Since this site is more of a TV blog, I’m just posting the winners in the Television categories… and may I say, it’s good to know Chuck stars Zachary Levi and Yvonne Strahovski have the teen vote! I just wonder why the show didn’t win in the Choice TV Show: Action category when in other genres, one particular show dominated each and every time (as in the case with Gossip Girl, The Vampire Diaries and Pretty Little Liars)… Hmmm…

Choice TV Show: Drama – “Gossip Girl”
Choice TV Actor: Drama – Chace Crawford, “Gossip Girl”
Choice TV Actress: Drama – Leighton Meester, “Gossip Girl”
Choice TV Show: Fantasy/Sci-Fi - “The Vampire Diaries”
Choice TV Actor: Fantasy/Sci-Fi – Paul Wesley, “The Vampire Diaries”
Choice TV Actress: Fantasy/Sci-Fi – Nina Dobrev, “The Vampire Diaries”
Choice TV Show: Action – “NCIS: Los Angeles”
Choice TV Actor: Action – Zachary Levi, “Chuck”
Choice TV Actress: Action – Yvonne Strahovski, “Chuck”
Choice TV Show: Comedy – “Glee”
Choice TV Actor: Comedy - Jonas Brothers, “JONAS”
Choice TV Actress: Comedy – Selena Gomez, “Wizards of Waverly Place”
Choice TV: Animated Show – “Family Guy”
Choice TV: Reality Show – “Keeping Up with the Kardashians”
Choice TV: Reality Competition Show – “American Idol”
Choice TV: Male Reality/Variety Star – Lee DeWyze, “American Idol”
Choice TV: Female Reality/Variety Star – The Kardashians, “Keeping Up with the Kardashians”
Choice TV: Villain – Ian Somerhalder, “The Vampire Diaries”
Choice TV: Personality – Ryan Seacrest
Choice TV: Breakout Show - “The Vampire Diaries”
Choice TV: Female Scene Stealer – Hilary Duff, “Gossip Girl”
Choice TV: Male Scene Stealer – Chris Colfer, “Glee”
Choice TV: Female Breakout Star – Nina Dobrev, “The Vampire Diaries”
Choice TV: Male Breakout Star - Paul Wesley, “The Vampire Diaries”
Choice TV: Parental Unit – Mike O’Malley, “Glee”
Choice Summer TV Show – “Pretty Little Liars”
Choice Summer TV Star: Male – Ian Harding, “Pretty Little Liars”
Choice Summer TV Star: Female – Lucy Hale, “Pretty Little Liars”

For the complete list of winners, go to the source.

|source|

Top TV Obsessions for 2009
(in no particular order)

Friday Night Lights
Now on its fourth season, Friday Night Lights continues to be amazing. Despite moving on from old characters such as Lyla and Tyra, Smash and Street, the show proves that it could reinvent itself by splitting Dillon into two sides — East and West. Viewers now find themselves rooting for a whole new color, a whole new team… the East Dillon Lions.
This particular shift in the story gave us new and interesting characters as well as a lot more drama caused by the rift that the re-districting created. So far, not a single disappointing episode has come out… with Zach Gilford’s performance in “The Son” as a definite highlight.
With half a season left, I couldn’t wait to see what else the show has in store next year.

Chuck
When the show promised a game-changer by the end of season two, they definitely delivered everything they’ve got. The old Intersect is gone in Chuck’s brain; but Intersect 2.0 proves to be much more interesting than the first one… with Chuck doing kung-fu at the drop of a hat.
A long hiatus is not helping things, however. When the season ended in April, it was set to return March 2010. Thankfully, the season premiere has moved up to January 2010; but it is still a long wait from the awesome second season finale. Hopefully, 2009 brings more good things for Chuck, with guestings from Kristin Kreuk to Brandon Routh in the horizon.

Modern Family
This show is just so much fun to watch. I decided to check this out after its glowing review on Entertainment Weekly’s Fall TV Preview (my annual bible for what’s new that’s worth watching); and I wasn’t disappointed. Episode after episode, the family just keeps on giving the laughs. From Phil Dunphy to Manny Delgado, everyone has something funny to offer each and every episode. It’s definitely one of the best shows to come out this year.

