This week I chose to delve into a personal hobby and interest of mine, which is cooking. Chopped is a weekly competitive cooking show on the food network. Four chefs compete in three rounds, Appetizer, Entree, and desert, using specific ingredients found in their 'Mystery Baskets.' Each round one chef is eliminated for having the weakest dish. The final chopped champion wins $10,000.
What intrigues me about the show is that not all the chefs are classically trained, they've been self taught. Others come from well known high end restaurants. But, the best part is that anyone can win.. the chef with the michelin star, the self made caterer, or the New York City top chef.
New episodes of Chopped can be seen Tuesday night's at 10pm and repeats can be seen just before and after as well as other times throughout the week on the Food Network.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Man Up!
This week's review is of the ABC comedy Man Up! I've seen every episode of this pilot season and I have to say it does a great job of living up to it's title. The show revolves around three men, one married and two living together. The outstanding actor in the show is Dan Fogler, from such movies as Balls of Fury and Take Me Home Tonight. Comedically, he shines, and is definitely the manliest of the men on the show.
This week's episode involves one of the men trying to convert a lesbian, one, avoiding his family for 30 minutes a day, and Dan Fogler's character finding himself meeting his new girlfriend's parents, who are lesbians, and therapists.
What I enjoy about the show is the constant subplots, that finally unite somewhere before the end of the episode. As a group the three men are hilarious but the show attracts other audiences by showing the perspectives of other people like Ex wives, wives, and relatives.
Check out Man Up! On ABC Tuesdays as 8:30pm.
This week's episode involves one of the men trying to convert a lesbian, one, avoiding his family for 30 minutes a day, and Dan Fogler's character finding himself meeting his new girlfriend's parents, who are lesbians, and therapists.
What I enjoy about the show is the constant subplots, that finally unite somewhere before the end of the episode. As a group the three men are hilarious but the show attracts other audiences by showing the perspectives of other people like Ex wives, wives, and relatives.
Check out Man Up! On ABC Tuesdays as 8:30pm.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Real World Problems
Hey bloggers,
This week's review is about a very volatile and debated subject. In this week's episode of the real world, the main focus of the show was homosexuality. It was the annual pride festival in San Diego and seeing as there are two gay housemates everyone decided to attend pride events to support their two housemates and to support gay and lesbian rights... Everyone that is except Zach and Ashley.
Zach was raised not understanding and being accepting of the gay culture and does little to show that he is open to their life choice. Ashley simply doesn't care and due to their mutual attraction she does whatever Zach doesn't.The house becomes divided when they choose not to go out with the rest of the housemates to a gay and lesbian bar. Later on Zach makes an ignorant comment to Sam, a lesbian, just after she's received news that a close friend of hers has been in a bad accident. This upsets, not only Sam and Frank, the two homosexuals in the house, but the rest of the cast as well.
A divide is created between the housemates and assuming by the previews of tonight's episode, drama will ensue. Catch tonight's episode at 10pm on MTV.
This week's review is about a very volatile and debated subject. In this week's episode of the real world, the main focus of the show was homosexuality. It was the annual pride festival in San Diego and seeing as there are two gay housemates everyone decided to attend pride events to support their two housemates and to support gay and lesbian rights... Everyone that is except Zach and Ashley.
Zach was raised not understanding and being accepting of the gay culture and does little to show that he is open to their life choice. Ashley simply doesn't care and due to their mutual attraction she does whatever Zach doesn't.The house becomes divided when they choose not to go out with the rest of the housemates to a gay and lesbian bar. Later on Zach makes an ignorant comment to Sam, a lesbian, just after she's received news that a close friend of hers has been in a bad accident. This upsets, not only Sam and Frank, the two homosexuals in the house, but the rest of the cast as well.
A divide is created between the housemates and assuming by the previews of tonight's episode, drama will ensue. Catch tonight's episode at 10pm on MTV.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Monster In-Laws
This week I chose to review a new show to which I have really been looking forward. It's called Monster In-Laws and it airs on A&E Monday nights at 10pm. It's simply delightful. I saw previews for the show weeks ago and I couldn't wait for it to premiere. The fact that they decided to air two episodes just made my night even better.
The first episode was about a couple who's parents would never leave them alone and who undermined the way they were raising their daughter. It was like the real life version of Everybody Loves Raymond but with much more yelling. The main problem was the grandfather. He was a hot blooded control freak who thought he knew what was best for everyone.
The climax of this episode was when he was finally confronted about how he was negatively impacting the family dynamic. He flipped out, and I could not stop laughing. I love it when people who are obviously the problem, are in complete denial.
The second episode was about an expectant couple and a mother in-law who recently reconnected with her daughter after 5 years of being ignored. This episode began like the first one. The mother in-law was undermining her daughter's husband and calling him out on the fact that being self employed can sometimes be difficult to provide for his family. However, with the help of the relationship expert provided by the A&E network, she soon realized how much trouble and stress she was creating. When the family settled down and finally figured out how much debt they were in, they realized how important having a good family dynamic can alleviate the stress that the economy has caused.
