Heroes
when: series premiere on September 25, Monday, 9/8c, NBCwhy i’m interested: Michael Ausiello of TVGuide.com has talked about this show in one of their podcasts; and he has raved about the pilot script. The premise seems interesting; and I for one want to watch some new superhero shows.
what it’s about: It’s basically a show that shows ordinary people who discover that they have extraordinary superpowers. They are all tied together in some way; and they will inevitably discover the reason why they were chosen and what they have to do to save the world.
what i think: I’ve seen the pilot episode and this show is truly an art in itself. The visuals are very reminiscent of graphic novels; and the way they’re all tied together (even if they’re from different corners of the world) add mystery into the mix. From the first episode, there are already connections that could be traced from one character to another. Also, the pilot shows how some of them have discovered what they could do. Some have embraced it, while others have shown fear of it. It would of course be a matter of time before things start falling into place.
The simple theory behind these “developments” in their physical abilities is evolution. For me, it’s a pretty feasible concept that could work in terms of logic for some, especially if they’re the type who hate radioactive spiders or flashes of lightning or something to that effect in order to gain superpowers. The thing that’s most interesting to witness, though, is human nature when faced with something extraordinary.
This show has got a lot to offer from what I’ve watched. The pilot, though, still had me hanging. It’s good. It’s a pilot that made me want to watch the second episode; but it’s a pilot that didn’t make me KNOW at once that it’s a show I will love. I know I have to hold on for a few more episodes before I decide if I’ll stick to it.
bottom line: If you love graphic novels and superhero movies, then check this show out. The pilot had great production values and the potential for greatness is really up there.

Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
*PINOY TV JUNKIE PICK*
when: series premiere on September 18, Monday, 10/9c, NBC
why i’m interested: Matthew Perry. Aaron Sorkin (what’s the big deal about this guy???). Ironic premise.
what it’s about: It’s a drama set behind the scenes of a comedy sketch show. (What did I say about ironic?) It centers mostly around Matt and Danny, the re-hired writer and producer team, and how they go back to handling the late-night show after the previous executive producer ranted on air about the “dumbed down” state of television.
what i think: I’ve seen the pilot for this show as well; and I think this is a very brave show. To have it set in something very close to an existing show (Saturday Night Live), in the same network, I might add, is groundbreaking in itself.
The pilot also showcased witty banter, a potentially interesting mix of characters that are multi-dimensional, a few laughs on the side, as well as a take on some issues that are plaguing television today. Now I know what all the fuss is about Aaron Sorkin and his ability to write something truly good.
I may sound biased here; but I loved Matthew Perry. He will always be Chandler to me; but he’s not here in this show. If you’re looking for Friends, don’t count on it, although that was the first reason I checked it out (see above). Danny is also well-played by Bradley Whitford. There is a good chemistry between the two main characters and that makes it worth your while.
bottom line: Fan of good television? Watch it. It’s a good glimpse into the industry and just how awful (or wonderful) it could be.

The Nine
when: series premiere on October 4, Wednesday, 10/9c, ABC
why i’m interested: I’ve never heard of this show until now. People have been raving about it and I wanted to know why.
what it’s about: A 52-hour bank robbery brings nine hostages together. No one but they know what happened. Their lives changed after those two days; but we don’t know exactly how and why.
what i think: I just finished the pilot today (for this write-up) and the show’s… interesting. I can’t say much; because a lot of the things I’ve witnessed haven’t come full circle. Still, the pilot is full of questions that you can’t help but want to ask for more. This is something that could potentially get me hooked so bad.
bottom line: It’s got the mystery of Lost without the hatches or floating clouds of smoke. “Interesting” is always the word that pops into my mind. This show could be good.

Ugly Betty
when: series premiere on September 28, Thursday, 9/8c, ABC
why i’m interested: I heard about this show a couple of months ago. I haven’t really thought about watching it; but the reviews made me want to try it on for size.
what it’s about: This series is based on the popular telenovela Betty La Fea that has aired here in the Philippines (though I haven’t watched a single episode). Betty Suarez is a smart, unattractive young journalist who is working as an assistant for Daniel Meade, E-I-C of Mode, a fashion magazine. We will witness her trials and triumphs as she works in an industry where looking good is the only way to make it.
what i think: I haven’t watched the pilot; but given that the premise has been proven to be loved by millions from all over the world, it’s a show that just might be a hit. Hey, the prime real estate spot it has gotten in primetime (right before Grey’s Anatomy) won’t hurt, either.
bottom line: Don’t you just get tired of makeover stories? Here, don’t expect Betty to become a beauty. America Ferrera (Betty) says, “It’s a makeover show from the inside.” And that’s something new that I would like very much to watch.

