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Just me and 'My Boys' . . .
Nothing you can say can tear me away from the second season premiere of My Boys this Thursday at 9:30 p.m. on TBS.
When we last left PJ (Jordana Spiro), she and her best friend, Stephanie (Kellee Stewart), were off on a trip to Rome. Stephanie was ready for a romantic vacation with her boyfriend/credit counselor Lance (Schuyler Yancey) and PJ had invited a mystery man.
Did she invite old flame Thorn (Jeremy Sisto), new guy Evan (Michael Landes), Cubs player and conflict- of-interest Mitt (Travis Schuldt), or one of her boys – Bobby (Kyle Howard) or Brendan (Reid Scott). (Oh wouldn’t it be nice if life were like TV and we all were not only heading off to a vacation in Italy but had five possible lovely suitors to chose from.)
Alas, I can’t tell you who PJ picked (TBS might never speak to me again and we can’t have that) but I can tell you that you will know within the first few minutes of the episode who PJ invited to traipse through Europe with her. The episode picks up immediately where last season’s finale left off.
I have to tell you that I was very excited by who PJ picked but disappointed by how quickly that storyline is set aside. After building up to such a great cliffhanger, a little more attention must be paid to this plot twist and I’m hoping it comes up again (and again) in later episodes.
But what I love about My Boys is still there. I so enjoy the way all these characters interact with each other. I really believe they are friends – friends who have an extraordinary amount of free time to hang out with each other – but friends. Whether Mike (Jamie Kaler) and Kenny (Michael Bunin) are fighting over a woman or PJ trying to throw a dinner party to meet new people, their interactions ring true. The show may not be laugh-out-loud funny but it is always amusing.
I’m wondering (and I think I've brought this up before) if anyone will take my business that I think the show is leading up to a romance between Stephanie and Kenny. They fight in that kids on the playground kind of way and I would love to see a romance develop between the two of them.
Also the show is launching a promotional online game today with Facebook. It's based on a game that I definitely played as a kid – will you live in a mansion, apartment, shack or house? What city will you live in? What car will you drive, etc? The twist on this game is that you could end up with a character from My Boys. I think I would want to end up with Bobby? How about you?
What do you think of My Boys? Are you looking forward to the premiere? Who do you think PJ invited to Rome? Talk about it below.
The 2008 Amy Awards
You guys are so sweet. You all voted to keep the name of The Amy Awards, The Amy Awards (although Screw the Emmys! We’re What Counts did receive quite a few votes, maybe I'll make that the subtitle of the awards.) So thanks guys!
And as a reminder you have until Tuesday, June 10 at noon ET to email me your suggestions for categories for The 2008 Amy Awards. I’ve already received some fantastic ideas so keep them coming.
Highlights of the Week Ahead
All times listed are Eastern Time for June 9 – June 15
You have to hand it to Greek. The show ends what it is still calling its first season Monday at 8 p.m. on ABC Family and the gang is only on Spring Break (the episode is called "Spring Broke"). Which means when they return for their second season, Casey will still be a junior and Rusty will still be a freshman. That’s some good times and it means we won’t have to be dealing with Greek: The Post College Years any time soon (that really never works out all too well does it?). As we approach the first season finale, I wanted to ask you guys how you feel about Rebecca? She’s kind of grown on me and I think she brings a great foil to the series. Every heroine needs an enemy or frenemy, right? And I actually think the romance that has developed between Cappie and Rebecca has been kind of sweet in their dysfunctional way. That being said I totally want Casey with Cappie (which is surprising given the similarities between Evan and one Logan Echolls0). How about you? And if you are wondering how ABC Family is going to entertain us this summer, the network does have two new shows premiering in the next month. The Middleman premieres next Monday, June 16 and The Secret Life of an American Teenager premieres July 1. I’m most excited about American Teenager because it stars Molly Ringwald and John Schneider (Papa Kent lives) is from executive producer Brenda Hampton (the woman behind 7th Heaven). I just received the preview of the series from ABC Family so I’ll let you know soon what I think.
