Holiday Special: The Closer

The Closer: Season 3, Episodes 14 & 15 “Next of Kin, Part I & II” (B+)

This holiday special is a nice return to a show that never really fluctuates in quality. It started out with some terrific episodes at the beginning of this season, and is always a reliable and highly entertaining series. What it truly excels in is using its supporting characters to comic effect without compromising the seriousness of its central plotline. I am talking about the cross-country RV trip and Provenza’s reaction to seeing Brenda’s mom. The “villain” here is also not so villainous, though man is he determined to get out of those vehicles he is forced into for fugitive transport. This special is slightly frustrating in that no real plot-related developments occur than Brenda and Fritz’s finally selling the house and Brenda rectifying her relationship with her father. This is not a huge deal, as the case is good enough and can support this show. ‘Til next summer.

What I'm Watching: Chuck (Last Episode Produced)

Chuck: Season 1, Episode 11 “Chuck Versus the Crown Vic” (B+)

Sarah and Chuck really are very hot-and-cold. Use to be that Sarah would always run in after Chuck but now Chuck always feels the need to cling to Sarah and she is cold as anything to him. I do hope they can really work through this, but I must say that I am more excited to see what will happen with Casey and his recently received order to kill Chuck once the creation of the new intersect is finished. Casey has been a completely unreadable, stoic but entertaining character and I really do wonder what his loyalty to Chuck will be like. “Chuck” got a full season order but since the strike is still going on, it will be a while before any new episodes are produced. I am excited for the show’s return, and I think have a nice long life once it comes back.

Preliminary SAG Predictions: Best Actor in a Comedy Series

The following represents some preliminary thoughts on Screen Actors’ Guild Awards contenders for the given category. Predictions will be revisited following the announcement of the Golden Globe Awards nominations, which often indicates how well new shows will fare. This category combines performance in the lead and supporting categories for an odd assortment of nominees which really varies from year to year.

Last year’s nominees:
JEREMY PIVEN, ENTOURAGE
TONY SHALHOUB, MONK
JASON LEE, MY NAME IS EARL
STEVE CARRELL, THE OFFICE
ALEC BALDWIN, 30 ROCK (winner)

This year’s top contenders:
DAVID DUCHOVNY, CALIFORNICATION
Duchovny earned five consecutive nominations back in the day for his arguably less challenging work on “The X-Files”. Duchovny should be fine provided voters do not find his character too objectionable, but I doubt that will be a problem.

LARRY DAVID, CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM
The extremely insensitive “Seinfeld” scribe popped up on this list two years ago when “Curb Your Enthusiasm” was last eligible. His performance is not one that necessarily qualifies as acting, and therefore his chances may suffer.

JEREMY PIVEN, ENTOURAGE
Piven got his first nomination last year for his stellar work on “Entourage”. I would say he is safe to stay for a while but supporting performers are especially vulnerable in the unpredictable race. Piven does have the added bonus of carrying his show on a good number of occasions.

TONY SHALHOUB, MONK
While he continues to be excellent, Shalhoub really has not added anything too revolutionary to his routine in the past few years. Voters likely still respect him, but may feel that he is not successfully reinventing himself enough. Shalhoub did miss out on a nomination two years ago. Working in Shalhoub’s favor is the SAG tendency to keep some actors way past their prime – Sean Hayes and Megan Mullally – and the quality of “Monk” has not even decreased (yet).

JASON LEE, MY NAME IS EARL
Lee is one of those actors who I like enough but I do not like their current role in the slightest. Lee has been nominated for the past two years and the only sign of letting up is the lack of chatter I have heard, negative or positive, about “My Name is Earl”. Newer, more exciting comedies may eclipse this tired, unfunny fare.

STEVE CARRELL, THE OFFICE
His performance has been spot-on this entire year, and it may well be his best yet. He somehow only earned his first nomination last year despite a brilliant first year in 2005 (season one and the first half of season two). I would say Carrell is part due.

JOHN KRASINSKI & RAINN WILSON, THE OFFICE
If you have read any of my other predictions, you will notice a trend. I refuse to believe that these two undeniably amazing comedians will go unrewarded by any organization for too long. I have predicted the two of them for each and every award for almost the entire run of their show (I have recently given up on predicting John C. McGinley for “Scrubs”, so I can now devote my full attention to these two). This past year, Wilson earned an Emmy nomination while Krasinski went once again unrecognized. My Golden Globe predictions include these two “Office” workers, so chances are they will show up either here or there, or better – both.