Desperate Housewives
when: season three starts September 24, Sunday, 9/8c, ABC
[Philippines: second season ongoing, Sundays at 9pm on Studio 23 | second season ongoing, Tuesdays at 9pm on Star World]
where we left off: end of season two. We find out who the real murderer was among the Applewhites. Mike gets run over by Orson as he was making his way to Susan’s trailer/house. Lynette finds out about the other woman in Tom’s life. Gabrielle finds out about Carlos’ affair.
what i’ve dug up: Okay, so this show treads the line between drama and comedy; but I just based it on the categories that this show’s been nominated in. hehe… Anyway, season two was pretty much a bust. I’m trusting, though, that Marc Cherry will do his best to get things back the way they used to be in season three. I have a good hunch that Orson will be the man with the mystery, and it has something to do with the woman he visits in the psychiatric home. I’ve read that there will be a wedding this season; and John the gardener will be back (yay!).
random thoughts: Why does Bree always have to end up with the crazy guy??? Why??? And I had hoped Carlos didn’t have that affair with Xiao-Mei. It kind of ruined their story for me. Also, I’m looking forward to the complications that will arise from this other woman in Tom’s life and how that woman is going to squeeze her way into their already complicated lives. Susan? Bleh… I don’t care that much anymore, really…

How I Met Your Mother
when: season two starts September 18, Monday, 830/730c, CBS
[Philippines: not shown yet]
where we left off: end of season two. Robin and Ted hook up. Lily and Marshall break up. Barney is… still Barney.
what i’ve dug up: Apparently, Lily is on a journey that will eventually lead back to Marshall… Come on, they’re meant for each other. Also, since Ted’s finally (!) with someone he likes a lot, then he’ll stop looking for love and we’d get to watch him be in a relationship. Barney is going to continue being Barney. Virtual blogger high five!
random thoughts: The show is really on the right track to becoming a great comedy. As long as they keep coming up with more episodes that are above par, then great. And yes, I love Barney! However, I wouldn’t want to attend the party in his pants. Have you seen his blog? It’s the best thing out there, seriously.

My Name Is Earl
when: season two starts September 21, Thursday, 8/7c, NBC
[Philippines: first season ongoing, Jack TV]
where we left off: end of season one. Earl works on crossing off the last bad thing (Number One on his list) he did and ended up giving all the money he won to someone else. In the end, karma gave all the money back to him.
what i’ve dug up: The premiere episode is going to be set at a town where carnival people live. In future episodes, Joy and Randy will also have a chance to do voice-overs.
random thoughts: This is honestly a great show, so I’m looking forward to more laughs. I’m expecting the different voice-overs to be hilarious. Hopefully, I’ll enjoy this season as much as I did the last season.

Prison Break
when: season two ongoing, Mondays, 9/8c, FOX
[Philippines: first season ongoing, Mondays at 10pm on Crime/Suspense]
where we left off: end of season one. The prisoners have escaped Fox River. As they make their way to the airport, Tweener and Haywire get separated from the pack, T-Bag’s hand gets cut off, and the rest escape together. Unfortunately, their getaway plane takes off before they make it; and they run into the woods being chased by the law.
what i’ve dug up: I’ve seen the first two episodes and dang! It’s more suspenseful than ever. The fact that they’re fugitives, most wanted at that; and there’s an NBI agent who’s almost in the same level of intellect as Scofield, the chase will be as exciting as ever. What I’m not sure of is whether the conspiracy about the former vice president (now president) will still be pursued. Is a case like murder of the vice president’s brother retroactive? Unfortunately, if ever Lincoln is cleared of the crime, Scofield and the others aren’t. Everybody loses. Also, a certain guard at Fox River seems very mad… As for Scofield and the doctor, I guess we won’t see romance for some time; because one is distracted with all the running from the cops; and the other is distracted from the guilt.
random thoughts: I do hope the holes that have developed in the plotlines would get cleared up. It’s not reality; but going too far from believability just might make this series suffer. Hopefully, there won’t be a sophomore slump here.