It’s usually in the less busy times of TV that suddenly all the networkss become about lists. Tori Spelling and her husband Dean McDermott have a new season of their "Tori & Dean" series premiering next week but before that they are hosting Oxygen's 25iest: Power Couples Tuesday at 10 p.m. on Oxygen. Categories include "STYLEiest," "MONEYiest," "SEXiest," "LOVEiest" and "IMPACTiest." And if you want to see all that Tori and her hubby are doing now that they are back in LA (their bed and breakfast inn is no more), check out this link.
Okay people. Change begins with us. And if you, like me, are sick and tired of all these bizarre celebrity reality series, you have to promise me not to watch Celebrity Circus. I don’t want you to watch so I’m not going to tell you when it’s on. I refuse to be part of the problem.
After an erratic run on ABC (it’s on the air, it’s off the air, it’s on again!), Men in Trees ends its run this Wednesday at 10 p.m. on ABC. Since the series was never treatedly properly by its own network and since we know we won’t be seeing the residents of Elmo again, I really hope Men in Trees ends on a happy note. That means Annie and Patrick have to get back together, right?
Swingtown did quite well in the ratings when it premiered last week. We’ll find out this week if that was due to the curiosity factor or if CBS has a summer hit on its hands. This week Susan, Bruce, Trina and Tom go out to the Chicago Playboy Club. And there’s also a guest appearance by Mark Valley. I’m so curious to know what you guys thought about the show. Talk about it below.
Kathy Griffin is back with a whole new season of My Life on the D List Thursday at 9 p.m. on Bravo. It’s a busy week for one of my favorite comedians; she hosts The A-List Awards at 10 p.m. on Bravo. And yes this is an award show the network totally made up.
That’s all for today. I’m back on Wednesday with thoughts on The Mole (accepting early guesses), familiar faces and the announcement of the categories for the 2008 Amy Awards. Have a question? Seen a familiar face? Want to nominate a quote of the week or topic for discussion? Write me at amytvgal@zap2it.com. Talk to you on Wednesday.
I actually laughed through a lot of "Swingtown". I don't if it was the cheesy clothes or Grant Show's cheesy mustache, but I coudln't take it seriously! I was a young child in the '70's and I remeber that look and the music all too well. :)
I didn't like the fact that Bruce and Susan jumped so willingly into it. I thought there would've been a build up and that it would've at least taken a couple of episodes.
And I thought they gave the tweens/teens too much airtime. I'm assuming since it's a show about swingers that's not the age group they're targeting.
As for "Men In Trees" I'm so disappointed this show is not returning and so disappointed with the way ABC treated it. I too am hoping for a Patrick and Annie reunion! I loved when all his memories of Annie came flooding back to him and I really hope these two reconcile before the show takes it's final bow.
Michelle | Jun 9, 2008 12:17:31 PM | #I was happy they jumped into the lifestyle. the whole premise of the show was is the getting into I would have been disappointed if they dragged it out.
They could do with less of the teenagers. You can see the gay teeneager storyline coming a mile away.
Not a must see but will watch it over a reality show at least until Burn notice comes back.
Kevin | Jun 9, 2008 12:46:56 PM | #I lost track of Me and My Boys last year but I'll watch this season, if only because I realized, after starting my own personal Buffy marathon re-viewing for the umpteenth time, that Jordana Spiro was in the episode of Season Two with the evil frat boys sacrificing women to their Reptile Boy god - she was the other victim in the cellar. Man, that show started a lot of people out - notably recently, of course, Danny Strong, Mr. Screenplay himself for Recount.
Geordie | Jun 9, 2008 12:53:20 PM | #I was 12 in 1976, so I actually remember the clothes, food, tupperware, etc. from Swingtown. (My neighbor had a short-sleeved striped shirt with hood exactly like one of the kids wore.) I also had a hard time believing they'd just jump into the foursome after all those years of monogamy, but whatever. Grant Show and his 'stache are the best.
Joe | Jun 9, 2008 1:20:06 PM | #I grew up in '70s too, and my parents had parties all the time, and to me "Swingtown" was too much like watching my parents have sex. Creepy.
Wendy | Jun 9, 2008 1:20:08 PM | #I know that I am no where near the taget age group for Greek, but I love that show. I too am holding out for a Cassey/Cappie romance. I love that they are not rushing the show to keep with the true time.
