His week in review (w/o 10/2)

Well, another week is in the books, as are the hopes of two shows (Playboy Club and Free Agents). I'm surprised that it is only those two at this point. People have settled in to the shows they like, have locked their remotes into CBS and probably aren't going to be swayed to tune in at this point. Shows on the bubble, beware.

Goodbye too soon: As you know, just 3 episodes in we had to say goodbye to one of my early favorites of the season, The Playboy Club. I talked to a few people about this to get their perspective and everyone agrees this show is obviously better suited for HBO, Bravo or some other cable station. The other concern (which is valid) is whether a concept like this has enough legs (plot-wise, not bunny legs) to hold on as a TV show. Would it have been better suited as a mini-series or a movie? From the sounds of it, they are continuing to tape the remaining episodes with the hopes that someone will pick it up. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Solid rebound: After a shaky pilot, I thought that Pan Am had a solid 2nd week out last week. I'm afraid that this show could suffer a similar fate as The Playboy Club, however Pan Am does benefit from a much better time slot and can capitalize on the Desperate Housewives lead-in. Really hoping they can land another good one for us on Sunday. Pun intended.

Love is in the air: How many episodes until Steve McGarrett and new Five-0 task force profiler Lori Weston hook up? He thinks she's annoying and is mad she was just placed on the team. She thinks he's a neanderthal that can't be controlled. Sounds like the makings of a perfect relationship to me. I give it 2 more weeks. While we're here, I think something isn't quite right with Joe White (played by Terry O'Quinn, or Locke, whichever you prefer). I think we're going to find out he had something to do with Steve's father's death. Probably right around sweeps.

Best dance scene: Goes to Jess and the boys from New Girl. Slow chicken dancing at a wedding? Classic. Thought about breaking that one out at the bar last night but couldn't pull the trigger. Not quite as funny as singing Dirty Dancing in a restaurant, but it was up there. Another solid week for one of our follower's top new comedies.

Her Friday must-watch (10/7)

Tonight I'm really in the mood to shop for some a-mah-zing new fall clothes. But I'm also in the mood to curl up on the couch in my comfy, completely unflattering pajamas with a blanket and a glass or three of vino. The best compromise? Watching Fashion Police on E! at 10:30/9:30c. It's my must-watch pick of the night, y'all!

I look forward to seeing Kelly Osbourne, Giuliana Rancic, George Kotsiopoulos and especially Joan Rivers comment on the fashion choices of the Hollywood rich and famous. Love seeing the best dressed picks of the week. Love seeing the worst dressed picks of the week even more. Hey, sometimes it helps the old self esteem to see a beautiful celebrity who makes more in one day than I will in my life be taken down a few pegs - especially while sitting in aforementioned unflattering pajamas while at home on a Friday night, drinking wine and eating ice cream. Oh yes, there will also be ice cream.

Her Thursday must-watch (10/6)

A friend said to me recently after he learned I had never seen a single episode of a popular comedy show, "You write a blog about TV and have never seen Parks and Rec? That's like being a baker and never having tasted cake."

"You mean Parks and Recreation?" I asked.

"Whatever, yeah. Parks and Rec is what the cool kids call it."

So I've decided to make this show (8:30/7:30c on NBC)  my must-watch for a few reasons. a)I want to be a cool kid. b)I'm not sure about his analogy, but I do like cake. c)I've seen every episode of Up All Night and I kind of feel like the other woman in Will Arnett's life. It's time I befriend his real-life wife, Amy Poehler. (Not sure where that leaves Christina Applegate.)

If you already watch this show, I'm about to join your ranks. If you don't, but watch it after reading this post, then decide you hate it more than the Parents Television Council hated The Playboy Club, I call no blamesies. I have no idea how good or bad this show is, but I'll have a better idea after tonight. I'm a little suspicious, though, because the same guy who I had this conversation with told me he really doesn't like New Girl. How can I trust a fool like that?

His Thursday must-watch (10/6)

What we have right here is a situation. Tonight is a pretty big night. We've got Tigers/Yankees Game 5 on TBS to see who will move on to the ALCS against Texas. We've got the 2nd episode of How to be a Gentlemen, which I actually thought was pretty funny last week. There's the 2nd night of Bootcamp on The X Factor. I have Her challenge to deal with - Grey's Anatomy. This could be a long night!