LEE PACE, PUSHING DAISIES
“Pushing Daisies” at this point is one of the most popular new shows of the season. Pace is extremely likeable, though I still say he was far more energetic on “Wonderfalls”. The fantasy/colorful nature of the show might be a bit outside the scope of SAG’s acceptable genres.

ALEC BALDWIN, 30 ROCK
The token craziness of Baldwin’s Jack Donaghy faded in the second half of the show’s season, but the popularity of “30 Rock” skyrocketed. While Baldwin’s character has yet to get all of his energy back, I cannot help but recall the recent scene where he portrayed every member of Tracy’s family in a mock therapy session. I think voters will be reminded of Baldwin’s talent even if he has not fully shown it this year.

Current predictions:
DAVID DUCHOVNY, CALIFORNICATION
STEVE CARRELL, THE OFFICE
JOHN KRASINSKI, THE OFFICE
RAINN WILSON, THE OFFICE
ALEC BALDWIN, 30 ROCK

Return Date for Jericho!

I am thrilled to announce that the season season of "Jericho" is slated for a premiere on Tuesday, February 12th in its new timeslot at 10pm. The show was renewed after being cancelled by CBS for a mere seven episodes, but strong ratings for this show that will air while all the others are out of episodes per the WGA strike should allow it to return. For anyone who has not yet seen "Jericho", the first season is out on DVD and I highly recommend checking it out. More importantly, tune in for those seven episodes to assure that CBS does not decide to axe "Jericho" again. February suddenly seems so far away, but it is a relief to know that the show is in fact coming back.

SAG Predictions: Best Actress in a Drama Series

The following represents some preliminary thoughts on Screen Actors’ Guild Awards contenders for the given category. Predictions will be revisited following the announcement of the Golden Globe Awards nominations, which often indicates how well new shows will fare. This category combines performance in the lead and supporting categories for an odd assortment of nominees which really varies from year to year.

Last year’s nominees:
KYRA SEDGWICK, THE CLOSER
CHANDRA WILSON, GREY’S ANATOMY (winner)
MARISKA HARGITAY, LAW & ORDER: SVU
PATRICIA ARQUETTE, MEDIUM
EDIE FALCO, THE SOPRANOS

This year’s top contenders:
SALLY FIELD, BROTHERS & SISTERS
While I had hoped that Field would not figure into awards race after her Emmy nomination, her Emmy win seems to solidify her chances. With the SAG Awards in particular, she has a previous nomination in this category for what was essentially a guest spot on “ER” as far as I know back in 2000. Count Field in.

KYRA SEDGWICK, THE CLOSER
Her performance just keeps getting better on the show. Actresses often make it in one year and not the next, only to return the following year, but I think Sedgwick’s performance is solid enough that she should continue to make it in without interruption.

GLENN CLOSE, DAMAGES
I do not think the role is worthy of any awards, but FX’s stunning renewal of the show for two more seasons means that someone really does like it. Close did not make it in at the SAG Awards for his stint on “The Shield” two years ago, which might indicate that her FX roles do not do it for SAG voters. That may not be true, especially since Close’s role on “Damages” is starkly different from her role on “The Shield”.

CHANDRA WILSON, GREY’S ANATOMY
With the way things are going, it would seem to be Katherine Heigl’s turn, after Wilson’s nomination last year, and Sandra Oh’s the year before. Emmy voters recognized all three women this year, but I think more than one at the SAGs is pushing it. Wilson is likely the most respected, but from the episodes I watched, Oh has the best role. In any case, I think “Grey’s Anatomy” will miss out a nomination in every category at the SAG Awards this year.

MARISKA HARGITAY, LAW & ORDER: SVU
It was Hargitay’s nomination in this category in 2003 that got her started with frequent awards nominations. She has been nominated three out of the past four years, and barring heavy competition, I believe she could make it in again.

PATRICIA ARQUETTE, MEDIUM
I had prayed this was a fluke because Arquette is so bad on the NBC drama. Arquette’s two previous nominations do not make it look good for me. Arquette does have the disadvantage of starring on a procedural drama which is not as popular as either “The Closer” or “Law & Order: SVU”. Hopefully the competition will crush her.