The show does well to both entertain the audience and teach a valuable lesson about being critical of your family. Check it out next Monday night at 10pm on A&E.
The first episode was about a couple who's parents would never leave them alone and who undermined the way they were raising their daughter. It was like the real life version of Everybody Loves Raymond but with much more yelling. The main problem was the grandfather. He was a hot blooded control freak who thought he knew what was best for everyone.
The climax of this episode was when he was finally confronted about how he was negatively impacting the family dynamic. He flipped out, and I could not stop laughing. I love it when people who are obviously the problem, are in complete denial.
The second episode was about an expectant couple and a mother in-law who recently reconnected with her daughter after 5 years of being ignored. This episode began like the first one. The mother in-law was undermining her daughter's husband and calling him out on the fact that being self employed can sometimes be difficult to provide for his family. However, with the help of the relationship expert provided by the A&E network, she soon realized how much trouble and stress she was creating. When the family settled down and finally figured out how much debt they were in, they realized how important having a good family dynamic can alleviate the stress that the economy has caused.
The show does well to both entertain the audience and teach a valuable lesson about being critical of your family. Check it out next Monday night at 10pm on A&E.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
The Walking Dead have returned.
This week's review celebrates the return of one of my favorite shows, The Walking Dead, on AMC.
I've waited an entire year for the second season, so many questions left unanswered, so many zombies left to kill.
The episode picks up as the cast is leaving the city of Atlanta, in search of answers and a way of surviving after the Center for Disease Control left them clueless. From the get go the cast is off to their inner conflicting dramatics.
To be honest I wasn't impressed with the season premiere. Too much crying, not enough zombie killing. A good chunk of the hour and a half premiere consists of the group searching for a little girl who ran away from the group in the woods.
Hopefully as the season moves forward, the questions become answered, the group stops making dumb decisions, and there's a glimmer of hope for the world.
I've waited an entire year for the second season, so many questions left unanswered, so many zombies left to kill.
The episode picks up as the cast is leaving the city of Atlanta, in search of answers and a way of surviving after the Center for Disease Control left them clueless. From the get go the cast is off to their inner conflicting dramatics.
To be honest I wasn't impressed with the season premiere. Too much crying, not enough zombie killing. A good chunk of the hour and a half premiere consists of the group searching for a little girl who ran away from the group in the woods.
Hopefully as the season moves forward, the questions become answered, the group stops making dumb decisions, and there's a glimmer of hope for the world.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Terra Nova jumps the prehistoric Shark
I knew it was only a matter of time until the new fox show, Terra Nova, would jump the proverbial shark. Only three episodes in and my biggest fears for the show have come true. The first two episodes toed the line between amazing and unrealistic.
This week, a disease has broken loose that forces anyone exposed to it to become disoriented and lose their memory. In a new world in another dimension millions of years in the past, full of rebels and dinosaurs, who would want to watch an entire episode about a disease? There are so many other subjects to touch on and this is the best they could come up with? As early into a series as this show is, you need to come out guns blazing, not with a sad excuse for an episode like this one.
I was extremely disappointed with tonight's episode, which is why my review is so short. Hopefully next week the writing staff will redeem itself and win back my favor.
This week, a disease has broken loose that forces anyone exposed to it to become disoriented and lose their memory. In a new world in another dimension millions of years in the past, full of rebels and dinosaurs, who would want to watch an entire episode about a disease? There are so many other subjects to touch on and this is the best they could come up with? As early into a series as this show is, you need to come out guns blazing, not with a sad excuse for an episode like this one.
I was extremely disappointed with tonight's episode, which is why my review is so short. Hopefully next week the writing staff will redeem itself and win back my favor.
Monday, October 3, 2011
House is back in House.
As I was weighing my options tonight on what tv show to review, I was watching Terra Nova and what do I hear? House is back. I had completely forgotten that House went to prison for driving his car through Dr. Cuddy's house and tonight was the season opener. My heart was all aflutter.
The eighth season opens with House in prison, and in a sticky situation. It's four days from his parole and he is in to the Neo Nazi's for a fat sack of Vicodin. Even a badass like Gregory House can't say no to White Supremacy. His only two remaining strings to medicine are the massive amounts of pills he owes and a prisoner who is struggling to be diagnosed.
He earns the trust of a young prison doctor who he helps diagnose this mystery patient until she finds out why he's in prison. Things get worse when the leader of the nazi party pressures him with one day left to get the pills. Things don't look good for everyone's favorite disgruntled doc. I'll let you watch the episode to find out what happens.
