Justified: The Real Deal

Finding a new show is as fulfilling as finding a new brand of makeup you never new existed and always hoped you'd find.

While looking for something interesting to fill my Grey's Anatomy Monday night slot while the show is on hiatus I happened upon the coolest show on TV right now, Justified. During the first episode you follow a super bad-ass US Marshall as he literally does a Billy the Kid style quick draw and kills a super creepy bad guy with nasty skin resulting in his transfer from Miami back to hicksville Kentucky, his home town.

The show makes Timothy Olyphant into a quasi superhero who can bring down seriously evil and ignorant white trash without breaking a sweat and wears a cowboy hat with the grace and ease of John Wayne. He's even got a swagger. With winner lines like the ones below there is no doubt this show is going to just get better and better. Super witty, hard-core without being grotesque like The Shield and some other shows out there, it's a recipe for success. The show has been renewed for a second season and considering the reviews it's getting, I wouldn't be surprised if it hangs around for some time.

God help me, I love it when bad guys get brought to justice. Buenos tiempos people. Surprising how different two shows with similar story lines can be. Do you remember that show I call Circling the Drain - In Plain Sight (I literally had to look up the real name)? That show is so lame it's enough to make you turn off your TV and wash the dishes. Thank God for decent writers.

Fave lines from episode 1:

[giving the prayer at Boyd's camp]
Raylan Givens: Dear Lord, before we eat this meal we ask forgiveness for our sins, especially Boyd- who blew up a black church with a rocket launcher, and afterwards he shot his associate Jared Hale in the back of the head out on Tate's Creek bridge. Let the image of Jared's brain matter on that windshield not dampen our appetites, but may the knowledge of Boyd's past sins help guide these men. May this food provide them with all the nourishment they need. But, if it does not, may they find comfort in knowing that the United States Marshal Service is offering fifty-thousand dollars to any individual providing information that will put Boyd back in prison. Cash or check, we can make it out to them. Or to Jesus. Whoever they want. In your name, we pray. Amen.

What to do, what to do?

Well, now that I have nothing to look forward to since my fave show, MasterChef Australia, finished I guess I have to sit around and wait for someone to have another awesome idea - unlikely - or wait for MasterChef Australia to come up with a cool show while we all anxiously await the next fantastic season --- much more likely. So I stumbled upon this promo and it blew me away. Cannot friggin' wait.

MasterChef Australia vs MasterChef USA

I'm not sure if you all watch cooking shows, but me lovey! Top Chef is addictive and so is MasterChef Australia. I found out last week that a new show just aired, MasterChef USA, and I was able to catch a couple of episodes. Right off the bat the differences between the the US and Aussie versions are loud and clear - screaming in fact. For one, the main host is none other than the foul mouthed hard ass, Gordon Ramsey. This should give you a pretty good idea of the level of harsh.

When I first started watching MasterChef Australia one of the first things I noticed was how supportive and encouraging the contestants were with each other and the judges with the contestants as well. Instead of the bitchy bickering and backstabbing found in Top Chef, the Australian contestants were happy to be together and were competing alongside each other as opposed to against each other. The judges seemed like they wanted the contestants to succeed, which is weird and I've never seen it before in any cooking or competition show. It was a breath of fresh air. When someone left it was a sad experience, but at the same time, not the end of the line. It seems to me that overall they changed many people's lives and helped them to realize their dreams with or without the title of MasterChef. I'm positive many of them left the MasterChef kitchen inspired to continue pursuing their dream and not devastated and finished.

Not so much MasterChef USA. From what I can see so far, the ones that leave there will leave with their spirits crushed and possibly suicidal. I'm sure there are cultural differences to take into consideration, as well as what makes thrills the audience. America loves to see Gordon screaming obscenities and spit at lowly losers, throwing kitchen utensils, gagging on their food, and if permitted I'm sure there would be some slapping going on as well.

On the other hand, there is something to be said for his passion about food, and his honesty. When he really does believe in someone, when he sees potential and promise he doesn't measure efforts in making sure they are given the tools and opportunity they need/deserve in order to prove their worth. Having his support is very much like having Simon Cowell's - it's all you need. When all is said and done, the Paula's and Randy's are good for your self esteem and a comfy shoulder to cry on, but their opinion isn't worth as much as the Simon's - he hates everyone and only just likes the awesome ones.

We'll see how it goes, but so far I'm loving the Aussie one better. You never can tell though. On a related topic but different show - I was friggin' shocked that Kenny was kicked off on the last TopChef episode. I did not see that one coming and in my humble opinion, they made a big mistake. Amanda should have gone home for overcooking her meat. Overcooked meat is vile and a very good reason to send someone packing.

LEE DEWYZE IS THE AMERICAN IDOL!!!

This is why Crystal and Lee were top 2. They're both amazing contestants - but I'm glad Lee won.

I Got Goosebumps

I Want to Go to Provence

The other day I saw an episode of No Reservations (Anthony Bourdain - one of the coolest people on the planet) where he goes to Provence. I have a close friend who's going there for a month long holiday and there are not enough words in any language known to man to describe how jealous I am of her. It kills me. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for her and I want her to go, but I want to go with.

