Ringer -1×15- P.s. You’re An Idiot

Having Andrew be the originator of the Ponzi scheme opens up interesting possibilities. Is Siobhan giving Bridget the intel so that Bridget knows what's going on and has evidence -- what does Shiv hope Bridget will do with that info? Is she trying to frame her so that if she's able to tip the SEC off to the Ponzi scheme, Bridget will be complicit? Will Bridget now be more likely to tell Andrew the truth since he's not a white knight on a steed coming to save her? How will Bridget handle Malcolm's investigation -- will she find a way to call him off? Will Bridget's head explode from trying to keep all these secrets?


Usually I roll my eyes when characters on tv shows are expecting twins. It's become such a cliche. However, Siohban has certainly earned hers. She's a twin and the (possible) father has fathered twins, so her chances were pretty much higher than the average, I would think.

I had predicted that Catherine knew Mr. Carpenter beforehand. It makes sense that the two of them came up with the scheme together, since I couldn't come up with any scenario where a student and teacher would have the opportunity to plot something like this.

Gossip Girl -5×17- The Princess Dowry

This episode moved right along, didn't it?

Video fiasco? Done.
Picture of Dan and Blair kissing? Done
Blair setting Chuck straight on where they stand? Done
Blair admitting her feelings to Dan? Done and done!

Although I just can't believe they didn't rip each other's clothes off right then and there instead of waiting for the 'right time'. Dan and Blair already seemed ready to get it on in their first scene of the episode.

It is classic Gossip Girl that when a character goes to cry on someone's shoulder they throw in a twist reveal that sends that character off in another new storyline. Chuck went to Lily to bemoan about Blair only to get all quizzical about Uncle Jack saving his life. I'm glad he's going to be off in a non-Blair related storyline for a while. He needs to clear his head and get some perspective. Although I totally felt for the guy. He was so desperate and frustrating and grasping at anything to blame for his and Blair's problems when she hit him with the truth- her feelings were changing.

For some reason it did not surprise me that Lola was Serena's half-sister.

Serena laying on her bed in just absolute aimless despair was pretty darned sad. She was really just waiting for something to drop into her lap to distract her, motivate her, push her- and judging by the package Georgina sent her, Serena will definitely be busy in the final batch of episodes-and have a lot of power.

Loved, loved, loved the 360 spin around of the Dair kiss. It perfectly conveyed the heady feelings they both had to be feeling at the moment of enjoying that they both were on the same page and their feelings were out in the open. Dan just reveling in Blair calling him by his first name and asking her to say it again and again and kissing her each time had me grinning like an idiot. Cannot believe these two got to this point so fast, and I know it can't last, but I will enjoy it while I can.

The Walking Dead -2×10- 18 Miles Out

I squeed like a little girl when Rick lined up those two walkers' heads and shot through them both, and then I wondered what the hell was wrong with me! I loved that whole sequence. Hasn't been that sense of menace and danger in the show in a while. I actually didn't delete this episode so I can watch it again and enjoy the hell out of Rick being smart and badass at the same time. Sadly for Shane, he can only manage the latter and was outdone by Rick this time. I knew Rick would come back for him but Jon Bernthal's disbelieving glance as Rick and Randall were leaving did give me a moment's doubt. He sold me on his desperation. Shane would have left Rick and I believe Rick knew that, and he still came back. I liked the replay of the crossroads conversation too. Shane's back, but on Rick's terms. I wonder how long that will last?

Lori and Andrea went toe-to-toe, and I found myself agreeing with both. I get Lori's desire to create normality and a safe haven, but that doesn't have to be exclusively feminine work. I wish Andrea had made the point that Dale, Glen and any other man can and should slice a tomato when required. Laundry isn't that complicated either. And the women should be taking turns on watch. I did like Lori and Maggie together which was strange because I really don't care for either character. I'm glad Lori told Maggie what the rest of us here already said. Glen had no business blaming her for his fear.

I really enjoyed this episode.

84th Academy Awards Winners List

Best Picture
“The Artist” (The Weinstein Company)
A La Petite Reine/Studio 37/La Classe Américaine/JD Prod/France3 Cinéma/Jouror Productions/uFilm Production, Thomas Langmann, Producer

Actress in a Leading Role
Meryl Streep
“The Iron Lady” (The Weinstein Company)

Actor in a Leading Role
Jean Dujardin
“The Artist” (The Weinstein Company)

Directing
Michel Hazanavicius
“The Artist” (The Weinstein Company)

Short Film (Animated)
“The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore”
A Moonbot Studios LA Production, William Joyce and Brandon Oldenburg

Documentary (Short Subject)
“Saving Face”
A Milkhaus/Jungefilm Production, Daniel Junge and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy

Short Film (Live Action)
“The Shore”
An All Ashore Production, Terry George and Oorlagh George

Screenplay (Original)
“Midnight in Paris” (Sony Pictures Classics)
Written by Woody Allen

Screenplay (Adapted)
“The Descendants” (Fox Searchlight)
Screenplay by Alexander Payne and Nat Faxon & Jim Rash

Music (Original Song)
“Man or Muppet” from “The Muppets” (Walt Disney) Music and Lyric by Bret McKenzie

Music (Original Score)
“The Artist” (The Weinstein Company)
Ludovic Bource

Actor in a Supporting Role
Christopher Plummer in “Beginners” (Focus Features)

Visual Effects
“Hugo” (Paramount)
Rob Legato, Joss Williams, Ben Grossmann and Alex Henning

Animated Feature Film
“Rango” (Paramount)
Gore Verbinski

Documentary (Feature)
“Undefeated” (The Weinstein Company)
A Spitfire Pictures Production, TJ Martin, Dan Lindsay and Richard Middlemas

Sound Mixing
“Hugo” (Paramount)
Tom Fleischman and John Midgley

Sound Editing
“Hugo” (Paramount)
Philip Stockton and Eugene Gearty

Film Editing
“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” (Sony)
Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall

Actress in a Supporting Role
Octavia Spencer in “The Help” (Touchstone)

Foreign Language Film
“A Separation” (Sony Pictures Classics)
A Dreamlab Films Production Iran

Makeup
“The Iron Lady” (The Weinstein Company)
Mark Coulier and J. Roy Helland

Costume Design
“The Artist” (The Weinstein Company)
Mark Bridges

Art Direction
“Hugo” (Paramount)
Production Design: Dante Ferretti; Set Decoration: Francesca Lo Schiavo

Cinematography
“Hugo” (Paramount)
Robert Richardson

Modern Family -3×16- Virgin Territory

I thought this was a terrific episode. i'm really enjoying how the families are interacting more and more this year, creating fresh character combinations.


