Live From New York...

So I know I’ve told you all that I’m a huge fan of Saturday Night Live. But I’m going to tell you right now that when I came home from a night of attempting to be a college student again, followed by an equally impressive rally at a football game, followed by a night of babysitting, I couldn’t stay awake until 1 am. But I did watch a large portion of it which is what I’ll comment on.

At 11:30 pm, host Amy Poehler commenced the 36th season of popular variety show, Saturday Night Live. Poehler’s opening monologue was absolutely fitting for her triumphant return to Saturday Night Live, her first time as a host! Guest appearances -made by Tina Fey, Jimmy Fallon, and Justin Timberlake to name a few- flooded the stage as Poehler walked us through a crazy dream she had. Maya Rudolph returned to the NBC set for the sketch Brooklyn Beats where she and Poehler play two stereotypical Brooklyn mothers gossiping about anything and everything. Katy Perry, the musical guest for the evening, appeared in the skit in a shirt mocking her recent stint on Sesame Street. The singing starlet, known for her pop beats and perky boobs, wore a shirt with Elmo’s stretched out head on the front. Recently, Katy Perry’s Sesame Street segment was pulled from the air after outraged mothers complained about her cleavage. Though I’m sure she’s not sorry for it, she poked fun at herself, something all Saturday Night Live hosts and guests must be able to do, and got fits of laughter from the audience.

I think it’s fair to say that Elmo wasn’t tickled by Katy Perry’s musical performance to “California Girls”. It was evident that her much auto-tuned voice on the radio didn’t translate so well via the live performance. Her dance moves looked mechanical at best…think Britney Spears at the VMA’s right before her nervous breakdown. Perhaps she should stick with live acting?

The longest segment of the night and in my opinion, the best, was Weekend Update with Seth Meyers and Amy Poehler. The two have an on-screen chemistry that, while not romantic, is symbolic of their long-standing friendship. Their “Really?!” segment was laughable, but it was honestly seeing the two of them together again that made this portion of the show so enjoyable.

Aaaanddd, this is when I fell asleep. Sorry, guys. I highly suggest you watch the entire episode to familiarize yourself with great television. Here’s the episode below:



Episode Grade: B+ (from what I saw)

How Do I Spend My Thursday Nights?

Watching NBC. Plain and simple, that’s what I do. The line-up is unmatched: Community, 30 Rock, The Office, and the newbie, Outsourced. So here is how my Thirsty Thursday panned out:

Community

Last season’s finale left off with Britta confessing her love for Jeff (Joel McHale). His response? Sneaking away to make out with Annie. After their summer vacation, we re-visit the Greendale Community College study buddies and witness the drama that unfolds. After being empowered by other women, Britta must go along with a fake relationship initiated by Jeff in order to continue her reign as the female idol. Betty White guest stars as a crazed and perhaps senile anthropology teacher whose lesson to teach the class about the power of respect turns into attempted murder. Senor Chang (Ken Jeong) finds himself as a student at the very establishment where he was formerly a professor and desperately tries to appear cool so as to receive an invite to the popular study group. The drama arrives when Britta discovers the secret kiss shared between Jeff and Annie. The episode wraps with a brilliant scene in which Senor Chang channels his inner-Gollum in a psychotic yet hilarious monologue.
Episode Grade: A-

30 Rock

Matt Damon guest starred yet again, providing a treat in the very first episode of the season. He plays Carol, a pilot who is dating Liz Lemon. As Jack Donaghy tries to teach Liz about dating tactics, it seems that he’s having some trouble of his own figuring out the motives of his new girlfriend, Avery (played by Elizabeth Banks). Kenneth the Page has left 30 Rockefeller Plaza to work for CBS and Tracy Jordan is having a tough time dealing with the adjustment. In an episode dominated by the all too often inappropriate game of “Would You Rather?” we find out that Liz is terrified of falling into a relationship resembling The Barefoot Contessa and her spouse, Jeffrey. It seemed that this episode was a bit more daring in the FCC regulations department and yet a great episode was produced.
Episode Grade: B+

The Office

The 7th and final season for Michael Scott started off with a bang…and a new opening credits scene! The episode opens with “Lip Dub”, a viral video made for Youtube by the employees of Sabre, the former Dunder Mifflin.



It’s been said that this final season will be a culmination of all things Michael Scott- every storyline they have wanted to do for him and more. The office has a new face: Michael’s unkempt and unruly nephew. Though at first the office doesn’t know that he is related to Michael, they find out and scold Michael for nepotism, a word which he doesn’t quite understand the meaning of. After ruining a brilliant prank that Jim has hatched for Dwight, Pam takes it upon herself to prank Dwight. The prank backfires and she ends up stuck in an elevator with Dwight whose survival instinct kicks in when he decides the need the designate the urine corner. After the incessant complaints to Michael about his useless nephew, Michael scolds him by spanking him in front of the entire office. Definitely not appropriate or legal, but everyone in the office finds it hilarious and reenacts the moment for Pam and Dwight who missed while stuck in the elevator. Great quotes, great cast, great show.
Episode Grade: A

