TV Shows You Are Not Watching (But Should Be)

Now that the writer's strike is over and new TV episodes are about to start airing again, I thought I'd take a moment and write about a few TV shows that you are not watching - but should be. Some of these are off the air now (waiting to be renewed), some are airing now and some will be back on the air in a few weeks.

Eli Stone (Thursday on ABC):
This is show about a lawyer with a heart (and a brain aneurysm). The aneurysm causes Eli to have "visions" (some of which include '80s pop star George Michael singing in his living room) that direct him as to what cases he should take. Some folks think Eli is a prophet. I know from this description, it sounds like the show is a bit out there, but it definitely is a feel-good show that lifts the spirits and makes you laugh. It also has a great supporting cast including Victor Garber (previously from "Alias" - another good show that nobody watched). You can view full episodes of this show at ABC's website.

Pushing Daisies (Returning this Fall to ABC):
If you are interested in catching up with this series before it returns in the fall, you can view full episodes of the show at ABC's website. This is the story of a piemaker, his childhood sweetheart (whom he brought back from the dead - and can never touch again - without killing her), his dog (also can't touch him), the gal who loves him, and his greedy crime solving partner. Sound intriguing? Once again, the cast of this show shines with Lee Pace as the piemaker, Kristin Chenoweth as the gal who loves him and Chi McBride as his partner.

The stories all center around the piemaker's ability to bring people back from the dead with only one minute to tell him the facts surrounding their untimely demise. While all of this might sound a bit morbid, the show is set in a surreal world with bright colors, soft lighting & shading and unusually shaped-buildings. The sets look very similar to the world in which the movie "Babe" was set.

Battlestar Galactica (Begins April 4 on Sci Fi):
Before you tell me that you are not "into" science fiction, let me be clear about one thing. BSG is not your typical science fiction. In fact, I wouldn't call it science fiction at all - it is a political drama set in the future. The battle between good versus evil reigns supreme in this series through war, political figures with flawed morals, and everyday people trying to make a place for themselves in the universe. It definitely reflects our current times. Get caught up on the series by catching it on DVD (seasons 1-4).

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (Fox):
While this series just went off the air for the season (and I'm not sure if there will be a Season 2), you can view episodes at Fox's website. This series begins after the second movie and renders the third installment null and void. For sci-fi fans, this is true sci-fi. A great back story is already in place for fans to reacquaint themselves with as well as refreshing new stories for fans and newcomers alike. The pieces of the puzzle are tied together very well. I'm sure if you've read this far, I really don't need to bring you up to speed re: what this series is about. Just know that it is one to watch.

Academy Award Winners

Shortly after my last blog (with my rant about the writers' strike), the strike ended. Therefore, I thought I'd quickly recap my thoughts on last Sunday's Academy Awards. I wholeheartedly agreed with "No Country for Old Men" taking the Best Picture award. This movie is absolutely fantastic with some great performances. I also believed that Daniel Day-Lewis deserved Best Actor. I was secretly excited to see Marion Cotillard win Best Actress for "La Vie en Rose".

However, the award I was most thrilled about was Best Song. "Falling Slowly" from the "Once" soundtrack won. And the acceptance speech from Marketa Irglova was the most inspiring speech of the evening.

Now that the strike is over and everyone is back to work, I am once again in love with movies. You can expect to hear a lot more from me in the coming months. I've got lots of movies I want to review!

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Writers Strike Near the End?

As the Academy Awards draw nearer, the rumor mill is working overtime that the Writers Strike might be coming to an end. I hope that this is true for all of those folks that are out of work and just waiting to get back to it.

I, however, won't celebrate until the ink is dry. I'm off to the movies today, but you won't see my review on this blog until the strike is over. This continues to be a real blow to the fans of entertainment and I (for one) am reaching the end of my rope. I'm very disappointed in the writers for constantly walking away from the table. If it wasn't for the return of "Lost" on TV and the new show "Eli Stone", I'd probably be more disappointed in the industry. However, I can't hold all of the folks that are not part of the studio system and the WGA responsible for this strike.

I hope it ends soon - for everyone's sake and we can all get back to work.

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"Comfort Food"

Just as people have "comfort food", I have "comfort movies". One of those is "10 Things I Hate About You". I own this movie and watch it at least 1/2 dozen times a year.

One of the reasons I watch this movie over and over (really - the only reason) is Heath Ledger and his great scene where he sings "I Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You". It is my favorite scene and each time I watch the movie, I watch this scene 'bout five times.

Therefore, with heavy heart, I say goodbye to Heath Ledger. I wish him a safe passage to the other side. And my prayers are with his parents, sisters, Michelle and Matilda. People die everyday and those people touch lives. I didn't know Heath Ledger - but the reality is, celebrities do touch lives through their art.

This "accidental" death was a cry for help - no matter how the picture is painted by the media and his family. People don't accidentally mix drugs. I hope that people recognize this and look to the people they love to be sure that all their family is healthy and not suffering.

For a look at my favorite Heath Ledger flick, view the first two clips at the bottom of this page.

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