Weekend Watch: Hallmark Sends Cybill Shepherd to 'Smith'

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

It's that time of year again, eh, kids?

And Hallmark Channel has several movies running this weekend that focus on those three words most of you students don't want to hear: back to school.

(I'm not a student anymore, but can it already be the end of July? Where did the summer go?)

It went to Smith.

Er, make that Cybill Shepherd is heading to Smith College as she stars in the Hallmark Channel original movie, Mrs. Washington Goes to Smith, which premieres Saturday, August 1 at 9 p.m. (8 p.m. Central) and repeats again Sunday at 9 p.m. (8 p.m. Central). In the film, she portrays a middle-aged divorcee who returns to college to finish the degree she never earned, disrupting stately Smith College in the process. It’s a role that she calls “just a huge boost to me as an artist and a person. It was just amazing on so many levels.”

Which levels would those be?

“Well, first off, it was just thrilling to get to play the lead in something that wasn’t just another ensemble,” Cybill says. “This was truly one of the most wonderful stories I’d ever read. It was just such a cool part I couldn’t believe they’d even offer it to me. Really. I don’t get thrown this kind of stuff every day anymore."

How about the offer to play some b-ball?

Turns out she can still throw around a basketball.

Pretty darn well, actually.

And in the film, her alter ego, Alice Washington, makes the Smith College team, which meant Cybill had to get in game shape and sink actual baskets for the camera.

“I’d played a lot of basketball in high school, so it wasn’t entirely foreign to me,” says the 5-foot-8, Memphis-born actress. “It was a huge amount of fun. But beyond that, this role kind of fulfilled a dream in a way. As actors, one of the great things is to be able to live your life sideways and experience something through playing it. That happened for me in pretending to be a college basketball player - and finishing college.”

Cybill took a lot of college classes part-time during her modeling and early years as an actress. But like Alice, she never got that degree.

“It was a major vicarious thrill to finally get it,” she stresses, “even just as make-believe.”

The other thrill was reuniting with Jeffrey Nordling, with whom Shepherd had co-starred in a made-for-TV movie entitled Baby Brokers some 15 years before. In Mrs. Washington, Nordling portrays a poetry professor upon whom both Alice and her pink-haired rebel roommate (Corri English) have a crush.

“Jeffrey and I have great chemistry, so working with him again was a real treat,” she says.

Being a mid-life college girl dovetailed nicely with Cybill's real life in that 21-year-old twins Zach and Ariel Oppenheim, her kids with second husband Bruce Oppenheim, are both still in college themselves. Her daughter Clementine Ford, 30, produced with first husband David Ford, is a successful actress who played Shepherd’s daughter on The L Word and currently is starring on the daytime soap The Young and the Restless.

Having enjoyed a lengthy and successful (some would even say legendary) career and a life lived very much on her own terms, Cybill is winding up her fourth decade as an actress and all-around celebrity.

And it doesn't look to be ending any time soon.

“I don’t feel old yet," she says. "I still feel like I’m right in my prime. I’ve been around long enough that this is, like, my fifth comeback or something. Whatever they want to call it is fine by me."

Mrs. Washington Goes to Smith, which premieres Saturday, August 1 at 9 p.m. (8 p.m. Central) on Hallmark Channel. It repeats again Sunday at 9 p.m. (8 p.m. Central). For the inside scoop on the film, head on over HallmarkChannel.com


Source: Hallmark Crown Syndicate

The Countdown Cracks the Top 20

This week, the summer-long countdown breaks into the Top 20! But before we get to that, we have to go over the rules for the countdown. LillyKat and I ended up with 33 incredible episodes that demonstrate the diversity and quality of the current television state. The shows and their episodes are from both NETWORK and CABLE television. All episodes aired between June 2008 and June 2009. Each episode that made the final list moved us in some way; either by making us laugh out loud, cry our eyes out or just left us with that "wow" feeling that stays with you for a few days. So basically, it's completely subjective! Since this is a summer-long countdown to the number 1 episode, we will reveal a few each week all summer. So, be sure to tune in every Friday to find out which episodes are on the countdown! Today, we're going to take a look at numbers 21-19.

21: "Hey! Mr. Pibb" - Damages
Payback is a b*tch. Patty Hewes know this. She's normally giving it, not receiving it. But in "Hey! Mr. Pibb," Daniel Purcell, on the stand, totally frakes up Patty's attempt at filing a motion against UNR (read: evil energy company killing everyone with their polluted water in West Virginia) to start a class-action lawsuit AFTER he told her a) he'd run the test on the water that was snuck out of town by his on-the-down-low reporter, compliments of the Ellen and Tom Traveling Road Show; and, b) go on the record UNR doctored his original toxicity reports. Patty's seething, silent rage just came blazing through the screen at the moment Purcell screwed her. There is nothing like Glenn Close and THAT look. You know the old saying: If looks could kill, we'd all have been dead a long time ago (at about the time Fatal Attraction came out). It is seriously rare to one-up Patty Hewes. et, Purcell's screwing over of Patty's case wasn't the only OMFG moment: it was followed shortly thereafter (er, kinda simultaneously) by the reveal that he was IN on the murder of his wife. Solid episode. Written by Aaron Zelman and directed by Mario Van Peebles. LillyKat - PTR Senior Staff Writer.

20: "The Deadliest Ice Road" - Ice Road Truckers
This third season premiere (and the only episode from this season to air in time to make this year's countdown) started me on a journey that I now look forward to continuing each Sunday night. This time the drivers are taking on Alaska's Dalton Highway, a 400-mile plus harrowing stretch of ice-covered highway that winds through steep passes and dangerous downhills while connecting Fairbanks to the oil-rich Prudhoe Bay, and they packed a few new drivers including the show's first female: 28-year old Lisa Kelly. From the moment this episode started and we were introduced to The Dalton and its stomach-dropping stretches such as The Rollercoaster, The Beaver Slide, and Atigun Pass, I was on the edge of my seat. Even ice road veterans Hugh "The Polar Bear" Rowland and Alex Debogorski struggled at first and found themselves displaced to the passenger seat when their years of experience on Canadian ice was no match for the treacherous Dalton. And then we watched Dalton veteran Jack Jessee make it look so easy as he moved his oversized load along the 400-mile journey. Throw in a little humor from my girl Lisa and you have the makings of the start to one awesome season of IRT. Produced by Thom Beers and Dawn Fitzgerald.

19: "I Lied, Too" - Damages
This episode was Damages second season premiere. And when it finally arrived, it didn't feel as if it had been over a year since the last time we checked in; they brilliantly recapped key points of the first season for everyone WITHOUT running the flashback-this-is-what-we-did routine into the ground; and, they set the table once again for an even more complex web of manipulation and betrayal, with Ellen set to take down Patty once and for all if she could get past her own revenge issues. And that was all laid out for us in just ONE hour. Vengeful Ellen working for the Feds was just a brilliant storyline. She was SO different from the wide-eyed, fresh-out-of-law-school Bambi that was presented to us in the first season. Hardened by Patty's betrayal (uh, you know ... the whole tried to kill her thing), grieving over the murder of fiancé doc David that had her simultaneously wanting to disembowel Arthur Frobisher (can we blame her?), and having this veil of icy calm whilst seething on the inside as she agrees to play nice with Patty only to eventually be able to destroy her in the end ... GENIUS. I was glad to have Ted Danson back in the fold given he was just SO good at being the man everyone loves to hate in season one. Glenn Close was still fabulous. I swear, it's like an honor to get to watch her week in, week out. And I just loved the introduction of William Hurt's character, Daniel Purcell. Even if the storyline did seem a little tobacco industry-esque given he supposedly had smoking gun data to bring down an entire "industry," he was mysterious in a sympathetic way. The history between he and Patty was alluded to just enough to make you want to know more. And that, my friends, is great writing. Hard to believe we h ad to wait a couple of eps to SEE Marcia Gay Harden work her magic, too. Written by Todd A. Kessler, Glenn Kessler, and Daniel Zelman and directed by Todd A. Kessler. LillyKat - PTR Senior Staff Writer.

