Premiere week is finally here!

I’m so happy that I’m not even going to talk about how awful the Emmys were last night. Really they were the worst ever and I think blatantly highlighted the lingering hostility between reality TV and scripted TV, but I digress.

Let’s talk about more fun things like the season premiere of How I Met Your Mother (Monday, CBS, 8:30 p.m.). Sarah Chalke returns to reprise her role of Stella and you will learn before the opening credits how she answers Ted’s proposal. Last season there was a lot of controversy about Barney developing feelings for Robin. I liked it but then it’s my kind of story line. I’m a sucker for a good romance. I actually think both sides of the debate -- those who want Robin and Barney together and those who don’t -- will be satisfied with how the premiere plays out. And more than anything the premiere is funny and does what the show does best. How I Met Your Mother finds that natural and relatable humor than exists among a group of friends. In the premiere, an obsession with a certain movie should be familiar to many people.

I also believe it is now time to admit I was wrong about The Big Bang Theory (Monday,CBS, 8 p.m.). The show is much more funny than I ever gave it credit for (bad Amy, very bad Amy). I don’t know if it was hitting rock bottom with Do Not Disturb but I have a new appreciation for the comedies currently on TV. And I really enjoyed the season premiere of The Big Bang Theory which finds Leonard (Johnny Galecki) going on his first date with Penny (Kaley Cuoco). This leads to Penny confiding in Sheldon (Jim Parsons) and, well, hilarity really does ensue. Next week Sara Gilbert joins the cast and reprises her role of Leslie Winkle. This episode is equally great and it is so fun to have Galecki and Gilbert reunited on the small screen.

I’m not however as big on Worst Week (Monday, CBS, 9:30 p.m.) but I think that it basically comes down to not being my kind of humor. Kyle Bornheimer stars as Sam Briggs a man who is really, really, really unlucky. In the premiere Sam and his fiancée Melanie (Erinn Hayes) go to tell her parents (Kurtwood Smith and Nancy Lenehan) that they are getting married. And, as you might guess from the title, everything goes wrong. I don’t really like shows like this because I become uncomfortable while watching someone continually embarrass themselves. I can’t laugh at them. Instead I cringe. And it is fairly easy to guess what stupid thing Sam is going to do next. Three and a half stars.

After you’ve watch the Monday night comedies, talk about them below and let me know what you think.

Highlights of the Week Ahead

All times listed are Eastern Time for September 22 – September 28

I thought One Tree Hill would be like an oatmeal raisin cookie for me. You know usually I only eat desserts that involve chocolate (because otherwise why waste the calories?) but when there is nothing else around and I’m craving dessert, I’ll have an oatmeal raisin cookie. I thought I had only watched One Tree Hill (Monday at 9 p.m. on the CW) because it was one of the few series offering up new episodes during the writer’s strike. I was sure I would stop watching One Tree Hill now that all the other shows are back. But I keep watching and I can’t seem to stop myself. Even when the show does blatantly manipulative things like kill off a high school student after making you care about him. Even when the show seems committed to the ridiculous Misery-like storyline with a character named Nanny Carrie for heaven’s sake. Even though I don’t care at all about Peyton and Lucas, I can’t stop watching. And I want to send a special message to the Disney Channel, you need to hire Jackson Brundage and build show around him. He has a natural charm and remains the cutest kid on TV not to mention the best actor on the show.

So I checked in on Prison Break (Monday, FOX, 9 p.m.) and I was surprised by how bored I was by the Sara/Michael romance. After wanting them together for so long, now that they are it isn’t that interesting is it? Also is anyone else finding it very upsetting to see Cress Williams, who has always played nice guys on TV, playing such a villain? I do think if the show had gone in this direction last season and skipped the whole Panama prison bit they would be in much better shape. Sure it’s an outlandish that the government would hire this merry band of criminals but no more outlandish than the first season.

Boston Legal begins its fifth and final season Monday at 10 p.m. on ABC. There are only twelve episodes left so watch them while you can.

