Three New Shows You Need In Your Life

Dear friend, once again I am here to help you in ways you never knew you needed. I have discovered three new television shows, I have watched them and now I shall review them - so you don't have to. First of all I must admit for all three of the TV shows I am about to mention, the main reason I watched them is because of the leading ladies. Step forward Jane Lynch, America Ferrera and Eva Longoria, also known as Sue Sylvester, Betty Suarez and Gabrielle Solis. These three ladies were responsible for some of the best TV characters this millennium. So lets get this underway, there are three new shows I need to talk about. 

Angel From Hell

The description of this show could be an eye roller. It doesn't have a very modern or really enticing premise - I didn't even watch it until its second week out. I am so glad that I did watch it though. I'll try and quickly describe what it's about in 140 characters or less. Basically Jane Lynch plays a guardian angel, like a legit one (not just someone who looks out for someone, she is an angel!), who has a slight issue with the old booze. She has been tasked with looking after a dermatologist called Allison as she struggles with balancing work life, love life and a social life. It is a light hearted comedy with some great one liners and the impeccable comedy timing of Ms Lynch. The supporting cast really sell this show for me aswell, mainly Allison's brother Brad - he is hilarious. This is a smartly written show, and at the end of the day when did you last watch a 22 minute comedy show with a supernatural element that was good since 'Mork and Mindy'?!

Superstore

I am a major fan of the show 'Trollied' on SkyOne in the UK, so of course you point out to me that there is an american version starring America Ferrera I am there. America is one of those actresses that come once in a hundred shows - she is pure talent. She gets to my heart with a simple facial expression, she can go from making me laugh out loud to straight up sobbing. My first memory of her affecting me was in the pilot episode of 'Ugly Betty' where she is asked to stand in for a model during a photoshoot in a latex outfit and they all take the piss out of her, I cried so hard. Anyway this isn't an America Ferrera appreciation post (not to self: future post idea - America the Beautiful? Think of a better title), I am here to talk about 'Superstore'.
It is a very similar premise to 'Trollied' where it is a sitcom based in a, wait for it, superstore. With the ability to include many different character types it is the perfect setting, where the lazy meet the headstrong, where the smart meet the dumb and where the slackers meet the hard workers.  The supporting cast is stellar, my favourite been Dina. I have met many a Dina in my retail experience, the woman who cares to much about the rules and protecting the integrity of the business she works for - but she is hilarious. I hope this doesn't fall for the one season curse that a lot of comedies are these days, this has room to grow and expand with never ending storylines. I am going to say it - this could be our new 'The Office US'.

Telenovela

Having never watched a real telenovela in my entire life, I was a bit apprehensive to watch this. Would I get the references? Turns out it doesn't matter. What I understand about telenovelas are that they are very over the top, dramatic, spanish speaking soap operas, this show hits the nail on the head then when it comes to mocking that. It stars Eva as a telenovela actress, it is a behind the scenes comedy -  much in the same way as '30 Rock' mocked the behind the scenes of a variety show.
It is a silly comedy, and I mean that in the best way possible. The comedy is very simple and almost slap stick, you can see some jokes coming a mile away but you still chuckle when the cast expertly executes them. It is packed with embarrassing moments and I am a huge fan of awkward comedy.
The cast has delivered in every episode, some of the moments can seem ripped from a Disney Channel comedy and really juvenile but that is isn't a bad thing necessarily. I think over time it will mature, it will find its feet and I am honestly really happy to see a latino led comedy on prime time TV. And Eva is back!! Always the underrated actress on 'Desperate Housewives'/

... and it's hard to say goodbye, my love.

Oh, so the networks or the writers just decide to cancel shows and I am supposed to be okay with this? No sir, not today Satan, not today. These characters have been in my life longer than some friends. Jules Cobb and Rachel Barry for 6 years and my imaginary future wife Leslie Knope, 7 years. I have been with them through their up and their downs and so many musical numbers I lost count. I learnt to care about these people and whatever issues they go through; and one day someone stops putting pen to paper and I have to move on?