So, there's a look at numbers 21-19 on the countdown. What do you think? Do you agree? Disagree? Leave us a comment with your thoughts. And be sure to tune in next Friday for #18-16 on the list.

'Grace's' New Promise

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

Thank you, Laura San Giacomo, for reminding me once again why I love you.

And Rhetta.

You saved the first season of Saving Grace for me.

You got me through the second season.

And you are now poised to become an even more critical role to the continued character development of Grace Hanadarko that it makes me just want to ... well, buy you a beer.

Seriously.

This week's episode of Saving Grace was all about Rhetta for me.

I didn't care about the case (some old fogey who died after some woman he was involved with lost his money in gambling or something? Sorry, but I wasn't even paying attention given the Rhetta's-husband-is-cheating-on-her bombshell that was dropped before opening titles even rolled. I will say, though, Grace seemingly moving into the old timer's place and going through EVERY piece of anything the man owned was ... weird. Like, wearing his old bomber jacket? Having Captain Perry over for dinner? Go home, Grace. It's not your house, eh?)

But in all seriousness, this week was all about Grace catching Rhetta's husband having an affair - or the beginnings of an affair - with the woman who is selling their farm.

As in, Rhetta's family farm.

The one owned by multiple generations.

The one that holds her blood, sweat, tears, memories, legacy and everything else that has ever meant anything to her.

Yup, that would be the one.

Laura San Giacomo's performance in this ep was just phenomenal. She portrayed the shock of the revelation in a way that was so stunningly real. Her subsequent calm, methodical questioning of every male officer on the squad as to their thoughts on cheating, infidelity and affairs was painful yet brilliant to watch. And her scientific examination of her husband's clothes - to which she could identify perfume that was NOT hers on three different shirts - was equally as poignant given it was her only way to cope with the bombshell that had just exploded unto her life.

But the kicker was her confrontation with Grace.

The anger at Grace's out-of-control sexual escapades that has lead her to be - on a bazillion different occasions - "the other woman" to so many married men, and the source of the pain for all those married women; threatening to forfeit their friendship unless Grace promises to abandon that behavior given she could no longer love Grace if she selfishly causes so many women the same pain Rhetta is now enduring.

Just.Freakin'.Brilliant.

Powerful.

So Rhetta.

From Day 1, Rhetta has always been the moral compass of the show, and specifically, to Grace. She has quietly comforted, cleverly cajoled, secretly investigated and unconditionally supported Grace's development - especially as it pertains to Earl, and even more especially as it pertained to Leon Cooley.

To see her deliver this ultimatum to Grace once again proved that the show is doing some of its best work this season.

Now we wait to see if Grace actually KEEPS that promise.

New episodes of Saving Grace air Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on TNT. You can watch full episodes of the show anytime over on the show’s official Web site. You can also visit EmbraceYourGrace.com to share your stories of how you embrace your inner-Grace.

Remote Rewind: Boston Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

This is my absolute, hands-down, no contest favorite episode of Dr. Quinn EVER!! And it might possibly be my favorite episode of any show ever, but nostalgia is coming into play so I'll just say that it's on my all-time faves list. Up until this point, Sully and Michaela has resisted (and even, at times, fought) their feelings for one another. It was painful for us to watch and we were sitting at home hanging on their every word waiting for the inevitable to finally happen. And when it did in this stellar episode, the payoff was well worth the wait. But before we get to the awesomeness that is "that moment," we need to discuss the build-up that comprised 99% of this second season outing. After Dr. Mike gets a troubling telegram from her sister, she and the kids rush back to Boston to be at her ailing mother's side. She recognizes that her mother has been misdiagnosed, but the attending doctor refuses to listen to her opinion or use any of her "Indian medicine" to treat her mother. A kinder, more open Dr. Burke agrees to take Michaela's diagnosis into consideration and agrees to treat Mrs. Quinn with the Cheyenne cure. Of course, he might have agreed simply because he was a bit smitten with her, but that is neither here nor there at this point. The cure works, and Mrs. Quinn is back home and feeling almost 100% in no time. Time to pack it up and head back to Colorado Springs, right? Nope. Michaela decides to stay in Boston for her mother's upcoming birthday bash much to Matthew's dismay (he's feeling a bit like a fish out of water and he's missing Ingrid).

The extended stay also gives Dr. Burke the opportunity to spend more time with Michaela. He brings her down to the poor houses to help those who cannot afford to get the medical care they need. The two quickly bond over their shared desire to use their skills to help the less fortunate. He takes her out to a fancy Boston dinner and he gets her a speaking engagement at a professional medical conference. Things seem to be moving along quickly between the two, but everything changes when Sully arrives in Boston (after seeking guidance from Cloud Dancing). He shows up at the Quinn residence in his buckskins and tomahawk and creates quite a stir on the streets of Boston and within the halls of the Quinn household. Michaela doesn't seem too excited to see Sully and quickly begins to give him the cold shoulder. He confronts her when she tells him that she'll have a housekeeper make him a fire, but he doesn't seem to get through to her. The kids tell Sully that he needs to take Dr. Mike to the opera and Mrs. Quinn suggests that he start looking and acting like he's in Boston ("When in Rome..."). Sully does both and things seem to being moving back into his favor. He even almost scores a goodnight kiss after the opera, but his success is short-lived.

Michaela gives her lecture at the professional medical conference, but the fact that she's a woman and her lecture is on Cheyenne medicine, causes many of the all-male attendees to walk out in the middle of her speech. Sully stays until the end and decides to go back stage to congratulate her. As she steps off the stage, Dr. Burke meets and congratulates her first. He tells her that he loves her and wants to be her partner in both medicine and life and asks her if she wants the same. She hesitates saying that there were moments when she thought it and moments when she was unsure of anything at all. He asks if Sully has asked for her hand and then proclaims that he's asking for it now. Sully witnesses the interaction and confronts Michaela about it outside the lecture hall. She can't give him the answers he desires and he storms off. When she returns to her mother's house, she learns that Sully has left. She rushes to the train station to find him and this angst-ridden scene unfolds:


At this point, I was losing it. We had waited all of this time and she freakin' walked off the train!! Sully put everything on the line and finally told her how he felt and she freakin WALKED OFF THE TRAIN!!! Luckily, Mrs. Quinn, the kids and her own soul-searching made her realize what she truly wanted. After letting Dr. Burke down easy, she and the kids bid adieu and boarded the train and then the stagecoach to Colorado Springs. When the stage finally pulled into town, my absolute favorite TV moment happened. I can in no way do the moment justice, so I will just post the scene in all of its awesomeness for you to enjoy:


Sigh. I'm pretty sure I can trace my hopeless romantic side back to this very scene. But if you thought that it was all smooth sailing from here for these two, you would be mistaken. Several obstacles abound in their path to happiness, but we'll cover some of that next week. For now, let's just enjoy the moment that was.

Feeling nostalgic for Dr. Mike, Sully and the rest of the residents of Colorado Springs? Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman: The Complete Series is now available on DVD.

The Final 'Catch' Is Done ... And I'm Relieved

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

Am I the only one ... uh, glad that Deadliest Catch is done for the season?

I don't mean that in a bad way.

Rather, as a viewer, I'm just not sure I could take one more United States Coast Guard rescue ride-a-long. One more sinking vessel. One more pon-pon distress call. One more empty survival suit. One more rogue wave over the bow of the Wizard. One more lost crewman. One more ship rolled 90 degrees. One more Arctic hurricane

Sheesh.