What better to end it though than with a solid episode of Jersey Shore (10/9c on MTV). Honestly, I haven't been as religious about watching this show this year. The Italy thing through me off a little bit. I prefer this crew in their native surroundings of Seaside, but apparently they are doing quite a number overseas.

Seriously, could these people be more of a train wreck? How many times can Snooki learn she hooked up with Vinny? This has to be at least the 10th time. Just get it over with and be together already. Poor Jionni is stuck as collateral damage. What guy in his right mind would date one of these girls? Listen, you can't date anyone with a nickname that includes "WOW" in it. Also, after the returns we have seen on the Ron/Sam relationship we know she is out. Deena is a disaster and Snooki is Snooki. I mean the title for last week's episode is "Three men and a Snooki". Just terrible.

On the flip side, I'm the one who is watching. So maybe that's worse.

His Wednesday must-watch (10/5)

I admitted I was wrong about this show at first. Somehow in just three weeks Revenge (10/9c on ABC) has vaulted from "I'll wait" to "must-watch".

Maybe it's the joy in watching the wealthy and spoiled fall from grace. Maybe it's the calculated way we get to watch Emily Thorne take the rest of the Hamptons to task. Or maybe it's just an appreciation for some good old vindication. Either way, this show is outstanding.

Through the first two episodes we have witnessed just how devious and vengeful Emily is, yet at the same time how resourceful and patient she can be. This is proving to be a dangerous combination as she picks off those who wronged her family one-by-one. And it's not in a lame or predictable way either. She's hitting them where it hurts most - their friendships, businesses, families and fabricated reputations.

The question isn't if she'll get caught. The question is who's next?

Her Wednesday must-watch (10/5)

Connie Britton from Friday Night Lights. Denis O'Hare from True Blood. Jessica freakin Lange from too many things to mention. Dylan McDermott from The Practice, and my dreams. These are just some of the amazing cast members that star in my Wednesday must-watch: American Horror Story (10/9c on FX).

It's not often a show like this comes along - I think. I don't know a heck of a lot about this show, except that a family moves from Boston to Los Angeles to get away from their past, just to find themselves in a new situation that doesn't exactly seem awesome. At least that's the vibe I get from the suspense-filled promos filled with  quick cutaways that remind me of a horror movie trailer. Regardless, American Horror Story has me intrigued. Want a sneak peek? You can watch the first 5 minutes of the show here.

I'm excited. I'm scared. I'll probably watch with the light on and a phone nearby in case I need to call for help. And I'll definitely be saving Happy Endings or Modern Family to watch afterwards to make sure I'm in a laughing mood rather than a panic attack mood before bed. Here's hoping Cam's bike shorts make a cameo.

Poll results: Favorite new comedy

And the nominees were: 2 Broke Girls, Free Agents New Girl, Suburgatory, Up All Night and Whitney.

So, how did He vs. She on TV readers vote? It was a tie! 2 Broke Girls and New Girl  got the same amount of love, which means it's up to us to declare a winner. While we think both shows are totes hilarious, our vote goes to New Girl. You just can't "suppress the Jess!"

Thanks for voting, and keep a look out for our next poll, going up soon.

His Tuesday must-watch (10/3)

Call me crazy, call me a historian, call me whatever, but tonight I'm watching the conclusion of Ken Burns' 3-part special Prohibition (PBS, 10/9c).

I know what you're thinking - "boring". I disagree. What's boring about the end of prohibition? Organized crime? Al Capone? An era full of gangsters and lawlessness? Sorry, I'm intrigued. You are too you just can't bring yourself to admit it.

And quite honestly there's not a whole lot I'm interested in watching tonight to begin with. Sure there's Glee, Dancing With the Stars, Biggest Loser, NCIS and 90210. But I either dumped those long ago or never seriously got into them. I know, what horror.

In any event, I'll be hitting the couch and turning on some solid Ken Burns' Prohibition action instead. I'll make sure I have a beer to keep me company.

We lost it

You can't say I didn't try.