Many of you have written me about how much Simon Baker’s new series The Mentalist (premiering Tuesday at 9 p.m. on CBS) seemingly has in common with the USA series Psych. And I have to agree with you –- it is like a dark, disturbing version of Psych, a bizarro Pysch if you will. Baker stars as FBI consultant Patrick Jane who used to pose as a psychic and now uses his powers of observations to solve crimes. But instead of having a trusty sidekick to trade quip one-liners with, Patrick is haunted by personal tragedy that drives his pursuit of the bad guys. I was able to figure out who did it fairly early on in the episode and my guess is you’ll be able to as well. So while the show doesn’t get an "A" for creativity, it is entertaining mostly because of Baker’s innate likeability. Three and half stars.

I’m sadden to say that I wasn’t that excited about the second episode of Fringe (Tuesday, FOX, 9 p.m.). In order for this type of sci-fi episodic drama to work I think their cases have to be really innovative and different than what we’ve seen on TV before. And we’ve seen the baby that ages rapidly before. I’m also concerned about how whiny Peter still is. He is the voice of disbelief for the audience but I think he can’t stay in that position for long. I’m not counting the show out. After all Walter Bishop may be the best new character of the season. I just think it has some things it has to work through. This week the team investigates a bus full of frozen commuters.

Luke Perry and Sara Gilbert guest star on the season premiere of Law & Order: SVU (Tuesday, NBC, 10 p.m.). Michaela McManus, Lindsay on One Tree Hill, joins the cast as new A.D.A Kim Greylek

Zack (Eric Millegan) returns to Bones this week (Wednesday, FOX, 8 p.m.) and I think it’s just in time. The show really couldn’t go for too much longer without addressing how Zack committing murder affected the team.

Criminal Minds returns with a stressful but really good hour Wednesday at 9 p.m. on CBS. You'll learn who was in the SUV that got blown up. Kirsten Vangsness really shines in this episode.

My Name is Earl and The Office kick off their season Thursday night. As NBC can’t stop telling us, Earl (Thursday, NBC, 8 p.m.) is back to his list which I’m glad about. The only thing that’s a little strange about the premiere is that there’s no mention of all that transpired last year. The series merely picks up as if it were the first or second season. Seth Green guest stars as the man Earl must help. And we’ll learn what The Office did on their summer vacation at 9 p.m. on NBC.

Ugly Betty (Thursday, ABC, 8 p.m.) moved from Los Angeles to New York over the summer and filming in New York really suits the series. It’s great to have shots of Betty walking down an actual street in New York. It grounds the show among all of its campiness. It’s a little unsettling how quickly the show abandonss last season’s big cliffhanger (who will Betty choose Gio or Henry?) but I do think the abrupt change of direction invigorates the show. I was particularly thrilled to see Mark and Amanda back to their old tricks. The one thing I remain concerned about is Hilda’s affair with a married man (Eddie Cibrian) -- it seems out of character for Hilda and married man affair is so clichéd that it’s almost impossible to have it play out in an interesting way.

ER is back for its final season Thursday at 10 p.m. on NBC. Angela Bassett joins the cast as a new doctor at County General and as I’m sure you’ve heard by now Noah Wyle, Shane West and Anthony Edwards are all slated to stop by this season. I’m still holding out for Carol, Doug and the twins to make an appearance, how about you?

That’s all for today. I’m back on Wednesday with reviews of My Own Worst Enemy and Knight Rider (the NBC review DVDs finally arrived!), a look at the season premiere of Grey’s Anatomy and Lipstick Jungle and this week’s familiar faces. And if you want to know what I thought about Heroes check out my post from last Wednesday. Have a question? Seen a familiar face? Want to nominate a quote of the week? Write me at amytvgal@zap2it.com. Talk to you on Wednesday.

Comments

CBS really needs to do a better job advertising their premieres. I had no idea Mother was new tonight.

Jamie | Sep 22, 2008 12:50:54 PM | #

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After watching the pilot of Big Bang last season, my wife didn't care for it, but I thought it had promise. I'm glad to say that, like Amy, she is now fan as well. I hope that the wonderful interaction between Leonard and Penny doesn't suffer form their "date". His longing for the unatainable has been comedy gold for the whole cast. And I love Gilbert's Leslie Winkle character. Can't wait.

