Lilly Finds The Leader of the Pack

About a minute and a half into this week's return of Cold Case I thought, "Uh-oh. Prepare thyself for an anvil-fest involving Lilly and her motorcycle-riding former love." I mean, the parallels were a little too obvious to ignore. In fact, I'm pretty sure that Lil has a similar picture of herself and McRay on a similar bike. So, I braced myself for the anvils to begin thunking me on the head for the next hour. Thankfully, not a single one fell from the CC sky. The writers made a short, funny reference to Lil's badboy-biker past and then moved on. I can't tell you how happy this made me (it's the little things). Next I thought, "Oh know. Preppy ex-boyfriend is so going to be the doer. It can't possibly be the creepy badass leader of the Jackals because that makes too much sense and this is CC and they love to try to surprise us." Well, well, well -- it seems Occam's razor won out this time because "Shameless" did, indeed, do the deed. Again, I was so happy (the little things, remember?).

Actually, this episode was pretty strong from top to bottom, and quite frankly, it needed to be. We have gotten so many ho-hum outings lately that I was beginning to lose interest in this show -- FAST! If something didn't change, I was going to be stuck watching this show out of loyalty alone. Never a good position to be in because before you know it, you're letting multiple episodes pile up on your DVR and the dread that you feel about watching the lot of them begins to take over. This is what happened to me with Heroes, and I can't even tell you how relieved I am to be free of that show. Anyway, another "little thing" that made me happy this week was lots of Lilly. I swear, people, there is a correlation between quality of episode and Lilly's involvement in the case. It's like the Lilly:Quality ratio or something. She had not one, but two awesome, awe-inspiring interrogations this week. First she told Libby what's what and then she exposed Darren for the coward that he was/is all while looking fab. Her interrogation with Darren had serious shades of seasons 1 & 2, and I was on the verge of squeeing like a fangirl. It has been a while since I have felt that way about this show, so CC easily moves to 15-0-1 on the season.

Screencap courtesy of RichE.

Did you catch the previews for next week's episode??!! OMG, it looks awesome. I might have to throw caution to the wind and let out a full-blown fangirl squee in next week's write-up, so allow me to apologize in advance.

'Chronicles' Reminds Us What Works Best

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

Well, I got my wish: Riley's out of the picture.

The wish I didn't get: Jesse is still around.

The wish that reappeared: Cameron and John front and center.

And wow ... I miss them.

For a moment, last week's episode of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles reminded me of what still appeals to me most about the show: Cameron and John.

It also reminded me how far off track the show has gotten from its appeal of the first season.

Too much of John moping around trying to grow a pair.

Too much of Cameron being reduced to one-liners.

Too much annoying Sarah craziness.

Too much Jesse/Riley drama.

Too many what ifs.

Too many dead ends.

At this point, it's not any wonder why the show is barely pulling in three million viewers.

It isn't Friday night's fault.

In this one viewer's opinion, the majority of this second season has seen Summer Glau's talent be wasted, which makes no sense given she was - hands down - one of the most compelling reasons to watch the show in the first season. Whoever thought it would be a good idea to have her wandering around aimlessly in the background, some sort of bystander save for a couple of scenes here and there, (and the one most awesome episode, "Allison From Palmdale") should have their head checked.

(No wonder she's doing a guest spot on The Big Bang Theory on Monday; they give her so little do on T:SCC these days).

And yet, Summer Glau is one of the main reasons so many of us watch the show. And when they do bring her back front and center, and they pair her alongside non-mopey-emo John, we get glimpses of what WAS the focus BEFORE the Tangentland Chronicles took over.

Do we remember all of the arse-kicking episodes from the first season that centered on Cameron's fierce defense and protection of John? Do we remember how they served as constant reminders to him of what he needed to do, why he needed to do it and what they were fighting against?

There was none of this chasing shadows nonsense.

None of this will he/won't he stuff.

None of everyone else wandering around trying to find their own ways to stop Skynet.

Last week's episode reminded me how good the show can still be, but it also reminded me how far off track its gotten, too - how its tried to do too much with too many "other" elements instead of sticking to the fundamentals.

In that sense, it was somewhat depressing.

But for a moment, we got to see Cam and John in sequences that remind us what it is all about.

We got to see the connection between current John and future John.

And we were reminded of Cam's devotion to her mission to protect John at all costs - even if it means her own termination.

In that sense, it wasn't depressing.

In that sense, it is still what works best.

New episodes of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles air Fridays at 8 p.m. on FOX. You can also watch full episodes online. Visit the Official Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles Web site to catch up (or re-watch!)

Meredith Baxter Takes on Hallmark's 'Secret'

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

Ellen Rush lives!

'kay, not really.

But Meredith Baxter IS back - and looking a heck of a lot better than she ever did whilst on Cold Case.

She stars alongside Lesley Ann Warren in the Hallmark Channel Original Movie Bound By a Secret, which premieres this Saturday, March 7th at 9/8c.

The film revolves around two life-long friends, Ida Mae (Baxter) and Jane (Warren), who must take a hard look at their past and make difficult decisions about the future when Jane, a famous soap actress, returns to their hometown after learning she will soon succumb to cancer. Although Baxter plays the role of the loving and supportive friend, she can easily identify with both characters given her own experience as a breast cancer survivor.

“I am a breast cancer survivor, and I’ve been speaking around the country about my experiences for about six years now,” she says. “It’s very gratifying to open up to other survivors.”

It wasn't always easy for her to speak about the affliction, but positive response from family and friends was so great that she decided to take it to the public. She founded The Meredith Baxter Fund for Breast Cancer Research, which supports vital breast cancer programs throughout the United States. Baxter announced that a portion of all profits from her Simple Works line of skin care products, which was initially created to correct her own dry skin problem, would go to the foundation.

“I would be at trade shows to present Simple Works and women – some of them still wearing head scarves because of radiation treatment - would see the pink ribbon and want to talk to me,” she explains. “My first reaction was to close down and not want to talk, but I began to open up, slowly. We’d talk and cry and share stories and it helped me get rid of that shame. It can be a slow process, but I came to learn that healing emotionally is as important as healing physically.”

