Post spring break TV catch up…and holy-cow-it-must-almost-be-season-finale-time…KE

Europe was fabulous…as I knew it would be. Rome, South of France, Paris. Not a shabby life style. Now back to reality and teaching the young ones for another 2 and half months before returning home- FOR GOOD. And of course I had to play TV catch up since my return. So here are my thoughts... I don't think there are spoilers because you too are already caught up. 

First I had to watch HIMYM. Let’s not even talk about it… it was a little disappointing…although there were some parts I enjoyed. But more than anything I think I’m just sad that it’s over. I could have watched Lily and Marshall for about 10 more seasons.

Then I had a little spontaneous Glee catch up… last I had watched was just after the start of LAST season and they were trying to make New York and Lima work. Now I see they have quit trying to make New York and Lima work and decided to move everything to New York. I did a little internet reading…watched a few musical numbers and then watched the saying good bye to the Glee Club in Lima (double episode). I couldn’t watch the Quarterback episode… I just watched a few of the musical numbers and was already like:

But them saying good-bye to Glee Club Lima and Puck and Quinn ending up together that is a good enough ending for me.

Just this last weekend I watched Once Upon a Time episodes. Very sad…with (SPOILERS) Bay dying and everything. There was more:

And I love that despite everything…. Captain Hook is still hanging out lookin’ like a pirate. It’s just so fitting. 

Let’s talk Captain America/Shield…. First off for those of that didn’t know… the first Hydra episode of Shield should have come with a warning about having to see Captain America first… but then I guess I would have known what was going to happen in the Shield episodes. Your review is pretty much right on… and as you mentioned to me when we talked- where is Hawkeye in all this? I’m assuming he has some sort of secret mission that he is completing and an explanation well be given later (by which I mean in the next Avenger movie.) Banner and Stark are easier to excuse away… but Hawkeye?

I’m a little mad about agent Ward…

Although it has given him a little more depth. But even if he does decide to save Skye… she’s NEVER going to forgive him… and he doesn't act like he’d rather be helping the good guys… he seems to be right where he wants to be.  It’s all around not going to end well and there was lots of drama. And we’ll be tuned in for every second.

So after Captain America and the latest Shield, it was time for …Orphan Black!!!! Let’s just say it wasn't really a low-tension afternoon.

Seriously the best show on television.  I feel like this show is just getting started. So many roads to travel down and questions unanswered. LOVE IT.

That’s really all the highlights now… Parks and Rec- Leslie and Ben have triplets? A little strange… but love that show…

OH I almost forgot… the Blacklist! That is getting a little...intense. So now Lizzie knows the truth about her husband and the player is getting played… except you get this creepy feeling that maybe he knows that she knows but isn't going to let her know.

Something tells me the finale is going to be big time.  My hope is that husband dies… the partner guy that I didn't really like before has totally grown on me.

Okay…I know there's more... but that's my catch up for now.

Sarah has returned from Neverland with a mysterious injury. Her ankle is injured and she she has been sidelined from her adventures for the time being. She won't say exactly what happened but keeps muttering about "filthy pixies". 

Jamie Gives Glee Another Chance

So, I have been less than enthusiastic about the new season of Glee.  But, it is starting before any of my other shows, and we got in an episode of Revenge earlier, so here goes.  Live reactions:

Well hello Kate.  That is a quality entrance.  I have to say that sometimes Kate Hudson makes poor film choices, but this introduction just reminds me that when all is said and done, her acting is high quality.  And she plays bitch so well.

Jacob is back to give us the quick summer recap.  And Mike & Tina are kaput!  Sad to see, but at least one couple is realistic about long distance.

And the title of the episode comes into play, or at least half of it… who is the new Rachel?

Nevermind that though, cause it’s the new Finn, singing 80s rock in the shower.  I see what you did there Ryan Murphy (when I say Ryan Murphy, let's also include all the writers, it's just easier to pretend it is only him).  Only Finn didn’t look quite like that in the shower. 

