Superfreak. Superfreak. I'm Super Freaky.

I'm not sure why I miss blogging, but I do. Though if I return to the blogosphere, I want my blog to be different, but I'm not sure how. I love pop culture and politics, but things around here were getting a little bland. So if I come back things are gonna change. Maybe.

I just know that I miss writing. I went through all of my college papers at my mom's today. And at the risk of sounding arrogant, I was a really good writer. Some of my papers were fairly impressive. I'm not sure what has happened since then, but I don't think any of my posts have been nearly as witty or clever as anything I turned in as school work. That's kinda ironic, isn't it?

Oh well. Maybe I'll come back and actually write about something interesting some day, but for now, I'm just perplexed.

With that, I'll leave you with a "quote of the week." I'm probably one of the 10 people on the planet still in love with Grey's Anatomy, but even so, I'll leave you with a quote from the forever wise Meredith Grey.

"Nobody chooses to be a freak. Most people don't realize they're a freak until it's way to late to change it. No matter how much of a freak you end up being, chances are there's still someone out there for you... Because when it comes to love, even freaks can't wait forever."

Better Days

Following in the footsteps of American Idol alums Kris Allen and Allison Iraheta, Kelly Clarkson and Chris Daughtry took the stage this weekend and proved that American Idol has seen better days.



And Kris and Allison's killer pairing, just in case you missed it:

Why I Loved LOST

Spoiler Alert: If you haven't seen last night's lost finale you may want to avoid this post.

Last night was the big night. The night when six years of questions were finally supposed to be answered. Now, less than 24 hours after the conclusion of LOST (the biggest event of the decade according to ABC), many fans are up in arms that they didn't get enough answers. However, I'm not one of the pissed off Losties. I'm as pleased as can be. After the finale, I realized I didn't need answers. I never watched LOST for the mystery and science, I watched it because I loved the characters. And that's where LOST's finale succeeded - it was about the characters and not the fantasy.

Shows that rely heavily on mythology (like LOST, Battlestar Galatica, or even Alias) only succeed because, at their core, they're character studies. LOST wasn't about an island with supernatural powers, it was a story about a group of flawed strangers trying to survive together. My favorite episodes of LOST weren't episodes where they explored the fantastical nature of the island, but when we learned more about the castaways. Sure the polar bear, the disappearing island, and the time travel were interesting, but they don't make a show. LOST's best moments were the moments when we truly felt and understood the lives of these characters: when Michael shot Libby and Ana Lucia, when Sun thought Jin died, or when Sawyer and Juliet passionately reunited in the finale.

Contrast those moments with some of LOST's worst: the recent episode which gave us answers to Jacob and the Man in Black (not even Allison Janney could save that snoozer) or when Michael returned and we learned the origin of the islands whispers, and you'll too discover that there was little satisfaction in uncovering LOST's mysteries.

LOST's answers were always disappointments. That wasn't a bad thing either. The beauty of LOST was that each audience member could reach their own conclusion about the islands various mysteries. The concept of "choose your own adventure" theories, made for a more captive and invested fan base.

The only reason anyone is debating the finale is because of the rabid fan base. However, without a stellar cast of characters that fan base wouldn't exist. We kept getting LOST week after week because we cared about the outcome of Jack, Kate, Sun, and Sawyer. And now that we've reached the end, we should all be thankful for the wonderful ride.

"You're All I Need"

It's Valentine's Day, so it's the perfect excuse for me to post two of the best scenes from my all-time favorite television pairing, Alias' Sydney and Vaughn. They likely won't mean much for anyone who hasn't seen the show, but they're adorable nonetheless.

Vaughn: Syd, this watch belonged to my father. It's broken now, but it used to keep perfect time. And when he gave it to me, he said, "You could set your heart by this watch." It stopped October first -- the day we met.

Clip:



Vaughn: We're not gonna make it out of here. There's something I need you to know.
Sydney: Vaughn...
Vaughn: In my life, there's only one person...
Sydney: Don't do this.
Vaughn: Look at me.
Sydney: Vaughn...
Vaughn: The only reason I pushed you away...
Sydney: Please...
Vaughn: The only reason I didn't know how to be around you...
Sydney: They're coming.
Vaughn: Sydney...
Sydney: I know, Vaughn. I know. We'll find each other. We always find each other.