What the last couple of weeks have taught me is I can't wait for July. The return of the Closer, Saving Grace, Monk, and Burn Notice. All the reality/game shows I can't take it anymore.
Hettie | Jun 9, 2008 1:25:03 PM | #I love, love, love My Boys! As outrageous as it can be the emotional core of that show is so true to life. Some of their conversations completely mirror my friends.
My money's on it being Bobby on the plane. He and Mitt would be the only likely candidates with the financial ability to upgrade PJ's seat, and I've always thought that PJ and Bobby were right for each other. He's the one guy she introduced to her friends who didn't run away scared.
I also agree that they're leading up to something between Stephanie and Kenny. Those two are constantly bickering, but if anything it'll be a drunken kiss. A girl like Stephanie would never allow herself to end up with Kenny in the long term. It just wouldn't be true to her character.
Amy | Jun 9, 2008 1:32:59 PM | #I am giving Swingtown the benefit of the doubt. While I thought maybe it was a little rushed into the foursome, I think we will see repercussions of that speedyness in the future. I didn't feel drawn to any of the teen storylines... They don't seem to have any potential beyond the obvious...
Oh and was I the only one who picked up on something between Susan and old neighbor Roger... At the party there seemed to be some weird tension by the pool. I can see that going somewhere.
The treatment of Men in Trees shows the complete dowfall of American TV. Too many shows, too little time. If the networks don't have the money or time or desire to properly promote and place a show, they shouldn't bother to produce it. It just ends up being a waste of the viewers time and the network's money.
Men in Trees wasn't the best show, but the bouncing around the schedule was insane- and then they never told us when it was on. Unforgivable. Poor show never stood a chance.
I'm looking forward to the return of My Boys as well - although I have to say they irritated me last season with how quickly they blew off the kiss between Brendon and PJ, so I'm sure I'll be throwing pillows at the TV again on Thursday. I understand *why* they do that (can't have her settle down just yet, it would throw off the balance of the show), but it's still irritating and unfulfilling.
Jill | Jun 9, 2008 2:19:19 PM | #I completely agree: there is something totally up with Kenny and Stephanie. And I'm kind of excited.
Elizabeth | Jun 9, 2008 2:59:14 PM | #I just thought that I would Tell Everybody that Mark Valley was on Boston Legal. He Married Denise. Jody
Jody | Jun 9, 2008 3:07:59 PM | #I thought My Boys started out great last season but then I lost interest. PJ really started to irritate me. Couldn't put my finger on what it was about her but I gave up on the show when I was rolling my eyes more than I was laughing. Loved the brother, though.
Christy | Jun 9, 2008 3:26:26 PM | #I have to admit, the only reason I tuned in to Swingtown was to see Jack Davenport. And I didn't think the show was that bad at all. Not perfect, by any means but better than I thought it was going to be. Most shows are a little awkward at first, so assuming ABC doesn't pull the plug, it should do OK.
Judy | Jun 9, 2008 3:59:27 PM | #I am appalled at the treatment of Men in Trees. I have to admit I was reluctant to watch it in the beginning as I find Anne Heche annoying, but I did watch and was hooked right away. I also dont want to hear how reality shows cost less to produce because Men in Trees was filmed in Canada with mostly a canadian cast and crew and cost about half what most american made shows do.
Geordie, maybe you lost track of Me and My Boys cause it is called My Boys. I am so looking forward to watching this show over the summer.
Didnt watch Swingtown and no matter what a hit it may become I will never watch it. I am not a prude but the subject matter is not of my taste.
darrpub | Jun 9, 2008 4:03:14 PM | #I totally forsee something happening between kenny and Steph. Their hatred for each other is totally play acting. Awesome show, can't wait!
Lillian | Jun 9, 2008 4:52:43 PM | #"Oh and was I the only one who picked up on something between Susan and old neighbor Roger... At the party there seemed to be some weird tension by the pool. I can see that going somewhere."
No, you aren't. I sensed something too, but moreso that he has secret feelings for her.
