Looking Back

**Note: This was written last week. I'll try to work on an Emmy wrap up as soon as I can, but I do want to mention that Conan kicked ass as the host.


Morning dears! Sorry for the long wait, but I have much to spill. First off, since we are so dangerously close to the new fall season and this year’s emmy’s, I want to take a second to look back upon the outstanding (and mostly overlooked) performances of the 05-06 season.

The Cast of Arrested Development: I will always be in awe of this cast. Although there were standout performances in the group (Gob) each personality was needed to make the show what it was. If there is any justice, my dear Gob will take the best supporting actor emmy home, but I’m not holding my breath.

Dwight-The Office. I was holding out on this show for a good long while. I had heard all the acclaim, but I felt dirty because of how much I loved the british version. I’m glad I finally caved because the American version of the show successfully carved out its own personality. Just like AD, this is an ensemble piece; but the big difference is that I think this show would suffer significantly without the character of Dwight. He is just so ludicrous and I love every minute it.

Barney- How I Met Your Mother. While I love this show and all of the characters, it really all comes down to Barney. This character gets so dangerously close to over-the-top, but it is Neil Patrick Harris that pulls Barney back in and makes him, dare I say it, likable. I’m even rooting for Barney to end up with Robin in the end. Plus, how can you hate all those little catchphrases that we have thanks to Barney? Suit up!

Joy-My Name Is Earl. I’ll admit it, I didn’t think Jaimie Pressley could act worth a dime. Wow, was I wrong. She is absolutely hysterical as Earl’s slutty, shady, plotting, thieving ex-wife Joy. She gives Joy just the right amount of white trash.

Turk-Scrubs. Usually when I talk about Scrubs it is all Dr. Cox, Dr. Cox. This year, a new personality emerged, Turk. Dr. Cox was still an amusing character, but Donald Faison managed to steal every scene he was in. I still laugh when I think of “He can dance if he wants. He can leave his friends behind.” Or the airband contest when he busted out Bell Biv Devoe’s Poison. Holy crap, I think I literally rolled off the couch at that one.

24 It is hard for me to believe that I almost gave up on this show, what was it, 2 years ago? The show had a rough 3rd season. But season 4 came back hard, and was topped—TOPPED by season 5. I would argue that season 5 even beat the dreaded 24 lull that usually happens midseason, and even though it hurts to wait until January for Jack to return, it is the best idea ever. Non-stop 24 action!! This year saw stellar performances from Jack (yet again, give that man an emmy!!), President & First Lady Logan, Agent Pearce, Chloe and lookout! I didn’t hate Audrey this year!!! On top of all the outstanding performances, this show has some balls. In the first 15 minutes of the season premiere the show killed off 2 beloved characters and maimed another (who eventually died as well). Later in the season we lost another main character (and actually made me feel sad about it, I hated Edgar) and 2 recurring cast members. No one is safe! It is scary, but I love it!!!

Mr. Ecko/Desmond-Lost. Overall I thought this was a decent year for lost. But I don’t recall many of the storylines (except for the last 2 episodes) that stood out for me, and that is not really a good sign. Locke needs to stop being so whiny, he use to rock and now he is getting dangerously close to pathetic. The final story arc was rather interesting, it was cool to really learn about Desmond & I am quite interested to see what the new season brings. One definite plus to this season was the addition of Mr. Ecko who brings a new element of mystery and strength to the show (that we’ve been missing since Locke has been so L-A-M-E this year).

Logan, Veronica, Keith Mars-Veronica Mars. Season 2 comes out on Wednesday so there is no reason for you not to be all caught up and ready to go for season 3 this October. Season 2 was a little over-storied but still quite enjoyable thanks to my 3 favorite characters. Logan was still the bad boy that you wish you could hate but still loved, Veronica was again driven to find the answers to a crime that affected her life and Keith was still as lovable as ever. I still think Kristen Bell deserves an emmy for the season finale (which I still have a few issues with). You know who you are, I want emails next week with thoughts on the season & the finale!!!

Bree-Desperate Housewives. There is no denying that this season the show lost some of its luster, but Marcia Cross’ Bree continued to stand out. When I think back to the show, I see images of Bree. Fixing Rex’s tie in the coffin, drinking herself silly & getting locked in the mall, finally giving up on Andrew, trying to save her annoying daughter. I hear season 3 will start a few months after the last season finale & will hopefully have a little tighter storytelling and some more humor!!

Edie Falco/ James Gandolfini- The Sopranos. Falco should be given every award in existence for the episodes that dealt with the aftermath of Tony’s shooting. Gandolfini was superb as a man with a second chance on life, trying desperately not to lose the belief that every day is a gift. Some thought this season was slow, but I enjoyed it & am looking forward to the ultimate conclusion.

Everwood-This was a solid season, dealing with a lot of issues that don’t tidy up pretty. Cancer, infidelity, becoming a widow, love triangles, addiction, adoption, and teenage popularity. I will definitely miss the show next season, stoopid CW! I put a curse on the Monday at 9 timeslot!!! In addition, the fans of this show rock. They all chipped in a got a Ferris Wheel plopped in the middle of Burbank as a dedication to the show (for those of you that are not Everwood watchers, a ferris wheel has a lot of meaning to the show’s central characters Amy & Ephram).

In other tv news, this summer has provided some compelling tv. This season of Rescue Me has been mind blowing. It really is amazing how well the writers can blend comedy & drama so well together. Of course there have been a few storylines that have been over the top & have made me wonder if the writers are smoking crack.

Project Runway has been a tad infuriating this year. The judges’ decision have left me flabberghasted. How is Allison gone but Vincent and Angela still there? These 2 should have been the first 2 eliminated! This show is getting shady. They better watch themselves, or they will lose all credibility. My early favorite is Michael.

A little bit of casting news for you, Chris Pratt from Everwood (Bright) will join the O.C. for a multi-episode arc—he’ll be a possible new love interest for Summer.

In other straight up gossip, I can’t believe that Kate Hudson is leaving the Black Crowes dude! I was upset enough, then I heard that she was leaving him for Owen Wilson! Why all of this infidelity! It drives me bonkers! So sad.

On a final note, I happened to see a few summer movies this year. To make this short & sweet, I liked The Devil Wears Prada (Meryl Streep needs an Oscar), hated Pirates of the Carribean (wanted to yank my eyeballs out of my head) and thoroughly enjoyed Talladega Nights (I think it could be enjoyed by all, but there were special jokes in there for us Nascar fans).

And that’s all folks! I’m at BMS with no internet access (again) so odds are that I’ll also be writing up my London/France & Vegas trip reports up shortly!

kt