MINNIE DRIVER, THE RICHES
Driver is utterly fantastic in the show and has an Emmy nomination to show for it. Hopefully SAG voters will embrace FX and this wonderful show. Driver has a previous nomination in the Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture category for “Good Will Hunting”. This is one hell of a different performance, and in my mind, a far better one. It is ten years later, so any comparison is highly unlikely.

HOLLY HUNTER, SAVING GRACE
It sort of feels like Hunter is not really trying, but I would not want to underestimate her chances. The show got renewed early on and Hunter received fantastic reviews. Hunter is previous SAG nominee for 2003’s “Thirteen”.

LORRAINE BRACCO, THE SOPRANOS
Bracco has always been in costar Edie Falco’s shadow, and has three SAG nominations to her credit. This is the show’s last season, and while Bracco has little material, she is excellent in one or two episodes. Both Sally Field and Lily Tomlin have been nominated for recurring roles without previous nominations, so Bracco should have a leg up on the competition.

EDIE FALCO, THE SOPRANOS
Falco has been nominated six out of six times she has been eligible for “The Sopranos”, winning twice. Her role is more limited this year, but she does a fine job and should easily remain on the list if she is not forced off by women on newer shows.

Current predictions:
SALLY FIELD, BROTHERS & SISTERS
KYRA SEDGWICK, THE CLOSER
MINNIE DRIVER, THE RICHES
LORRAINE BRACCO, THE SOPRANOS
EDIE FALCO, THE SOPRANOS

What I'm Watching: Dexter

Dexter: Season 2, Episode 10 "There's Something About Harry" (B)

I really like the way the hunt for the Bay Harbor Butcher is going, but I am having definitive problems with all the sub-plots. Lila should no longer be on the show, as she is an out-of-control character and brings down Batista and turns him into a dumb, idiotic character. The issues with Lundy and Deb are a bit tiresome, though all is well in the end. The revelation about Harry's suicide is given much more weight than I think it should have, and giving Jennifer Carpenter and Michael C. Hall ridiculous hairstyles and having them play their much younger selves was quite weird. This show should focus more on what Dexter will do about Doakes and maybe on the manhunt. I am very impressed with Erik King these days as Doakes, since he has transformed him from a generally emotionless and aggressive throwaway character to a compelling and dare I say sympathetic character. I am surprised that the Satellite Awards chose to recognize David Zayas' work as Batista rather than to highlight the continually improving work by Erik King. Two episodes to go, a third season renewal hopefully on the horizon.

Preliminary SAG Predictions: Best Actor in a Drama Series

The following represents some preliminary thoughts on Screen Actors’ Guild Awards contenders for the given category. Predictions will be revisited following the announcement of the Golden Globe Awards nominations, which often indicates how well new shows will fare. This category combines performance in the lead and supporting categories for an odd assortment of nominees which really varies from year to year.

Last year’s nominees:
JAMES SPADER, BOSTON LEGAL
MICHAEL C. HALL, DEXTER
HUGH LAURIE, HOUSE (winner)
JAMES GANDOLFINI, THE SOPRANOS
KIEFER SUTHERLAND, 24

This year’s top contenders:
WILLIAM SHATNER, BOSTON LEGAL
Proof of why I hate “Boston Legal” can be found here. Shatner actually has no previous nominations in this category, but he was nominated two years ago for this performance in the Best Actor in a Comedy Series category. How a show can go from being comedy one year to drama the next is inexplicable, and I only place Shatner’s name here because I know from previous experience that he should not be discounted.

JAMES SPADER, BOSTON LEGAL
Spader has one nomination from last year in this category, and one two years ago in the corresponding comedy category. I thought people were over him, but his Emmy win indicates otherwise. Sadly, there is not much competition this year, and so Spader could easily slide back in for his smarmy portrayal of the “ethically challenged” Alan Shore.

MICHAEL C. HALL, DEXTER
I would call him a lock, but somehow Hall missed out on an almost assured Emmy nomination, so his place in any awards show is at risk. Hall in my mind has only gotten better, but I know “Dexter” has some critics this season who feel he is showing too much emotion as compared with last year. I think if he makes it in he could win this year.

PETER KRAUSE, DIRTY SEXY MONEY
I do not think it is a showy enough performance, but Krause has history in this category for “Six Feet Under”. While Donald Sutherland could pose a threat, I think Krause maintains a very stable presence on the show in the midst of such absurdity that his fellow actors may want to recognize him for it.