In addition to understanding the mindset of the cancer patient, Baxter also had a personal experience that allowed her to connect to her character in the film, who watches her dear friend slip away.

“My mother died of esophageal cancer about seven, eight years ago,” Baxter recalls. “And there was one time when she looked at me - I didn’t know she was dying at that point – but she looked at me in a way that was like her eyes were just taking in everything on my face, just making up for lost time. In retrospect, it was the sweetest thing. Of course, at the time, because I didn’t know what she was going through, I thought, ‘Gee, she’s looking at me like she’s never going to see me again!’ Well, she died four months later -– and I get it. It’s the personal connection. There cannot be anything else.”

Today, Baxter says she is stronger for having lived through such trials, and she is a sought-after public speaker on surviving the experiences of breast cancer, substance abuse and overcoming domestic violence.

In addition to her work on behalf of breast cancer awareness, Baxter is a women’s rights and anti-abuse activist and is a member of Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice America. For her work on the TV movie My Breast, she received a special award for public awareness from the National Breast Cancer Coalition.

“We can be a lifeline for each other,” she says of fellow breast cancer survivors, who she encourages to banish the shame and fear and arm themselves with knowledge, a sense of humor and a proactive attitude. “There’s nothing to be ashamed of, and speaking with other survivors who know what you are going through is a powerful and loving experience.”

Additional Sources: Hallmark Syndicate

Bound By A Secret airs Saturday, March 7 at 9/8c on Hallmark Channel. For additional scoop on the movie, head on over to HallmarkChannel.com.

'Damages' Newly Unturned Stone

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

Damages is known for leaving us wondering.

Guessing.

Waiting.

Amazed.

Curious.

One of the things that was left only loosely explored last year (er, perhaps I should say vaguely) was the relationship between Patty Hewes and her husband, Phil (played by Michael Nouri).

He passed through a handful of episodes as the rock that seemed to hold her together - a good guy, smart, focused, not an overbearing step-father, not intimidated by Patty's aura.

This season, we're getting a much more in depth look at his character - as was the case in this week's episode.

And I'm beginning to have my suspicions.

He's having an affair whenever he flies off to London (where he seems to spend quite a bit of time - both this season and last). If it's not London, he's in some other jet set city somewhere else in the world (perhaps with an array of women, though that is pure speculation on my part).

And now this whole buy stock in UNR/buddy-buddy with the bad guy consultant to Kendrick/is going to be put on a government commission to tow the UNR line ...?

Hmmmm.

And all of this is occurring RIGHT under Patty's nose.

Now, they do say love is blind. And although she doesn't have too many people that can pull one over on her, perhaps given Phil appears as her most trusted confidant, he may be primed to do just that. If anything, all this playing on - or near - the exact team Patty is set to take down is one huge conflict of interest, yet he does it anyway.

Hmmmm.

But then again, Patty is never one to take on small challenges (heck, she's planning on going after the FBI over Pete's murder).

Wonder if that means with her marriage, too.

I am still wanting to cut to the end with Gun Wielding Ellen V. Terrified Chair Bound Patty.

Stay tuned.

New episodes of Damages air Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on FX. To catch up on the Who, What, Where, When, Why and How of the show, head on over to the official Damages Web site. You can also download full episodes of the show over at iTunes.

'Trust Me's' Promise

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

I know I've been bagging on Trust Me these last few weeks.

Believe-you-me, no one wants to like this show more than I do.

But the Mason Conner Chronicles that have been on display of late have gotte a little ... repetitive? boring? annoying?

However, last night's episode reminds me once again of the show's promise.

Now, I don't know if that is because the focus was on Mason and his ever delicate balancing act of how to deal with a life-devouring job whilst still making time to have said life (something a lot of people can relate to).

Or if it was because the other members of the creative team had more to do than say a couple of lines of dialogue, which gave us a sense of ensemble chemistry (and took the focus off the can-be-annoying Connerness).

Or if it was because Sarah Krajicek-Hunter met her match with her new partner (which took the focus off of her can-be-annoyingness).

Or the fact that Sarah Clarke's Erin wasn't just waiting around at home, cleaning up and getting ready for Mason's next "Hi, Honey! I'm home! Guess what ...?" unwelcome surprise.

Or maybe it was because Tony Mink got the better of his entire team after putting them through a marathon weekend session to try and come up with a campaign to get the 2016 Olympics in Chicago (which essentially pulled a gotcha on us viewers, too).

Whatever it was, I happened to enjoy last night's episode given most of us can related to the dilemma facing Mason. Did he handle it the best way? No. What other choice did he have? Not sure - since it seemed to boil down to you WILL do what your boss says OR you don't have a job.

That said, I still don't understand why Mason puts up with Conner, or why he would even think Conner could be put in charge to manage the team in Mason's I-need-a-staycation-save-my-marriage absence.

Sure, Conner wanting to help out his buddy's home life is a cool thing.

But we all know Conner is one big goof most of the time - and that includes Mason. And yet, we viewers still only have a very loose understanding of the so-called "depth" of their relationship.

Yes, they are best friends. Yes, they've worked together for a decade. Yes, they do bounce ideas off each other. But by in large, we've mostly been shown how much Conner is a screw up/can't be left to his own devices/acts like a teenager/gets Mason in trouble more than he bails him out of it.

I'm kinda waiting for the defining moment to show us why in the world Conner is THAT close with Mason. It still seems as if he would've dumped Conner eons ago.

Then again, just like there are some women who can't resist the "bad boy" boyfriend, perhaps Mason can't resist the complete-opposite-BFF that is Conner.

Or there is some creative genius of Conner's we have yet to see.

In any event, the show redeemed itself a bit for me this week.

Trust Me airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on TNT. You can learn more about the series by visiting the Trust Me Official Web site.

'Grace' Returns; Ricci Rocks in Debut

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

Are you crying? There's no crying. There's no crying in baseball!
- Jimmy Dugan (Tom Hanks), A League of their Own

Turns out there's no crying at a crime scene, either.

Unless you're Officer Abbey Charles.

And you've just had your goldfish die on you.