Maybe I'm a sap but I teared up a little bit when Hailey said she had a "cool Dad". I thought the plot thread was handled very well, it was a nice moment.

Cam faking an injury to look for the Tupperware was priceless. It was something a Pritchett would do.

I really enjoy it when Manny's paired with Luke, because it's the only time we get to see him act like a kid. When the car's rolling backward at about 5 MPH past the lemonade stand, I just about died.

New Girl -1×14- Bully

Jess's story was the weakest, IMO. Didn't really care about the bully or the kid she was trying to help.

The guy were hilarious, though. Winston is really finding his place on the show. Loved his "gay talk" with Schmidt and the happiness about seeing the crescent moon.

So long, Lizzy Caplan. Too bad it was only a recurring role, because she's a great sarcastic foil to Jess and her constant cheeriness.

I will never tire of Schmidt and his too-small robe. And only he can make "junk mail" sound endearing.

Ringer -1×14- Whores Don’t Make That Much

I thought that was a much stronger episode -- the best since the hiatus by far.

Andrew IS a crook, huh? I knew it I suppose, but I still hoped it was mostly Olivia.

Bridget wants to be Bridget again. I think that's good seeing as who Siobhan really is. Bridget needs to be in a good place when she comes face to face with Siobhan & what Siobhan has tried to do to her.

I do feel for Siobhan now. She lost her child & that is soul crushing. But it was an accident. A tragic accident. Yes, Bridget & Dylan put Sean in that car, but it was the driver who fell asleep at the wheel that killed Sean, not Bridget or Dylan. Bridget went against Siobhan's wishes, I know. I can see Siobhan never speaking to Bridget again. The death of a child -- accident or not -- is a justifiable reason for Siobhan to walk away I think & not look back. But what she is doing now not only to Bridget but also to people who had nothing to do with what happened to her son? No. The way Siobhan treated Andrew, Juliet, Gemma, Greer, etc. prior to...? No. A tragedy does not give one carte blanche to be a hideous person. What would Sean think of mommy now & what she is doing to his Aunt Bridget? That's another tragedy.

Speaking of which, what is Catherine's excuse? As relieved as I am that Juliet was not the mastermind behind that scam, I am horrified at what Catherine has done to her daughter. Unlike Catherine, Juliet has a soul. Thank goodness that no matter what kind of crook Andrew may be, there is some good there that he passed on to Juliet. She feels guilt over Tessa & wishes she could go back. When this all falls apart & I have no doubt it will, Catherine will take great pleasure in exposing Juliet to Andrew. I do think Catherine is behind Tessa's beating. Carpenter is a creep, but Catherine is terrifying. Look what she has made her own daughter a party to...? I'm sure she hates Andrew, but I wonder if she hates Juliet too?

Glee -3×14- On My Way

1. In the space of 1 song...they made Dave's storyline better than they made Santana's entire coming out story which pretty much spanned 20 episodes...and Naya is one of your stars. That's just pathetic.

2. Rachel Berry needs to graduate and get the hell out of Lima already. I am so sick and tired of her sanctimonious bullshit. We're going to win cause I'm singing? ND won Sectionals without you bitch. They shouldn't have...but that's neither here nor there...

3. The adults feeling guilty for a gay teen's attempted suicide then no one says anything to Sue about referring to Kurt as Porcelain. Assholes.

4. Kurt thinking that only gay teens have issues. Quinn should have handed the whiner his ASS on a silver platter. He deserved it. That's not even pointing out that she should have tore him a new one for his hypocritical "turning to God" now after his whole father debacle.

5. The Meerkat turning into a hero after he realizes that he was partially resposible for Dave's mental state. Let me get this straight...You almost blinded Blaine by your own hand with no remorse, but a few words in passing make you change your entire outlook on life? Riiiiight.

6. Regionals....SUCKED. I actually liked this passed sectionals since they divided up the songs between just about everyone. The boys are on stage for 1 number...Santana and Rachel both get 2 leads each...Q, Tina, Sam, Puck, and Kurt are completely ignored...but BRITTANY gets a line? My God...SERIOUSLY?!? And random troubletones appearing? What was that? I thought Q's deal just meant that Mercedes/Santana got to share a competition song lead....guess not. And Warblers...get the hell off the stage, without Blaine you SUCK.

7. And lastly...Quinn no matter how your accident turns out....it'll still be all about how you either ruined or almost ruined Rachel's wedding. Congratulations.

Gossip Girl -5×16- Cross Rhodes

I...think I enjoyed that one.

I still miss Nate who is off in guest star land but I'm glad that a) Blair finally got some POV this episode. She did things! She talked to people! She was honest yet snarky and I will forgive the bad eye shadow and horrible ensemble she wore for most of this episode if she could just stay like this (and find a way out the marriage) until the show ends.

(Seriously? How is it that these people haven't teamed up and found some dirty secret to blackmail Blair's way out of her marriage?)

and b) that Charlie secret is out and Serena said to her exactly what I hope she would! Don't feel bad for Ivy at all. I mean, CeCe was sick/dying and none of them knew until the last minute because some scam artist wanted to a "real family". That's fucked up.

