Matt Gets the Cold Shower Treatment

I think I'm running out of superlatives to describe Friday Night Lights, so please excuse me if I sound a bit like a broken record during this first part. This show is AMAZING (have I tried the all caps version of "amazing" yet?)!!! And last week's hour may very well be the finest of any show this season and quite possibly the finest to ever grace a television screen. I'm having a hard time articulating just how amazing it was and I can't decide which moment constitutes my favorite. Let's see, there was Tami's desperate plea at the DMV after forgetting about her daughter's drivers test, Julie's heartbreaking discovery that her mom forgot about her because of the volleyball team, Coach Taylor throwing an out-of-control Matt Saracen (there's a phrase I thought I'd never use) into the shower, Matt's tearful admission that everybody leaves him, and Smash's breakdown after learning that his scholarship to TMU had been revoked. This show is a highlight reel filled with unforgettable moments, but this episode seemed to have an extra few thrown in to make it stand out even further from the pack.

Perhaps my favorite moment of the night, though, was a more poignant, subdued one right at the end. Watching Smash pump up his team before the big game and then stay behind as they took to the field was, in a word, HEARTWRENCHING! I'm just not sure which was more brilliant: Gaius Charles' flawless performance or the beautifully understated directing in that scene. The stagnant shot of the empty locker room, the joyous sounds in the distance of the beginning of the game, and a remorseful and broken Smash Williams left behind to wallow in what could be the beginning of the end of his future - it was all too powerful to capture with words. One final thought: Tyra + Landry + getting back together = Best. News. Ever!!!

Photos courtesy nbc.com

Save 'The 4400'

If we've learned anything from those devoted Jericho fans, it's never give up on saving your favorite shows. The latest canceled show getting a huge boost from its devoted fan base is PTR fave The 4400. USA Network decided late last year not to renew the series for a fifth season, essentially leaving fans in the lurch without any sort of conclusion to the serial drama's ongoing storylines. Well, the fans want to change that with a new push to encourage USA to reconsider their decision to cancel the show. If you want to bring The 4400 back, join in on the Sunflower Seeds Campaign. It even made The New York Times! Series star Jacqueline McKenzie (who informed PTR about the campaign through MySpace) is a strong supporter. She wrote to her MySpace friends, "It's really easy to do... so please head over there and send a bag of 'Dr Burkhoff's' favourite snack! That way we can all get back to 'Promise City' and get everyone back to good work!!!" Click on over to the campaign site to buy your bag of sunflower seeds to send to the heads at USA Network and help save The 4400!

Visit SaveThe4400.net for more on the efforts to resurrect the series.

More Writers Adopted

Three more writers have been successfully adopted over at Adopt a Writer. They are:

Nina Bargiel (Lizzie McGuire)
Sam Kass (Seinfeld, Arli$$)
Eric Estrin (Miami Vice, Murder She Wrote)

Click on over to the Adopt a Writer site to find out what they're striking for (you won't believe Sam Kass's heartbreaking story) and what they're lives are like while they work to iron out a fair deal.

A Troubling Good Conscience on 'Chronicles'

By LillyKat
PTR Staff Writer

“If you’re gonna be a hero, you gotta learn how to drive a stick.”

Oh, if it only were that simple for John Connor.

The poor guy is supposed to be prepping to be the leader of all mankind, but he can’t quite figure out the whole shift-clutch-gas thingy.

I guess you can’t win them all.

But you can keep trying.

And so goes this week’s installment of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles whereby John’s conscience seems to be getting the better of him.

We recall bad terminator Cromartie (who hunted everyone down in the pilot episode) did manage come through with Sarah, John and good terminator Cameron when they blasted themselves forward into the present day. Since then, Cromartie’s gone through some serious link-n’-lock reconstruction, a super-plasma-blood potion rebirth, and now he’s getting himself a good nip/tuck to blend in with the rest of the human world.

Bad news for our trio.

Worse yet, Sarah, John and Cameron discover there are already other evil terminators on missions in present day prepping for life post-judgment day. Like, say, stockpiling a whole boatload of Coltan metal in a fallout shelter (that will, of course, survive the machine-take-over-mankind destruction and at which 500 or so metal endoskeletons will be able to be created; that is, terminators).

Nothing like planning ahead.

After finding this out, ever valiant John feels like taking on more than just Cromartie. Mom and Cameron ... well, not so much. Too dangerous. Too unpredictable. Need to re-evalute the whole kit and caboodle. It’s one thing to be dealing with only with one bad terminator; it’s another to now think they might have to deal with an army of them.

Problem is, John’s had about enough waiting, worrying, wondering, preparing, running and hiding. He wants to start doing something.

And he does, which gets him in a seriously nerve racking face-off with a powered down evil terminator.

Reboot anyone?

