Anyway, had a very lazy 4-day weekend. My back hurt (have no idea why – I haven’t been to the gym since before the wedding) so I lay in bed and watched a lot of CSI. (What’s new, right?)

Is it just me or did Entertainment Weekly not have their annual Fall TV preview issue this year? I LOVE that issue. It’s like my new TV season bible. Seriously. I always read it from cover to cover trying to figure out my TV schedule for the new year. It never arrived and all of a sudden the season started this past Monday. I was not prepared.

I haven’t watched Gossip Girl or One Tree Hill yet but I did catch the new 90210 (terrible) and Prison Break (interesting) so of course I have a few comments (beware of spoilers).

90210
I wanted to like this show (the original is one of my favorite shows ever) but I didn’t. It dragged. The dialogue was awful. The characters were mostly unlikable. The only things I enjoyed were the references to the original show… like Kelly and Brenda’s guest appearances, Nat and the Peach Pit (it looks like a coffee shop now, blah), the teacher joking that Hannah Zuckerman-Vazquez (Andrea’s daughter!) looks 30… everything else was pretty “meh.”
I was not feeling Annie and Dixon, aka the new Brenda and Brandon. Dixon is tolerable. Annie is incredibly annoying. I don’t know if Shenae Grimes always acts like that but she was too… over the top. She needed to tone it down. A lot. Just like the Grandma. I didn’t like her at all. The parents are okay (Rob Estes is still pretty cute but why oh why did they have to give his character that ridiculous adoption storyline with his old girlfriend — ugh). I’m still undecided on Naomi, Adrianna and Ethan (he seems like a decent guy and I did like his interaction with Annie) but I really enjoyed Navid and Silver (Kelly and David’s sister!).

I’ll probably check out a few more episodes but I don’t know… I loved the original show and this new version just doesn’t have the same appeal to me so far.

Prison Break
I didn’t watch Prison Break at all last season but when I heard Sarah Wayne Callies was coming back, I had to check it out. And I liked it. They seemed to explain away the previous season very quickly, which I didn’t mind since I didn’t watch it. Hee. And of course, it was all too convenient that each of the main characters somehow found themselves arrested again only to find out that the key to get out of jail is participation in a scheme to steal information about The Company. I love that I always have to suspend belief when watching this show.

I also loved the Michael and Sara reunion. But you probably already knew that. They were just the right balance of happy, relieved, anxious, hesitant. Mmm.

A couple of laugh out loud moments…
– Bellick screaming and throwing up his arms when his mom picked him up
– “I actually had to slow down not to catch you.” — Mahone to Bellick after their fake purse snatch
– “Did you have some bad Mexican?” — Random guy to T-Bags. EWWW. Can T-Bags GO AWAY???

Anyway, I’m back on board. WOOT.

I got back from Las Vegas on Sunday. And I totally sat at work on Monday doing nothing. Shhh. Don’t tell on me. I was TIRED.

I had a good time. And I’m not even that big of a Vegas person. Here’s a quick rundown of the weekend…

So my friend (and bridesmaid!) Ruby wanted to surprise her boyfriend Jason (also my good friend and colleague — I used to be his assistant and now he’s my sales rep) with a birthday trip to Vegas with friends. Rob and I arrived on Friday night (after a short delay in Oakland, of course) and after a quick change of clothes, we headed off to the Mandalay Bay to meet up with our friends to surprise the birthday boy. We were supposed to meet outside of the Orchid Lounge, which is where Ruby and Jason were having drinks. As we approached, Ruby happened to be looking in our direction and what did I do — I WAVED. OMG. I’m such a moron. Luckily, Jason was looking down and didn’t see me. Phew. Once all of us were gathered, we walked in and practically jumped all over the poor guy. After a few hours of talking and drinking (only half an Amaretto Sour for me), we went over to the Rum Jungle for more drinking (not me) and dancing (yay).

Here I am with Ruby and Jason…

And here’s the group taking shots…

Sadly, the DJ at Rum Jungle was terrible. So there was not much dancing. We finally dispersed at 3am. EEEK. It was rough getting up the next day. I am too old to be staying out that late. :/

Didn’t do much on Saturday (poor Jason had a *little* too much to drink so he was out of commission for most of the day) but I did get to check out the Wynn. I haven’t been to Vegas since it opened a few years back and wow, the lobby and the shopping esplanade are gorgeous. The casino, though, looks just like every other casino on the strip. While we were there, I dragged Rob to the Manolo Blahnik store (later I even dragged Ruby into the Jimmy Choo store at Caesar’s Palace) — all in the name of “research” for my wedding shoes. A girl can dream, right?

We went to Aquanox at the Venetian for dinner. YUM-O. I had the filet mignon at a seafood restaurant. Hee. Afterwards, the guys headed off to the blackjack tables and Ruby and I took advantage of the free drink service (just cokes for me). Aaannnd that was our weekend. We hopped on a flight back to Oakland early on Sunday morning and took a nap as soon as we got home.