I just want Chuck to be gross and make double entendres for the rest of the show. He does not work as a good person. I mean, yeah, people do have shades of grey and what not. But Chuck Bass is an asshole who is only nice to a handful of people. He doesn't need Blair or "true love" to be happy. He can have his friends and enjoy being rich and running his business. Okay, I'm biased. I want everyone to be single at the end of this show. I did like Dan and Blair this episode. I don't know if they won me over because I totally loved Chuck and Blair those first few episodes after the limo scene and that didn't end well for me.

This show and relationships though? Bad track record. So I'm not holding out hope for Dan and Blair.

Desperate Housewives -8×14- Get Out of My Life

I was not surprised it was him, I was just amazed and shocked by the closing flashback montage of him "driving by" all the time and stalking Bree. Damn it, I knew it was him from the beginning! And that "You are welcome" note had Orson written all over it. But hands down, this was the best storyline tonight. Seeing Bree and Orson back together in the house was so refreshing and yet so wicked. For me it is not that shocking nor horrible that he killed Chuck. He has it in his nature, after all ... he "helped" Edie die and he never felt any remorse at all.

As for the other storylines - Susan was actually cute in this episode and I love her for wanting to help her daughter and trying to get her grandchild and wanting to raise her. That is a right thing to do although I hate TV shows sometimes for making adoption horrible and unbearable. Most of the time, it is for the better. Porter grew on me a little in this episode. Tom was still MIA. Wow, for 4 straight episodes.

Gaby was selfish - again, how refershing. But I loved seeing Roy after all this time. Karen looked really bad with that hair and I felt very sorry for her. The scene of her at the doctor's office was hard to watch. It is serious with her And Renee paying off Ben's loan ... well, here the trouble starts for you girl. All in all it was a good episode, a little bit better than last week's for me, but still not perfect episode of DH.

The Walking Dead -2×9- Triggerfinger

The scene where they were trying to cut off that dude's leg before the Walkers got them was the best thing this show has ever done. Really amazing television. The opening was pretty great, too, and the later scene of the zombie slicing his cheeks off on the window trying to get to Lori. Wonderfully gross. Although I feel like they made Lori have that stupid accident just to prove that she's not defenseless, which they could have done without making her act like an idiot first, and to create for Rick/Shane drama, which they could also have done in a better way.

The episode slowed down a bit after that awesome scene and went back to being talky, but I actually thought all the emotional/dramatic fallout was really compelling, in part because it was finally new stuff, and because they used the ensemble well. Shane's obsession with Lori is creepy in a firmer way than some of his other actions, and Lori's concern about it comes off less like her normal self-rigtheous BS and more like she's actually using her head.

Once Upon a Time (2011) -1×13- Whatever Happened to Frederick

Oh, I laughed and cackled and clapped during the scene where Kathryn told Regina that she didn't love David and how their marriage was an illusion and she didn't how it happened. It was absolutely fantastic. Beautiful. I love it when don't go Regina's way, and this was a prime example. Showing Kathryn those pictures backfired spectacularly. It was great.

In other Enchanted Forest news, Abigail's personality has been clarified. We know now what she's all about. She comes down on the side of the angels. I gotta admit, I'm just dying for the Frederick reunion. I like these two. We got so little, but I like them anyway. She's missing and he's got to find her. The same way Charming finds Snow, or Emma found her parents (even though she doesn't know it yet). I really, really hope they can have their happy ending.

Loved the bit with Red being taken with Charming - interested to see if that plays out with them traveling together or if he'll drop her off once they get to safety. And I'm still dying to know about his mother - I can't believe he'd be okay with her getting killed. Some explanation is required here.

Regina has keys to everyone's home. Creepy.

Lastly, the biggie, the book. Copied? Or, did he in fact change some of the stories? That's what I way thinking. If so, why? And, which stories? Will Henry notice? Right now I'm assuming our flashbacks will still be accurate, and only Henry's knowledge of what really happened will be affected, not our own. Because if we can't trust what we see - it's not worth following. It's a cheat to audience, like a mystery novel where the clues are false.

The Secret Circle -1×15- Return

The episode was ok. I liked that the circle all came together to save Cassie and for once, it wasn't about Cassie being the big hero.

Does Diana know that Cassie and Adam are sort of seeing each other now? I thought they might address it.

Adam... does anybody else get some serious gay vibes off him at times? I mean I do buy him as a romantic lead for the most part but there's just these certain times where I can't help but think that he's so gay...

I prefer the Lee/voodoo/Faye plot. I really like Lee as a character actually and I think the plot will get more interesting now that the ex is awake. I'm confused though about if he's using or not...

John Blackwell was sort of a letdown though... Of course he wouldn't have magic. That would render him useful and make someone possibly as powerful as Cassie the teenage witch.

The Vampire Diaries -3×15- All My Children

Wow...this episode flew by.

I really loved it. Rebekah was awesome, Elijah was great...I even loved Kol and Klaus bonding over beer. I'd been kind of "meh" on the whole Original Family ("meh" as in I was tired of them taking over my show and, except for Elijah, wanted them all to go away...) but that power shot as they faced off against Esther? Hells yeah. I'm on board, show. You got me.

I'm a sucker for a well shot powershot.

However...wow, was I surprised at just how ineffectual Stefan was in this whole episode. I mean...he literally did...like, nothing. He got thrown into a wall, moped about being on animal blood...kinda threatened Bonnie...but otherwise...he was basically there so that Damon wasn't talking to himself.

Damon came up with 2 viable plans and granted, the first one didn't work in that it got thwarted, but he got the job done the whole episode. He made all the tough decisions, especially in the end with turning Abby. With his suspicions that Stefan was starting to be even more Emo!Stefan than he was in S1, he couldn't leave their only chance at saving Elena rest on Stefan's shoulders.