Clip:

"In My Book You'll Always Be Client #1"

I've always loved Saturday Night Live's Weekend Update, but these crass Valentine's Day cards from Eliot Spitzer might actually make V-Day more enjoyable.

Video:

"No One Else"

"You know me so well / You can't even tell / That you're like no one else, that you're like no one else"

Not much of a quote this week, but in celebration of American Idol's new season launching this Tuesday, I thought I'd post a song from my favorite season eight contestant's, Allison Iraheta's, new (and unknown) album.

"No One Else:"

Top 10 TV Shows of the Decade

As the first decade of the 2000's comes to a close, it's the perfect time to make "best of" lists. So with that, over the next few weeks I'll be making my own lists of the Top 10 movies, songs, television series, and entertainers of the decade. We begin with TV.

1. Alias (ABC, 2001-2006)
My least shocking selection. Sure it had some rough patches (season four anyone?), and it was hard for the producers to sustain such quality over five seasons, but Alias is my all-time favorite television series. I have yet to see a better episode of television than the show's pilot, and season two will absolutely blow your mind. Sydney Bristow will likely be the best role of Jennifer Garner's career, and the fact that she never won an Emmy is a travesty. She portrayed Sydney with incredible strength and vulnerability, and without her, Alias would not have succeeded. J.J. Abrams owes his career to this show. Without it, he never would've been given the creative freedom to later create sci-fi gems LOST and Star Trek. However, I contend that Alias represents his best work. I only hope that the next decade brings another show that I love this much.

2. Battlestar Galactica (Sci-Fi, 2004-2009)
Even though it's set in space with spaceships and "aliens," I never really considered Battlestar Galactica a science fiction show. It was merely television's best drama. Everything about the four season series was perfection. The writing, acting, directing, and even the special effects were sublime. However, Galactica's greatest asset was it's short run. Unlike many TV shows, Galactica knew when to hang it up, and the storytelling benefited greatly, and the show turned in one of television's most satisfying series finales ever.

3. American Idol (FOX, 2002 - present)
Television purists would lament the inclusion of reality television on a list like this, but I am not one of them. How can you ignore the biggest show of the decade, and one of the most entertaining? Sure, American Idol had a winning formula with Simon Cowell's acerbic wit, Paula Abdul's antics, Randy Jackson's gibberish, and Ryan Seacrest's "metrosexuality." However, this is a show all about the contestants. Without the talent of stars like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry the show would have failed. It'll be interesting to see if the show can continue to churn out music's next big thing. If so, it'll likely be a ratings giant well into the next decade.

4. Everwood (WB, 2002-2006)
The most underrated show of the 2000's, probably because it aired on the WB. Everwood was Greg Berlanti's Alias. Just as the spy drama set the stage for J.J. Abrams career, Everwood cemented Berlanti's place in Hollywood. After Everwood, he'd later go on to produce the much better known Brothers & Sisters, and he's slated as the writer for 2011's The Green Lantern. As with Abrams, his lesser-known work was his best. Everwood was the ideal family drama. It was smart and funny, and didn't shy away from hot-button issues like abortion and teen pregnancy. Television needs more shows like this.

5. Veronica Mars (UPN/CW, 2004-2007)
This one falls under the category of "TV Shows Canceled Much Too Soon." A victim of poor ratings, Veronica Mars never once suffered from poor quality. Kristen Bell infused Veronica with such life and vitality that she was impossible to resist, and she delivered Veronica's trademark zingers impeccably. Plus, any show that can survive a Paris Hilton cameo in only its second episode must be pretty damn good.

6. LOST (ABC, 2004 - present)
Yes, J.J. Abrams' second best effort makes the list too. LOST started off with a bang, and its first two seasons were breathtaking. The show lost its way for a while, but got back on track when producers and the network decided the show would end in 2010 (something that Abrams' learned from Alias). The show's final season will go a long way to determining LOST's legacy, and it's still confusing as hell, but for now, it remains television's most accessible science-fiction offering.