Smallville
when: season six starts September 28, Thursday, 8/7c, The CW
[Philippines: fifth season ongoing, Tuesdays, 8pm, Studio 23]
where we left off: end of season five (holy heck!). Lex turned into Zod and Lana is oblivious to this as she declared her love for him. All hell breaks loose on earth. Chloe and Lionel are attacked. Clark gets trapped in the Phantom Zone courtesy of Zod himself.
what i’ve dug up: Jimmy Olsen (the Daily Planet photographer in the comic) is making his way into the Daily Planet and knocks Chloe off her feet (finally! someone for my favorite!). He’s played by Aaron Ashmore (Troy Vandergraff from Veronica Mars). Also, another billionaire’s in town. Justin Hartley (the guy who was Aquaman for a moment) plays Oliver Queen (aka The Green Arrow). He comes into the scene wanting to form the Justice League. Clark, however, isn’t too keen on trusting yet another billionaire. Season-long story arcs aside, a fight is expected to happen on the season premiere.
random thoughts: Like what Entertainment Weekly said, season six is going to be “a fanboy’s dream.” I’m not exactly a fangirl for the Superman mythos; but if it makes things interesting, then bring it on. I do hope Smallville hits the ground running this season and sustain the momentum until the very end. I want to continue to love this show despite the disaster that was the second half of season five (in my honest to goodness opinion). As for the couples, I’ve officially given up on Clana; because I know that’s over. Lois & Clark? Too soon. But bring on Jimmy for Chloe! She deserves some love after pining after Clark for five years! I can’t wait to see what happens.

Veronica Mars
when: season three starts October 3, Tuesday, 9/8c, The CW
[Philippines: second season reruns, Tuesdays, 8pm, ETC]
where we left off: end of season two (SERIOUSLY, DON’T READ THIS IF YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED THE SEASON TWO FINALE!). Veronica graduates. Weevil’s arrested for the death of Felix during graduation. We find out who caused the bus crash. Apparently, he’s also the person who raped Veronica. The perpetrator then jumps off the building to kill himself. Keith is ironically saved by Sheriff Lamb from exploding. No one saves Aaron Echolls, however, when he is killed in his apartment (Clarence Wiedman was tasked by Duncan Kane to do so). Logan and Veronica are back together. Kendall carries a briefcase with I-don’t-know-what inside and presents it to Keith. Veronica is stood up by Keith in the airport when they’re supposed to go to New York together (her graduation present). Whew!
what i’ve dug up: Veronica ends up in Hearst College; because of the test she didn’t take to find out what the verdict is for Aaron Echolls. Mac and Lamb are now series regulars (yay!). There are also two new additions to the cast, Chris Lowell (Life As We Know It) plays “Piz,” Wallace’s college roommate and Julie Gonzalo (A Cinderella Story, Dodgeball) plays Mac’s college roommate. This season, Rob Thomas is working on a new approach to the mysteries. The whole season is going to be divided into three major mystery arcs. This means that stories will wind up quicker and could hopefully accommodate new viewers. The first mystery arc has already been introduced in the episode “The Rapes of Graff.” Everything else goes from there.
random thoughts: I honestly think what Rob is doing is a great idea. There is always a point in the season where you get tired of red herrings and increasing suspects. All you want is for the mystery to be solved. This way, things get closed up easily and the season will hopefully be as exciting as ever! I also hope Logan and Veronica’s relationship will last a little bit longer than it did the previous year. If he could just completely stop being a jerk… Although, that wouldn’t really be good for our enjoyment of the character, right? Hmmm… Still, I’m very much looking forward to a new season, especially after this was a near-death thing last May. I’ve never been so scared for the fate of a show my entire life! Thanks to fans of Veronica Mars, everyone’s been working hard to get those viewers to increase. I wish it all pays off in the end. *crossing fingers*

