Friday Night Lights is all I have left. Let me explain myself, I’m out of new television. Officially in a drought. I’m supportive of the writers’ strike, but damnit, I write about TV, I need TV to do that. Anyway, tonight’s episode, Humble Pie, proved yet again that the major flaw of season two is the inability to have plots flow and feel original, things FNL used to make look easy.

Let’s start with Smash’s racism arc. My attitude towards Smash is often indifferent, especially during most of this season when the writers reverted any growth he may have had during Waverly’s sickness, to him simply being ‘The Smash” again. Now it’s obvious the writers are trying to mature him, make the character realize that there are more important things in life than football, but unfortunately it’s continuing to feel like a retread of last year’s race storyline with Mac McGill, except this one’s a lot less subtle. Gaius Charles is no doubt effective, especially in the scene where Smash consoled his younger sister after the prank call and the final scene where Smash realized just how screwed he was, as is Liz Mikel as Mama Smash (often the highlight of any episode in which she appears), but as often is the case with this season of Friday Night Lights, the actors are once again saving otherwise weak story lines. Even with Smash’s future up in the air, I’m having difficulty caring about this plot.

Another plot I’m having difficulty with? Tim and the Meth Man. Tim went from being the show’s figurative punching bag, to the literal one. Of course he didn’t get away with stealing Meth Man’s money, but having Lyla provide the money seemed like a cheap way out. I doubt Meth Man’s gone for good (especially after Billy opened his mouth) however I wouldn’t complain for a moment if he was. The last thing this show needs is another murder.

And then there’s the epic love story of Lyla and Tim. Tim loves her, she doesn’t love him, I don’t care. It was great to see Lyla set him strait that they would never happen again, as they only made sense during Jason’s hospitalization. Without that dramatic event to bond them, we get no sense of why these characters should be together and Tim’s speech that he knows her so well fell short with me, does he really know her at all? Of course part of Lyla’s rejection is because of Chris, but there’s just something about him that rubs me the wrong way. Maybe it’s the smile and his seemingly perfect response to everything she throws his way? I’m hoping there’s something more to his character.

After two weeks off screen, Tyra returned with not one, but two story lines. After her refusal to give Landry a shot, it seems like the two parted ways a bit, with Tyra returning when she needed math help. Typical Tyra. It was nice to see something new get thrown her way, in the form of Jean. Her ridiculous jealously over the new girl provided some much needed comedic relief, especially since Landry was enjoying it so much. Also awesome? Matt and Tim’s reaction to Jean’s mixed tape. The quiet smiles and gentle ribbing as Landry finally became the recipient of some courting, rather than the dumbling fool, were great to see.

Not as great as Tami’s look when Tyra easily put the chips on top of the fridge though. It felt like the first time in ages I’ve actually laughed out loud (not in disbelief) at FNL. Unfortunately the volleyball storyline felt like a tired retread of last year’s Powderpuff game, with some bad volleyball scenes. Seriously, I know the show is on a budget, but they couldn’t have hired Adrianne Palicki a coach or something? The writers haven’t forgotten that Tyra owes Tami for last year(this is the second time Tami’s cashed in on it this year, the first being Pantherama), but they’ve given us no scenes to show that that relationship has continued. It seems like this plot would give the perfect excuse for Tyra to get some much needed Mrs. T therapy, however, with Julie’s snide remark that Tami was “one for seven,” it’s obvious that the real reason for the renewed Tyra/Tami interaction was to facilitate yet another fight between Julie and her mother. Julie’s had one note all year, and it’s beyond annoying thirteen episodes in.

Now, Buddy’s the exact opposite. Brad Leland continues to win every scene he’s in, this time as he gave Jason a job and the confidence he needed to make the sale. The look on Buddy’s face when Jason told him that he closed the deal with the looky lu? Too great to describe. As nice as it was to see Jason again, it’s obvious the writers don’t have a clue what to do with him He’s outgrown Dillon, no doubt, but he’s still there. However, catching a glimpse into Jason and Herc’s hilarious domestic squabbles and guy love? Enough to make me forget that the character serves no purpose as of late.