7. Grey's Anatomy (ABC, 2005 - present)
Primetime's best soap opera. Lots of love and lots of sex, and it's completely irresistible. Like many shows on this list, Grey's started with a magnificent two season run. There have been a few bumps in the road, but the show still manages to blend medical drama with good old-fashioned love stories. It doesn't hurt that the cast including Chandra Wilson, Sandra Oh, and Ellen Pompeo turn in first-rate performances each and every week.

8. Arrested Development (FOX, 2003 - 2006)
It's probably heresy that I am listing a show that I've only seen 2/3 of, but that's a testament to Arrested Development's superior quality. Once I see the entire series, the show will probably climb its way up this list. It was one of the funniest and most original comedies to ever hit the small screen. It's groundbreaking style paved the way for other quirky, critically-acclaimed shows including 30 Rock, Modern Family, and Better Off Ted.

9. Survivor (CBS, 2000 - present)
The only show on the list that has survived the entire decade. The granddaddy of reality television, Survivor is a statement to quality equaling longevity. After nearly 20 installments, Survivor continues to cast people and create situations that bring new twists and freshness to the show. If they keep up this pace, we'll still be talking about Survivor come 2019.

10. Modern Family / Glee (ABC / FOX, 2009 - present)
Some will say it's "too soon," and I was tempted to put both of these shows even higher, but since they're only halfway through their first seasons they both land at number 10. Their addition to the television landscape has made 2009 a banner year. They're original and "side-splittingly" funny, and I cannot wait to see what they bring to the next decade.

"My Life Would Suck Without You"

In celebration of Glee's fantastic fall finale, this week's quote comes from the episode's most heart-wrenching moment. SPOILER ALERT: if you haven't seen the show yet, you may want to avoid the following.

"He understood that I wasn't doing it for the kids. I was doing it for you... It's not your fault, I really messed up. He was absolutely right, I was settling for him. Really one blink from you Will, and I would have been out the door, so I e-mailed my resignation to Figgins. My last day is Monday. I just can't. I just can't be at that school. I just can't see Ken without feeling ashamed, and I can't see you without feeling heartbroken."
-Emma Pillsbury ("Sectionals")

"I'll Take a Risk, Take a Chance, Make a Change"

Because I didn't post my usual sappy quote last week, and to celebrate the rejuvenation of Grey's Anatomy, two quotes from America's favorite medical drama today:

"A couple of hundred years ago, Benjamin Franklin shared with the world the secret of his success. Never leave that till tomorrow, he said, which you can do today. This is the man who discovered electricity. You think more people would listen to what he had to say. I don't know why we put things off, but if I had to guess, I'd have to say it has a lot to do with fear. Fear of failure, fear of rejection, sometimes the fear is just of making a decision, because what if you're wrong? What if you're making a mistake you can't undo? The early bird catches the worm. A stitch in time saves nine. He who hesitates is lost. We can't pretend we hadn't been told. We've all heard the proverbs, heard the philosophers, heard our grandparents warning us about wasted time, heard the damn poets urging us to seize the day. Still sometimes we have to see for ourselves. We have to make our own mistakes. We have to learn our own lessons. We have to sweep today's possibility under tomorrow's rug until we can't anymore. Until we finally understand for ourselves what Benjamin Franklin really meant. That knowing is better than wondering, that waking is better than sleeping, and even the biggest failure, even the worst, beat the hell out of never trying."
-Meredith Grey

The next exchange sums up what I want to yell at the Mormon church right about now.

Mr. Torres: “Leviticus: ‘Thou shalt not lie with a man as one lies with a female. It is an abomination.’”
Callie: “Oh, don’t do that, Daddy. Don’t quote the Bible at me.”
Dad: “The outcry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and their sin is exceedingly grave.”
Callie: “Jesus: ‘A new commandment that I give unto you, that you love one another.’”
Dad: “Romans: ‘But we know that—’”
Callie: “Jesus: ‘He who is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone.’”
Dad: “So you admit it is a sin—”
Callie: “Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy. Jesus: ‘Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.’ Jesus: ‘Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’ Jesus is my savior Daddy, not you. And Jesus would be ashamed of you for judging me. He would be ashamed of you for turning your back on me. He would be ashamed.”

Thoughts on the Season

We're one week into the fall television season and here are my unsolicited opinions...