Two and a half years ago, Gossip Girl was set up as a feature at Warner Bros. Pictures with Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-Palladino on board to write the script and Lindsay Lohan attached to star. When the rights reverted to Alloy Entertainment (publishing company), the company’s executives decided to develop the books for television. (backstage.com) The Gossip Girl series, created by Cecily von Ziegesar, centers on a group of privileged New York City girls who attend a posh private school. The anonymous narrator chronicles it all on her Gossip Girl Web site. (zap2it.com)

I’m giving Josh Schwartz more credit; so I’m hoping that it won’t be as packed in as it was in The OC’s first season where everything happened already and there’s nothing left for succeeding seasons. I love this book and I’ve read six out of the nine released. Still, I’m not expecting the show to be too faithful to the vision of von Ziegesar. It usually goes this way, anyway (like in film adaptations). There’s one thing definite, though; I’m seriously awaiting the pilot. Hopefully, it will get picked up just so I could have another show added to my “must-watch” list. If you’re a fan of this book, I promise to keep everyone posted.

Here are some more links about this bit of news. It apparently came out last August 21st; but I only got to see it today. Here, here and here.

On Filefactory:
file name: HSM-DA.rar
instructions: extract using WinRAR (right-click “Extract here…”)
password: pinoytvjunkie.livejournal.com
size: 62.8MB
link: http://www.filefactory.com/file/684063/

On YouTube:
Get Your Head in the Game

We’re All In This Together [first set]

We’re All In This Together [all together]

Grey’s Anatomy
when: season three starts September 21, Thursday, 9/8c, ABC
[Philippines: second season ongoing, Thursdays at 9pm on Studio 23 | second season premieres October 11, Wednesday, 9pm, Star World]
where we left off: end of season two. Denny dies. Burke might lose the use of his hand due to the gunshot wound and the subsequent surgery he has undergone. Izzie quits being a surgical intern. Meredith has to choose between McDreamy and McVet.
what i’ve dug up: I still haven’t determined who Meredith will choose; but I’m pretty positive that a choice will be made and of course, that will have serious consequences. Cristina and Preston will continue to test their relationship as the former tries to be the supportive girlfriend and the latter tries to gain back full use of his hands. Izzie will still be part of Seattle Grace in some capacity, although she quit the surgical residency program. George and Callie will still be together. Bailey will still be Bailey. And oh, wanna see a pair of underwear stuck to the bulletin board?
random thoughts: I have a hunch on who Meredith’s choosing. Just go with gut feel and you’ll have the same hunch. I hope Yang and Burke would sustain their relationship. I have yet to get comfortable in the George-Callie relationship; but I’m willing to try. I’m glad Izzie’s still in Seattle Grace; and hopefully, she and Alex will hook up again. I miss Bailey…

House
when: season three ongoing, Tuesdays, 9/8c, FOX
[Philippines: second season ongoing, Mondays, 10pm, AXN]
where we left off: end of season two. House is rushed into the emergency room after being shot. Also, he opted to get the treatment that may stop the pain in his legs.
what i’ve dug up: I haven’t watched the season premiere; but I heard it’s good. And what’s this I hear about a House-Cameron relationship being pursued?
random thoughts: House & Cameron? Bad idea. But the biggest question is not whether this relationship will be a “jump-the-shark” (though I highly doubt that’ll happen); but whether or not House will stay a miserable old goat despite being cured of his pain (if the treatment does work).

One Tree Hill
when: season four starts September 27, Wednesday, 9/8c, The CW
[Philippines: second season reruns, Tuesdays, 8pm, ETC]
where we left off: Car in river… “hot uncle” Coop and Rachel inside. Nathan dives in to save them. Haley shouting for Nathan (when she should be dialing 911!). Karen pregnant. Another girl pregnant. Brooke & Lucas unsure of their future as a couple when Peyton admits that she’s still in love with Lucas.
what i’ve dug up: Don’t worry. Nathan will survive. The happy couple will have a honeymoon. As for who the other pregnant woman is, I still have NO idea. I’m not sure, though, if I should be prepared for another death.
random thoughts: I don’t want Brucas to end! Damn that Peyton for ruining everything. Just when I thought she’s finally going to be with Jake, she drops this bomb and decides she’s still in love with Lucas. And before I forget, more Mouth, please! He’s adorable. And I don’t mind seeing more of Uncle Coop. hehe…