This is what I am really enjoying about the television series as compared to the film: we are getting a much deeper, more rich examination of the inner-workings of the characters – particularly John and Sarah.

We all know John Connor has been destined to be the leader of mankind after judgment day. We know he is wickedly smart, compassionate, determined, fully aware of his lot in life. But, what we didn’t necessarily get to explore in the film is his deeply emotional conscience, and his own sense of personal responsibility to just do the right thing – even if that puts him at risk.

Yes, we had Edward Furlong telling Arnold that he just couldn’t go around killing people. Yes, we had Edward Furlong making some fairly insightful "We’re not gonna make it, are we? Humans, I mean" comments. And the whole "no fate except what we make for ourselves" thing.

But the film didn't give us that in depth look at John’s guilt for seemingly not doing enough, or having to think about protecting himself first as opposed to helping others given any action he might take could put his own life at risk. The series is giving us a rich exploration of John’s inner-conflict. I love the fact that he seems to want to help too much – too much for his own good. He wants to make the world right … and he wants to make it right, right now. It presents a constant battle for Sarah as she tries to balance her concern, her fear, her worry and her full sense of what awaits them four years from now – the end of the world.

The fight to save mankind continues ...

New episodes of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles air Mondays at 9 p.m. on FOX. You can also watch full episodes online. Just visit the Official Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles Web site to catch up (or re-watch!)

'Lost' Moves Forward

Lost is finally back. And, we don't know much more than we did at the end of last season's finale. The one thing we do know, we're sure not whining about the decision to move Lost to the second half of the season and run it 24-style now! If nothing else, one thing the writers strike has taught us is to never take the midseason replacement for granted AGAIN! But, I digress. It's not like I was expecting this show to reveal much, but I think I was a little put off by the way it sorta kinda rehashed all of the shocking turns in that awesome finale. It's like, OK, you got us. In fact, you got us good with that whole "This isn't a flashback!! It's a flashforward!!" trick. You rock once again, so let's keep up that momentum and continue to knock our socks off with new twists instead of re-using the old ones, k? Now, this isn't to say that there weren't any new reveals this week or that I dislike the new flashforward format. Actually, it's quite the opposite. I am so flashbacked out!! I really think I might rip my eyes out if I have to see another flashback on this show. We get it: the characters are all somewhat connected and they all have issues. Move on. And that's exactly what the show did with this season premiere. I'm so loving the new flashforward format. Please let this continue.

One of the things that makes this new format so good - it allows for more understanding of the events on the island. For instance, we now know that 6 people get off the island ("The Oceanic 6" that Hurley alluded to), one of them probably dies (hence, the mysterious funeral from the season finale), Jack tries to assimilate back into his normal life and fails miserably which leads him to that desperate moment in the finale where he meets Kate and admits to taking constant flights trying to get back to the island, and we have the identities of three of the "Oceanic 6" (Jack, Hurley and Kate). We also know that Hurley doesn't deal with it well either and winds up back in a mental facility, but what we don't know is what "it" is - the thing that nobody seems to be coping with very well. Back on the island, things seem to be coming to a head between Jack's side and Ben/Locke's side over the question of "To be rescued or not to be rescued." Could the outcome be the dreaded "it" or is "it" something we haven't encountered yet? As usual, we have more questions than answers, but at least this time, the questions are about what's going to happen and not what already has. We know we're getting the answers to these questions.

Screencaps courtesy Lost-Media.com

'Pysch' Goes Hollywood

Few things in life are funnier than Shawn speaking with a Spanish accent in English on a Spanish telenovela! I wasn't sure that I would ever stop laughing at last week's episode of Psych. From the moment Gus admitted to watching the Spanish soaps (and to obsessing over the identity of the father of Serena's baby), I knew this was going to be a good episode. But, was it good enough to rival season one's spelling bee outing ("The word is... BANANA")? Between Shawn's leading role as the deliveryman, the final reveal complete with Shawn's accent, and Gus's excitement over learning that Shawn was the father of Serena's baby -- I think it may have accomplished the impossible and rose to the top of the list with that hilarious outing. In the middle of all of this soap drama, Shawn had a murder to solve, and it was made harder by the fact that the murder took place on camera. Que?! you say? Well, Shawn had to prove that the person on camera murdering the soap star wasn't the real killer. Nope, that fell to an obsessed fan/food services worker who couldn't separate the characters from the actors who play them. Which, of course, is totally unrealistic. I mean, there is NO DOUBT in my mind that James Roday really has the uncanny ability to see almost undetectable details in real-life as well as on the show. Wouldn't you agree?

Kidding aside, this was another classic episode of one of TV's funniest shows. It was made even funnier by a clever series of scenes involving the producer and Shawn conspiring through the glass both at the fake jail and the real one (paraphrasing here -- "This place was written up in Forbes as a nice alternative to the pricier spa hotels"). Funny stuff! But, that's what we've come to expect from this entertaining little gem of a show.