Some shows do shoot to the future in the final episode so possibly I would get closure, but I hate it when they do this. It is basically solidifying the fact I will never get another season, minds can't be changed. It has been years but possibly one of the greatest comedies of all time was tarnished for me with the final episode, this show is Will & Grace - how dare the writers tell us that they didn't speak for 18 years!!! Will and Grace's friendship was pure magic and created so many friendship goals, the writers were just like 'nah, lets have them broken up for the entire growth of their children just so we can get a warm 5 minute ending' - seething I was and as you can probably tell, still not over it. However, I am not here to talk about older shows, I am talking about the shows that have chosen to abandon me this year. Here are three that hit home and have left my TV shaped heart empty.

Parks and Recreation

I don't want to oversell this show, but it is quite possibly one of the best television shows ever created. If you have seen it then you love it, its that simple. I haven't met anyone who was a bit 'meh' over it. When you combine the brilliant writers, amazing behind the scenes crew and one of the best cast ensembles since 'Friends' you have television gold. This show is the perfect combination of slap stick comedy, heartwarming moments, intelligent writing and characters who you genuinely cheer for. As previously mentioned I don't like it when a show shoots forward in the finale just to wrap it up, but this one was done with a sincerity to show that it didn't feel like a quick finish - infact it gave you more questions than answers. Is Lesley the President?

Glee

Yes, I am a gleek. This show was just brilliant (except season 5, we don't talk about season 5). If you knew me  it wouldn't come to much of a shock that I enjoy a song and a dance. And this show was spilling over with them. Season 6 was really special, and a nod to the brilliance of the show in season one. It had the heartwarming underdog stories, plus the campness that we come to expect from this type of show. Highlights of the season for me would be Unique singing 'I Know Where I've Been', the cast singing 'Home' and the introduction to the 5 main new characters. If only these characters came in earlier, because no offense to the last group that joined in season 4, I cared about what happened with these. This show also did the shoot to the future thing, didn't annoy but it also didn't please me - of course Rachel won a Tony.

Cougar Town

I think some of my friends watched this show when it started, but I don't know how many stuck with it like myself - what can I say, I'm committed. As soon as this show was announced I knew I had to watch it, I mean it is Courteney Cox - the star of my favourite TV show and film franchise. For me, this show followed off from where 'Scrubs' finished. It is a beautiful mix of comedy and drama. Yes there is a funny underline to everything in this show but my days it made me cry. Talking of crying, the last episode had me balling. If you haven't seen it then sorry, but when they all lie to Jules and tell her they are leaving, and it turns out it was to fulfil her wish of hearing what people would say if she died (weird sentence, makes sense if you watched it) - I was on the floor in the fetal position, it was too much. 

These were the main three that decided to abandon me without a second thought, and for the safety of television networks around the world there better not be any more. I have a weak heart as it is, it could kill me.

Other little cuts to my TV viewing pleasure are Garfunkel and Oates, Looking, Hot in Cleveland and Melissa and Joey. I am hopeful, I am a survivor. Somehow I have managed to survive cuts before (thanks in large parts to re-runs and boxsets).

My Own Personal Top 10

What I am about to do is highly personal, some may say too personal. It is going to reveal a part of me that us, as a society, often don't want to show of ourselves. It is 'My Top 10 Most Played Songs'. You may be pulling a face that reads 'who cares', but let me ask you this, are you willing to share the songs that you and only you listen to over and over again? The music that you blast through those two little ear buds, secure in the knowledge no one else can hear and in the comfort of knowing that your own personal soundtrack is following you through life. We all have those guilty pleasures that we don't feel the need to tell people, but today I am taking a stand and breaking the boundaries that we have put ourselves behind. I am revealing my Top 10.

1. The Veronicas - You Ruin Me (Played 213 times)
This is the brand spanking new song from the aussie twins. I love it and when I love something I love it hard - playing it over 200 times in a matter of weeks. It is a heartbreaking song about been betrayed  by the one you love. I melt for a depressing song.

2. Carrie Underwood - Something in the Water (Played 190 times)
Country? Check. Gospel? Check. A choir? Check. Carrie's flawless vocals? Double check. I don't expect anything less than perfection from this county bumpkin. This song could quite possibly be my new miming-like-I-can-belt-a-song-out song. A song about finding God, not usually a topic for my music but this song hit me. Praise Jesus.

3. Glee Cast - How Will I Know (Played 154 times)
Yes, judge away - I like the music of Glee. This one is special as it was sung completely acapella in a tribute episode to the late, great Whitney Houston. Amazingly showcased the vocals of the four stars of the show. It is one of those special songs that I just really enjoy hearing.