PATRICK DEMPSEY, GREY’S ANATOMY
I think Dempsey is old news, especially with what I have been hearing about “Grey’s Anatomy” this season. They liked him two years ago, but I think “Grey’s Anatomy” has passed its prime.

HUGH LAURIE, HOUSE
Why not, right? I do not feel I need to say any more. When people love the actor and the role, it is hard to stop nominating them for awards. I just wish I enjoyed Laurie’s performance more.

EDDIE IZZARD, THE RICHES
Izzard stunned me with his fierce, unrelenting portrayal of Wayne Malloy on the new FX drama. His charm failed to work with Emmy voters, but I think relatively little competition here should help Izzard. History is not in Izzard’s favor, however, as FX has managed only one nomination in the drama/comedy series category, back in 2002, for Michael Chiklis. Hopefully Izzard and co-star Minnie Driver can change that.

WALTON GOGGINS, THE SHIELD
Speaking of FX stars with absolutely no shot, here is one for the wish list. Goggins delivered a terrific performance on this season of “The Shield” and has failed thus far to receive much credit. Supporting actors in this category in particular are sparse, with only one supporting star from either “The West Wing” or “The Sopranos” ever making it in (Alan Alda two years ago for the former). Goggins has an uphill battle ahead of him, but I will be staunchly supporting him.

JAMES GANDOLFINI, THE SOPRANOS
Gandolfini dropped off Emmy and Golden Globe lists in the past few years, but the one place he has never faltered is here. With six nods and two wins to his name, I sincerely doubt that Gandolfini will be left off in the show’s final year. He has also never had so little internal competition, since the only other male star with a real shot (Michael Imperioli) had a very limited role this season.

KIEFER SUTHERLAND, 24
Sutherland has been going strong, with five consecutive nominations and two wins over that period. He even managed an Emmy nomination for a dreadful season of “24”. In any other year, I would say he had no shot, but there are relatively few competitors who might force him out. He is at worst a close runner-up for the shortlist.

Current predictions:
MICHAEL C. HALL, DEXTER
HUGH LAURIE, HOUSE
EDDIE IZZARD, THE RICHES
WALTON GOGGINS, THE SHIELD
JAMES GANDOLFINI, THE SOPRANOS

What I'm Watching: Desperate Housewives

Desperate Housewives: Season 4, Episode 9 “Something’s Coming” (C-)

When I first saw the preview for this episode, I thought to myself that this is a random twist which shows use when their writers are completely out of ideas and which usually kills off one character but leaves the rest generally unscarred. It seems like the former part of that statement may be true, as I cannot imagine how the show would have continued, especially with the Gabrielle plotline. Are both Carlos and Victor dead? That Victor came to the house with a gun and then ran out after Carlos is not so smart – you would think he would have been a bit brighter what with all his political maneuvering and slimeishness. The only plotline that really worked out somewhat decently here is the one revolving around Gabrielle and Edie, who hide together despite hating each other. It feels like Katherine and Adam are being forcibly inserted into the story, at the expense of character development for Orson and Bree. The stalker woman serves little purpose other than to get blown out of the door after exposing a torrid affair which is sure to keep Katherine pissed for a while. I hope that the weather stays bad next episode so that both Mike and Susan get swept up into the storm and die. That would be the best thing for their characters right now. I cannot for the life of me understand why Lynette’s family would have to be the one to go. Has the woman not suffered enough? And more so, Lynette is so grumpy and self-pitying all the time and now she is going to lose her whole family? I must say, the cat allergy was a pitiful excuse to force Lynette and McCluskey out into the storm and to ultimate safety. I believe there is one more episode left that has been filmed, but there is no next airdate for it, so who knows who this whole mess will end.

What I'm Watching: Scrubs

Scrubs: Season 7, Episode 5 “My Growing Pains” (C)

Every scene now just seems so desperately forced. People go out of their way to make problems for other people, most notably Elliot, who after repeated insistence from Dr. Kelso about not wanting a big hoopla for his birthday, forces a party on him only to reveal his age. This hospital does not have terrific record-keeping if Elliot could so easily access his records yet the search for a successor had not been begun by any of the board members. Seeing J.D. and Turk with babies on their chests is weird, especially because it only makes what they are saying all the more true – they are no longer the enthusiastic, loveable characters season one and two featured, but instead they are trying too hard to remain young. I think “Scrubs” could have sustained a long run, but it continues to feel like it should have ended a while ago.

