Here’s a hilarious and quite concise recap of Mad Men‘s first three seasons in preparation for the fourth season premiere this Sunday.

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What a ride that was… It’s the first time I caught the announcement of the Emmy nominations on live streaming; and it was great… Mostly because the nominations, despite being predictable on some occasions, actually served up some surprises. The most surprising to me, but nevertheless satisfying, were the nods for both Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton of Friday Night Lights! (Did my previous post give them good vibes or something?) After being snubbed for nods ever since the show began, my favorite TV couple Eric and Tami Taylor finally get recognized! I was practically screaming with delight!

In addition to that,my favorite new comedy Modern Family got some well-deserved nods… from Outstanding Comedy Series to Outstanding Supporting Actor/Actress for 5 cast members! After being absent for some years, Lost also reappeared with nods for the show, Matthew Fox, Terry O’Quinn and Michael Emerson. Glee, as expected, also got a number of nominations: one for Outstanding Comedy Series, with Lea Michele, Matthew Morrison, Chris Colfer (wow!) and Jane Lynch all getting acting nominations of their own for their respective roles in the breakout show. In the Outstanding Variety category, a glaring observation upon the announcements would have to be the absence of one Jay Leno and the nomination for one Conan “Coco” O’Brien. Woot woot!

The usual nominees also made the list, a number of which I’m still happy about: Michael C. Hall, Neil Patrick Harris, Jon Hamm, Tina Fey and True Blood to name a few. I’m also happy about the nods for Christina Hendricks and Jim Parsons, among others… Anyway, here’s the list:

Outstanding Comedy Series
Curb Your Enthusiasm • HBO
Glee • FOX
Modern Family • ABC
Nurse Jackie • Showtime
The Office • NBC
30 Rock • NBC

Outstanding Drama Series
Breaking Bad • AMC
Dexter • Showtime
The Good Wife • CBS
Lost • ABC
Mad Men • AMC
True Blood • HBO

Outstanding Miniseries
The Pacific • HBO
Return To Cranford (Masterpiece) • PBS

Outstanding Made For Television Movie
Endgame (Masterpiece) • PBS
Georgia O’Keeffe • Lifetime
Moonshot • HISTORY
The Special Relationship • HBO
Temple Grandin • HBO
You Don’t Know Jack • HBO

Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Series
The Colbert Report • Comedy Central
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart • Comedy Central
Real Time With Bill Maher • HBO
Saturday Night Live • NBC
The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien • NBC

(more…)

I just finished the final episode of Friday Night Lights‘ fourth season. I can’t really explain why I held off watching that last episode; but upon finishing it, all the strong feelings I have about loving this ridiculously amazing show came to the surface once more.

Overall, I’d have to say season four is a decidedly dark and depressing time for almost all of the characters. And as expected, some of the best performances came out of those story lines. Zach Gilford, in particular, truly shined in ‘The Son’, and why this actor doesn’t get to star in good movies still baffles me. Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton continue to be the anchor of the entire show. With Eric Taylor’s challenges in coaching the East Dillon football team and Tami’s public battle with the community over a controversial issue, the couple still manages to stay ‘real’… as real as any TV couple could get. And then there are the new additions to the cast, Luke and Vince, among others who at first may strike you as character cardboard cut-outs… but in true FNL fashion, they slowly shine in their respective roles.

The finale is a welcome relief after so many episodes of feeling bad for the Taylors. We get the vindication strongly desired for our new home team, the East Dillon Lions. We also see how and why Matt moves on without Julie. Everyone continues to grow up; and the show isn’t afraid to say goodbye to characters that we’ve come to know and love. Sadly, the future is bleak for Tim Riggins; but behind that sad ending, his journey towards that dark path was a richly layered story arc. I loved it and cried through it.

I don’t know what’s in store for the fifth season except that even more of our characters will move on. New characters will make their way into the show once again; but one thing’s for sure… I will be watching.

Anyway, I got sentimental while watching this wonderful season one fan-made trailer; and I hope this convinces you to start watching Friday Night Lights, if you aren’t already hooked. Watch it here.

After a great season finale that is full of possibilities, Mad Men returns for a fourth season on July 25. As a teaser, The New York Times has released this promo of the principal cast.

Welcome to Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce. This is going to be an interesting season.

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Mugglenet.com has posted a comparison of the Harry Potter poster way back when the first movie is just being released and the latest teaser for The Deathly Hallows stating “It All Ends Here”. With the trailer already out; and people getting more and more psyched for the two-part end to more than a decade of Harry Potter goodness, I personally can’t wait. It’s going to be EPIC.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 opens on November 2010
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 opens on July 2011

View the trailer here.

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There have been rumors last month. Those rumors were shot down by Charice herself; but now, it’s official: She joins Glee for the second season as a recurring character. She is reportedly playing a foreign exchange student whose singing chops will have Rachel Berry significantly threatened.