Psych airs Friday nights at 10 pm on USA Network. Photos courtesy usanetwork.com.

What's on?

With the strike-induced reruns beginning to permeate the airwaves, PTR will occasionally bring your attention to some cool original programming that you can tune into instead. Tonight, you can check out Discovery Channel's new series Smash Lab. The show features a team of maverick engineers as they take on everyday technology and apply it in revolutionary new ways. In tonight's episode, the team will be testing an idea to use giant airbags on the front of a train to push cars safely out of the way. Here's a preview courtesy of the folks at 360i and Discovery Channel:


Smash Lab airs tonight at 10 pm on cable's Discovery Channel.

Casting Call and a Cable Alternative

Discovery Health is looking for people to star in the 2009 National Body Challenge. Hopefuls should fall into one of the following categories:
* Mother/Daughter
* Father/Son
* Coworkers
* Or, people who need to lose over 100 pounds

Each person or team will be provided with a professional weight loss program, gym membership and personalized one-on-one instruction with physicians, nutritionists and fitness experts -- and then they'll be able to share their inspiring story with the world. To apply, visit Discovery Health's official site.

This year, the week-long TV special followed overweight twins on their quest to lose the extra poundage. And thanks to the good folks at 360i and Discovery Health, you can check out this heartbreaking clip from this season:



Since the writers strike hasn't been resolved yet, now is a great time to check out some of cable's offerings. With that in mind, DIY Network is inveiling its new Nailed at 9 primetime line-up featuring home improvement programming. One of the shows, Inside Job, goes behind-the-scenes of a home makeover series with Trading Spaces' Carter Oosterhouse. Click over to DIY's official site for more.

SAG Awards Bring Back Red Carpet

By LillyKat / PTR Staff Writer

The red carpet is back.

Sort of.

The 14th Annual Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards went on as planned Sunday - complete with star-studded presenters, winners and attendees (thank goodness, too, because I'm not sure I could really bring myself to watch another strange, awkward press conference á la the Golden Globes thing-a-ma-jig). We remeber that SAG was given a waiver by the Writer's Guild of America (WGA) to have writers script the show given the solidarity SAG has shown to the WGA during the ongoing writer's strike. Hence actors were able to attend the ceremony without feeling as if they had to cross the strike picket line.

The Academy Awards® show, however, remains in question. Stay tuned.

Below is a list of this year's SAG winners:

Movies

- Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis, "There Will Be Blood."

- Actress: Julie Christie, "Away From Her."

- Supporting actor: Javier Bardem, "No Country for Old Men."

- Supporting actress: Ruby Dee, "American Gangster."

- Cast: "No Country for Old Men."

- Stunt ensemble: "The Bourne Ultimatum."


Television

- Actor in a movie or miniseries: Kevin Kline, "As You Like It."

- Actress in a movie or miniseries: Queen Latifah, "Life Support."

- Actor in a drama series: James Gandolfini, "The Sopranos."

- Actress in a drama series: Edie Falco, "The Sopranos."

- Actor in a comedy series: Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock."

- Actress in a comedy series: Tina Fey, "30 Rock."

- Drama series cast: "The Sopranos."

- Comedy series cast: "The Office."

- Stunt ensemble: "24."


Sources: AP; SAG

ADOPT A WRITER: Kate Purdy

Author's Note: Pass the Remote is one of many blogs participating in Adopt A Writer - a project organized by TV bloggers in support of the WGA, in association with Fans4Writers and United Hollywood. For more, visit the project's official site.

Kate Purdy didn't always want to be a writer. "In elementary school I wanted to be a teacher. In junior high I wanted to be an astronaut. In high school I wanted to be [the] first lady president. It wasn't until college that I realized I wanted to tell stories," she explains. And telling stories is what she was doing for CBS's top-20 hit Cold Case. That is, until this past November when the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the big studios (known collectively as the AMPTP) hit an impasse on the issue of fair compensation for new media.

Suddenly, Purdy's world went from sitting around a writer's table and collaborating on the next episode of the hit crime drama to collaborating with her fellow writers on the picket lines where she serves as a Strike Captain and regular contributor at United Hollywood. With the strike closely approaching its third month, Purdy says she might be dividing her time even further.

"I've started looking for part-time work," she admits. Something that many other writers may be doing as well, but their choices are restricted. "We dedicate several hours a day to picketing or other strike activities, so our options for jobs are mostly limited to part-time work," Purdy explains.

At issue: who should be compensated and how much when episodes of television shows stream on the web and get downloaded on sites such as iTunes. Under the current system, the writers get nothing. The WGA wants to change that by adding a 2.5 cents-on-the-dollar residual into the Guild's new contract with the AMPTP. In other words, for every dollar the big studios make on new media, the writers get 2.5 cents.