My Name is Earl, on the other hand, I'm all done with. When it first premiered it was something that we could watch with the kids. The occasional uncomfortable moment was offset with the karma message that doing good has rewards. It has descended into completely inappropriate toilet and sex humor that should not be allowed at the "welcome to prime time" time slot. It's now forbidden TV in our home.

And yes, the Emmys totally sucked.

Tom | Sep 22, 2008 12:57:30 PM | #

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Premiere week is my second-favorite week of the year, after Christmas. Yay for new TV after the horrible summer months (except for the Olympics, that is)! I'm a little annoyed that "30 Rock" won't be back until the end of October, though. Why does NBC hate us?

Cat | Sep 22, 2008 1:05:31 PM | #

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Anthony Edwards? Really? How are they going to manage that? Please don't tell me flashbacks. His final episode is in my Top 5 of all time, and I'd hate for them to mess with that.

sherrie | Sep 22, 2008 1:15:18 PM | #

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Sherrie, it is flashbacks for Mark on ER. Sorry.

Sue | Sep 22, 2008 1:24:06 PM | #

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Sorry Sherrie but Anthony Edwards will return to "ER" via a flashback!

Amy Amatangelo | Sep 22, 2008 1:27:04 PM | #

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NBC kind of blows this season there's only a handful of shows on that network I'll be watching this season. They didn't give Journeyman a chance. But at least Life will be back. Tom I agree with you about how Earl had gone from being a good show for welcome to primetime to just being a little out of it for that time slot.
Well I'll be watching CBS tonight i never got into watching Heroes so trying to start now wouldn't make much sense to me about what's going on with the show.
Oh I missed the second episode of Fringe didn't set timer right on vcr last week what a doofus I was. Yeah I'm looking forward to seeing the return of Zack on Bones.
Peace Out People

| Sep 22, 2008 1:28:09 PM | #

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Very excited to have new episodes of HIMYM back on Monday nights (NPH was robbed).

Big Bang Theory is okay, but Sheldon is just a one-note character who has become somewhat grating. Hopefully having Sarah Gilbert on will liven things up a little.

With all of the premieres on this week, how could you possibly include "One Tree Hill" in the highlights for the week? Does your affiliation with Tribune Media Services require you to mention at least one of the CW's crappy shows in each column?

BW | Sep 22, 2008 1:32:59 PM | #

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Ooh! Seth Green on My Name is Earl? Usually not a fan of the show, but I might have to make an exception if he'll be on!

I love that guy!

MK | Sep 22, 2008 1:45:17 PM | #

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Amy,

You mean Carol Hathaway, right? Not Carrie? Did Doug call her that?

Those brain cells are gone now.

alia | Sep 22, 2008 1:46:52 PM | #

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Yes I meant Carol! Sorry about that -- thanks for the correction!

Amy Amatangelo | Sep 22, 2008 2:10:05 PM | #

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Can't wait for all the premiers this week. Big Bang is one of my favs. I have acutally enjoyed Fringe, and look forward to see where it will go. I just caught up last night with last weeks shows. All I can say is Supernatural was perfect, Amy you really need to show this show some love this year. This is just like Christmas.

Hettie | Sep 22, 2008 2:27:33 PM | #

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The 2 hours comedy block Monday nights on CBS is almost the best 2 hours on TV. Of course there is much more on during the week, but it does make Monday's more enjoyable.

Darren | Sep 22, 2008 3:18:11 PM | #

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What would you prefer Sherrie? Reserection? Zombie Mark? ;-)

Paul | Sep 22, 2008 3:23:24 PM | #

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I think I'm just so excited to have new episodes, that I've loved all of the premieres so far!

And I can't believe people still haven't watched even 1 ep of the Big Bang Theory! It has to be one of the funniest shows on tv....and I watch just about everything! Too bad it's on Mondays at 8pm - too many other things to watch at the same time...!

cs2win | Sep 22, 2008 3:30:42 PM | #

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FRINGE - I thought ep # 2 was terrible. I know I'm watching bad TV when I feel like I'm on the set watching them grind the scenes out.

CRESS WILLIAMS - not credible in his current role. Very bad.

TBBT - glad Amy came around on TBBT...no wait, I wish she hadn't. She needs to dislike more shows to maintain her credibility (LOL).