I’m not sure if I should celebrate or dread this development. While it’s great that Pinoy Charice is making it big in Hollywood, I’m seriously worried for the show. With popular guest stars all lined up (Susan Boyle, Leona Lewis, Justin Timberlake rumors) and new cast members added into the mix, the show’s original characters will definitely suffer in terms of development and attention. The second half of the first season already showed signs of exhaustion. The show is in danger of a sophomore slump. I hope the writers will avoid that at all costs. With that said, I wish Charice all the luck that her story arc will be good and that she will shine in her role. We’ll just have to wait and see…

For now, I’m still looking forward to the stories and songs they will come out with. I just hope Glee doesn’t lose track of the heart they originally had that made people love it in the first place.

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Okay, maybe I won’t get to watch ALL of these shows; but I do promise to try. A much more comprehensive list of shows is available from the source (link below); but I’ve chosen the new shows I will probably check out and the returning shows that I would not dare miss.

The Making of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Sunday, June 6, NBC
This special is a sneak peek into the Harry Potter Theme Park which opened its doors to the public recently. Do I have to further explain why I want to watch this? Of course not.

The Hard Times of RJ Berger
Sunday, June 6, MTV
It’s basically “Hung” for the younger set; but I’m hoping there will be more to the show than that. I’m looking for a smart, teen comedy to replace “10 Things I Hate About You” since it was abruptly canceled.

Pretty Little Liars
Tuesday, June 8, ABC Family
It’s yet another adaptation of a bestselling young adult series; but I can’t get enough of them. I’m definitely watching this one.

True Blood
Sunday, June 13, HBO
Season three is here! After an awesome sophomore season with a slightly disappointing finale that had a pretty interesting cliffhanger, I’m still a huge fan who’s awaiting new episodes. Bring them on!

Make It or Break It
Monday, June 29, ABC Family
Yes, I watch this show about gymnasts and their journey to making it into the 2012 Olympics. It’s interesting and entertaining for me, okay? Anyway, the series continues after the last episode left me hanging and wanting more.

White Collar
Tuesday, July 13, USA Network
I haven’t exactly gotten all caught up with the first season finale; but this show is definitely a must-watch.

Psych
Wednesday, July 13, USA Network
Yet another series I have to catch up to. I do miss these guys; and if you are loving this series, do catch the new season.

Mad Men
Friday, July 25, AMC
I’m only halfway through the third season; so I have to catch up before new episodes come around. I’m hearing great things about the season that just ended; so I really have to stay current if I want to see what the fourth season has in store.

Of course, there are more shows in store in the coming months before the regular TV season kick starts again. Feel free to check out more shows at the source link below.

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The Television Critics Association Awards will be given on July 31, 2010. Here are the nominees:

Program of the Year
“Breaking Bad” (AMC)
“Friday Night Lights” (DirecTV/NBC)
“Glee” (Fox)
“Lost” (ABC)
“Modern Family” (ABC)

Breaking Bad is the only show here that I don’t watch. Though I have watched the first two episodes of the show when it premiered, I just failed to catch up; but since then I’ve been hearing great things. Of course, I’m happy for my number one favorite show Friday Night Lights. It’s good to know that critics never forget to add the absolute best show in the world. Wherever this goes, I’ll be happy with the result.

Outstanding Drama Series
“Breaking Bad” (AMC)
“Lost” (ABC)
“Mad Men” (AMC)
“Sons of Anarchy” (FX)
“The Good Wife” (CBS)

How come Friday Night Lights isn’t on here? Anyway, I hate that I haven’t caught up with Mad Men and The Good Wife. Plus, Sons of Anarchy is supposedly great. I’m rooting for Lost or Mad Men, though.

Outstanding Comedy Series
“Glee” (Fox)
“Modern Family” (ABC)
“Parks and Recreation” (NBC)
“Party Down” (Starz)
“The Big Bang Theory” (CBS)

What? No Community? Parks and Recreation is the only one I don’t watch among the nominees. Rooting for Modern Family, Glee or The Big Bang Theory.

Individual Achievement in Drama
Bryan Cranston (“Breaking Bad,” AMC)
John Lithgow (“Dexter,” Showtime)
Julianna Margulies (“The Good Wife,” CBS)
Aaron Paul (“Breaking Bad,” AMC)
Katey Sagal (“Sons of Anarchy,” FX)

John Lithgow ftw!

Individual Achievement in Comedy
Ty Burrell (“Modern Family,” ABC)
Jane Lynch (“Glee,” Fox)
Nick Offerman (“Parks and Recreation,” NBC)
Jim Parsons (“The Big Bang Theory,” CBS)
Eric Stonestreet (“Modern Family,” ABC)

Nick Offerman is the only one I don’t know of. But it’s Jane Lynch or any one from Modern Family ftw!