Humble Pie was a step up from last week, but it feels like FNL is stuck. With only two episodes remaining in season two (and perhaps the entire series), they don’t have very long to get out of it.

*Photo courtesy of NBC.

Popularity: 72% [?]

Once again the promo monkeys at NBC ruined pretty much every major twist in this episode. Thanks guys. There was no doubt that Bryce would turn out to be a good guy, after all, we saw the lengths he went to protect Chuck in Chuck vs. the Alma Mater. However, Bryce is still capable of breaking Chuck’s heart, without even realizing it. For a guy who considers Chuck his only friend, Bryce is pretty self involved not to notice that he’s once again wedged himself in between Chuck and the girl of his dreams. As for last week’s kiss between Chuck and Sarah, it went completely ignored on Sarah’s end, although it was obvious she felt bad when Chuck was asking her to Thanksgiving dinner. I have to say though, making out with Bryce in Chuck’s bedroom? That’s cold. At least she realized pretty quickly that Chuck saw them and was retaliating in the only way he knew how, by sending Casey after Bryce.

It was a good thing that Bryce went off on his one man mission, as it left the potential for his return, and no doubt he’ll wreak havoc during a future sweeps episode. Plus, despite all the answers we got about his sending Chuck the intercept and going rogue, there’s still one giant question mark out there, his involvement with Jill. Here’s hoping the next time we see Matthew Bomer as Bryce, it’ll simply be in flashback form, shedding some light on Chuck: The Stanford Years. Having Bryce there also completely threw off the dynamic between Casey/Sarah/Chuck, and just for that, I’m glad he’s gone.

As for Casey, I’m ashamed of myself for not realizing before tonight the potential that he could have with Awesome. Seriously, these two are prime candidates for love unabashed guy love. Am I the only one who’s waiting for the episode where Awesome and Casey have to compete in some display of athletic ability? It’d be gold just for the smack talk Casey would end up dealing Awesome. But knowing Awesome, he’d be completely oblivious to all of Casey’s snark. I also loved that Casey knew how to suit up for the occasion, and even more so, that he embraced the Cosmo’s.
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Popularity: 75% [?]

How great was The Office last night? Seriously, how great? If you didn’t love every minute of it I advise you to turn away now because I sure as hell did.

Highlights:

* Creed’s blog.(which actually exists over at NBC)
* Meredith explaining how her gentlemen like it behind.
* Jan’s new lady lumps.
* Kevin. Every single thing even did.
* The Stanley Nickels v. Schrute Bucks.
* Karen rightfully exclaiming, ‘Pam’s a bitch!’
* Angela’s ecstatic, ‘Goodbye, Kelly Lapoor.’ No one makes a better Lady McBeth than Angela Kinsey.
* The surprising emotional resonance that Pam’s note(with the Olympic medal) had to Jim(and myself).
* Michael’s absolute horror in the car ride home with Jan. He knows he’s trapped and there’s nothing he can do about it.
* And the final moment with Ryan, in skeezeball glory, not even looking at Kelly. ‘You and me. We’re done.’

I assumed we’d get some sort of Jim and Pam romantic moment this episode was I was truly shocked when Jim interrupted her talking head to ask her out. I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t have a smile on my face as wide as Pam’s when that moment went down. Even more pitch perfect, the absolute honesty they shared with one another during the flashback. It’s great to see two characters truly comfortable with being truthful to one another. Sure, as Pam said, it took 3 years but you know it’ll be a fun ride next season. I personally can’t wait for the scene of Jan in stretch-pants waiting for Michael at 5:15.

Congrats need to go out to Melora Hardin for being able to disguise the absolute BatShitCraziness of Jan. I never understood why Jan wanted Michael so much until tonight. She is the female Michael Scott. Same congrats for Jenna Fischer, who with a single talking head broke my heart and made me jump for joy. That smile was infectious.

Popularity: 23% [?]