Bruce | Sep 22, 2008 4:32:41 PM | #

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Amy, I'm glad you're enjoying "Big Bang Theory" now. It has been one of my favorite comedies since I saw the series premiere. I'm looking forward to its return tonight.

Loretta | Sep 22, 2008 4:39:12 PM | #

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And Without A Trace comes back this week too! :D

I love premiere week. Just sayin'. Even if half my shows still won't be back for another week, or two, or until you know October *sighs*

ave | Sep 22, 2008 4:55:42 PM | #

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"Does your affiliation with Tribune Media Services require you to mention at least one of the CW's crappy shows in each column?"

Hee hee!

I believe everyone has the right to enjoy or loathe whatever show they wish, but with Amy's 9021Obsession, I thought this was pretty funny...

Tom | Sep 22, 2008 4:56:52 PM | #

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Fringe-Talked to some friends who also watched ep 2 and we developed a 'drinking' game for the next episode. Every plot point that comes from the X-Files, every scientic theory that either Eureka has done, or Eureka would do better, and every line of disbelief that comes from (insert favorite scifi/horror show here) you take a spoonful of yogurt (hey we're also Burn Notice fans and trying to be healthy here!). It felt like the writers took plot points from shows past, tossed them in the blender, and took whatever came up on top. Test tube soldiers=Dark Angel/X-Files super-soldiers. need the pituritary (sp0gland to live=Eugene Tooms(X-Files liver eating mutant). Peter as voice of disbelief=underwritten Jack Carter without the heart or concern.

lillyb | Sep 22, 2008 5:38:27 PM | #

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I think it is only right that Doug and Carol appear in a little happily-ever-after scene in the series' finale. One can only hope. And while they're there, it'd be nice to give Benton, Lewis and Weaver a shout-out.

Ritchie | Sep 22, 2008 7:01:27 PM | #

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paul-zombie mark? love it!!!! with that bald head he would make an awesome zombie. ooh an ER and Supernatural crossover!! HA!

sherrie | Sep 22, 2008 7:20:31 PM | #

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Big Bang Theory is boring. Two nerds (plus their nerd friends) is three too many. My Name is Earl is boring. How I Met Your Mother is beyond boring. Samantha Who was a little interesting but, as I suspected, began to be monotonous after awhile. And all most TV shows talk about these days is sex, sex, sex. Go have some or get over it. I know all the good writers aren't dead. But apparently they can't get past the people who have the power to air anything decent (and leave it in a time slot so viewers can find it).

debiro1 | Sep 22, 2008 8:08:12 PM | #

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Big Bang Theory is boring. Two nerds (plus their nerd friends) is three too many. My Name is Earl is boring. How I Met Your Mother is beyond boring. Samantha Who was a little interesting but, as I suspected, began to be monotonous after awhile. And all most TV shows talk about these days is sex, sex, sex. Go have some or get over it. I know all the good writers aren't dead. But apparently they can't get past the people who have the power to air anything decent (and leave it in a time slot so viewers can find it).

debiro1 | Sep 22, 2008 8:08:38 PM | #

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Hettie, you Nailed it - Supernatural's premiere was simply Perfect.

I am scheming to get off work early tonight because I cannot wait until dawn to see Heroes, BigBang and Two and a Half Men (I don't care what anyone says, the perfect casting on Men makes it laugh out loud funny every week).

If I was Eric Millegan I'd tell the Bones folks to bite me.. the way the show is going so far they won't be back anyway.

I'm also looking forward to Old Christine, it started to get wickedly funny at the end of last run.

Is Criminal Minds back this week???

Weiss C | Sep 22, 2008 8:31:06 PM | #

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I have got to say I disagree hugely with two things although I always love to read your column.

1. Saying that the kid who plays Jamie on OTH is the best actor on the show is unfair to Sophia Bush. I can see it with basically the rest of the cast, but if you had actually watched the first four seasons of the show, Bush has proven time and time again that she's one of the best young actresses on television.

Someone should have warned you about how addictive OTH is though. ;)

2. I like Peter Bishop. I don't find him whiny at all. His father is insane and Anna Torv plays Olivia way too overdramatically and tries too hard to be "Kate." I think Joshua Jackson adds just the right balance. He's such an interesting character. He obviously has deep-seeded issues about his father, yet he still guides him around with care and ease. He really is the only one that speaks "Walter." And he tends to be right--or at least rational--about every "whiny" thing he says. Seriously, *who* would have so readily and easily agreed to get probed in the head and shot up with LSD? Olivia and Walter need a clear head like Peter around. *I* need it around.

