TV shows to watch

I am extremely behind in updating about shows, and quite frankly, at this point, it's not worth putting up a recap on an episode that aired 2-3weeks ago. So instead, I'm dedicating this post to a list of tv shows that people should watch and the reasons why. Some shows are already popular, some aren't, it's just a list of shows I think are quality and worth watching to get another season in (in the midst of cancellation season...RIP Undercovers).

Mondays:

Chuck: I've said it before, and I'll say it again, more people need to watch this show to ensure that it continues for several more seasons. Every season finale there's an amazing twist that sets the tone for the next season (regardless of whether or not another season is imminent), and it perfectly balances comedy, action, and drama. And it had an Alias reference in it's last episode!

Castle: Not in any big danger of being cancelled next season, it's just a fun, comedy mystery show to watch, not for the "clever" mysteries, but for the interaction between all the characters. I know Nathan Fillion is technically the star, but this is more of an ensemble show.

Tuesdays:

(Glee is being left out because it's already a ginormous hit, and everyone and their mothers know about it)

The Good Wife: An amazing series set in Chicago (bonus point!) that earned Julianna Margulies an Emmy nomination, it's compelling drama with no clear cut "bad guy," which just makes it that much more realistic. I usually look to tv to escape reality, but I make an exception for this show.

Parenthood: A small show that doesn't quite have the numbers yet, but it's an endearing family drama that (unfortunately) airs at the same time as The Good Wife. Luckily, you can find it on Hulu. It takes a few episodes to get into it, but you start to care about the characters once you see their quirks.

Wednesdays:

Modern Family: Emmy winning hilarity. The half hour, comedic version of Parenthood. Not much needed to be said about it, I think everyone knows about this show.

Cougar Town: Stay tuned after Modern Family! This week's episode was absolutely hilarious, especially the last 20sec, and it's episodes like this one that just makes me love the series. Consistent running jokes, pop culture references, and mean but lovable characters, it's crazy hijinks every week.

Thursdays:

Nikita: Just got picked up for a full season, this show is not up to its full potential. But at least its got plenty of potential to fill, which is all the more reason to watch this show and get it renewed for a few more seasons. Nothing like secret government divisions to give us twists and turns at the end of almost every episode.

Burn Notice: On USA, this series comes back next week, and if you want hot action (both literally and figuratively, as the series takes place in Miami), tune into this USA gold mine. I'm not sure if any of it is true, but the voice over alone that give us a glimpse into spy tricks of the trade make this series fun to watch, but add an alcohol loving Bruce Campbell, and it's hard for this series to do any wrong.

Week in Recap 10/10/10-10/16/10

Following in the trend of Lisa's recaps since tv = too many episodes to watch and time = short, here's a blurb about the shows I've watched this week:

How I Met Your Mother: 

This week was all about the gang competing to show how much of a new yorker they each are. Things I thought were hilarious (in no particular order):

1. Barney hailing an ambulance to beat everyone in the race.

2. Maury. 'Nuff Said.

3. Lily understanding conductor speak. 

What the hell do those conductors talk into to distort their voice so much?!?!

Hawaii 5-0: 

To be honest, I completely zoned out into my computer the entire episode. I just remember some people getting arrested in the end .... I think. For some reason, this show is really not doing it for me. I blame McGarrett... and the story lines... and the lack of real drama. 

Modern Family: 

Main plotlines of this episode were ...

1. The "Strangers on a Train" plot between Mitchell and Claire was cute but the best was ...

2. Alex and her attempt to be a mean girl. 

Phone conversation with Mackenzie hilarious. "Love you .... AHH!! AHH!! AHH!!!"

But so sad for her at the end. I relate, Alex! I relate!

3. The "mistaken father-daughter/engagement party dance" was just disturbing.

Hellcats: (Yes, I actually watch this show) 

Cute filler episode where the cheerleaders get challenged to flag-football by the volleyball players and they kick the volleyball player's ass! That game set-up was way hard-core with coaches, scoreboards, and matching team ensembles. Only on a TV show, right?

Vampire Diaries & Nikita: (Not on this week.)

I miss you.

30 Rock:

Liiiiivvvveeee from New York. It's 30 Rocccckkkkkkkkk!

Watched both the East Coast and the West Coast versions and I have to say the East Coast version was funnier, not sure if it's because I saw it first or because I noticed more mistakes in the West Coast version. This episode revolved around how everyone forgot Liz's 40th birthday. 

The guest stars were all awesome and there were so many of them. Good deal.

Supernatural:

Directed by Dean aka Jensen Ackles, this was a hilarious exploration of Bobby's life. Though the boys were only in a small part of the episode, I didn't really miss them because all the secondary characters really shined. So many good things to say: 

Loved the soundtrack. 

Loved all the "Balls!" ;-p 

Loved Bobby telling that dude to call the FBI ... and then that guy called Bobby on his fake FBI line (seriously, how is that moron not dead?!) 

Loved the Sheriff-Bobby interactions and the Luthor/Rufus-Bobby interaction. 

Modern Family, Season 2 Episode 2

I was going to write a recap of the episode but then I discovered EW has pretty much monopolized all of the funny lines in the episode so I'll just include a link. (BTW, thank you EW for recapping 90% of all my favorite shows. Vampire Diaries? Check. Nikita? 30 Rock? Supernatural? Check, check, and check. I need to devote another hour just so I can read all the recaps).
Instead, I'll comment on the much-hyped kiss. Not only did I think the way they worked it into the storyline was cute and appropriate to all the characters and their relationships with each other. (Hello!? It completely makes sense that Mitchell is affection-phobic. Jay is his dad after all.) But I also loved the subtle de-emphasis of when Cam and Mitchell finally kiss (especially after all the media hoopla). I like that you just see it in the background as Jay goes to bestow a fatherly kiss on Claire. I love the fact that they didn't make it a visual centerpiece. Instead, I thought it really made it a statement as something that happens naturally in this loving relationship between two people, and we as voyeurs have just caught them kissing at the right moment, a chance of timing rather than anything else.
I know this dude from TV.com didn't agree but whatever. To each their own.

Thoughts?

Modern Family, Season 2 Episode 1, Season Premiere

Funniest show on the air and the season premiere was a perfect example of that.
I'm not gonna give you a recap since you should just watch the entire first season 'cause it's just that good.
Instead, here are a few of the many many hilarious zingers from the season opener:

Phil, the realtor: "You know what? You can insult a lot of things about me, my hair, my voice, my balance board exercises, but don't insult my selling. That crosses a line. What line? Oh you don't see it? That's cause I just sold it."

Every single line about Mitchell's home-improvement skills:
Cam: "If an accident does happen, I hope he kills me because I don't think I would be a very inspiring disabled person."
Jay, about building a bookshelf with Mitchell: "That was my Vietnam... and I was in Vietnam."

Luke, on finding an old pic of his parents: "Mom, what was this from?"
Claire: "Oh, that's the year your Dad and I went to the Rose Bowl."
Phil: "That was an incredible game."
Luke: "Mom, you look really pretty ... So what happened?"
Phil: "Well Luke, everyone gets older. Just 'cause parts of your mom aren't what they used to be it doesn't m--"
Luke: "I mean, what happened in the game?"

Claire, about her children: "Look at them. Come on. A minute ago, they were babies. And now they're driving. And soon we'll all be dead."
Phil: "Woah! You're leaving out a few great minutes there. Retirement. Old age. Cool chair that goes up the stairs."

Phil, about selling a car: "The art of the sale is all about what you leave out. '83 classic wagon ... tough to find parts. They don't make 'em like this anymore ... for legal reason. Enjoyed for many years by one happy family ... of raccoons."