But what about shows such as Cold Case that aren't available online or on sites such as iTunes? For Purdy, it's about ensuring fair compensation for the future as well as the present. "Believe it or not, we're striking not only for workers in the industry today, but for future generations of workers," she says.

It was only this past fall that Purdy earned her full-fledged WGA membership around the same time that she was promoted from a researcher to a staff writer on Cold Case. "Researching for the show was a terrific experience, and allowed me to know the show in and out before being promoted," she explains.

Now that she knows the ins and outs, she says that one of her favorite things about Cold Case is its use of different time periods and the challenge of making the characters relevant today. "Delving into the past allows the character to move against obstacles that might not exist in the same way they do today. But, the central concept of a character moving against obstacles, in any time period, is universal."

One thing that Purdy is quick to point out, working as a television writer is not as glamorous as it has been portrayed in recent media reports. "I have a 10 year old car that I hope can make it a few more years. I watch a lot of TV. Every time it rains my bathroom floods. You know - glamorous."

The writers and the studios aren't the only ones affected by the strike. Crew members on many series have had to find other work in order to make ends meet. When the strike ends and production resumes, some or all of them may not be able to return. Purdy says that she empathizes with the dedicated folks who work behind the camera. "I hope that when the strike ends we'll be able to go back to working on Cold Case with our crew. We love our crew and hope they are available - if not - we'll have to cross that bridge when we come to it."

Some shows were able to crank out a few extra episodes to carry their crews through a little longer, Cold Case however, was only able to produce 13. But Purdy insists it was just a matter of too little time on a show this intricate. "There are several approval steps to prepping a script for shooting - each of them is essential on a show like Cold Case where each word could and might be a clue. The puzzle aspect of the show does not allow for hurried writing - it's detrimental to the final product," she explains.

It's a process that she hopes she can get back to doing very soon, but both sides will have to reach a fair deal first. "The emotionally draining part is feeling like the media moguls are happy to see the town burn rather than give an inch. It's hard for us to not work, to not write scripts for the shows we love. We just want a fair deal and know that what we're asking for is reasonable," Purdy says.

One thing that has kept the writers going, according to Purdy, is all of the support from the fans. "The fans have been TREMENDOUS!!! We could not have done it without their continued support, organizing, and outreach! Thank you!!!"

PHOTO CREDITS: Adopt a Writer banner (Ramblings of a TV Whore), Cold Case courtesy CBS (screencap: RichE at Look Again), and writers picketing on the first day of the strike 11/5/07 (Hector Mata/Reuters)

Get to know Kate's story better through my complete Q&A with her:

How long have you been a member of the WGA? Did you always want to be a writer?
KP: I've been a full fledged member of the WGA for three months - the length of the strike. Before that I was an associate member for a year - meaning I was working my way into becoming a full member. So, three months.

No. In elementary school I wanted to be a teacher. In junior high I wanted to be an astronaut. In high school I wanted to be first lady president. It wasn't until college that I realized I wanted to tell stories.

You were promoted to staff writer this season on Cold Case. How did you get the job writing for a hit series?
KP: I was the researcher on Cold Case for two seasons before being promoted to staff. Researching for the show was a terrific experience, and allowed me to know the show in and out before being promoted.

You made your debut on Cold Case in the episode, coincidentally titled, "Debut" back in season 3 and you also wrote this season's "Devil Music." Do you enjoy writing about a different time in history?
KP: It's one of the greatest aspects about writing on the show for me. I love researching different periods in American history.

What sorts of challenges do you face when writing a story that takes place 40-50 years ago while still making it relevant today?
KP: Delving into the past allows the character to move against obstacles that might not exist in the same way they do today. But, the central concept of a character moving against obstacles, in any time period, is universal.

The challenge of writing a story that takes place 40-50 years ago is - as a writer - internalizing those obstacles so they feel real to you, your character, and hopefully the audience.


What are some of your favorite shows (from Cold Case) past and present?
KP: It's so hard to choose, but off the top of my head - some of my favorites are:
Sleepover, Best Friends, Saving Sammy, Static, Creatures of the Night, The Woods, The Goodbye Room, Dog Day Afternoons, A Dollar, A Dream, Offender, Mind Hunters, Thick as Thieves, Boy Crazy, Family 8108, The Letter, The Plan, and Factory Girls...

What is a typical day like for you when you are working on Cold Case?
KP: Typically, we meet in the writers' room all day at a big table, facing a giant white-board where we figure out the details of the episode together.

What is it like now with the ongoing strike?
KP: We strike. We picket. We volunteer at the guild.

In the San Antonio Express-News article from November, you mentioned that if the strike lingered into the New Year you would have to find a part-time job. Have you reached that point?
KP: I am quickly reaching that point. I've started looking for part-time work.