Dexter
Though the Jimmy Prado storyline didn’t provide as much sparks for the show last year, Dexter bounced back quickly with the Trinity Killer in tow during the recently concluded season. John Lithgow’s amazing performance brought on the suspense we always expect from the show; and Michael C. Hall continues to pull his own weight as the Dexter who wants to have it all.
We have yet another long wait to see what happens next; but the finale offered up yet another game-changer that will surely make the next season interesting.

The Big Bang Theory
This show is honestly kicking How I Met Your Mother’s butt recently. I still love HIMYM; but TBBT is much higher on my comedy favorites now. I find myself constantly laughing at joke after joke.
Sheldon, as usual, is the revelation that keeps this show entertaining. Still, credit has to be given to the other characters because they pull their own weight when it comes to comedy… with Howard’s Jewish mom and Leonard’s mom (I loved the Christine Baranski episodes), even Penny and Raj provide enough laughs that are sustained throughout each and every episode.

True Blood
The show definitely officially became a hit this year, with ratings catching up to records set by The Sopranos by the end of the second season. Despite a disappointing finale, True Blood’s sophomore effort is still one that I got completely obsessed with. Sookie’s trip to Dallas, Eric’s obsession with Sookie, Jason’s new friends in the Fellowship of the Sun, and Lafayette’s personal journey since being held captive in Fangtasia kept things interesting. Forget about the Maenad and Tyra… those were forgivable given the other, more fun stuff the show offered.

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Here are some notable highlights from the recent Ask Ausiello column:

Question: Is it true that Daniel Eric Gold who plays Matt on Ugly Betty will only be appearing in four more episodes after the Bahamas episodes and then he’s gone? —Hannah
Ausiello: I can confirm that Matt will be making a departure in early 2010. Beyond that, my lips are sealed.
MARS SAYS: Matt won’t be that huge a loss. He’s been mostly a jerk to Betty in the early part of the season. I would like to see Amanda and Matt get together, though. Amanda deserves a love story arc.

Question: You’ve been really slacking on the Gossip Girl scoop, any exciting news? – JLa
Ausiello: Also in next Monday’s episode, someone finds out they’re pregnant. That’s considered “exciting news,” right?
MARS SAYS: Maybe Lily?

Question: I need Gossip Girl info. —Jude
Ausiello: Hey, Jude, here’s what I got: You know the letter from Serena’s dad that Lily has been hiding? It’s going to fall into the wrong hands. (Hint: Said wrong hands belong to *a****n.)
MARS SAYS: Not really interested in what happens next… really.

Question: Thanks for all of the great news about Chuck and Lost. All of this plus you appreciate Santa Barbara, Smurfs, and constantly give incredible scoop. Thanks so much for being you. Any chance you have White Collar scoop? —Jennifer
Ausiello: After all that ass-kissing you just did? You bet I do. In the upcoming Dec. 4 midseason finale, our partners in crime-solving are called onto the case of a missing diamond, only to find Neal at the top of the list of suspects. The winsome swindler tries to clear his name and, in a shocking reveal, finds out he’s not the only one that’s been good at lying. Now tell me what else you like about me.
MARS SAYS: I’m liking White Collar. It’s got some light comedy, a little mystery and a lot of Matt Bomer (Bryce Larkin from Chuck). It’s not really a can’t-miss-a-single-episode type of show; but I like it and the characters enough to tune in week after week.

Question: I need Glee scoops! I’m hungry for some info on upcoming couples! —Connor
Ausiello: Brace yourself, ’cause Mark Salling (a.k.a. Puck) says he’s heard “talk” of some surprising romantic pairings. “I have read posts and stories about all kinds of pairings fans are hoping will happen on the show,” he says. “For instance, people have been asking for a Mercedes-Puck hookup. I hear people want Puck and Artie because they want to Partie. And Finn and Puck. I think that one is pretty popular in certain neighborhoods. I can’t say never, but Puck is such a dude that I am not sure how that one would ever come to pass. Maybe a dream sequence of Kurt’s?” Of those options, I think I’m kind of loving the idea of a Partie. Anyone want to join me?
MARS SAYS: I’m on the fence between Quinn/Puck and Rachel/Puck. We didn’t get much of the latter when it was explored. Tina/Artie is okay; but it ended before it even started. Other than that, Mr. Schu should just get rid of his wife and get it on with Emma.