Sue really did have a kid.  I am still perplexed. 

Love that the competition to be a new soloist turns into a fun ensemble number.  That better be where this is going. 

Oh, Kate might have a heart.  And the Glee club has lost its heart!  Big fail, guess we still have lessons to learn.  Oh kids, I am so disappointed.

But Ryan Murphy has managed to bring me to tears a mere 18 minutes in with the new girl and her mom.  This is why I watch this show.  And the musical numbers.

Auditions are both a flashback to season 1 and a sign of how far they’ve come. Oh, and a little Puckerman... with a beautiful voice, but still totally a Puckerman.

Oh, I think we have the new Rachel.  Also, I have to say that you will always win me over with a quality Billy Joel song.

Kurt offers some wisdom to the ego-crazed glee clubs.  They better take it, I’d like to get through my all my tears on this mom the lunch lady storyline in one episode.

So Kurt is a little wiser, but he needs Blaine’s advice, and a little musical number so that he can go off to NYC.  And I don’t know this song, but I like it.  Of course, I usually like whatever Darren Criss sings.  Also, in case you thought I wasn’t paying attention, I have definitely noticed the lack of bow ties for Blaine.  What’s up wardrobe?  Don’t you know that bow ties are cool?

So I can’t help but wonder during this commercial if Finn, Santana, Mike, Mercedes, Quinn & Puck will just have brief cameos throughout the rest of the season (all were notably absent tonight).  I’m feeling like this Rachel (and Kurt and new friends) in NYC and the others back in Lima might work.  Or will it be set up to have one of the recent grads per episode in conjunction with the McKinley happenings.  Let’s just say 45 minutes in and while I’m enjoying, I am having trouble seeing where it’s going.

New Rachel for the win at the lunch table, these kids better get it figured out.  Even if it means slushies.

And old Rachel is turning into a new Rachel.  Ah, episode continuity.  Also, new boy is adorable. But almost too good to be true.  He's a little bit Eric from Suite Scarlett.  (Team Max, for what it's worth)

When in doubt, listen to Burt.  He is the best.  Also, he is a Congressman now, they can afford it.   When Burt cries, we all cry. 

There is the Glee club that I know and love!  Loving everyone and getting ice cold beverages thrown in their face for it.  You're right bitchy new cheerleader, order is restored. 

So what we’ve learned is that Glee can still tug at my heart strings.  I don’t know where it’s going, but I continue to be entertained.  I guess I’ll keep watching.  Plus don't they need 12 people in Glee to compete?  I feel we're a little short.  I might as well keep watching to see what happens.

Coming soon:  Sarah hasn't had time to come up with anything new since this morning.  She's sleeping.

Jamie's Fall TV Preview

Summer TV has been great. Besides The Closer & Eureka, we watched Rizzoli & Isles, Franklin & Bash, Warehouse 13, and Alphas. Plus I started Friday Night Lights, Meryl & I are half way through the first season of Revenge, and we got through the 4th season of True Blood. But now it is September, and all our favorites are coming back. Here is a finale recap and my predictions for the season to come. Some more serious than others. (In order of premiere date)

Glee - Is it okay that I don't really care? I mean, I'll watch until it becomes completely unwatchable. Don't get me wrong, it has certainly had its quality moments (I still can't watch the Furt episode without crying) over the years, but I can't help but think that Ryan Murphy & co expected this show to be cancelled after the first season and have just been winging it every since.

Bones - Bones ran off with the baby, leaving Booth & the team on their own to try and prove her innocence. My guess is that they won't draw this out for very long. I predict that Bones is back to a brunette by episode two. Did they renew for another season already? I kind of feel like it might be time to wrap things up.

Parks & Rec - Excited for Leslie to be on the council, and I hope that we still get some quality Ben time even if he is off in D.C. You can't just give me a couple seasons of Adam Scott and then take him away. But even without him, the rest of the team will be there to cause trouble, help Leslie, and make me laugh.