Monday
Gossip Girl: Rinse and repeat, and you have the third season of Gossip Girl. We've been here before. Blair's a bitch, Chuck is a scandal, and Serena doesn't know what she's doing. Gossip Girl is losing its trademark bite and I am quickly losing interest. The show needs to shake things up, and the characters need to show some growth or a breakup is imminent. Grade: C+

Heroes: I couldn't bring myself to do it. After two seasons of crap, I couldn't sit through another season hoping the show reclaimed its season one glory. Grade: Divorced

Tuesday
The Good Wife: Welcome to Judging Amy: Round Two. Four years after CBS unceremoniously canceled the drama about a single mom managing her law career and family, the network is back to try again. This time Juliana Margulies plays a lawyer (not a judge), once again, finding her way in the workforce. Margulies is made for the role, and the show couldn't ask for a better supporting cast including Christine Baranksi and Josh Charles. Throw in the political timeliness and this one is bound for ratings success (just like Judging Amy). Grade: B+

Wednesday
So You Think You Can Dance: Reality shows are hard to grade in the beginning. They usually don't hit their stride until midway through the season -- once the audience has a chance to become attached to the contestants. With that said, So You Think You Can Dance isn't suffering from summer fatigue. In its sixth season, the judges are still spot on and America doesn't appear to be running out of talented dancers. Grade: B+

Glee: The High School Musical references don't do this show justice. It's smart and funny with a cast that oozes musical, comedic, and dramatic talent -- everything that High School Musical wasn't. Plus, the most recent episode proved that the show can thrive without relying on the musical numbers. The only concern I have is the plot's light speed pacing (the same problem that creator Ryan Murphy's had with his last show, Nip Tuck). Even with those concerns, I'll definitely be long for the ride. Grade: A

Modern Family: This one has huge potential. After only one episode, it's the only show on television (besides Glee) that will make me laugh out loud. The cast is pitch perfect and the writing is witty and fun. Without spoiling anything, lets just say The Lion King scene will be with me forever. Hopefully the rest of the series can keep up with the stellar pilot. Grade: A

Thursday
Project Runway: Technically not a fall show, but six episodes into its sixth season, Project Runway has found its stride. The changes of shooting location (from New York to L.A.) and network (from Bravo to Lifetime) haven't hampered the show's quality. Plus, this season's cast seems more talented and memorable than recent casts. Though the season's highest point has to be the transformation of Heidi Klum from a pretty, former fashion model into a funny and reliable host. However, the show loses points for the plethora of guest judges. Where are Nina and Michael? Grade: A-

Survivor: Like So You Think You Can Dance, it's hard to grade reality shows after only a couple of episodes, but Survivor appears headed on the right track. Already, there are several memorable personalities (Shambo, Russell, and Yasmin), and after 19 seasons the show still isn't stale. The producers propensity to focus all the camera time on one tribe this season is a minor cause for concern. Grade: B+

FlashForward: High concept dramas are risky, and FlashForward is no exception. The show might play better as a miniseries, but only time will tell. The pilot had a few dead spots and all-too-convenient plot twists, but Joseph Fiennes and Sonya Walger are the fall's most promising new lead actors. Grade: B

Grey's Anatomy: Merridith Grey is consistently touted as one of the most annoying characters on television, but I love her anyway. Maybe it's because we have so much in common, but it's my love for the title character that allows me to forgive Grey's all it's mistakes -- like 2/3 of last season. This season started well, and regardless of the backstage drama, killing George off was a great move for the series. Grade: A-

Community: I am going to take flack for this one, but the pilot wasn't great. Not a single laugh out loud moment. Joel McHale is great in The Soup, but while the concept is original, Community tries far too hard to be funny. Grade: B-

Sunday
The Amazing Race: There's a reason Race has won the "Best Reality Show Competition" Emmy for seven years straight. The show has never had a bad episode, but the "twist" in the season premiere was rather lame. Otherwise, it appears to be another solid season ahead for the greatest race around the world. Grade: A-

Desperate Housewives: Housewives always starts with a bang and ends with a whimper, and this season seems no different. Marc Cherry cannot come up with a solid, season long mystery to save his life. That said, the show is still good for a laugh or two, and Eva Longoria Parker continues to be Housewives' unsung MVP. Grade: B+