Which has completely thrown you and your 12-year-old son for a loop.

Even if it was just a goldfish.

How genius was it to have THIS be the way we were all introduced to Christina Ricci's character on last night's episode of Saving Grace?!?!

I.Loved.It.

In fact, this goes down as one of the best introductions of a new character I've seen in a while (at least on the shows I like to watch). It was unexpected, yet cute and charming at the same time. We were all being set up to have Grace rip her a new one given her ... ahem, lack of punctuality on her first day. Yet, when she finally does arrive and breaks into tears, even Grace is thrown off her game.

Brilliant!

As was the episode.

I think I'm prepared to say this counts as one of my all time favorite episodes. Everything gelled - some suspense, lots of humor, great personal interactions amongst the characters, nothing was over the top, good pacing.

It all just worked.

Ham has come back from the brink (thank the Earl heavens for that). We recall when we last left him, he had gone so far over the edge about his brother's death that I wasn't buying it anymore. It.was.Too.Much. I'm glad to see him back to his normal self WITHOUT having to romp around with Grace.

We had a nice reminder of Grace's connection to death row inmate Leon Cooley - AND the fact that Rhetta is going to hold her accountable to reexamine the case (Angel Earl's not-so-subtle hints of leaving the case file box everywhere for Grace to trip over notwithstanding).

Grace's sister offered some fantastic comic relief when she wanted to come stay with Grace whilst the team was on the hunt for a serial killer who specialized in killing yogi blondes with breast implants. We don't often get a lot of comic relief on this show, but last night seemed to fire on all cylinders for me in terms of how well everybody bounced off one another.

Speaking of bouncing, the Ham and Butch partnership is a little too much yin and yin (or yang and yang), eh?

But it was Christina Ricci who made this episode fun to watch. She's a perfect addition to the cast. As Holly Hunter told us, the role of Abbey Charles was written specifically for her by Creator Nancy Miller. As such, it definitely fit her like a glove. Christina is good in EVERYTHING she does, and I would love to see her become a regular cast member (or at least recurring). She balances out the testosterone, gives us the young cop v. old schooler angle, slows Grace down a bit to give us a more mentoring, elder detective woman look at the usually wild-child-hellraiser character that is Grace.

And hey, I'm all for badass women cop partnerships - there are too FEW on the tube these days.

All in all, this was a great way to have the series return from it's winter break.

New episodes air Mondays 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.

'Chuck' Can't Take the Heat

Everybody talks. This is very bad news for Chuck. Of course, in the short run, it's kinda very good news because it means Chuck and Sarah can't break up. Oh yeah, and they have to move in together. Good for Chuck, bad for Morgan. See, Morgan has been waiting his entire life to hear Chuck say that he wants to move in together. He finally heard those sweet words this week, but thanks to a missing MI6 agent, they're about to become nothing more than an empty promise. Chuck can't move in with Morgan because he has to move in with Sarah due to his life now being in danger. Apparently, it doesn't matter how strong the MI6 agent is, because in the end, everyone talks. Problem is, Chuck can't explain this to Morgan, so he's going to be crushed when he finds out that he and Chuck can't be roomies. Poor Morgan.

I would feel more sorry for Morgan if Chuck's identity wasn't suddenly on the verge of being revealed. MI6 isn't going to give it up easily, but having seen Fulcrum's interrogation tactics, I think it's pretty much a guarantee that he's going to give it up eventually. Speaking of MI6, I'm having an inner conflict about him. I like him. He looks like Hugh Jackman playing James Bond, and being a fan of both, I'm totally digging him on the show. Except, I'm also totally counting the minutes until he leaves. I told you that I like him -- I even like him with Sarah (gasp!). But I don't like him coming between Sarah and Chuck. So on the one hand, I like the character, but on the other, I want him gone. At the end of the episode, I was simultaneously happy and sad when it looked like he was a goner. I can't take this inner turmoil! MI6 needs to find another spy chick to try his lines on before Chuck either drinks himself into a stupor or keels over from the anxiety of seeing his not so secret love with another. I guess we'll have to tune in next week to find out which happens first.

If you missed this week's episode ("Chuck Versus the Beefcake"), you can watch it for free at Hulu.com.

'Grace' Dynamics w/ Holly Hunter

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

There's nothing like a chat with Holly Hunter to get one fired up about the return of Saving Grace

We've had the the good fortune to speak with Holly a couple of times over the course of the show's second season, and each time we've found her just as passionate, driven and focused on the show's well-being as she was the previous time we spoke with her.

Even better, none of what she says sounds like pre-programmable soundbite nonsense.

It's refreshing.

(Except when you're on a call where everyone is asking meditative deep thought questions about the show and character to which we here at PTR have already had Holly answer for us. But hey, I guess we're lucky in that sense.)

Saving Grace returns to TNT for its final round of second seasons episodes starting Monday, March 2 at 10 p.m. The always-good Christina Ricci joins the cast in a three-episode arc as Grace's new partner, Abbey Charles ('cause when we last left things, we remember Ham needed some time away from ol' Grace).

And when we recently caught up with Holly, we wanted to get her thoughts on just that - the ever changing dynamic that is between Grace and Ham, especially considering Kenny Johnson told us he felt as if Ham and Grace’s roles have reversed this season, with Grace now the caretaker of Ham, and Ham somewhat strung out as a result of the death of his brother.

Says Holly: "It was fantastic to see that dynamic exist [between] Grace [and Ham] because Grace has been an extremely self-motivating character, without a lot of regard for consequences of what she wants to do. It was wonderful to get to explore a real genuine, caretaking aspect of her – that she wanted to take care of him, and he needed someone to take care of him. It’s just wasn’t [all about] Grace. [And yet], he couldn’t handle Grace taking care of him. I love [that] complexity. It certainly allows me to be playing a three-dimensional character. It keeps the humanity of the character alive. [She's] not just one thing, and [she's] not just ten things. [She's] an infinite number of things. So, that dynamic between those two characters was [and is] beautiful, and it was wonderful to see Ham kind of fall apart. It’s going to be fascinating to see where these two characters go because it’s obvious that the love that they have [for each other] is deep. And this what I love about the show is these relationships that I have with Rhetta, with Earl, with Ham. They’re complicated."