As usual...Damon gets stuck doing the heavy lifting and Stefan gets all the glory. He broke my heart with his "I'm much better at being the bad guy." I think we can term, with this latest act, him as at least, a "self-sacrificing anti-hero"...b/c...Damn.

I'm not thrilled with Elena's behavior for the past few episodes, but I don't see how Abby turning is her fault. Ayana is the one who dragged the Bennetts into the Originals mess. Esther would have tracked them down regardless of Elena or the Salvatores; her life was just made everything easier because Bonnie was already in the Originals' vicinity. It's not Elena's fault that Ayana helped Esther set the original curse. It's not Elena's fault that Damon and Stefan will kill for her. It's not even her fault that Bonnie keeps saying yes when all common sense would have had her severing this friendship the moment Grams collapsed. I can't blame Elena for people loving her, because they've all chosen to love her and do these things for her. My first instinct is to blame the writing, but I can only work with what they've given us...and perhaps suggest changing the show to "Everyone Loves Elena." And what I've taken away is that these people really do choose to sacrifice themselves for Elena. They choose to love her, knowing that bad things follow her (and them) wherever they go. A core theme of this show is free will, and the characters, inane and frustrating as it can be, use their free will to service Elena's needs. Which is also why I loved Rebekah's and Caroline's speeches so much; sometimes the hard truth is the best.

I feel bad for Bonnie and her mom. Once again, saving Elena harms Bonnie and her family and it sucks. I would probably just leave town and never return at that point, if I was Bonnie.

Revenge -1×15- Chaos

They handled it well, I love the fact that we still don't know if it was Daniel or Amily who shot Tyler.

I had guessed that the body was Tyler and Daniel was the shooter, at least I know I was partially right.

The only thing I think is a massive plot hole is how Tyler could have escaped a mental institution, having committed the crime he had committed and the one Emanda framed him for, without a massive law enforcement dragnet, with the Hampton's police, the Graysons, Jack and Emanda being notified as they were all potential victims of his last crime.

I am glad Jack isn't getting blamed for the murder, I wonder of Jack and Declan will have the "yes you saw me. no, you didn't see me... Haiti hear I come" conversation. I suspect that Daniel was planning on leaving the country the next day won't go in his favor.

I am looking forward to hearing how it was that Sensei opted back into being anywhere near Emanda. And there is the question of whether Daniel believes Tyler about David Clarke. Will Takeda make sure the contents of the Infinity Box are secure? The question is, shouldn't Daniel be able to plead self defense if he was wielding the gun, especially after Tyler's Birthday party hostage scene?

Clearly, I love this show. Its way too much fun. Still, part of me wishes that it was a one season extended mini series so they could tell the story and close the loop. Was it me, or in the sequence where Daniel was "shot" at the top wasn't the (Tyler's) gloved hand attached to a Dark sleeve?

Modern Family -3×15- Aunt Mommy

I enjoyed this episode, loads of good moments.

Cam and Mitchell weren't bickering and I loved the brother/sister dynamic between Mitchell and Claire. I also liked how listening to Phil's one sided phone conversation finally prodded Stefan and his partner to purchase the house they looked at 5 times.

The reveal of Manny in the scooter had me laughing for ages, as did Phil's response to 'Are you thinking what I'm thinking?'.

Luke's hatred of Lily and distrust of the cops and the Canadian government never fails to crack me up.

I wish they would have showed the baby that Cam and Mitchell would have together that they thought looked so hideous.

New Girl -1×13- Valentine’s Day

When this show fires on all cylinders, it really fires on all cylinders.

Best lines: Schmidt: "This is a horrible neighborhood - there are youths everywhere!" Jess: "Who are you, Officer Krupke?" I'm a sucker for West Side Story shoutouts.

Actually found Nick funny and not so obnoxious tonight, mostly because of Caplan (and how sad is it that she and Kwanten never shared a scene?) and her intern, and because even though the writer stole the bit from Seinfeld, putting people in the middle of Hispanic cockfights is always comedy gold.

Ryan Kwanten was actually good in this, though I do feel bad that he's beginning to be typecast as the dim white trash guy. I guess he just plays to his strengths (are there WT in Australia?).

Love Schmidt and Cece, even though it's obvious there's still big shame about it on Cece's part. Ah, whatever - I still vote that they fall madly and perfectly in love and make everyone else totally sick about it.

Good on Winston for growing a real pair. NO JESS/NICK EVAR.

Ringer -1×13- It’s Easy To Cry, When This Much Cash Is Involved

Juliet, Juliet, Juliet... I'm disgusted. False rape allegations are the worst. But, the really sad thing is that Juliet had something good going with her dad & Bridget. Andrew would have reinstated her trust fund at some point. In the meantime, she had something resembling a supportive family for the first time & seemed to be getting her life in order. Why do I think Carpenter will turn on Juliet at some point & wind up terrorizing her? This will blow up in her face somehow.

Catherine was right about Juliet lying. That's sad too. I wonder, though, if Catherine is in on it somehow now? She pushed Andrew to settle after all & taking ownership of how they failed Juliet in that one scene seemed out of character.

Most of all, I feel for Andrew. When he finds out & it's a safe bet he will, he will be devastated. Letting him think someone violated his little girl is just hateful. Andrew loves football, Juliet & Bridget. This will crush him. Juliet could lose her dad over this... He may not be able to look at her for awhile at a minimum. I saw something there at the end -- maybe I just wanted to -- that makes me think Juliet knows she could lose her dad over this & the victory felt hollow.

Looks like we will finally get the scoop on Sean next week -- thank goodness! I hope Bridget finally figures out that Siobhan is the one trying to destroy her.

Glee 3-13: "Heart" 2012.02.14

Well, hell. That was mostly good.