Question: Now that it’s returning in January, Chuck me, spoiler God! —Scott
Ausiello: Chuck co-creator Chris Fedak confirms that Anna Wu will be MIA during season 3’s first 13 episodes, but there’s a chance she could pop up in the last six. “We’re still [writing the last] six episodes, so I don’t have anything first on that,” he says. “But I would love for Anna to come back.” Fedak adds that Julia’s absence at Buy More will be referenced early in the season.

Question: There’s a $5 tuna foot-long with you and Mister Scooch’s names on it if you can give me any Chuck updates. —Jen
Ausiello: Can you make my half a veggie? If so, you’ve got a deal. Chris Fedak says the six additional episodes that NBC recently tacked on to Chuck’s season 3 total created an interesting storytelling challenge. “[We were faced with] the problem of either expanding the story we’re telling or taking the story and telling it more slowly. And what we essentially decided to do was tell more story. So we’re looking at the six episodes that have been added on as Chuck season 3.2.”
MARS SAYS: I’m just so excited to watch an all-new Chuck. Based on the previews, there will be a 2-hour premiere on January 10; and another episode on January 11. That’s 3 episodes in 2 days! I just hope the show is promoted enough so people will tune in. This is a great show and season 3 is looking more awesome than ever.

Question: Darling, you’re viciously ignoring a fabulous show — Dexter! Care to redeem your fabulous self and dish? —Tina
Ausiello: Are you channeling Miss Piggy or Alexis Carrington? Either way, I like it! Re: Dexter, I hear there’s a big breakup coming.
MARS SAYS: People are saying Rita/Dexter or Batista/LaGuerta. Honestly can’t say.

Question: Count me among those fans not happy about the Barney-Robin split on How I Met Your Mother. Is Barney just going to return to his old womanizing ways? —Gerald
Ausiello: Exec producer Carter Bays insists Barney is a changed man as a result of his short-lived romance with Robin — just don’t expect to notice any of those changes right away. “Barney’s a lot like the economy,” he says. “You can pass a stimulus package, but it will take a while to take effect. But he’s definitely affected by it. It’s definitely changed him.” Any hints as to what those changes will look like? “I probably shouldn’t say,” he hedges. “But in the second half of the season, there will be some events coming up that sort of bring that to light.”
MARS SAYS: I wasn’t that happy with the short-lived relationship Barney and Robin had. So far, it looks like Barney is back to his old ways; but I’ll wait and see where they’re taking this before making any kind of judgment.

For those of you who are still confused, here’s the breakdown of the One Tree Hill, Gossip Girl and Life UneXpected schedules next year… courtesy of thetvaddict.com

It all begins…
January 18 (Monday)
8pm ONE TREE HILL
9pm LIFE UNEXPECTED *series premiere

Schedule shift starts on…
March 8 (Monday)
8pm LIFE UNEXPECTED
9pm GOSSIP GIRL

After Life UneXpected airs 13 episodes…
8pm ONE TREE HILL
9pm GOSSIP GIRL

I don’t know if this will work; but I really hope Life UneXpected performs well. It looks like a show I could really love.

Gossip Girl 4×10 “The Last Days of Disco Stick”
Friday Night Lights 4×04 “A Sort of Homecoming”
Glee 1×10 “Ballads”

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TV RECAP
Gossip Girl 3×09 “They Shoot Humphreys, Don’t They?”
Not satisfied with just being Queen of Constance Billard, Jenny sets her sights on becoming the Queen of all the Upper East Side by landing the hottest escort for Cotillion. Nate and Chuck plot to help Serena and Blair repair their damaged friendship. Dan is upset when Olivia contemplates leaving school for a movie project.