The first casualty of the fall season has been announced, and as we had feared it is NBC's The Playboy Club. It just couldn't compete in a tough time slot and didn't have the ratings to keep NBC from pulling the plug. Especially with the criticism the show was receiving.

Of course, Two and a Half Men was the #1 show of the night. So predictable.

Her Tuesday must-watch (10/4)

If I had the voice of one Miss Rachel Berry, I'd sing my Tuesday must-watch from the rooftops. But I don't, so I'll just add a bunch of extra vowels to get across my excitement: Gleeeeeee (8/7c on Fox)!

Watch with Kristin says "it is arguably the best episode of Glee" ever, with tons of great scenes and story lines for multiple characters. Best. News. Ever. That includes Brittany (Heather Morris) doing an awesome musical number. If it's anything like her performance of Britney Spears' "I'm a Slave 4 U" from last season (complete with a snake -  her name is Brittany S. Pierce, after all), you're not going to want to miss it. Plus, I gave this character props for her quote of the week last episode, and can't wait to see what words of wisdom she has for the gang tonight.

I also have to throw in an honorable mention pick. Tonight, sitcom icon Tim the Toolman Taylor returns to primetime TV in Last Man Standing (8/7c on ABC). Everyone with me now: Urrrra! While I'm not completely sold on this show based on the promos, I'll definitely give it a shot in honor of Home Improvement's Tim Allen. And Jonathan Taylor Thomas.

Good golly Miss Molly!

There's a new funny "it girl" in TV land. Okay two, if you count Zooey Deschanel, which of course I do. But she's not the subject of this post. Who's that girl? It's Molly! Well, Melissa McCarthy from Mike & Molly, I mean.

Truth be told, I never got into Mike & Molly when it first came out. But then I saw Bridesmaids, and I thought maybe I should give her show another chance. Mccarthy was the funniest part of this film, and that's saying a lot because it was absofreakinglutely hilarious. Then I watched as she won an Emmy earlier this year for her role as Molly in the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series category. Again I thought, okay, maybe I should tune in. What sealed the deal, though, was seeing McCarthy host this past week of Saturday Night Live. Not only did the show receive solid ratings, it was one of the funniest I've seen in a long time. Check out one of my favorite sketches of the night here.

So, Mike & Molly has now been upgraded to DVR status. And Mike better watch out, because I think I just may be falling in love with Molly.

His Monday must-watch (10/3)

Tonight is a pretty important night. One show that shouldn't be canceled is on the chopping block and needs serious viewer support. Another show that has been atrocious and gets 20 million viewers a week is getting one last chance from me, and should be on the chopping block but isn't.

I'll start with the latter. I'm going to give Two and a Half Men one more post-Sheen chance tonight, but I'm really not happy about it. I don't consider a "must-watch" because to be honest, it's just not as good as it used to be. Maybe I just don't like the story line of Walden, or maybe I'm just sick of Alan's character. Whatever it is, I know that watching this show last week was more of a chore than an enjoyment. If it has another week like that it might be the end of the road for me, and should be the end of the road for some of those other 20 million that keep tuning in.

My true must-watch for tonight is The Playboy Club. It's probably going to get canceled soon. It might even get canceled tomorrow. So this is quite possibly the last chance to enjoy it. As I mentioned this weekend, it is a good concept for a show with some nice characters that is suffering from a terrible time slot. It's a sinking ship that needs some support, so I'm going to support it until the bitter end.

How does Men get 20 million viewers when Playboy Club can't even get 2 million? Well, Club has an audience that most likely doesn't watch TV religiously. They watch it on demand, or watch mostly shows on HBO. Everyone watches Men because of Sheen, what was going to happen after Sheen, and because apparently most people's remotes don't work and their TV is stuck on CBS.

So please people, I'm asking you for your support. Watch The Playboy Club tonight. If you haven't seen it yet, go back and watch the pilot. Stealing a quote from Empire Records - Damn the Men. Save the Empire (well, club, but you get what I mean).

