit different shows. Like what if Chuck was behind everything on Fringe?

Manatee: That would be great. I also think he might be the son of "The Mentalist."

Worst Week (1.1)

Monday, September 22nd, 2008 @ 9:30 PM
CBS
Worst Week - Season 1, Episode #1 - Pilot


Recap: http://www.cbs.com/primetime/worst_week/recaps/

Manatee here...

This show was some of the worst television I've seen in awhile. It was such a stupid 1/2 hour of TV, yet I laughed so hard I almost wet my pants. I'm not a fan of comedy series: Old Christine makes me want to poke out my eyes; 'Til Death makes me want to puke; How I Met Your Mother puts me to sleep; Big Bang causes gas pains; and Worst Week falls into all of these categories. Yet I still found myself laughing. Is it that I have a predisposition to hate anything that comes in a 1/2 hour format? Do I hate to laugh?

Watching this show does not challenge my brain, nor does it garner an emotional response. It doesn't aim to ponder deep life questions or world issues. I suppose there are a lot of people out there who just want to laugh at mindless television antics, but I'm not one of them. Worst Week is just a TV rehash of the film Meet the Parents. Tough dad hates daughter's boyfriend. Boyfriend keeps messing up; he can't do anything right. You could predict everything that was going to happen in the scenes. I'm not sure where the rest of the season will go, but I don't feel invested enough to find out. I think the pilot was good for an initial viewing (and good for a few laughs), but I don't think I'm going to bother with offering precious DVR space to Worst Week. It's just not a show worth watching each week.

Gossip Girl (2.4)

Monday, September 22nd @ 8 PM
CW
Gossip Girl - Season 2, Episode #4 - "The Ex-Files"

Recap: http://cwtv.com/shows/gossip-girl/episodes/204

"Where Does He Get Those Wonderful Clothes?"

Manatee: You know what I liked about last night's GG? It was a pretty stinky ep overall, but I like that S is back on top. We never saw her as Queen first season but you got the impression that S's departure opened the doors for B's reign. I like this potential role reversal, and I want to see S squash Dan.

Marmot: ...These people go to high school?!?!

Manatee: I'm not sure about that actually.

Marmot: I think that's what was implied last night. So is Serena the Mayor now? Is that what happened?

Manatee: Yes. She somehow took over ruling the school again. You see early in ep 1.01 S returns to school after having been away for some time and Blair is not happy that she is back. But overall S seems like a nice girl. Now the bitch is back. All season S struggled with being a good girl... but now we question what was S really is? Is she the nice girl Dan fell in love with? Or the bitch everyone knows she may be deep down inside? The bigger question is, why does Chuck care? I think he just wants to take B down so she is so depressed she can't say no to his advances anymore.

Marmot: Do you think the other people in that school besides the 7 or so main characters even care about what goes on in their world?

Manatee: Did you see the stack of files B had? I'd say so. How many high schoolers care about academics? Be honest, they are there because they have to be so why not focus on the social aspect? Get an A or be top dog? What matters more when you are 16?

Marmot: I couldn't even distinguish what being top dog means to them. Its not the ability to get into a club and buy alcohol, because the whole school was at that bar. It's not money, because they all have more than god.

Manatee: It's about being feared, bowed down to, and having an entourage. Having POWER!

Marmot: Like the power to convince 2 British royals to go back to there country? I think Blair might be the most powerful person in the world.

Manatee: You haven't seen Serena in action yet.

Marmot: Best line of the night was Serena's mom: "I'm just trying to be a good mother" when she was questioned about the big breakfast on the table. Since when is being a good mother telling the help to make breakfast?

Manatee: She's trying. Cut her some slack. She just got back from a long and tiresome honeymoon to a millionaire who spent most of his time out of town on business.

Marmot: And now she has no friends except for 29 Year Old Dad and his new girlfriend.

Manatee: I'm surprise, Marmot, you have not commented yet on Chuck's wardrobe yet.

Marmot: I'm saving the best for last. All I have to say is, does The Joker know that Chuck is wearing his suit?

Fringe (1.1)

Tuesday, September 9th, 2008 @ 8 PM
FOX
Fringe - Season 1, Episode # 1 - Pilot
Recap: http://fox.com/fringe/recaps/s1_e1.htm

Manatee: So Marmot, do you have a favorite new show thus far this season?