She pauses for a second.

"Hey, that was a good question!"

(Wait, did Holly just like my question? She did. Perhaps because it gave her a break from having to psychologize herself into oblivion.)

We also asked her thoughts on Christina Ricci joining the cast ('cause Christina is just so.darn.good in everything she does).

Says Holly: "It was really great. She's wonderful. We really wanted her. [Creator] Nancy [Miller] wrote the part [of Abbey Charles] with Christina in mind. And once again, the character is a very unpredictable character - very, very complex. We had a chance to work together for three episodes, and it was great to have the dynamic of Ricci’s character coming into the office with the [existing] established dynamic that we all have together [as the squad]. To have Christina be this new cop that comes in was great."

I guess we'll put in our request right now to have Christina become a regular on the series. Please - pretty please? With a cherry on top?

Our thanks once again to Holly Hunter for taking the time to chat about the always complex Grace Hanadarko. We also want to thank our friends at Turner publicity. Saving Grace returns Monday, March 2nd at 10 p.m. on TNT. If you missed out on the first half of the season, be sure to check out the show’s official Web site to catch up.

A Nightmare Before 'Chronicles'

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

Well, that was one bad dream.

Literally.

This week's episode of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles was one big bad dream rolling around in ever paranoid mind of Sarah Connor.

Except we all were supposed to think her "dream" was the real thing.

Kidnapped by the dude she supposedly "killed" at our now infamous heating and air conditioning plant. Held prisoner in the back of his van whilst be drugged so as to coerce her into telling him who she is (which really played more like tit-for-tat with the guy and went something like this: who are you; no, who are you; no really, who are you).

And yet, all this kidnapped-in-the-van stuff was supposed to appear to us as a nightmare-esque dream sequence she kept having whilst admitted into a clinic for sleep deprivation. Naturally, that clinic is really being run by Skynet to examine/study/mimic/obsess over all the nuances of the human brain unbeknownst to the humans.

'kay.

Whatever.

This was supposed to be a Lena Headey focused episode, which I have liked in the past. She has some very clever nuances and tendencies that emerge when her Sarah is NOT obsessed with John. She can be funny, coy, friendly ... kinda like you might want to get to know her.

But last night's ep was just a big mess.

I'm starting to feel sorry for the actors.

Like, THIS is what they're being given to work with?

We didn't really learn anything other than ... uh, Sarah got kidnapped and was essentially drugged into having delusional dreams about Skynet taking over a sleep clinic for which she was a patient WHILST trying to fight AGAINST her own mind to figure out what scenario was real, and thus, escape her kidnapper.

I supposed we DID learn that the guy she supposedly killed at the plant was resurrected by Skynet so that he could keep doing his "job" (which is to now kidnap Sarah, apparently).

We did learn Summer Glau's Cameron looks nice in a bra and boy short briefs.

And we did learn that John is ... well, trying to convince Sarah in her "dream" sequence that the clinic isn't really a bad place.

No Derek.

No Shirley.

No John Henry.

No Agent Ellison.

No nada.

This ep was forgettable.

Like its own worst nightmare.

New episodes of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles air Fridays at 8 p.m. on FOX. You can also watch full episodes online. Visit the Official Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles Web site to catch up (or re-watch!)

Ode to the 'Girls' - And How Good TV Was

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

File this under: completely nostalgic post.

Since PTR's editor in chief, TVFan, recently paid tribute to Jane Seymour and Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman (for which we grandfathered in both actress and show as a PTR fave), I've decided to do my own tribute to The Golden Girls, which makes its syndication move to the Hallmark Channel beginning this Sunday, March 1st with an 18-hour marathon (yes, that is 18 hours, folks).

Can I just ask: does anyone remember when network television was like this ...?

Anyone ...? Bueller ...?

Remember when the sitcom lived.

When there actually were people OVER 40-years-old on television who were NOT considered washed-up has-beens, a joke of a reality show contestant, or a horrible cosmetic surgery experiment gone wrong.

When Botox was NOT around, and every female lead actress did NOT look as if she had just walked out of some version of rehab - whether for an eating disorder, drugs, alcohol or all of the above.

When you did NOT have to figure out whether you were smarter than a fifth grader, and therefore, be entertained by ridiculous voyeuristic reality show drivel.

When Saturday night was actually THE night to sit down and watch the tube (whether you were 10, 30, 45, 60 or 80-years-old), and it was NOT the night where shows went to die.

To think I'm a thirtysomething, and I can remember when television was like this is depressing. And yet, there are plenty of you far older and wiser than I, who remember the network television landscape even MORE differently than I do.

What the heck has gone wrong with network television these days?

Is it any wonder big name film AND television actors are moving to cable because there is NOTHING FOR THEM TO DO on network besides make a special guest appearance and deal with material that is ...lame? Unimaginative? Boring? Formulaic? Hardly challenging or creatively inspiring?

I'm beginning to think that if it weren't for cable - basic or premium - continuing to bring us ORIGINAL programming (read: not ANOTHER reality show and/or not ANOTHER spinoff of two other versions of the been-there-done-that-can-we-get-over-it-please crime or legal drama procedural), I wouldn't be watching television at all.

All that said, The Golden Girls left us a legacy that resonates as strongly today as it did when the show went on the air in 1985.

And hey, we all know the 80s are back, right?

"The show is romanticized and has a fantasy element to it, but more than that there's this theme: Friendship over all, no matter what crap happens to you, you'll have best friends who are hysterically funny – and everything will be fine as long as you have your friends around," explains Jim Colucci, a television critic who wrote The Q Guide to The Golden Girls in 2006.

That idea appeals to every age group, says Colucci, including disaffected teenagers (as he was when the show began airing, as I was when I began watching) who rely on their friends to help them through rough spots.

He adds: "It's the kind of thing you can watch with a friend, your mom – and moms can pass it down to daughters, sisters to sisters."

Says longtime fan Kristine Cohen, who used to watch the show with her grandmother when she was just 10-years-old: "I used to hear her laugh and laugh," she says. "Soon we were watching every Saturday night together. My grandma had three sisters, so she would always say the Golden Girls relationship was similar to her and her sisters."