How I Met Your Mother - Barney is engaged to Quinn, but we all know the wedding they have been teasing is his & Robin's. Oh, and there is...waitforit... a baby! I feel like this show should probably also wrap up this season, but it's talented cast keeps getting more and more popular which is good for ratings, so we'll see. I predict a lot of humor involving babysitters so that Marshall & Lily don't miss too much quality bar time. Also, looking forward to the return of BSG's Michael Trucco. Oh, and meeting the damn mother already.

Two Broke Girls - I am going out on a limb to predict more cupcakes and inappropriate humor.

Castle - After 4 seasons of will they or won't they, they did! Okay, it was never really will they or won't they, it was more like when will they. Oh, and Beckett is off the squad. And the Ryan-Esposito bromance (I find it funny that the two best bromances on television - these two and Steve & Dano - occupy the same time slot) is in trouble. I have no predictions regarding Caskett, but I'm guessing Beckett is back at the station within 2 episodes. Even if my preference is that her & Castle create their own detective agency. Can you imagine? Martha & Alexis could help. Ryan would be their guy on the force that kept them connected, and out of trouble. You'd totally watch that with me, right?

Hawaii 5-0 - Kono went into the water. And she might drown and die. (which is a problem due to the lack of resurrection ships, that was just a little BSG humor). I'm going out on a limb and saying that she won't die. I'm thinking her super hot Yakuza boyfriend will save her somehow? But maybe I just want him to take his shirt off again. Regardless, I'm thinking that the Baldwin brother bad guy is going to be causing trouble all season long.

NCIS - I don't know that I am emotionally ready to talk about this. The office exploded, and Ducky. Oh, Ducky. I just don't know what things would be like without him, so I am going to keep hoping that he is alright.

The New Girl - Hilarity will ensue. Schmidt will be even funnier. Nick will be adorable.

The Big Bang Theory - I predict that by season's end, Sheldon & Amy round 1st base.

Fringe - Final 13 episodes to take place in the future. I couldn't predict this if I wanted, and I don't want to. I want them to do their thing one last time.

Once Upon a Time - Magic! In the real world. What I love about this show is that I have no idea what is going to happen now that everyone remembers. Besides things obviously getting a little uncomfortable for Regina, but that evil witch always manages to land on her feet. Mostly I hope that the curse lifted in time for Augustus to come back to life. And I hope that now David remembers he is Charming, he will be awesome and less of a tool.

Revenge - Well, from the season premiere I know that there is a murder coming, but as mentioned above, I am only halfway through the first season, so I don't know how we are going to end up back at that first scene. Looking forward to being caught up so that I can enjoy the new season.

Hart of Dixie - When I think about how this show ended I become very anxious. We finally get a Team Wade victory, and then George shows up at the door and kisses Zoey. Just thinking about them starting at that moment gives me a pain in the chest. I am probably going to pace. I predict heartbreak for Team Wade, but that's okay, we'll win in the long run. 

30 Rock - No predictions for this one, but looking forward to the final season.

 

New shows: Revolution (I'll try anything the JJ makes), Arrow (my interest in this went up exponentially with the addition of Torchwood's John Barrowman to the cast), The Mindy Project (after reading Mindy Kaling's memoir, I firmly believe she can do no wrong), Elementary (I'll try anything Sherlock at least once, I love Benedict & Iron Man's portrayals so why wouldn't I give Johnny Lee Miller a chance)

Good lord I watch too much TV. And we haven't even discussed that Downton returns in the winter...  

Books read: 34

Coming Soon: Jumping on the "add zombies to anything in the public domain genre" bandwagon, Sarah writes a short story titled Sherlock & the Zombies in Italy, based loosely on her recent experiences in the country. 

Jamie Final Finale Post

Okay, this is it, and then I'm done with this whole TV season.  I didn't put up 30 Rock, but it was good.  Let's just leave it there.  And Sherlock.  Brilliant beyond words.  Bring on summer TV and final season of Eureka (which is so good, seriously, watch it right now, I can't believe they are cancelling it after this because it's so good). 