Good times.

In fandom news, has anyone heard/read the casting news for Prison Break season 4? WHAT THE HELL. TV Guide’s Ausiello has an interview with the executive producer if you want to read all about it. I think I might start watching again.

Anyway, very quick TV comments on shows I’ve watched in the past few weeks (Private Practice, Pushing Daisies, Prison Break, Grey’s, FNL, Ugly Betty, Supernatural, Smallville). I’m going to try and keep it to 1 or 2 sentences because I’m feeling lazy. :/ Come see after the jump!

Private Practice, 1.02 – 1.04
It’s getting better. But the Addison/Pete “sexual tension” is waaayyy too forced.

Pushing Daisies, 2.01 & 2.02
Thumbs up — it’s fun, it’s quirky, and it’s unique. But I like Ned and Chuck so much that I wonder if I’ll tire of the fact that they can’t touch… or kiss… or anything, really.

Prison Break, 3.04
We’re totally breaking up. YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID. For more info, check out this interview with the show’s producer. I think Chuck is actually in the same time slot so there.

Grey’s Anatomy, 4.01 & 4.02
I still can’t stand George/Izzie. And I’m slowly starting to lose interest in Derek/Meredith. Ugh, her “issues” buuuug me. But I guess I’m sticking around because it looks like Joshua Jackson is joining the cast for a few episodes. Mmm, Pacey.

Ok, I’m getting tired so I’m just going to say that Friday Night Lights, Ugly Betty, and Supernatural are all amazing, as usual. And Smallville is not. I can’t stand Kara and OMG, we’re back to the Clark/Lana storyline. Of course. Yet I can’t seem to stop watching…

I’m out! Hehehe. I must be delirious.

I also watched the Prison Break and Gossip Girl premieres.

Prison Break
I’m not feeling it. The direction of this season doesn’t really interest me. I don’t like SONA (and all its internal politics) and I don’t like Michael having to break out of prison AGAIN (although seeing Linc on the other side makes me appreciate his character much more — I’ve never truly cared about him except when it comes to LJ). And where’s Sarah Wayne Callies? I don’t think I saw her name in the credits. *sniff* But ok, Wentworth Miller totally sold Michael’s sad, sad plight to me (GAWD, WM is gorgeous even when he’s scared and anxious). Also, T-Bag still creeps me out. Big time. I’ll probably keep watching, though, because Rob still enjoys the show and I don’t think there’s anything else I want to watch in the same timeslot.

Gossip Girl
YOU KNOW I LOVED IT. Hehehe. Ok ok, the narration felt a little heavy-handed and there was too much of it, but wow, I think Kristen Bell is absolutely perfect. She has the kind of voice you just pay attention to. As for the characters, I think Dan is my favorite with Blair a close second (Leighton Meester is freaking gorgeous and she is fantastic in this role). I’ve never read the books but the show has me intrigued! I especially want to find out why Serena left for boarding school in the first place. GG *definitely* fulfills the necessary trashy teen quota in my TV schedule. I hope it sticks around.

Tomorrow: Heroes premieres!

WTF was that ending?!?

After 55 minutes of awesomeness (and great Michael/Sara scenes to boot), the ending totally killed the finale for me. :/ I’d rather this have been a series finale than to find out about the SONA twist. I’m supposed to believe that the end game has been Michael? I don’t know, guys.

I guess the show’s always been a bit “unbelievable” and yet I keep coming back. Damn Wentworth Miller.

Poor Jack Bauer. He has the WORST. FAMILY. EVER.

Michael and Sara totally made me SQUEE with joy in Prison Break. Those two have smoldering chemistry. I’ve been so hesitant to like them together because in PB time, it’s only been a few months since they first met. There just hasn’t been enough time for them to develop feelings for each other. But I can’t help it. The show is trying to manipulate me and I’m totally getting sucked in. I’m such a sap.

I absolutely love Heroes but I rarely feel compelled to blog about it… until tonight. HOLY CRAP. The reveal at the end!!! (Cutting for spoilers).

I can’t believe NATHAN (!!!) is Claire’s biological father. I love Nathan. I love Claire. Such a great twist.

WOW.

It was a good night for TV.

So Prison Break (MAJOR spoilers ahead).

Farewell Governor Tancredi.

Farewell Tweener. I really liked him, too. At least he got the chance to say goodbye to Debra Jean. That was a really sweet moment. Now I REALLY don’t like Mahone.

And SARA!!! Was it just me or was there a shadow behind her in her apartment when she saw all the drug paraphernalia laid out? EEK.