Brothers & Sisters: Pros from the season premiere: lots of Nora/Holly fighting, no sign of Ryan, lots of Walker family interaction that wasn't around a dinner table, and the show's most boring character (Tommy) is gone for good. Cons from the season premiere: the disappearance of Sarah Walker, Rob Lowe's horrendous hair, and the car crash fake-out. All in all, my favorite family drama is off to a much better start this season than last. Grade: A-

The Jay Leno Problem

NBC is screwed. Last year, Jeff Zucker, President & CEO of NBC Universal, announced the (inane) idea of abandoning scripted programming during the 10/9 p.m. in favor of a Jay Leno "variety" show. The move was solely economics. When a network doesn't have to pay a host of actors, writers, producers, cameramen, etc., it saves a ton of cash, and through those savings it makes more money, right? Not so fast.

Television is all about the advertising. End of story. If people don't watch a show, advertisers don't pay, and the show gets canceled. Simple as that. Given, even with paltry ratings, The Jay Leno Show might turn a huge profit for NBC. However, even if the show does make money, which seems questionable, it will be a short-sighted profit at best. Television has always been, and will always be, about quality programming.

In the digital age, networks cannot expect Joe Q. Public to tune into the same program every night -- there are too many other options. That's why the Jay Leno experiment was dead before it started. The show debuted to more than 18 million viewers, but in only two weeks ratings have declined by more than 70 percent. Not good.

Only a week into the "official" television season, NBC has a huge problem on its hands. It has devoted so much programming time to The Jay Leno Show that it is nearly impossible to salvage the 2009/10 schedule. None of the scripted shows can bomb because the network doesn't have enough in development to replace a failed drama or comedy.

Lucky for NBC, it has Olympics in February (always a ratings stalwart) to help bolster the season. However, the network desperately needs an intervention before the sports extravaganza arrives. There isn't enough time to completely revamp the fall schedule, but here is what I'd do come December (unfortunately, there aren't enough developed shows to completely take The Jay Leno Show off the air or even reduce it to one airing a week):

Jason's NBC (winter) Fix:

Monday:
7 p.m.: Heroes
8 p.m.: Day One
9 p.m.: Southland

What's different: Heroes stays on the air (unfortunately) and Southland moves to Mondays at 9 p.m.

Tuesday:
7 p.m.: Chuck
8:00 p.m.: The Biggest Loser
9 p.m.: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU)

What's different: Chuck relocates from Mondays, The Biggest Loser shrinks from two hours to (a much more manageable) one, and SVU moves back to its successful Tuesday night stomping grounds.

Wednesday:
7 p.m.: Mercy
8 p.m.: 100 Questions
8:30 p.m.: The Best of NBC
9 p.m.: The Jay Leno Show

What's different: 100 Questions premieres on Wednesday instead of Tuesday. NBC launches The Best of NBC, featuring a classic episode of a different "Must See TV" comedy each week (The Cosby Show, Seinfeld, Friends, Mad About You, etc.)

Thursday:
7:00 p.m.: Community
7:30 p.m.: Parks & Recreation
8:00 p.m: The Office
8:30 p.m.: 30 Rock
9 p.m.: Parenthood

What's different: Parenthood is fast tracked and debuts in the same time slot as other great NBC dramas like Hill Street Blues and ER. (Ideally, the producers would convince Helen Hunt to join the drama in time for a December/January launch).

Friday:
7 p.m.: The Marriage Ref
8 p.m.: Law & Order
9 p.m.: The Jay Leno Show

What's different: The Marriage Ref launches on Fridays and Law & Order moves back an hour.

Saturday:
7 p.m.: Crime Show Repeat
8 p.m.: Crime Show Repeat
9 p.m.: Crime Show Repeat

What's different: Not a thing.

Sunday:
6 p.m.: Dateline NBC
7 p.m.: Trauma
8 p.m.: The Apprentice

What's different: Trauma relocates from its fall time slot of Mondays at 8:00 p.m.

NBC's proposed winter schedule can be found here. Don't worry, mine is better. I am back Monday with initial reactions to all of the shows I've been watching this fall.