Finale Follow Up: NCIS
Lived up to the Hype?:  Um, yes. There was an explosion.
Excitement for Next Season?: What part of “there was an explosion” was unclear?
Questions Remaining?: Who died?  Did anyone die at the office?  Did Ducky really die or will Palmer find him in time?  
Standout Performances/Character Moments:  I kind of knew the Ducky thing was coming, I feel like they wanted us to go there with all the will stuff.  But it didn’t matter, because as soon as Ducky was alone on the beach and got that phone call, I knew. Then the tears started and by the end I was searching for the tissue.  Way to just destroy me on a Tuesday night NCIS.
Finale Follow Up: Hawaii 5-0
Lived up to the Hype?: I was behind going into the final week, so I didn’t really feel the hype.  I did wonder how they would top the whole arresting Wo Fat thing. And then they did.  Holy shit did they.
Excitement for Next Season?: Um, Kono is duct taped and pushed into the water.  Yeah, I think that is worth turning in for. Oh, and Shellburn is Steve’s Mom. When he opened the door, I knew before he said anything, but still, mind a little blown.  I have suspected she might not be dead, but did not really put together that she was Shellburn. Crazy.
Questions Remaining?: Hell yes.  Will someone rescue Kono? (My theory is the Chin somehow called Adam and he will get there, I doubt that dirty cop Baldwin brother would be monitoring the Yakuza, thinking that they would help rescue Kono)  What is going to happen with Danny’s custody battle? What is up with the whole Steve’s mom pretending to be dead for decades thing?
Standout Performances/Character Moments: Everything was pretty exciting.  I can’t say that I have any particular moments.  My one criticism is that the jump from Kono going to her house to Chin getting dirty cop Baldwin brother out of jail came off as totally random.  But the intensity picked up again right away with the whole “you must choose” thing.  And, I don’t know if he was able to make a call, but I’m with Meryl in that he chose right.  You have to go for the person who is less likely to get out of things themselves.  Kono is a total badass and it’s definitely possible that she could at least manage to survive to extra time needed.
Finale Follow Up: Glee
Lived up to the Hype?:  There was a lot of hype of this, but I kind of tune out the excessive Glee hype.  I enjoy the show more without expectations. I would say it was exactly what it should have been.  A little bit for each character, parents returning, and some tears.  Until the end.  
Excitement for Next Season?: More curiosity than excitement.  
Questions Remaining?: Should they have just ended it here? I guess the real question is, what the hell is Ryan Murphy’s plan now?  I mean, it definitely seemed a little inconclusive, but where does this show go from here?
Standout Performances/Character Moments: Burt is my favorite whenever he is on.  Burt doing the Single Ladies dance might be the best thing I’ve ever seen on Glee.  I was laughing so hard I was crying, on top of just plain crying at how touching the whole thing was.  Tears everywhere.  Of course then Sue made me cry.  
Additional thoughts: I think that the attempt to prove that the show is not over was forced at the end. The first 2/3 of the episode would have made for a lovely series finale, just needed a couple more musical numbers (perhaps a 2 hour time slot). And then the last third was saying, stick around because there is more to this story. Only all your characters are spread out and the future is uncertain. That works on a certain type of show, where you are waiting to see how they all end of back together (recent years' season finales of NCIS and Hawaii 5-0 come to mind). It doesn't work with a show about a high school Glee club in a small town that these kids have been working to get out of for the last few years. We have spent a few seasons now watching these characters grow into better human beings and we want good things for them, including adventure and stardom and not being in Lima. I felt detached at the end as Rachel went off on her solo adventure because instead of thinking, oh, that’s probably a good ending; I am just thinking WTF are they going to do with this show next year.  And when did Sam become a junior?  I know the show isn’t known for its continuity, but that was just bad.  He came back to do his senior year with his friends, but now he’s a junior?  Oh Glee.
Update: This Hypable article about a Ryan Murphy interview peaks my curiosity a little.
Books read: 28 (Mike Doughty’s The Book of Drugs - absolutely awesome)
Coming soon:  Sarah pitches a Mr. Smith Goes to Washington-like show based on Congressman Burt Hummel’s adventures in D.C to Aaron Sorkin in case his new HBO show doesn’t work out.