"I used to get letters from teenage girls who wanted to come live with us," remembers Rue McClanahan, who played man-hungry Blanche, alongside Bea Arthur's pragmatic and sensible Dorothy, Estelle Getty's wickedly sassy Sophia and Betty White's always-sees-the-glass-half-full Rose. "Because it was a warm, friendly show and no matter what problems we had, we faced them together."

And, yet even back then, trying to get the show on the air was nearly impossible. But we can thank legendary NBC executive Brandon Tartikoff for seeing the potential. He hired longtime producers Paul Junger Witt and Tony Thomas. Witt's wife, Susan Harris (creator of Soap and Benson), knew how to write for older people, and thus, the show was born.

Says Witt: "We had been frustrated over the years by the emphasis on young audiences on television. Comedy is such a difficult thing to master, so some of the funniest people we had worked with were older – yet in terms of series leads they were not considered attractive to networks, until this came along. Older people just have better stories – heck, they have stories. Younger people don't. There are layers of things you just can't get when you're writing younger people."

Amen to that.

We all know the show developed a major following, earning 11 Emmys® and landing in the ratings Top 10 for six out of its seven seasons. But one unexpected demographic – aside from disaffected teens – was children.

"I think kids loved Sophia," says Harris. "They loved someone who could talk back, and say the things they couldn't say. And people still tell me they couldn't have gotten through college without Golden Girls. It was like having a family."

Even though those kids are grown up, the show has managed to retain its litany of admirers thanks to DVDs and syndication. And the longevity of the show's appeal - two decades AFTER it went on the air - comes as no real surprise to Thomas; he saw it from the third episode in: "I said to Paul Witt, 'This will never tire. These people are brilliant, it's going to be funny forever. It's going to be generational – it's [I Love Lucy]-esque."

Fan Cohen says: "It gives a great example that life can be wonderful and fulfilling even in our later years – you can have new friends, handsome boyfriends, a busy social life and even a sex life!"

"We all know we're going to be Golden Girls someday," says Harris. "The worries and concerns of women in their 60s are very much the concerns of women in their 30s and 40s and 50s. Meeting guys, dating, sex, being lonely – all of that – and having friends. Those are problems with no age limits. And these women are wise, they can speak with decades of experience."

And remind us all how good network television used to be.

The Golden Girls make their move to Hallmark Channel beginning with an 18-hour marathon on Sunday, March 1 starting at 8:30 a.m. ET/PT. Then, beginning March 2, the show will air Mondays - Fridays from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m., 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. and 12 a.m. – 2 a.m. It will also air Saturdays from 6 a.m. – 9 a.m. and Sundays from 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Additional Source: Hallmark Syndicate

The Wonderful World of 'Damages'

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

Let's just start at the end, shall we?

It's Patty Hewes sitting prisoner in the chair, with Ellen perched to blow her brains out.

OMFG.

Somewhere in the back of my trying-to-figure-it-ahead-of-time mind, I thought this might - MIGHT - be the case. And even though I was actually leaning more towards Frobie, I nonetheless gave Patty an equal shot (no pun intended) at being sequestered by the vengeful Ellen. HOWEVER ... seeing it for the first time last night was a whole different ball of wax given we don't generally get Glenn Close completely terrified. Usually, she's the one doing the terrifying.

Argh!!! I now want to fast forward to the end JUST to see that confrontation.

And yet, this is the wonderful world of Damages: they leave you so tantalized with their slow-burn reveals that you can hardly stand to sit through the season. And even with their more deliberate pacing this year, they have still managed to brilliantly build a momentum toward what we know will be a can't-miss-it finale.

Each week just gets better.

But can I just say I was kind of bummed (though not all that surprised) Frobie decided to turn back to his dark side. Yes, I know ... wishful thinking on my part to think that he'd ... uh, remain all yogi and at peace with himself. Still, he was starting to be kinda charming in that way.

Oh well.

I really now want creepy detective dude to just.go.away.

Ugh.

When he went to visit Frobie's spiritual advisor, and he took the bunny to pet ... sheesh, I thought he was going to break its neck or something.

And now we know Wes is officially on HIS payroll.

Double ugh.

I guess the only comfort I can take from this is Ellen seems to be have a lot of power and control in the "ending" flashforwards, so maybe she will get the better of him?!?!

Fiancé doc David made an appearance this week - albeit as a figment of Ellen's imagination. It was so goodly and cute to see him again. Why oh why did Noah Bean have to be offed in the first season?!?!?!?

Oh, that's right - because it made for a compelling storyline.

Fine, okay.

And now we have the secret red folder "ELLEN PARSONS" in Pete's mystery file cabinet, which serves as the motivating factor to have Ellen opposite Patty in that "showdown."

Do we get to see what's in that folder now?

Of course not.

It's too early in the season for that.

But we won't be seeing Pete anymore - except perhaps in flashbacks. Can you believe one of his own guys offed him? Wow.

The closing gotcha phone call sequence whereby Patty learns of Pete's death completely reminded me of Silence of the Lambs. Remember when the FBI agents are ringing the doorbell of the house that you, the viewer, SWEAR is Buffalo Bill's? It cuts to him being downstairs in the basement, trying to get dressed to come up and answer the door, only to then have it be revealed the FBI was at the WRONG house, and the Jodster (yes, my short hand for the awesome Jodie Foster - who was Special Agent One of Kind Clarice Starling) was actually at the RIGHT house.

Genius.

But then again, this is the wonderful world of Damages, isn't it?

Next floor, please.

New episodes of Damages air Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on FX. To catch up on the Who, What, Where, When, Why and How of the show, head on over to the official Damages Web site. You can also download full episodes of the show over at iTunes.

'Chronicles' Game Changer ...?

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

We here at PTR have been rather disappointed with the lackluster return of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.

As in, the show seems to have fallen, and it can't get up.

However, The Hollywood Reporter's Live Feed blog is reporting this today:

[FOX] is hinting that a two-part episode of "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" will be a "game-changing" episode, which is often (but not always) shorthand for "somebody dies."