4. Pistol Annies - Unhappily Married (Played 150 times)
I do enjoy a depressing song, but maybe just maybe I think I love an angry song even more. There is something about hearing bitterness and insults through music that just gets to me. This songs talks from the viewpoint of an unsatisfied wife, it is funny, witty and serious all in one.

5. Jessica Bassett - Lydia (Played 146 times)
I was shocked myself when I saw how many times I had played this song. I first heard it on an American Idol audition - I don't even watch the show! For some reason I clicked on this audition. At first I thought it was just the music they play over the auditionee when they are talking - turned out it was the audition. Her voice is so soothing and the song is a beautiful letter to her best friend.

6. Pistol Annies - I Feel a Sin coming on (Played 145 times)
These country cuties made the list again. This is the first song off their second album. Miranda Lambert opens the song with her flawless voice. Its a slow tempo song, mainly just finger clicking for the music. I can't tell you why I love it because I don't know. I just do goddamnit.

7. Colbie Caillat - Breakeven (Played 140 times)
This is the beautiful Colbie doing a cover of The Script's 'Breakeven'. And I am sorry to the Irish lads but I love this version so much more! A song about heartbreak after a break up. She mixes it with 'Fast Car' by Tracey Chapman just to knock the nail on the head. If I had to audition for a talent show (and could sing) this would be my choice.

8. Glee Cast - Season's Of Love (Played 139 times)
Another Glee song. I don't care. This was the opening song on the episode where we discovered Finn had died. Cried like a baby from the first second. Taken from the musical Rent and given the Glee treatment, with Amber Riley's perfect vocals it just sent shivers down my spine. It's so beautifully sad, made even worse by the fact that this cast was saying goodbye to an actual cast mate.

9. Beyonce - Heaven (Played 136 times)
Quite possibly one of the saddest songs in existence. I don't think we have ever had a confirmed explanation for this song - but I don't think we need one. That's the magic of music, we make our own stories to fit the songs. This a truly heartbreaking song about loss. I like sad music, so this is one of my go-to songs.

10. OneRepublic - Preacher (Played 132 times)
Another choir! God, I love them. I have a theory that I may have expressed before - every song sounds better with a choir. I fell in love with this song the second I heard it, so I never stopped listening to it. The whole album is amazing, but this is the jewel in the crown for me.

So this list was quite revealing in a couple of ways. It definitely revealed me as lover of depressing and angsty songs. I don't know what the pull is there but I truly enjoy them more than any other type of song. Also the numbers were quite a lot higher than I imagined they would be, I may need to venture out in to new music, getting stuck in my ways. I am willing to take suggestions.

2013/14 TV Winners and Losers

It is a dark time in the TV world. Many shows have wrapped for the summer so we are left in a comatose state until september when all major American Networks grace us with more yummy TV goodness. Of course we are all left with our fingers crossed that our favourite shows will return. If I could just have a moment of silence for 'Suburgatory', the amazing show lead by the equally amazing Jane Levy has been cancelled in the worst way - there was no final episode, no big tearful send off and many questions left unanswered, may you rest in peace (or get bought by a rival network). As good as TV has been this last season there has been some doozies. Below I have picked my winners and losers for the fall 2013/14 schedule.

Winners

Orange Is The New Black

How could I talk about this last years great TV and not mention this little nugget. All 13 episodes were put online at the same time so my binging qualities were fully nourished. This year we saw a lot of growth from all the major players. My favourite story-lines may have been finding out about Morello and Suzanne some more. Great acting, great plots and beautiful ladies - nothing else required.

Veep 

I never had any doubts this show would get better and better. Julia-Louis Dreyfus is perfection and deserves the multiple awards she has received for this role. She is written perfectly and for a show about American politics it doesn't slap you in the face with it, it is more about the movers and shakers in the political world more than what they do. Couldn't be happier that where we left the show she is the President. 

Parks and Recreation

Leslie Knope is possibly the most inspirational character in TV history. A strong willed woman, that only wants to use her powers for good. She just wants to help people. This year did not disappoint. What I liked about this season, especially towards the end, was that she finally is looking out for herself and now we got a glimpse into what her future with Ben will be like. With the small jump into the future in the last 5 minutes of the finale this show could go anywhere now, and I for one am very excited.