Explain to people who may not understand how difficult the strike is financially on the writers.
KP: We've been going without income since the strike began. We dedicate several hours a day to picketing or other strike activities, so our options for jobs are mostly limited to part-time work.

What is something you think people might be surprised by in terms of your lifestyle in Hollywood and your life as a working writer?
KP: I have a 10 year old car that I hope can make it a few more years. I watch a lot of TV. Every time it rains my bathroom floods. You know - glamorous.

How did you become a strike captain? Do you find it emotionally draining to stay upbeat for all of the writers fighting on the line beside you?
KP: The other writers on the line have been amazing - no need to keep their spirits up. The emotionally draining part is feeling like the media moguls are happy to see the town burn rather than give an inch. It's hard for us to not work, to not write scripts for the shows we love. We just want a fair deal and know that what we're asking for is reasonable.

For the critics out there, explain why the issues surrounding the strike are important to you even though you work for a show that isn't available on the Internet, pay-for-play formats such as iTunes, or DVD.
KP: Believe it or not, we're striking not only for workers in the industry today, but for future generations of workers.

There is the concern that the strike has broken up the staff on some shows because the crewmembers have had to take other jobs, and therefore, won't be able to return when production resumes. What sort of impact does that have on you guys?
KP: I hope that when the strike ends we'll be able to go back to working on Cold Case with our crew. We love our crew and hope they are available - if not - we'll have to cross that bridge when we come to it.

Some other shows had stocked up on episodes to carry their crew through the holiday season, but Cold Case seemed to stick with its typical schedule. Was it just a matter of time running out before there was an opportunity to get more episodes completed prior to the strike?
KP: We ran out of time and did not want to push through scripts that weren't finished. There are several approval steps to prepping a script for shooting - each of them is essential on a show like Cold Case where each word could and might be a clue. The puzzle aspect of the show does not allow for hurried writing - it's detrimental to the final product.

How has the ongoing support from the fans via the Internet, on the picket lines, and the Pencils2MediaMoguls campaign affected the striking writers? What else can fans do to help?
KP: The fans have been TREMENDOUS!!! We could not have done it without their continued support, organizing, and outreach! Thank you!!!

Anything else you want to talk about that I missed?
KP: I think that covers quite a bit. Thanks for having me!


You can read more writers' stories at the Adopt a Writer official site.

Birthday Wishes

Cold Case's Kathryn Morris celebrates a birthday today.

Happy Birthday Kathryn!!

Your Friends at PTR

DID YOU KNOW? Kathryn's latest project, Assassination of a High School President, premiered this past week at the Sundance Film Festival. The film, about the popular girl teaming up with a sophomore newspaper reporter to investigate a case of stolen SAT exams, finds Kathryn taking a comic turn as a spacey school nurse. It stars Bruce Willis, Mischa Barton, and Reece Thompson. Look for it in theaters this August.

'Chuck' Plays a Very Good Spy Game

I have a confession: I love Chuck! Just don't tell Mr. TVFan. You see, I was destined to fall in love with this charming show. I grew up watching James Bond marathons and Charlie's Angels reruns on cable. The secret world of spies has always intrigued me, which is why I tuned in to Chuck in the first place. But this show isn't just another entry into the spy genre; it's a marvelously crafted exaggeration of it with plenty of big stunts, beautiful women, jewel heists, and undercover assignments. There is one thing that separates Chuck from every other spy show and movie: Chuck. The accidental spy went from zero to hero overnight thanks to an email containing the all-important Intersect. Now, he has to juggle his spy duties with his job at the Buy More and his time with family and friends (who know nothing about his secret life). And then there's his raging crush on CIA spy Sarah. It's a huge balancing act, but watching Chuck figure it all out and struggle to be there for his sister is what gives this show its heart and soul. Last night, we were treated to 2 episodes (the last two completed before the strike) that reinforced what makes this series so good.

It was only a matter of time before someone figured out who had the Intersect, so Chuck's life is always in danger. But last night, we learned how much he stands to lose if the government learns that he is in immediate danger. That sort of threat gets him a free move to a government facility and 24-hour security where he'll have to live without his family. Anyone who knows the Bartowskis knows that this would devastate both Chuck and his sister (especially since she wouldn't be privy to his location and would likely be told that he was dead). Plus, can you imagine Ellie and Capt. Awesome's wedding without the best man?? Speaking of their proposal, how sure were you that Chuck would manage to lose that ring? I was nervous from the moment Capt. Awesome gave it to him to hold. Thankfully, he got it back (albeit, a little dirtier). Meanwhile, Casey struggled with discovering an old flame was still alive (and a French spy!) and Sarah made her repressed feelings for Chuck a little more apparent (to herself mostly) when she broke orders and went after him before the CIA could put him in that secret government facility. I'm glad she did for Chuck's sake, but it looks like things are even more complicated now for Sarah. Let's hope we get those new episodes soon.

