The Fall Season

We are in the kickoff of the Fall TV season and so I would just like to rant a bit about some of my new (and old) favorite shows.

First of all, TRUE BLOOD! On HBO, which is spectacular. I watch every episode at least once. Definitely something a bit different since I'm not used to watching uncensored television. I'm glad it got signed for a second season! 

The latest episode addressed some of the stereotypes and prejudices against flamboyantly homosexual men, using one of my favorite characters, Lafayette (the guy in the picture, only add lipstick, eyeliner, and a strut). He is a played by Nelsan Ellis, who said in an interview how weird it was seeing himself in lipstick. This week--he embarrassed a group of prejudiced rednecks and the scene was hilarious. I love the show's ability to compare the prejudice against vampires side by side with the prejudices we know today. 

Grey's Anatomy: Last season, I was mostly disappointed with the show. This season seems like it will be better. Tonight is the second episode in which the entire hospital will get flooded for some reason. Exciting! I still miss Dr. Burke but---there may be a new doctor in town played by Kevin McKidd (Journeyman, and Rome). So far, he has only been in the first episode, and I don't think he has been in any episode's filmed so far--but I have hope. He played an army doctor about to go back to Iraq. He was also Sandra Oh's character, Cristina's, love interest. 

I also have watched the first two episodes of Private Practice which stars Kate Walsh. She played McDreamy's wife/ex-wife on Grey's Anatomy and this show is her spinoff. Addison was one of my favorite characters and of course, they seem to like getting rid of my favorites (Denny, Burke, etc) over at Grey's. Last season I preferred P.P. to G.A. but this season, I think Grey's will be back in full swing. Nothing too exciting has happened in Addison's world and I think I might hold off on watching until it does. There's always episodes online! 

Life On Mars is on after Grey's tonight and I am looking forward to it! A cop gets sent back to 1973! "I need my cell," he says. A cop replies, "You need to sell what?" If the cast and crew (which includes Harvey Keitel and Lenny Kravitz ex-wife) can pull it off, and I think they can, it will be a great show for at least this season. 

The Mentalist is on CBS, a network I have never really invested much time in. Sure I watched Joan of Arcadia and Moonlight, but JoA got boring and Moonlight got booted (but I will admit they tied up the loose ends and gave it a nice ending). This show, The Mentalist, is good. I'm not too into crime shows, except the Law & Order reruns that can suck you in for 3 straight episodes before you knew what hit you--this show seems good. The first episode really reeled me but I'm not going to continue to watch the show. Simon Baker is cute but he's not that cute. 

I am very torn with Fringe. I liked it so far--from what I've seen: the first epi and parts of the third. I LOVE Joshua Jackson and the leading lady is a great actress. I love the weird stuff going on even though it sometimes made me cringe. It's almost LOST (the shows share the same creator: J.J. Abrams) except Fringe is not on a weird island and instead of castaways we see the FBI and a crazy scientist trying to figure out all the weird stuff going on. So, while I love the show on the surface, I'm not sure if I can handle another show like Lost--a show that makes you think, and makes you love it and hate it at the same time. I mean, Lost is starting up in "early 2009" so I have time to sink my teeth into Fringe. However, when they are both airing, if I must choose between the two, all I'm going to say is DESMOND. 

My Mom is really into Dirty Sexy Money. I watched the first episode last week, and I must say, it was fabulous. I love the show, wish I had watched it last season, and dearly want to watch it this season.  It's on the list. 

My new favorite show this season, which tops the rest, is Raising the Bar. It's on TNT (WE KNOW DRAMA) on Monday's at 10. It goes up against Boston Legal (which used to be Tuesday nights) and this pains me because I must choose. Raising the Bar is onDemand, but they're being slow about putting them on there the next day. The show is about public defenders in New York City and it stars Mark Paul Gosselarr (Saved By the Bell, NYPD Blue) and Jane Kacsmarek (Malcolm in the Middle).  I did not recognize the annoying Zack Morris all grown up! He is an amazing actor! He plays Jerry Kellerman and is constantly fighting for the truth in the court system. It's pretty much your basic court case show, however, it's got a lot of heart--and it was created by Steven Bochco, who has done too many successful (an unsuccessful) television shows to name (NYPD Blue, L.A. Law?, etc.). WATCH THIS IF YOU CAN!!! 