Jamie Watchs Too Much TV

I do, I know I do.  Not only that, but I get really attached.  So that when season finale time comes around, it is high stress (not to mention, when you don’t know if shows are coming back for another season or not).  Here’s where I’m at (in order from Sunday – Saturday), as we approach the end of the season:

Once Upon a Time: When this started, I was very concerned about where they would go once Emma believed (and potentially broke) the curse, but then I got so wrapped up in what was happening each week, that I didn’t have time to dwell on that, I was too focused on how much I wanted to throw something that would go through my TV and hit Regina in her smug, evil face.  Now that we are a week out from the finale and it looks like Emma might finally believe, I am back to the original question.  However, I have decided to have faith in the writers (who say they have a plan for where to go from here).  I am guessing they may go a little the way of Heroes (only w/out the writer’s strike to throw off the flow in the middle) where each season wraps up a particular storyline, and we get something slightly new, but of course with the same characters, each season.  As opposed to making it more like Lost where there is build up each season toward one thing, which ultimately ends up disappointing a significant portion of the audience (except me, I am like the only person I know who likes the end of Lost, or the later seasons of Heroes for that matter).  I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

**That was way too long.  Let’ s keep these a little shorter from here on out.

Sherlock: Just started, only 2 episodes to go, why is this show so amazing??

How I Met Your Mother: There’s gonna be a baby!!!  And maybe a wedding?!?!  I can’t say this has me super stressed, nothing like certain other Monday night shows.  But I am VERY intrigued.

Two Broke Girls: No stress, just laughs, and it’s renewed for next season.  Can’t wait to laugh at these ladies all over again next season.

Hart of Dixie: Stop judging me.  Mostly, I just hope that my favorite guilty pleasure of the season comes back next year.  Come on CW, all of your ratings are low, just keep this adorable little show.  Also, Team Wade for life.

Eureka: Don’t tell me what’s happening!  I have one more episode from season 4.5 (oh Syfy, you and your silly seasons) and then I can catch up on this final season and start watching it as it unfolds.  Pros to shows being cancelled: not stressing about whether or not they’ll get to finish.  Cons: The show is cancelled.  Obviously, that sucks.

Bones: I’m behind on this too, but I have heard tale of excitement in the final couple episodes.

Castle:  I could not be more stressed out about what tonight’s season finale has in store.  Beckett & Castle in love, dealing with her shooting, are they finally going to be together, will they fight, will they make up, and will we have to wait all fraking summer to find out???  I don’t know if I can take another Castle cliffhanger.  Not like last year.

Hawaii 5-0: I am a little behind on this show, but they don’t seem to have any lack of intensity.  Ever. 

Glee: Is it okay if I don’t care?  I mean, I still enjoy Glee and all its ridiculousness, but I’m afraid I have only a passing curiosity as to what happens to them next season.  Just sing me some fun songs and throw in a few tearjerker moments, and I’m good.

NCIS: Again, I think I’m a little behind.  But things are finally coming back around, so I’m sure Gibbs & Co will have some sort of noteworthy finale. Plus, maybe Tony & Ziva will work on breaking rule #12?

The New Girl: Mostly, I just laugh. And laugh.  And try not to choke on my food (there should be a disclaimer at the start, warning you not to eat while viewing) because of the laughing.  But I am a little concerned that Nick is going to move out.  Come on Nick, get it together.  You have to stay at the loft. 

The Big Bang Theory: Will Howard & Bernadette get married? Will Howard go to space? Will Penny & Leonard stay together?  Will Sheldon & Amy…um, you know? Will Raj find a lady? 