The description:

“Today is the Day, Part 1 of 2”: In the first part of a game-changing two-part installment, Jesse (guest star Stephanie Jacobsen) flashes back to a life-altering mission aboard her submarine, the Jimmy Carter. Meanwhile, Sarah (Lena Headey) and John (Thomas Dekker) decide they can’t continue living in their house and make plans to leave.

Okay, so a flashback while making plans to leave a house doesn't exactly sound like riveting drama. But here's part two:

“Last Voyage of the Jimmy Carter, Part 2 of 2”
The exciting two-parter continues as Jesse’s submarine mission in the future takes a fatal turn that has unforeseen consequences for John, Sarah and Derek (Brian Austin Green) in the present. Also, Sarah deals with Cameron, who has become a liability, and John steps up and makes a life-or-death choice.


Let's hope SOMETHING gets changed because the way things are at the moment ... uh, the end of the world seems to be arriving a might too soon.

New episodes of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles air Fridays at 8 p.m. on FOX. You can also watch full episodes online. Visit the Official Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles Web site to catch up on the show.

'Trust Me' Bags It ... Sort Of

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

Can I just say that I would have loved, at any one point during my previous tenures in marketing and advertising, to have been able to just let loose my frustration on a client's product as a direct result of said client ... uh, bailing on me? Thinking I'm no longer any good? Trying to one-up me? All of the above?

Griffin Dunne's Tony Mink did just that this week on Trust Me, and I was envious. His put - your - Arc - Mobile - cell - phones - in - this - bag - and - watch - me - beat - the - heck - out - of - it moment was a classic.

Why was he doing this?

Oh, you know ... the account has gone into the dreaded "review" phase.

Read: client wants out. Or, as Chief Big Boss Denise so kindly puts it to us at the end: they want the team to do more for less money.

But up until THAT moment, we're pretty much thinking Tony, Mason, Conner and the rest of the team are screwed given the loss of their biggest client. Better get to replacing that $75 million, eh?

Now, aside from that classic outburst moment by Tony, the rest of the episode was so-so for me. Yes, we've got Mason inevitably trying to do the right thing - wanting to save the client, wanting to not think the world is coming to an end, remaining ridiculously dedicated to his job AND still trying to be a nice guy.

We've got Conner doing what Conner seems to only do - find ways to convince Mason to do the impossible all in the name of being some sort of genius, renegade, don't-do-things-by-the-book Creative Director.

We've got Sarah pretending she's still married to her ex-husband, and thus, forcing him to take her out on a date to celebrate her birthday (for which she sends herself her own gift basket at the office).

And we've got Tony trying not to have a nervous breakdown in light of the fact Mason and Conner decide to proceed shooting an Arc Mobile commercial even after a) Tony says no; b) the firm doesn't want any more money spent on the account given it's in "review."

Right, like that's going to stop Conner from finagling Mason into flying across the country (again) to do something they shouldn't do (again) only to try and save the day (again) when all the odds are stacked against them (again).

Do we see a pattern here?

We do. And it's kind of bothersome to me.

Almost like a formula: Mason has problem. Conner needs to try and help Mason fix problem. Conner's idea to fix problem is absurd. Mason balks, but then eventually consents. Mason still frets. Conner flies by seat of pants. A little push here, a little push there, problem gets strangely solved only to lead to new problem. And at the end of the day, we still have Mason being the "boss," Conner the copywriter with too much iPhone time, and Sarah as the neurotic co-worker.

I do formulas on procedurals; not on non-procedurals.

And while I do see that this whole what to do with Arc Mobile/how do we get our $75 million back is going to be the overarching theme for this season, I sort of feel like we're going in circles. We just watched Conner and Mason fly to Los Angeles on a whim last week ... did we really need to see that again this week? It rang too similar. And I'm still not finding any real depth to the Conner character. The super-speed-talk schtik is getting old. Mason has some depth thanks to the homeslice sequences with wife Erin. And Sarah has at least got some issues on display that do NOT have to do with some sort of missing tag line for a client's campaign.

Hmmm.

So, Trust Me, what can you really do with this formula that won't bore the heck out of us who really, really, really, really want to like your show?

We shall see.

Trust Me airs Mondays at 10 p.m. on TNT. You can learn more about the series by visiting the Trust Me Official Web site.

'The Closer' Finally Says I Do ... Sigh

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

She did it.

In only the way BJ could.

Er, perhaps I should say in only the way The Closer folks could.

That is, they gave us a wedding ceremony between Brenda and Fritz that seemed as if it was being done in the supermarket - in the express lane, for the people with less than 10 items.

Yet, that was the genius of it.

When Fritz's sister started the ceremony, I couldn't help but think it was going to become one big melodramatic proclamation of BJ and Fritzy's love for one another.

Cue: "Let's do it."

Cut to: a mixture of photo collage snapshots to show us the fact the ceremony took place, everything went fine, and now let's get back to work.

Or at least to the reception.

Genius.

And was it not completely perfect to have both Brenda AND Fritz trying to squeeze in the wedding in between working a case?

And yet ... I must confess this "finale" is the first of The Closer's that didn't particularly wow me. I actually feel guilty for admitting this given the show rarely misfires for me. Perhaps it's because I've gotten so used to having humdingers that leave me breathless (we've had three in a row).

This one did not.

As such, I feel like last night was a mid-season episode. The "summer" finale shootout wielded far more of a punch, and our recent legendary episode, "Power of Attorney," gave us more of that cliffhanger/breathless episode on which to leave us die-hards wondering, hoping, waiting and anticipating the show's return in June.

And even yet to the yet ... this whole season was leading up to this moment between BJ and Fritzy, particularly as it pertains to the further development of both characters. And given I still credit The Closer as one of the best show's on television at being able to develop the personal side of its characters WITHOUT sacrificing the professional, it was almost as if they HAD to end the season this way. And if I look at the finale in the context of the individual characters, the show certainly gave us much to feel satisfied about - right up until the last confession of BJ to Fritz in the hallway (whereby she struggles with how much he unconditionally loves her, and that she only hopes she can equal it return now that they are married), to the resurrected breakdown between Detective Daniels and Sergeant Gabriel.