Amber's rendition of "I Will Always Love You" was amazing, and she looked beautiful in that dress. Major props. BUT, her breakdown at the locker was not great, and making the whole Sam/Mercedes thing so angsty was just a massive, massive fail. I've gone from thinking they're adorable to wanting them to shut up and go away. It's just so pointless. I legit cracked up at crying Shane. WTF? We saw like, 30 seconds of that "relationship."

Actually intentionally funny moments that genuinely cracked me up -- Rahcel's bedtime ritual (hello, classic Rachel! We missed you!) the nasty shot of Finchel about to kiss and Figgy and Santana's disgusted reactions, the complaints lifted right off message boards, and the "lube" conversation. That last one. Holy crap.

The entire episode dropped dead at Rory's solo. Thankfully, that's what the fast-forward button is for. And we knew the little weasel was lying. Are we supposed to like this dick? First he fakes being a leprechaun to try to get in Brittany's pants, now he lies to get a date? How...sweet? What?

Finchel needs to die. They are children who are all wrong for each other on every level. Just no no no.

Tina sings!

Karofsky. Just no. No no no.

And then there's Puck. Hi, Puck! Oh...bye, Puck. Guess they couldn't make Samuel your cousin since it would have given you something to do besides throw out some halfhearted one-liners and then disappear. Ah, well. And I guess everyone knows about him and Shelby? I can't tell if Mark's kinda sad delivery of "wasn't for me" about true love was deliberate or not.

Gossip Girl -5×15- Crazy, Cupid, Love

Mind is still blown over that Dan/Blair kiss. Was not expecting a true blue one so early in the game! And she kissed him back!

But what Gossip Girl giveth, she taketh away. We got confirmation Dan sent the video and alas he also was working overtime to cover it up. He's just digging himself in deeper to make the revelation all the more damaging when Blair finds out.

Georgina's husband Philip looks so much like a young Rufus that it was distracting. Between him and Dan it seems like Georgina has a type. I love that he seems like a hands on loving daddy to Milo and is a supportive of his wife's endeavors.

Speaking of Rufus good on him for starting to take a tougher stance with Dan about Blair. You can tell he sees the real trouble ahead and is trying to spare Dan.

Estee is so going to be the way Blair gets out from under Louis' thumb. He'll either run off into the sunset with her or she'll give Blair private/secretive info that will be the blow to force him to let her go without penalizing her family. In the meantime, though, why were Dan and Blair discussing their kiss with the car door open and Estee sitting right there?! I can't believe she couldn't hear them and wouldn't have been taken note of it all to give to Louis so he could make Blair pay.

Georgina showing Chuck the picture of Dan and Blair was hilarious. The way she just glides around wrecking destruction in a drive-by fashion is funny.

Another shocker is that RealCharlie knows Ivy's been impersonating her and living it up with her family. Things are finally coming to a head with that storyline.

Bummed we didn't get to see what would've happened with Dan and Blair had they not been interrupted.

Desperate Housewives -8×13- Is This What You Call Love?

I was really hoping Julie would stab Susan with that enormous knife she had for the cake. No jury in the world would convict her.

Nice that Gaby got her child branded a sex offender at age 9. Of course, it was kind of a snipe at ridiculous "zero tolerance" policies, so that was okay.

I guess MJ, Parker, Penny, Paige and Celia were away camping or something.

Nice to see the women all shared at least one scene. I ejoyed Bree's verbal smackdown of the other three; they did deserve it.

The Walking Dead -2×8- Nebraska

This wasn't the best episode so far, but I liked it. Rick/Han Solo (hence the George Lucas reference Philly?) taking out the pirate guys in the bar was indeed pretty badass, and a welcome character development. Scrawny Tony or whatever his name was was a give-away that they were bad news, but the actor who played Dave was really good -- I was suspicious of him because he asked so many questions, was so eager about the farm, and offered so little information about them of significance to the threat they might pose -- like how many of them were in their group. But . . . it could have just been caution and desperation. The actor was good. I don't think it was, I think Rick read them right, guys more genuinely desperate and on the up and up would have begged and pleaded, and offered to be helpful labor (and would not gave referred to women as grossly as gross Tony did.) They also neatly pinned Rick in between them, and Dave got himself some cover. Even before Tony threatened to shoot them in the head, they were off. Yet, it's an interesting question -- how soon do you decide to start shooting? If the sidekick Tony hadn't been so clearly bad news, how could you be sure Dave wasn't just desperate and scared, and maybe even protecting a kid and useless women of his own? ;)

I wonder how Shane or Daryl would have handled things given that they are more hotheaded and suspicious.

And yes, Lori is the most useless thing ever. I don't think she necessarily squashed that walker's head, it may be making it's way over to her right now.

Andrea's pickaxe kill and no more whining attitude were great. But dude, after Jim, I thought for sure she and Lori were going to talk about Beth being infected, but no. Some of the show's problems remain, like the characters failing to discuss the obvious threats that are right in front of their faces, but I thought this ep was better.

Go headstomping T-dog!

Once Upon a Time 1-12: "Skin Deep" 2012.02.12

I didn't hate last weeks episode, but I didn't find it compelling either. This, however, had me inching much more closely to the edge of my seat. I was so excited that Belle was alive. The Queen needs somehow needs her for the battle with Rumple, otherwise she wouldn't be alive. I realize she's kept under lock and key to keep her knowledge a secret from Mr. Gold, but she does have the large arrows saying "psych patient" pointing towards her. Does she actually have mental issues in this life (and possibly in FTL if the Queen wasn't completely lying about her treatment upon her release) or does she somehow know the truth?

