"My Summer of Captivity"

Well, "Hannibal" is over for its season, and I haven't checked out NBC's

"Crossing Lines" just yet (great cast, but it all depends on execution--some

of that dialogue in the trailer sounded Ultra-Hokey!)

So, the best thing I've seen evidence of so far is last night's debut of

"Under the Dome," based on the Stephen King novel and executive

produced by Steven Spielberg and Brian K. Vaughan (with Neal Baer.)

It's a formidable team of talented vets who do what they do very well,

added to a great cast (I LOVE Aisha Hinds!) and a very intriguing concept!

I love sci-fi, I love mystery and suspense, and I am a huge

fan of character interaction and large cast ensembles...when done

well! Last night's premiers (of the 13 episode 'mini') was a delightful

little aperitif to whet the appetite!

Dissension amongst townsfolk, secrets and lies bubbling to the surface,

displaced lesbian couples, seizures of unknown origin, hot men, psychopaths,

a dozen deaths (and one murder!) and more sexual and violent tension than

you can shake a stick at!

If you were a fan of "Lost" or "Jericho," or a Stephen King fan...

if you enjoy "Revolution" or "The Killing"....

if you like shows that have diversity and characterization....

you'll probably enjoy "Under the Dome."

I'm looking forward to my new summer addiction!

***

Monday Night Suspense-Fest

In what could otherwise easily be referred to as

one of the most atrocious nights of the week in

terms of broadcast television, Monday

nights have been rocking lately thanks to

two new entries in the suspense/drama category.

"The Following" (FOX, 9 p.m. EST)

followed by "Deception" (NBC, 10 p.m. EST)

are great addictive TV, replete with sprawling

quality casts, intricate pot-burner mysteries,

and fast-paced story lines that keep you hooked tight.

If you've taken up knitting on Monday nights,

check out these hot new series today!

***

That's How You Do It!

Last night's "Law & Order: SVU" was a

phenomenal piece of television.

It began with a bang; a masterpiece lead-in which

set up the storyline, incredibly edited and

emboldened by a brilliant song choice

("I'll Take Everything" by James Blunt.)

I just can't say enough about the masterful

use of song and editing complimenting

the acting and filming!

(Actually, hearing that decrepit old theme

song following the intro was kind of a mood killer.

Probably should have done away with the regular

theme song, although I know that's anathema to

diehards. Still, it belies the seriousness of the

show, and was dated when it first appeared.)

Anywho; a fantastic episode, with all the

usual cast greats (I love the new dynamic!)

and special guests Patricia Arquette and

Anne Meara.

If they don't receive award nominations
(as the entire episode should, too!)

it will be a true sex crime...cuz someone

sure will be getting screwed over!

Watch the complete episode "Dreams Deferred"

***

"Revolution" sneak preview (pilot episode)

Catch the new sci-fi drama from J.J. Abrams and director

Jon Favreau, depicting the post-disaster evolution

of our electronics-dependent modern world.

Sneak Preview of "Revolution"; Complete Pilot episode

"Revolution" Trailer

One of the more interesting (and widely discussed) new show of the
upcoming fall season is "Revolution." In part because of the creative
fire power behind it (movie director Jon Favreau and super-producer
JJ Abrams, for starters,) it has garnered a lot of attention.

For me, the content is key, and the forces behind it mean that I have a
fair amount of trust that it will be done well. Post-apocalyptic, desolate
world recovery, mankind fighting for survival; these are all difficult themes
to pull off. The fact that the specifics of this catastrophe are a great social
commentary sounds like a great starting point.

I previously was a bit cold to Jeremiah, but I absolutely loved Jericho,
the original V, the original Planet of the Apes movies, and similar
dystopian movies. Even the poorly received "The Happening" movie
was interesting to me because of the human drama and mystery. It's all
in the execution, I suppose.

This seems a popular theme now, delving into the drama of how people will
adjust once society breaks apart, more so than in the past for obvious reasons.
Personally, I don't see much hope of all this camaraderie and brotherhood,
but it does make for interesting TV and movies!

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Recent TV Faves

Today, a sampling of my favorite TV to share.

Oddly enough, a few years ago I couldn't find

anything of value on TV. Now, I have found a

handful of true gems. If you aren't aware of the

following programs already, check them out.

Networks are listed, but I'm unsure of times;

I generally watch these on http://www.hulu.com/

where you can access most of them 24 hours

after their air date.

COMMUNITY

(NBC)

Quirk, dark, fast-paced, witty, community-college comedy;

inappropriate and politically incorrect, and loving it.

DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES

(ABC)

Final mystery-and-transformation-laden final season

of  drama and cheese.

MODERN FAMILY

(ABC)

Brainy situation comedy with diverse and hilarious

characters; adult and irreverent humor.

GRIMM
(NBC)

Supernatural meets detective drama;

plenty of studs, gore, pot-stirrers, and special effects.

WORKAHOLICS

(Comedy Central)

Nutsy surreal comedy featuring outcasts and weirdos;

live-action Beavis and Butthead.

YOUNG JUSTICE

(Cartoon Network)

Alternate earth DCU shows off superb animation of

former sidekicks in edgy, richly-scripted ongoing story.

(returning March)

PARKS & RECREATION

(NBC)

Tongue-in-cheek, schmaltzy comedy featuring

office nerds and nonsensical plots.

ONCE UPON A TIME

(ABC)

Action-drama split between a magical realm and

the modern trials of displaced people seeking resolution.

THE LEAGUE

(F/X)

Over-the-top adult comedy of fantasy-football buddies

and ridiculous hi jinks that are Seinfeld-ian in scope.

WAREHOUSE 13

(SyFy)

Witty, wry, moving and fun action-suspense with equal

parts X-Files and Moonlighting, add a dose of Cheers.

GLEE

(FOX)

A love song to music, outsiders, high school, and

love. Drama highlighted with original music and covers of greats.

******

Community - Season 3 - Promo/Sneak Peek #1

So, this season of 'Community' is even more outrageous, more trippy,
more deliciously inappropriate and Un-P.C. than Evah!

If you haven't been watching, it's best to start at the beginning, or at
least Season 2 to get an idea of the characters. You definitely need
some background for all the insanity to deliver as well as it does.

But if you love caustic, weird, biting, cynical humor, this show is IT!
Not for the easily offended....this is live-action South Park, baby!
Feel the burn!

(Thursdays at 8 on NBC, or any time on www.hulu.com)

For a brief intro to the ludicrous (the already infamous "Pocketful
of Hawthornes" piece,) click below!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi3NLojzWxE&feature=related



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