Pass The Remote: August 2006

Thursday, August 31, 2006

Flashback Edition on the 'Case!' Plus Catch 'Veronica' Early and a 'Gilmore' Goes to 'Studio 60'

"The bad thing that happened to little Lilly long, long ago. I read your 49. You ever dream about it, Lilly?" With those statements from serial killer George Marks (John Billingsley), a season-long mystery began into what exactly happened to Cold Case's Lilly Rush when she was a little girl. But Lilly's past wasn't the only intriguing storyline in this fantastic season 2 outing because it was a gripping, edge-of-your-seat ride from the moment it started until well after it ended. Today, we're going to take a look at one of Cold Case's finest hours with the serial killer shocker "Mind Hunter." All of the screencaps in this edition as courtesy of Kathryn Morris Online and Cold Case Source #1.

When Lilly and co. went toe-to-toe with George Marks, they had no idea what they were up against. The file clerk who was in charge of PPD's "49 reports," crimes where the victim survived ranging from muggings to rapes, had accessed the personal files on all five detectives. He took Stillman to task for not being there for his daughter when she was date raped. Scotty relived his tormented relationship with his former girlfriend who killed herself after suffering from schizophrenia while Jeffries was reminded how his wife died alone on a highway. George tore into Vera for missing the boat on the serial rape case from a few years back, allowing more women to suffer down the road. And then there was George's encounter with Lilly. She expected to enter that interrogation room and get the confession that the team needed. They were up a creek without a paddle because a search of his apartment turned up absolutely nothing. George was

meticulously clean, but CSU did find deer eyes (black glass marbles used in hunting to replace real eyes in trophy deer) and George told detectives that his didn't hunt. Could the deer eyes be used for his victims' missing heads? The gang thinks so, but they can't prove anything without the heads or a confession from George. What Lilly didn't count on in that room was to fit into the mold of all of George's victims. He liked to choose "fighters," women who fought their attackers, because they proved to be more of a challenge. Of course, George wouldn't admit to any of this -- he was just giving his opinion on the "killer."

Lilly entered the interrogation room and began using her usual tactics until George called her on them. He quickly switched the focus of their discussion from the murders and his possible involvement to her past. He read her 49 Report and he knew it was the reason why she became a cop. Lilly was completely thrown off kilter, but she quickly recovered. She began reading off his less than stellar record, including failing the Police Academy entrance exam and failing the physical for a mall security cop. "You couldn't even cut it as a rent-a-cop," Lilly taunted him. She moved to his mother's murder and closed with calling George "a small, little man." George insisted that he's not "in there," and Lilly thinks that she is close to a confession, but George keeps using the word "he" instead of "I" and the interview

comes to an end. Lilly desperately tries to get him to talk, but he begins to walk out of the interrogation room. Before he leaves, he asks Lilly if she hunts. She doesn't, but he tells her, "We should do it some time -- together." He waves to the other detectives behind the glass and walks out of the police station while Phil Collins' haunting "Long, Long Way to Go" plays over the closing scenes. It was the first (and only) CC case to not be wrapped up into a nice little package at the end of the hour, and it sent serious chills down my spine. George outsmarted our favorite cold case detectives and he managed to shake each of them at their core.

John Billingsley was brilliant as George and Kathryn Morris turned in one of her finest performances. It was an outstanding hour of television that left me a little speechless and wondering whether Lilly would go hunting sometime with George in the future. Little did I know that the future would come in the form of that season's finale. If you would like to see this episode, cable channel TNT reruns the older episodes every Tuesday night at 11 p.m. Can't wait for it to cycle around again? Then join the Cold Case DVD Campaign. Help the show land on DVD by letting Warner Bros. know how much you want to see it on store shelves. Click on over to ColdCaseDVDs.com to learn how to help. You can check out other Cold Case Flashback Editions HERE.

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*Don't want to wait until your favorite CW programs premiere late next month/early October? Well, you don't have to! The CW will stream via MSN.com the premiere episodes of some of its biggest shows a week before their scheduled network debuts. Look for favorites Veronica Mars (Sept. 26th) and Everybody Hates Chris (Sept. 24th) plus, new drama Runaway (Sept. 18th) to hit the web before the tube. All three will be free and without commercials.

*And finally, TVGuide.com's Mike Ausiello is reporting that Gilmore Girls' Lauren Graham will do a multi-episode stint on NBC's new behind-the-scenes drama Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. According to Ausiello, she'll play herself as a guest host of the show's fictional Saturday Night Live - like variety show. The storyline will have the actress appearing in two episodes later this fall. Studio 60 premieres September 18th on NBC.

To get more of today's biggest TV news and headlines, visit the TV News section at PassTheRemote.Net.

That's all for today. Be sure to tune in tomorrow for What's on Your TiVo: Of Season Passes, Wish Lists and everything else TiVo-related. What shows does PTR deem Season Pass worthy? Find out tomorrow! Plus, Friday Fun: Summer Style and all the latest television news!

To get more television coverage, including the network's new fall schedules and a complete archive of the best of Pass the Remote with a photo gallery featuring pictures from the set of Veronica Mars, click on over to PassTheRemote.net.

Wednesday, August 30, 2006

The Countdown Enters the Final Stages! Plus 'Justice,' 'Bones' and a New Lawyer for 'Boston Legal'

Pass the Remote's

Best Episodes of the Season

We are just one week away from learning which episode topped PTR's summer-long countdown of the Best Episodes of the Season! But before we get to the big announcement, we have three more wonderful works of television to reveal. For those who are new to the countdown, here is a refresher of the rules that I employed to determine the 31 episodes that compose this summer-long countdown. All of the shows and their episodes are from NETWORK television only, meaning that I did not take any cable series into consideration (since I only watch a few and felt that it would be unfair). All episodes aired between September 2005 and June 2006. Each episode that made the final list moved me in some way; either by making me laugh out loud, cry my eyes out or just left me with that "wow" feeling that stays with you for a few days. So basically, it's completely subjective! This is a summer-long countdown, so I will reveal a few episodes each week all summer until we reach the #1 episode of the past season. Be sure to tune in each Wednesday to see the next set of episodes to make the list. Here’s a closer look at numbers 7-5.

7: "Y2K" - My Name is Earl

If this were a countdown about the funniest episodes of the past season, then this particular outing from NBC's latest hit comedy would have easily topped the list! This episode never fails to make me cry with laughter every time I see it. The premise revolves around the big Y2K "scare" 6 years ago when everyone thought that the world would end at the stroke of midnight on January 1st, 2000. Earl and his gang wake up and believe that it has and they're the only people left on Earth. So, they take over the town's discount store by each claiming their own department (Randy gets toys, Joy gets health and beauty, etc.). Things go well for about 2 minutes until the group realizes that they need things from the others' sections. Stealing, fighting and complete bedlam ensue. There's even a causality as Randy's new electronic pet dog takes one to the head and goes down in a fit of Randy's cries. And when you're not laughing at the hilarious antics, you'll have a good laugh about the social commentary. Written by Hilary Winston and directed by Marc Buckland.

6: "White Balance" - Without a Trace

What better way to prove the point that a person's race shouldn't matter when they go missing then to not reveal which of the two missing teens (one white, one black) was found dead. This emotionally charged episode showed the true and frustrating difference that the media displays when people go missing. The white teen was covered regularly while the black teen's mother couldn't get her son's picture on the news. Two mothers going through the same pain, and yet, one gets more attention, giving her a better chance of seeing her child alive again. The most powerful moment in the episode came at the end when Jack walked up to both mothers to give them the bad news that one of their children is dead, and the beautiful "Cry" by James Blunt played in the background. The episode ended just as Jack was about to tell the women whom they had found. Viola Davis, who played the mother of the missing black teen, deserved a standing ovation for her remarkable performance. Written by Greg Walker and directed by Jeff Thomas.

5: "My Way Home" - Scrubs

Leave it to Scrubs to celebrate its 100th episode in style with an homage to The Wizard of Oz. In addition to the show's usual dose of comedy and heart, this episode infused so much cleverness that I was sure Veronica Mars wrote it. JD was trying to get home, Turk was looking for a heart for his transplant patient, Carla needed courage to be a parent, Eliot worried that she didn't have the brains for a Q&A session and Janitor painted a new color-coded line system for the hospital, which of course, leads to the famous "Follow the Yellow Brick Road" sequence. There was also a Toto reference right off the top that had me marveling in the genius that is the Scrubs writing staff. While JD took a bath, he listened to his iPod and that iPod was playing Toto's "Africa." There truly is no place like Scrubs! Written by Neil Goldman and Garrett Donovan and directed by series star Zach Braff. BONUS: Download this episode from iTunes HERE.

So, there's a closer look at #7-5. What did you think about them? Do you agree? Disagree? Drop me a comment with your thoughts. If you missed #31-8 or just want to revisit them, click HERE. Next week, PTR will reveal its #1 episode of the season! But first, we'll take a look at a family that lost too many members, taking it on the lam, a heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat season finale and of course, the #1 episode of the season. Be sure to tune in next Wednesday when all will be revealed!

New Fox Legal Drama Does the Network 'Justice'

Sure, it's slick, fast-paced and flashy like its CSI siblings, but what else did you expect from crime drama powerhouse Jerry Bruckheimer? His latest crime show focuses on the cases after the forensics team has wrapped its investigation. This one dissects the legal process the way the CSIs dissect the forensic process, but without the technical babble. Fox's Justice (premieres tonight at 9 p.m.) is an all-access pass to the inner workings of the defense's legal team during a criminal trial, and it does to the courtroom what CSI did for forensics. Expect to become very familiar with jury consultants, shadow juries, mock trials and expert witnesses. I was riveted and fascinated as I watched all of the planning, rehearsing, image control, etc. that goes into mounting a good defense. Victor Garber stars as high-powered attorney Ron Trott who leads a team of well-known lawyers at his ritzy L.A. firm. Trott is cocky, ruthless and willing to do anything to win, which is why, as one of the other lawyers explains in the pilot, he doesn't try the cases. Juries don't like him, and chances are you won't either unless you're on the other side of the law. Then, he's your best friend. This show excels at making the defendant seem both guilty and not guilty along the way, allowing you to be surprised at the end. The most exciting part of this new drama is the hook. After the verdict is read, the series goes back and shows the audience what really happened. I found myself getting a little emotional during the pilot's scene. Did the jury make the right decision? Which way would you have voted and would your vote have been the right one? Justice allows you to find out and it keeps you hooked during the process.

THE 411

PREMISE: Behind-the-scenes look at the legal process. CSI: Courtroom
STARRING: Victor Garber, Kerr Smith, Eamonn Walker and Rebecca Mader
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Jerry Bruckheimer, Jonathan Littman, Jonathan Shapiro and David McNally
EXTRA BONUS: A clever hook that allows the audience to see what really happened
BOTTOM LINE: I'm not one for legal dramas, but it's one of the best of the genre. Worth adding to your schedule if you've always wondered what happens after CSI ends each week.
PREMIERES: Wednesday, August 30th (TONIGHT) at 9 p.m. (EST) on Fox. For more information, visit Fox.com.

Premiering Tonight!!

In addition to Fox's Justice premiere, the network is also rolling out the second season of its forensic hit Bones (8 p.m.). I saw this one already, and it's excellent! I've only caught a few episodes here and there of this great show, but tonight's premiere was my favorite of them all. It's jam-packed with mystery, chemistry and emotion. This is a 4-star event, so clear your schedules at 8 p.m. and tune into Bones as the team investigates a deadly train accident and Bones gets some more news about her mother's death.

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*And finally, actor Craig Bierko is joining the cast of ABC's Boston Legal. He'll play a defense attorney whose first case sets up a multi-episode story arc that involves guest star Katey Sagal. The case, a murdered judge, also brings in guest stars Tyler Labine (Invasion) and Anthony Heald (Boston Public). Look for Bierko to begin his tenure with Legal during the second episode of the season. Boston Legal premieres September 19th on ABC.

To get more of today's biggest TV news and headlines, visit the TV News section at PassTheRemote.Net.

That's all for today. Be sure to tune in tomorrow for another Flashback Edition featuring a classic episode of Cold Case. Plus, all the latest television news!

To get more television coverage, including the network's new fall schedules and a complete archive of the best of Pass the Remote with a photo gallery featuring pictures from the set of Veronica Mars, click on over to PassTheRemote.net.

Tuesday, August 29, 2006

'The 4400' Leaves us Guessing! Plus 'The Closer' and Federline Does 'CSI'

In my initial post on the season finale of The 4400, I focused on its awesomeness and all of the plot twists and turns. Today, I wanted to focus a little more on what the episode didn't tell us, but left us questioning until next season. The biggest and most intriguing question is, who was the man talking to while he was handing out the promicin at the end? Was the character "breaking the 4th wall" and talking to the audience? Or was he addressing another character off-camera that we'll see next season? And if so, whom? Perhaps, Isabelle left the hospital and wanted to reclaim her powers or Dennis Ryland decided to take a stab at

it. The possibilities are endless! How shocking would it be if the recipient were Tom? Of course, it may have been a simple hypothetical question for the audience, but the show doesn't have a track record of doing this, so it seems unlikely. I think it was a little bit of both. He was talking to a character whose identity will be revealed next season, but the writers purposely left it ambiguous because the entire episode was a big question mark about whether or not you would take the shot. It was so well done, and an excellent way to end the episode and the season.

Two other question marks that hang over the season finale are whether Isabelle is really without her powers forever and whether Diana will return to NTAC. Regarding the latter, I haven't heard anything about star Jacqueline McKenzie leaving the show, and I keep up with her official site and MySpace account. I think she'll be back as Diana next season. The former is harder to call. The future gave that injection to Tom and told him to "Kill Isabelle." We learned that the injection simply took away her powers, but didn't kill her. Tom had the opportunity to shoot her and make it count, but decided to simply incapacitate her with a shot to the shoulder. This means, he didn't do what he promised in exchange for Maia's life.

Maybe Isabelle's powers are only temporarily removed and Tom missed his opportunity. After all, the future didn't tell him to simply take her powers away with that injection. And what about the fact that he didn't fully live up to his end of the bargain? Is this why the future took Alana again? Was it payback for Tom's defiance? Maybe the future simply needs her again like they did with the children earlier this season. So many questions, and such a long wait until we get them answered next season! What do you think about all of the questions raised in the season finale? Was the man talking to the audience or another character, and if so, whom? What about Isabelle and Tom's promise to the future? Leave me a comment with your thoughts.

Overall, the third season of The 4400 was fan-freaking-tastic!! There were so many strong outings from Maia's abduction to Tom and Diana's 4400- induced hallucinations that left a memorable impression. We learned more about the regular characters and we met some new ones as well. I've heard criticism about the character of Isabelle, but I felt that she added a new, more deadly element to the show that led to a stronger sense of urgency. It was fun to watch the dichotomy of the innocent girl and her evil powers. Even though the show abandoned the "Freak of the Week" format this season, they managed to introduce us to new 4400s and their abilities seamlessly while they were continuing to tell the season-long and episode-long stories. They weaved in and out beautifully and it made

for a nice ride. One of my favorite elements of this season was getting to know the character of Diana better. She was more hardass and cold during the first season, but warmed up a bit more during the second with her relationship with Maia. One of my favorite moments of any season is the party she threw for her during season 2. This season, we watched as she lost her will to live after Maia's abduction. It was a real moment, and it showed just how attached to Maia she had become in a relatively short period of time. We also learned that she had been jilted by a former fiance right before their wedding, and how it affects how she enters into

relationships. And then there was my favorite part, her relationship with Ben, which showed a different side to our all-work, no-play NTAC agent. So, season 3 was one of growth, change and personal development for the characters that we love and the new ones that we were getting to know. It was a fun ride that I'm sorry to see end... until next summer. Be sure to stop by The 4400's official site for blogs, pictures, episode guides and much more! You'll definitely want to check out Maia's final diary entry for clues on next season. And while you're checking out more info on The 4400, be sure to read IGN's exclusive interview with Jacqueline McKenzie for insight into her Diana character, the show and plenty of extras. She tells the site all about the cast's laughing fits during filming (it seems Billy Campbell is the worst offender) and one particular incident where she and Joel Gretsch (Tom Baldwin) couldn't get it together for an ad for England's Sky TV:

The 4400 shows on Sky TV in England. And their company went away for some kind of working [retreat], so they asked Joel and I to stand up in front of the cameras and say, "Hey, we hope you have a great holiday," and do this [bit]; the two of us, side by side, reading to the camera. We had these cue cards to read from, Joel had his and they'd hold up mine. We could not stop laughing! It was so bad… They kept the cameras rolling, and we did 25 minutes of this! The crew were doubled over. The camera's shaking, because the guy with the camera could no longer hold it. It was just outrageous. I hope they played the whole thing for them. And we have no idea why we went off… Oh, that's right, I think the thing was I could see Joel in the lens of the camera, and he could see me, because we had to do it straight down the lens. And as actors, you never have to do that. God, it was just a nightmare. So Joel and I are dreadful; we go up a lot. But when Billy Campbell's in the mix, it's over!

To read more of McKenzie's interview with IGN, click on over to their site.

Brenda Learns Why You Never Work With an Ex

Think about your most embarrassing moment. Got it? OK, now mulitple it by about 100 trillion and you have Brenda Leigh Johnson's *new* most embarrassing moment! It was so horrible that I was blushing from my couch watching it unfold on The Closer. I really can't think of something more uncomfortable than having the ex-wife of your former boyfriend come in to your work and divulge secrets about your private affair with her husband many years prior. I have to give a big standing ovation to Taylor, though, for not capitalizing on the information. He took the high road, and I, along with Brenda, couldn't have loved him more at that moment. Just wow. Anyway, the case was interesting as usual. I had a feeling that the right person was behind bars for the double murder at the convenience store, but I couldn't figure out how it was all connected until Brenda and co. discovered the partner. My heart broke a little for the young girl who was duped into the scheme. Her poor self esteem! And what about the closing moments of the episode? Brenda didn't seem too happy about getting rid of the things from her relationship with Pope. Could it be that the reason she hasn't made things clear with him is because they're not too clear with her? Poor Fritz!

