I'm back!!

Dear (few) faithful blog readers,

After a 17 month absence, I have decided to get this blog back up and running. I'd like to say it's because I've been hit with tons of profound and inspired thoughts that I just had to get on "paper", but in reality, I'm bored at home and figured what else do I have to do?

Also, I recently had the "inspiration" to write a post about TV theme songs. So there's that.

Anyway, I've decided to try and write about more than just television (although I'm keeping the blog title the same), so if anyone has any thoughts/suggestions on other things I could write about, let me know! But let's be honest - my expertise extends beyond television into the realms of candy, window shopping, being lazy, and not much else - so that's probably all you'll get.

With much love,

Your favorite MIA blogger, P.

Tonight is the last regular episode of LOST ever. Ever, you guys. Ever.

So let me start out by apologizing/explaining my prolonged absence. Here's basically what happened to me:

LOST CAME BACK ON TV.

You would think that LOST coming back on would make me want blog more than ever before, but what it actually did was two things: 1) I realized everything else on TV royally sucked in comparison and I had no desire to write about anything but LOST. Nothing else was inspiring me, and watching many of my other shows (with a few exceptions like Modern Family and the brilliant new Parenthood) began to feel like a chore. 2) I was talking about/gchatting about/emailing about/listening to things about/thinking about/reading about LOST so much that I couldn't bring myself to actually write about LOST. With emails to friends, listening to podcasts, reading videogum, Doc Jensen, USA Today and DocArtz, theorizing on gchat, and just generally think about the show, I lost (ha) the will to form coherent blog posts about LOST. Those two things combined led to me just not blogging about TV at all.

So those are my excuses. Moving on...

Tonight is the last regular one-hour episode of the show I have loved more than anything else on TV ever. There are more memorable moments from my LOST watching experience than any other show on television, bar NONE. And I honestly don't really know what to do with myself. I'm not sure how to properly commemorate this. I've read everything I can get my hands on, looked all the fanmade videos and montages and pictures and paintings that are out there. And yet SOMEHOW, I still don't feel like I'm properly commemorating/honoring the end of this show.

A friend who's equally obsessed told me she was talking to another friend who thought that if tonight's episode was the finale, we would be at a candlelight vigil or something. Seriously though, you guys, a candlelight vigil seems somehow appropriate.

Anyways, all of this is to say - I feel a mix of emotions I've never felt about any other piece of entertainment in my life. I know I'm not (completely) crazy about the way I feel because other people have felt it for other things - and I thought I felt as strongly about Harry Potter (the books) ending but it doesn't even come close. I just felt the need to share how I feel about this, and maybe writing this all down will at least help with emotionally processing the end of LOST. Any to the (few, if any, at this point) readers I have out there - How are you commemorating the end of LOST? Are you watching the show with a bunch of people? Are you going to a viewing party? Are you watching alone?

Finally, I leave you with this:

(My Personal) Top Ten TV Shows of the Decade! - Part Two

5. The Office (BBC, 2001-03; NBC, 2005-Present) - So this was a slightly harder show to appropriately place on the list, mostly because I've taken the liberty of lumping two distinct shows into one. Ricky Gervais' creation put 'mockumentary style' comedy at the forefront of sitcoms today and inspired the one and only Michael Scott that we all know and love. While the British version is arguably 'better' because it was the original, the U.S. version has spun-off an identity all its own - particularly one that plays better amongst American viewers. While there have certainly been lulls in the show (see the writer's strike season), from 'Diversity Day' to 'Niagra' the laughs keep coming. The mixture of awkwardness, romance, and day-to-day office monotony has proved a lethal combination for several seasons.

4. The Daily Show (Comedy Central, 1996-Present) - While The Daily Show began in 1996 with host Craig Kilborn, it didn't really become the show we all known and love until Jon Stewart came on board in 1999. Since then, The Daily Show has become a trusted source of comedic news - yes news - for viewers around the country. While Stewart takes great pleasure in mocking the current affairs of our great nation, he also presents them in a manner that has earned him immense credibility. Most importantly, he has shown no qualms with mocking all sides of the political world. Taking us through three presidential elections, The Daily Show has not only become one of the staple late night talk shows, it has also made politics cool again.

3. Arrested Development (FOX, 2003-2006) - If there is any more egregious show-cancellation in the history of network television, I can't think of it. What made this show so genius - the recurring inside jokes and layers of subtle, detailed and intelligent bits - is also what brought about it's demise. While unable to attract new viewers to this seemingly ridiculous show, Arrested Development succeeded in taking the thirty-minute sitcom to a place it had never been before. The sheer complexity of the on-going jokes and embedded humor relentlessly rewarded it's viewers but signed it's own death warrant. Luckily though, shows like The Office, 30 Rock, and Modern Family have succeeded in continuing the tradition of laugh track-less, absurd comedy.