This season was one big Debbie Downer.

And I say that in the nicest - and most serious - of ways.

True, I'm a late bloomer to the world of Deadliest Catch. As we recall, I caught up on the show during a marathon viewing session LAST year, which was just in time to bring LAST season's trials and tribulations to PTR. However, I cannot recall - in all that viewing - ever feeling as relieved as I do now that it's over.

I felt like we watched more rescues this season than fishing.

Listened to more distress calls over the radio than crew fights.

Watched more weather strangle the boats than the setting of pots.

And studied ice flow more than the crab count.

I'm hoping the Bering Sea decides to have an off season next year. That is, she'll be nice.

Doubt it.

In the meantime, I can now go back to breathing again on Tuesday nights from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Sheesh.

You can catch episodes of Deadliest Catch on Discovery Channel. Visit the official Deadliest Catch Web site for the latest on the captains and crews of the Northwestern, Cornelia Marie, Time Bandit, Wizard, Early Dawn and North American and the new boat, the Incentive. You can also catch up with Deadliest Catch folks on Twitter: fvnw_erin / CaptPhilHarris / northwesternpat / NorthwesternPR / captjohnathan / northwesternsig / DeadliestCatch (which is actually the Cornelia Marie) / DiscoveryChPR.

Roundup: 'Closer' Sets Us Up; 'Bar's' Genuinely Good Guy

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

BJ vs. Stroh - Forthcoming Round 2

THUD!

That is the sound of being hit over the head by this week's episode of The Closer.

More than once.

As in, it was one big set up.

As in, BJ vs. Philip Stroh - Round 2 - is forthcoming.

I predicted this would happen after he became the one-that-got-away at the end of last season - particularly given he was more evil and creepy than George Marks ever was over on Cold Case.

Lilly Rush had her second chance.

I now have no doubt that BJ is going to get one, too.

Especially after having this week's case center on a dying detective's (played by the fantastic Tom Skerritt) personal quest (er, let's make that vendetta) to go after the ONE guy that got away and/or close the ONE case he couldn't close back in the day before he is delivered to St. Peter (read: he ends up killing - er, make that torturing THEN killing - the suspect AFTER he made said suspect tell him where he had buried the bodies of the two missing girls said detective couldn't find back in the day).

THUD!

I think we should just start the countdown now.

Stroh's picture was everywhere - on her desk, in her drawer, on the files.

She's having Gabriel pull every case he's been a part of (we remember is IS an attorney)

She's having nightmares about him breaking into her house.

She's taking files home to study at night, à la Lilly and her I-see-dead-people-in-my-files-on-my-nightstand thing.

Seriously? Could we be more obvious, Closer gang?

THUD!

That's not to say I don't like the idea - and if you're paying attention our Best Episodes Countdown, you'll know why. Stroh WAS a great nemesis. As was Billy Burke's performance.

That said, the obvious connection to BJ's own "vendetta" to get Stroh seemed to overshadow this episode for me. It made me want to just skip to the end.

THUD!

New episodes of The Closer air Mondays at 9 p.m. on TNT. For the scoop on the series, head on over to the show's official site.



We Can't Save Everybody

Rich Woolsley: Best.Guy.Ever.

Seriously.

I don't care if this statement makes me biased.

And I don't know how you could walk away from this week's Raising the Bar and NOT think this true.

For me, this week's episode was all about Rich's unbelievably selfless act to donate the first payout installment of his Woolsely Fortune Trust (okay, so that's my name for it) - all $3 million of it - to fund a full-fledged civil suit department in the Public Defender's office.

This came about after a) getting berated by his father for having just dumped the money into his checking account and NOT instantly moved it into some supercalifragilisticexpialidocious money making fund account; b) after he goes to the wall to get a big shot law firm to lay off his client about pursuing her to pay nominal $1500 fee that would've essentially gotten her thrown out on the street had the firm continued to come after her; and, c) because he wants to do good by the people who need it most - and he has the money to do it.

Go.Rich.

It is true what Teddy sears told us: Rich is one of the good guys. Genuinely decent. Truly honorable.

Episode after episode, we get to see this play out in subtle ways.

But this episode, it was on full display.

And how proud was I?

Very.

In other news ... as much as Michelle Ernhardt annoys me, she IS really good at what she does. And strangely, she even got an attagirl from Balco this week for winning her case. Now THAT is a rarity.

Bobbi v. Jerry: So, he was trying to help her with the case, giving her a new angle to go on with the make-it-up-as-I-go-along defendant (seriously, I wasn't even believing this guy's story - all 14 versions), and she's irked. Okay, so he went behind her back. Okay, so we know Jerry can be a little self-rightous. Okay, so Jerry does need to be taken down a few pegs now and then.

Newsflash Bobbi: you need him, whether you want to admit or not. (Again, loving Natalia Cigliuti's increased screen time!)

New episodes of Raising the Bar air Mondays at 10 p.m. on TNT. For the scoop on the series, head on over to the show's official site

Complications in 'Sight'

Since this show began last summer, I have suspected that Marshall had feelings for Mary. I kinda dismissed it as time went on (mainly because I just chalked it up to my overactive imagination when it comes to partners on crime shows because I've seen so many of these play out -- badly), but there was no mistaking it or misinterpreting it this week! In fact, I was shocked at how deeply his feelings run for her. I started to get it when he reacted to her news about being engaged. His reaction was strange (as in, not happy) and he never seemed to recover. Then, in case we weren't 100% sure about how he felt (and I'll admit, I wasn't 100% up until this point), the show got us all on the same page when Marshall gave Mary back the ring (which, in a very funny side story had gotten stuck on his finger when he tried it on -- don't ask). He looked defeated, disappointed and like someone had just ripped out his heart and stomped all over it. It was as if giving back her ring made the engagement real and sealed their fate as nothing more than partners, and it was a reality that Marshall wasn't prepared to face. His speech to her was so touching and I noticed how he couldn't look her in the eye even when he told her that he loved her (he wanted it to come across in a friendly/partner way, but we all knew what he meant -- including Mary). I was pretty shocked. Todd Rundgren's "Torch Song" at the end pretty much summed it up: "I will carry my torch for you" and "When you break somebody's heart." Yeah, it was all spelled out this week.

Clearly, Mary was not as aware of her partner's feelings for her as some of us had been. She definitely began to piece things together at the end when Marshall made that speech. It was actually more of what he didn't say and how that danced across his face when he finished speaking. That sad, defeated, heart-broken look wasn't lost on Mary, and she seemed to have a sad look of her own. I'm not sure if Mary and Marshall should be anything other than partners. I'm not even sure that Raph is the right guy for Mary. Heck, I'm not even sure that Raph doesn't still have feelings for Brandi. I thought that chapter was closed, but the two seemed very cozy in that awkward way this week. Something tells me that Mary and Raph won't be walking down the aisle anytime soon. And that suites me just fine. Now, how Mary and Marshall proceed from here should be very interesting. She isn't one to learn information of this caliber and move on, so I think it's going to have a big effect on her -- probably bigger than she thinks. Things just got even more interesting at WITSEC!

In Plain Sight airs Sunday nights on USA Network. If you missed this week's episode, check it out for free at Hulu.com

Everything But the Taillights

It's amazing how something as small and seemingly insignificant can waylay an entire trip up Alaska's Dalton Highway, and yet, that's exactly what happened when taillights decided to go amuck in this week's episode. Lisa was able to fix hers with a little bungee cord and luck (and advice from "Dalton Ace" Jack Jessee), but Tim was not so fortunate. His malfunctioning tail lights cost him a run up the Dalton and about $1300 in missed income. He discovered the issue just outside of Fairbanks and had to turn around and head back to the Carlile yard to spend more time in the garage (a common theme for Tim's rookie season). But, Tim was not the only driver experiencing problems this week. Hugh returned to Fairbanks ahead of rival Alex, but he was stopped by the Alaskan authorities at the Fox Weigh Station for not keeping proper log books. In Alaska, a driver must rest 10 hours for every 16 on the road. Hugh hadn't crossed the 10-hour threshold according to his logs. His safety instructor (good old "Phil-Billy") retrieved the missing data from the Carlile headquarters, but Hugh was still cited and forced to pay more than $200 in fines, received 3 points on his license and was not permitted to drive in the meantime. And then there was the tanker driver who caught the unplowed snow and wound up in a ditch (not a driver featured on the show).