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*And finally, the apocalypse must be near because Mr. Britney Spears, Kevin Federline, will try his "talents" at acting. The rapper will guest star on an upcoming episode of CBS' CSI playing, wait for it... an annoying teen who harasses the CSI team as they work to solve a string of attacks on tourists. No air date on the episode yet.

To get more of today's biggest TV news and headlines, visit the TV News section at PassTheRemote.Net.

That's all for today. Be sure to tune in tomorrow as the summer-long countdown continues! We're cracking the top 5 best episodes of the season with #7-5! What do the end of the world, two missing kids and The Wizard of Oz have in common? They're all apart of the next set of episodes, and PTR will reveal all tomorrow. Plus, a Justice preview and all the latest television news!

To get more television coverage, including the network's new fall schedules and a complete archive of the best of Pass the Remote with a photo gallery featuring pictures from the set of Veronica Mars, click on over to PassTheRemote.net.

Monday, August 28, 2006

Emmys Honor '24,' 'Office' But Aren't Feeling 'Grey!' Plus TV on DVD Monday

Even though the nomination process may have disappointed many, the awards show did not. Host Conan O'Brien kept things rolling all night with a funny gag involving Bob Newhart and plenty of "NBC in the ratings crapper" jokes, including a brilliant musical number to "Trouble" from Broadway's The Music Man. The speeches were good, the winners were (sometimes) surprising and the night was overall, enjoyable. It's more than you can say about most awards shows. Here is a breakdown of the night's best and worst. And you can check out a full list of the night's winners HERE courtesy of Yahoo! TV.

Best Acceptance Speech: Greg Garcia for writing in a comedy. The My Name is Earl creator decided to name the people that he isn't thanking for his win. They included a middle school teacher who told him he wasn't funny and a former boss who kept him busy doing mundane tasks when he was a PA. The speech was hilarious, much like the scribe's hit NBC comedy, and it added something different to the acceptance speech mix.

Best Joke: "Yeah, we weren't really invited." Those were the words from Lost character Hurley during the night's opening bit involving Conan trying to get to the awards show. The joke, of course, is the fact that the brilliant drama was snubbed in the best drama category this year after winning last year.

Biggest Relief: For the most part, the Academy didn't do the cliche thing and give all of the departing shows wins in their respective categories. Megan Mullally did win for Will & Grace when the award should have gone to Earl's Jaime Pressly, but overall, the trend was avoided.

Biggest Surprise: This is a tie between Mariska Hargitay winning for best actress in a drama and Grey's Anatomy not winning for best drama (in fact, the show went home empty-handed). Both were pleasant surprises for me, but definitely surprises. I thought that Kyra Sedgwick had her category all sewn up, but Mariska's good year continued when her name was called from the podium. She gave a very emotion-filled speech and she looked fabulous! Even though I may be a bit biased when it comes to Grey's, I can objectively say that it's not the best drama on television, so I was glad to see 24 win instead.

Biggest Bummer: The Office winning best comedy over Scrubs. Nothing against the workplace comedy (and it wasn't like I wasn't expecting it to win), but I had a small glimmer of hope that this would be Scrubs' year. No such luck as its fellow NBC comedy walked away victorious.

Best Dressed: Overall, everyone looked pretty fabulous last night. I was very impressed! Here are my top 3 of the night:

Grey's Anatomy's Katherine Heigl

Lost's Evangeline Lilly

Prison Break's Wentworth Miller

There were plenty of PTR favorites in attendance last night between the show and the after parties. Here is a look at what they were wearing on television's biggest night:

The 4400's Jacqueline McKenzie at an after party. She looks gorgeous!! And I seriously covet her shoes.

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series winner Mariska Hargitay (L&O: SVU) arrives for the show last night. She's rockin' those post-baby curves and her hair looks fabulous!

Scrubs' Sarah Chalke arrives for the awards show. She also looked fabulous, and this dress works well on her.

And finally, you guys voted for your favorites last week in PTR's Emmy polls. Well, the results are in, and it seems, many of you aren't so happy with last night's show results. Here's how you voted:

Reality Competition:
You wanted Survivor (40%)
BUT, The Amazing Race once again took this category

Best Actor in a Comedy:
You wanted Steve Carell (45%)
BUT, Tony Shalhoub won again

Best Actress in a Comedy:
You wanted Jane Kaczmarek (50%)
BUT, Julia Louis-Dreyfus won

Best Actor in a Drama:
You wanted Denis Leary (86%)
BUT, Kiefer Sutherland finally won

Best Actress in a Drama:
You wanted Kyra Sedgwick (43%)
BUT, Mariska Hargitay finally won

Best Comedy:
You wanted Scrubs (60%)
BUT, its fellow NBC sitcom The Office took the category

Best Drama:
You wanted House (50%)
BUT, 24 took the award

So overall, an entertaining show with a mixed bag of winners and nominations. One thing is certain, The 58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards are in the record book. Maybe now we can begin hoping that this new system tweaks itself before the nomination process next season.

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*And finally, it's TV on DVD Monday! Look for the second season of ABC's hit Desperate Housewives to land on store shelves tomorrow along with Arrested Development (season 3), Nip/Tuck (season 3), South Park (season 8), Survivor: Palau and Will & Grace (season 5). For a full list of tomorrow's releases, click on over to tvshowsondvd.com.

To get more of today's biggest TV news and headlines, visit the TV News section at PassTheRemote.Net.

That's all for today. Be sure to scroll down and check out PTR's initial thoughts on last night's season finale of The 4400, and then come back tomorrow for my complete review on the fantastic season and shocking finale. Plus, The Closer, Vanished and all the latest television news!

To get more television coverage, including the network's new fall schedules and a complete archive of the best of Pass the Remote with a photo gallery featuring pictures from the set of Veronica Mars, click on over to PassTheRemote.net.

Sunday, August 27, 2006

SPECIAL EDITION: 'The 4400' Finale Thrills and Leaves us with Chills!

I know I said that I wasn't going to give you my thoughts on tonight's season finale of USA's The 4400 until Tuesday, but this really couldn't wait. Remember how I said that I would be sitting on my couch Sunday night around 10 p.m. declaring that this season of the sci-fi series was, without a doubt, its best? Well, guess what? It's 10:20 p.m. and I'm now sitting at my computer and I'm declaring it to all of you: this was, indeed, the best season of The 4400! And tonight's AMAZING finale was the cap on a summer-long display of achievement. There were surprises, twists and then there was the last 10 minutes! We're talking Lost proportions! Let me pause for a minute and warn all of you that the following contains major SPOILERS, so please refrain from reading until you've seen this incredible, shocking episode for yourself. Anyway, what the hell happened to Alana at the end??!! The ball of light from the future is back??!! OMG! I knew about Diana leaving as I shared with you on Friday, but Alana's departure was a complete shock. And what about Kyle and April injecting themselves with promicin? With April's luck, she'll be in the unfortunate 50%. And it isn't just Alana's disappearance, Diana's departure and promicin surprises left hanging in the balance because both Shawn and Isabelle are unconscious in the hospital! And how awesome was the fact that the injection only took away Isabelle's powers without killing her? I'm so excited to see where this show goes next.

There were three moments in the last few minutes that really gave this episode the extra spring in its step.

- Jordan, Tess and Kevin learning that someone (presumably who took the promicin) just cured their relative of Alzheimer's. The entire episode had focused on the negatives of the promicin and the people who had died from taking it, but this scene gave a little glimmer of hope. It made me smile, and it kind of restored my faith in Jordan. After all, the future told Tom to kill Isabelle, not Jordan. Maybe he knows what he's doing? Then again, maybe he just got lucky. That's the beauty of this show; it doesn't always present clear good and evil, but many gray shades in between. This is certainly the case with Jordan and the promicin.

- The final words of the episode, "How about you? 50-50. You want the shot?" What a chill-inducing moment, and to make it the final moment - sheer brilliance! Of course, it begs the obvious question, would you take the shot?

- And my favorite moment of the episode... Diana and Tom's goodbye. And not because I want them together, we all know I'm over that possibility (Diana and Ben all the way!!), but because it was tender and it was real. These two have formed a bond that transcends their professional partnership. They have each other's backs no matter what with no questions asked, and I have always loved that about them. There was a real sadness to the scene, and it was reflected beautifully in both Jacqueline McKenzie's teary-eyed goodbye and Joel Gretsch's strong, understanding advice. It was a beautiful moment that ended with a real hug - one that showed the emotion and care behind their friendship.

These are just my preliminary, thrown-together thoughts on tonight's incredible hour of television. Be sure to tune in this Tuesday for PTR's complete review of the finale and the show's awesome third season. And don't forget, tomorrow I'll have complete Emmy coverage (including a big Hell Yeah! to Mariska Hargitay for just walking away with the win!!!). Plus, all the latest television news.

To get more television coverage, including the network's new fall schedules and a complete archive of the best of Pass the Remote with a photo gallery featuring pictures from the set of Veronica Mars, click on over to PassTheRemote.net.

Friday, August 25, 2006

EMMY WEEK: Best Drama Ballot! Plus '4400' Finale Preview and 'Mars' Fans' Charity Efforts are Outta this World

BEST

Drama

We are down to the last category before the big show this weekend. So far, you guys have cast your votes for your favorite reality-competition shows, actors, actresses and comedy series, but it all comes down to your favorite dramas. Dramas are everywhere on your television and they come in many different forms: crime shows, law dramas, character-driven, soapy, procedural and even a hybrid of both drama and comedy. With all that drama, many of our favorites are bound to get left off the ballot. And the five that did make the ballot, are sure to keep it a tight race. Don't forget to make your pick in PTR's Emmy poll below.

OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES
Grey's Anatomy
House
The Sopranos
24
The West Wing

What Will Win: Momentum, buzz and the "it" factor say this is an easy win for Grey's Anatomy, and I agree. I think this show will walk away with the statue, and ABC will have that extra push it needs going into the season with a new timeslot up against CBS' ratings juggernaut CSI. Even though I'm not a Grey's fan, this show has certainly struck a cord with the right people, which should secure its win.

What Should Win: With TV's best drama (Veronica Mars) and second best drama (Lost) absent from this category, it makes the "should win" column seem a little fruitless. Nevertheless, we must forge on with the most deserving winner of this bunch. And there are plenty of deserving winners in this category, but House sticks out the most for me. It's the better medical drama with plenty of character minus the sudsy Grey's storylines. Plus, as far as I'm concerned, the Academy owes it to House after snubbing lead actor Hugh Laurie this year.

And now it's your turn to decide which drama you would like to see take the statue Sunday night. Please vote for your favorite below in the PTR Emmy Poll. And be sure to vote in all of the previous PTR Emmy polls as well. Yesterday's best comedy category can be found HERE, the drama acting categories can be found HERE, the comedy acting categories are HERE, and Monday's reality show poll is HERE. The 58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards air live this Sunday, August 28th on NBC.

FRIDAY FUN: SUMMER STYLE 'The 4400' Will Leave You Hanging!

Another fantastic season of USA Network’s The 4400 is about to come to an end. Is it just me, or does this show get better with age? I LOVED it when it premiered two years ago as a “limited series,” and I jumped for joy when USA decided to turn it into a weekly summer series. I wasn’t sure how the writers were going to sustain the quality, but they surprised me with the “Freak of the Week” format last season. I LOVED getting to know different 4400s and learning about their abilities (P.S. How fun must it be to write for this show and invent abilities?). I assumed that this format would carry through to this current season, but they surprised me again with a brand-new season-long arc. And after each season, I say to myself, “This was the best season ever!” There aren’t too many shows where I say the same. So this Sunday around 10 p.m., I will be sitting on my couch once again proclaiming that this season was the best ever! And this time, it will be right because this is the first season where I have been truly bummed to see the show end until next summer. But before the downer, there is a very exciting hour of television before us.

Executive producer Ira Steven Behr told Sci Fi Wire to expect some cliffhangers that will have a major impact next season when the third season wraps up this Sunday. “I think, because there will be some major chess moves made, I think we will be able to tell some interesting character-based [stories] with people we have not met yet, because there's going to be such an upheaval that we're going to want to hear and meet new people,” he explains. Star Jacqueline McKenzie (Diana Skouris) writes on her official Web site that the finale is "bigger than Ben Hur" and "an amazing script." One of the season-ending cliffhangers revolves around McKenzie's character, NTAC agent Diana Skouris. STOP READING NOW IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE SPOILED!! Diana and Ben (a.k.a. my new fave TV couple) have been trying to figure out this whole relationship thing, especially since Diana's sister April (Natasha Gregson Wagner) was originally dating Ben (Brennan Elliot). Well, things are about to take a more serious turn Sunday night, according to actor Brennan Elliot who plays the lovable Ben. "I've got a job to do in Spain, and she takes off with me," the actor explains to Marilyn Beck and Jenel Smith regarding his photographer character and Diana. "It's a bit of a cliffhanger." So, will Diana be back? That answer will have to wait until next season (END SPOILER). What will happen now that war between the 4400 and Ryland's promicin-taking army is inevitable? We'll have to tune in Sunday night at 9 p.m. (EST) on USA network to see how it unfolds.

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*And finally, fans of UPN's Veronica Mars just might be the most charitable group of fans in the history of television. As of August 22nd, the collective group "Cloud Watchers" has donated more than 400 season 1 DVD sets to local libraries across the country (see map to right). All 50 states and 100 top Nielsen markets are represented in the drive that PayPal donations and sales of fan-made VM-themed merchandise funded. The retail value of all the donations is just under $25,000 according to the group's press release. "By donating to public libraries, fans have been able to support a worthy cause while also introducing their favorite show to anyone with a library card," the group writes in the release. The campaign even caught the attention of the show's creator/executive producer Rob Thomas, who sent the group a message thanking them for their hard work. "That's all incredibly cool. Thanks so much for the tireless support. We REALLY appreciate it," he wrote. And the group isn't done with its push. They have set their sights on reaching a total of 500 donated sets by October 3rd, the date of Veronica Mars' 3rd season premiere on the new CW. To learn how you can help, click HERE.

To get more of today's biggest TV news and headlines, visit the TV News section at PassTheRemote.Net.

That's all for today. Be sure to tune in Monday for PTR's Emmy Blowout Edition! I'll have all the winners, your votes and the best (and worst!) Emmy fashions. And since I don't want to short change The 4400's season finale, be sure to come back Tuesday for all the details from this Sunday's big episode. Plus, all the latest television news!

To get more television coverage, including the network's new fall schedules and a complete archive of the best of Pass the Remote with a photo gallery featuring pictures from the set of Veronica Mars, click on over to PassTheRemote.net.

Thursday, August 24, 2006

EMMY WEEK: Best Comedy Ballot! Plus New Season Scoop and More Guest Star News

BEST

Comedy

Well, Emmy week is winding down and we only have two huge categories left before the big show this weekend. Today, we're going to take a look at the nominees in the best comedy category. After PTR makes our picks, be sure to vote for your favorite in today's Emmy poll. I'll reveal your winners in PTR's Emmy blowout edition on Monday.

OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES
Arrested Development
Curb Your Enthusiasm
The Office
Scrubs
Two And A Half Men

What Will Win: This has been The Office's year in all facets of the television world. It has all the buzz, critical acclaim and recognition that NBC could have hoped for, so I wouldn't be surprised to see it also get the Emmy Sunday night. Arrested and Enthusiasm could rain on The Office's parade, but I'm still giving the edge to the workplace comedy.

What Should Win: Scrubs, which has been plugging along for 5 seasons with little to no recognition. I don't expect things to be different this year, but Scrubs is certainly television's most deserving comedy for its hilarious antics, stellar cast and emotional undertones. I'll keep my fingers crossed, but I won't be holding my breath.

And now it's your turn to decide which comedy you would like to see take the statue Sunday night. Please vote for your favorite below in the PTR Emmy Poll. And be sure to vote in all of the previous PTR Emmy polls as well. Yesterday's drama categories can be found HERE, the comedy categories are HERE, and Monday's reality show poll is HERE. The 58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards air live this Sunday, August 28th on NBC.

New Season Scoop
As promised, PTR will continue to bring you new season scoop on your favorite shows as their premiere dates grow closer. Today, I have juicy info on two PTR favorites as well as some premiere scoop on a Fox favorite. WARNING: the following information is laced with SPOILERS, so proceed with caution. As usual, all information is subject to change.

You guys are loving him on The 4400 as Diana's photographer boyfriend, but Brennan Elliot will be popping up on another PTR favorite. Or rather, popping back up because the hunky actor will reprise his role as Lilly Rush's motorcycle riding former flame on Cold Case (screencap courtesy Kathryn Morris Online). I know I've told you this before, but the new scoop comes directly from Elliot. "I'm slated to do six of them this season," he tells Marilyn Beck and Jenel Smith. Six episodes! When we last left our favorite Cold detective, she was warming up to not-victim Joseph, so what will happen when Ray rolls back into town? We'll have to tune in to know for sure. Either way, it seems that Elliot will be getting lots of lovin' from two primetime crime drama leading ladies! Look for Elliot to begin his 6-episode stint with the third episode. And speaking of episode order, the crime drama has changed it around a bit since the last time I brought you season 4 scoop. The latest schedule looks like this (courtesy TVGuide.com):

9/25 - "Rampage" *Season Premiere*
10/2 - "War at Home"
10/9 - "Sandhogs" *Ray Reappears*
10/16 - "Baby Blues"

*click HERE for episode descriptions from a previous post

I've also learned that the tentative 5th episode of the season, "Saving Sammy," revolves around the 2003 case of a couple found dead in their car. They had a daughter and an autistic son. Joseph plays a part in this one because of his work as a youth counselor. A special thanks to orison at Look Again for this information.