Outstanding New Program
“Glee” (Fox)
“Justified” (FX)
“Modern Family” (ABC)
“Parenthood” (NBC)
“The Good Wife” (CBS)

Outstanding Movie, Miniseries or Special
“Life” (Discovery Channel)
“The Pacific” (HBO)
“Temple Grandin” (HBO)
“Torchwood: Children of Earth” (BBC America)
“You Don’t Know Jack” (HBO)

Outstanding Achievement in News & Information
“30 for 30″ (ESPN)
“America: The Story of Us” (History Channel)
“Life” (Discovery Channel)
“The Daily Show” (Comedy Central)
“The Rachel Maddow Show” (MSNBC)

Outstanding Achievement in Youth Programming
“Dinosaur Train” (PBS)
“iCarly” (Nickelodeon)
“Star Wars: The Clone Wars” (Cartoon Network)
“Word Girl” (PBS)
“Yo Gabba Gabba” (Nick Jr.)

Career Achievement
James Garner
Bill Moyers
Sherwood Schwartz
William Shatner
Dick Wolf

Heritage Award
“24″
“M*A*S*H”
“Law & Order”
“Lost”
“Twin Peaks”

I haven’t posted in a WHILE (exactly 4 months!!!)… without notice, I might add… I have no better excuse than “I’ve been busy.”

Anyway, a lot of TV stuff has happened since my last post. I’m psyching myself up going back on this blog since a lot of the series I watch just ended their respective seasons, not to mention some of my favorite series ending: Ugly Betty, LOST… *cue waterworks*

I just wanted to let the blog-verse know that I’m still here! See you all soon.

Here are the nominees for the 82nd Annual Academy Awards. The announcement of winners will be on March 7, 2010.

Best Picture
“Avatar”
“The Blind Side”
“District 9″
“An Education”
“The Hurt Locker”
“Inglourious Basterds”
“Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire”
“A Serious Man”
“Up”
“Up in the Air”

Most of the nominees here were pretty much predicted by almost everyone so there’s not much surprise here. I’m simply happy that Pixar finally gets the Best Picture nod for one of their films, and for something like “Up” nonetheless. I’m also thrilled that “District 9″ found its way into the Best Picture race. It’s extremely rare that science fiction films get the nod. In this race, however, 2 sci-fi films out of 10 nominees is not bad at all. Many people were saying that giving 10 slots for Best Picture nominees was a bad idea; but in my opinion, it’s simply a chance to get more works noticed and honored. Although it’s mostly a race between “Avatar” and “The Hurt Locker,” these nominations still get people talking about all the films selected.

So far, I’ve watched 8 out of 10 of these films (which I’m pretty happy about). This means I’ve only got “An Education” and “A Serious Man” on my must-watch list before awards night.

Best Actor
Jeff Bridges, “Crazy Heart”
George Clooney, “Up in the Air”
Colin Firth, “A Single Man”
Morgan Freeman, “Invictus”
Jeremy Renner, “The Hurt Locker”

I’m really rooting for Jeremy Renner in “The Hurt Locker.” His performance is so memorable. However, it seems that based on the awards that have been given to Jeff Bridges for “Crazy Heart,” voters are more inclined to recognize the veteran actor who hasn’t been given his due over the newcomer/dark horse.

Best Actress
Sandra Bullock, “The Blind Side”
Helen Mirren, “The Last Station”
Carey Mulligan, “An Education”
Gabourey Sidibe, “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire”
Meryl Streep, “Julie & Julia”

This has been Sandra Bullock’s year so far; so I wouldn’t be surprised if she won this. Anyway, her performance in “The Blind Side” has been entertaining and overall amazing. I’m also thrilled for Gaby Sidibe. What she did on “Precious” is pretty outstanding.

Best Supporting Actor
Matt Damon, “Invictus”
Woody Harrelson, “The Messenger”
Christopher Plummer, “The Last Station”
Stanley Tucci, “The Lovely Bones”
Christoph Waltz, “Inglourious Basterds”

Hans Landa better win this… that’s all I’m gonna say.

Best Supporting Actress
Penelope Cruz, “Nine”
Vera Farmiga, “Up in the Air”
Maggie Gyllenhaal, “Crazy Heart”
Anna Kendrick, “Up in the Air”
Mo’Nique, “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire”

This is going to Mo’Nique, no doubt about it. Still, I’m thrilled for Anna Kendrick, who is awesome in “Up in the Air.”

Best Director
James Cameron, “Avatar”
Kathryn Bigelow, “The Hurt Locker”
Lee Daniels, “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire”
Quentin Tarantino, “Inglourious Basterds”
Jason Reitman, “Up in the Air”

I really really really hope Kathryn Bigelow wins this. I loved “Avatar,” but “The Hurt Locker” is simply an amazing movie, mostly due to its director and how she got those performances out of her actors. Everyone’s talking about this race. I can’t wait to see how it turns out.

Best Animated Feature
“Coraline”
“Fantastic Mr Fox”
“The Princess and the Frog”
“The Secret of Kells”
“Up”

“Up” is the sure winner here because of its inclusion in the Best Picture race. I would’ve wanted to see “Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea” nominated, though.

For the complete list of nominations, go here.