ONE. This is it. The big THREESOME episode that was… well, to put it bluntly, pfft. As expected, the moment they made a big deal about didn’t really give us much — just a girl-on-girl kiss which was pretty tame. I’m not really complaining that we didn’t see any action. It’s just that the show keeps on doing this; and it’s getting irritating. First, there was Chuck Bass kissing a guy, now this? Oh, and it’s the least interesting combination for a threesome, to be quite honest. The show is just trying too hard nowadays to be scandalous and to keep the buzz going when in the end, it does nothing for the episode.

TWO. Truthfully, the buzz is slowly fading in favor of newer shows like “Glee”. That’s to be expected with a show that’s going into its third year. Everyone’s simply going around pairing up with each other. The storylines are getting recycled as well. Weren’t B and S fighting this time last year? To be fair, Hilary Duff as Olivia Burke has been a breath of fresh air; but with Dan Humphrey? No thanks. I just hope this threesome (that did or did not happen) moves something with the story arc, if there is a story arc to begin with.

THREE. As for the impending war between Jenny and Eric, it doesn’t seem to be as fun as say, Chuck and Blair bickering last year. I saw Jenny having Nate as her escort from a MILE away. I miss Chuck and Blair. Everyone’s right. Bring a popular pairing together and things are going to be a bit boring.

I hope I’m going to be proven wrong. There’s still a lot left to the season. Nate, if they say you’re epic, do something EPIC. Stop just being something pretty to look at. Serena, stop with the rebellion. And a married congressman? That’s just ew (Sorry, I have no other words). I hope nothing else happens with this. Jenny, find a worthy adversary… one who’s not Eric. Because the two of you competing? Not that interested. Dan, stop being irritating. Vanessa, stop being irritating. Olivia, stop hanging out with Dan and Vanessa or else you’ll be irritating. Try out Blair, she’ll probably find something fun for you to get into. Chuck and Blair, I’m not saying you guys should break up… hmmm… something just needs to… happen.

Okay, I guess that’s a lot to ask and much of it are my personal annoyances with the characters. I just don’t want to give up on a show that I used to love so much. I hope the show gets back on its feet. And SOON. Well, they have that threesome aftermath and Lady Gaga to work with on the next episode, there might be a ray of hope yet.

Like I said on one of my Tweets last week, “The finales this year ROCK!” I’m serious. I’m loving the cliffhangers this year. I know most people hate them; but for me it is a great measure of how the following season looks from a distance. When those last few seconds of a show’s season finale wind down, instead of saying “Noooo!” to a great cliffhanger, I’m all, “That was awesome!” or “What a great ending! Right? Right?”

 

Kidney Now! Wow!

Finally!

Professor Mosby looking for "Mother" to "meet"…

Thanks to The TV Addict‘s March 2009 TV calendar, we know exactly what to expect this month. There are a number of sweeps stunts coming our way (Please refer to our crash course # 1 to understand what "sweeps" is. Plus, an answer to why it’s March sweeps this year and not the usual February sweeps.). Also, there are a couple of series and season premieres on the horizon. Here are some of the highlights:

March 3
Reaper returns to The CW for a second season!
I really missed this show. The latter part of the first season has gotten really interesting; and my brother and his wife are just getting into it. So there’s really no choice but to get the latest episodes.

March 5
[edited]
We meet the 12 finalists of American Idol season 8.
After this Wednesday’s results show, Thursday will be the Wild Card Round. Each judge gets to pick 2 contestants from the Top 36. They will perform and the final three finalists will be chosen by the judges on the same night. Exciting!

March 9
Summer Glau guest stars on The Big Bang Theory as herself.
The geeks are gonna go crazy over this Terminator star and I can’t wait to see what happens!

March 15
It’s the series premiere of Kings.
I’m not so sure what this show is about; but there’s some buzz. I’m just being the usual TV drone that I am.

March 16
Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill return.
It’s been a long couple of weeks since we last saw a new episode. I can’t wait to get my hands on them. Seriously. Everyone’s been asking me where the new episodes are. They’re finally back!