Robert Carlyle and Lana Parilla just sizzle together. With Regina knowing the truth, it seems like some fireworks are really about to start up in Storybrooke, and I'm sure Emma will be caught in the middle. Speaking of Emma, I really do love her scenes with Mr. Gold. It would have somehow escape Poor Dead Pretty Graham's notice that Mr. Gold should have been arrested for beating a man with a cane. It's like he forgot for a second that he wasn't dealing with one of the Storybrooke natives and was a bit bemused that he was actually going to jail. And Emma was actually pretty good at her job this week, so bonus. OK, she shouldn't have left the prisoner with another person, but she and Henry had such cute expressions on their faces that I got over it pretty quickly.

I didn't see Cogsworth, but Lumiere was there, and of curse Chip and his mom. But it was horrible to see Rumple break up the family like that.

The Secret Circle -1×14- Valentine

Pleasantly solid episode but really, a little annoying that the parent/child interaction is now so separate that Faye doesn’t even spare a sentence for how it is she came to have the solo run of her house the entire night…and again, where/how is poor Jane? I get that we've completely abandoned reality in the service of unfettered teens but Faye is not head of household, and that’s just a little too much on-the-nose teen girl wish-fulfillment for me.

Glad the episode was not as fluffy as we had been led to believe, and did not center entirely around wacky V-day hijinks. It is, however, kind of a waste to introduce the Nidarlos (sp?) clan and have them wiped out in the same episode – I guess they were deemed expendable but it was such an interesting idea, we just seem to hear about people that Blackwell has dispensed with - and then Lucy also met her maker last week. I wonder if Blackwell shows up with a new psychic? Or if Lucy last week was a harbinger of its own, with the "I was never on your side, Dawn" comment?

The Vampire Diaries 3-14: "Dangerous Liaisons" 2012.02.09

Great casting on Kol. He looks and sounds like Elijah. I buy them as brothers 100%. Although he's psycho and doesn't have Elijah's style.

Damon and Rebekah were way hot. More of that please. And bring back Katherine. Katherine and Elijah would be a good pairing. Or Kat and Kol.

I loved Stefan and Elena's scenes, even if Elena is getting a bit annoying. And Caroline really does have chemistry with everyone. I love her and Tyler, but I am intrigued by her and Klaus. Klaus gets an A+ for recognizing her awesomeness instead of falling in love with Elena.

I so thought that Elena was communicating to Elijah and he wouldn't drink. Ugh. Don't take him away again!

Momma Esther is cray cray for sure. Although, considering she created creatures who kill innocent people even when they don't want to, maybe I can understand her mindset.

Revenge 1-14 Perception

The bromance was back. Loved it. I was so happy that Nolan didn't erase the tape. I mean I love his relationship with RealAmanda but I don't like the fact that he's like an eager puppy around her. I love that he has heart and just sometimes does the right thing. Although LOL don't know if this was really the "right" thing.

I loved how Jack really pushed all the action in the episode. And as far as I'm concerned his anger was righteous. Finally, someone grieving for that little girl lost. It must have been like a punch in the gut to him. And he's being played by two women that care about him. Can't wait to see what happens when he find out that truth. Wonder if that will be this season.

I absolutely love Conrad. I know he's supposed to bet he evil mastermind but I can't help it. The actor is amazing. And I so love the relationship with Charlotte. I hope he meant what he said about Charlotte.

How many times has Daniel said in his life..I can't believe I fell for her lies LOL. I'm sure he has lost track.

Whew, let me catch my breath.

Oh even loved the Declan/Charlotte scene at the end. The character needs work but he has had some good moments lately.

Conrad and Ashley. Hmmmmm I wouldn't mind that.

Love William Devane. Hope he becomes a semi regular. He's fantastic.

Modern Family -3×14- Me? Jealous?

I have to say I thought this ep was pretty darn hilarious. "Betty Luke" was great, of course, but everything leading up to it was too, IMO. I liked that the stories did seem like new situations, with interesting character combinations, and that they didn't resolve the way I expected them to: Haley turned out to like being a Big Sister and was sort of good at it; Manny's conflict resolution technique didn't work when he wanted it to, but then it ultimately did after all; Claire turned out to be wrong about Tad, but then Phil had his own overreaction; and Mitchell figured out the perfect way to redeem his faux pas at the business lunch. And then of course, Phil and Claire not only knew all about Betty Luke but wanted to do another(!) photo shoot - LOL. The family came off as even wackier than usual, but for me it worked.

New Girl -1×12- The Landlord

I thought this episode was great! And the part I enjoyed the most was the flashback to little Jess: the creepy guy in the white van pulls up and asks "Do you like candy, little girl?" and dorky little Jess responds "I sure do!" then the van opens and the guy's Nana is there with a big bag of candy for Jess! LOL!

I think the reason I loved that bit so much is because it speaks to why Jess is the way she is, and there's a fundamental truth behind it. She's the type of person who has just led such a charmed life, everything always ends up turning out OK for her. I've known people like this. They go around thinking life is a big bowl of cherries and don't understand why other people have such negativity. Nick had his little flashback to being mugged as a child and she assumes "You must have been doing something." Because for her, the universe gives back only what one deserves. She has no concept of life working otherwise for others.

I also loved the vignette of moments when Schmidt mistook someone's innocent remarks for pick-up lines, especially the UPS guy! "He said package. He said package for Schmidt." I love Schmidt vignettes! I don't think I could ever get tired of them.

OK, I saw what was coming a mile away as soon as Schimdt raced into the conference room and stripped down to his underwear, but it was still hysterical.

I have to say I'm enjoying this show so much more than any of the other new sitcoms I've sampled this year. Winston remains the weak link though: once again he served no real purpose in this episode.

I also don't understand why there are only supposed to be three tenants in that apartment - aren't there four bedrooms? None of them are sharing a bedroom. Why would a four bedroom apartment be restricted to three tenants? Unless one of the bedrooms isn't technically supposed to be a bedroom.