What I'm Watching: 30 Rock

30 Rock: Season 2, Episode 7 “Cougars” (B+)

I will go on record from the beginning as saying that entire plotline revolving around Frank and his supposed one-time homosexuality is just plain weird. I understand the desire to defy traditional shows which might have characters “become gay” by making it into a running joke, but the execution comes off as creepy and completely unlike Frank, specifically in the way he goes after the guy. I think that interaction between the main stars of the show should be the focus of most episodes, rather than bringing in guests all the time, since Jenna has recently been sidelined with guest actors, and Jack, Kenneth, and Tracy are hilarious in their slightly joint efforts to create a winning baseball team.

What I'm Watching: Dirty Sexy Money

Dirty Sexy Money: Season 1, Episode 9 “The Watch” (B+)

Finally we get to see some of that token stellar acting from Peter Krause. To this point he had yet to really get angry and fight for something he believed in, but in this episode he gets the chance to show off his acting chops which he proved time and again on “Six Feet Under”. On a similar note, I was highly disappointed with the casting for Nick’s father, because I always pictured him as Richard Jenkins, a.k.a. Nate’s father on “Six Feet Under”. My second choice would have been the token questionable father figure, currently being portrayed on a number of shows by James Remar. I do love the relationship Jeremy has with Nick’s wife, and that kind of comedy well balances the ensuing drama sure to exist in regards to Simon Elder sleeping with Karen and trying once and for all to rip the Darling empire to shreds. At this point, I must say that I am firmly allied with the Darlings.

What I'm Watching: Bionic Woman

Bionic Woman: Season 1, Episode 8 “Do Not Disturb” (C)

Jaime Sommers really is not ready for the field. She is completely unsurreptitious and constantly gets herself into sticky situations which she handles with brute force or by yelling at someone. Taking her sister on vacation with her is something she should definitely have cleared with the top command. Jonas himself should think about his own security policies, like maybe not giving his full real name to a suspect he is about to begin interrogating. As far as other unsolicited information goes, knowing that Ruth slept with Antonio once (and that it was good) is way too much information, not to mention uncharacteristic and a bit creepy.

What I'm Watching: Pushing Daisies

Pushing Daisies: Season 1, Episode 8 “Bitter Sweets” (B+)

This whole war thing sort of came out of nowhere, and it is rapidly changing all the characters. Chuck and Olive are fast becoming close allies in their joint attempts to bring down the competition. I think Molly Shannon is doing an arc, which makes sense because she is clearly a vindictive murderer/avenger. Ned telling Chuck is not wholly unexpected, and I do not think she is going to take it too well. Maybe Ned and Olive will get closer in the meantime.

Satellite Awards Reactions

Not so unexpectedly, my prediction rate was fairly low, at 43% overall, slightly better for the film side of things. I correctly predicted 30 out of 71 television nominees, or 42%. I missed out on the supporting actor and actress categories entirely, though I did guess three of the shows but name the wrong players (passed over: Kevin Nealon in favor of Justin Kirk for “Weeds”, new “Desperate Housewives” addition Dana Delany in favor of new addition Polly Bergen, and Keith Carradine’s Agent Lundy in favor of David Zayas’ Batista (though I would have more expected Erik King as Sgt. Doakes). I am most excited about the love for “Longford” with all its cast members represented, “The Riches”, “Chuck”, and most especially, the inclusion of “Flight in the Conchords” in the series category. The nominees:

TELEVISION MINISERIES
"Jane Eyre" (BBC/WGBH)
"The Starter Wife" (USA Network)
"The Company" (TNT)
"Five Days" (HBO)
"The Amazing Mrs. Pritchard" (BBC/Kudos Productions)

MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
"The Wind And The Willows, Masterpiece Theater" (PBS/BBC)
"Mitch Albom’S For One More Day"(ABC)
"Longford" (HBO/Channel 4)
"Life Support" (HBO)
"The Trial Of Tony Blair" (Channel 4)
"Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee" (HBO)

ACTRESS IN A MINISERIES OR A MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Ruth Wilson, "Jane Eyre" (PBS/WGBH)
Ellen Burstyn, "Mitch Albom’S For One More Day" (ABC)
Samantha Morton, "Longford" (HBO/Channel 4)
Queen Latifah, "Life Support" (HBO)
Debra Messing, "The Starter Wife" (USA Network)
Sharon Small, "Inspector Lynley Mysteries" (PBS/BBC)