2. The West Wing (NBC, 1999-2006) - There are few greater contributors to television than Aaron Sorkin (see: Sports Night, Studio 60), and The West Wing is truly his masterpiece. Despite the fact that Sorkin only wrote and produced the first four seasons of the show, his blend of incredible characters, non-cheesy political idealism, and fast-paced dialogue set the scene for three more (slightly less) successful seasons. The West Wing indulged, in dramatic fiction form, America's love affair with politics and the office of the Presidency. Every character was impeccably cast and it's hard to imagine any of these actors (Sheen, Janney, Whitford, Spencer, Lowe, Maloney, Schiff, Hill) ever being more closely identified with another role. At its core, though, was the show's ability to portray the successes and failures of governing and public service, while still carrying a tone of idealism, optimism, and - yes - liberalism.

1. LOST (ABC, 2004-Present) - While many skeptics argue that LOST's true value remains to be measured by it's impending final season (*tear*), there is no doubt that the show has gone further and bolder into realms of mythology, sci fi, plot twists, and head-scratchers, than any other show on television. The wisest move made by the shows' writers and ABC, though, was their decision to set an end date for the series. While LOST admittedly 'lost' it's way in the third season, every episode since the decision to end the show at six seasons has remained on track and been packed with punch. There is no denying that LOST has demanded a LOT of patience and attention from it's viewers - clearly explaining why it's ratings have dropped off since the first season - but unlike other shows in this ambiguous drama/scifi/mythology genre, LOST has made itself otherwise accessible. The levels and layers of the show are what allow it to appeal to so many different audiences. There are those, like actress Evangeline Lilly, who turn to the show for its characters. At the heart of LOST is a group of people interconnected through family, history, coincidence, and fate, and seeing their story unfold has been the most rewarding part of the show for some viewers. Others, like myself, take greatest pleasure in the underlying mythology behind it all: What are the numbers? Who is Jacob? What is Smokey?; and slowly having these questions answered while springing up infinite more has kept many viewers turning back. And then there are the true LOSTies: the bloggers, the message board posters and readers, the total LOST nuts who I love, admire, and like to think of myself on the fringe of, that research and study LOST. It's no coincidence that ABC has developed 'LOST University', a place to actually educate yourself about the science, history, religion, and numerous other fields of study behind the show. All in all, LOST is a theatrical masterpiece that has millions of viewers eagerly waiting in anticipation for February 2nd. Maybe most importantly, though, LOST showed the entertainment world that no concept or creation was too much for television.


Honorable Mentions:
Friends - Many addictive seasons, many laughs, but defined the '90s more than it did the '00s and is therefore undeserving of a spot.
Sex and the City- Changed the face of 'chick-flicks' for television and redefined the way young adult women viewed life, love, careers, and sex.
Project Runway and The Amazing Race - Probably the next two best reality competition shows after Survivor. Great concepts, even greater challenges.
American Idol - Pop culture phenomenon, no doubt, but too frustrating and idiotic of a show in many ways to deserve a spot in the top ten.
How I Met Your Mother - The last worthy laugh-track sitcom in my opinion, but does not define the '00s in the way that non-laugh-track sitcoms have.
Gilmore Girls - One of the best shows ever put out by The WB/CW. Intelligent, witty, emotional, great acting, great stories, and if this list was just a few longer, GG would definitely have a spot.
Desperate Housewives - Marc Cherry's hilarious and dark social commentary on materialism, scandal, and 'American values' has had some serious highs and serious lows, but is definitely worthy of a mention.
Pushing Daisies - Far too short-lived. The concept of two lovers being unable to touch was fascinating but probably too much for American culture to really latch on. Still, PD, is without a doubt the most visually and aesthetically impressive show from the '00s.
Modern Family and Glee - It's too soon to tell, but critics have high hopes for where these shows will go based on their premiere seasons. If the current trend keeps up, it's likely they will come to define the next decade ahead.

(My Personal) Top Ten TV Shows of the Decade! - Part One

First off - apologies for a very prolonged absence. Apparently I haven't quite mastered this whole blogging thing. Finals came around and I basically gave up TV blogging (but not TV watching, of course). Anyways, on to today's order of business: it's that time of year where the entire world seems to compile top ten lists (no, seriously, TIME Magazine did "The Top 10 Everything of 2009", and they're not kidding...they really did 'everything'...I mean, top ten new species? really?), but this year is particularly exciting as it has sprung tons of "Top Ten of the Decade" lists. In particular, there's been a few Top TV Shows of the Decade lists floating around the web, so I've decided to go ahead and write my own!