The Game Season 5 Ep 6. Drink , Pray, Love

I'd like to thank T.T. for my one good laugh last night: "If these walls could talk, they'd say 'Wash me'"

Melanie/Tasha - their feud is SUPER wack

Malik - I didn't understand why he even wanted to be in that house on the last day, I'd be hella depressed. It was pretty well-played though (I thought). Hopefully he gets his shit together

Jason/Chardonnay - don't really care

Ringer -1×12- What Are You Doing Here, Ho-Bag?

Wow, I think this might have been the best episode yet.

So Juliet and the teacher must have had a fling before the "rape" because she's wearing a totally different outfit in the hallway video. Good on the show for keeping this plot weird and unpredictable.

Machado is as dumb as a bag of rocks. There she is right in front of you, the actual Siobhan Martin with the fingerprints to prove it. Why can't he figure out that the Siobhan he's been talking to for the past six months isn't the same one he arrested?

I loved the kegels line from the guest FBI agent and the little kiss he blew to the jailed cop.

So Henry knows almost everything now... except that Siobhan actually did kill his wife. I wonder how this is all going to play out.

What was that "the usual... did you bring your gun?" business about? Is Siobhan a hitwoman by night or something? Has a regular pistol practice day at a range? Brazen bank robberies in high heels and trenchcoats?

I'm glad Bridget is starting to put some pieces together. It's frustrating watching her stumble around without a clue. I wish she would tip to the possibility that the real Siobhan is still alive.

I'm very much looking forward to next week!

90210 -4×16- No Good Deed

I'm confused. Did Navid actually just leave the show? Is this some kind of fake out so he can return and declare his love for Silver? I'd be fine if he was just written off.

And Vanessa is insane. I guess it's now just a matter of time before she turns her brand of crazy on Annie and then Liam? Also, what happened to that huge debt that Liam owed his modeling agency from just a few episodes ago? The one that made it so he had to take all those crappy jobs. How did he manage to pay it off?

Ivy's storyline was just stupid. The guy destroyed her work for fun, and was an ass about it. In what world does that set him up as a possible love interest?

I'm mixed on Naomi. I don't really get why anyone would consider hiring an 18 year old party planner for big events, but I like the character.

Finally, Adrianna and Dixon win the award for most boring couple. Honestly, they are on screen together and I just immediately fall asleep.

Glee 3-12: "The Spanish Teacher" 2012.02.07

Hmmm.... so that was interesting.

I actually enjoyed Ricky Martin way more than I expected to. He was one of the better guest stars and I'm ok with him coming back.

Can Roz stay? She's all kinds of awesome with Sue, fulfilling, I'm sure was the intended role for Bieste last season. I still like Sue and I'm feeling a bit like I'm in the Twilight Zone. If she treats a child like she treats Becky, I believe she would be a good mother. Only one thing: her reason for wanting Will's sperm? I call BULLSHIT! Whenever she insults him he either cowers, rolls his eyes or feebly snaps back. Kindness? Generosity? Who is this person she's talking about? Since intelligence doesn't seem to be a requirement I'd say just about anyone would do. Though going to a student? Creepy.

Where the hell is Tina? Is she at home grieving the loss of Blaine's eye? Not even a throw away line about her being out with the flu, or Asian flu since the show thinks that stuff is funny. That's gotta sting for Jenna.

LOL at the thought of Finn getting into NYU or Fordham. He could probably swing Adelphi, but he might want to learn how to pronounce it first. Also, realistically, Hofstra would be a good option for Finn. Good school but not that exclusive and it has a solid football program. If they're going to be throwing out real NY area schools as options, they should move away from the ridiculousness of Finn at NYU and go with something a little more realistic.

Nothing of importance was gained from this episode. Except Ricky Martin and the previews for next week.

Gossip Girl 5-14: "The Backup Dan" 2012.02.06

I'm holding out hope that Dan wasn't explicitly named as the one who sent the tape to GG that he actually didn't and there will be another twist with the tattler. But even if he did send the tape in for some reason I can't see it being a big deal if/when Dan and Blair finally get together. I can see her being pissed initially but ultimately saying that what he did was for the best.

On a shallow note Louis was looking good with his humorless smirks and after wedding suit attire. He looked pretty rakish, as did, oddly, Dan as he watched Blair and Louis at the end with his out of control hair and rumpled suit and brooding looks as he chewed his lip. LOVED that Blair dissed his hair in their heartfelt scene. I swear when Penn finally gets to cut his hair that it'll be written in as a cathartic Dan moment on the show. Dan will either be washing Blair right out of his hair or will be going short for a 'new beginning' after having some resolution with Blair one way or the other.

Serena's grown a lot since season 1 but she still has no problem getting in a snit and making things all about her. Forget that Blair is being held hostage in a marriage, Serena, Dan LIED to you about helping his friend in her time of need. He was just SO wrong! Only he wasn't and I'm glad Dan stood up for himself with her (and Blair) and called her out on the real reason she was throwing her tantrum.

Interesting the parallel they drew between Dan trusting Rufus and Eleanor not being in the loop with Blair. Also, Eleanor take note of the man Blair actually turned to when in trouble, the same guy who brought Blair's wedding dress back and gave Louis a nice stare down in your foyer.

When Chuck just rubbed his face in his hands after Blair left him to go face Louis at the end, I totally sympathized with his exasperation. I swear he was thinking 'Dear God, when will this end?!'

Lastly, Blair and Dan felt a little more like the old Blair and Dan I fell in love with in Season 4 with when they had their tiff in the hotel room. It also felt like those old school romantic comedies where the fighting doubles as foreplay/repressed attraction. What really caught my attention was Blair saying that she hadn't read all of Dan's book-just the important part which didn't really happen which is interesting because we all know that the part she read was the Dylan/Claire make-out/sex scene. WHY is it important to Blair? And when she added that it didn't really happen, was that disappointment in her voice that it hadn't? Because it didn't sound like total outrage about it all being a 'lie' to me.