Yes. I agree that American T.V. networks are way too quick to jump the gun. They almost NEVER give new shows a chance to find their voice. And when they do have decent scripts, they almost never give them a fair shot by marketing them/promoting them effectively. But based on its quality, MEN IN TREES was given A VERY GENEROUS season and a half longer than it ever should have gotten.
David | Jun 9, 2008 6:16:34 PM | #My comments--
LOVE My Boys.. my crew of pals has always had lots of women friends-- but none of them ever seemed quite THAT cool and hot ( Jeez, I hope they don't read this.) so I love the interaction and love love love love Jim Gaffigan !!
SIDEWAYS SPOILER FOR MOLE , IF YOU HAVEN'T WATCHED 6/9 yet PLEASE SKIP!!---
I really thought the person who went home tonight WAS one of my 2 mole guesses ::shrug::-- I really am a bit confused at the Amazing-Racing ( which I love though) of this show-- this was always so much more mind-based-- what's with all the AR-Survivor-y physical stuff???
You haven't talked about Password yet.. you should !!! Wasn't Rosie AMAZING? And any other life-long game show people drooling about Betty White playing games again on Thurs???!!!
And finally..my take on Rebecca.. Sorry dear Amy--I know shows need hated people to create conflict-- but SWEET ??? I think Cappy is a total wuss falling for her and Rebecca her self is a first class rhymes-with-a-short hit in baseball. Yes, I went there.. and I said it. Sort of.
Love love love love my TV Gal fix during the week !!
Kel | Jun 9, 2008 9:00:16 PM | #I too am glad to see My Boys back on the air. I was afraid after the short season last time (or was it split in two?) that it would not come back. But I like the idea of a girl with a bunch of close guy friends instead of girls.... ok I admit it maybe it is because it reminds me of me and my 3 close guy friends :) And I did just come back fro Italy.... to bad I had to go by myself! I hope it is the baseball player but I am sure it will end up being just a friend like Bobby or else they would end up breaking up who ever she is with anyways since her dating and searching is part of the show. (and jeremy sisco is now on law and order and doing quite well there....)
Sarah | Jun 9, 2008 9:19:00 PM | #Sorry forgot to comment on my not-watching Swingtown-- I DVRed it-- then erased it without watching because in concurrence with the poster above-- I am surely not a prude.. scenes such as Janice , ahem PLEASURING Ralphie with an ahem DEVICE in an ahem.. orifice... that didn't make me not love The Sopranos-- but I realized the whole Swingtown premise is just TOOOOOOOO skeezy and gross.
Kel | Jun 9, 2008 11:02:33 PM | #I am such a fan of My Boys! The banter between the friends is classic and my brother IS the Andy character!
My husband rolled his eyes at me when I mentioned the possibility of a "Kenny/Stephanie hook-up" last season so I'm glad I'm not the only one with that theory.
I've converted quite a few of my friends to this show, so give it a try if you haven't watched it. It's worth the time!
Kristin | Jun 10, 2008 8:16:19 AM | #I love My Boys! I caught a marathon of the first half of the season last summer when I was visiting my cousins and was instantly hooked. I think Bobby ended up on the plane to Italy (because of something I read elsewhere) but I really hope I'm wrong and that it was Brandon because I think he's the guy for PJ.
I enjoy the chemistry between Kenny and Stephanie, but it's the kind I don't want ruined by a rommantic relationship. I think they're at their best when they're each others' arch nemesisises (as the Trio from Buffy would say).
Shannon | Jun 10, 2008 9:20:18 AM | #Re: Celebrity Circus. I don't get it - didn't CBS try a similar show a month or two ago and they canceled it after only one airing? It's like cheating off the student next to you that is getting D's and F's. Why do it?
Cynic | Jun 10, 2008 9:48:31 AM | #I enjoyed Swingtown for what it was, a different show for summer that they hopefully won't cancel in a heartbeat. Plus i love "trina" she was on Windfall too...and that got yanked....but how can you NOT love Grant Show's mustache! It's perfect...i'll check it out a few more times...
NEver watch My Boys...and MIT, the airings WERE extremely erratic...couldn't keep up with when it was on!
Jana | Jun 10, 2008 10:58:37 AM | #
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