Moving along to Veronica Mars and some casting scoop. Actress Laura San Giacomo will reunite with her former Just Shoot Me costar Enrico Colantoni during the upcoming season. She'll play a woman who hires Keith's private investigator firm to find out if her husband is cheating on her according to TVGuide.com's Mike Ausiello. Series creator Rob Thomas tells the scoop master that Giacomo will appear in "several episodes" and that her character and Keith "hit it off." Ausiello is also reporting that famed heiress Patty Hearst will make an appearance in an upcoming episode. She'll play the granddaughter of the founder of Hearst College who goes missing the night before an important vote affecting the university. And thanks to DuckyXDale, I have some episode titles for the first few episodes of the season (the folks at VM are the title masters!):

3.01: "Welcome Wagon"
3.02: "My Big Fat Greek Week"
3.03: "Friday Night Sleights"
3.04: "Charlie Don't Surf"

Veronica Mars premieres October 3rd on the new CW network. And finally, when Bones kicks off its second season next week, expect a shocking turn of events in the case of Bones' mother. Something happens that changes her search for her wayward father and it leads to an emotional ending. Bones returns Wednesday, August 30th on Fox. And be sure to stay tuned to PTR for plenty of new season scoop, thoughts on the new shows and much more! Tomorrow, I'll bring you some scoop on the season finale of The 4400!

QUICK CUTS

*NBC's ER is lining up some big name guest stars for its upcoming season. Look for Forest Whitaker to take over for Andre Braugher. Braugher had to back out of his guest stint after taking a role in the next Fantastic Four film. Busy Phillips will appear in at least 4 episodes as a devout-Christian intern. ER kicks off its 13th season September 21st on NBC. In other guest star news, recording artist John Mayer will make an appearance in the season premiere of CBS' CSI. He'll perform two songs from his new album, Continuum, in the 2-part 7th season opener (click HERE for episode info, but be warned the link contains spoilers). CSI rolls out its new season September 21st on CBS.

*And finally, CBS is adding 6 more series to its list of shows it will stream on its broadband channel INNERTUBE. How I Met Your Mother, Shark, The Unit, The Class, The New Adventures of Old Christine and Smith will join previously announced Jericho, NCIS, Survivor, Numb3rs and all three CSIs next month. Episodes of these shows will be available for free on CBS' online broadband channel the morning after they air on the network.

To get more of today's biggest TV news and headlines, visit the TV News section at PassTheRemote.Net.

That's all for today. Be sure to tune in tomorrow for the final day of Emmy week with my picks for best drama. Plus, a 4400 season finale preview and all the latest television news!

To get more television coverage, including the network's new fall schedules and a complete archive of the best of Pass the Remote with a photo gallery featuring pictures from the set of Veronica Mars, click on over to PassTheRemote.net.

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

EMMY WEEK: Best Acting in a Drama Ballots! Plus More '4400,' 'Survivor' Draws Along Lines and Pick Your Faves

BEST ACTING

IN A DRAMA

Rolling right along now with the acting in a drama series categories. As we all know, the drama has been flourishing as of late and it has allowed a lot of excellent actors to really show us their chops. Of course, this makes the decision even more difficult and it makes the list of oversights even longer than usual (Kristen Bell, Hugh Laurie, Kathryn Morris, etc). Here are PTR's predictions and picks for acting in the drama categories. Don't forget to vote for your favorites in PTR's Emmy polls.

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Christopher Meloni — Law & Order: SVU
Denis Leary — Rescue Me
Peter Krause — Six Feet Under
Kiefer Sutherland — 24
Martin Sheen — The West Wing

Who Will Win: This is one of the toughest categories to call because it pits over-due Kiefer Sutherland and first-time nominee and deserving winner Denis Leary against each other. And then there's possible spoiler Martin Sheen as well. Leary is just so strong, so my money is on him walking away with the statue Sunday night.

Who Should Win: Leary. His emotionally troubled Tommy is just too good of a performance to ignore. Hopefully, the Academy will recognize his brilliant work this year after ignoring his performance last year.

And now it's your turn to decide which actor you would like to see take the statue Sunday night. Please vote for your favorite below in the PTR Emmy Poll.

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Kyra Sedgwick — The Closer
Geena Davis — Commander In Chief
Mariska Hargitay — Law & Order: SVU
Frances Conroy — Six Feet Under
Allison Janney — The West Wing

Who Will Win: This is another tough category because there are a lot of probable outcomes. The Academy loves to give Janney awards and this was her last season on The West Wing. Davis would have been a favorite had her show not drastically fallen off the quality map, and she could still win this category. But, I think this one belongs to Sedgwick. Her show burst onto the scene in a big way and the Academy loves to reward film actors.

Who Should Win: Sedgwick for her incredible performance. She makes you forget that you're watching the girl from Hearts and Souls because she is Brenda Leigh Johnson. She brings emotion, humor, sadness and depth to a character that could have faded into the crime drama background.

And now it's your turn to decide which actress you would like to see take the statue Sunday night. Please vote for your favorite below in the PTR Emmy Poll. And be sure to check back all week for your chance to pick your favorites in all the major categories including your favorite comedies and dramas! The 58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards air live this Sunday, August 28th on NBC. To vote in yesterday's comedy categories, click HERE. For Monday's reality show poll, click HERE.

QUICK CUTS

*USA network is bringing back The 4400 for another season. The news confirms the message from star Jacqueline McKenzie in her MySpace.com account over the weekend and reported here at PTR earlier this week. The fourth season will contain 13 original episodes. Shooting will begin next year with a summer 2007 premiere.

*CBS is releasing the identities of the next group of castaways for the upcoming 13th season of Survivor. This season features a brand new twist as well as a hold-over from last season. When the 13th edition kicks off next month, expect the 20 contestants to be divided along ethnic lines into four groups: African-American, Asian-American, Hispanic and White. The groups will merge later on in the show. And look for the return of Exile Island, which one contestant will be banished to each week with the opportunity to find the Immunity Idol. The 20 castaways this time around include a professional volleyball player from Marina Del Ray, CA; heavy metal guitarist from New York; an actress from Los Angeles; a performance artist/rollergirl from Chico, CA; and a pre-med student from Fayetteville, NC. Survivor: Cook Islands premieres September 14th on CBS.

*And finally, unhappy with this year's crop of Emmy nominees? Wish more of your favorites were on the list? Well, Media Village feels your pain. The site has set up its own set of awards and you get to be the judge. Click on over to MediaVillage.com to vote for your favorites for comedy and drama series, acting and reality competition series. All votes must be in by September 5th. And while you're there, be sure to cast a vote for Kristen Bell and Lauren Graham!

To get more of today's biggest TV news and headlines, visit the TV News section at PassTheRemote.Net.

That's all for today. Be sure to tune in tomorrow as Emmy week rolls on with PTR's picks and predictions for Best Comedy. Plus, all the latest television news!

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

EMMY WEEK: Best Acting in a Comedy Ballots! Plus 'The Closer,' Guest Star Round Up and Fox Ratings

Yesterday, it was reality shows and today we're going to look at the actors and actresses up for an Emmy Award in the comedy categories. PTR makes its picks for who will win and who should win, but this year, it truly is anyone's game. Don't forget that you guys have a chance to voice your opinions as well. So, be sure to vote in PTR's Emmy polls for whom you think should win in each of today's categories.

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Larry David — Curb Your Enthusiasm
Kevin James — The King Of Queens
Tony Shalhoub — Monk
Steve Carell — The Office
Charlie Sheen — Two and a Half Men

Who Will Win: Will it be perennial favorite Tony Shalhoub or the thrice nominated Larry David? This one is hard to call, but Tony Shalhoub seems to win only in the odd years (2003, 2005), so it seems, the "odds" are for him. And what about dark-horse Steve Carell whose workplace comedy has turned into the sleeper-hit of the year? I'm putting my money on Shalhoub, despite the "evens" being against him.

Who Should Win: Carell for his special breed of comedy that he brings to the Michael Scott character. Through him and the entire cast, The Office has gone from critic fodder to critic buzz in one season.

And now it's your turn to decide which comedic actor you would like to see take the statue Sunday night. Please vote for your favorite below in the PTR Emmy Poll.

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Lisa Kudrow — The Comeback
Jane Kaczmarek — Malcolm in the Middle
Julia Louis-Dreyfus — The New Adventures of Old Christine
Stockard Channing — Out of Practice
Debra Messing — Will & Grace

Who Will Win: Hollywood loves a good success story, so I'm picking Julia Louis-Dreyfus and her Seinfeld - curse - breaking turn in CBS' The New Adventures of Old Christine. This show has given her a chance to shine on her own, and she has done so with great success. I can't imagine the Academy not rewarding her.

Who Should Win: Tough to call with the genre's most deserving actress left out (Gilmore Girls' Lauren Graham), but in her absence, I'll go with Jane Kaczmarek. She is quickly inching toward Susan Lucci territory with her 6 nominations and no wins since 2000. Maybe her 7th will be the charm. Let's hope so since Malcolm just ended its 6-season run.

And now it's your turn to decide which comedic actress you would like to see take the statue Sunday night. Please vote for your favorite below in the PTR Emmy Poll. And be sure to check back all week for your chance to pick your favorites in all the major categories including best actor/actress in a drama and best comedy and drama! The 58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards air live this Sunday, August 28th on NBC. To vote in yesterday's reality show poll, click HERE.

'The Closer' Gets Caught in Traffic
They always say that it's the little things that matter, and when it comes to The Closer, that couldn't be more accurate. It is the little things that separate this show from its crime drama siblings. Of course, they also say not to sweat the small stuff, a concept that has obviously never graced Brenda Leigh Johnson's ears, which is precisely what makes the little things so much fun. You know, leaving your coffee (that you just waited in an entirely too long line
to get) on the roof of your police vehicle as you back out while talking on your cell phone about a triple homicide that they need you at stat is a bad day in and of itself. But, backing into a complete jackass and then accidentally stomping on your own phone only makes matters worse. And the crowning glory of your entire day has to be when an overzealous captain from Traffic comes knocking on your office door and tells you that you were involved in a hit and run. I don't know about you, but it makes my worst days seem pretty tame! Of course, none of this would have been the pure comic gold that it was had it not been for the way that Brenda dealt with it. She really couldn't be bothered due to her time consuming case (and the fact that she felt that she did nothing wrong), and that just made Capt. Traffic even angrier. It was awesome! The case was interesting this week as well. I knew the second that Brenda arrived on the scene and found the mattresses, money and lack of drugs that the house was being used for illegal immigrants, but the tragic story behind all of the people who perished in the back of that truck was an unwelcome surprise. Loved Sanchez's tip in the interrogation room! And what about Brenda's Traffic issues? She took care of them the best way she knew how -- gave the captain an award!

QUICK CUTS

*Your favorite shows have lined up some big name guest stars for their upcoming season premieres. Look for actress Kathleen Quinlan to guest star on House's September 5th premiere on Fox (click HERE for all the details of the season opener, but be warned that the link contains SPOILERS). Actor Blair Underwood will pop up on the September 18th season premiere of CBS' The New Adventures of Old Christine as Ritchie's new teacher (click HERE for all the episode details, but be warned that the link contains SPOILERS). Sofia Milos will return to CBS' CSI: Miami for that show's fifth season premiere on September 18th, reprising her role as Yelina Salas (click HERE for the details, but be warned that the link contains SPOILERS). And finally, April Bowlby is now a series regular on CBS' Two and Half Men where she plays Kandi (click HERE for details on the September 18th season premiere, but be warned that the link contains SPOILERS).

*And finally, Fox opened up its season to good numbers last night. The second season premiere of Prison Break was on task with its average last year and it was good enough to win the 8 p.m. hour. Fox's new thriller Vanished opened up decently as well, winning the 9 p.m. hour in total viewers and holding onto most of lead-in Prison Break's audience. You can catch new episodes of both shows Monday nights on Fox.

To get more of today's biggest TV news and headlines, visit the TV News section at PassTheRemote.Net.

That's all for today. Be sure to tune in tomorrow as Emmy week continues with PTR's predictions for whom will/should win the best acting in a drama categories! Plus, all the latest television news.

To get more television coverage, including the network's new fall schedules and a complete archive of the best of Pass the Remote with a photo gallery featuring pictures from the set of Veronica Mars, click on over to PassTheRemote.net.

Monday, August 21, 2006

EMMY WEEK: Reality Show Ballot! Plus 'The 4400,' 'Sunshine' Actress Turns 'Grey' and 'Veronica' Heads to DVD

I know that this year's Emmy nominations make about as much sense as the decision to cancel Everwood in favor of 7th Heaven, but despite the craziness, these awards are still television's biggest night. All this week, I'm going to tackle the almost impossible task of predicting which of your favorite shows and stars will walk away with that little gold statue on Sunday night, but PTR isn't the only one having a say. This year, you guys are going to have a chance to tell me which shows and stars you want to win in each of the major categories. Today, we take a look at the reality show competition award.

OUTSTANDING REALITY-COMPETITION PROGRAM
The Amazing Race
American Idol
Dancing With The Stars
Project Runway
Survivor

Who Will Win: Could this finally be the year The Amazing Race gets dethroned? The show did have a weaker moment this past year when it experimented with that family edition, but it is still television's most emotional, heart pounding and triumphant reality show. This show may be down, but I wouldn't count it out. I'm predicting another TAR win.

Who Should Win: The Amazing Race for all the reasons listed above. This show, even at its weakest moment, is still the best, hands down! Plus, it has something that the others don't - Phil Keoghan!

And now it's your turn to decide which show you would like to see take the statue Sunday night. Please vote for your favorite below in the PTR Emmy Poll. And be sure to check back all week for your chance to pick your favorites in all the major categories including best actor/actress in a comedy/drama and best comedy and drama! The 58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards air live this Sunday, August 28th on NBC.

'The 4400' Explores the War at Home

How tough was that scene last night between Diana and April? My heart was hurting for April and smiling for Diana. What a tremendously difficult situation, and one that makes the statement, "You can't help who you love" sound both true and trite. The thing is, Ben and Diana would have wound up together eventually, but unfortunately, April got hurt in the process. If I were April, I would have been most upset at the fact that my sister was carrying on a relationship with my ex behind my back. Diana knew how badly April was hurting and how she was waiting by the phone, and yet, she couldn't muster up the courage to tell her the truth. BUT she was tormented by what she was doing to her sister, so like April, I can't hate Diana. Of course, I happen to LOVE her with Ben, so I might be a little biased. And speaking of the wonderful Ben, it seems that he has moved past smitten and straight on to full-fledged love. This boy has it bad, and he's not alone. Play- it- Safe- Diana is fully submerged as well, despite her best efforts. And didn't you just love the way she suddenly realized that she loved him and couldn't enjoy it, causing her to remark how "pathetic" that made her? Of course, my favorite scene of the night was on the beach. Diana was so torn between

what she felt was the right thing to do (break up with Ben) and what she wanted to do (never break up with Ben), and I was losing it because I thought she was going to do it. I loved Ben's admission that they were meant for each other even without Maia's prediction. And speaking of Maia, her scene in her bedroom with Diana was the second best of the night. I loved the way she was giving her mom advice on what to do with April ("Maybe if you tell her about my prediction...").

Elsewhere, things are heating up between Jordan and Dennis. Is anyone else completely torn over whom we should be rooting for in this pending war? I was going with Jordan and his band of 4400s because Dennis has always been on the wrong side (and he has Isabelle with him) and the 4400 seem to get picked on for no reason, but at the end, I was in Dennis' camp. I'm just not sure that Jordan is acting in everyone's best interest. How does starting a war and giving away promicin help anything? Things are looking grim for next week's big finale and I'm at the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens! REMINDER: Don't forget to join actors Joel Gretsch (Agent Tom Baldwin) and Patrick Flueger (Shawn) tonight at 9 p.m. for a BuddyTV chat. Click HERE to find out how you can join in and ask the pair your burning questions! And don't forget to stop by The 4400's official site for character blogs, inside info, quizzes and much more!

Premiering Tonight!!!
After a very long hiatus, it's back along with some of your favorite shows!

-Prison Break (8 p.m. Fox) kicks off its 2nd season on the run! I've seen the premiere, and rest assured, this show does not skip a beat outside the prison walls. Expect the usual edge-of-your-seat antics and plenty of surprises.

-Vanished (9 p.m. Fox) debuts with plenty of mystery, intrigue and surprises of its own. To read PTR's full review on this new thriller, click HERE.

QUICK CUTS

*USA network's The 4400 should be back for a fourth season according to star Jacqueline McKenzie. She sent a message over the weekend to her friends at MySpace.com saying, "JUST HAD WORD *DARE I BREATHE?* THAT WE'VE BEEN PICKED UP FOR ANOTHER SEASON!!! FINGERS CROSSED THIS NEWS IS ABSOLUTELY SET IN STONE AND WE'LL BE BACK SHOOTING SEASON 4!!!" Executive producer Ira Steven Behr also told SCI FI Wire last week that he "expects" a renewal for the show. "I would say that there is a very good chance that we will come back, and hopefully we will hear sooner than we heard last season, which was not until the end of September, [when] we did get the thumbs up," he explains. The network has not confirmed the pick up yet. The 4400 ends its 3rd season with a cliffhanger according to Behr, this Sunday on USA network.

*Actress Abigail Beslin will guest star on ABC's Grey's Anatomy. No word yet on what role the Little Miss Sunshine actress will play, but the rumor mill has her pegged as Izzie's (Katherine Heigl) daughter. ABC has not decided on an airdate for the episode, entitled "Sometimes a Fantasy," but it will be one of the first 3 episodes of the show's upcoming third season. Grey's Anatomy premieres September 21st on ABC.