A Day of Many Entires

And it will begin with a quote:

"At the end of the day, when it comes down to it, all we really want is to be close to somebody. So this thing, where we all keep our distance and pretend not to care about each other, is usually a load of bull. So we pick and choose who we want to remain close to, and once we've chosen those people, we tend to stick close by. No matter how much we hurt them, the people that are still with you at the end of the day - those are the ones worth keeping. And sure, sometimes close can be too close. But sometimes, that invasion of personal space, it can be exactly what you need."

-the one and only, Meredith Grey (from Grey's Anatomy, for those of you who live on another planet)

Utah Sundays

Since the Mormons run this town, and there's nothing better to do on Sundays, I've been watching YouTube videos all morning. In doing so, I came across my all-time favorite American Idol performances:

Jennifer Hudson, "Circle of Life:"


Kimberley Locke & Frenchie Davis, "Band of Gold:"


Carrie Underwood, "Alone:"


Kelly Clarkson, "Stuff Like That There:"

The Life of a Couch Potato

It's no secret that I love television. After all, network television upfronts are some of my favorite days of the year. As the new fall television season approaches, I cannot help but get excited for my "secondary escape." The schedule below is a result of said excitement.

Disclaimer #1: I am not a 300-pound man who lives on a diet of soda and potato chips (and I even exercise!).
Disclaimer #2: I will view few of these shows in real-time, but I like the schedule concept nonetheless.

Monday
7 p.m.: Heroes (NBC)
The show doesn't deserve another chance, but I'll give it one or two episodes. I never divorce shows that I'm with from the beginning, but Heroes is mighty close to being dropped.

8 p.m.: Gossip Girl (CW)
I'm ashamed to say I watch this. I have the music taste of a teenage girl, so why can't my television interests follow suit?

9 pm: Nothing(!)
Maybe I'll actually do something productive.... yeah, right.

Tuesday
7 p.m. - 8 p.m.: So You Think You Can Dance (FOX)
My favorite summer show makes the move to prime time, and I definitely won't have a problem being just as obsessed.

9 p.m.: The Good Wife (CBS)
Politics plus pop culture? I am so there.

Wednesday
7 p.m.: So You Think You Can Dance (results show) (FOX)
More filler, but the group dances are some of my favorites.

8 p.m.: Glee (FOX)
Last fall's pilot was the most fun and original hour of television in quite sometime. Crossing my fingers that the rest of the episodes keep pace.

9 p.m.: Modern Family (ABC) (recorded from 8 p.m.)
A fall comedy with huge potential. Plus, I've always had a thing for Julie Bowen.

Thursday
7 p.m.: Survivor (CBS)
The granddaddy of all reality television, and I still cannot get enough.

8 p.m.: Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
The final three episodes of last season were classic Grey's. Hopefully Ellen Pompeo's pregnancy doesn't screw up the momentum.

9 p.m.: Flash Forward (ABC) (recorded from 7 p.m.)
The sci-fi show that bumped Ugly Betty to Friday. I'll test it out for a few episodes.

Friday
7 p.m.: Nothing (again!)
Actually, I'd like to try out both Parks & Recreation and Community... maybe they both can go here.

8 p.m: Southland (NBC)
Without question, last year's most underrated show. I'm praying that there are enough fans to keep it alive.

9 p.m.: Ugly Betty (ABC) (recorded from 9 p.m.)
Friday is the night where shows go to die. Is Betty really on life support?

Saturday
I need a life. No Saturday television for me.

Sunday
7 p.m: The Amazing Race (CBS)
One day I'll be a contestant. One day...

8 p.m.: Desperate Housewives (ABC)
Has definitely fallen from it's first season glory, but it's still good for a few laughs.

9 p.m: Brothers & Sisters (ABC)
My favorite drama hit a few bumps last season, but I am confident season four will bring the show back to form. (My advice: more Nora, less Ryan.)

Even with all that, I still haven't found time to get into critically-acclaimed shows like 30 Rock, The Office, and How I Met Your Mother. Plus LOST, American Idol, and Parenthood all hit the airwaves mid-season. Where there's a will, there's a way, right?

Happy watching...