Despite the sorta "bad day" theme running through the episode, this was a super-awesome outing for me because my two faves -- Lisa and Jack -- were hauling together. Through the convoy, Lisa was able to pick up a few lessons from "The Dalton Ace." One lesson, about shifting on a downhill, led to some harrowing moments as her truck slipped into neutral and wasn't finding the gear that she needed in order to slow her it down before it slid out of control. Jack counseled her over the radio telling her to be patient and not to panic (easy for him to say!) and to give it time. Sure enough, the gear clicked into place and her truck slowed down just in time. Lisa declared the new method a success and decided that she would have to keep practicing. A lighter moment along the Dalton occurred in Coldfoot when Lisa woke up, showered, did her hair and then had to wait for Jack to get ready. First, she had to wake him up with a little honk of her horn. It took him 2 hours to her 1.5 to get ready to leave. Yes, Jack just got beaten in the getting ready contest by a girl. Love it! And then later, the two encountered a couple of adorable Dove Sheep running along the Dalton. Just more examples of how this show can be the most intense hour on TV at one moment and one of the most fun the next.

Ice Road Truckers airs Sunday nights on History Channel. To catch up on this season, click on over to HistoryChannel.com where you'll also get show info, driver bios, and an IRT app for your iPhone.

The Countdown Continues

Another week, another set of stellar episodes! But before we get to them, we have to go over the rules for the countdown. LillyKat and I ended up with 33 incredible episodes that demonstrate the diversity and quality of the current television state. The shows and their episodes are from both NETWORK and CABLE television. All episodes aired between June 2008 and June 2009. Each episode that made the final list moved us in some way; either by making us laugh out loud, cry our eyes out or just left us with that "wow" feeling that stays with you for a few days. So basically, it's completely subjective! Since this is a summer-long countdown to the number 1 episode, we will reveal a few each week all summer. So, be sure to tune in every Friday to find out which episodes are on the countdown! Today, we're going to take a look at numbers 24-22.

24: "Inside Probe" - My Name is Earl
The fictional TV show Inside Probe with real-life personality Geraldo Rivera finally airs its shocking tell-all episode on the disappearance of the original Crab Shack owner. In the process, secrets about the residents of Camden are revealed and everyone becomes a suspect. But the most promising suspects are Earl and Randy Hickey until Inside Probe clears them. This 2-part outing was as funny as season two's "Our 'Cops' is On" with a hilarious inside look at the lives of Camden's finest residents while also enjoying the town's reaction to seeing themselves and their crazy little town on tabloid TV. These sorts of episodes bring out the best and funniest of this now-canceled series. And this one makes me realize that I'm going to miss Earl, Randy, Joy and Darnell next season. Written by (creator) Greg Garcia (part 1) and Michael Pennie and Timothy Stack (part 2) and directed by Greg Garcia (parts 1 & 2).

23: "Mr. Ferguson is Ill Today" - Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
Cromartie.Was.Terminated. Bottom line, this is why this ep is worthy of a place on our countdown. It was a pivotal moment for the T:SCC series - one in which I actually don't believe they were ever able to recover (though that discussion is for another day). Nonetheless, taking out the pivotal antagonistic character in an OMFG shootout-at-the-OK-Corral fashion was powerful and absolutely stunning. But aside from the Cromartie show down, the ep had a little bit of everything - action, suspense, emotional intensity, unpredictability, and the always good "WTF do we do now?" moments. Not to mention the way it was told was new. Each character got their own snippet, advancing along the same plot line until the end, which ultimately brought them all together. Garret Dillahunt was right: this was one awesome episode. Written by Daniel T. Thomsen and directed by Michael Nanklin. - LillyKat / Senior Staff Writer.

22: "New York, New York" - Friday Night Lights
I've always felt proud of Jason for what he has been able to overcome. His entire future changed in an instant, and yet, he rebounded. And in this excellent episode, he learned the hard way that NYC is a tough town. But with a little help from Riggins, he got back on that horse more determined and he came away with a job. He made his future a lot brighter, and he faced his feelings and fears. He proved himself to the mother of his child, and he's now on his way to starting a promising career in sports management and a fulfilling home life with the woman he loves and his young son. It's not going to be easy, but you get the sense that Jason knows that and he's up to the challenge. The best part of this outing, though, was a "passing of the guard" scene where Erin took over for Riggins. It was so emotional, and both Scott Porter and Taylor Kitsch really showed their acting chops in that scene. But, it was only one reason why this episode is one of this season's best. Written by Kerry Ehrin and directed by Jeffrey Reiner.

So, there's a look at numbers 24-22 on the countdown. What do you think? Do you agree? Disagree? Leave us a comment with your thoughts. And be sure to tune in next Friday for #21-19 on the list.

Remote Rewind: Picture Perfect?

"You must remember this, a kiss is just a kiss"

Several episodes passed between Michaela and Sully's birthday kiss and it was becoming increasingly clear that this famous song lyric was right. Had Michaela and Sully's first kiss been nothing more than a kiss between friends? It couldn't have been right? The first season finale explored this issue and delved into the meaning of that fateful birthday "gift." Daniel Watkins, a professional photographer, landed in Colorado Springs to take pictures of the beautiful mountains, plants, animals, Native Americans and overall "wild west" lifestyle of the American frontier. But, he was hiding a debilitating health secret. His eyes, the finest tool in his photography arsenal, were failing him. He was suffering from diabetes and back then, there wasn't much anyone could do to help him. He had photographed the Civil War, but was battling his own body to continue doing what he loved with the time he had left. It was tragic and Michaela being Michaela, tried in vain to help him. Everyone quickly decided that there should be a town photograph. This, of course, led to a few (mainly Loren, Jake and Hank) deciding who should, but more importantly, who should not be included in that photo. No "Indians or Blacks" came first, but soon saloon girls and others were added until most folks decided that they wanted nothing to do with the photo anymore. In the end, Daniel Watkins got his photo, with a little help from Sully, of the entire town.

Things weren't so easy on the relationship front. Neither Michaela nor Sully had addressed the night in question since her birthday. They hadn't started a relationship, so what had that kissed meant to each of them? An intimate conversation on the bridge seemed to clarify things, or did it? When Sully finally confronted her about that kiss, she told him that it was, "the nicest gift that I got, but that's all it has to be: a birthday gift." Ouch! Sully seemed to agree (or save face) by pointing out, "If things were different... if we weren't so different..." Michaela quickly agreed and the topic was officially dropped. But, it wasn't resolved. Both showed how vulnerable and scared they were to let the other in or to let the other know their true feelings. Any hope of a future relationship seemed dead in its tracks; the pair had succeeded in derailing that speeding train, but that was before they took a little trip to Boston. There's something about absence and the heart growing fonder and the threat of losing someone to someone else that makes people do things that they would normally be too scared to do. But, I'm jumping ahead, so we'll get to that (incredibly awesome) part of the story next week.

Feeling nostalgic for Dr. Mike, Sully and the rest of the residents of Colorado Springs? Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman: The Complete Series is now available on DVD.