Photos courtesy nbc.com

Shawn 'Psychs' Out a Retirement Community

Few shows on television are as funny at USA Network's Psych and thanks to the ongoing writers strike, I finally have an excuse to add it to the weekly line-up here at PTR! I ran out of time last week to write about it, but I wasn't going to let another week pass without adding it (NOTE: it will serve as a "fill-in" show here at PTR, meaning that the write-up will pop up on the slower days of the week and thus, you won't see it right after it airs). Anyway, this week's outing was its usual hilarious self. Shawn and Gus and their antics are Just. Too. Funny! It's a good thing, too, because they're going to have to fill in for my other fave buddy duo JD and Turk while Scrubs is on hiatus. Shawn's plan to get his "Grand Pa-Pa" father into that retirement community was great and the ensuing competition between the two had me cracking up. It was almost funny enough to make me overlook the lack of Shawn and "Lassie" interaction (one of my favorite things on this show), which was noticeably missing this week. Although, I did enjoy Lassie's scenes with Jules and the deputy mayor's delinquent son (though, the previous week's police academy score created competition was the best).

This show is sorta a grown-up live-action version of one of my favorite cartoons as a child: Scooby Doo (minus the crime-solving dog, of course). At the end of every episode, I half expect the bad guy to yell out, "And I would have gotten away with it, too, if it hadn't been for you kids and your psychic ability!" This episode was no exception as Shawn and Gus revealed the culprit (a seemingly sweet and innocent dietician who just wanted her own family member to secure a spot at the top-notch retirement facility at which she worked) in front of a room full of residents and quickly dashed out before the real Talmadge checked in. Going back to the cartoon equivalent, this team of accidental detectives reveals the killer by pulling off the mask too, but this mask is the one that allows the bad guy to come off looking innocent until Shawn discovers otherwise. It's just another successful day at the Psych office.

Photos courtesy USANetwork.com.

Sarah Gets to Work on 'Chronicles'

By LillyKat
PTR Staff Writer

It’s tough being Sarah Connor.

So many Skynet people to find, so little time.

Plus people keep thinking she’s dead.

Or a ghost.

Did we mention there is no Skynet, yet?

But there is TURK.

Last night, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles gave us our first glimpse at what was apparently supposed to become Skynet – you know, that all-knowing, superbad, self-aware supercomputer that’s going to destroy mankind in a couple of years?

Yeah, um ... well ... as of this moment in time, it’s basically three XBoxes and four PlayStations wired together in the closet of a one-bedroom apartment engineered to play a pretty wicked game of chess opposite its human creator, one by the name of Andrew Goode. Andy, we thinks (as does Sarah), is supposed to be the one to take TURK to that next man-annihilating level.

Sarah: “You talk about it like its human.”
Andy: “You never know. Someday.”

Suffice it to say he really is a Cal Tech Advanced Dork of whom now finds himself on Sarah’s radar. Did we mention he’s also cell phone salesman?

You know that saying: Got to start somewhere.

Or that other saying: Every big idea was at first small.

Or ... well, you get the idea.

Meanwhile, on the evil Terminator front ... we remember from last week’s premiere when Sarah, John, and Cameron blasted forward from 1999 into the present day right before the evil Terminator was going to … well, terminate them? It seems the little time traveling explosion that leapfrogged the good guys forward also snared the evil Terminator’s skull.

Now in 2007, it still ain’t dead.

The skull alone has served as its own magnet of sorts, which has attracted the other fragments of itself back together. But more than that, once assembled (and doing its best homeless-person-don’t-look-at-my-face impression), it finds a super-genome-blood-mega-scientist-whiz-bang doctor to concoct the blood potion that allows a full on terminator machine to dunk itself and emerge with a layer of human skin – albeit kind of old and crinkly (but hey, it’s only 2007; there’s only so much futuristic magic blood potion for machines that can be conjured up in one’s bathtub).

Wow.

Creepy.

But oh so cool.

I am still loving Summer Glau’s good Terminator, Cameron, and her efforts to blend into high school life alongside John.

John: “I went. I learned. I didn’t get killed. And she didn’t kill anybody, so all in all it was a pretty good first day.”

The humorous moments of this series are so much more rich than the film given they have the time to explore the whole man/machine awkwardness in a much slower way. The brutal honesty in which she answers questions can, at times, be just too darn funny given she doesn’t know she’s being brutally honest.

Girl: “Does this skirt make me look fat?”
Cameron: “Yes.”