Outsourced

So I decided to give this show a try because I thought the idea had potential. I’m not writing this in past tense because I now disagree, but I also don’t whole heartedly agree…at least not yet. So here’s the run-down: Todd was just trained for a managerial position at an American Novelties telemarketing company. When he returns to his office he finds that they have outsourced their telemarketing to talent in India. He decides to keep his job and his story begins at his new office building. The cast of characters playing the employees is unique to say the least. There’s Manmeet the actor, Gupta the incessant talker, and Madhuri the low-talker. The idea for the show stemmed from a short film made in 2006 but perhaps some more kinks need to be worked out. There were some laughs to be had but I’m not sure how long this politically incorrect show can stay afloat.
Episode Grade: C+

Hawaii Five-Okay

I have always been a fan of the phrase “Book ‘em, Danno” ever since I saw them say it in Saved By The Bell: Wedding in Las Vegas. I never had ANY idea that it was a catchphrase made popular by the 80’s hit show, Hawaii Five-0. On Monday night, I tuned in to the premiere of the resurrection of Hawaii Five-O. The fate of a series remake can go one of two ways. Just looking at the CW alone (thanks for bringing it to my attention, Fasy) we have Melrose Place and 90210. Both hit shows in the 90’s that were brought back to life and, in the case of the new Melrose Place, put to rest yet again. What I see in the new Hawaii Five-O is potential. I can’t make any monumental comments about it just yet because the pilot episode simply sets up the season’s premise.

The plot? Detective Steve McGarrett (played by Alex O’Loughlin) is the Navy SEAL son of Detective McGarrett, of the original series, who takes it upon himself to find out who killed his father as demonstrated in the opening scene of the premiere. He enlists the help of Detective Danny “Danno” Williams (played by Scott Caan, a personal favorite) with whom he doesn’t initially see eye-to-eye with. The witty banter and occasional physical contact between these two makes for an entertaining relationship. They also look to add to their team ex-Detective Chin Ho Kelly (played by Daniel Dae Kim) and his cousin, young & beautiful Detective Kona Kalakaua (played by Grace Park). Their team, still searching for a fitting name (wonder what they’ll settle on) answers to Governor Pat Jameson (played by Jean Smart).

Like I said, it’s hard to tell about the fate of a television show until a few episodes in, but I will most likely be situated in front of the television Monday nights at 10 pm tuned in to Fox. I suggest you all do the same.

Episode Grade: B-

Dancing With The Stars: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

Last night kicked off Season 11 of Dancing With The Stars and what will be, in my eyes, the most watched season of the show. The cast is chock-full of stars. Well, technically it’s full of people who have been in the media limelight as well as some that are relative unknowns. A full two-hour show was used to showcase each one of the cast members’ rhythmic talents for the first time. The unveiling was surprising for some members (Rick Fox) and expected for others (Jennifer Grey). In case you missed it, here’s a list of the good, the bad, and the ugly.

The Good

Audrina Patridge: Surprisingly a show-stopper! She already has that DWTS body that usually comes after a full season of meringues and salsas.
Rick Fox: Height’s no problem for this NBA babe. He was elegant and graceful and is sure to go far in this season due to Carrie Ann’s crush on him.
Kyle Massey: As a former avid Disney Channel watcher, I knew exactly who this vivacious teen was. His jaw-dropping performance should be the first of many.
Brandy: As her brother, Ray-J, cheered her on, she performed as many expected her to…with ease.
Jennifer Grey: After an emotional practice session that triggered memories of the late Patrick Swayze, she was ready to flaunt her skills from the Dirty Dancing days.

The Bad

Bristol Palin: Performing to “Momma Told Me Not To Come” was the beginning of her downfall. The extent of her talent was shaking her booty which couldn’t help me think about it contributing to her teen pregnancy.
Florence Henderson: Her performance was only so-so, but her body is not a day over 40. She is 76 years old and livelier than some of the other performers.
Kurt Warner: This ex-NFL Superbowl MVP has a 1,000 mega-watt smile but lacks the elegance and grace of a dancer. Perhaps a few more practice sessions?

The Ugly

Margaret Cho: You are a comedian. Not a dancer. Do not try to mix the two in an attempt to gain support.
Michael Bolton: I love Michael Bolton, I really do. First cassette tape I ever owned. He can’t dance. Just stick to singing and I will continue with my undying affection for you.
Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino: His name in the credits is actually “The Situation”? Wow. He only had about five days to rehearse and I wouldn’t have said his routine was that awful, but he needs to improve a lot to stick around for future episodes.

You may have noticed that I didn’t talk about The Hoff. David Hasselhoff cannot be categorized as any of the above. His performance was indescribable. But I’ll try. He ripped off his clothes, made crazy faces, and got the crowd going. He’s not half-bad, but he hasn’t quite teetered over to the good side. I’ll be sure to keep watching for more of his grunting outbursts during practice sessions.

Notable stars in the audience included Jamie Lee Curtis (there to support Jennifer Grey), The Situation’s sister who has appeared on a few Jersey Shore episodes, Eliza Dushku (Rick Fox’s girlfriend, 20 years his junior), and Ray-J. Not in attendance was Sarah Palin. Don’t worry- she’ll be there next week!

Episode Grade: B+