'Grace' Goes MIA - For a Moment

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

Here's the difference between this season's Saving Grace and the previous seasons:

Our opening jump-the-bones sequence would've been a whole lot more graphic, drawn out, dwelled upon, over-exaggerated and focused on additional HHWM: Holly Hunter Wardrobe Malfunctions in the first two seasons.

But last night, we got a 10-second footnote version and moved on to the more important things.

Thank yewwwwwwwwwwww! (as Brenda Leigh Johnson might say)

Now, that's not to say I'm thrilled with Grace and Ham back to their old tricks, but with a reduced focus all the way around it almost - emphasizing almost - makes it something I can live with. (Plus, I knew it was too good to be true to have Grace Ham-free for so long).

What I can't live with, however, is Ham having flipped way too far out when Grace goes MIA while investigating the case of a woman who was kidnapped, held hostage and brutally raped for multiple days on end. (Turns out Grace was just caught up in one of her friend from high school's off-my-meds moment that got her in a bit of trouble, yet we learned she kind of put herself at risk by STILL associating with this guy in the first place. In other words, she was NOT abducted by the same guy who abducted the rape victim).

I also can't live with the fact that Captain Perry allowed Ham to continue to be part of the investigation. Completely unbelievable and what would seem to be a totally inaccurate portrayal of a Captain's behavior, though perhaps not Perry's first indiscretion.

Still, no right-minded senior level officer would allow someone THAT overly-emotional and unstable to continue to be on the team. Not to mention we have seen countless other Captains, Lieutenants and Chiefs REMOVE people from investigations if said person is too close to the missing officer and/or the family so they don't make irrational, stupid decisions because they can't think straight, and thus, jeopardize and/or compromise the investigation.

Did any technical advisor sign off on this conduct? And if so, do they let crazed detectives run loose in OCPD?

I guess they must considering there IS Grace.

Still, Kenny Johnson acted like a paranoid spaz in the most unbelievable of ways that he completely took away from every other actor's very poignant performance - especially Laura San Giacomo's beautifully understated Rhetta. Everybody else was worried, concerned, focused, temporarily flustered but not spastic and out of control.

I just wanted Ham - and Johnson - to shut up and go sit in the corner.

Seriously, I don't know what has happened to Johnson, but he's just annoying to watch, now. Ham has turned into this horny toad of a buffoon that seems more intent on getting into Grace's pants than doing anything relevant to any investigation. Who knew having the character be divorced would create such a one-sided dimension to this portrayal.

Now Earl ... have to say I was surprised by his inability to find Grace. I thought he would ... I don't know, like, just know where she was. He seems to have been able to find her at the drop of a hat prior, so this seemed somewhat off YET it worked. Almost like he wasn't being allowed to tap into what would normally have allowed him to find her, and thus, he had to call in a team to help him out.

And do his own soul-searching.

I liked that.

The weird looking "dog" with the extraordinarily long tongue being the Almighty "God" ... dunno. Never got that one on Touched By An Angel. And yet, it would be just like Saving Grace to put their own dog is God/God is dog spin on things.

After all, it spells itself.

Good ep. Minus the Ham nonsense.

New episodes of Saving Grace air Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on TNT. You can watch full episodes of the show anytime over on the show’s official Web site. You can also visit EmbraceYourGrace.com to share your stories of how you embrace your inner-Grace.

'Catch' Goes Second to Last

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

Why do I feel like I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop on our Deadliest Catch gang?

Oh, wait. I know.

It's this deadly hurricane that is about to rip the grounds apart in what will be the season finale next week.

As Capatin Sig says, "This could be the deadliest end, yet."


Don't Let the Door Hit You on the Way Out: So the Time Bandit fired veteran deckhand Russ because ... well, I'm not sure. He, like, irked Andy an ep or two back by spending too much time in the sauna ...? Or with attitude ...? Or ...? I don't get it. Nobody does. And seeing how quickly Keith snatched him up to come work on the Wizard, I half-wonder if the Hillstrands went off half-cocked on this decision. That said, they are done for the season given they raked in monster numbers in crab. Buy those guys some lottery tickets.

Hurricane Cometh: I'm not sure what was worse - listening to all the radio calls forecasting the mother of all Arctic hurricanes OR actually having the whole "48 Hours Before the Storm" / "24 Hours Before the Storm" countdown that introduced a couple of segments. Like I said, I feel like I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop. And the previews from next week with what looks like the Incentive on the fraking rocks?!?!?! Egads.

Getting Over It: I have to say Captain Keith looked pretty steady in having his crew ditch 40 pots in the increasingly bad weather before making a run to Dutch Harbor to offload. As in, he did NOT appear to be having flashbacks from his worst.decision.ever moment that mangled up his crew at the start of the Opilio season. Go Keith. He even has a sparkling new veteran deck hand to continue to help get rid of the bad juju. Still, no telling whether those 40-foot seas and 90 mile an hour winds from NEXT week will bring on a relapse.

New episodes of Deadliest Catch air Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on Discovery Channel. Visit the official Deadliest Catch Web site for the latest on the captains and crews of the Northwestern, Cornelia Marie, Time Bandit, Wizard, Early Dawn and North American and the new boat, the Incentive. You can also catch up with Deadliest Catch folks on Twitter: fvnw_erin / CaptPhilHarris / northwesternpat / NorthwesternPR / captjohnathan / northwesternsig / DeadliestCatch (which is actually the Cornelia Marie) / DiscoveryChPR.

Roundup: 'Closer' Gets Emotional - Again; 'Bar' Sticks Up for the Little Guy - And Loses

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

Raydor vs. BJ - Round 2

I happened to be a day late (though hopefully not a dollar short) on my recap of The Closer this week. And yet, as if by some divine intervention, said lateness afforded me to the opportunity to catch a Touched By An Angel re-run LAST night that featured the one and only Captain Raydor (Mary McDonnell) before she was ... well, Captain Raydor. Since MM was again another major player in BJ and Co's face - er, I mean department - this week in the wonderful world of LAPD's Major Crimes, I found the TBAA viewing ironically timely because I.Just.Love.Captain.Raydor.

Can we just make Mary McDonnell a regular? Like, now? Better yet, can we just schedule giving her a guest Emmy nom for next year?

Seriously.

Not only do I like watching the characters go toe-to-toe with what each other's priorities - Raydor trying to prevent the LAPD from being sued/wrongly accused/unfairly blamed when a civilian is killed, BJ not giving a rip who does what as long as she solves her murder - the actresses seem to have created this perfect-pitch antagonistic chemistry that remains brimming with irritation, controlled with restraint, and tersely respectful.

The case this week was a tough one. They usually are when they involve the death of fellow officers. The show has delved into this realm before, and I think they once again did a pretty bang up job showcasing just how intense it gets when one of their own is killed. When it turns out that Neo-Nazi's who have a thing for killing cops are to blame, can't say I fully object to the rather confrontational nature Major Crimes adopted in bringing down said subjects. Sometimes, the little black rule book doesn't apply.

BJ never consults it.

Raydor lives by it.

Great conflict.

Strong episode.

New episodes of The Closer air Mondays at 9 p.m. on TNT. For the scoop on the series, head on over to the show's official site.



We Can't Save Everybody

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: watching Raising the Bar has given me a newfound respect for Public Defenders (PDs).

This, of course, is not surprising given co-creator David Feige WAS a New York City PD. And, any time he writes an episode, there is usually a very intimate and personal look at how PDs have to struggle with the clients they represent.

As in, some of the client's stories are fairly gut-wrenching yet they are not guaranteed a happy ending.

Case in point this week where one of Rich's clients is busted for not paying his court fine. Okay, sounds simple enough ... except for the laundry list of hardships that make it nearly impossible for the poor guy to scrape together $235 to pay the fine. For people like Kathryn Morris, this is lunch money or possibly 1/3 payment for some Christian Louboutin shoes; to those living on public assistance and/or bringing home $30 a day when they HAD a job, this is practically life savings.