We should note that FBI Agent James Ellison, who was on Sarah’s trail back in 1999 is still on Sarah’s trail. The whole fake identity thing might be coming into play given the “safehouse” of resistance fighters the team had to break into last week to get themselves set-up with some cash flow left the odd finger print or two.

Uh-oh.

Not to mention Enrique (we remember him as Sarah’s source for all things illegal back in the film?) was shot dead by Cameron in last week’s ep given he seems to have knarcked on Sarah’s “re-emergence” to old Agent Ellison.

Double uh-oh.

The fight to save the world continues ...

New episodes of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles air Mondays at 9 p.m. on FOX. You can also watch full episodes online. Just visit the Official Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles Web site to catch up (or re-watch!)

** Programming Note: The next new episode will air in two weeks on Monday, February 4th.

'Medium' Will Always Have Paris

"Dream the dream, find the girl, get the job." If only it were that simple. Well truth be told, it would have been had the father of the missing girl not sold the company to which Joe was applying to Joe's former employer. Talk about your bad luck. Looks like Joe will be standing in the unemployment line for a little longer (at least four more weeks thanks to a network hiatus). Anyone who has gone through the job search process knows how grueling it is, so I feel for Joe. The good thing about being an aerospace engineer, though: it's so specialized that there aren't a lot out there. The bad thing: there also aren't a lot of jobs. Oregon, anyone? In the meantime, Allison kept having those pesky, confusing dreams about an American couple in Paris. It sounds like a bad knock off of a 50s film, and in reality, it wasn't too far off. When the episode first began, I thought that the Paris set looked really fake. I chocked it up to HD until we met the diorama-making ex-husband. Then, I began to wonder if he created Paris hoping to recapture that "we'll always have Paris" feeling between him and his ex-wife. Allison began to get the same notion, but she was sidelined by a lack of evidence and a now uncooperative family.

Just when I thought all hope was lost in a warrant technicality, my Det. Hottie Scanlon came in and saved the day (as usual). It's just too bad that he didn't have a big role this week. When is Devalos coming back?? I want the old gang back together and this new DA wants nothing to do with Allison. His loss (and mine since No Allison = No Det. Scanlon). Damn you new DA! Medium (apparently) will return in 4 weeks with all-new episodes.

'Case' Gets GLAAD Nom

GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) announced its nominees for the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards Sunday (Jan. 20th) and PTR fave Cold Case was among the honored series. The crime drama is nominated for this season's "Boy Crazy" for its sensitive portrayal of transgender issues. The episode, which aired earlier this season, had the CC team investigating the 1963 murder of a gender-confused teen. This is Cold Case's 5th nomination. The series won in 2006 for the season two episode "Best Friends" (which dealt with a lesbian relationship in the 1920s). Other nominated series this year include: Dirty Sexy Money, My Name is Earl, Boston Legal, Project Runway, Ugly Betty, The L Word, and Brothers and Sisters. Overall, ABC garnered the most nominations with nine.

From the Press Release:
The GLAAD Media Awards recognize and honor media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community and the issues that affect their lives.

The GLAAD Media Awards ceremonies will be held in New York on March 17th; in South Florida on April 12th; in Los Angeles on April 26th; and in San Francisco on May 10th. GLAAD will provide details about upcoming broadcast dates in the near future.

For more on the awards, visit GLAAD's official site.

Interracial Controversy on 'Friday Night'

Friday Night Lights has never been the type of show to shy away from controversial issues. It tends to hit them head on like its football players crushing the opposing team on the field every Friday night. This week, they took on the emotional issue of interracial relationships. Smash's invitation to girlfriend Noel's house for dinner wasn't just an opportunity to meet the parents. Nor was it intended as a meet and greet between the two families. It was more of an intervention. Noel's parents spoke first about their concerns about this relationship and how difficult it will make things for both Noel and Smash. Then, Smash's mom chimed in agreeing and creating quite the rift between the star running back and his mom. Both sides, while OK with the relationship just worried about society's reaction to it, must be confused about the year, right? I mean, this is 2008! If only that were true. After an innocent trip to the movie theater, it appeared that the road is much bumpier than either Smash or Noel realized. Sadly, Smash's little sister got caught in the cross fire leaving her a little scared. Even if the confrontation in the theater hadn't happened, the looks on people's faces were enough to convey just how uncomfortable some people are when it comes to interracial dating.

Elsewhere, Tim just can't catch a break. He finally decides that he's ready to treat Lyla right and he walks in on her kissing her new Christian radio co-host (Gilmore Girls Matt Czuchry). I'm not so sure Lyla and Tim are a good idea, but it doesn't make me feel any less sorry for him. I'm still catching up on Gilmore Girls (sadly, I'm almost done), so it's nice to see "Logan" in a different role. Meanwhile, Tami had trouble dropping Gracie off at daycare and it even had her questioning her decision to go back to work. As usual, Connie Britton did a fabulous job making me feel torn right along with Tami. Easily one of the most underrated actresses on TV. And then there was Buddy Garrity. I wonder if he's having second thoughts on his decision to take in a troubled teen. It seems you can keep the teen out of trouble, but you can't keep the troubled friends out of the teen's life. Oh boy. New episodes continue (for now) Fridays on NBC.