Marmot: I do… It's 90210. Just kidding. It's Fringe.

Manatee: You gave me a heart attack for a sec there.

Marmot: What if the cast of Fringe and 90210 swapped places?

Manatee: In a weird way, I think it would work. I already have a hard time buying Pacy as the genius on Fringe.

Marmot: I like his dad, though. He's like the science fictional Kramer.

Manatee: I have to agree. The performance is great, and really convincing. I like the comedic play between him and Olivia's assistant.

Marmot: Do FBI agents typically have assistants?

Manatee: I'm not too clear on that. I suppose she's not a 'personal assistant' and is more of a 'junior agent' if you will.

Marmot: Do you think she still has to roll calls?

Manatee: Probably. What did you like about the pilot? I enjoyed it, and I'm not that huge a fan of 'sci-fi.'

Marmot: Well first, I thought it was shot beautifully. Some of the shots were breathtaking. Overall, I really liked it. A little bit of X-Files, a little LOST and a great cast.

Manatee: I like that there is going to be a new case each week, but there is an overall larger scheme here. I'm interested to learn more about that company. Though I am a little sick of the thread in series about a large corporation taking over and controlling America. Not that I know that's the direction they are headed. But it feels that way.

Marmot: I'm a little confused on what this company does. I think they're supposed to be Microsoft, but bigger.

Manatee: Did you see their office? It's huge and white and spacious. And the woman had a fake crazy computerized hand. It's biazzro-land.

Marmot: That was one thing that bothered me. The show is somewhat based in psuedo-science, but a super-advanced robotic hand? That's pretty much fiction.

Manatee: That we know of... 'find the pattern.'

Marmot: Oh yeah, the pattern. I've heard that the answer to the whole show is in those things in all the promotional material. So the answer is Frog, Leaf,Apple.

Marmot: That was easy. What happens when you solve the pattern?

Marmot: I just did. It's frog, leaf, apple.

Manatee: Is the earth going to explode now?

Marmot: um.....yes. I think maybe they have to merge. Like the frog has to eat the apple?

Manatee: How long do you see a show like this lasting for? If it was purely procedural, like a Law & Order case each week, maybe it could last 19 years too. But this pattern thing seems to imply a natural end (at some point).

Marmot: How long do frogs live for?

Manatee: Roughly 14 years. But then again, some are only 2-3 years. Really it varies.

Marmot: I think that's going to decide how long the show continues. Well, consider the X-Files. It lasted 9 seasons on a mixed serial/episodic format.

Manatee: The series definitely is inviting a lot of discussion. I'm very curious about what is going on.

Marmot: Do you think that the guy from L O S T is in on it?

Manatee: Ben?

Marmot: No, Lance Reddick. He plays Matthew Abaddon on L O S T and the FBI agent that hates her on Fringe.

Manatee: Oh yeah, that guy. I knew he looked familiar. Well it's hard to say too much since you have not watched episode #2.

Marmot: Is it bad that I've watched more episodes of 90210 than Fringe?

Manatee: YES! What are you thinking?!

Privileged (1.1, 1.2)

Tuesday, September 9th & 16th, 2008 @ 9 PM
CW
"Privileged" - Season 1 - Pilot and Episode # 2 -"Pilot" & "All About Honesty"
http://cwtv.com/shows/privileged/episodes

Manatee here.

I thought I'd give you a few quick thoughts on CW's new series, 'Privileged.' This show was somewhat of a surprise to me... I wasn't even sure I was going to watch it. But if you are a 'Gossip Girl,' '90210,' or 'OC' fan, might I suggest a screening of this series. I saw some clips this summer that were pretty boring, but for the sake of this blog, I watched the first two hours. The show starts off in Manhattan following Megan and her terrible celebrity tabloid (TMZ-esque) job. Before the first commercial break, she is fired but simultaneously sent to McMansion, Florida for a nanny / tutor job. JoAnna Garcia as Megan is great. A real breath of fresh air, quirky yet charming. If you watch the episode, you'll find yourself really liking her character.