And Kessler, true to form, had no sympathy.

And even though Rich does pay his guy's fees after losing the hearing to Kessler, he still kinda-sorta gets in trouble with Roz (in the nicest way) given that PDs can't bail out their clients - no matter how gut-wrenching the story.

Bummer.

Or how about Jerry's client, who gets to go free for four seconds only to be rearrested outside the courtroom on an old charge for violating his parole when he tried to disarm a kid on the street. He held the gun for maybe two seconds, yet because he "handled" a firearm he was busted for violating parole - and sentenced to serve ANOTHER 24 months after JUST getting out serving the same amount of time for the crime in which he was just acquitted. Double jeopardy does not apply nor does his previous time served.

Seriously, I don't think I could be a PD. My heart couldn't take it.

In other news ... Kessler is now signed up with a hoity toity dating service. Too bad she's ... uh, a snore to be with, yet can't admit this to Charlie, and thus, tells him said blind date asked her out again (not). Something tells me Kessler is going to remain pretty lonely for a while.

And Bobbi ... what is up with this girl? I am loving Natalia Cigliuti's increased screen time AND her back-and-forth with Mark-Paul Gosselaar's Jerry. But, I feel like I want to slap the character. Now we're blaming Jerry for the divorce - that she left dearly demented doc because she just so "wanted" Jerry. Uh, 'kay. I thought it was because doc was a nutball? addicted to drugs? abusive? I know the suicide thing is a shocker, but seriously, Bobbi ... blaming Jerry for your issues isn't fair.

New episodes of Raising the Bar air Mondays at 10 p.m. on TNT. For the scoop on the series, head on over to the show's official site

To Chain or Not to Chain

"Nah. I'm not going to chain up. I'm only carrying 12,000 pounds." Famous. Last. Words! This week on Ice Road Truckers, Hugh quickly learned that what worked in Canada doesn't work on Alaska's Dalton Highway. Chains may not be a part of the daily grind across the smooth, frozen Arctic Ocean, but along the ups and downs and the 4-mile stretch known as Atigun Pass they become a necessity. As Hugh slipped his way up the stretch, he realized that his decision to skip the chaining up process was a mistake. You live and learn and then you chain up. There's only one problem, though; out there on the Dalton, one mistake can cost you your life. Hugh eventually made it up OK and continued on to Prudhoe Bay where he completed his 6th load of the season (one ahead of rival Alex, although, Alex was gaining ground as he headed out of Prudhoe with his 6th load while Hugh remained ground waiting for "Phil-Billy").

This week's episode marked the return of "The Dalton Ace" Jack Jessee. I missed Jack and his ridiculously large oversized loads. This week: a 100,000-pound storage tank and he had a buddy making the haul with him with his own storage tank. We finally got to meet the appropriately named Carey Hall. Like Jack, he's a heavy-hauler and it seems, the two have quite the tit-for-tat when it comes to haul-road pranks. First, Jack taped a message on Carey's side view mirror that read, "If you are looking here, you know ugley (sic)." Carey, not one to be out-pranked, got him back by attaching the largest pair of underware ever onto the back of Jack's truck. He made it quite a ways up the Dalton before Carey finally came clean. In between the joking, there was a tense moment when Carey almost plowed through Jack while they traveled through The Rollercoaster. Jack was unable to find the right gear, and Carey (unable to slow down his rig) was quickly approaching and bringing a whole new meaning to "Objects in the rear view may be closer than they appear." Jack found his gear and another almost-catastrophe was avoided.

This episode was a bit Lisa-Lite, but she had some interesting moments through Atigun Pass and then later through the Beaver Slide on her way back to Fairbanks. First, she found herself having to drive in the opposite lane as she descended through Atigun because the northbound trucks (which always have the right-of-way on the Dalton) were having a difficult time getting traction as they ascended in the northbound lane. She was inches away from the edge (there was a small guard rail separating her rig from thousands of feet straight down) and having a difficult time seeing, but she cleared the descent and allowed the northbound trucks to maintain traction in the southbound lanes. Later, she found herself facing a very slick Beaver Slide. Her wheels spun and she quickly geared down in time to help her truck make it up the incline. Earlier in the episode, she mentioned that there are two kinds of drivers on the Dalton, "The ones who have been in the ditch and the ones who are gonna go in the ditch." So many times on this show it seems that the latter are about to become the former. And this is why I can't take my eyes off of my TV screen.

Ice Road Truckers airs Sunday nights on History Channel. To catch up on this season, click on over to HistoryChannel.com where you'll also get show info, driver bios, and an IRT app for your iPhone.

'Pains' Next EHM

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

Probably thought I'd forgotten about last week's episode of Royal Pains, eh?

More like a) I had to catch up with it via the DVR this weekend; and, b) didn't want to interrupt PTR's birthday wishes to fave Kristen Bell.

And yet, after watching the ep I felt ... well, not sure.

So Hank and Co. attend a "Bark" Mitzvah (yes, seriously ... hey, it's the Hamptons) at New Parts Newberg's palace, who also just so happens to have signed a retainer whereby Hank is at her beck and call for the slightest of ailments. It is there that partygoers - including Newberg - seem to be getting sick faster than Hank and Co. can diagnose them. It seemed as if they had a dangerous outbreak of who knows what on hand, but that was before Hank got Dr. Macgeyver-y once again to figure out the true source of the problem: Newberg's DOG was responsible for the spread of a kind of staph infection to individual partygoers, who then passed it to each other.

'kay. That's new.

I have to give the writers credit. They've got to come up with what I'm going to begin calling the EHM: Emergency Hank Moment each week, and it has to be both "out there" in concept (given it IS the Hamptons where anything goes) YET still serious in medical nature (as in, we don't really want to be laughing at seriously ill people - no matter how absurd they and/or their surroundings may be).

As such, I've started to watch this show almost as if it were a game. When is the EHM? Who is it going to be? How much is Evan going to get in the way? Is Divya going to rock it? What is Jill's role?

On the flip side, this becomes somewhat formulaic, and I have yet to determine if I might get tired of the routine. There is enough "other" stuff going on that keeps me interested - mostly the inter-personal relationships being developed by everyone BUT Evan. And, the setting continues to prove ever so much fun to watch not to mention listening to the tremendously snappy and witty dialogue with everyone BUT Evan.

Dunno, though. We shall see.

In other news ... Divya's got an arranged marriage going on, eh? I confess I wondered whether this whole my-parents-don't-really-know-what-I-do thing might give way to a surprise or two as it pertains to this character's development. Seriously ... how long could she really keep that a secret in such an exclusive world where everyone seems to know everyone's business?

On the Jill and Hank front ... I did like the way their relationship was tested during this ep given it was Jill who suddenly got a case of need-to-keep-it-on-the-down-low given her previous personal history. Of course that was a very temporary case of DL-ness; she was over it by the end of the ep. And yet, it does seem to be a conflict of professional interest for her to be involved with Hank, and I'm not sure we've seen the last of this potential blind spot - especially if she seems to have already been judged by some of her peers for mixing too much business with pleasure.

And Evan ... meh, who cares.

New episodes of Royal Pains air Thursdays at 10 p.m. on USA Network. You can join other fans on Facebook; follow Royal Pains on Twitter, or visit the official Royal Pains Web site for the scoop on the series!

Birthday Wishes

PTR Fave Kristen Bell celebrates a birthday today!

Happy Birthday Kristen!!