The simplicity of the life there, the quality of ingredients and magnificentness of the food is impressive. I felt like I was there with Tony. For 1 hour I was totally tripping, imagining myself there with him. What a life. I will go in my lifetime, but not just yet. In the meantime I will read Peter Mayle's books and watch shows like No Reservations and drool like a crazy.

If you want to catch the episode I watched you can see it here. Also, the episode where he goes to Sardinia with his beautiful Italian wife and adorable daughter is one of the best episodes yet. I wanted to spirit myself there. While I was watching it I was making plans in my mind and thinking, how does one get to Sardinia? Probably have to fly to Italy first, then get a boat or small plane.... Insane!!! Please watch it. Tony is so stupidly happy it's a joy to watch. If you've been following his show from the very beginning until now, you can see a significant change in him. He's so in love with his wife and child it's almost nauseating to watch. I love it and I suspect if you're reading all the way until here, you will too.

Let's Talk TV

I was reading some comments (the only 3 ever posted) and someone asked me if I watched Spartacus: Blood and Sand - by "someone" I mean Jamie, bless her for commenting. I hadn't actually heard about the series until that moment (yes, I do feel stupid). I immediately looked it up and I saw a picture of Spartacus - uh...yes, please. This was not the odd looking Kirk Douglas Spartacus of old reborn, thank Jesus, this was a Spartacus I could really get behind.

The series is a kind of 300-ish style drama action complete with excessive amounts of comic book blood, greish filter over the camera lens, and guys in olden day thongs fighting it out in the snow. It's also got the gratuitous extra long sex scenes. The sex scene I saw in the first episode was not unlike the kind you see on Cinemax with at least 5 different unlikely and Cirque du Soleil acrobats only positions. So, awesome. If you're not watching it you should give it a try, it's fun.

Some other shows I have been enjoying are Cougar Town (so funny), The Good Wife (good writers, story and acting), Castle (basic cop show but it has a good cast that work well together, there is a light-hearted element to it not unlike NCIS which I find important in procedural shows, unlike SVU which makes you feel like shooting yourself after you finish the episode).

Important Idol Update & Retraction

I hate Siobhan.
Tim surprised me.
Still love Casey.
Aaron needs to go home now!
Crystal is still cool.
Lee's shyness is endearing - and he's great!
Mike is cool, not my fave, but totally cool.

(The Siobhan thing was the retraction - used to love her, now I hate her old lady voice and stupid screeching)

Another One Bites the Dust - Idol UpdateTop 9

(I know this a bit late but blogger wasn't posting well on Monday)

After last week's shows, here's what I have to say:

Aaron Kelly - Small child can sing, but there's a cheese factor there that turns me off. He's too young for the kind of songs he's singing. His performances are about as entertaining as the waiting room at the Senior Center. ¡Adios amigo!

Andrew Garcia - I have been lighting candles, tossing salt, crossing my fingers and praying for him to be awesome again the way he was during Hollywood week - and it all worked! His performance last week was excellent!

Casey James - He's not just a pretty face and rockin' bod. I love his voice and I think he's super cool. He has my vote. It's always fun to watch him perform and he hasn't let me down yet.

Crystal Bowersox - She's not as likeable as others, but she has a great voice and a very cool vibe. I was hoping she would get dolled up and stuff, but then after I saw her dressed up last week I changed my mind. It's so not her. I like her, just as she is (said in a Colin Firth British accent).

Katie Stevens - Urgh! I am so sick of her and blame her stupid ass for Lily getting kicked off way too early. She's a vote vampire and not worth the phone call. Stop with the voting already!!! She needs to go home pronto!

Lee Dewyze - So cool! He's hot, his voice is awesome - and sexy - and he has great, great style. He's gonna go far. I.Love.Him. If he keeps it up he's going to leave everyone in the dust. Crystal - sleep with one eye open.

Michael Lynche - Big Mike! I love his soulful R&B voice. He's really great and will go on to do great things. He's a sweetheart and has the likeability factor of a cuddly teddy bear.

Siobhan Magnus - She tanked. In a big way. I too, like Simon, am getting bored of her screeching and yelling in every single song. She has an amazing voice and a super range. Now she just needs to be cool about it.

Tim Urban - Why? Such a friggin' bore! Go home! Now!

Didi Benami needed to leave, but Katie and Tim Urban should have left before her. Whatever. I shed no tears for her.

I love Siobhan!

I'm a bit late posting about my favorite show of the season - American Idol, of course - and this may be because I'm still reeling from the nasty curve ball we were thrown when Lilly left. What in frick is America thinking? Is everyone on crack? Anyway, after recovering from the shock and horror of having one of my favorites leave so early in the competition, I can say that I have somewhat recovered and am ready to pronounce my #1 favorite for the season.

I'm sure you guessed from the picture and title of this post that I'm talking about Siobhan Magnus. Before Kara mentioned it, I said it, yes, I said that she was the Adam Lambert of Season 9. She really has that courage to get out there and do whatever. She's not worried about looking pretty, or "making love" to the camera and trying to flirt with the audience, like we see so many idiots do. She opens her mouth, belts out the notes, and delivers every single time.