30 Rock: I don’t have any questions, I’m just here to watch (my BFF) Tina Fey be Liz Lemon. 

Parks & Recreation: I think I am as concerned about this election as I am about the real elections in November.  Okay, not really, but I am definitely worried for Leslie.  Voters can sometimes make poor choices, and she just wants this so bad, and would be so good for the town of Pawnee.

Fringe: Astrid!!!!  Kacey says she can’t die, she was in the amber.  But what if something happened and now that doesn’t exist.  I find it all very stressful.  Is that definitely where things end up?  What is going to happen to Olivia?  Can they really wrap this up in 13 episodes next season?  I mean, of course they can, and thank the TV gods they get to do just that. (Don’t anger the TV gods when you are still waiting to hear on other shows)

Okay, so when I lay it out like that, I think it’s really just Once Upon a Time, Castle, & Fringe that are high stress.   And Hart of Dixie is the only show left on the proverbial chopping block.  And you’re probably still judging me for that.  But whatever.  I’m just going to go make myself a Team Wade t-shirt.

Books read: 24 (Finally! I still have a couple hundred pages of Clash of Kings, but in the meantime, I finished Jenny Lawson's (The Bloggess) Let's Pretend this Never Happened.)

Coming Soon: Sarah writes a Bones/NCIS/Eureka triple crossover episode where they find the remains of a marine whose crazy experiment threatens to destroy town of Eureka.

When Television Does Good….

I’ve been recently inspired by the latest happenings on GLEE to take a moment and discuss that while yes, television might be slowing rotting my brain and as I continue to see the rise in crap television *cough-reality T.V.*(*pauses for laughter*) there are still some pretty great moments in television that take on important issues head-on. And in those moments I have hope that people are still using their powers for good and attempting to bring a little awareness to things that may otherwise might go unacknowledged or un-discussed by many.

Many shows have had their moments and have briefly brought awareness to social issues, but there are some that have just gone above and beyond a “special episodes” and will weave important topics and themes into an ongoing storylines proving that not all television is mindless. There are arguably many shows like, but here are some of my personal favorites:

M*A*S*H:

Okay, I wasn’t alive when M*A*S*H originally aired and there are many episodes I haven’t seen. But M*A*S*H is one of my dad’s favorite shows and I have spent many hours watching reruns with (and sometimes without) him. It has occurred to me as I have watched M*A*S*H just how ground breaking it was. Besides the obvious topic of a war, there was often something Hawkeye needed to fix (with the help of Trapper or Hunnicut) because other people were being stupid (usually Frank).
Granted war is a lot less funny than this show made it out to be, but in face of such tragic things sometimes people just need to laugh.

Buffy:

Maybe vampires and demons aren’t everyday occurrences for everyone, but much of Buffy’s (and the Scooby Gang’s) fighting was clearly a representation of things people fight daily in reality, particularly in high school. Teen suicide, feeling socially invisible, parents trying to live their children’s life, school shootings, being careful what you drink at frat parties, teen runaways…

Yes, many of these were one episode only, but it was ongoing. Joss Whedon created a show that tackled valid life things by creating actual demons and monsters to fight. Plus it created one of the most awesome, strong, bad-ass chick characters ever. The creation of a female character that all girls could see as a role model- in itself made this show worth a mention.

My-So-Called Life:

Oh the angst of Angela Chase! However, despite her middle class, nuclear family upbringing this show did bring up some issues that many “typical” high schoolers faced in the mid 90s when they left the house. One was having a best friend who seemed sort of wonderful and had far less boundaries than you, but facing the reality that this friend’s life was spinning out of control and she had way more problems than known. However, the best ongoing story was Ricky. Ricky admits in one episode he is gay, which is news to no one (but in the mid  90s somewhat controversial), but as it turns out Ricky is hiding a lot more than that. As seen in by-far the best episode of this short-lived series, “So-Called Angels,” Ricky’s home life is not good and hardly exist. Angela has her eyes opened to reality of teens without homes or home lives that are so much different than her own. It would have been a beautiful thing to see this show continue, but perhaps it’s better that we only saw a glimpse of the lives of these great characters.  