Playing House

This show came out of nowhere, I didn't even hear about it until a few episodes in. It is my favourite kind of comedy - plenty of laughs mixed with a few tears. It has touching moments a plenty with full on belly laughs. It is purely a show showing the power of friendship, a friendship so huge that they are sharing a life together. Plus it has Valerie from 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch' in it, so it's nice to know she is still working.

Big Brother Canada

I am a reality show junkie, so of course I watch other countries versions of Big Brother. This years Canadian version was so good, full of game players, shady folk and good people. Heather, Ika, Neda and John were my favourite players, they each played the game right, often the victim of cliques but still prevailed with their dignity in tact.

Other hits

Brooklyn 99

Saturday Night Live

Ink Master

Project Runway: Under the Gunn

New Girl

Girls

The Mindy Project

2 Broke Girls

Mom

Baby Daddy

Modern Family

Scandal

Losers

Glee

I have watched every episode, until this season. For me it has lost its magic. Maybe I have grown up or maybe it just isn't the shame anymore. A show that started out with taboo subjects, great musical performances and heart wrenching characters has now just turned into an even more unbelievable show. I get that shows aren't always realistic as they need to entertain but I just feel Rachel's storyline too far fetched - to the point where I just didn't care anymore. All I do now is watch the YouTube music videos. I actually have no clue what happened in the second half of the season.

Grey's Anatomy

Another show I gave up on, I lost interest. This show is famous for its key scenes and amazing storylines yet this year I didn't find any. It came to a point where I put them on for background noise, and then that eventually stopped. Then they let Sandra Oh leave?! She was the saving grace of this show that may have peaked 3 years ago.

The Vampire Diaries

 For me, every show that starts in High School but lasts longer than High School generally loses its appeal and magic (Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Saved By The Bell, Sister Sister, The OC, Gossip Girl, Glee for example). The storylines take a huge leap into adulthood and suddenly these characters are grown. I got lost in this show if I am honest. There was influx of new characters and new situations that I seriously didn't know what was happening. Plus I was so tired of all this doppelganger nonsense. I did however watch the final just to see how it wrapped. I had no idea what happened. Someone may need to hold my hand and talk me through it.

The Big Bang Theory

First things first, I love this show and it will always have a place in my heart. The only reason this made the loser list is because I wanted more from season 7. We have known these characters for 7 years now and yet there has been no development. They are still pretty much the same from season 1 except Raj can now talk to women. A few issues I had were -

• Penny and Leonard are now engaged yet nothing has changed
• Sheldon and Amy have made no progress, would a woman like Amy wait this long?
• Raj is still an insecure mess even though at one point he was dating two women at the same time.
• Sheldon is still living as if he is single - quitting his job and then leaving home (again, why would Amy put up with this)
• Nothing really happened with Howard and Bernadette - they were just there or mainly occupying the B story of each episode. 

I still laughed at each episode and some favourite moments from the series occurred, but as a loyal fan I just wanted more. Some episodes felt lazy and just filler.

Orphan Black

I couldn't have sang the praises of the first season enough, it was new, exciting and a story that has never been told. The acting was superb and everything was on a level that it seemed believable. Then season 2 started, I was lost from the get go. There was a lot going on and I couldn't keep up. It is a show where you have to pay attention to everything, from the foreground to the background it feels, blink and you miss an integral part of the story. I was watching episodes and then had to read a review to know what I just watched. A couple of episodes in and I gave up, it was too much work.

Other misses
Sleepy Hollow
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D
The Crazy Ones
The Walking Dead
Awkward

100 Moments of Glee

So here's what you missed on Glee

Glee is about to turn 100. Their 100th episode will air this week in America. I have been a fan since the beginning. As soon as I heard Rachel Berry sang 'On My Own' from Les Miserables I knew it was something special. It didn't disappoint. Never before has there been a show like this. It was musical TV programme. Music was either used to show emotion or to highlight a story. They covered everything from musicals to pop hits to rock ballads; and later on they even had original songs.