It’s Christmas in NYC for anyone obsessed with TV, it’s upfronts week! If you’re not familiar with upfronts it’s when the networks announce their schedules to advertisers and expect them to make blind ad buy purchases on shows they know very little about. Stars and creators are flown in, big parties are thrown, all with the hope that advertisers will fall prey to the scheme. It’s the best week of the year!

Today brought NBC’s official announcement, even though info has been leaking the past week. Here’s NBC’s official fall schedule:

*New programs in CAPS (with the exception of “ER”)

MONDAY

8-9 p.m. “Deal or No Deal”

9-10 p.m. “Heroes”

10-11 p.m. “JOURNEYMAN”

TUESDAY

8-9 p.m. “The Biggest Loser”

9-10 p.m. “CHUCK”

10-11 p.m. “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”

WEDNESDAY

8-9 p.m. “Deal or No Deal”

9-10 p.m. “BIONIC WOMAN”

10-11 p.m. “LIFE”

THURSDAY

8-8:30 p.m. “My Name Is Earl”

8:30-9 p.m. “30 Rock”

9-9:30 p.m. “The Office”

9:30-10 p.m. “Scrubs”

10-11 p.m. “ER”

FRIDAY

8-9 p.m. “1 vs 100?/”THE SINGING BEE”

9-10 p.m. “Las Vegas”

10-11 p.m. “Friday Night Lights”

SATURDAY

8-9 p.m. “Dateline NBC”

9-11 p.m. Drama Series Encores

SUNDAY (Fall 2007)

7-8 p.m. “Football Night in America”

8-11 p.m. “NBC Sunday Night Football”

SUNDAY (January 2008)

7-8 p.m. “Dateline NBC”

8-9 p.m. “Law & Order”

9-10 p.m. “Medium”

10-11 p.m. “LIPSTICK JUNGLE”

The big announcements for anyone who frequents this blog is that ‘Thursdays Done Right’ are staying put. Rumours of Scrubs’cancellation were pre-mature, but expect this upcoming season to be the last for the show. Friday Night Lights has been moved from Wednesdays to Fridays at 10pm. Not sure how I feel about that one. Friday Night Lights is one of the few shows that I would schedule my night around but I haven’t made an effort to stay home on Fridays since X-Files. That was nearly a decade ago. I honestly don’t care where the show is as long as its there.

No new shows really stand out, but that’s to be expected from NBC at this point. I know I’ll be watching Lipstick Jungle solely because I’m currently reading the book to prep myself for the series. Bionic Woman also sounds promising considering the behind the scenes talent. Pilots should be leaking out within the next month or two and I’ll make sure that I review every one I manage to get my hands on.

Popularity: 15% [?]

Miss The Office last night? That sucks. Seriously, that sucks hard. Yet again The Office managed to render me speechless with a moment of truth, reminiscent of Jim’s Casino Night declaration of love. The normally passive aggressive Pam, for lack of better words, grew a pair and told all of Dunder-Mifflin how she felt about a)everyone skipping her art show, b)everyone treating her like crap and c) Jim. If you missed it last night, NBC’s posted a season finale primer to catch you up:

Popularity: 6% [?]

May is such a weird month TV wise. Not only do we get the excitement of season finales but we also get upfront news. At times it can be heartbreaking, realizing a show you love dearly is dead, even if it didn’t get the ending it deserved. But May can sometimes bring the best news, and today just happens to be an example of that. According to Ausiello over at TVGuide, Friday Night Lights has received a full season order. I’d attempt to type how happy I am about this but I just don’t think it’s possible to convey that sort of emotion in words. If you’re paranoid that Ausiello’s wrong, Kristen over at E! has confirmed the same news. It’s a good day folks!!!