Your Friends at PTR

Look for Kristen to appear on the big screen in several films now in production including Couples Retreat with Vince Vaughn and You Again with Jamie Lee Curtis, Betty White and Sigourney Weaver. Her comedy When in Rome is scheduled to hit theaters next year. She's also the famous voice of Gossip Girl Monday nights on The CW. XOXO

'Grace' Tests the Jewish Faith

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

So as I excuse myself for the lateness on recapping all-things Saving Grace this week, I'm trying to think about what it was that really jumped out from this episode.

I did like it, but it felt more like a study of the customs and traditions of Hasidic Judaism than anything else. And yet, the reason I liked the ep was that it forced Grace to once again ask some pointed questions of Earl and/or observe the practices of a faith that she would not normally do, which in turn, continued to challenge her understanding - her acceptance - of spirituality.

A particularly enlightening moment was when Earl essentially showcased just how powerful prayer is as he allowed Grace to listen in - if only for a moment - to the millions of voices praying to God all at once. Given how disbelieving Grace has generally been about all-things faith, I thought that scene was unique. It seemed to be another of Earl's guiding moments that continue to help Grace's new sense of enlightenment and make her more spiritually inclined.

So far, she hasn't really turned back.

Now, I didn't really care for the mooooooooooooooooo cow nonsense, even though the killing the cows was important to the case given the victim was connected to meat plant that the cows were from. But it did seem ... well, kinda dorky at times.

In other news ... Ham's sister-in-law (the wife of his now deceased brother) seems to not quite have dealt with her grief. I confess I was shocked that Ham himself seemed more at peace and/or having moved on than her. Seriously? Codependent slobbering mess Hamilton?

As for Grace's continuing caretaking of Neely ... that took an interesting turn this week with Neely: a) having woken up and begun speaking fluent Portuguese so as deliver a strangely coded message to Grace; and b) having "left" the hospital by the end of the ep. It seems Earl whisked Neely off to this so called “Room of Miracles” in a Bonfim Church in Brazil whereby wax dolls and limbs hang from ceilings and, as Earl says, you put up whatever is ailing you only to have millions of voices pray for you to recover (that whole hear-everybody-praying thing I mentioned earlier). Now, seeing as Neely DID seem to be awake and conscious and/or interact with Grace YET gone from the hospital at the end of the ep, does this mean she's well? Was Earl the one praying for Neely's recovery in Brazil and/or took her there as part of her recovery? Did Grace?

Lots of good questions. Not sure they seemed completely answered.

But THAT is a good thing these days.

On side note, I'd like to congratulate Grace herself, Holly Hunter, on receiving a Primetime Emmy nomination this week for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama. This her second year in row being nominated.

New episodes of Saving Grace air Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on TNT. You can watch full episodes of the show anytime over on the show’s official Web site. You can also visit EmbraceYourGrace.com to share your stories of how you embrace your inner-Grace.

Another 'Catch' Loss that Hits Close to Home

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

I realize this post is a wee bit late for my recap of all-things Deadliest Catch, but this past week's episode boiled down to one poignant and ever-so-sad moment: the Northwestern's Jake learning that his baby sister - who suffered from Rheumatoid Arthritis - had passed away.

And by "baby sister," I do mean child - not teen, not young adult, not young woman.

It was one of those moments where as a television viewer, I felt as if I shouldn't be watching this young man go so numb with grief and sadness. Lke, I just wanted to let him have his space. But that's the thing about being on a crab boat: there isn't any space. You are right there in the moment with each other. You fight, you haggle, you laugh, you cry, you grieve.

And, in this case, you rally to support your youngest crew member in a time of a devastating family tragedy when you are so far FROM that family.

The way Captain Sig, Edgar, Matt and the rest of the Northwestern gang closed ranks to support Jake, thus, reassuring him he needed to be with his family and/or they'd hold down the fort without him was as touching a moment as we've seen since the Katmai episodes. I loved when Sig said he'd bust through the ice to get Jake into St. Paul Harbor so he could catch a flight home, and when he shared his story about the loss of his own father.

Go.Sig.

This past week's ep was truly a lesson in just how tight-knit these crews - these men - are. And it showcased once again just how much they sacrifice to do what they do. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jake and his family.

I'd also like to congratulate the Deadliest Catch/Discovery Channel gangs for being nominated for four Primetime Emmy awards this week: 1) Outstanding Nonfiction Series; 2) Outstanding Sound Mixing for Nonfiction Programming; 3)Outstanding Picture Editing for Nonfiction Programming; and 4) Outstanding Cinematography for Nonfiction Programming.

New episodes of Deadliest Catch air Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on Discovery Channel. Visit the official Deadliest Catch Web site for the latest on the captains and crews of the Northwestern, Cornelia Marie, Time Bandit, Wizard, Early Dawn and North American and the new boat, the Incentive. You can also catch up with Deadliest Catch folks on Twitter: fvnw_erin / CaptPhilHarris / northwesternpat / NorthwesternPR / captjohnathan / northwesternsig / DeadliestCatch (which is actually the Cornelia Marie) / DiscoveryChPR.

The Countdown Pushes On with Episodes Full of Surprises

The countdown is moving full steam ahead with three more shining examples from this past season. But before we get to them, we have to go over the rules for the countdown. LillyKat and I ended up with 33 incredible episodes that demonstrate the diversity and quality of the current television state. The shows and their episodes are from both NETWORK and CABLE television. All episodes aired between June 2008 and June 2009. Each episode that made the final list moved us in some way; either by making us laugh out loud, cry our eyes out or just left us with that "wow" feeling that stays with you for a few days. So basically, it's completely subjective! Since this is a summer-long countdown to the number 1 episode, we will reveal a few each week all summer. So, be sure to tune in every Friday to find out which episodes are on the countdown! Today, we're going to take a look at numbers 27-25.

27: "Tuesday the 17th" - Psych
Who doesn't love a good horror flick? Especially when you're watching it home alone. In the dark. And noises, which would normally go unnoticed, become magnified and severely menacing. Now, have one of TV's funniest shows satirize this classic format and you get a fan-freakin-tastic mix of scary and funny. Shawn and Gus find themselves at a remote (of course!) summer camp "psychically" investigating the disappearance of one of the camp's counselors, but things quickly take a freaky turn when bodies start turning up And The There Were None-style. Shawn soon realizes that the entire thing is staged (the camp is about to re-open as a murder mystery camp for adults). They have a laugh or two until a real body surfaces in the pool. With the power knocked out from the storm, things go from creepy to creepier without losing a sense of humor -- just how we like it. Written by (series star) James Roday and (executive producer) Steve Franks and directed by James Roday.

26: "Officer Down" - Cold Case
There were so many good things about this one. Turns out, Cold Case is clever. There was a flashback from "March 15, 2009... 5 minutes ago." What a great way to bring in the usual CC fare without being boxed in by the formula. And, the show surprised me: the connection between Pops and Jeffries, Lilly's father and her emotional response to his gift, Scotty and Frankie continuing to test the waters, and Lilly shooting the younger brother. The best part of this episode, though, was the emotion. There was emotion from the characters for their fallen comrade, emotion from Lilly for that gift, emotion for the loss of Pops, and emotion from every single character in the episode. CC can rip your heart out and break it in a million pieces and that's what makes it so good! Written by Christopher Silber and directed by Alex Zakrzewski. Screencap by RichE.

25: "A Pretty Girl in a Leotard" - Damages

(ETA: Apologies to our readers for adding this write-up LATE. There is this thing called real life that gets in the way of my television obsessions at times - LOL!)

