TV: What I'm Watching

'chicago fire'

i resisted this freshman show and why i'm not sure. so i binged on the first 8 episodes and am hooked. it one of the best ensemble casts on tv currently. the combination of the work and personnel lives of the characters intertwine quite well. it has been renewed for a sophomore season. it deserves it.

grade: B+

'arrow'

'arrow' is fun. it's not generally my cup of tea but the strong performance by stephen amell keeps me coming back. not to mention his body which is the best on tv currently. the guy is hot. although the flashbacks to his island 'captivity' tend to get boring the present day story lines are tight and gripping. i hope they lessen those flashbacks next season as yes it has been renewed. katie cassidy is delightful as his 'love' interest.

grade:B

'beauty and the beast'

there is something utterly charming about the leads kristen kreuk and jay ryan that this show keeps drawing me back. they actually make you believe in them and root for them. it's good. try it and see their chemistry for yourself.

it has not yet been renewed but i'm going to keep hoping.

grade: B+

TV Season in Review: 'The Good Wife'

i believe 'the good wife' is network's best tv drama. sure it's sophmore year had some rough times but season 3 rebounded with hurricane force. it more than refound it's footing. it still showcases the brilliant julianna margulies who's character alicia struggles with success, motherhood and most importantly personal integrity. she does so flawlessly. the show also boasts one of the best casts on tv, it has simply the best roster of guest roles that 'fit' in and are not there for 'show'.

i like 'homeland' and (the generally unlikeable) claire danes but neither hold a candle to 'the good wife' and ms margulies no matter what award seasons say. i can only hope for more of this great series. if you are not watching you are missing great writing, acting and direction. shame on you.

it is my #1 show right now. those 'pretty little liars' come in a close second. but they are both so different are they not? i know they are so different but so are my tastes.so placing them near each other is not a stretch. it's just different shows for different tv watching needs.

'the good wife' season 3 gets an A.

one of my favorite versatile actresses made a guest appearance
 ms audra mcdonald

 

 

 and the brilliant stackard channing arrived as alicis's mother

'Pretty Little Liars' Season Finale Tonight

already? damn. but have no fear it will be back in june for season 3. i will say it now: troian bellisario deserves an emmy nomination this year. her performance has been nothing but remarkable. all the 'liars' are good actors but troian has been given the best material this season. i admit i am crazy about her. and i still love this guilty pleasure show that does not get it's due.
 season 2 gets an A.
 the balls are still in the air and the dishes are still spinning. it is still the best guilty pleasure on tv.

season finale trailer

'The Lying Game' Season 2 Rates an A

season 2 of 'the lying game' ended it's second season part 1 with a bunch of surprises. a major character's demise, we think, was a shocker. there were twists and turns all season and the finale keeps us wanting, begging, for more. the cast has soooo much talent. there is not a missing link among them. allie gonino, blair redford, helen slater, tyler christopher, charisma carpenter, adrian pasdar and alice greczyn shine above the rest. but that is quibbling. but it is alexandra chando who truly shines as emma/sutton who have played a dangerous lying game and brought the rest of the cast into their web of lies. i know season 2 part 2 has been filled but oddly left off abcfamily's summer roster.

i can only hope it will be back soon. it is the perfect companion piece following 'pretty little liars' on tuesday nights.