*And finally, it's TV on DVD Monday! The biggest DVD news of the summer is, VERONICA MARS SEASON 2 LANDS ON STORE SHELVES TOMORROW!!! So, run, not walk, to your nearest DVD retailer and pick up a copy of this first rate show's second fantastic season before the third one premieres in October. Also on shelves tomorrow, Conviction (complete series), House (season 2), Invasion (complete series) and Threshold (complete series). To see a list of all of tomorrow's releases, visit tvshowsondvd.com.

To get more of today's biggest TV news and headlines, visit the TV News section at PassTheRemote.Net.

That's all for today. Be sure to tune in tomorrow as Emmy week continues with PTR's picks for the best actor/actress in a comedy series. Plus, The Closer all the latest television news!

To get more television coverage, including the network's new fall schedules and a complete archive of the best of Pass the Remote with a photo gallery featuring pictures from the set of Veronica Mars, click on over to PassTheRemote.net.

Friday, August 18, 2006

'Vanished' Appears with Intrigue! Plus Your Results, An 'Everwood' Star goes to 'The O.C.' and 'Scrubs' The Musical

Thanks to the wonderful people at Fox and TV Guide, I received a package in the mail the other day that contained many of Fox's fall premieres including Bones, Justice, Prison Break, House and the topic of today's entry -- Vanished. Of course, I dug right in and began watching these episodes (Bones' 2nd season premiere is terrific!), and I'll bring you my thoughts on some of the other Fox shows in future editions. Vanished was the one new show that I was prepared to add to my crowded viewing schedule. I had high hopes for it, and let me tell you, it's good. The premise of the show, which premieres Monday night, centers on the wife of a Georgia senator who goes missing during a charity dinner at a swanky hotel in Atlanta. The FBI, led by agents Kelton and Mei (Gale Harold and ER's Ming-Na) is called in and instantly begins investigating her strange disappearance. An ambitious cable news reporter (Rebecca Gayheart) is hot on the trail of the sensationalized story as well. The

show gets your attention right away with aerial city shots, inside- the- security- cameras- and- walls shots and an intriguing phone call that leads you to believe that there is a lot more to Sara Collins' disappearance than first meets the eye. If the city views, inside shots and gross-out autopsy scene make you think CSI, then it should come as no surprise that the show's executive producer Josh Berman worked on the hit crime drama for several years. CSI fans will be happy to know that he brings a lot of that show's successful visual tricks to Vanished.

What do a thawing body, an archaic-looking number 9 tattoo, mysterious phone calls and a positive pregnancy test have to do with Sara's disappearance? That's all part of the intrigue that Vanished introduces in its first hour. Every time you think you may have some idea as to what happened to the senator's wife, expect another curve ball. But, the show saves the biggest twist for last, as a major surprise is revealed in the episode's final few minutes. Who knew what? Who conspired to kidnap the young philanthropist? Did she leave on her own accord? And is her disappearance connected to something much larger? These are just some of the interesting questions that the show presents in its pilot. As far as the answers, I'll be watching to find them.

THE 411

PREMISE: Georgia senator's wife goes missing and then the intrigue begins.
STARRING: Ming-Na, Rebecca Gayheart, Gale Harold, John Allen Nelson, Joanne Kelly, John Patrick Amedori, Margarita Leviera and Esai Morales
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Josh Berman (CSI)
EXTRA BONUS: Finally a show set in the South that doesn't portray the area as the Hollywood stereotype. And there are no fake accents! As someone who has lived in Atlanta, I'm grateful.
BOTTOM LINE: I'm hooked! Definitely worth adding to your crowded TV schedule.
PREMIERES: Monday, August 21st at 9 p.m. (EST) on Fox. Check out this video featuring the fictional senator and his family in a news report:

Be sure to stay tuned to PTR for the remainder of the summer for full coverage of the new fall season. I'll bring more thoughts on new and returning shows, spoilers, news and much more!

'Scrubs' Spoke, You Voted
Last Friday, PTR presented the Best of the Scrubies with 20 of the best Scrubs quotes of the season. After the introduction of the 20 best, you guys voted for your favorite quote. Today, PTR presents your results (and remember as Cat from So You Think You Can Dance always reminds us, you can't get mad at the results if you didn't vote):

10% of you thought that quote #14 was the best:
"Oh Perry, you're so edgy and cantankerous, you're like House without the limp." Dr. Kelso to Dr. Cox in a reference to the Fox medical show that shares Scrubs' timeslot

10% of you thought that quote #16 was the best:
"Don't you know I dole out compliments once a year? Like a squirrel, you must gather up these acorns of kind words to sustain you for the upcoming cold, sarcastic months." Dr. Cox to JD

10% of you thought that quote #19 was the best:
"I started an 'I Hate Cox' chatroom. It hasn't really worked out like I planned. It's me, two interns and 14,000 lesbians." Elliot to Dr. Cox after she told him that he treats her badly

20% of you thought that quote #8 was the best:
Elliot: JD, I really don't want to do this. Can't we just go home and put on our PJs and watch Grey's Anatomy?
JD: Oh, I do love that show. It's like they've been watching our lives and then just put it on TV.

20% of you thought that quote #11 was the best:
"We're having a baby!" Turk, who had his arm around JD, to Dr. Cox
"Red states be damned! I'm sure you're going to make great fathers." Dr. Cox

BUT, there was only one winner. And the Scrubie for Best/Most Awesome/Funniest Line/Exchange of the Year goes to... (insert awkward silence as celebrity presenter struggles to rip open the envelope)...

QUOTE #13!!!
"I'm so mad at Lorelai, I can't even talk right now!" JD to Turk regarding Gilmore Girls

Yes, quote #13 won the award with 30% of your votes, so as you can see, it was a close one. I guess it just goes to show how unique, creative and funny the writing is on this show. Thank you to everyone who voted!

FRIDAY FUN: SUMMER STYLE
It's Friday, which means it's time for another edition of Friday Fun: Summer Style. This week features Fun Facts about an actress on a hit summer show.

FF: Jacqueline McKenzie, who plays agent Diana Skouris on USA Network's The 4400, has her own official site and MySpace.com page. The Australian-born actress is also a singer/songwriter and accomplished artist. In fact, her song "Shy Baby" was featured during last season's finale of the hit sci-fi series. McKenzie honed her acting chops in Australia's art-house film scene where she garnered a slew of award nominations and wins including the Australian Film Institute's Best Actress in a Leading Role for her turn as a schizophrenic who meets and falls in love with a fellow schizophrenic during therapy sessions in the critically acclaimed Angel Baby. You can learn more about this talented actress at her official site, where you can also listen to her music and view her paintings. To access her MySpace.com page, click HERE.

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*According to TVGuide.com's Mike Ausiello, Everwood alum Chris Pratt is joining those crazy kids of Orange County on Fox's The O.C. this season. He'll play an environmentalist that becomes friends with Summer (Rachel Bilson) at college. Pratt says his character is a fun role. "He's a left-wing liberal, environmentalist, vegan-type of save-the-chickens character that's a little over-the-top, but he's completely earnest," he tells the magazine's online site. Right now, Pratt is signed for 6 episodes with the teen drama. His first episode is the fourth season premiere November 2nd on Fox. You can read more from Ausiello's interview HERE.

*And finally, how does Scrubs: The Musical sound? Well, it's now a reality. Ausiello is reporting that the hospital comedy will do a musical episode next year and the cast and crew are getting a little help from the folks behind Broadway's Avenue Q. "We can obviously help with lyrics, but we needed somebody not only to write, like, incredibly well-produced, musical-quality numbers, but also [to make them] funny. And if you saw Avenue Q, their songs will fit in with us," creator/executive producer Bill Lawrence tells TVGuide.com. The episode, which will serve as the series' 6th of its upcoming season, centers around a patient who suffers an aneurism and begins seeing everything as a musical. And what of that little matter of cast member Sarah Chalke's inability to sing and dance? "We told her she's not allowed to sing, and she's annoying us every day and saying we could do something funny in which she could sing badly and that would be the joke," Lawrence jokes. "We'll find a way for her to do it. I can't leave her on the sidelines; she's too much of a gamer." You can read more of Ausiello's interview with Lawrence HERE.

To get more of today's biggest TV news and headlines, visit the TV News section at PassTheRemote.Net.

That's all for today. Be sure to tune in Monday for the kick-off of Emmy week! First up, PTR's thoughts on who will/should win in the reality show categories. Plus, The 4400 and all the latest news!

To get more television coverage, including the network's new fall schedules and a complete archive of the best of Pass the Remote with a photo gallery featuring pictures from the set of Veronica Mars, click on over to PassTheRemote.net.

Thursday, August 17, 2006

Flashback Edition on the 'Case!' Plus 'Dance' Crowns its King and a '4400' Star Chats with Fans

Kite, Kite, Kite -- why did you do Lil like that? I get it, I do -- Lil is a bit of a workaholic and she's probably always going to put those cases before you, but she's got a hard job trying to solve all of those cold cases, so maybe, you could have cut her a little slack? Just a teensy-weensy bit? But no, you went straight for the jugular and you dashed all of our hopes for a happy Lilly. Shame on you, Kite. Don't you know that Lilly is fragile? Or that your portrayer, Josh Hopkins, and Kathryn Morris have fantastic chemistry together? Check out my girl Lil in the picture above. She doesn't look happy and you want to know why? Because you took her trust and you forced her to open up more than she would have liked to, and then suddenly, you just grabbed the rug and ripped it out from underneath her! Now I ask you, how is she supposed to ever trust anyone again? Not that you care. Nope, not at all. In fact, the next time you run into her (the season 2 premiere), you're going to play it cool and cocky (nothing new), and suggest that she call you anytime she wants to hook-up. So apparently, that hooking-up part was the only thing you were sorry to leave behind. Well then, Lilly is better off without you (and if you fast forward to the end of season 3, you'll see just how much better off)! I guess you've figured it out by now dear PTR readers that today we'll be discussing the big Lilly/Kite break-up episode that also happens to be the 1st season finale. Sure, there are many things going on in this episode, but we're going to skip right to the juicy stuff because, after all, the victim didn't look that much like Lilly. In fact, I've never noticed a resemblance between Mae "One Fine Day" Whitman and Kathryn Morris, but apparently I'm the only one since everyone on the show kept insisting that they were dead ringers. Silliness aside, I did like the dynamic that the supposed resemblance set up between Lil and the victim's high school sweetheart and how it impacted her relationship with Kite. Without further ado, PTR presents the destruction of "Killy" (see, you're not the only one who can come up with ridiculous couple short names US WEEKLY). As usual, all of the screencaps in today's edition are courtesy of Kathryn Morris Online.

I know I'm skipping a lot of episodes between our last Flashback Edition (remember Kite had talked Lilly into going on a date and they ended up at her place where he tried to let her hair down and she stopped him and sent him on his way, but not before he offended her cats - twice!) and the season finale, so let me briefly jog your memory on what happened in between (and this goes without saying, but if you're catching the S1 reruns on TNT for the first time, then this entire edition is very spoilerish). After the Great Hair Fiasco in "Glued," things got a little sticky when Kite decided to use their personal relationship (or lack there of) against Lilly in a professional setting. She needed him to fight for an exhumation, and he blew her off. Later, things heated up again when a disco murder brought out Kite's dancing shoes. The two took to the floor during the episode's final moments. And then they went sour again (I'm sensing a pattern here) when Lilly saw Kite with another woman. She later ran into him in the parking lot at night and called him on his player ways, but he told her that she had not committed to him, which made her admit that she wanted it to be only her and Kite in the relationship. Things then began to run

smoothly, including Kite nicknaming her cats "Tripod" and "Cyclops" and Lilly inviting him in to "see the girls." Minds out of the gutter, she meant the cats. And that brings us up to "Lover's Lane," the first season finale. Lilly was working the 80s case of a murdered high schooler, and the victim's high school boyfriend was still in love with her, despite the fact that he was now married with children. He thought Lilly resembled his only love, so he started to get a little creepy with her. Meanwhile, Lilly and Kite go on a date and wind up back at her place -- her bedroom to be more exact. The two seem to be getting cozy when her doorbell rings. She answers it to find Mark, the victim's high school boyfriend, on the other side. Apparently he left his wife because he has been thinking about his one and only and that brought him to Lilly's door at midnight. Lilly agrees to talk to him for a few minutes, and they talk about

high school and their dreams. Needless to say, it was a lot more than a few minutes and Kite finally emerges after hours of waiting for her and leaves angry. Now so far, I'm with him on this one. What Lilly did was incredibly rude. She could have spent 5-10 minutes with the guy and excused herself, but assured him that he could stop by her WORK tomorrow if he wanted to continue talking to her. But, we all know that Lilly is much better at being intimate with total strangers than she is with those that she cares about, so I wasn't too surprised. And the thing is, Kite shouldn't have been either. He knew what he was getting into when he started something with her.

The next day, creepy Mark stops by PPD and apologizes to Lil, but he also manages go all creepy on her again by staring at her and reiterating that she just looks so much like his former girlfriend. Lilly then runs to meet Kite and she quickly apologizes for the previous night. It isn't enough, though, because Kite explains that he admires her dedication, but he can't be in a relationship with her. At this point, I'm back on Lil's side. The girl makes one mistake and he's high-tailing it out of there?! The only thing that made me feel better about the harsh breakup was the fact that Lil didn't lose one piece of her dignity during it. She didn't beg or plead or cry or make a scene. She seemed upset, but she accepted it. Of course, we all know that she also built up those internal walls a little higher and vowed not to let another man steal her trust and stomp all over it again.

The closing montage shows a more reflective Lilly as she lies in bed once again alone. Perhaps she's thinking about her high school years and all of the dreams that she used to be filled with, or how her job got in the way of another relationship, or just resolving to bury herself further into her work. Whatever it is, it's the beginning of a long change for the character that transpires over the next two seasons. If you would like to see this episode, cable channel TNT reruns the older episodes every Tuesday night at 11 p.m. Can't wait for it to cycle around again? Then join the Cold Case DVD Campaign. Help the show land on DVD by letting Warner Bros. know how much you want to see it on store shelves. Click on over to ColdCaseDVDs.com to learn how to help. You can check out other Cold Case Flashback Editions HERE.

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*And America's Favorite Dancer is... BENJI Schwimmer! Fox's So You Think You Can Dance crowned a winner last night during its 2-hour season finale, and the West Coast Swing specialist walked away with the crown, $100,000, a hybrid SUV and a contract with Celine Dion's Las Vegas show. The 22-year old started his own charity prior to his involvement on Dance. The non-profit, Dancers Everywhere Making a Needed Difference, raises money for orphans in southern Mexico. Schwimmer beat out his fellow Top 4 dancers Donyelle, Travis and his cousin Heidi with the most viewer votes. Next up for Benji and his fellow Top 10 finalists, a national tour that, according to executive producer/judge Nigel Lythgoe, is selling out fast. Click HERE to view the dates and locations. So You Think You Can Dance will return next season on Fox to crown another dance champion.

*And finally, actor Joel Gretsch will chat live with fans about his hit USA network sci-fi thriller The 4400. Gretsch plays NTAC agent Tom Baldwin who, along with his partner Diana Skouris (Jacqueline McKenzie), is assigned to investigate the 4400 missing people (spanning 60 years) who suddenly reappeared at the same time and place. The actor will field fan questions on the television fan/chat site BuddyTV via a real-time web cam and chat room dialog. Gretsch isn't the only member of The 4400 cast to participate in a BuddyTV session. His co-star, Jacqueline McKenzie recently conducted a very successful one of her own during an episode of her series (and I swear, if I had known about it, I would have alerted all of you because I watched the archive and it was awesome!). You can read/watch her East Coast and West Coast sessions HERE (scroll down to the bottom of the page). Gretsch will host his session this Monday, August 21st at 9 p.m. (EST) at BuddyTV.

Don't forget to vote for your favorite Scrubs quote of the season in PTR's exclusive poll!!

To get more of today's biggest TV news and headlines, visit the TV News section at PassTheRemote.Net.

That's all for today. Be sure to tune in tomorrow for a preview of the new Fox series Vanished. I'll let you know my thoughts on the premiere and I'll have plenty of extras on this new serialized thriller. Plus, Friday Fun: Summer Style and all the latest television news!

To get more television coverage, including the network's new fall schedules and a complete archive of the best of Pass the Remote with a photo gallery featuring pictures from the set of Veronica Mars, click on over to PassTheRemote.net.

Wednesday, August 16, 2006

The Countdown Breaks the Top 10! Plus 'CSI' and others Take to the Net, Casting News From 'Mars' and 'Scrubs' Baby Names

Pass the Remote's

Best Episodes of the Season

Well PTR readers, we've finally reached the Top 10 in the summer-long countdown of the Best Episodes of the Season. We're entering into the zone where it's the most difficult to decide which episodes are better than others because all of the 10 are outstanding. They're true examples of the brilliance of television and how the medium can move us in ways that we didn't think possible. For those who are new to the countdown, here is a refresher of the rules that I employed to determine the 31 episodes that compose this summer-long countdown. All of the shows and their episodes are from NETWORK television only, meaning that I did not take any cable series into consideration (since I only watch a few and felt that it would be unfair). All episodes aired between September 2005 and June 2006. Each episode that made the final list moved me in some way; either by making me laugh out loud, cry my eyes out or just left me with that "wow" feeling that stays with you for a few days. So basically, it's completely subjective! This is a summer-long countdown, so I will reveal a few episodes each week all summer until we reach the #1 episode of the past season. Be sure to tune in each Wednesday to see the next set of episodes to make the list. Here’s a closer look at numbers 10-8.