The show is not quite as entertaining as season one of 'Gossip Girl' which allowed viewers a great chance to escape reality and be immersed in the upper class socialites of Manhattan. You do get a peek at high society, Palm Beach style. Charity events, huge beach mansions, and ivy league aspiring
teens in a new zip code. It also gives us "20-somethings" a good look at a girl trying to make it in the wide world of 'entertainment.' Megan wants to write, but not trash - real hard hitting journalism for people that care. The drama she faces is keeping her wild and wacky charges in line, flirting with a cute and rich neighbor, finding time to write, dealing with family baggage, and standing up for herself to her strong-willed and successful (female) boss - some normal issues the working world faces.

Lucy Kate Hale (from 'Bionic Woman') and Ashley Newbrough are cute as Megan's students and aspiring heirs. Their mischief, so far, is fun, light and good natured. No cocaine snorting, 911 calling parties here, yet I still find myself very interested in their lives as well as Megan's. I was disappointed in Lily (played by Kristina Apgar). I found her annoying and out of place, acting wise. She was not as strong as the other actors. I'm geared up for next week. I hope episode #3 stays on par with the first two. If you checked it out, comment below and tell us your thoughts.

Gossip Girl (2.3)

Monday, September 15th, 2008 @ 8 PM

CW

Gossip Girl - Season 2 - Episode #3 - "The Dark Night"

Serena (Blake Lively) and Dan (Penn Badgley) are forced to deal with
their unspoken problems while trapped in an elevator during a citywide
blackout. In a humorous twist, Blair (Leighton Meester) questions the
lack of passion in her relationship with Marcus (guest star Patrick
Heusinger), while at the same time Chuck (Ed Westwick) appears to have
lost his "passion" for any woman other than Blair. Meanwhile, Nate
(Chace Crawford) struggles between his feelings for Vanessa (Jessica
Szohr) and his more-complicated-by-the-day relationship with Catherine
(guest star Madchen Amick). Jenny (Taylor Momsen) risks losing her
internship when Eleanor (Margaret Colin) catches Jenny critiquing one
of the Eleanor Waldorf designs. Matthew Settle also stars. Janice Cooke
directed the episode written by John Stephens. (CWtv.com)

Hey Gossip Girl fans!

Manatee Here.

Over it: Dan and Serena! Last week I was excited that they were back together, now I don't care. Their drama is super silly even for high schoolers. Though I did like those 3 pre-teen girls in the park - they were scary looking! That's what happens when you're 8 and you dress like you are 28.

Are you kidding me: Blair mistaking Chuck for Marcus! When did she become a little vixon?! Why was Blair in such a rush to get into Marcus' pants? I know he's a lord and all, but give it a few weeks will you Blair.

Not interested: Jenny and her internship with Eleanor.

Noticed: Rufus' weird looking date! Is she going to be a regular? And when did Rufus have time to meet this chick?

Overall: I'm feeling a little 'over' this show. I need some more spice otherwise I'm out. My DVR could use the extra space.

XOXO,

Manatee

America's Funniest Home Videos

What's happening to this world? RATINGS DATA:
Top 20 programs from 09/08/08 through 09/14/08 Rank Total # of
Viewers Total Viewer Rating 1 NBC SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL 17830 6.2 2
SUNDAY NIGHT NFL PRE-KICK 13560 4.7 3 60 MINUTES 12540 4.4 4 SAT NIGHT
FOOTBALL 11940 4.2 5 AMERICA'S GOT TALENT-WED 11700 4.1 6 AMERICA'S GOT
TALENT 11610 4.1 7 FOOTBALL NT AMERICA PT 3 10850 3.8 8 AMERICA'S GOT
TALENT 9/11 9830 3.4 9 DEAL OR NO DEAL-MON 9650 3.4 10 TWO AND A HALF
MEN 9180 3.2 11 BONES 9150 3.2 12 FRINGE 9130 3.2 13 CSI 9040 3.2
14 FLASHPOINT 8680 3.0 15 CRIMINAL MINDS 8360 2.9 16 20/20-FRI 8070
2.8 17 SAT NIGHT FTBL PRE-GAME 7860 2.7 18 BIG BROTHER 10-THU 7820 2.7
19 LAW AND ORDER:SVU 7610 2.7 20 AMER FUNN HOME VIDEOS 7510 2.6