While there are many other good shows (Gossip Girl, House, Bones, the new 24, Brothers & Sisters) these are the ones I am really excited about. It constantly changes, so I'm sure I'll be updating the list and discussing anything major going on. 

And anyone who enjoys fantasy shows, or has read Terry Goodkind's The Sword of Truth series (starting with Wizard's First Rule) there will be a syndicated show based on the novels starting in November. From what I remember reading, the guy who did Xena and Hercules is doing it...so we shall see. I haven't heard anything else about it. 

Happy viewing! 

Over the Terrible Teens, Burn After Reading

Yesterday, (10 minutes ago) was my 20th birthday. I don't feel older, not at all, but I do feel more at ease when saying how old I am. Since July, when introducing myself, I've been saying that I'm 20. It just seems and sounds better than "nineteen". 

I'm so excited (slightly sarcastic, yet not completely) to read this: 

Real Life, Real Love: 7 Paths To A Strong, Lasting Relationship

This being one of the delightful gifts my mom gave me for my birthday. She spoils me, really. This ties with an IPOD stereo. But really, I read the introduction and this seems like a great book. It even comes recommended from Shakira and Andy Garcia. Father Albert Cutie' is Floridian with his own television show, radio show, and weekly column. I'm interested to read his advice. Hopefully it will be easier to follow than Dr. Phil.

This past week I've been ever researching colleges and application deadlines, and as I was searching for University of San Diego (Catholic) otherwise known as USD, I came across University of South Dakota. It looks like a nice school...and I just might apply there with an out of state tuition cheaper than some in-state California Universities at a whopping $4000. As a History major, I don't really need to choose a school based on the programs, although they are important, however, it's not as important as a school of Engineering. My choice of school should be more about what campus and campus life will fit me. Sarah, you have 5 sentences to convince me of Louisiana's appeal. The fried okra alone, but then there's those silly hurricanes and the humidity! 

Speaking of Louisiana, HBO has this wonderful new show called True Blood set in small town Louisiana... 

It's about vampires, which I love. It's a bit racy, then again it's HBO, but I love how the show makes fun of vampire/human love stories, while at the same time managing to sustain a serious drama of it's own. In the first two episodes, a melodic piano love song played every time the mortal human girl and 150 year old vampire saw each other for the first time... it was hilarious. Definitely hate the cliffhanger endings though. We're on the third episode and each one so far has had a Grey's Anatomy-end-of-season-type cliffhanger ending. Sweet suspense. Anna Paquin plays the main character, Sookie, and she looks totally different. You barely recognize her except for the gap in her front teeth. She's blonde and tan and very cute. The show is especially interesting because in the show's universe, Vampires have "come out of the coffin" and are demanding government rights. Can you imagine Vampire lobbyists? Yikes. 

I'm preparing to go to the Bi-Annual California Republican Convention down in Anaheim. A few of us from the DVC club are going down, as well as other Bay Area CRs. I'm driving, hopefully with a few other people, Thursday afternoon. Saturday night's banquet offers speakers Governor Mitt Romney (R-MA) and California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner (who I have met! Although he probably doesn't remember me). Sarah Palin was supposed to make an appearance but she completely cancelled her trip to California! *tear*

I absolutely adore Italian Sweet Creme coffeemate. 

Now that college has returned full swing, so has my caffeine and coffee addiction. To save money at the expense of Starbuck's (I think they'll survive), I've started brewing coffee at home, and even taking it with me to school in a nifty to-go mug. Although the only class I need coffee for is Geography at 9:30 am, my teacher is so enthusiastic and animated, it would be hard to fall asleep. Did I mention he also looks like John Malkovich? It's very eerie. He sounds nothing like him though. 

I saw the Coen Brothers film Burn After Reading on Friday night. It was hilarious. Definitely something fresh and different from the stuff coming out the past few months. I love films in Washington, D.C., and this one was all over Georgetown. It also featured very stupid people being taken very seriously. It is worth $10 to go see.  Best line of the movie (not really a spoiler): 

"Report back to me when it makes sense." (Spoken by a CIA superior). 

Isn't that life? :-)

finite.