March 18
Better Off Ted premieres on ABC.
I’ve seen the promo; and I think it’s a good, quirky comedy that probably won’t be appreciated by most Americans (i.e. Arrested Development). Still, I love these kinds of shows; and I’m hoping audiences will wise up and watch it.

March 20
It’s the series finale of Battlestar Galactica.
I know I haven’t gotten all caught up; but this means I can buy the complete series on DVD soon (original, of course!).

March 30
Greek returns for a new season!
I missed this show a lot. It’s one of those light and fun shows that I really enjoy. Plus, last season’s cliffhanger really threw me. I have to know what happens next.

March 31
Cupid premieres!!!
It’s finally here! Rob Thomas’ second chance at making his old creation a hit… I really hope it’s as good, if not better, than the original. Please!

Here are two Veronica Mars-related news that you might be interested in. One is about the movie. The other is about one of the past VM regulars being cast in the new Gossip Girl spin-off.

Exclusive ‘Veronica Mars’ movie update: ‘It’s close’ : Ausiello Files
I’m wishing Rob Thomas all the luck in the world. Everything relies on this pitch working out.

Gossip Girl Spinoff Casts First Character : NBC DFW News
No matter what anybody else says, I will still watch this spin-off.

All the good stuff on TV was back this week and I couldn’t be happier. Of course, some of them will be gone a long time after this (like Gossip Girl taking a break for 4-5 weeks); but the others just came back on air (like Chuck). With the number of shows I’ve already watched this week and with my sudden abundance of free time (just refer to My Twitter for some clues), I want to do a quick recap because I don’t think I’ve done those in a long time.

How I Met Your Mother and The Big Bang Theory are really funny this week.
Barney’s video resume had me lol-ing the whole time. I could only wish we had a glimpse of what Barney put together for Robin’s video resume. My only guess is that it’ll turn up right before these two get together (Barney and Robin, I mean). Aside from that, there is the brilliant use of Alyson Hannigan’s pregnancy to illicit some laughs… in that she joined a hotdog eating contest and upon winning, got a really huge belly. Ted and Marshall’s stories are no match for the others; but I would just like to mention Ted’s hair in college… wow. (And not in a good way.)
As for the nerds of TBBT, the problem-solving in the beginning and everybody else walking out on Sheldon — funny. Sheldon’s hiding places for his money — really funny. Penny freaking out because of her guilt for borrowing the money from Sheldon — entertaining. The gang confronting Kurt to get Penny’s money — really entertaining. I’ve definitely fallen in love with this show especially with the laughs it brought on this season.

One Tree Hill is casting a movie!
James Van Der Beek is really funny as the jackass director; and how each of the characters responded to their movie versions certainly gave some laughs. The read-through was a bit — bad and I think some cameo appearances of real actors or actresses would’ve made things more interesting. Still, overall, I can’t wait to see where things go with this movie version. It could get really good or it could get really tiring and ridiculous fast.

Gossip Girl is more scandalous than ever.
Blair starts a rumor about a student and teacher having an affair (specifically Dan and Ms. Carr). Sure, with a teacher that cute, it’s possible that Dan can’t keep his hands off her. And that teacher is quite young that she could maybe get it on with a student. Of course, everything wasn’t true. However, this causes a rift in the Serena-Dan dynamic and in the end, they don’t quite make it out alive. And once that teacher was fired and once Serena and Dan officially broke up, the teacher and the student turn those rumors into reality.
I just found it funny that Ms. Carr (or should I say, Rachel) immediately jumped in the sack with Dan right after she got fired. Talk about being a bit of a s**t yourself. I don’t know where they’re going with this; because personally, I was a bit surprised that Dan and Serena threw in the towel quite suddenly. This better be good.
There’s a whole month of speculation before we see another episode. I guess fans like me will just have to power through.

Chuck is back!
The episode wasn’t as dizzying as I thought it would look without the 3D glasses. I just had to watch it despite the blues and reds in the background because I missed the show so much! Simply put, I’m just happy the show is back.