The interesting thing about this season opener is that the only character from House that is in it.. is House. Every other character seems to be a one to two episode stint. But there is some inclination that the prison doctor may join his team post prison term. Even in prison House, regardless if he wants to, can still make a difference in people's lives. In one scene he explains why he wants to leave medicine after prison, but after helping this prisoner he realizes how important his gift is.
I am very much looking forward to this season of House and so should you.
The eighth season opens with House in prison, and in a sticky situation. It's four days from his parole and he is in to the Neo Nazi's for a fat sack of Vicodin. Even a badass like Gregory House can't say no to White Supremacy. His only two remaining strings to medicine are the massive amounts of pills he owes and a prisoner who is struggling to be diagnosed.
He earns the trust of a young prison doctor who he helps diagnose this mystery patient until she finds out why he's in prison. Things get worse when the leader of the nazi party pressures him with one day left to get the pills. Things don't look good for everyone's favorite disgruntled doc. I'll let you watch the episode to find out what happens.
The interesting thing about this season opener is that the only character from House that is in it.. is House. Every other character seems to be a one to two episode stint. But there is some inclination that the prison doctor may join his team post prison term. Even in prison House, regardless if he wants to, can still make a difference in people's lives. In one scene he explains why he wants to leave medicine after prison, but after helping this prisoner he realizes how important his gift is.
I am very much looking forward to this season of House and so should you.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Two and A Half Men Returns
This week's review is about the return of the comedy series Two and A Half Men. The season premiere marked the welcoming of Ashton Kutcher to the cast of America's second favorite comedy and although the addition of Mr. Kutcher was a success, the episode itself left much to be desired.
The beginning of the episode answered all the questions left unanswered with the abrupt firing of Charlie Sheen:
At the beginning of the episode, a funeral for Charlie Sheen's character, aptly named Charlie, is held and all his ex-'acquaintances' were present to pay their last disrespects. Charlie's most recent flame speaks at the wake and explains just what happened to him. Apparently he 'fell' onto some train tracks but judging by her tone it was no accident.
The episode as a whole had a rather weak flow and when Ashton Kutcher was finally introduced, it was the funniest moment in the entire episode. He washes up on shore and appears behind the sliding glass door of the patio, startling Charlie's brother Alan so much so that he drops his dead brother's asses all over the floor.
The problem with this episode is that it was simply too short to completely explain Charlie's death, and to properly introduce Ashton's character, Walden, an internet billionaire who tried to commit suicide after his girlfriend breaks up with him.
If you're a fan of the show you won't be disappointed. The amount of dirty jokes has not dropped what so ever, and if you haven't seen the show before this season would be a great time to give it a try.
The beginning of the episode answered all the questions left unanswered with the abrupt firing of Charlie Sheen:
- Who would replace him?
- How would they write him out?
- Would the show succeed without him?
At the beginning of the episode, a funeral for Charlie Sheen's character, aptly named Charlie, is held and all his ex-'acquaintances' were present to pay their last disrespects. Charlie's most recent flame speaks at the wake and explains just what happened to him. Apparently he 'fell' onto some train tracks but judging by her tone it was no accident.
The episode as a whole had a rather weak flow and when Ashton Kutcher was finally introduced, it was the funniest moment in the entire episode. He washes up on shore and appears behind the sliding glass door of the patio, startling Charlie's brother Alan so much so that he drops his dead brother's asses all over the floor.
The problem with this episode is that it was simply too short to completely explain Charlie's death, and to properly introduce Ashton's character, Walden, an internet billionaire who tried to commit suicide after his girlfriend breaks up with him.
If you're a fan of the show you won't be disappointed. The amount of dirty jokes has not dropped what so ever, and if you haven't seen the show before this season would be a great time to give it a try.
Monday, September 19, 2011
First Post
Welcome to my TV Review blog. The reason I started this blog is for my English Class called Writing For Cyberspace. The reason I chose to review television shows is because I love television and I am hoping to work in the field after I graduate as a writer, producer, or director, preferably writer. You're probably wondering what makes me qualified to review television shows? I'll answer your question with another question? Who says there are any qualifications at all? I'd say a love for all things television should suffice. All I'm saying is that I know television. I know what works, and I know what makes the difference between getting cancelled half way through a pilot season and a multi-season box set. My viewing interests vary from shows like Sons of Guns to the far side of the spectrum like Dance Moms. Each week you'll see one or multiple reviews of a cornucopia of Television shows.
A few of my personal favorite shows, both running and off the air, include Scrubs, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Suits, White Collar, Pawn Stars, The Great Food Truck Race, Workaholics, It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, Sons of Anarchy, Community, The Office, Parks and Recreation, LA and NY Ink, the incomparable Jersey Shore, and many others. But my reviews will not be limited to these shows, in fact I'll try to keep them to a minimum. Feel free to disagree with my opinion of any show or episode, I always appreciate a different perspective on a show. Maybe you like or hate a character or have a show you want to see reviewed. Comments are always welcome.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)