10: "My Lunch" - Scrubs
It's rare for a comedy to move you so much that you walk away at the end of the half hour wondering if you just watched a sitcom or a drama, but Scrubs has always skirted that line beautifully. The best example, though, came toward the end of the season with an emotional episode where Dr. Cox lost all three of his patients to rabies, which they all contracted while staying at Sacred Heart. The tragedy begins with JD asking Dr. Cox to go to lunch with him and ends with the two bumping into an old annoying, hypochondriac patient who ends up at the hospital. After she suddenly dies, the hospital uses her organs to save the two other sick patients. Unfortunately, the hospital missed the signs and the other patients become infected with rabies -- the disease that claimed the first patient's life. Dr. Cox blames himself for the terminal error, and it sends him into a downward spiral. The moment when they realize what has happened is very emotional and made more poignant by the beautiful "How to Save a Life" by The Fray playing in the background. Perhaps the most compelling aspect of this episode, though, is the way the writing had us thinking that the annoying patient was just overreacting. We thought all the same things as the doctors at Sacred Heart (she's annoying, she's a hypochondriac, etc.) until she suddenly died. Then, we felt the same guilt that the doctors were feeling, and that quickly changed to remorse when we learned what the oversight had cost. Written by Tad Quill and directed by John Michel.

9: "Not Pictured" - Veronica Mars
One of the most intense season finales once again came from this little show that could. Things were going along calmly until Veronica discovered that little Cassidy "Beaver" Casablancas was "not pictured" in a photo of mayor Woody Goodman's little leaguers -- little leaguers that Woody sexually abused. Suddenly, Beaver was the prime suspect in the season-long mystery of who crashed the bus, killing several members of the Neptune High community. Things grew more intense when Veronica and Beaver collided on the roof of the Neptune Grand. Suddenly, it was every man/woman for himself/herself as Beaver held a gun to Veronica, and she watched as he blew up the plane that carried Woody and her father. Or so she thought because unbeknownst to her and the viewers, Keith had decided to catch a ride home instead of a short flight. The episode took us from the edge our seats with its intensity to the brink of breaking down emotionally when Veronica and Keith shared a joyous reunion, and it still managed to leave us hanging and wanting more. It doesn't get much better. Written by Rob Thomas and John Enbom and directed by John T. Kretchmer.

8: "An Ounce of Prevention" - Everwood
It's episodes like this one that cement Everwood's place in television history. There are two outstanding storylines that leave you wondering how a show of this caliber could be left off any network's new schedule. The first one deals with an 18-year old girl's decision to take preventative measures after discovering that she carries the breast cancer gene. The decision reminds us how scary cancer can be and it makes us question the lengths we would take to ensure that we don't get it down the road. Of course, nothing is a guarantee and the teenager struggles with the pros and cons of having and not having a mastectomy. The second story focuses on piano prodigy Kyle who is struggling with his own battle. He knows that he is gay, but he thinks that if he doesn't admit it, then it will simply go away. Ephram, who grapples with the revelation at first, talks Kyle through his battle and helps him to see that his sexuality doesn't define him or change who he is, and most importantly, it doesn't change how Ephram sees him. It's one of television's most beautifully poignant scenes because it is written so delicately and acted so brilliantly. Written by Bryan M. Holdman and directed by Perry Lang.

So, there's a closer look at #10-8. What did you think about them? Do you agree? Disagree? Drop me a comment with your thoughts. If you missed #31-11 or just want to revisit them, click HERE. The countdown is taking the week off next week (along with most of your regularly scheduled PTR features) to make room for Emmy week! Television's biggest night is only a week from Sunday and PTR will have complete coverage of the event beginning next week with my predictions for who will/should win all of the big categories. So, be sure to tune in to PTR next week for the beginning of Emmy coverage!

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*CBS is giving you another chance to catch some of its hit primetime programming. The network will stream episodes of some of its shows on its online broadband channel INNERTUBE the morning after they air on the network. Episodes of all three CSIs, NCIS, Numb3rs, Survivor and new series Jericho will be available for free on the network's Web site via INNERTUBE beginning next month. All episodes will be shown with limited commercial interruption.

*Actor Ed Begley, Jr. will join Veronica Mars for its third season per TVGuide.com's Mike Ausiello. The actor will play the dean of Heart College where Veronica and other Neptune High grads will attend this fall.

*TNT has another hit on its hands -- this time in the form of its original TV movie The Ron Clark Story. The Matthew Perry film, based on a true story, brought in 6.8 million viewers for its premiere Sunday night. The numbers were good enough to crown the movie "Ad-Supported Cables #1 Original Movie for the Year to Date among Young Adults." You can catch an encore presentation of The Ron Clark Story this Thursday night on TNT.

*And finally, you gave your baby name suggestions for Turk and Carla's pending bundle of joy on Scrubs, and now it's time to vote for your favorite. NBC released the top 10 names that you guys submitted. So, will the baby be named Curk, Isabella, Olivia, Curla or a host of other choices? Click on over to NBC's official site to vote for your favorite. Scrubs will return for its 6th season later this year on NBC.

Don't forget to vote for your favorite Scrubs quote of the season in PTR's exclusive poll!!

To get more of today's biggest TV news and headlines, visit the TV News section at PassTheRemote.Net.

That's all for today. Be sure to tune in tomorrow for a Flashback Edition featuring another classic episode of Cold Case. Tomorrow, we'll take a look at an episode that took some of the wind out of Lilly's sails (although, she bounced right back as usual). Plus, all the latest television news! And coming this Friday, it's an edition dedicated to the new show Vanished that premieres on Fox next week! I'll have a preview of this new serial drama that will unlock mysteries and conspiracies.

To get more television coverage, including the network's new fall schedules and a complete archive of the best of Pass the Remote with a photo gallery featuring pictures from the set of Veronica Mars, click on over to PassTheRemote.net.

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Flashback to 'Mars!' Plus 'The Closer' and 'Duet' & 'Model' Contestants

No discussion on "classic" episodes of Veronica Mars would be complete without mentioning "Weapons of Class Destruction." After all, the episode is a must-see for any Veronica fan and it's all based on one pivotal scene. That's not to say that the rest of the episode is just a throwaway, in fact, it's rather the opposite. The main storyline is very engrossing in its own right, but that one scene between Veronica and Logan is what pushes this episode to classic status. While we were trying to figure out why Duncan suddenly dumped Veronica, we got this little gem that left us saying, "Duncan who?" As usual, all of the screencaps in this edition are courtesy of VM-Caps.com.

Veronica's case de jour deals with a doomsday plot and bomb threats at Neptune High that turns out to be a big joke designed to frame a former school bully. But, what makes this case really interesting is the undercover federal agent who uses Veronica to further frame the wrong Neptune student. Of course, Veronica doesn't know that the "student" is really an undercover agent, so she follows him and learns that he's buying fertilizer and carrying some pretty powerful weapons in the trunk of his car. When he catches her watching him, he gets in her car with her and

tells her to drive to the Camelot Motel. Luckily for Veronica, she was on the phone with Logan at the time, and she left it off the hook so he could hear where the assumed bomb threat student is taking her. He heads them off and gives the "student" a nice shiner before all is revealed. This is when the federal agent recruits Veronica to help with his investigation. It seems that the prime suspect has a little crush on Veronica, giving her easy access to his house and garage for search purposes. Veronica agrees to take a look, but she turns up nothing until she gets back into her car and calls Mac. The prime suspect happens to have WiFi (wireless internet) because his father works for Kane Software, and Veronica

wants to know if the signal can reach the neighbors. She notices that a former victim of this kid's bully tactics lives next store, and she puts two and two together. It's a good thing, too, because the federal agent decides to use the fertilizer and weapons that he purchased to frame his prime suspect the next day. But thanks to Veronica (and an interim school newspaper advisor who's willing to sacrifice her job for journalistic integrity), the truth comes out and the real guilty parties pay the price.

The scene that really put this episode on the map unfolds right after the federal agent recruits Veronica to help him. Logan was waiting outside the agent's room at the Camelot to make sure that Veronica wasn't harmed. She finally emerges and she walks over to him. After a brief conversation, she, without thinking, kisses him on the cheek. She then turns and begins to walk away shaking her head at her own action. Suddenly, Logan spins her around and the two engage in the real deal. Johnnie Ray, Tony Bennett and everyone who has sung those immortal words will insist that "a kiss is just a kiss," but I think it's safe to assume that they never caught this kiss because it was a gateway to one of the most passionate on-again/off-again romances in television history. This

kiss (and the characters' subsequent "epic" relationship) works so well because of the intense chemistry between stars Kristen Bell and Jason Dohring. Of course, the kiss leaves them both a little confused at first, and neither wants to address it right away. They both seem to be a little thrown off kilter by the intensity that they have just unlocked. And they're not the only ones -- all us watching were equally thrown off, but also hanging by a moment waiting to see what would happen next. If you would like to watch this episode for yourself, pick up your S1 DVD set today. Or rent one through Netflix, or check your local library for a free borrowed copy. Veronica's second season is currently airing in reruns on UPN every Tuesday night. Tonight, you can catch 2 back-to-back episodes of this wonderful show. In the first hour, Veronica teams up with Weevil to bring Felix's murderer to justice. Check out the opening scene HERE! In the second hour, Veronica begins having dreams about the bus crash victims.

'The Closer' Has a Close Encounter of the Personal Kind

Question -- how long does it take for a put-together deputy chief to go from cool, calm and collected to sweaty, hot mess? In the case of Brenda Leigh Johnson, a matter of seconds if the lawyer at her deposition turns the tables on her personal life! Seriously, I think that was a new record. The moment that love letter surfaced, Brenda began shifting in her seat and sweating in her suit because she knew that if that letter got out, everyone would question her position and the authority that comes with it. The same record- setting slope from together to hot mess happened when Fritz came into her office and mentioned that he had spoken to Pope. You have to love the dichotomy that is Brenda Leigh Johnson. She can take on any suspect with the slightest of ease, but make her personal life public, and she's going to squirm Lilly Rush-style. Luckily for Brenda, Pope found her the sleaziest lawyer in town, who also happens to be the best, so her letter and her former relationship with Pope is sealed. The case wasn't as compelling this week as they have been recently (most likely due to the more personal stuff), and I had a feeling that the mailman was involved thanks to a recent episode of Psych where the phone repairman was responsible for a string of murders that appeared to be suicide. I also had the brother pegged after his shifty behavior in Brenda's office and his vague story about sending his sister home in a taxi. No matter, though, because I love when these shows give us a more vulnerable side to the characters that always seem so strong. It makes them more human. Kyra Sedgwick is particularly good at bringing a human element to Brenda each week.

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*Not to be upstaged by ABC's Dancing with the Stars roster announcement yesterday, Fox is announcing a roster of its own. The network revealed the names of the 8 celebrities who will compete in its new reality competition Celebrity Duets. The Simon Cowell produced singing contest will feature Lucy Lawless, Cheech Marin, WWE champ Chris Jericho, Olympic gymnast Carly Patterson, Alfonso Ribeiro, Jai Rodriguez (Queer Eye), Hal Sparks and Lea Thompson. Each celeb will be paired with a professional singer as they compete each week. Celebrity Duets premieres August 29th on Fox.

*And finally, the new CW network is releasing information about the 13 girls who will vie for the title of America's Next Top Model during its upcoming season. The contestants include a bookstore sales associate from Anaheim, CA; a photographer from Fargo, ND; a bank teller from Columbia, SC; a bartender from San Francisco, a fashion designer from San Francisco and a marketing rep from Chicago. The girls will compete for a new grand prize package that the network will reveal at a later date. The show promises tougher challenges for its upcoming 7th season. America's Next Top Model premieres September 20th on the new CW.

Don't forget to vote for your favorite Scrubs quote of the season in PTR's exclusive poll!!

To get more of today's biggest TV news and headlines, visit the TV News section at PassTheRemote.Net.

That's all for today. Be sure to tune in tomorrow as we crack the Top 10 in PTR's Best Episodes of the Season! We'll take a look at an episode that sets a triple tragedy to a beautifully poignant song by The Fray, an intense season finale with shocking revelations and an episode that features a character coming to terms with his true self. Plus, all the latest television news!

To get more television coverage, including the network's new fall schedules and a complete archive of the best of Pass the Remote with a photo gallery featuring pictures from the set of Veronica Mars, click on over to PassTheRemote.net.

Monday, August 14, 2006

'The 4400' Get Their Leader Back! Plus 'Dancing' Names its 'Stars,' Box Office 'Pulse' and TV on DVD Monday

Faithful PTR readers know that I am a romantic sap, so it should come as no surprise that I LOVED last night's episode of The 4400. Diana and Ben are hot together (see screencap above for proof)! Jacqueline McKenzie (Diana) and guest star Brennan Elliot (who PTR readers know as Lilly Rush's motorcycle-riding former flame Ray on Cold Case) have tremendous chemistry together, and I could tell from the first time that their characters met that there was a definite attraction. I'm so excited because this means that I have a new 4400 couple to root

for after they did away with Richard/Lilly and Tom/Alana (last season's episode where these two met is still one of my all-time faves)! Of course, this means that my Tom/Diana prediction was way off, but that's OK because I am loving Ben/Diana. When Ben began telling Diana about his and April's trip to India, I knew that he and Diana would make a better match than he and April. The characters obviously clicked, which is why Diana was so concerned when Maia told her about her vision. Then when Ben stopped by to bring the photos, things got even stickier because Diana told him what Maia had seen. I figured that the two would avoid each other like the plague, but eventually their future/fate would catch up with them, so I was very surprised when Ben broke up with April so abruptly. His reasoning made sense, though, and you could feel the frustration hanging in that hotel room as both he and Diana tried to talk themselves out of being together. I thought Diana's admission that she was attracted to Ben was bittersweet considering the circumstances surrounding these two. Things really heated up, though, when the two ran into each other at the grocery store. Their connection was way too strong to deny, but still, Diana persisted. Not

that I blame her, though, considering this guy is her sister's former boyfriend who just broke up with April essentially for Diana. Their last scene together was really cute. Diana (who looked absolutely fabulous) showed up at Ben's photography show just so she could tell him that their grocery store date was good, but it didn't end right. I loved the way she proceeded to show him how it should have ended after looking around to make sure no one was looking. I did feel bad when she returned home and April asked her where she had been. It seems that the rift between the sisters is about to get a little wider.

In other 4400 happenings, how psyched are we that Alana is back! Fingers crossed that she's back for good now. And what exactly did she see with Jordan that got her so shaken? Whatever it was, it wasn't good. And to make things even better, Kyle is back as well! He was listed as a "special guest star," so I'm not sure that he's back in the cast, but at least the character got his "Get Out of Jail Free" card. I loved the follow up from previous seasons between Jordan and Isabelle. We finally know what happened between the two when Isabelle was in the womb and when she was just a baby. And now, he

wants Isabelle gone, but we all know that she isn't going without a fight. Things could turn nasty very quickly when Isabelle is involved. If you loved the song that played while Diana and Ben grocery shopped together and you're dying to know what it was, then PTR is at your service. That was Dido's "Life for Rent," and you can get it from iTunes. It comes off of her album by the same name (Life for Rent). You can read about how they chose the song for the scene in music supervisor Elliot Lurie's blog. As usual, if you would like to get more information about The 4400 - including blogs, pictures, message boards and much more - click on over to the show's official site.

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*ABC is releasing the names of the stars who will take to the dance floor for the upcoming edition of Dancing with the Stars. Harry Hamlin, Mario Lopez, Tucker Carlson, Monique Coleman (High School Musical), Sara Evans, Willa Ford, Vivica A. Fox, Joey Lawrence, Shanna Moakler (Meet the Barkers), NFLer Emmitt Smith and Jerry Springer will partner up with professional dancers to compete for the dancing crown. The new season premieres September 12th on ABC.

*Even though this is box office news, it involves PTR favorite Kristen Bell and her movie Pulse, so I'm totally making it a Quick Cut. The Veronica Mars star's thriller brought in $8.5 million in its first weekend, good enough to snag fifth over the weekend. Last weekend's winner, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, took the box office crown once again with $23 million.

*And finally, it's TV on DVD Monday! Look for the first seasons of both HBO's Rome and NBC's Surface to hit store shelves tomorrow along with 3rd Rock from the Sun (season 5), Full House (season 4), The Jeffersons (season 5), Remington Steele (seasons 4 & 5) and The Simpsons (season 8). To see a list of all of tomorrow's releases, click on over to tvshowsondvd.com.

To get more of today's biggest TV news and headlines, visit the TV News section at PassTheRemote.Net.

That's all for today. Be sure to tune in tomorrow for another Flashback Edition featuring another stellar episode of Veronica Mars. Tomorrow we'll examine an episode that redefined Veronica's romantic prospects. Plus The Closer and all the latest television news!

To get more television coverage, including the network's new fall schedules and a complete archive of the best of Pass the Remote with a photo gallery featuring pictures from the set of Veronica Mars, click on over to PassTheRemote.net.