Glee is a juggernaut of a TV show. They have showcased storylines that may have once seemed taboo, they have had guest stars that will rival any American sitcom and they have broken records set by The Beatles and Elvis Presley by having over 100 songs hit the American Billboard Charts. The show has made international stars of its cast, Lea Michele now has a recording career of her very own plus plans to release a book, Chris Colfer wrote 2 books and starred in his very own self written movie and Naya Rivera has her very own recording career, magazine covers and advertisement deals. 

It would be hard to talk about Glee and not mention the darker side. July 13th of 2013 was the worst day in Glee's history. We lost an amazing actor/performer/musician with the unfair and untimely death of Cory Monteith. His work on the show will never be forgotten and his story shall be shared for decades to come. 

However we are here to celebrate the tremendous achievement of 100 episodes. And to do so I thought I would do what I do best - create a list. For me the heart of the show is the songs. So as a gift from me to you I have created a list of my favourite performances.

10. How Will I Know

9. Unpretty/I Feel Pretty

8. Songbird

7. If I Die Young

6. Rumour Has It/Someone Like You

5. Edge Of Glory/All Coming Back/Paradise by the Dashboard Lights

4. Make You Feel My Love

3. Smooth Criminal

2. Roots Before Branches

1. Don't Stop Believing

That was hard and I am sure I will wake up in a cold sweat agonising over my decisions,  for a show that has had over 600 songs it was a challenge but right now I feel happy with my choices.

TV Deaths

For me a death scene can be the making of a TV show. If they write it right then you know you have a great show. If the death actually affects you emotionally than that is a sign of a good writer. TV deaths always affect me more than a death in a film. I think this is because you have watched these character's development and you have unwittingly become invested. Also you watch how it affects the rest of the characters and this can be just as devastating. Saying good bye to a character can feel like someone you know. Below I have written about 11 character's death' that really got to me and stuck with me.

Ben Sullivan (Scrubs)

He wasn't a main character and he wasn't even a secondary character, he only appeared in 3 episodes. He was the friend of Dr. Cox, he gave us an insight to a more personable and softer side to Dr. Cox. For me his death was a shock, I never even saw it coming. I fell into the trap of believing what I was seeing. We were led to believe that Dr. Cox was having a good time with his old pal and they were on their way to a birthday party - when in reality Dr. Cox was going to Ben's funeral and a way to cope was to imagine his friend was right by the side of him. I was floored and in shock when a sullen J.D appeared and asked him 'Where do you think we are?'. I tip my feathered hat to Scrubs - they blend comedy and drama perfectly.

Cassie (Buffy The Vampire Slayer)

Again she wasn't a main character either, she was only in one episode. We were introduced to her and had to say goodbye to her in 42 minutes (I know she later appears as The First but that doesn't count). Basically the premise was that Cassie believed she was going to die on a certain day, Buffy being her guidance councillor believed she was suicidal - then Buffy later found out that she was to be a sacrifice in a demonic ritual. Buffy goes in and kicks some demon ass, saves Cassie, everyone is happy, Cassie is wrong and she will live. Seconds later Cassie falls to the floor and dies due to an unknown heart problem. The truly heartbreaking moment of the episode is when Buffy tries to convince her to live and Cassie tells her she wants to and lists all the things she wants to do in life, but will never get to.

Eli (Desperate Housewives)

Another character that only appeared in one episode, but he actually lived amongst the ladies for years. In the 100th episode we are introduced to him as the handyman who did so much more. He was a huge part of the ladies lives and we are shown through flashbacks just how much he was. The saddest moment is before he dies and in a flashback we see him talking to Mary-Alice just before she commits suicide - and then we see him outside as they take her body away, he is just standing there crying. My heart dropped - grown men crying always gets me. He was a great character and I am so glad we were introduced to him.

Batley (Emmerdale)

He was the pet of Edna Birch. She was a hard as nails pensioner who listened to the Lord and no-one else. Batley brought out the softer and more loving side to her. It was a real friendship and a companion for her in her lonely life. It was absolutely heart-wrenching when she had to say goodbye to him. I don't really watch soap operas, but for me this scene was beyond. Me and my whole family cried at that very moment.