Teams Claw their Way to the Finish Line

We painfully watched Nate & Jen self distruct and eliminate themselves from the race last week. Tonight, Ron/Christina, Nick/Don, and TK/Rachel will complete the final leg and compete to cross the finish line in first place for $1 million. CBS promises "a photo finish," so buckle up, sit back and enjoy the ride. Here are this week's "live" thoughts.

Psych-out! Ron and Christina had the other teams all worried that they had caught another flight when they failed to appear at the gate with the rest of them. Turns out, they were doing a little internet research about their next destination - 6th Avenue Outfitters in Anchorage. When is that race karma going to kick in?? They totally screwed over Nate and Jen last week and have never had to pay for it. Maybe it will kick in right at the end when they're suppose to cross the finish line. Fingers crossed!

Apparently, the race karma is a little confused. It just struck Nick & Don instead! They got their clue, but forgot their bag of goodies. This means they'll be going back to the store as soon as they realize what they've done. Bummer!

Is it just me or does this leg's Detour really bite??!! Filleting a HUGE fish or diving into a tank full of snapping crabs. Neither sounds too appetizing to me. Why do Ron and Christina have all the luck??!! They just found the dang clue inside the fish. How are they this far ahead of the other teams already? Soooo frustrating!

Yes!! The other teams finally caught up with Ron & Chris. Ron made that ice wall look pretty easy, but Chris is really struggling (allowing the others to catch up). Unfortunately, it was short lived and now Ron and Chris are already on their way. Race karma, where are you??

Most. Impossible. Roadblock. Ever!!! There's only one correct way to assemble the 10 items, but several ways to do it wrong??!! I think we're going to be here a while. These are my favorite ending Roadblocks, though. I still vividly remember the map challenge from the family edition and the flag challenge when the hippies won a few seasons back. It's all about the brains and nothing about the brawn. Let's see who has the brains to do it and win the $1 million.

I really can't handle the suspense and stress! I'm at the edge of my seat. I mean, how hard is this Roadblock?? There's no way I'd be able to remember all of these details. Christina just made hers worse! YES!!! Rachel just did it! She solved the impossible! Now, quick like bunny and finish the race in first because Ron & Chris are hot on your tail.

You just can't beat a neck-and-neck finish of The Amazing Race. And the winner is... TK and RACHEL!! Ron and Chris finished in second with Don and Nick taking third. So, maybe that karma did come in at the end. As usual with TAR, the amazing part comes with the bonds that develop between the 2 people in the teams. Ron and Chris may not have won the million, but they walked away happier than when they started.

What did you think of the finale? Were you happy to see TK and Rachel win? Leave me a comment with your thoughts.

AMPTP and WGA to Meet Again

Some encouraging news on the ongoing writers strike from United Hollywood:

UH has learned that as of yesterday, the WGA began an informal dialogue with one of the conglom bosses. The conversations were cordial and respectful on both sides. This is the way that the DGA talks began -- with informal consultations at a high level between leaders on both sides. It is not negotiation, it's the precursor to negotiation, but the good news is that what Patric Verrone, David Young and John Bowman said at the captain's meeting yesterday appears to be very true: we are finally at a moment where the companies are ready to start seriously bargaining. A letter was sent to membership last night, asking everyone to be patient and calm as we move forward. As frustrating as it is to wait, it's the best way to get the best deal possible.

Full story at UH.

Now's the time to cross those fingers, dig out those lucky charms, and say your prayers to the TV gods because we need a fair resolution ASAP!

'Dexter' Comes to CBS

By LillyKat / PTR Staff Writer

There's soon to be no more Lil' on Sundays.

But alas, we will have Dex.

CBS will be bringing Showtime's critically acclaimed original series, Dexter, to its Sunday night lineup beginning February 17th at 10 p.m.

For those not in the know, Michael C. Hall plays the amazingly charming, ingeniously clever and incredibly moral Dexter Morgan - a forensic investigator specializing in blood spatter (gee, ya' think?) for the Miami Metro Police Department and who also just so happens to be a serial killer.

Having watched the show from its inception on Showtime, I. Am. Hooked. It should be interesting to see the edits CBS decides to make given the show is a premium cable series (and those f-bombs reign regulalry over on Showtime not to mention there is the whole blood thing). I doubt, however, the edits will detract from the overall brillance of the show.

Look for Dexter at PTR come this February. You can check out Showtime's official Dexter Web site for the inside scoop on the series.