Her Monday must-watch (10/3)

Before I get into tonight's must-watch, I want to encourage you all to tune in to The Playboy Club tonight, as it's need of some desperate ratings help. As Perez Hilton and others have speculated, it very well could be the first show canceled this season if things don't turn around fast. I'm enjoying this show and the character stories that are developing, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

So why isn't The Playboy Club my must-watch? Well, I'm afraid it may be too late for this show no matter what I say, but a girl can dream. More importantly, there's one other show that I can't not throw my must-vote watch to because of the importance of it's third episode of the season tonight: Two and a Half Men.

In the first two episodes, everything that was needed to set up this season has been taken care of. Here's the rundown: Bury Charlie Sheen - I mean Harper; introduce Ashton Kutcher's character Walden Schmidt; have Walden move into Charlie's old house; have bikini-clad (presumably) former lover of Charlie stroll in from the beach looking for him only to find out he's dead and hit on Walden instead; meet Walden's wife, who was the reason Walden tried to drown himself and ended up at Charlie's beach house in the first place; have Walden hire housekeeper Berta and ask her to move in; and of course, make life so awkward for Alan at his mother's house that when Walden asks if there's any way he can repay Alan for everything he's done for him, have Alan say "Mind if I stay here a while?" And there you have it.

So far the ratings for a Sheen-less Men have been HUGE. Like Walden Schmidt huge (as we learned in episode one). But episode three is where the setup ends and the real future of Men begins. Will viewers stay interested? I can't wait to find out.

Also, previews show Ashton will be sporting a half-up ponytail do. That image alone is worthy of a pause button moment.

His Sunday must-watch (10/2)

What will I be watching tonight (in addition to the Jets/Ravens Sunday Night Football game on NBC)? Well, I'll be focusing my attention to Desperate Housewives (ABC, 9/8c).

Last week we saw how keeping the secret of Gaby's stepfather's murder was tearing the housewives apart, and was particularly hard on Susan (of course) and Lynette. The ladies agreed to keep their secret, however I'm sure they'll have to keep having more pow-wows and pep talks about this throughout the season. At the end, Bree received a creepy, but familiar note in her mailbox that read "I know what you did. It makes me sick. I'm going to tell." The same note Mary Alice received at the beginning of the show.

Look, I know what you're thinking. How can a guy switch gears from football to Housewives? Could they be more different? Surprisingly, they have a few things in common. Drama: close plays late or close calls for getting caught doing something scandalous. Scheming: play calling or some elaborate Bree/Gaby devious plan. Trash-talking: at the line of scrimmage or women behind each other's backs. I could go on, but I'll stop there for now.

Her Sunday must-watch (10/2)

I'm a big fan of The Good Wife, and I'm pretty sure more people would be if they gave it a chance. That's why it's my must-watch tonight. Need convincing?

The Emmy's sure love this show. The Good Wife grabbed noms for Best Series, Drama (again), as well as Best Actress, Drama (Julianna Margulies), Best Supporting Actor, Drama (Josh Charles and Alan Cumming), and Best Supporting Actress, Drama (Christine Baranski and Archie Panjabi). Margulies took home a trophy. Talk about a solid show. Plus, it also stars Mr. Big! (That's Carrie's soul mate for you non Sex and the City watchers.) 

Plus, there's more than enough scandal to go around. Political antics. Office politics. Love triangles. Did I mention Margulies' character is now separated from her husband (Chris Noth) - who she found out slept with her co-worker best friend before they were friends - and sleeping with her boss (Charles), who is being especially hard on her to try to keep their relationship under wraps?

Now that's must-see TV.

Her week in review (w/o 9/25)

Let me just start by saying I think I'd be happy if all channels aired nothing but The Vampire Diaries and New Girl at all times. I love these shows! They are, to steal Penny's word from Happy Endings, a-mah-zing. But there are many other shows to watch, and you know I'm watching 'em. So here's my rundown for the week.

Best shower scene: Don't get any ideas. On Modern Family, Gloria was yelling at Jay about coddling their dog, Stella, as he was lathering up in the shower. Cut to near Jay's ankles, where the adorable pooch was sitting on the shower floor. "What?" Jay said. "She tries to drink the water. It's funny!" Agreed. And so is this show.