Jamie kept mentioning 90210 when I told her what I was writing about. Of course she means early 90210. I have a hard time buying into the fact that 90219, one of the most popular television dramas/soap operas ever, was trying to get a message out, especially since it was about a bunch of rich, spoiled kids. But I think she makes a valid point about all the “issues” they brought up on that show (abuse, gambling, drugs) and it is valid to mention the attention it may have brought light to some of these issues. And I honestly just don’t remember very much of it (nor have I watched it much in reruns).

GLEE:
As mentioned my inspiration for this blog was the latest episode of GLEE. Despite the wackiness of GLEE, it has continually taken on the topic of gay teens and what sort of reality high school can be for them (both good and bad). With the huge popularity of this show I can’t help but applaud that it has not deserted this issue, but instead tried to bring about more awareness. I feel like its creator Ryan Murphy is to thank and for him I give standing ovation.  *stands and applauds*

And in case you don’t believe television can actual make an impact, Jamie sent me this:

http://www.hypable.com/2012/02/28/glee-and-dan-radcliffe-get-results-record-number-of-traffic-calls-to-trevor-project-following-episode-and-psa/

Sitcoms are silly, dramas are filled with one unrealistic happening after another, and reality TV will ultimately the down fall of our society. And maybe it is all just a ratings and money game and I am naïve… but I like to think that some writers/creators/actors really are using their powers for good.

Coming Soon: Sarah analyzes whale migration patterns and likens it to the multiple reappearances of the Daleks.

Jamie & Kacey Review Season Finales & Predict Next Year's TV

Wow, May was pathetic. Instead of writing any blogs in May, we were watching TV, so it would seem only appropriate that our first (of more than one) June blog entry would be a recap of those season finales (SPOILERS included) and our predictions for next season. Our favorites that we both watch are How I Met Your Mother, Castle, NCIS, The Big Bang Theory, & Glee.

HIMYM: First of all, totally called it as soon as Lily started puking. I win. There are no witnesses, but I just want to be on the record here. Now, about Barney getting married. We saw his face when he saw Nora, we saw Robin's face. Who will it be? Being as this show just got picked up for a few more seasons I am going with Nora, but the wedding never happens as we have some kind of Ross/Emily/Rachel friends scenario. Barney can accidentally say Robin, she can interrupt it, doesn't matter. No way Barney gets married to not Robin. Unless he is getting married to himself. I am imagining that episode now... so funny.
Kacey's Comment:I'm pretty much on par with Jamie's thoughts. I think the Rachel/Ross/Emily scenario is most likely. The only other thought I had was that Barney getting married before Ted is going to be an issue for Ted, so I'm curious to find out how far into the future the wedding is.

Castle: OMFG. I can't even handle it. I was a wreck during the whole finale, even though I was sure weeks before that the Captain was going to be the one to bite it. And I called that he was "Cop #3" as soon as they put that on the white board. Despite my certainty, it was still intense and emotional and awesome. And then the end, and Beckett, and Castle said, and... I am pretty sure that cliffhangers like that are considered torture if you're going by the Geneva Conventions (the CIA would probably call it enhanced interrogation, and for the record, I would spill all my secrets and start making some up for a glimpse that the premiere). That said, I am confident they will not kill Beckett, and almost as confident that she will not have heard Castle drop the l-bomb. Cause, you know, they gotta keep taunting us somehow. Side note, Ryan & Esposito have gotten more and more awesome each season (each episode even) and this week they were both brilliant.
Kacey's Comment: All I have to say is that if they kill off Beckett I'll be torn between refusing to watch and my love for Nathan Fillion. But they won't, they just won't.