ACTOR IN A MINISERIES OR A MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Toby Stephens, "Jane Eyre" (BBC)
Jim Broadbent, "Longford" (HBO/Channel 4)
Robert Lindsay, "The Trial Of Tony Blair" (Channel 4)
Aidan Quinn, "Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee" (HBO)
David Oyelowo, "Five Days" (HBO)
Tom Selleck, "Jesse Stone: Sea Change" (CBS)

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINISERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Vanessa Williams, "Ugly Betty" (ABC)
Judy Davis, "The Starter Wife" (USA Network)
Chandra Wilson, "Grey’S Anatomy" (ABC)
Jamie Pressly, "My Name Is Earl" (NBC)
Polly Bergen, "Desperate Housewives" (ABC)
Rachel Griffiths, "Brothers and Sisters" (ABC)

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINISERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION
Andy Serkis, "Longford" (HBO/Channel 4)
Michael Emerson, "Lost" (ABC)
Masi Oka, "Heroes" (NBC)
Justin Kirk, "Weeds" (Showtime)
T.R. Knight, "Grey’S Anatomy" (ABC)
Harry Dean Stanton, "Big Love" (HBO)
G. David Zayas, "Dexter" (Showtime)

TELEVISION SERIES, DRAMA
"The Riches" (FX Network)
"Dexter" (Showtime)
"Mad Men" (AMC)
"Friday Night Lights" (NBC)
"Grey’S Anatomy" (ABC)
"Brothers and Sisters" (ABC)

ACTRESS IN A SERIES, DRAMA
Minnie Driver, "The Riches" (FX Network)
Kyra Sedgwick, "The Closer" (TNT)
Ellen Pompeo, "Grey’S Anatomy" (ABC)
Sally Field, "Brothers and Sisters" (ABC)
Jeanne Tripplehorn, "Big Love" (HBO)
Glenn Close, "Damages" (FX Network)

ACTOR IN A SERIES, DRAMA
Eddie Izzard, "The Riches" (FX Network)
Michael C. Hall, "Dexter" (Showtime)
James Woods, "Shark" (NBC)
Hugh Laurie, "House" (Fox)
Bill Paxton, "Big Love" (HBO)
Denis Leary, "Rescue Me" (FX Network)

TELEVISION SERIES, COMEDY OR MUSICAL
"Ugly Betty" (ABC)
"Flight Of The Concords" (HBO)
"Extras" (HBO)
"Chuck" (NBC)
"Weeds" (Showtime)
"Pushing Daisies" (ABC)

ACTRESS IN A SERIES, COMEDY OR MUSICAL
America Ferrera, "Ugly Betty" (ABC)
Tina Fey, "30 Rock" (NBC)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, "The New Adventures Of Old Christine" (CBS)
Felicity Huffman, "Desperate Housewives" (ABC)
Anna Friel, "Pushing Daisies" (ABC)
Patricia Heaton, "Back to You" (Fox)

ACTOR IN A SERIES, COMEDY OR MUSICAL
Lee Pace, "Pushing Daisies" (ABC)
Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock" (NBC)
Steve Carell, "The Office" (NBC)
Stephen Colbert, "The Colbert Report" (Comedy Central)
Ricky Gervais, "Extras" (HBO)
Zachary Levi, "Chuck" (NBC)

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

BEST ENSEMBLE,TELEVISION
"Mad Men"

What I'm Watching: Reaper

Reaper: Season 1, Episode 9 “Ashes to Ashes” (C+)

This is an entertaining episode, but nothing really makes sense. The Devil seems to be selectively omniscient, knowing all that is dark and pertaining to devilish activities, as he always pops up whenever Sam does something wrong, yet he does not know squat about the conversations that go on between his girlfriend and Sam. And he knows Sam better than to assume that Sam would not try to talk to his girlfriend. On the subject of girlfriends, it is great that Sam might be interested in the devil’s ex’s daughter, and while her possibly being the devil’s daughter is a bad thing for Sam, it is a good thing for the audience, as that will surely prove to be an entertaining storyline. I like that Andi is still open to the possibility of a relationship with Sam but that she is unwilling to make a move or make up her mind. This show could very well outlast my expectations for its run.