Cutest fight scene: On The Big Bang Theory, the usually unemotional Sheldon was not too happy when Leonard was speaking fondly about Sheldon's equally socially awkward friend, Amy Farrah Fowler (you know, Blossom). Cue Sheldon, wearing a flannel bathrobe and train conductor hat, karate chopping Leonard in the shoulder. "She is not for you...Not. For. You."  Aww Sheldon. We love you even more than we already did. Bazinga!

Best verbal rally: This could also be called the most ridiculous conversation ever. On How I Met Your Mother, check out the back and forth that happens when Lily tells Barney what he can do if he wins the bet they've made. Lily: I will let you touch one boob. Barney: Both boobs. Lily: Just one. Barney: Touch and squeeze. Lily: Just touch. Barney: Touch and motorboat. Lily: Just touch. Barney: Honka honka? Lily: Barney. Barney: Just touch. Lily: Just touch. Barney: For one hour. Lily: For one second. Barney: For 20 minutes, both boobs. Lily: 20 seconds, one boob. Barney: Four minutes, both boobs, three squeezes. Lily: One minute, one boob, one squeeze. Barney: Deal.     And he almost won the bet, but Lily distracted him with something. I'll give you two guesses. 

Best celebrity dancing moment: No, not Nancy Grace pulling a Janet Jackson. On Jersey Shore, Snooki heads to the bar of a restaurant to drink away her sorrows the day after her visiting boyfriend Gionni left her in Florence. Then she starts to bust a move. Alone. In the middle of a restaurant. In the middle of the day. "I'm heartbroken. So let me dance!" she yells at the restaurant patrons. We've all been there, right? After a tough break up, sometimes you just gotta dance it out. Snooki also tried to forget her pain another way: hooking up with Vinny that night. Oh Vinny, you used to be my favorite.

The "Dude, that's harsh" award: This goes to Captain Kragen on Law & Order: SVU. Fresh off Detective Elliot Stabler leaving, Kragen tells Detective Stabler: "Elliot's not coming back, Liv...Let him go. And you can start by cleaning up his desk. We can't keep it as a shrine." Dude - I mean Captain, Sir. That was harsh.

Quote of the week: Any idea what character blurted out this doozy? "When a pony does a good deed, he gets a horn and he becomes a unicorn, and then he poops out cotton candy until he forgets he's magical, and then his horn falls off. And black unicorns, they become zebras." That would be Britney from Glee, who else? Heather Morris delivers Britney's ridiculous lines so perfectly in this show, I may have to devote an entire category to "Britney's quote of the week." We'll see.

Alright folks, that's it for now. What was your favorite TV moment of the week?

His week in review (w/o 9/25)

Well, another week is in the books, and it was a good one. Well, it was good for some shows. Some others? Not so much.

Worst 2^nd episode: This distinction goes to Castle. The super hero plot was brutal, sorry. And seriously ABC, we don’t care about Alexis and her class schedule. Does Beckett need to get shot every other week to make this interesting? This week it was as if none of that even happened. Total letdown. But hey, at least we got to see Martha dressed up as King Lear…

This show is doomed, and I don’t care: After two episodes ABC’s Charlie’s Angels is not in good shape (wow, ABC is batting a thousand right now). This week’s plot was pretty slow and I’m finding it hard to believe they are going to be able to keep this thing going. Because it is Angels, people will continue to watch for a few weeks, but unless they step their game up this one could be a goner.

Made me laugh: New Girl followed up a solid pilot with another great episode this week. I was definitely concerned with how the writers would handle the transition from Coach to Winston but they pulled it off. Schmidt and Nick put it solid performances again and are showing that they create a great team with Jess. Best scene was when all 5 (Roommates, Jess, Cece) all crammed into the car as they pumped Jess up to get her stuff back. “Schmidt happens”. Classic.

Please be better this week: Pan Am really needs to be better this week. It was decent at best last week, but I was hoping for something better. Like I said last week it’s a great concept for a show. I’m pulling for it.

Biggest miscalculation: This one goes to myself. I decided to go back and watch the pilot of Revenge this week on demand. This show is ridiculously good. I totally underestimated how awesome it is to watch someone take people who have wronged them to task. Especially wealthy people who think they are better than everyone else. News flash Hamptons – Emily Thorne is going to tear you down. And we’re all going to enjoy watching.