Anya (Buffy The Vampire Slayer)

Anya was always one of my favourite characters on Buffy. After appearing in season 3 as a vengeance demon, then later becoming mortal, then falling in love with Xander, to being a shop keeper and then finally becoming a demon again, she supplied so much humour. My favourite scene from Anya (which incidentally isn't a funny one) is when she can't grasp the idea of death when Buffy's mum dies. She asks all the questions that aren't supposed to be asked - Emma Caulfield's acting was top notch. Anyway, Anya is one of the victims of the final battle in season 7. All fans knew that we were going to lose a major character, I for one did not think it would be Anya. She is sliced almost in half from behind moments before Sunnydale falls in to the Hellmouth. She was an amazing character, and if they do make a movie in the future I will be truly upset if they don't at least acknowledge her.

Prue (Charmed)

This death came at such a huge shock, in the Charmed world it seemed as if the sisters were invincible. Yes they get hurt and damaged but they always get back up. In the last scene of season 3 Prue was thrown through a wall - but this time she didn't get back up. The death was a little bit sullied by the fact that Prue had to be killed off because Shannen Doherty was fired. However, this did not stop the show from growing. The saddest scene is when Piper can't handle the death and screams at Prue's burial place, blaming her for leaving her. I always wished that Prue came back for a cameo in some form - its the supernatural world so I am sure they could have worked something out.

George (Grey's Anatomy)

This was another huge shocker aswell, we didn't even see the incident which ultimately ended his life. Instead we are shown a John Doe appear in the hospital and then we find out at the same time as Meredith when he draws 007 (his nickname) on her hand as he can't speak. He later dies in surgery. He was such a major character that was there from day one, he is a character that I got invested in because I didn't think I would have to say goodbye to him on the show. I always wished him and Izzy got together, but also I understand why it wouldn't have worked. The scene where we last see him with Izzy is heartbreaking. What happens is they are both wearing their best and they get into a lift together - metaphorical of the idea they are moving on.

Denny (Grey's Anatomy)

If there is one thing I can guarantee I will get from Grey's Anatomy is water filled eyes and a snotty nose. They are geniuses when it comes to writing a devastating storyline, but for me this tipped me over the edge. Denny is a character who is waiting for a heart transplant, he falls in love with his doctor, Izzy, and she also falls in love with him. She has a plan to cut his wire to a machine thats keeping him alive so he will be rushed in to an operating theatre and receive a heart that is meant for someone else. Doesn't really go to plan, and Denny dies. The soundtrack is 'Chasing Cars' by Snowpatrol and it just added to the devastation. Watching Izzy's reaction and morning was really hard - Katherine Heigl should of won every award.

Joyce (Buffy The Vampire Slayer)

For a show that is about a girl saving the world hundreds of time, they sure know how to knock us out with a death scene. 'The Body' is up there with one of my favourite  episodes of Buffy ever. It is so pure and perfect. Joyce is Buffy's mum and she finds her dead on the couch - ironically for Buffy there was no supernatural/demonic element within the story of Joyce's death, so this left Buffy powerless. It was a human part of life that Buffy had no control over. The worst scenes for me where when Dawn is told and when Buffy finds the body - they break my heart. The show was amazingly done, the lack of soundtrack in some parts gave a really realistic feeling to a horrible reality some people have probably faced. It wasn't a dressed up episode, nothing was overdone - it is probably the most human episode of the series. 

Paul Hennessy (8 Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter)

What truly made this episode truly devastating and hurt so much was the fact that the actor had actually passed in real life, the death of the character had to be written in to compensate for the loss of the actor. They could have gotten another actor but this would not have been right, John Ritter made that character. In the show we see the family find out what happened and then we see the funeral, its hard to watch because you know these emotions are real - they are actually mourning. All the actors did an amazing job and it will forever go down as one my favourite shows of all time.

Finn Hudson (Glee)

This again was another death that was incredibly hard to watch as Cory who played Finn actually died in real life. What I like about the episode is that we were never told how he died - I really liked this because at the end of the day we didn't need to know, we all know the tragic reasons in real life. This episode was hard as it felt like we were just watching a lot of actors mourn on camera. Yes they had words but there wasn't any acting involved for some characters as it all came from the heart. The songs chosen were great aswell and fitted the sombre mood of the show perfectly. I will stand and applaud Lea Michelle as she did an outstanding job. Its hard enough having to go back to work after losing a loved one but to have to do it on camera, sing about him and talk about him - I can't imagine the strength it must have taken just to walk on to the set where she met her husband to be.