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RSSBreaking back in to 'Prison Break'
Let's take a look at the shows coming your way this weekend:
"Prison Break" (returning tonight at 9 p.m. on FOX): This is the last hurrah for Michael, Linc, and, of course, Linc's glistening chest. And, as you know, I haven't kept up with the show since everyone somehow ended up in a prison in Panama. But I decided that given how much I enjoyed the series in the first season I would return to see what the boys were up to now. It was surprisingly easy to catch up with the action. Even if I have no idea what Scylla is, why it's important and why Lincoln and Michael care about it so much. Now that the end in sight, the show can return to its rollicking way of spinning a story. And all the key ingredients are there -- the ridiculous plot turns, the dastardly villains (I'm loving Kathleen Quinlan as Linc and Michael's mom), the romance in unlikely place and most importantly the ever-amusing T-Bag. In deference to the place the show used to hold in my season pass manager, I've decided to tune in for the final six hours, including the two hour series finale on May 15. How about you? Oh and if you can't remember where the show left off, FOX is repeating the last episode tonight at 8 p.m.
"In Plain Sight" (returning for a second season Sunday at 9 p.m. on USA): This witness protection drama ended its first season on a dramatic high note with Mary (Mary McCormack) being kidnapped and her house destroyed as the FBI searched for the drug's her sister Brandi (Nichole Hiltz) had allegedly hid there. The second season picks up pretty soon after all that brouhaha and McCormack is, at times, hilarious and at times heartbreaking as she struggles with what has happened to her. The most challenging part of the show for me remains Mary's family. They not only drain her. They also drain the show. The show would be wise to get Mary some more interesting cases. I love the guest stars that make their way through "In Plain Sight" (you'll see Paris from "Gilmore Girls" this week) but their storylines aren't always that compelling. I love the interaction between Mary, her partner Marshall (Frederick Weller) and their boss Stan (Paul Ben-Victor) but the show needs to live up to their high quality.Other guest stars coming your way this season include Joshua Malina, Laura Prepon, Cynthia Watros, Sarah Drew and Kevin Rankin. Three and a half stars.
"Sit Down, Shut Up" (premiering Sunday at 8:30 p.m. on FOX): This new animated comedy boasts Mitchell Hurwitz as an executive producer and the voices of Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Henry Winkler. It sounds like a veritable Arrested Developmentapoolza doesn't it? Well you all know how much I love "Arrested Development" and how I believe it is one of the most brilliant comedies ever to air on TV. So I have decided to say nothing about "Sit Down, Shut Up," because I have, most unfortunately, nothing nice to say. The show kind of breaks my heart. One and a half stars.
After you've watched "Prison Break," "In Plain Sight," and "Sit Down, Shut Up," let me know what you think and talk about it below.
"90210"
Despite practically making us drink a Dr. Pepper while we watched (honestly that may have been the worst product placement ever?), wasn't it so wonderful to have Donna Martin back on "90210." It's like her presence brought the show back to the mid-90's with the stunt guest stars (Diablo Cody) and goofy scenes (Kelly and Silver in mud masks).
A few thoughts:
1. I still care more about the old faces than the new faces. A lot more. I think the second happiest I've been with the show all season was the scene that had Donna and Kelly driving down Rodeo Drive and talking about Now Wear This! (You know, of course, that the most happy I've been with the show was when we learned Dylan was Sammy's father).
2. I'm not happy with the idea that David and Donna are separated.
3. I like Ethan so much more now that he's not with Annie. As you may have heard, his part is being reduced next season and he will eventually exit the show. I think he should stay.
4. Actually I like everyone more when they are not with Annie.
5. Was Dylan ever as cruel as Liam? I don't think so. There's a difference between a bad boy and a boy who's just plain bad.
6. I'm sad that Jackie Taylor is still such a mess. I want a storyline where she finally gets her life together.
What do you think of "90210?" Talk about it below.
Quotes of the Week
"Let's face it, the Ewoks sucked." Hurley to Miles on "Lost." Thanks to Mary for the quote.