Friday, August 11, 2006

The Best of the Scrubies! Plus Bell Takes Her 'Pulse' and Casting News

It's summer, and that means no new Scrubs episodes (and apparently, no Scrubs reruns either - BOO NBC!). Since the network has also decided not to bring the show back until midseason (BOO again NBC!), this means we're in for a long wait until we get to laugh along with our favorite wacky doctors of Sacred Heart (thank god for my season 1, 2 and 3 DVD sets!). But, I have good news for you faithful PTR readers -- today, we're going to revisit some of this season's best lines. So settle in and prepare to laugh your booty off once again as PTR presents the Best of the Scrubies Awards! And the nominations for Best/Most Awesome/Funniest Line/Exchange of the Year are:

#1 "Bottom line, if you're thinking about knocking up a homeless woman, I'd do it this weekend." Dr. Kelso after announcing that due to budget cuts, the hospital will be closing the mobile pregnancy unit

#2 "It's an idiot handle." Janitor after seeing J.D. with the coffee pot's handle stuck around his wrist

#3 "Mark my words. When that little bastard is dipped in water, I'll be there." JD to Dr. Cox after trying to figure out where Cox's son's baptism will take place

#4 JD (narration): With the Morbidity and Mortality Conferences, the first question sets the tone for the whole day.
DR. KELSO: Who the hell ate my scone?
DR. COX: That would be me Bob-O, and it was DE-licious! My compliments to the little lady.
DR. KELSO: I made those.
DR. COX: I know

#5 "My scooter Sasha was assassinated this morning." JD explaining his bad mood to a patient after his scooter was involved in a police shoot-out

#6 "I have many more pressing issues, starting with a gigantic paralyzed wife and ending with a gay son who has just written a scathing musical about me called 'Dr. Dad,' which, despite mixed reviews, has just been held over in Buffalo." Dr. Kelso to Turk

#7 I had no idea you were going to go all cotton on their asses." Carla to JD after hearing him say that he was going to crackdown on his interns

#8 Elliot: JD, I really don't want to do this. Can't we just go home and put on our PJs and watch Grey's Anatomy?
JD: Oh, I do love that show. It's like they've been watching our lives and then just put it on TV.
Elliot: Yeah

#9 "You know where there's all kinds of equipment for women - Todd Land." The Todd to Carla and Elliot after they complained about the lack of gym equipment for women at Sacred Heart

#10 "You know, in 4 1/2 years I've watched your pal Stephanie go through a multitude of irritating fads: the Ugg boots, the campaign for better grammar among the staff and of course, the double European air kiss. And seeing as you two are sorority sisters, I was kind of hoping you'd be able to tell me when this extra mile crap is likely to end." Dr. Cox to Turk regarding JD

#11 "We're having a baby!" Turk, who had his arm around JD, to Dr. Cox
"Red states be damned! I'm sure you're going to make great fathers." Dr. Cox

#12 "Mothers and daughters: they speak so fast, but they speak so true." Turk regarding Gilmore Girls

#13 "I'm so mad at Lorelai, I can't even talk right now!" JD to Turk regarding Gilmore Girls

#14 "Oh Perry, you're so edgy and cantankerous, you're like House without the limp." Dr. Kelso to Dr. Cox in a reference to the Fox medical show that shares Scrubs' timeslot

#15 "If you killed Ted, I don't want to know about it. Just make sure it's not traceable to the hospital." Dr. Kelso to Dr. Cox after he sent Dr. Cox to help Ted decipher the medical terms in the lawsuits facing the hospital

#16 "Don't you know I dole out compliments once a year? Like a squirrel, you must gather up these acorns of kind words to sustain you for the upcoming cold, sarcastic months." Dr. Cox to JD

#17 "I'm going to go ahead and write you a prescription for two testicles." Dr. Cox to JD after seeing the "Hair-met"

#18 "You know I can't make a decision without you, so here it goes. On Oprah, there's a story about Lindsay Lohan's eating disorder, but on E!, there's a story about Lindsay Lohan's new fabulous Tribeca loft. Don't get me wrong, I want to watch something about Lindsay Lohan, I'm just a little lost here." Dr. Cox to Elliot after she thinks that she helped him make a medical decision
"FYI, that loft is Lohan-tastic! It's vintage Lindsay." JD to Elliot and Dr. Cox

#19 "I started an 'I Hate Cox' chatroom. It hasn't really worked out like I planned. It's me, two interns and 14,000 lesbians." Elliot to Dr. Cox after she told him that he treats her badly

#20 "How do you think they're going to react to an intruder?" Dr. Cox to Turk (re: pregnancy sex)
"The baby can't grab me down there. (To Carla) The baby can't grab me down there, right?" Turk acting a little concerned

Now, it's your turn to decide which quote you think was the best of the season. Simply vote in the poll below, and I'll reveal the results next week! So, which Scrubs quote deserves the Best/Most Awesome/Funniest Line/Exchange of the Year Ultimate Scrubie? Click your choice below.

FRIDAY FUN: SUMMER STYLE Bell Takes Her 'Pulse'

Veronica Mars star and PTR favorite Kristen Bell is hitting the big screen this weekend with a starring role in the new thriller Pulse. The movie, about evil spirits infiltrating our world via wireless devices such as cell phones and computers, opens nationwide today. Bell plays Mattie, a college student thrown into the middle of the infiltration, in the remake of a Japanese horror film. The actress spoke with TVGuide.com about the edge-of-your-seat film, and she says that her character is not the typical horror flick chick. "She's really stubborn and she's really quick-witted, not the type to be scared easily. Initially she wants to deny that all of this is going on, but it eats at her so much that she has no choice. Usually you see the girl hanging out by the pool in her bikini and then she gets

chased by the monster while in that bikini for the whole movie — but it's justified by her sunbathing at the beginning. [Laughs] I love when they do that. Mattie's not that girl!" She concedes, though, that her character has a bathtub scene. "I fought the tub scene so much. I didn't think it was necessary. We had all these discussions about it and finally... I caved in. I wanted to fight the stereotype but I realize that as a businessman, [producer] Bob Weinstein has to make certain decisions. I laid down over that one, but I was very specific about how I wanted it to happen," she tells TVGuide.com. But, don't get too excited because Bell is quick to point out that the scene has plenty of bubbles. You can read all of TVGuide.com's interview with Kristen Bell HERE. And check out the official trailer for the movie courtesy of Dimension Films and YouTube:

Freaky! To check when Pulse is playing at a theater near you, click over to Fandango for movie times/locations. If you go see Pulse this weekend, leave me a comment with your thoughts. I'll be checking it out tomorrow. In other Bell news, the actress was rushed to the hospital on Wednesday after smashing her hand in a car door. After initially worrying that she had broken a bone, Bell's rep says that tests revealed that she had not. Her rep went on to say that the actress is "fine now."

QUICK CUTS

*And finally, actor Eddie Cibrian is joining the cast of the new Fox drama Vanished. The former Invasion star will play an FBI agent aiding in the search for the missing senator's wife. In other casting news, actor Josh Hopkins (best known to PTR readers as Lilly Rush's former boyfriend ADA Kite on Cold Case) will have a recurring role on ABC's Brothers and Sisters and he'll be a series regular on Fox's aforementioned Vanished. On Brothers, he'll reunite with his former Ally McBeal costar, Calista Flockhart, playing a liberal pundit to Flockhart's conservative radio host. On Vanished, he'll play another FBI agent pursuing the missing senator's wife. Bottom line, unless Hopkins plans to pull triple duty, we shouldn't expect a Lilly/Kite reunion anytime soon.

To get more of today's biggest TV news and headlines, visit the TV News section at PassTheRemote.Net.

That's all for today. Be sure to tune in on Monday for thoughts on Sunday's episode of The 4400. Plus, all the latest television news!

To get more television coverage, including the network's new fall schedules and a complete archive of the best of Pass the Remote with a photo gallery featuring pictures from the set of Veronica Mars, click on over to PassTheRemote.net.

Thursday, August 10, 2006

Flashback Edition on the 'Case!' Plus Forlani Loves 'NY,' Be a Friend of 'Earl's' and Meet Your Fave CW Stars

Before Cold Case's Lilly Rush went through all the trauma and drama of the second and third seasons, she was a more "fun" person. Of course, this is a relative term; so it's not to say that she was a completely different, more open person, just a more fun version of her current self. Perhaps one the best examples of her former more fun self came with the 12th episode of the series, and it manifested itself with a little help from ADA Kite. Today's Flashback Edition takes a closer look at this classic episode of the hit crime series that also happens to tell one of the show's more emotional cases. The story centers on the 1980 murder of 8-year old Tim Barnes and the toll the case took on Stillman when he worked it more than 20 years ago. Along with the more emotional parts, this episode has some of the most comical of the series. Today, we'll look at all of this as we revisit the wonderful "Glued." As usual, all of the screencaps in today's edition are courtesy of Kathryn Morris Online and Source #1.

Lilly and co. reopen the unsolved case after Stillman asks her to take a look at it. It turns out he was so wrapped up in solving Tim's murder back in 1980 that he missed the birth of his daughter and began a downward spiral in his marriage that led to his eventual divorce. Lilly finds out that Stillman's daughter is expecting a baby of her own now, which is why he had the case on his mind. This is the first episode where we get a real clear impression that Stillman and Lilly have a father/daughter relationship. It makes sense considering that Lilly didn't grow up with her own father, and Stillman missed his own daughter's upbringing because of his career. Both of them are reaching out to each other to reclaim that part of their lives and it leads to a really sweet, genuine relationship. Lilly gives the case everything that she has because she knows how important it is to her boss. The nature of the case is disturbing. An 8-year old boy was found frozen in the snow after suffering some sort of head trauma. Did the boy's parents kill him? His mother was suffering from post partdum depression after the birth of her last child and his father worked to make ends meet, leaving most of the child rearing burden on his depressed wife. What about the neighborhood priest? Little boys and sex scandals were not in the public conscience back then like they are now. Or how about the lead suspects back in 1980 -- a group of black teenagers who used to hang around and sniff glue outside of the convenience store where Tim last visited before his

death not far from it. The storeowner told police that he saw the teenagers hassling Tim after he left his store. In order to smoke out the leader of that group, Latrell, and find out what he knows, Vera, Jeffries and Scotty play a little game they call "No Drugs Today." The game works like this: the three detectives camp out in lawn chairs in a popular drug neighborhood and flash their badges every time a prospective customer drives by, making it impossible for the neighborhood drug dealers to make any money. It's a hilarious scene that shows the detectives' and the series' lighter side. The scheme works, and they get a location for Latrell. The murder, though, is on the hands of the storeowner, who got upset when Tim stole glue for the neighborhood riffraff.

In addition to the lighter "No Drugs Today" scene in this episode, there are some lighter scenes involving Lilly and her blossoming relationship with ADA Kite. When she visits him in his office to ask legal advice about talking to the neighborhood priest, Kite begins drilling her about their kiss in the previous episode. Lilly shrugs it off and tells him that they'll discuss it after she finishes her case. Kite gives her his number and tells her to call him anytime. Later, Kite stops by PPD and tells Lil that he's taking her out since she never called. He catches her off guard as she's downing her fast food dinner, but she reluctantly agrees. The two end up at Lil's place where Kite gets right to the point, even attempting to release Lilly's perennially pinned up hair, but that proves to be too much for Lil. She stops him

before he has a chance and sends him on his way. I had to give huge props to the show and my girl Lil for this scene. So many shows would have taken the characters straight to bed, but Lilly wasn't interested in getting intimate with someone she barely knew, and she stuck to her guns. It's rare to see scenes such as this in television and movies, so major props to CC for giving us a character with a moral barometer. Before the Great Hair Fiasco unfolds, there is a funny scene involving Kite and Lilly's cats, which we meet for the first time. One is missing an eye and the other a leg, which prompts Kite to jump a little when he sees them. Lilly tells him that she thought he liked cats, and he says, "Cats, not mutants."

Later when she stops him from letting down her hair (don't you just love the literal and figurative meaning behind the gesture??), she tells him that he's scaring her cats, but he responds that it's the other way around. So, we learn that Kite's pushy, but Lilly isn't going to give in easily. Additionally, we realize that Lilly's compassion for her murder victims and their lack of justice extends to her "mutant" cats. She takes the cases (and the cats) that others pass on. It's an interesting revelation about her character, especially when it's put into context with the later knowledge that Lilly is "damaged goods." She has had a lot of heartache in her life and it has messed with her enough to cause her to be so closed off.

The closing montage in this episode references her encounter with Kite and her defense system that prevented him from having his way. We see her at home getting into bed with her cats. Right before she gets into bed, she lets her hair down and takes a moment to look at herself in the mirror. She's only comfortable with allowing herself and her cats into the more personal side of her character because letting others in seems to lead to heartbreak. This is a very revealing episode for the character of Lilly, and it solidified her position as one of television's most fascinating and complicated. If you would like to see this episode, cable channel TNT reruns the older episodes every Tuesday night at 11 p.m. Can't wait for it to cycle around again? Then join the Cold Case DVD Campaign. Help the show land on DVD by letting Warner Bros. know how much you want to see it on store shelves. Click on over to ColdCaseDVDs.com to learn how to help. You can check out other Cold Case Flashback Editions HERE.

QUICK CUTS

*Actress Claire Forlani will join the cast of CBS' CSI: NY this fall. She'll play the team's new medical examiner who also happens to be in a relationship with Mac (Gary Sinise). Forlani was recently seen in TNT's Stephen King miniseries Nightmares and Dreamscapes. You can catch her on CSI: NY beginning with the third season premiere September 20th on CBS.

*NBC is teaming up with the popular online community MySpace.com for a unique marketing campaign for its hit comedy My Name is Earl. You can log on to myspace.com/MyNameIsEarl and post your picture as a "Friend of Earl." Then, tune in during the show's first three episodes of the season to see if your picture is one of the featured "Friends of Earl." Additionally, MySpace.com will offer exclusive content from the show including sneak previews of the upcoming first season DVD, Earl content for cell phones and merchandise. You can log on to MySpace.com now and post your picture. My Name is Earl kicks off its second season on NBC beginning September 21st.

*And finally, the stars of the CW are coming to a mall near you! Beginning Saturday, stars of the new CW's biggest shows will be touring malls around the country to meet fans like you. The National Mall Domination Tour will also feature CW Lounges where fans can create their own "Free to Be" t-shirts, the new network's slogan, and have their picture taken for possible use in future CW promos. The tour will visit Westfield Mall locations across the country. Here's a look at the detailed schedule:

New York: Westfield Sunrise/ Massapequa, NY (August 12-13): James Lafferty (“One Tree Hill”) and Bethany Joy Galeotti (“One Tree Hill”) to appear on August 13.
San Diego: Westfield UTC: (August 12-13): Jason Dohring (“Veronica Mars”), Percy Daggs III (“Veronica Mars”) and Tia Mowry (“The Game”) to appear on August 13.
New Jersey: Westfield Garden State Plaza/ Paramus, NJ (August 18-19): Lee Norris (“One Tree Hill”) and Danneel Harris (“One Tree Hill”) to appear on August 19.
Los Angeles: Westfield Century City/ Los Angeles, CA (August 19-20): Hilarie Burton (“One Tree Hill”), Jason Dohring (“Veronica Mars”) and Matt Czuchry (“Gilmore Girls”) scheduled to appear on August 19.
Washington DC: Westfield Wheaton/ Wheaton, MD (August 26-27)*
Santa Ana, CA: Westfield Main Place, Santa Ana, CA (August 26-27)*
Los Angeles: The Grove (August 30)* – in conjunction with “The CW Presents: Summer at the Grove,” the five-week concert series, which concludes on this night with a free performance by multi-platinum recording artist Jewel.
St. Louis: Westfield Chesterfield, Chesterfield, MO (September 2-3)*
San Jose: Westfield Valley Fair (September 2-3)*
Chicago: Westfield Old Orchard/ Skokie, IL (September 9-10)*
Seattle: Westfield South Center (September 9-10)*

*CW talent attending these locations to be announced.

To get more of today's biggest TV news and headlines, visit the TV News section at PassTheRemote.Net.

That's all for today. Be sure to tune in tomorrow for the Best of the Scrubies! You laughed at them each week during the television season, and now find out which Scrubs quotes are PTR's favorites of the year! Plus, a Veronica Mars star hits the big screen with a new thriller in theaters tomorrow and PTR will have a preview along with all the latest television news and another edition of Friday Fun: Summer Style!

To get more television coverage, including the network's new fall schedules and a complete archive of the best of Pass the Remote with a photo gallery featuring pictures from the set of Veronica Mars, click on over to PassTheRemote.net.

Wednesday, August 09, 2006

PTR's Best Episodes Continues! Plus an 'Ugly' Timeslot and Another Person Found with a 'Trace'

Pass the Remote's

Best Episodes of the Season

We are only one week away from cracking the Top 10 in the summer-long countdown of PTR's Best Episodes of the Season! For those who are new to the countdown, here is a refresher of the rules that I employed to determine the 31 episodes that compose this summer-long countdown. All of the shows and their episodes are from NETWORK television only, meaning that I did not take any cable series into consideration (since I only watch a few and felt that it would be unfair). All episodes aired between September 2005 and June 2006. Each episode that made the final list moved me in some way; either by making me laugh out loud, cry my eyes out or just left me with that "wow" feeling that stays with you for a few days. So basically, it's completely subjective! This is a summer-long countdown, so I will reveal a few episodes each week all summer until we reach the #1 episode of the past season. Be sure to tune in each Wednesday to see the next set of episodes to make the list. Here’s a closer look at numbers 13-11.

13: "Tomorrow" - The West Wing
When a critically acclaimed and Emmy-winning series like this comes to an end, we expect it to go out with the same bang it came in with years earlier, so the excellent series finale should have come as no surprise, right? Well, that would have been the case if the show had maintained through its run the same integrity it brought to the table when it premiered 7 years ago, but the quality suffered after loss of its creator/executive producer Aaron Sorkin halfway through its run. It's true that The West Wing was never the same after Sorkin's exit, but it did regain most of its dignity during its final 2 seasons. The final episode was the cap on the improvement, and a poignant and celebratory way to end this much-lauded series. The Presidency traded hands from Jed Bartlet to Matt Santos, and we were all left with a sense of hope for the future and sadness for the past knowing that it would no longer carry on. And of course, the most poignant moment took us back to before Bartlet ever assumed the White House and a paper napkin with a dream for the future. It was a fitting end to a landmark series. Written by John Wells and directed by Christopher Misiano.