But of course, just as the show’s getting good, it has to go on a 3 week hiatus. Stupid baseball. *grumbles*

I keep seeing promos for Friday Night Lights. I wasn’t originally planning on watching this show but… I might. It looks pretty! And I love the Fort Minor song that plays over the promo. What is wrong with me?! I don’t even like football, people. *sigh*

Does anyone know any fansites where I can find hi-res photos for the new TV shows (ie. Studio 60, Heroes, etc)? I haven’t had much luck while searching today.
So, my thoughts on a few returning shows…

Prison Break
There’s something *off* this season for me. Maybe it’s because the prison isn’t the primary setting anymore. I’ve always enjoyed the prison politics and now that they’re outside, it’s not so exciting for me. Especially since I CANNOT STAND the thought of T-Bags loose in the world. It gives me the creeps. And I just can’t take Mahone seriously. He’s too smart. I mean, really. REALLY? But whatever, Michael in a suit keeps me coming back. Though how DOES he keep that suit so clean?

America’s Next Top Model
BWAHAHAHA. This show is awesome. I don’t know everyone’s names yet except Monique. Girl is CRAZY. I thought Jade (from last cycle) was arrogant but Monique is about ten times worse. UGH. No favorites just yet but I am liking the twins. They’ve both had amazing pictures. Oh, and Anchal rocks because she was the only one to actually say something to Monique when she was monopolizing the phone.

Grey’s Anatomy
Whoa, McSteamy. Go Addison! Hehe. In all seriousness, I am SO GLAD it looks like Derek and Addison are headed towards separation. Actually, I am SO GLAD *Derek* has finally realized that their relationship is over. Addison really wanted to try and repair their marriage and he went along with it because he thought it was the right thing to do. Ugh, he just prolonged their pain. And made himself look like a complete weasel since he continued to string Meredith along. I really liked Meredith and Derek in the first season but season 2 left me with a bad taste in my mouth. Still loving Cristina. Still don’t like George. But I like Callie. Which is weird since her storyline (as of now) revolves around George. And am I the only one who doesn’t think Izzie should return to the surgical program? I love her BUT she got too emotionally involved with a patient, she worsened his condition to get him a heart… she pretty much broke every rule in the book. I’m willing to suspend belief for my shows but seriously? She would not be returning to surgery.

Smallville
I *really* enjoyed the premiere. I can’t believe I’m so excited about this season. It might have been the promo picures I just stumbled on… or maybe it was because it was a solid episode. I loved the fight between Clark and Zod (“Kneel before Zod”). I loved that Chloe brushed off her kiss with Clark… and I actually believed her. I loved the open-ended Lex/Lana scene at the end (so angsty!). Plus, this episode introduced Jimmy Olsen! I think the show needed a fresh face. I’m definitely intrigued. It’ll be interesting to see where Clark is headed now that he’s pretty much all alone (can’t confide in Lex or Lana and Jor El and the Fortress are closed to him).

Anyway.

My season finales commentary… continued (again, SPOILERS ARE AHEAD)…

24
I’m such a 24 junkie. You totally have to suspend belief while watching (ie. Evelyn managing to record the incriminating conversation between the President and Henderson and Miles deleting the recording with what looked like a laser pointer) but I’m willing. I love Jack! I was so glad when Logan got his comeuppance in the finale. *pumps fist* Jack showed you with his super-spy pen. HAH! And the smirks that Mike and Martha threw Logan’s way were pretty awesome. But was it just me or did we never get resolution on who (or what group/company) orchestrated the events of the day? Not Logan but the men with the earpieces who were ordering Logan around? I don’t remember finding out what their motives were. Or maybe I wasn’t paying enough attention. Oh well, I guess it doesn’t matter now that Logan is in custody and Jack is headed to China (EEK!).

Prison Break
So nothing really happened in the finale. I have to admit I was kinda disappointed. Well… sure, T-Bag had his hand cut off, Sara overdosed (she can’t be dead, right? RIGHT?), and the VP has taken control… but in terms of the escapees, they didn’t really get anywhere. OMG, it’s so frustrating! They aren’t much farther than they were at the end of the penultimate episode. And now they have no plane! Damn. I do like the tension that was created between Scofield and Pope, though. The warden is PISSED. That’s a great driving force for the second season.

CSI
SARA AND GRISSOM. What?! I can’t decide if I want them in a relationship anymore. :/ It wasn’t as great a finale as last season but it was decent. I’m SO glad Brass didn’t get killed off. The show wouldn’t be the same without him. It was nice to see Ellie again too. I didn’t realize until this episode that the actress also plays Louise on the Gilmore Girls. I knew she looked familiar. Yeah, I’m a little slow on the uptake.

Now I’m off to watch the series finale of Everwood. *sob*

Saw this meme over on LJ and it looks like fun…

Name a character from one of my fandoms, and I will tell you my top 3 moments or scenes (or at least 3 of my favorites) of them.

I’m limiting the fandom options to:
Dawson’s Creek
Everwood
One Tree Hill
Veronica Mars
The OC
(These are all my fun shippy shows so it’ll be easier for me to remember the episodes).

OKAY… GO!