"And we didn't see Lily for four weeks." Ted after Barney tells Lily a dirty joke on "How I Met Your Mother." This is, of course, because Alyson Hannigan, who just had her baby, won't be back on the show until the season finale. To accommodate Hannigan's pregnancy, "How I Met Your Mother" shot finale earlier in the year.
"I'm just a small cog in a very big machine." Jonas to the President after he's arrested on "24."
"What's your problem? They run out of black eyeliner at Rebels R Us." Ethan to Liam on "90210."
"Do you know what lies in the shadow of the statue?" Bram to Miles on "Lost."
"I'm here for you. Let me be your traveling pants." Andy to Jim on "The Office."
Exchange of the Week
"I can only imagine how it would be to have a brain like yours" Daisy to Bones on "Bones."
"That's true" Bones' response. Thanks to Joe for the exchange
That's all for today. I'm back next week to talk about the shows we need to save this season, thoughts on "Desperate Housewives" and "Brothers & Sisters" and more. Have a question? Seen a familiar face? Want to nominate a quote of the week? Write me at amytvgal@zap2it.com.
Amy Amatangelo, TV Gal ®
I guess I wasn't as enthused for Donna's return as Amy was as I was very disappointed in it as a whole. Donna seemed like an entirely different person from the Donna that occupied the Zip in the 90s. I understand that people grow over 9 years time, but to resemble nothing of what you were seems wrong as well.
I'm very disappoointed to hear that you (Amy) didn't like Sit Down Shut Up as I too was looking forward to the mini Arrested Development reunion.
Aaaaall together now. In the category of shows to be saved, Chuck needs a third season.
Paris of GG was also on CSI last night.
The episode was kind of weak but the context for the main crime was the remake of a vintage sci-fi show rather like Battlestar Gallactica. And there were 3 BSG alums: Kate Vernon, the doer (in Cold Case speak). Also Ron Moore (BSG writer/producer) and Grace Park were in the convention crowd.
Sad to hear Amy has nothing to report on the fate of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.
Happy to report that The Office was much better this week. I've got my fingers crossed that it stays good.
Amy, I think you and I feel the same way about Annie on 90210. I was thinking the same thing about Ethan as I was watching the episode on Wednesday. I kind of like him now. I still do not care for Naomi either. She really is a horrible actress, but I am thinking I still care for the older characters than the new ones too. :)
Oh, and I am not too thrilled about the "Donna and David" break-up. After all those years of on-again/off-again to break up? Maybe, I get way into these shows. Haha.
I thought Donna seemed the same. But I agree I still care more about the old characters than the new ones. But I do really like Silver and Adrianna. And to a lesser extent Dixon, Naomi, and Navid. Ethan is improving now that he's not with Annie. But Annie is just plain awful. She really needs to go. NOW. I agree that I'm not totally sold on Liam. I like the idea of a bad boy shaking things up, but his character is an a-hole. Dylan was a bad boy, but he was at least a nice guy. And you understood why Brandon and Brenda liked him. I think they've sort of done the same thing with Jackie. Even when she was a mess, she at least still seemed like a nice person. Now she's just mean and evil!
I've kind of always liked Ethan, even in the early eps when the show was a complete train-wreck, opposed to the general mess it is now. I think him leaving is a bad idea creatively and a bad thing for the show. They can't get through one season without a main character leaving? Not good.
I think the bad part about Ethan was him being with Annie... is it possible to write one of the main characters off? I could definatley do without her, though I would like to see Ethan stay. Liam is a jerk and Ethan is much more interesting.
Hi Amy,
I watched the first half of the first season of Prison Break and then I lost interest in it. I'm willing to give Sit Down, Shut up a chance. I'm still worried about Life and Dollhouse. I'm hoping that they are both renewed.
As for shows that need to be saved - let me put Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles at the top of the list.
This season it has evolved into a remarkably moving study of human character in extremis (notwithstanding, or even because of, its fantastic premise), and it is developing a number of parallel mysteries that scream to be resolved. Not to mention the huge cliffhanger in the season finale!
Let me nominate for quote of the year: "Will you join us?"