12: "Getting to Know You" - Everwood
This wonderful episode marks Everwood's first appearance on the list. There are many "list-worthy" moments in this one, but the main reason for this episode's inclusion is a single scene between Bright and Hannah. Bright decides to help Hannah deal with her self-esteem issues by locking her in the bathroom. He talks to her through the door to try to get her to look into the mirror and see what he sees when he looks at her. Hannah struggles with the assignment, but Bright's encouraging and loving words get her to finally understand that she has a lot to offer. When it's all over, she opens the door and the two finally allow themselves to get a lot closer. In other happenings, Ephram realizes that he is still in love with Amy and the two spend the night together, but Amy views it as a mistake. She then finds all of the postcards that Ephram never sent her while he was off in Europe. Sleeping together doesn't make Amy reconsider her relationship with Ephram, but reading the postcards does, proving that this show is all about deeper, emotional connections rather than the usual physical teen dramas. Written by Tom Garrigus and directed by Joe Pennella.

11: "Gum Drops" - CSI
The usually light show hit a grand slam with this emotional hour, perhaps its heaviest thus far. This episode moved me more than most heavier dramas this season. It was the first time that an episode of CSI brought tears to my eyes, and it was one that stayed with me for days after it aired. Nick gets emotional wrapped up in a case after an entire family is found murdered, save for their young daughter who is missing. Nick is convinced that the little girl is out there somewhere alive, and he is determined to find her safe. The rest of the team assumes that she is dead, and decides to focus their energy on finding the individual(s) responsible for the heinous murders. The audience is pulled in both directions as the hour moves along, and we all breathe a huge sigh of relief when the little girl is found bruised and broken, but alive. The relief is short-lived, however, because it quickly turns to sadness as we watch Nick tell the little girl that her entire family is dead. It's an emotional moment that this show tends to avoid, but it is one of the series' best ever. Written by Sarah Goldfinger and directed by Richard J. Lewis. (Screencap courtesy CSI-Caps.com).

So, there's a closer look at #13-11. What did you think about them? Do you agree? Disagree? Drop me a comment with your thoughts. If you missed #31-14 or just want to revisit them, click HERE. Be sure to tune in next week as we crack the Top 10 with the next three episodes on the list including a triple tragedy set to a poignant song by The Fray, an intense season finale with shocking revelations and a character who comes to terms with the truth.

QUICK CUTS

*ABC is moving its new critically acclaimed Ugly Betty to a better timeslot before it premieres next month. The series will now serve as the lead-in for the popular Grey's Anatomy on Thursday nights, instead of its original Friday night slot. The move pushes the network's new comedies Big Day and Notes From the Underbelly to midseason after Dancing With the Stars completes its run. ABC kicks off its Thursday night line-up with Betty on September 28th and Grey's the week before on the 21st.

*TNT is dipping into the world of broadband with a brand new streaming video channel. The online channel, dubbed DramaVision, will start off by streaming the network's hit miniseries Into The West August 15th. The critically acclaimed western received 16 Emmy nominations last month. The on-demand channel will also feature original movies, "ripped from the headlines" webisodes promoted through Law & Order, live events and inspirational profiles. You will be able to access the new broadband on-demand channel beginning August 15th at TNT's official Web site.

*And finally, CBS' Without a Trace is getting credit for helping find another real life missing person. An anonymous tip led to the discovery of an 18-year old missing fugitive from New Hampshire in St. Augustine, Florida. She had been missing for 5 months. The hit crime drama featured the missing teen in a PSA during its June 1st episode.

To get more of today's biggest TV news and headlines, visit the TV News section at PassTheRemote.Net.

That's all for today. Be sure to tune in tomorrow for another Cold Case flashback edition featuring an episode that introduced us to "No Drugs Today," more Lilly hang-ups and the personal side to Lt. Stillman. Plus, all the latest television news!

To get more television coverage, including the network's new fall schedules and a complete archive of the best of Pass the Remote with a photo gallery featuring pictures from the set of Veronica Mars, click on over to PassTheRemote.net.

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

SPECIAL EDITION: Why You Should Tune into 'Mars'

My excitement over having my Internet means good news for all of you because you're getting a bonus edition today. For those of you who have wondered what all the hub-bub over Veronica Mars is about, this video from the recent Comic Convention in San Diego will explain all. The video was sent out by Warner Bros. as a promotional piece to encourage the CW network to bring the show over to the new station. It sums up all of the show's awesomeness in 3 minutes. Check it out:

Veronica Mars begins its third season on October 3rd on the new CW. Be sure to check out the show's 1st season on DVD now. You can catch the 2nd season on DVD beginning August 22nd. And, you can get all of the details from the VM panel at the Comic Con at The TV Addict. And be sure to tune in to PTR tomorrow for #13-11 on the countdown!

Flashback to 'Mars!' Plus 'The Closer,' 'Idol' News and Stars Get Animated

Oh Veronica Mars, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways! Meg’s secret admirer, an awesomely bad 80s dance, Veronica’s Madonna-esque outfit, Logan and Veronica’s wedding scrapbook, Trina saves the day, Logan’s Risky Business entrance and an entire host of other goodies from the first season episode “Ruskie Business.” This episode is an insta-classic for so many reasons that it remains near the top of my list of the best VM episodes of all-time, and let me assure you; it’s a long list. There is one scene in particular that still manages to bring that special emotional lump to my throat every time I watch this episode. We’ll get to that one later, but first, all of the other gazillion things that make “Ruskie Business” a worthy addition to the VM Flashback family.

This episode is from the time when we all thought that Lynn Echolls pulled the wool over our eyes. We were all so sure that her abandoned car on the bridge act was just that – an act. As far as we were concerned, Lynn was somewhere in the tropics sipping one of those fruity drinks with the cute umbrellas while Logan mourned her supposed passing. It seems that we weren’t the only ones, though, because Logan was convinced that his mother was still alive too. Veronica agrees to keep an eye on Lynn’s platinum card to see if there is any activity on it. When the Neptune Grand shows up, she and Logan head down there and pretend to be engaged. They tell the front desk that they want to see the most expensive suite because they are considering staying there on their wedding night. The act comes complete with Veronica’s on-the-fly scrapbook that leaves Logan musing that she has been busy. When they fail to get inside the suite charged to Lynn’s card, Logan decides to stake out the elevator to wait for his mom. Hours pass, so Veronica gives the card user a little push by canceling the card. A few minutes later, someone emerges from the

elevator, but to Logan’s disappointment, it’s Trina and not Lynn. So, the tropics theory is still in play! Meanwhile, Veronica is also helping her father with a lost love case, but there’s a problem, the lost love doesn’t want to be found. That might have to do with the fact that he isn’t a lost love, but a member of the witness protection program who is about to testify against the Russian mob. And it just so happens that they’re also the ones using Mars Investigations to look for him. Luckily, Keith catches the dangerous scam before any damage is done.

And if you’re thinking that Veronica must have been burning the candle at both ends working both of those cases, then hold on because I haven’t gotten to her best case of the episode. Meg has a secret admirer, and she wants Veronica to get to the bottom of it. Veronica’s investigation keeps taking her down dead ends until a flower shop owner gives her a sketch of the boy who ordered Meg’s flowers. Meg is supposed to meet her admirer at the annual 80s dance, but she decides to go with Veronica instead. Since Veronica knows who her admirer is, she takes the corsage with her that was supposed to be the signal for the night. Later at the dance, Meg decides that she’s weak when it comes to girl power and would rather have a date. With Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time” playing in the background and both girls decked in full-fledged 80s attire (complete with Veronica’s

Madonna-esque outfit and crimped hair), Veronica takes the corsage and puts it on Meg’s wrist. She tells her that she’ll thank her later. As Veronica backs away, Duncan walks up and takes Meg’s hand to lead her to the dance floor. It is one of the most selfless scenes that I have ever seen, and it made me seriously love Veronica and want her to be my new BFF. A tearful Veronica finds some happiness in the form of Deputy Leo, who shows up in full Miami Vice attire after Meg’s urging. The two share a kiss before a call that turns out to be her wayward mother interrupts their moment. Yes, it’s just another day in the complicated world of Veronica Mars.

If you would like to check out this episode for yourself, pick up your copy today. Or rent one through Netflix, or check your local library for a free borrowed copy. Veronica's second season is currently airing in reruns on UPN every Tuesday night. Tonight, you can catch 2 back-to-back episodes of this wonderful show. In the first hour, Veronica helps her ex-boyfriend Troy after he gets accused of rape. Check out the opening scene HERE! In the second hour, Veronica teams up with Weevil to bring Felix's murderer to justice. All of the screen captures in this edition are courtesy of VM-Caps.com.

'The Closer'
There are two things that I know too much about courtesy of crime shows (particularly Law & Order: SVU) – autoerotic asphyxiation and Munchausen’s By Proxy. If you go by crime shows, then both of these come up quite often in the world of solving crimes. Last night’s episode of The Closer focused on the latter after a little boy died on a hospital’s operating table. I was all over the map during this episode because I was never sure whom I should believe. In fact, there was a good chunk of time when I thought that Brenda and co. were wasting their time on a case that had no criminal element. And that’s where I ended up when Brenda learned the truth. What happened to that little boy was absolutely tragic, but I’m not so sure it was murder. Do I think that doctors should be making decisions on whether a little boy should live with his quality of life in a very diminished state or die peacefully? Absolutely not, but I think making a murder case against him is a bit fuzzy. One thing is for sure, the little boy’s mother has one strong case of malpractice against him, the hospital and everyone else involved in her son’s death and the cover-up that ensued. At least she did until she garnered her own murder charges. See, there’s something else that I have learned from the likes of SVU, parents often gun down the ones who wronged their child if the police and the court system fail them. You gotta love the irony of the boy’s mother sitting in jail while the man responsible for her son’s death is six feet under. This episode marked he second heavy one in a row for this show, so I’m hoping for a little break next week with a slightly lighter one. I'm still not right after seeing that scene with the mother performing an autopsy on her own son.

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*Fox's American Idol will add a new element when its sixth season premieres next year. Look for songwriters, both professional and amateur, to be a part of the contest as well. Creator Simon Fuller says that the show will allow songwriters to submit songs for the finalists, which previously fell to industry veterans. The move is designed to get a better match-up between the singers and the songs. American Idol's sixth season premieres in January on Fox.

*And finally, have you ever wondered what your favorite CBS stars would look like animated? Well, the network's new broadband channel INNERTUBE is giving you the opportunity to find out in its new series Animate This! The show features funny animated shorts based on a story from the featured celebrity's personal life. First up, Survivor host Jeff Probst tells a story involving him, Survivor mastermind Mark Burnett and a sea creature. You can catch this and other new episodes of Animate This! on INNERTUBE at cbs.com.

To get more of today's biggest TV news and headlines, visit the TV News section at PassTheRemote.Net.

That’s all for today. If you noticed at the top of today’s edition, it didn’t say “PTR Abridged.” That’s because I’m finally back up and running!! My Internet is hooked up and Pass the Remote has finally returned to its former self. So, be sure to tune in tomorrow as the summer-long countdown of this past season’s best episodes continues. Tomorrow, we’ll take a look at numbers 13-11 with the final episode of a much lauded series, a countdown debut and a usually light show that takes a heavy turn with an emotional episode. Plus, all the latest television news!

To get more television coverage, including the network's new fall schedules and a complete archive of the best of Pass the Remote with a photo gallery featuring pictures from the set of Veronica Mars, click on over to PassTheRemote.net.

Monday, August 07, 2006

PTR Abridged: Jordan's '4400' Lives! Plus 'Cold' Scoop, TV on DVD Monday and Trivia Answered

Do you feel (painfully) uncomfortable every time Diana and Marco work a case together on The 4400? I find myself feeling so bad for Marco because I know that he had real feelings for her, but I also realize that Diana did the right thing by not stringing him along. I have to say, though, they have been handling the situation like complete professionals. Marco’s Maia question was sweet, and I liked Diana’s answer to it. As much as I thought these two were cute together, I never did get the sense that she was as into him as he was her. Oh well. Am I the only one who thinks that we might be headed toward a Tom/Diana courtship? I can’t tell for sure, but there seems to be subtle hints indicating that we might. I had been thinking this for a few weeks, but Tom’s invitation to Shawn and Isabel’s wedding was the most obvious. Of course, he could have simply asked her for the reasons he described, but he seemed awfully quick to point out that it was “NOT a date.” Why would he think that she would get that impression unless he was secretly thinking that it could go that way? A couple of episodes back, I got a similar impression when Diana’s former fiancé showed up through her hallucinations. He told her that she had been playing it safe ever since they ended their engagement. This, of course, became the eventual reason for her breakup with Marco. He also told her that she was playing it safe to avoid being with someone she really wanted. Could this “someone” be Tom? Probably not, but it’s fun to speculate with this show.

Sticking with relationships for a moment, Shawn seemed pretty “damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t” last night with Isabel. Either way, there seems to be some sort of catastrophe. One appears to be brought on by Isabel (if he doesn’t) and the other seems to be brought on by Richard and his army of 4400s (if he does). All I can say is, sucks to be him! And finally, Jordan’s back from the (not) dead! So if he’s alive, then Kyle should receive a “Get out of jail free” card, right? And what about this revelation that the 4400 can only carry on their ability by procreating with people who have the Starzl Mutation? This certainly throws a serious kink into the future's plans, which is why they returned all of them to the Seattle area. I can't wait to see how all of this plays out!

‘Cold’ Scoop
The official launch to the 2006-2007 TV season is quickly approaching, which means more information about your favorite shows’ upcoming seasons is leaking out! Today, PTR has hot scoop on favorite Cold Case that will have you wishing September 24th was a lot closer! The following information is considered SPOILERISH, so proceed with caution. Remember that all information (including episode order) is subject to change between now and the actual airdates. A special thanks to orison at Look Again for all of the great season 4 information! OK, here we go…

I told you about the tentative season premiere a few weeks ago, but now, I have information on some of the show’s other season 4 episodes.

“Baby Blues” (tentative second episode of the season) – This one is a 1982 case involving the death of a 6-month old baby girl. Her father is a lawyer and her mother works in advertising. She also had a 6-year old brother.

“Sandhogs” (tentative third episode of the season) – This case goes back to 1948. The victim, John “Boomer” Donovan, is found dead inside a tunnel.

“War at Home” (tentative fourth episode of the season) – No case info yet, but this episode marks the debut of Scotty’s brother, Mike, whose name appears on a list of victims of a former neighborhood gym employee who molested children. He denies being a victim.

As I previously reported, expect to see Lilly’s new love Joseph in several of the first episodes of the season (he makes an appearance in “Sandhogs” for sure). But here’s the real shocker, her former flame – Motorcycle riding Ray from this past season – will also ride back into her life in “Sandhogs.” No info yet on whether she gets back together with him, sticks with Joseph, or goes it alone once again. We’ll have to tune in to find out. And be sure to tune into PTR during the remainder of the summer for all the latest and greatest on the upcoming season. I’ll bring you previews of some this season’s hottest new shows, more scoop and a review before the premiere next month of a new CBS show that is getting a lot of buzz! So stay tuned…

FRIDAY FUN: SUMMER STYLE (trivia answer)
Here is the answer to Friday’s trivia question:

Q: Which CSI: Miami star went to East Carolina University?

A: That’s North Carolina native Emily Proctor who plays ballistics expert Calleigh Duquesne on the hit CBS show Mondays at 10 p.m. [SOURCE]

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*And finally, it’s TV on DVD Monday! Look for the first season last year's breakout hit Prison Break to land on shelves tomorrow along with Beautiful People (season 1), The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (season 4), Grounded for Life (season 3) and The Wire (season 3). For a list of all of tomorrow’s releases, visit tvshowsondvd.com.

Since I have such limited access to the Internet, I won’t be covering all of the day’s top television news stories until I get my Internet hooked up. Be sure to click over to PassTheRemote.net to get all of the latest news.

That’s all for today. Be sure to tune in tomorrow for another Flashback Edition featuring Veronica Mars. This week, we’ll explore secret admirers, 80s dances and lost loves that prefer to stay lost. Plus, The Closer and all the latest television news!

To get more television coverage, including the network's new fall schedules and a complete archive of the best of Pass the Remote with a photo gallery featuring pictures from the set of Veronica Mars, click on over to PassTheRemote.net.

Friday, August 04, 2006

PTR Abridged: Get Psyched About 'Psych' and Join the 'Brotherhood!' Plus Friday Fun: Summer Style

There are two fabulous new shows that I have not had a chance to discuss here with all of you. I had planned to share my thoughts on both Psych and Brotherhood last week, but this whole lack of Internet thing sort of got in the way. You really can’t pick two more different shows to talk about in one edition, but both shows do have something in common: quality. Psych follows the silly antics of a fake psychic as he uses his ability (read incredibly photographic memory) to help the local police department solve various crimes.

Meanwhile, Brotherhood follows the corrupt antics of two Irish- American brothers – one a local politician and the other a career criminal – as they both work to take control of their Providence, Rhode Island neighborhood known as The Hill. Psych will make you laugh out loud while Brotherhood will move you and leave you feeling a little conflicted over which brother is “good” and which is “bad.” Both shows will give you a quality hour of television filled with excellent writing, performances and stories.