The Secret Circle Season 1, Episode 13 Medallion

Compared to prior episodes, pacing was light years better, including the kids’ plotlines. Sure, Cassie was still a trusting fool twice (Jake and Lucy), but she wised up twice within the same episode, and the parents’ plot lines opened up the story/mythology like a flower (comparatively). I do believe teen angst comprised less than half the episode this time around!

Great strides, TSC writers. Great strides.

The Vampire Diaries 3-13: "Bringing Out the Dead" 2012.02.02

Loved this episode. So much. Can't even express its awesomeness. I didn't feel that the Caroline/Bill storyline slowed things down at all--thought it added some great depth to the episode and gave some moments for reflection in an episode that otherwise left me breathless. I appreciated that they kept Bill true to character: they're his beliefs and he's willing to die for them, but he can't begrudge his daughter making the opposite choice. When he told Caroline she had become the woman he and Liz had always hoped she'd be SO HEARTBREAKING.

The Damon and Stefan interactions were perfect, the acknowledgement that they both love Elena and neither is willing to back down even though they know their love might destroy all of them, none of them can walk away. Stefan's pissiness at the dinner party, Damon's false jocularity and his deal with Elijah, I thought it was all played well.

I actually enjoyed the Petrova mythology moment, because it actually explains, in a way, why every vampire is seemingly obsessed with Petrovas. If Tatia's blood created the Originals, and all vampires are descended from the Originals, then the Petrova bloodline is literally a part of every vampire on the planet. So maybe it only makes sense that everyone goes gaga over Katherine and Elena. Given the whole blood knot mythology we got from Bonnie and Abby, I wouldn't be surprised to see that become even more important.


Katherine was constantly on my mind the whole entire episode. Don't ask me why, but as soon as Sheriff Forbes came by and Elena said the stake was from the lakehouse and Elena's prints were on them, I thought Katherine. She's the only vampire not in town that isn't the most likely to suspect. I dunno, Meredith was wiped off my list of suspects as soon as Alaric thought it was her. Maybe it's a vamp that we haven't met yet. Oh well, from that point on, I kept thinking about Katherine. I miss that vamp bitch.

I got a little afraid when Elena decided to kill Ric. I thought for sure that he wouldn't wake up but then I remembered that he's mentioned in future episode synopsis but I still held my breath.

I wasn't surprised it was the Original Witch in the lockbox. I'd kinda hoped for the Original Petrova, but this is okay. Loved the family stabbing session, but I enjoyed Mama's forgiveness, too. Once again, Damon's plan fails in the most amusing way possible.

Just a great episode to come back on, and sets up a lot of fascinating storylines for the future.

New Girl -1×11- Jess and Julia

I love CeCe. I loved how she insisted that she get to wear the ribbon hat right away just to prove her point. And how she wanted to put Julia right in her place.

When Jess was forced to cry into the wall, I said, "Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww". When she said some lesbian looked like Nick (which I wasn't expecting), I nearly passed out.

Schmidt is too funny with his special "lesbian community" hearing and OSI. BTW, sharing towels isn't a laughing matter... the idea that someone thinks a towel is self cleaning is.

Congrats to the casting director for filling the show with insanely attractive women.

It was an excellent episode.

Ringer -1×11- It Just Got Normal

After all those weeks, nice to see Ringer return. I love that they chose public schools as the recipient. Cool of the writers to do that. We need to support our public schools and teachers much more.

On topic: I doubt it's the case, but I hope the rape really happened (I feel incredibly icky for just typing that.) There's so much duplicity going on with this show, I'd like to have something cut-and-dried. And I guess I'd like a teenager to be the one on the straight-and-narrow path.

But thinking while I type, these are the same writers who just advocated for public schools. So maybe they're setting it up as a public school teacher falsely accused by a prep school snob of a teen. Huh. I guess I could go for that too.

I thought for sure Siobhan was going to show up at the party with the ring. Guess it's too early for that sort of public confrontation.

SMG is knocking it out of the park with her consistent acting of both characters. They're authentic and multi-dimensional.

And Ioan Gruffudd is the hottest and coolest man on television since George Clooney on ER. Bar none.

Good to have this show back.

90210 -4×15- Trust, Truth and Traffic

I don't watch 90210 with the idea that I'll be watching a high quality show. I accept that it isn't well written, and don't expect it to be of stellar quality.

Having said that, WTF was that?

So Austin is going to wrongly cop to a massive arson, opening himself up to civil and criminal liability, along with getting thrown out of school, all so Annie doesn't have to admit she was a hooker? Why is he doing this again? Is he particularly close to Annie? No. Will Annie be out on the streets if people find out? No. Does Annie have something on him? No. Even for a contrived plot point, it's utterly nonsensical.

And even more seriously, Adrianna's baby was born in 2009, not 2008. And why would she even need to write the year on the letter anyways? Was Adrianna going to forget what year it was when she birthed a kid? And jeez, she kidnapped a baby! At what point during the time when she was hiding out with the kid and putting Silver through hell did she actually earn Silver's forgiveness? I also couldn't believe that Silver actually brought Adrianna to see Greg. Did Silver really believe that Greg was going to be okay with that? You are freaking messing with his kid!

The rest was just dumb. Though I kind of wondered if Vanessa's plan was to reopen Liam's bar as a gay bar given it seemed the theme she selected for the place was "Shirtless Liam."

The Game Season 5 Ep 5. Grand Opening Grand Closing

I had to chuckle at this exchange from tonight's episode:

Jason: I married a black woman.
Malik: Black like Camille?
Jason: More black.
Derwin: Black like my wife?
Jason: More black?
Malik: Black like my mama?
Jason: That's the black!

Other than that, I wasn't impressed with this episode. Who are these characters??!! Coby Bell was pretty hilarious but I think its ridiculous how they've made Jason so colour-struck. It's insulting. He was never this bad, and this is coming from someone who has always hated his character.