June | Sep 22, 2008 8:35:44 PM | #

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To Weiss, yes Criminal Minds is back this week. They have been promoting it like crazy since the beginning of September.

D | Sep 22, 2008 9:07:35 PM | #

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geeze june beat me to it why don't you. personally i think peter on fringe and the guy who recruited blondie in the first place are def. the most interesting characters.

peter is just difficult enough to rein in the pie in the sky pair that he's working with but not SO unreasonable that he shoots everything down.

y'all, there's only so many ways you can tell fringe science stories, it's the characters and dialogue that will sell this show more than the case of the week. peter is actually coming across pretty nuanced on my tv.

is it wrong that i'm secretly smirking because amy finally gets the addiction that is oth? (and word to whoever said sophia bush is underrated.. she reminds me of michelle williams in her dawson days... underutilized and unnoticed but awesome)

:)

sassinak | Sep 22, 2008 9:14:46 PM | #

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Too much to watch for one night, so I'm saving HIMYM for tomorrow night. I have, however, seen the premiere of Big Bang Theory and I'm happy that my laugh out loud show is back and still on track. I was thinking that there are lines that are worth submitting to Amy for best lines of the week, but at this point I'm having a hard time narrowing it down.

Melody | Sep 22, 2008 10:54:11 PM | #

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I am right with you on Worst Week, though I think 3.5 stars is overly generous. I actually thought it was horribly unfunny; I am astonished how it was pretty much universally well-received by critics. I don't even necessarily find that brand of humor to be uncomfortable - I just thought the gags were not funny in the slightest (and is that really all the show is going to consist of EVERY week...how quickly will that get old; oh wait...it already did!).

Rachel | Sep 22, 2008 11:19:52 PM | #

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I'm a fan of the Barney/Robin romance since she is not the one for Ted. It's nice seeing Barney struggling with how to be someone he's usually not. And thank you for talking about One Tree Hill. I think this season is better than season 5 because they have caught up showing us who the characters are again after a 4 year time jump and now we can get into them trying to be those people. And yes, Jamie is THE cutest kid ever and if I were going to have any (which I don't want to) I'd want one just like him!

Melody | Sep 22, 2008 11:19:58 PM | #

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LOVED WORST WEEK. I screamed with laughter the whole time. It was brilliant. On the other hand, I hate Big Bang. A show about nerd stereotypes and blondy stereotypes? That's so stupid- and as a physics major, let me tell you they are way off. They also have a lot of scientific inaccuracies when they try to sound smart.

sally | Sep 23, 2008 1:00:25 AM | #

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?????more funny?????

What's wrong with funnier?

| Sep 23, 2008 2:32:57 AM | #

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Can I do quotes now? Because Stella last night ranting about Chewbacca was hilarious. I haven't laughed out loud at a TV comedy since Friends went off the air. HIMYM has brought it back for me. "He's all 'rrrrrrrau' and they're like, 'good point, bear, we'll do that." Cracked me up.

Lisa | Sep 23, 2008 5:14:33 AM | #

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Worst Week Ever was more like the worse show ever. I don't think I ever cracked a smile let alone laughed. What a major disappointment. That was the longest 30 minutes of my life (should have turned it off but I was trying to be fair and watch the entire show). Never again.

me | Sep 23, 2008 5:55:02 AM | #

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Of CBS' premiers last night:

Big Bang: Very funny. Enjoyed Sheldon's "more nervous ticks than a Lyme disease research facility" joke. And Howard's mom's voice just slays me.

HIMYM: OK. As usual, Barney totally stole the show. Ted is starting to annoy me. Marshall and Lily have become superfluous.

2.5 Dudes: Not bad, but I expected funnier for the season premier.

Worst Week: Wow. I don't know how to describe how bad this show is. I stuck with it, waiting for it to get better, but it got worse as the half hour past by. I won't be back for a second helping.