USA network uses the slogan “Characters Welcome” to advertise its original programming, and there isn’t a better way to describe the charming comedy Psych. This show is loaded with characters that will keep you coming back week after week, despite the show’s silly premise and case-of-the-week. Of course, the silliness is another part of this show’s charm. The show centers around Shawn (James Roday), a do-nothing former cop’s son who finds his mission in life as a police psychic. The only problem is, he has no real psychic abilities, just an impressive photographic memory courtesy of his father. Shawn uses his attention to detail and ability to remember such details to fool the cops into believing that he solves their cases through psychic abilities. As with all good buddy comedies, Shawn has help from his best friend Gus (The West Wing’s Dule Hill), who serves as the voice of reason to Shawn's crazy antics. The cases that the two solve range from murder to a missing engagement ring, but the resolution is always silly in a “And I would have gotten away with it if it hadn’t been for you cops and your psychic”/ Scooby Doo kind of way. Roday is excellent as the fake psychic who named his fake detective agency “Psych,” which prompts Gus to say astonished, “You named your fake detective agency ‘Psych?’ As in gotcha?” But the show’s best line comes during tonight’s new episode involving an apparent suicide. The always serious lead detective tells Shawn that there are no witnesses because it was a suicide to which Shawn responds, “I’m going to question that cat…as soon as he stops licking himself.” Cut to the cat licking his nether regions and viewers everywhere laughing at another well played silly antic in the world of Psych. Psych airs Friday nights at 10 p.m. on USA network.

On the opposite end of the television spectrum, we have another excellent new show, Brotherhood. The series, about two brothers – one a politician and the other a criminal – fighting for control of their Providence neighborhood, will make you question what constitutes “good” and “bad.” Tommy may appear to be the “good” brother at first. He’s a successful local politician with a wife (the excellent Annabeth Gish) and family who regularly attends his mother’s weekly meals after church. Michael is the career criminal who had been missing for years and finally returns to a welcoming and forgiving mother Prodigal Son style. The irony to the show is, both brothers are working toward the same goal and both use unsavory tactics to achieve it. Tommy uses under-the-table deals with the local mafia and other seedy groups to get legislation passed that will lead to bettering the neighborhood he has sworn to protect, while Michael uses murder and other unlawful tactics to do the same. And just when you think you’re safer rooting for Tommy because his approach seems to be the lesser of the two evils, the show blindsides you with an intense scene involving Michael that leaves you wondering if you may be rooting for the wrong brother. Or maybe it’s better to just root for both of these brothers who, despite their shady methods, have good intentions at heart. That’s the beauty of Brotherhood, it doesn’t provide any easy answers, just many difficult questions. Brotherhood airs Sunday nights at 10 p.m. on Showtime.

FRIDAY FUN: SUMMER STYLE
It’s trivia question time!

Q: Which CSI: Miami star went to East Carolina University?

If you would like to take a stab at it, leave me a comment. I'll reveal the answer in Monday's edition.

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*Since I have such limited access to the Internet, I won’t be covering all of the day’s top television news stories until I get my Internet hooked up. Be sure to click over to PassTheRemote.net to get all of the latest news.

That’s all for today. Be sure to tune in Monday for thoughts on Sunday’s new episode of The 4400. Plus, find out which TV shows on headed to DVD next week!

To get more television coverage, including the network's new fall schedules and a complete archive of the best of Pass the Remote with a photo gallery featuring pictures from the set of Veronica Mars, click on over to PassTheRemote.net.

Thursday, August 03, 2006

PTR Abridged: Flashback Edition on the 'Case!'

All summer we’ve been taking a closer look at classic episodes of some of PTR’s featured shows, and usually, these episodes receive their classic status because of a combination of factors. But, today’s episode of Cold Case is a classic because of snowy scene on a street in Philadelphia. This episode also features a compelling case with a surprise ending and an intriguing guest character who will do anything to clear his name. The 11th episode of the crime series is appropriately titled “Hubris” because guest character Roy Minard had the type of arrogance that the word defines. Imagine walking into a police station and asking them to find your student’s real killer so that the suspicion surrounding you for the last several years will finally be lifted. It seems reasonable enough, right? After all, that suspicion (and probably more likely your affair with said murdered coed) cost you your cushy job as an Art History professor at a top university and now you’re teaching ESOL classes a night just to stay in the teaching game. It also cost you your wife and family (again, probably more to do with that pesky affair, but Hillary stayed with Bill right? Who’s to say that you wouldn’t still have your family had all of the suspicion around Holly’s death not centered on you?). Now imagine that you’re the real killer and you’re so arrogant that you think that you can stage a second copycat murder and fool the “stupid” police. That’s a special kind of arrogant, butit also turns out to be a special kind of stupid because it’s what causes Lilly and co. to pin both murders on Minard. Of course, Minard thought he had the police fooled because he posed both bodies in the tradition of the painting “Ophelia;” something only Art History professors would know about, right? Least of all those “stupid” cops. Of course, this case's greatest irony is that Minard's unbridled arrogance is what led to his downfall. He was so certain that the police wouldn't connect him to the murder(s) that he asks them to investigate them just to prove his (false) innocence. It doesn't get much better than that! As usual, all of the screen caps in this edition are courtesy of Kathryn Morris Online.

The crux of this episode’s classic status rests on a well-played scene on a dark, snowy Philadelphia street. As we discussed during the “Love Conquers Al” Flashback Edition, Kite “ain’t above checkin’ [Lil] out.” Well, it seems he “ain’t above” askin’ her out either and does so just when she’s at her most vulnerable: she needs a favor. While investigating Holly’s murder, Lil and the gang come across several suspects because they believe Holly’s murder and the current day look alike are connected, but she needs a warrant to search an apartment of a possible suspect who lives in the current murder victim’s jurisdiction. Kite is on his way to dinner, but promises to hear her out if she’ll join him. Lil doesn’t have much choice, so she winds up sharing a table with the smooth-talking ADA. After dinner, the two end up on the snowy street outside the restaurant. Lilly grows more and more uncomfortable and decides it’s time for her to call it a night. Kite wants to walk her home, but she assures him that she’ll be fine. After all, she’s “packin’.” As she backs away to start home, she backs right into a trashcan. Yes,

our usually 100% put together Lilly Rush just backed into a trashcan! Embarrassed, she attempts to leave again, but Kite takes advantage of her weakened state and tells her that he’s going to kiss her. Lilly seems shocked by his forwardness and lightly objects, but the two end up sharing an intimate kiss on the snowy street. After, Kite tells her to think about that overnight and he leaves Lilly alone to digest what just happened between them. The two briefly meet again later in the episode as they literally bump into each other outside an elevator. It’s another cute moment as neither is comfortable yet to discuss what happened.

The scene was the first where we saw a more vulnerable side to the always-strong Lilly Rush. Kite evoked a weakness in her that she wasn’t comfortable with or ready to take on, and yet, she played along as cautiously as she could for a while. Lilly certainly isn’t the sort to “lose her head” over him or anyone, but she did allow him to get into her head and maybe even a little into her heart. Just go ahead and call me a romantic sap because this episode was/is an insta-classic for me. If you would like to see this episode, cable channel TNT reruns the older episodes every Tuesday night at 11 p.m. Can't wait for it to cycle around again? Then join the Cold Case DVD Campaign. Help the show land on DVD by letting Warner Bros. know how much you want to see it on store shelves. Click on over to ColdCaseDVDs.com to learn how to help. You check out other Cold Case Flashback Editions HERE (and click HERE to see the last one).

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*Since I have such limited access to the Internet, I won’t be covering all of the day’s top television news stories until I get my Internet hooked up. Be sure to click over to PassTheRemote.net to get all of the latest news.

That’s all for today. Be sure to tune in tomorrow for thoughts on new shows Brotherhood and Psych! Plus, another edition of Friday Fun: Summer Style!

To get more television coverage, including the network's new fall schedules and a complete archive of the best of Pass the Remote with a photo gallery featuring pictures from the set of Veronica Mars, click on over to PassTheRemote.net.

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

PTR Abridged: The Countdown Rolls On! Plus CBS Premieres

Pass the Remote's

Best Episodes of the Season

After an unexpected week off thanks to the lack of Internet access at my new place thus far, PTR’s countdown of The Best Episodes of the Season continues today with three more entries on the list. We’re cracking the Top 15 today, which means that we’re only 2 weeks away from the exciting Top 10! For those who are new to the countdown, here is a refresher of the rules that I employed to determine the 31 episodes that compose this summer-long countdown. All of the shows and their episodes are from NETWORK television only, meaning that I did not take any cable series into consideration (since I only watch a few and felt that it would be unfair). All episodes aired between September 2005 and June 2006. Each episode that made the final list moved me in some way; either by making me laugh out loud, cry my eyes out or just left me with that "wow" feeling that stays with you for a few days. So basically, it's completely subjective! This is a summer-long countdown, so I will reveal a few episodes each week all summer until we reach the #1 episode of the past season. Be sure to tune in each Wednesday to see the next set of episodes to make the list. Here’s a closer look at numbers 16-14.

16: “Man of Science, Man of Faith” - Lost
The pivotal season premiere that set the tone of this show’s second season also set up the showdown between the science-based Jack and the faith-based Locke. It was a division between the two leaders that we would see continue throughout the season as Locke held fast until his crisis of faith later in the season. This is also the episode where we, along with the survivors, get to descend into the mysterious hatch that launched a thousand questions. We learn about Desmond, but not much else, and we're not even sure who he is when the episode ends. The hatch mythology was my favorite part of this show's second season, so starting it off with nothing but hatch, was pure brilliance and the reason why this one is on the list. Written by Damon Lindelof and directed by Jack Bender.

15: “Everybody Hates the Lottery” - Everybody Hates Chris
This hilarious comedy’s funniest episode of the season came in the form of chocolate turtles. After Julius insists that Rochelle give them up because money is tight and they cost too much, Rochelle decides that Julius has to sacrifice something as well. She finds out that he loves to play the lottery, so she bargains her turtles for his lottery games. They both agree to give up their respective expensive addictions, but each continues to carry them on in secret. They both catch each other, and decide once and for all to give up their respective bad habits. The episode is at its most hilarious when Rochelle begins going through withdrawals from the lack of turtles. It culminates in a hysterical dinner scene when she can’t get her sugary drink sweet enough. She continues to add sugar and becomes more and more “wired” on the sweet stuff. Chris’ narration equates his mother to a drug addict, and the scene keeps getting funnier and funnier. For any of us who have ever given up something in the sugar or chocolate family, it’s a relatable experience played up for laughs, and isn’t that what good comedy should be? Written by Rodney Barnes and directed by Malcolm D. Lee.

14: “Joseph” - Cold Case
You may be scratching your head right now as to how this particular episode of the hit crime drama received such a high ranking, but it’s the character growth and change that we see in Lilly that gives this episode its compelling quality and launches it further up the countdown than expected. Sure, the case was weak in this one, but it had to be. For the first time in the show’s history, the case took a back seat to the personal storyline that ran parallel to it. Lilly had spent an entire season re-evaluating her personal life and the decisions that she has made to influence it. She became more aware of the fact that she always let her career overshadow her personal life, and she wanted to change it. She admitted in an earlier episode that people might think that she can’t change, but she can. Her seemingly crazy behavior with Joseph was her way of proving herself right. Maybe she didn’t make the right decisions and went a little too far (almost blowing the case), but the character decided to follow her heart for once, and that showed more growth than the previous seasons combined. Now, all we need is to watch Lilly skirt the delicate line between her career and her new relationship with Joseph next season. Written by Liz Garcia and Andrea Newman and directed by Roxann Dawson. (Picture courtesy Kathryn Morris Online).

So, there's a closer look at #16-14. What did you think about them? Do you agree? Disagree? Drop me a comment with your thoughts. If you missed #31-20 or just want to revisit them, click HERE (click HERE to see #19-17). Be sure to tune in next week as we reveal the next three episodes on the list including the final episode of a much lauded series, a countdown debut and a usually light show that takes a heavy turn with an emotional episode.

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*CBS is premiering 20 of its 22 shows during Premiere Week next month. The Eye network announced today that the bulk of its schedule will make its debut during the season's official Premiere Week September 18th through the 24th. Look for both Survivor and The Amazing Race to break out early with special premieres the week before the official start. Here's a breakdown of your favorite CBS shows and their respective season/series premiere dates (PTR featured shows are bolded):

Thursday, Sept. 14
8:00-9:00 PM SURVIVOR: COOK ISLANDS (Premiere)

Sunday, Sept. 17
8:30-10:00 PM THE AMAZING RACE 10 (Premiere)

Monday, Sept. 18
8:00-8:30 PM THE CLASS (Series Premiere)
8:30-9:00 PM HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER (2nd Season Premiere)
9:00-9:30 PM TWO AND A HALF MEN (4th Season Premiere)
9:30-10:00 PM THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE (2nd Season Premiere)
10:00-11:00 PM CSI: MIAMI (5th Season Premiere)

Tuesday, Sept. 19
8:00-9:00 PM NCIS (4th Season Premiere)
9:00-10:00 PM THE UNIT (2nd Season Premiere)
10:00-11:00 PM SMITH (Series Premiere)

Wednesday, Sept. 20
8:00-9:00 PM JERICHO (Series Premiere)
9:00-10:00 PM CRIMINAL MINDS (2nd Season Premiere)
10:00-11:00 PM CSI: NY (3rd Season Premiere)

Thursday, Sept. 21
9:00-10:00 PM CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION (7th Season Premiere)
10:00-11:00 PM SHARK (Series Premiere)

Friday, Sept. 22
8:00-9:00 PM GHOST WHISPERER (2nd Season Premiere)
9:00-10:00 PM CLOSE TO HOME (2nd Season Premiere)
10:00-11:00 PM NUMB3RS (3rd Season Premiere)

Saturday, Sept. 23
8:00-9:00 PM CRIMETIME SATURDAY
9:00-10:00 PM CRIMETIME SATURDAY
10:00-11:00 PM 48 HOURS MYSTERY (Season Premiere)

Sunday, Sept. 24
7:00-8:00 PM 60 MINUTES (39th Season Premiere)
8:00-9:00 PM THE AMAZING RACE 10 (Time Period Premiere)
9:00-10:00 PM COLD CASE (4th Season Premiere)
10:00-11:00 PM WITHOUT A TRACE (5th Season Premiere)

Since I have such limited access to the Internet, I won’t be covering all of the day’s top television news stories until I get my Internet hooked up. Be sure to click over to PassTheRemote.net to get all of the latest news.

That’s all for today. Be sure to tune in tomorrow for another Flashback Edition featuring an episode of Cold Case that received its classic status from one snow-filled scene.

To get more television coverage, including the network's new fall schedules and a complete archive of the best of Pass the Remote with a photo gallery featuring pictures from the set of Veronica Mars, click on over to PassTheRemote.net.

Tuesday, August 01, 2006

PTR Abridged: Flashback to 'Mars!'

Even though I was hooked from the very first episode of Veronica Mars, it was the show’s 12th episode that turned me into a bona fide VM junkie. I’m sure it would have happened sooner had I actually watched the show when it first aired on UPN, but I was late to the party and caught my first VM episodes when UPN’s sister network CBS aired four over the summer last year. This week’s featured classic episode, “Clash of the Tritons,” was the third one in that series. Since I still don’t have any Internet access at my new place, and therefore am relying on WiFi hot spots, this edition of Pass the Remote will once again be shorter than usual and definitely more low-tech. Once my Internet access finally gets set up (hopefully next week), Pass the Remote will return to its full glory. In the meantime, here’s a look at another classic episode of the delightful Veronica Mars.

One of the elements that makes this episode of the teen detective series such a classic is the final showdown between Veronica and the always uppity Sheriff Lamb. After Veronica is accused of making and selling fake Ids, she is determined to uncover the real culprit and learn why he/she framed her for the deed. Lamb being Lamb automatically assumes that Veronica is guilty and he loves every minute of her moment of shame. Veronica being Veronica solves the mystery and gets the better of Lamb and loves every minute of his moment of embarrassment. Veronica decides to make her point by camping out in Lamb’s office while he has one of his “minions” drop a name and $250 into a mystery locker in order to receive their very own fake. She tells him that she won’t have time to “tamper with an official government document” (complete with air quotes) if she’s sitting in his office reading about putting an extra something in her step to turn all the guys’ heads from the latest issue of the hottest women’s magazine. After some time, Lamb gets his fake ID and his culprit, courtesy of Veronica. When the real felon comes into the police station and Veronica has him hand over the $250 in his wallet, she proves that it’s the same $250 that she gave Lamb by having Lamb read aloud what she wrote on one of the $100 bills: “Veronica Mars is smarter than me.” Of course, we all know that a truer statement has never been written (or read aloud by the egg-on-his-face sheriff), but Lamb is not ready to admit defeat. And really, would we want our Lamb any other way?

There are so many good things about this episode that I could go on and on for days, but some of the highlights include Veronica’s hilarious karaoke rendition of “One Way or Another,” a secret Neptune High society, a startling discovery regarding Weevil and the murdered Lilly Kane, a startling discovery about Duncan and a shocking ending that continues to keep fans wondering whether or not Lynn Echolls is really dead. It’s truly a classic episode of both the always classic Veronica Mars and all of television. If you would like to check it out for yourself, pick up your copy today. Or rent one through Netflix, or check your local library for a free borrowed copy. Veronica's second season is currently airing in reruns on UPN every Tuesday night. Tonight, you can catch 2 back-to-back episodes of this wonderful show. In the first hour, Veronica investigates whether Wallace's new girlfriend has a runaway bride sister or if something more sinister befell the bride-to-be. Check out the opening scene HERE! In the second hour, Veronica helps her ex-boyfriend Troy after he gets accused of rape. The screen capture in this edition is courtesy of VM-Caps.com.

QUICK CUTS

*Since I have such limited access to the Internet, I won’t be covering all of the day’s top television news stories until I get my Internet hooked up. Be sure to click over to PassTheRemote.net to get all of the latest news.

That’s all for today. Be sure to tune in tomorrow as the countdown finally continues! We’re cracking the top 15 with an episode that pits science against faith, one that shows us how difficult addictions can be to shake and one that gives us some shocking consequences to following your heart. So, be sure to catch the next three episodes on the summer-long countdown of PTR’s Best Episodes of the Season!

To get more television coverage, including the network's new fall schedules and a complete archive of the best of Pass the Remote with a photo gallery featuring pictures from the set of Veronica Mars, click on over to PassTheRemote.net.

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