Soooo, I find it hard to knock the finale but feel I must confess it didn't wow me.

That said, I must also confess I didn't pay attention to the case.

Oops.

Call it BJ/Fritz wedding anxiety.

It was something about a woman married to an out of work war veteran. She took a job with three different stripper-escort agencies to make money for both of them, but then decided to get in cahoots with her hubby to rob said agencies on the days that she worked those agencies even though hubby wasn't supposed to really know she was working at those agencies.

Um, yeah. Okay. Again, not a humdinger by any stretch of the imagination.

And that's fine.

You know I will be back in June.

The Closer returns in June for its fifth season. If you missed any of this seasons ep, visit The Closer official Web site for the scoop on all-things BJ and Co.

A Friend in Need

There are a handful of things a show can include in an episode that will shoot it straight to the "awesome" category.  One of those things is working Toto's "Africa" into the outing.  Chuck apparently learned this lesson back when Scrubs included it in its Wizard of Oz-themed episode a couple of seasons ago because it was in full force during this week's hour.  I was a little concerned that we were only going to get the Jeffster version, but then it happened.  Suddenly, the soft- rock- meets- Marilyn Manson cover morphed into the real Toto deal and I was psyched!  One of these days I'm going to figure out why this classic 80s tune strikes my fancy so much.  In the meantime, Chuck had himself a very busy episode.  In between choosing a band for his sister's wedding and taking down members of the Triad gang, he was mending fences with his best friend while trying to save his life at the same time.  Nobody said the spy game was easy, but I enjoy the way this show doesn't allow Chuck to become another member of the feelings-less drone.  He refuses to lose what makes him human and he doesn't let the seedy world he is now a part of taint his view on humanity.  He's a true friend to those he grew up with and those he now works with to protect the world.  

Unfortunately, finding a band for Ellie and Awesome's upcoming nuptials kinda took a back seat to all of that saving the best friend's life bit, but no worries because Jeff and Lester had that covered (literally).  Apparently, the duo has a band ("Jeffster"), and they play cover songs.  At least they would if they actually had a gig.  Instead, they have a few instruments, a microphone, a few t-shirts, one groupie and a lot of fear and doubt.  They do not, however, have any actual talent.  So, needless to say, they have been scratched from the list of possibilities for the wedding.  But that's OK because they got their moment in the Buy More and it couldn't have been more perfect if Toto themselves had been there (SIDEBAR: How frickin' awesome would that have been??!!  Do you think they would have thrown in an encore of "Rosanna" had they made an appearance on the show?  And why not make an appearance?  It's not like they're super busy and couldn't squeeze it into their schedule.  EDIT: My bad, apparently the band continues to tour and plays to sold out venues.  They also released an album in 1997).   Jeffster wasn't the only ones having their moment.  Chuck and Sarah shared one at the end when they caught themselves holding each other's hand -- for real.  Uh-oh!

If you missed this week's episode ("Chuck Versus the Best Friend"), you can watch it for free at Hulu.com.

'Psych' - O Killer

OK, I'll admit it: they got me.  I guess you could say that they "psyched" me out in the end.  First, I was never convinced that the profiler wasn't involved.  I kept suspecting him because the killer was so well informed about Shawn and the investigation.  Wrong!  Second, I never thought the killer would be a woman!  Wrong again!  So, major props to the writers at Psych for giving us the unexpected.  I'll also admit that I'm a sucker for a good cat and mouse chase, and Shawn versus the Ying Yang killer was very well played.  The clues, the urgency, the stop watch, the scene with Shawn and Gus running like "hobos" to catch the train -- it was all too good.  I was especially fond of the clues written in cereal.  I did think that Yang gave up much too easily at the end, so I suspect that we haven't seen or heard the last from her.  I certainly wouldn't be against watching another round of Shawn v. Yang.

My one complaint about the episode was the sorta unnatural fit of "bringing back the guest stars for the season finale."  Shawn's mom as Yang's second victim was too convenient and Shawn's date with Abigail was too heartbreaking for the immediate future of Shawn and Juliet.  Shawn was right; Jules has terrible timing.  Then again, neither seems ready to enter into a serious relationship, so maybe Shawn's date with Abigail prevented these two from getting in a bit over their heads too soon.  I did think that Shawn was going to ditch her for Jules, but he decided to tell her about the butter instead.  So, it seems that Shawn and Jules are victims of Poor Timing Syndrome in which they never seem to be ready for one another at the same time.  Someday their timing will align, but until then, we'll have to keep watching these near hits.

Psych will return with all new episodes this summer. Until then, you can catch up on this episode and others at hulu.com.

Hugh Jackman Wins Over Oscar

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

A little more show. A little less biz.

These were Hugh Jackman's words when speaking to Barbara Walters on her traditional Academy Awards® after-show special - which was filmed BEFORE the actual Oscar® telecast.

And boy, did he have the right approach (as did the show's new producers).

Finally, an Oscar® telecast worth watching!

(And none too soon - especially given last year's Oscar ceremony was the least watched ... like, ever in history. The show needed to do SOMETHING different this year - and it did.)

Loved. It.

All Hail Wolverine: Hugh Jackman has got to be one of the coolest dudes on the planet. Decent guy. Family man. Funny. Not an ego maniac. Uber-talented (as in, can sing, dance AND act). And, he is so fantastically at ease in front of a crowd that it was just a joy to watch him handle the telecast with such aplomb. And to all those skeptics who were like, "Hugh Jackman? Can he host?" ... stick it in your pipe and smoke it. He. Rocked. It.

Everybody Wins: The revamped presentation of the actor awards whereby a selected group of previous winners stand on stage and salute each nominee's individual performance was FANTASTIC. It resonated so much more than the show-a-clip-read-a-name approach, and it allowed each nominee to truly be recognized (because it IS an honor to be nominated).

And the Award for Best Acceptance Speech Goes To ... Penelope Cruz. Her story of being a young girl and staying up late to watch the show in her very small corner of the world where she grew up ... awww. Talking about the show being a world unifying event to celebrate art ... double awww. Thank you, Penelope, for reminding us what it should really be about.