I know a lot of people love Crystal -HRH and the boys love her - and while I like her a lot, I don't love, love, love her. There's a difference. This year the girls are kicking ass, although I do wish Katy and that other girl who wears orange foundation and ends up looking like an oompa loompa quite often would just go already.

The League - Best New Show Ever!

The universe is hating on me in a big way. My kitchen floor exploded - literally. The tiles started lifting all on their own like there was a monster coming out to terrorize us just in time for the holidays. There are closets and doors that need to be looked at, but even though we call and schedule with handymen, no one shows up. It amazes me that these people can feed their families. Are they doing so well that they can pick and choose what jobs they want to show up to? I don't think so. They're just ridiculously lazy.

Every once in a while when you're tinkering on the edge of despair, when you think nothing can go right, when you think your luck has finally run out and this is indeed the end of the line for you, and when you stop believing in the balance of the universe; something wonderful happens. Quite suddenly, out of nowhere, for no appearant reason, not because you've earned it - although you have; not because you deserve it - even though you do; not because you're worth it - though you know you are; but just because it's time. Finally, finally, after years, months of crappy shows that don't get cancelled (you know I mean you, Ghost Whisperer), of great shows that get cancelled (Carpoolers, IT Crowd, anyone?), a great show creaps up on us and quietly says "Boo!".

I'm talking about the genious that is The League. Instead of relying on beautiful people to draw in viewers every week, they rely soley on intellingent, witty and fantastic writing - and a bit of improv as well, I've heard. I watched the pilot episode by myself and laughed so much I wept. The birthday song alone is enough to convince you that this is a show worth watching weekly. Thankfully the network has been wise enough to renew it for a second season, and I can only hope many more. Who would have thought that someone could make an incredibly entertaining show out of a fantasy footbal league? Not me. I now have a seriously interesting line up of laughs to look forward to every week thanks to Glee, The League, HIMYM, and Community.

The 15 Hottest Guys in TV - according to me

I got totally carried away making my own slideshow, which is why I'm posting this today and not Monday. You can go on to BuddyTV and make one yourself - it's a blast. Anyway, here are my Top 15 (10 just wasn't enough):

SlideshowTop 15 Hottest Guys in TV

Top 100 Sexiest Guys in TV - according to BuddyTV, that is - NOT according to me

Angie sent me this link today and it was really fun to look through. I disagree with this list completely!!!! - I even rearranged and made my own Top 50. The only problem is that some of the guys in the 100-50 should be in the Top 50, so it really didn't work well. There are just a few that needed to be at the very top of the list, and I was a bit disappointed they were not given due respect, but I'll remedy that in a later post when I make my Top 10 Sexiest Guys in Television. Let me know if you agree with the lists below, or who you think should be at the top.

SlideshowTV's 100 Sexiest Men of 2009: #50-#1

SlideshowTV's 100 Sexiest Men of 2009: #100-#51

My New Favorite Show - Community

I heart Joel McHale! He's in my new favorite show. I could go on and on about it, but why don't you have a looksy and decide for yourself.

American Idol: Behold the Face of Evil

Kara DioGuardi..................... just joking. Here's her for real. Yirrh!

American Idol is off to a good start with hilarious auditions - really the best part of Idol - and snarky comments. Simon is being himself, which is really a good thing because - as one hopeful said - he keeps it interesting.

Paula is still acting like the comatose, drugged out, washed up 80's star that she is. Her sentences are only mildly incoherent as she is now forced to share the spotlight. "You, you are beautiful and your aura is so bright. You've got a sweet spirit and you, you're, fa-fabulous. You - your singing is - a melody - lullaby and calm - and you're just beautiful - but this competition - it isn't for you". She can't possibly be happy about that, which is one of the reasons I think she's saying less. Too bad. Her mumblings were entertaining and always gave us something to talk about. Yesterday she showed up in an old schoolmarm outfit, anybody else catch that? She had a blouse on that buttoned all the way up to her neck and a little higher, with - I kid you not - ruffles. She was wearing a bun - you can't make this stuff up - and glasses with those strings attached. You know those ones old people use so that they won't fall or get lost? If she was trying to tell us how much she hated being there, message received.

Randy, I don't know...whatever. He's his normal self I guess, which is not really very interesting or helpful. We've learned from experience that while he is an expert in his field, he's often way off base. It begs the question, what field is he expert in?

And then there's Kara DioGuardi. Annoying, attention needy, not at all funny, and over the top. She's trying to prove to everyone that she should be there and she's just making herself look like a fool. Yesterday she said something so mean to someone (thinking she was making a joke) and it was so hurtful even Simon was surprised. She sings along with people and tries to dance. She bangs the table and says things like, "I feel good!", making everyone around her - and millions of viewers worldwide - cringe. She's obnoxious, grating, and ridiculous. What were the producers thinking? That the 3 existing judges were getting too cozy so they would add a fly to the ointment? No one really cares about anyone but Simon anyway, so what's this all about really? Did the producer lose a bet? OMG! I bet that's what happened. Now that makes perfect sense!