Tom | Sep 23, 2008 6:07:13 AM | #

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Getting back to the flashbacks and/or resurrected zombie of Mark Greene, I think they could possibly handle it in a similar way as the Homicide: Life on the Street movie where they had the dead characters reunite in an afterlife scene. Could have been really cheesy but it was actually well done and very touching. As it is not as though County General has produced enough corpses along the way.

Jamie | Sep 23, 2008 6:21:13 AM | #

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Ooops. Make that: As it is not as though County General hasn't produced enough corpses along the way."

Jamie | Sep 23, 2008 6:21:59 AM | #

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Halle Berry is my fourth favorite Catwoman. Great line. Sheldon always have great lines.

And Stella and Star Wars was funny.

I cracked a smile during Worst Week, but not a laugh. Gotta wonder how long the show's premise will last. The girlfriend is hot, though. : )

Tim | Sep 23, 2008 6:47:53 AM | #

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I just got through watching the new "Supernatural", and I was wondering why they recast the role of Ruby. What was wrong with Katie Cassidy that they had to take the role away from her and give it to Genevieve Cortese?

Henry | Sep 23, 2008 6:50:47 AM | #

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the vessel that was Ruby is dead. TO date, I think once the body has been discarded/vacated, it's done. Finished.

It's a shame, as I thought the old Ruby was more edgy with just enough 'tude that you didn't wanna mess with her. THe new one seems like a little sister that wishes she was tough.

As for why? More than likely a combination of storyline/actress availability. That;s the usual reason, but I'm just guessing now....

Brett | Sep 23, 2008 7:57:10 AM | #

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Glad you like Big Bang Theory. It took a while to warm up, but it's doing quite well now. Although CBS seems to underestimate the ability of people on the 'Net to do their research. They changed the plotline on their site so it didn't sound like Penny and Leonard's date was a failure, but other sites still had the original up. Guess they should learn, huh.

Patrick Murphy | Sep 23, 2008 9:57:44 AM | #

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I long ago grew very tired of the traditional sitcom with their set up/punchline beat and hyena-like laugh tracks. You can't force me to sit through Two and a Half Men at gunpoint. 30 Rock and The Office are more my speed these days. That all being said, I do enjoy Big Bang Theory. For what it is, it is done very well.

Paul | Sep 23, 2008 10:03:21 AM | #

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Worst Week was beyond terrible. Even if it was any good, the decision to schedule a single camera comedy amongst CBS sea of traditional sitcoms makes no sense.

Paul | Sep 23, 2008 10:12:34 AM | #

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It occurs to me, upon reflection of my own viewing experience (~~shudder~~) and the reaction of others, that if the concept of Worst Week were condensed into about 5 minutes, it might make for an entertaining skit on SNL. [Heaven knows they need some help over there.] As a stand alone episode-a-week sitcom it doesn't stand a chance.

Tom | Sep 23, 2008 10:22:56 AM | #

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I watched Dancing w/ the Stars and then CSI:Miami last night. I feel that these comedy sitcoms for the most part have become cras, crude, stupid and not even funny. Yes, there are 3 CSI shows on, but each one is different. CSI:Miami lost me last year, but with the episode last night, it brought me back to why I like the show so much. Don't understand why you don't talk about the CSI's or Cold Case at all AMY.

k | Sep 23, 2008 10:33:16 AM | #

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Worst Week was not good. But, I like the premise, and I'm willing to give it a few more weeks to find its feet.
The real problem I had was that the pacing seemed off. It was almost like they were waiting for the laugh from a studio audience or laughtrack.

Will | Sep 23, 2008 10:35:18 AM | #

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Loved the premiere of Supernatural. I was worried, because I'd been looking forward to it so much, but it did not disappoint me. I particularly loved the red flashes of Dean's time in hell. A good use of Jensen Ackles's talent at evoking emotion without using words while saving the budget for what really matters: classic rock.

I also enjoyed HIMYM, although I didn't absolutely love it. I like Stella, but I don't think she's the mother, so I feel like we're wasting time on her. BTW, you should always follow your gut. If you are that easily convinced that you shouldn't marry your fiance, you probably shouldn't, Ted.