NCIS: So that was pretty intense. My only criticism is that it is not as intense as last season. And now, who is Tony investigating. My first and obvious thought is EJ, I mean what the hell did she take out of the dead guy's wrist. And it wouldn't be the first time Tony's love life got complicated, but then again, it would be very NCIS to throw us for a loop. If it's one of our favorites, then I am guessing that Tony will of course discover that this new Sec-Nav is wrong and the whole thing will be a big complicated mystery for our team to solve. Or maybe it's Ray, that would certainly complicate things, but they did say it was a Navy person, right? Guess I'll just have to watch next season. Oh, wait, I was planning on doing that anyway. And McGee... timing is everything dude, and you did not have it, but I still love you (and so does Abby).
Kacey's Comment: I hope it's EJ and she's bad because I don't like her. But more likely it's what Jamie said- just a complicated mysetery. I had another theory that it's the big guy that is Abby's friend but they'll keep it a mysetery for a little while.

Big Bang Theory, or really, Sheldon & Friends: Hilarious. Seriously, this show just cracks me up. And the end was perfect, with core group in a slightly disheveled state, staring awkwardly at each other. I am not sure where they are going to go with Priya. Will she really leave? I must say that even though I do not like her (and I don't really think we're "supposed to," whatever that means), she has served her purpose well. The other women on the show have bonded more (Penny, Amy, and Bernadette hanging out together is amazing), and relations between the guys have clearly been shaken with her & Leonard's relationship. At this point, she's made an impression, so I say we can all move on. But I'm okay with whatever as long as we get to keep Amy. If she was on a little more I would refer to the show as Sheldon & Amy. I might do that anyway.

Glee: On a scale of 1-10, I would give the episode as a whole a 6.75, I would give the ending a 10, and I would give Rachel & Kurt singing For Good on the Wicked stage a 12 million. Seriously, I cannot listen to that song without a few tears, and those two singing it was beautiful. Should they be cast as the two leads, I would watch that. Kurt would be a fabulous Galinda. Plus, what a great song choice to

really capture the relationships between glee clubbers over the last two seasons. There is a little hesitation to accept the impact the other person has as first, there is some apologizing, and then finally "I do believe I have been changed for the better, because I knew you, I have been changed for good." Okay, done with my sappy over-analysis for the moment. The hype for New York was too big and I found it lacking a little. And Mr. Schu deciding to just change his mind was a little quick. Although I never bought that he even wanted to go that bad, so I guess it all works out. Also, Johnathan Groff is gorgeous and amazingly talented, but I am so over Jesse St. James. If they just want to have him sing (when he sang the Adele song with Rachel during the Prom episode, I think I may have gasped a little), that's fine, but his character is a douche and I kind of want to punch him in the face, or just hope that Finn does. Why the end was the best: 1) Blaine and Kurt. Like I need to say anything else about that. 2) Mercedes and Sam! Love it! 3) Hello Rachel, you are in high school, it's not like you and Finn are getting married next week. I'm so glad we can just move forward with them, I like Finn better when he's with Rachel, he is a loser when he dates Quinn, and I like her better when she's not focused on getting him and being queen of whatever. 4) Brittney had a brilliant line (anxiously awaiting to find out if Mike & Tina's babies are Asian too) and yet was sweet and profound. 5) I like that Glee doesn't feel the need to leave us with big cliffhangers over the summer (and I couldn't take it after Castle anyhow). We have all the drama within the season and then get a nice little ending. Much like the show overall, it's not perfect, but you still feel happy about things and even about 12th place.
Kacey's Comments:I might rate it a little higher- maybe like a 7.5.
New York build up was lacking a little- I was ready for a New York musical number at the very beginning... but then had to wait about 10 minutes in, which was awesome!
I had no idea what Mr. Shu was singing (maybe it was from his own album?) but I didn't really like it.I also really liked the Britney, Quinn and Santana scene in the hotel room. I was glad they didn't draw out the Quin drama. Because sometimes I really do WANT to like Quinn.
And when Mr. Shu stays- I loved that Puck was the first to hug him. But I always love Puck.