I decided to write my own list after reading some of the others for two main reasons: 1) I often disagree with the rankings of the shows, and 2) I don't watch some of the shows on the lists. Now, I know that a true TV writer would be able to make a list based on ALL TV shows of the past decade, but unfortunately I just haven't had the time to become that well-versed with some shows. So take my disclaimer seriously when I say: **DISCLAIMER** This list excludes widely-regarded 'top' shows of the decade, based solely on the fact that I either do not watch them at all, or do not watch them enough to faithfully put them in this list.

That being said, here are MY PERSONAL Top Ten TV shows of 2000-2009!

Part One:

10. 24 (FOX, 2001-Present) - This counter-terrorism real time thriller could not have started at a more opportune time in history. At the precise moment when the country was at it's height of fear about terrorism, 24 showed the world that one man could - literally - save the world. In each season Jack Bauer successfully accomplished a one-man tour de force - in 24 hours. Following his every move in real time over a 24-hour period was not only thrilling and extremely rewarding in the end, it also introduced an innovative new framework to television. While some of the more recent seasons have seemed repetitive and lacked the punch of the original few, it's hard to ignore the mass appeal this show produced during the middle of the decade - as evidenced by facebook groups like "Jack Bauer for President".


9. Veronica Mars (UPN/The CW, 2004-07) - While I would love nothing more than to rank this show higher on my list, it's hard to ignore the few drawbacks in this otherwise incredible show. I'll start with the bad first: Nielsen ratings for VMars was terrible, with the show being canceled abruptly and to the dismay of it's cult viewers. The third season was very good, but not great, and when a show only lasts three seasons it's harder to ignore the weaknesses. As for the good: The first season of this show was arguably one of the best solitary seasons in television history. A simple concept - 'teenage detective solves cases around town while trying to solve the overarching myster of who murdered her best friend' - was executed perfectly with an impeccable cast, snarky humor, dark undertones, and high school romance.


8. Survivor (CBS, 2000-Present) - Whether you watched this show beyond the first season or not, it's hard to argue with the notion that Season 1: Survivor Borneo and Season 1 winner Richard Hatch changed the face of reality TV. Now, many seasons later (18? 19? I can't keep track), countless shows have tried to spin off the basic concept of Survivor but none have succeeded in topping the original reality TV master of the decade. The challenges have always been intelligent and interesting, and the locations? in one word: impressive. Whether the 'castaways' are facing jungles, oceans, rain, or scorching heat, the natural elements of mother nature continue to play a crucial role in the show, giving it the one element that almost no other reality show has been able to capture: reality.


7. 30 Rock (NBC, 2006-Present) - Facing the competing threat of another show also based on a behind-the-scenes look at live sketch comedy (Aaron Sorkin's Studio 60), critics weren't expecting much from 30 Rock. Surprisingly, 30 Rock blew away expectations and (sort of) filled the void left behind by the departure of Arrested Development. Growing from cult favorite to three-time Emmy winner for Best Comedy, 30 Rock propelled mastermind Tina Fey into the Hollywood spotlight, and vice versa. The comedic antics of Alec Baldwin and Tracy Morgan only further fuel Fey's fire, giving real spark to this endlessly quotable show.


6. Friday Night Lights (NBC, 2006-Present) - There are few words to adequately describe the delicateness and raw subtle emotions of FNL's characters and storylines, which are the show's true brilliance. Surrounding the residents of one rural Texas town and it's high school football team, FNL's heart-tugging plots, innovative camerawork and outstanding cast (someone please give Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton some freaking Emmy's or at least a goddang Emmy NOMINATION) have prompted NBC to fight for the show's survival despite bleak viewing numbers. Here's hoping the numbers turn around or that NBC continues to put up the fight, because this show certainly has a lot of heart left to give.

Part Two: ....to be continued!

Three Quick Things Re: 1) HIMYM, 2) Glee, 3) LOST

Each of these items isn't substantial enough to deserve an entire post, but here are three quick thoughts for today:



1) ***SPOILER ALERT*** If you didn't watch Monday's HIMYM then skip ahead.
For those of you who saw it - THANK GOD they put an end to Barney and Robin!!! "Barnman and Robin"....haha. Look, I love Barney. I love Robin. I predicted them together awhileeee ago...but it just didn't work. I'm not giving up on them in the long run (as in, maybe they can get back together in the final episode of the show), but nobody actually wants to SEE them together as a couple. Certainly not as 'disgusting' Barney and Robin. Look, fat Barney was pretty hilarious, but Robin was just gross. I just couldn't stop looking at her greasy hair...blech. Anyways, halleluljah to the end of that!! And now Barney can go out and seek her Canadian Variety show which is sure to be brilliance.