And the Award for Worst Acceptance Speech Goes To ... Sean Penn. Look, I know he's a great actor. I'm not disputing that fact. But the baggage that comes with acknowledging him means we - the regular schmo viewers - have to put up with his whole I'm-an-artist-I'm-above-all-this-crap attitude and/or a politically driven acceptance speech. He even admits he's ... uh, a difficult pill to swallow. So, hey, here's an idea, Sean: spare us. (Or go start a band with Joaquin Phoenix.)

Speaking of Joaquin Phoenix ...: Ben Stiller's spoof while presenting with Natalie Portman - GENIUS.

Two Words: Kate Wins YAY!! I've loved Kate Winslet since Sense and Sensibility. She's just a ballsy, no-nonsense, shoot-from-the-hip, dedicated actress who could give a rip about that which everyone else in Hollyweird obsesses about. She was way overdue on earning herself a statue, and her acceptance speech was a very close second to Penelope's. Go Kate!

Still Enchanting: Amy Adams. Friggin' adorable. I really wanted her to win for supporting actress, but her time will come. Bummer she isn't on a television show right now because she'd be an automatic PTR Fave - 'cause we're all about the decent, charming, genuine, honest and decent folks in Hollyweird. Keep on keepin' on, Amy.

Sal in Mega Mo: E!'s Sal Masekela is too cool for school. I am normally used to listening to him host the X Games over on ESPN, but he was so perfect interviewing everybody at the Governor's Ball that he actually made the REGULAR entertainment journalists look like goobs. Who knew the sports guys could schmooze the A-listers, eh?

It's A Slumdog World: Just as Penelope Cruz reminded us what the show is supposed to be about, the Slumdog Millionaire folks reminded us what it's like when the little guy wins. They were the little film that could. How cool was it to see so many of the young kids of the cast flown in for the event - some of whom who had never been on a plane. This is the side of Hollywood that is still worth loving: dreams can come true to those who are still willing to have - and follow - them. And when people are so genuinely shocked and honored when they win, you can’t help but cheer.

Fashion Report: You know I don't do the fashion thing, folks.

Brangelina Report: Puh-leze. Like I care.

You can get a rundown on all the winners and proceedings over at Oscars.org and Oscars.com.

'Rita Rocks' Into Season Finale

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

File this post under: I. Need. To. Watch.

Lifetime's Rita Rocks is one of those "other" shows waiting patiently in line to get a prime spot on my DVR schedule (just like Army Wives). Given my fading interest in a couple of my regulars, Rita may end up taking a prime spot next season.

And besides, I love Nicole Sullivan.

Not JUST from her time over on MADtv.

A while back, she was in this VH1 Original Movie (with PTR Fave Annabeth Gish) called The Way She Moves. It was at that point I thought she was ridiculously cool. But this, of course, was back when VH1 was doing something MORE than coming up with every conceivable and ridiculously tacky reality series to showcase brainless know-nothings.

Needless to say, I was thrilled to see her get her own show over on Lifetime, where she stars as Rita Clemens, an overworked wife and mother in the middle of an identity crisis. This includes trying to maintain romance with her husband Jay (Richard Ruccolo), juggling the demands of her nine-year-old daughter, Shannon (Kelly Gould), and disciplining her defiant teenage daughter Hallie (Natalie Dreyfuss) and her ever-present boyfriend Kip (Raviv Ullman). After being passed over for a promotion at work, Rita is at her wit’s end. In search of "youthful" Rita, she dusts off her old guitar and forms a garage band with her nosy postal carrier Patty (Tisha Campbell-Martin) and unemployed neighbor Owen (guest star Ian Gomez), in the hopes of putting that love back in her life.

The show airs its first season finale Monday, February 23rd at 8 p.m. In the finale, Rita gets a promotion at work that leads to an overwhelming schedule and no time for the band. Jay and the girls notice that she just isn't the same without her music and set out to get her back on track.

Check out a sneak peak:



The Rita Rocks season finale airs Monday at 8 p.m. on Lifetime. Head on over to the official Rita Rocks Web site to learn more about the show - including watching full episodes AND the chance to enter the Shine Like a Rock Star Sweepstakes, where you could win a Nintendo Wii™, Rock Band ® 2, $5,000 and a Pledge ® gift pack.

Embrace Your 'Grace' - Preview of March 2 Premiere; Chat With Creator Nancy Miller

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

It's about that time to begin saying grace.

Again.

On Monday, February 23rd from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. (ET), fans of Saving Grace can go to EmbraceYourGrace.com, the show's fan and blog site, to watch a streaming video of approximately 24 minutes from the March 2 premiere episode. The episode introduces special guest star Christina Ricci as Abby Charles, a young patrol cop going through a rotation with the squad.

That same day, at 5 p.m. (ET), the show's creator Nancy Miller will engage fans in a half-hour online chat, answering questions about the show submitted by fans in real time and revealing some of the things viewers can expect as the series rolls towards its second-season climax.

Saving Grace returns with its final batch of new second season episodes Monday, March 2 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.

'Damages' Podcast With Glenn Close and Rose Byrne

By LillyKat
PTR Senior Staff Writer

It's a known fact we can't get enough of Damages here at PTR.

And thanks to our friends over at Hot Cherry in the UK (where they are just beginning the second season), they've given us a look at their recent podcast interview with Glenn Close and Rose Byrne discussing all-things second season.

How cool is that?

Very.

Glenn tells us what’s next for Patty in the light of the Arthur Frobisher case (which we partly now already know) and explains how the events in the first season changed her character in the second.

Rose Byrne explains how Ellen is coping with the death of fiancé doc David, how she prepared for the role and what lessons her character has learned.

The podcast is available for iTunes users here.

For non-iTunes users, the podcast is available here.

For US viewers, Damages airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on FX. For UK viewers, Damages airs Sundays at 10:20 p.m. on BBC One. To catch up on the Who, What, Where, When, Why and How of the show, head on over to the official Damages Web site. You can also download full episodes of the show over at iTunes.