I remember I nearly fell out of my chair watching this episode of Damages when it was revealed Arthur Frobisher (yes, that would be Frobie - the man Patty buried into oblivion in the first season) was going to be the Plantiff in the mother-of-all class action suits she intended to level against Walter Kendrick and Ultima National Resources (UNR). It was such a brilliant twist. The fact Patty was conveniently withholding that little bit of information from out-to-get-Frobie-at-all-costs Ellen made for even more intrigue. And in this episode, my heart ached for Ellen. We'd been seeing the more vengeful, sinister side to her character in the first episodes. But, we were treated to that softer, more emotional side when she returned back to her and now deceased fiancé Doc David's boxed up apartment - the memory of finding him murdered in the bath tub still haunting her every move. We also got our first extended look at Marcia Gay Harden's Claire Maddox character in this ep. I remember thinking ... tramp? pimped out hot stuff attorney on the UNR payroll? sleeps with everyone? I did not see that characterization coming. It was one thing for her to have the affair with Daniel Purcell, but the sleep around thing was quite curious to me - and got even more curious as the season progressed. Written by Adam Stein and directed by Greg Yaitanes. - LillyKat / Senior Staff Writer

So, there's a look at numbers 27-25 on the countdown. What do you think? Do you agree? Disagree? Leave us a comment with your thoughts. And be sure to tune in next Friday for #24-22 on the list.

Remote Rewind: Birthday Kiss

Up until this point, we'd been anxiously awaiting the moment when Michaela and Sully crossed the line from friends to something more. And really, is there a better time than on Michaela's birthday? But before we get to that fateful moment, we have to back up to the beginning of the episode and one very down-in-the-dumps Michaela Quinn. Her looming birthday was weighing on her mind especially since she was beginning to feel like a spinster with no romantic prospects on the horizon (I know, but remember, I keep telling you that both she and Sully seemed hell-bent on derailing that train). To add insult to injury, her mother sent her a nice set of china, but it arrived in pieces. The kids decided to cheer her up by trying to set her up with one of the townsfolk. This went over as well as you are probably imagining. They tried, but no one was man enough to take on a strong, independent woman like Michaela. It began to feel like a lost cause with even Sully declining their request (he explained that "courtin'" was complicated).

Even though no one in town was interested in "courtin'" Dr. Mike, they pitched in and got her a nice sign to hang over her medical clinic in town. This was a HUGE gesture considering the fact that no one in town was willing to allow her to practice medicine on them when she first arrived in Colorado Springs only a short while ago. They also helped the kids throw Michaela a surprise party and both the party and the sign seemed to lift her spirits. But it was after she was surprised and after the sign was revealed that things heated up. Sully carefully chose his moment. He waited for the townspeople and the kids to head over to Grace's for the celebration. He waited for Michaela to be alone admiring her new sign and what it meant to her and her place in the hearts of the people of Colorado Springs. As she stood there looking up at her new sign, he appeared in a suit -- gift in hand. He had made her saddle bags to carry all of her medical supplies when she traveled to patients and to treat the Cheyenne. They were beautiful, but it was what he did next that left the lasting impression (on both Michaela and all of us watching at home). When she kissed him on the cheek to thank him, he saw an opportunity and he seized it. They kissed, they finally kissed! It was short, but sweet and it validated all of those pent-up, repressed feelings these two had been saving up since she arrived out west. It was great, but it was only a start. A start that had to wait some time before it turned into a story. There was one more bump in the road before that kiss and the awkwardness hanging between them after it, turned into one of the best romances in TV history.

Feeling nostalgic for Dr. Mike, Sully and the rest of the residents of Colorado Springs? Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman: The Complete Series is now available on DVD.

Roundup: Comic 'Closer'; 'Bar' Blames the Victim - And it Works

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

Comic Genius

Whew! That's over.

"That" being the underwhelmed malaise in which I found myself after watching last week's episode of The Closer. (Seriously, I don't like it when my shows go off their mark; and, contrary to what one might think, I really DON'T like having to bag on them to get back on track).

Nonetheless, we returned to fine form with this week's offering.

Why?

Comic genius.

Even after five seasons, the comedy-heavy episodes this show still comes up with prove to be some of the most entertaining. From the get-go, the writers have consistently struck that precise balance in not being TOO funny whilst trying to solve a murder. In fact, I think they're right up there with the good folks over at Bones, who also have this knack for capitalizing on the strength of their cast's chemistry, which in turn allows for genius timing and dialogue delivery.

And when it's all working like a charm, it's the best stuff on the tube.

And, it doesn't get much better than a mentally unstable guy (which puts it lightly) posing as a Detective Richard (make that Dick) Tracy investigating the death of a reality show numnut called Intrigue who just so happened to specialize in showing men how to pick up women in a bar, bang the lights out of them, then leave them the next morning (seriously, Sanchez? You want to be like THIS with women?) only to have his producer turn on him given the show was SO bad she was going to lose her career over it.

Obviously, Mark Burnett passed on THAT show, eh? (Love ya', Mark!)

Seriously, the whole spin on just how ridiculous the reality show genre has gotten cracked me up. And the producer getting in over her head with a host who ended up being a complete jackarse was a nice swipe at nearly every reality show contestant who ends being WAY too much to handle once they actually get on camera. Add the producer's screaming former assistant, and I found myself just laughing right out loud.

But credit must be given to the whole routine with wanna-be Detective Dick Tracy. Totally.stupidly.funny.brilliant.

Sure, maybe farfetched, but hey, it's television. People have impersonated police officers in real life in a less convincing fashion - and done far WORSE things in the process. I thought the initial fooling of Pope, Provenza and Flynn at the crime scene was awfully good - seeing as they all seemed to be sleepwalking through their day anyways. Tracy's interaction with BJ and Co. had this knat-flying-in-your-face feel; you wanted to swat at it but couldn't quite get it. I loved they had to pretend to treat him LIKE a detective so they could get the case solved.

Eps like this prove this show has so much more left to give.

No more undewhelmed malaise in them here parts.

New episodes of The Closer air Mondays at 9 p.m. on TNT. For the scoop on the series, head on over to the show's official site.



The Good and Bad About Lawyers

Over and over again, we hear people say, "I hate lawyers." Or, "I'd never want to be a lawyer."

Raising the Bar manages to show us why this is true BUT ALSO why some lawyers are good.

And necessary.

Especially to fight for those of us who may not know any better.

Take this week's example: a guy taken to the cleaners (and I do mean cleaners, folks) by his lawyer, who managed to bill out so much of his time in "expenses" and "prep" that he ended up taking 99% of his client's settlement against a hospital's negligence for treatment of said client's wife that it left said client with a mere 1% of the settlement.

So make that: Lawyer gets $370,000; client gets $3,700.

Ouch.

The fact said lawyer had a history of taking his other clients to the cleaners makes for a double-ouch.

I confess I took a small amount of pride in Jerry managing to win this case. His hands were tied from nearly every angle - including the fact said client ran down lawyer with his taxi cab (given lawyer wouldn't return calls and/or even TALK to said client after running away with the settlement). But in a sign of the ever developing maturity of the character, Jerry kept his cool (yes, really), made his case to the jury and WON.

Notch one back for the good lawyers in the world.

Which Jerry is.

In other news ... sooooo, Bobbi is now divorced (yay!), and she's about to get cozy with Jerry (double yay!) only to find her now ex-husband having hanged himself in the living room of her apartment after signing the divorce papers (bummer). Actually, not really a bummer. Truth be told, Gavin was getting to be Evan Lawson-esque in annoyingness - sans all the chatter. Perhaps they should've hung out?

In Teddy Sears news ... my bud Rich Woolsley actually took the easy way out with a client this week. WTF? He didn't even ask the client why he had broken into the medical lab (which was, in fact, to steal back his wife's tainted urine sample so she wouldn't lose her job as a result of random drug testing that would've busted her for ONE try of a joint). He ASSUMED the client was there to steal medical equipment to sell on the black market. Rich, Rich, Rich ... what happened, buddy? Thank you, Marcus for agreeing to a do-over.

New episodes of Raising the Bar air Mondays at 10 p.m. on TNT. For the scoop on the series, head on over to the show's official site