In what I’m sure a lot of Grey’s Anatomy fans will be bitter about the Addison spinoff currently titled Private Practice, has been picked up by ABC. While this comes as a shock to no one it does confirm that half the Grey’s creative team will be jumping ship to the new show. Considering Grey’s quality as of late, this news just comes as confirmation that the show is on a slippery slope to sharkdom. Check out this cute but ridiculously cocky video of Kate Walsh on Ellen Degeneres hearing the news for the first time from the head of ABC Entertainment, Steve McPherson:

Popularity: 9% [?]

Last night brought the return of Molly Shannon to Saturday Night Live, there to plug Year of the Dog(creepy movie!). While at times the show was entertaining, it also showcased its current weaknesses. Every generation has that SNL group that they’re biased about and love, Shannon’s crew is mine. I grew up with SNL in the 90’s and actually made last weeks special appointment TV. Shannon, O’Teri, Gasteyer, Ferrell; that’s the SNL crew I loved as a kid.

Right off the bat, the show screwed up by opening with Mary Catherine Gallagher, something they should have hinted at and saved.Gallagher was the highlight, followed by a pre-recorded 90’s homage to Molly and Lorne Michaels’ secret love affair. They also brought back Jeannie Darcy and Sally O’Malley(with camel toe!) but it was unfortunate that some of Shannon’s best sketches requireAna Gasteyer(Delicious Dish) and Will Farrell(Dog Show).

Weekend Update continued to be awful, using stale jokes that wouldn’t make the Leno monologue. Amy Poehler brought back Kaitlin, but that character has worn me down. Frankly, Kaitlin annoys the hell out of me. It was still a delight to have Shannon back and it was the first time in years that I actually made an effort to watch Saturday Night Liveon Saturday night. However, Saturday Night Live just isn’t the same show it once was, and there’s nothing Shannon could do to help that.

Here’s Jeannie Darcy:

and Sally O’Malley:

Popularity: 9% [?]

Wait for it folks….this is me eating crow.  Maybe it’s just that I love Sorkin doing Christmas but I thought tonight’s Studio 60 was a step short of delightful.  I didn’t even care about the unfunny sketches.  Decent amount of relationship progress tonight between all the usual suspects.  All in all a quality episode.  No super detailed recap tonight due to school.

Short recap below:
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Popularity: 19% [?]

I miss ED. That’s really all I have to say. It was a gem of a show that NBC abused and destroyed. Thanks to music copyright issues the DVD’s will probably never arrive and it’s YouTube presence is not big enough for my taste.

To say ED was a quality show would be an understatement. Every character had shining moments. The citizens of Stuckyville were crazy but not Stars Hollow crazy. The chemistry between Ed/Carol/Mike/Molly/Nancy was great, it really felt genuine. How can you beat a bowling alley lawyer? You can’t. Plus there was Warren, the antics of Phil and the $10 bets. It was brilliant. The show however ended up being destroyed by the one thing that kept it alive: Ed and Carol.

I was definitely one of those people that wanted Ed and Carol together and cheered when it happened at the end of season 3. Season 4 was incredibly wonky due to NBC’s influence in the writing. The network wanted all Ed and Carol. The show ended as naturally as it could have with Ed and Carol’s wedding.

Here’s hoping it makes its way to DVD one day, until then here’s the final scene of the show courtesy of YouTube:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ha7ug6Ur3ZI]

Popularity: 11% [?]

If you’re a regular to this blog you know I write about Studio 60 about as much as I do Gilmore Girls. You’d think by sheer numbers alone that I’d be enjoying watching it. Not so much. Like our good friends over at FOX News I’m attempting to make TvDork a ‘Fair and Balanced’ blog(note the irony). Enter Dan Zaiontz, who from this day on will be my partner in crime with all things Studio 60. You see Dan loves the show. He’s the yin to my yang. Therefore in the coming weeks Dan and I are going to debate what we love and what we hate about the show. Kind of like a pop culture crossfire(but entertaining). Hopefully you’ll enjoy our debate as much as we will. We really like fighting about tv. At least I do. Without further ado here is Dan’s first column on Studio 60. I won’t debate this one cause I kinda like it.

Tales of a Television Idealist by Daniel Zaiontz

Popularity: 12% [?]