Jen | Sep 23, 2008 10:39:00 AM | #

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Anyone disappointed with Fringe need look no further than Supernatural. It rivals X-Files at its best but is not bogged down with too much mythology. Watched it with a new viewer and they were able to catch on pretty quick. First three seasons are available on DVD as well, with very interesting commentary tracks.

Kathy B. | Sep 23, 2008 11:51:33 AM | #

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I loved Worst Week. I am not turning it on to be intellectually challenged, so it is perfect for some great laughs before I go to bed. I thought the main guy was very funny and I love the dad.

Mike | Sep 23, 2008 12:54:33 PM | #

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I thought Worst Week was very funny! I don't know why so many people are dissing it. I will keep watching for sure.

| Sep 23, 2008 3:02:05 PM | #

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Spoiler alert for The Mentalist. The following post hints at a mild secret from the premiere.

Just watched the series premiere of The Mentalist. I had relatively low expectations but I was pleasantly surprised. Definitely 3.5 stars as Amy noted. Before I watched I assumed, like many, that the show would be similar to Psych. I don't really like Psych that much, good idea and good cast but a bit too cute-for-cute's sake, hence my low expectations. In the end, however, the show it most reminded me of -- and this is a compliment -- was Life. The dark past and trauma, the smarter than everyone else in the room, the gallows humour. Good stuff. If I remember correctly the lead of that show is also from the Commonwealth playing a Yank. Wondered if anyone had the same thought.

Best...

brxtux | Sep 23, 2008 7:09:02 PM | #

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I liked the part of the Emmys between Gervais and Carrell. That was great, you don't think so?

Clay Atlas | Sep 23, 2008 9:27:46 PM | #

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Weiss C -- Agree with your comments on Men. 2.5 men does bring the funny, and continues to make me laugh. You can't worry about others' opinions. I don't know why TV Gal doesn't talk about it more. Then again, maybe I do. Hey, it's TV's #1 comedy. I can't live without it. I did think it was quite strange about Charlie's ex not really being the kid's mother, she only turned out to be the babysitter! Seems like a revenge plot against Charlie. Wasn't prepared for that.

Didn't even bother with worst week. Saw the previews and some of it looked disturbing, especially where the guy was wearing the bag as a diaper. Why do I want to see that?

Shaun | Sep 24, 2008 1:31:40 AM | #

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I have missed HIMYM!!! I love neil patrick harris! He should've won an emmy, however horrible the actual ceremony was. "I caught feelings bad" and "delightful!"!

Karen | Sep 24, 2008 3:49:23 AM | #

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The Mentalist was awesome! I absolutely loved it. My favorite new show this year! Why didn't zap2it recap it???

B | Sep 24, 2008 4:38:20 AM | #

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Have to say that I was a sceptic with BIG BANG when it first premiered, but have fallen in love with this show since. I can see it filling the void and taking over for TWO AND A HALF MEN when MEN calls it quits whenever that may be. BIG BANG and MOTHER are a great pairing, but BIG BANG is home for more laugh out loud comedy where as MOTHER is a familiar real to life comedy. BIG BANG also fills the void left behind on monday now that CHRISTINE, hands down my favorite sitcom on television these days has been transported to wednesdays!

PGP | Sep 24, 2008 8:11:35 AM | #

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Amy I totally agree with you on the embarrassment thing. I don't find it funny either. I just get really uncomfortable and can't watch. So I guess Worst Week is not going to be one of my shows this year :P

Jess | Sep 24, 2008 8:57:51 AM | #

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worst week was embarassing i agree.

wanted to mention ENTOURAGE. The 3rd episode final hit a decent stride after the first two clunkers. very funny stuff with Vince forced to do sweet 16 appearances for cash.

larry | Sep 24, 2008 10:27:47 AM | #

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The Mentalist pilot was okay, but very odd, esp. the last scene, but it was nice to see Simon Baker back in primetime where he belongs! I think this show will grow a lot in the coming weeks!

Also am looking forward to Bones and seeing Zack, however that photo of him above just creeps me out!

Annie | Sep 24, 2008 12:53:43 PM | #

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Fringe is not good. And I want it to be good. And I enjoy Walter and Pacey. And I hold out hope that it will find its groove. But so far, what a disappointment.

Lisa | Sep 24, 2008 6:59:45 PM | #

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