2) Glee tonight - WOOO a new episode, FINALLY, after two weeks of hiatus due to Fox's hosting the World Series!! Not only do we get Glee back, but we have the additional treat of finally seeing the song that I've been waiting all season for: Defying Gravity. Holy Crap ya'll, can anyone deny how excited they are to see the mini-Idina Menzel (Lea Michele) perform this?! Ok, I'm assuming she's the one that performs it, but if it's someone else that's fine too. I'm just EXCITEDDDD!!

3) LOST - If you haven't already seen this fan video, YOU NEED TO. It's a parody on The Lonely Island's We Like Sports, but seriously, I think it's even better. The number of LOST references they manage to squeeze in there is AMAZING. Like truly brilliant. In "We Like Sports" the two dudes are Guy 1 and Guy 2, but in "We Like LOST" its Guy 4, and Guy 8. AS IN THE NUMBERS. 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, 42. AMAZING. Anyways. Watch and enjoy (and find these two dudes for me because they need to be my friends).

'V' Series Premiere - What did you think?

I just finished watching the pilot episode of 'V' which aired last night, and my first thought was - 'Awesome!!' It was nice to FINALLY see the show that ABC has been hyping up for WEEKS. I'm definitely going to stick with it through the duration of it's first chunk (which I'll explain below), but here are my overall thoughts:

1) They packed a TON of information into that first hour. The pilot definitely had me at the edge of my seat (couch) for the entire first hour, but are they really going to be able to keep that up? I mean they introduced the V's, explained their characteristics, showed multiple plotlines amongst the humans, revealed the big secret about the V's, AND managed to uncover some V's amongst the people we previously thought were humans! All in an hour!

2) I can see myself getting sick of the storyline with Juliet's son pretty quickly. (DAMMIT, did I really just call her Juliet? I realized this about 30 seconds into typing this paragraph and once I realized it I figured I might as well just leave it in because approx. 50% of my 10-person readership will understand my mistake...haha). Anyways, ERICA'S son is quickly becoming obsessed with the 'V's and I totally understand why this makes for an intriguing plot line (i.e. mother vs. aliens + alien bff son) but I just worry that it'll annoy me if they drag on the mother/son conflict for too long. Now if they get him over to 'the resistance' side quickly, I can totally get behind that.

3) Anna totally gives me the heebyjeebys - in the best possible way. I'm psyched for where they can take her character.

4) Not loving Scott Wolf's character (Chad) just yet, but I really hope they go somewhere good because I think his inside eye into the V's could be really helpful - especially since he's already starting to doubt/question them.

5) The Erica-Dale storyline. LOVED that Dale was a V!! That's huge and I think that's going to be really really interesting in the coming weeks.

6) Elizabeth Mitchell. Sigh. I love you Juliet and I'm pretty sure you're dead on LOST, but Damon did promise that you'll be back on the show in some capacity (flashbacks maybe?), and it's nice to see you on here for now! And speaking of LOST.. V is certainly nowhere close to LOST in comparison, but this is looking pretty promising if they can keep things up....which brings me to my last point...

7) The formatting - ABC is apparently splitting V up into two chunks. They will air 4 episodes now and wait until March to air the other 9. ABC claims the reason for this is the Winter Olympics - now this makes sense to me, BUT my real question is, did the writers craft the show around this break also? If so, this could work very very well. My biggest concern about the show is it being just that - a tv show. V seems like the type of concept that could work brilliantly in either a movie or a miniseries but I worry about dragging it out over several seasons of TV. If they package it into miniseries, though, it has the potential to keep up the pace (maybe not as fast as the pilot, of course) and keep things interesting. Of course, other shows have tried to do 'segments' (like Heroes) and it has not always panned out. If, on the other hand, they are NOT syncing the storyline to the way the show is going to the air (and instead just leaving a gaping several month hole in the middle) then I'm pretty sure V will tank. No one wants to re-live the middle of the season break that LOST took in Season 3 because it was disastrous, frustrating, and overall unsuccessful.

Anyways, those are my snap judgments on V. What did you all think? Will you keep watching? Will it replace LOST for you when *GASP* it ends next year? How amazing is Elizabeth Mitchell? Is anyone else totally digging Father Jack?

The cast of 'Glee' sings the National Anthem at Game 3 of the World Series!

I may be hating the World Series right now (and truly, what's not to hate? the Yanks, the Phils, everything), but I absolutely loved the 'Glee' cast's performance of the National Anthem at Game 3! This was a pretty brilliant move on Fox's part - Glee hasn't aired because of the World Series, so what better way to promote their new superstar show than by sticking them smack IN the World Series. I usually get sick and tired of Fox's over-promotion of things, but this was a good move.

Also a good move: having Amber Riley (character Mercedes Jones) sing lead on the National Anthem. While Lea Michele's voice may be more theatrically fit for the show, Amber Riley definitely has the biggest voice and her leading the way was fantastic!

(Sorry I don't know how to embed the actual video into a post, but click on the link above to see the performance)