disappointed

We recently added HBO to our cable package, and I have to say, I’m starting to rethink that decision a little. Now, we only added it to see firsthand the very last episodes of the Sopranos, which we’ve been watching along with various hi-def movies and comedy specials.

So, my issue is that with only 5 episodes left of the Sopranos, nothing has happened. I was really expecting something action-packed and suspenseful. No such luck. So Tony gets shot and almost dies, and now he’s losing his mind. So…nothing’s happened. They vacationed with Janice and Bobby. AJ’s proposal was declined. Carmela sold her spec house. And to be perfectly honest, the only entertaining thing that’s happened so far is Vito JR having issues in school and going goth because his daddy had “butt buddies.”

This half of the season started off extremely slowly, so the “final 5 episodes” really need to show some action or suspense, otherwise the show won’t go out with the same bang it came in with.

Oh yeah, and Tony’s having gambling problems. Sure, being a mob boss is going to have its ups and downs, but I think the gambling is more small scale than we’re used to seeing with him…

Sorry, HBO, but this may be it for us.

Swarley

Perhaps my favorite How I Met Your Mother episode to date…Barney’s named gets changed to Swarley against his will.

Some of his names included Swarlhili, Swarles Barkley, and Swarles all given to him in various ways. My favorite being the phone call at the bar.  Ted sits down at the table and starts complimenting Swarley on his suit.  Swarley feeds into it and gets so excited until he hears his name being called by the bartender saying “I have an important call for SWARLEY!  SWARLEY!  You have a call!” 

I love Swarley!

Also, another Buffy sighting had been made.  Tom Lenk plays one of the coffee house employees during one scene. 

It’s ALWAYS the Father…

Yes, gentle readers, it’s true.  When in doubt, check the father. 

Last night’s House saw two children getting sick in the strangest way: the aging process accelerated via the hormones in their bodies.  They symptons started with the little girl, who was showing signs of old age in the way of having had a stroke.  The little girl’s brother however, had delayed symptons of extremely high testosterone levels, which helped House recognize the issues with the little girl. 

Turns out, the father was using penis cream to assist him in being intimate with his new girlfriend.  That bastard… I see no problem with the new girlfriend.  He deserves to have a life outside of the kids.  But using the cream nearly killed the kids.  House put it perfectly when the father asked if it was his fault.  “Stop using the cream: it’s floppy, but the kids are alive.”  Priceless.

What I absolutely loved about this episode was that Wilson’s interaction with House was hilarious.  Wilson took Cuddy to a play and obviously House was jealous….Perhaps there’s going to be something going on between Cuddy and House which, at this point, wouldn’t surprise me.

Heavy Hitters on FOX

Whedonverse Heavyhitters grace FOX’s new mid season show Drive.  Enter Nathan Fillion, Amy Acker and Tim Minear all play an important part of the success of the show. 

You may remember Nathan Fillion as the psychotic preacher Caleb on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.  Or perhaps, from Firefly or Serenity, two other brain children of the all powerful Joss Whedon.  Nathan Fillion stars as Alex Tully, a landscaper recruited for an illegal cross country road race.  Amy Acker makes her appearance as Tully’s wife, who was kidnapped in order to convince Tully to enter the race. 

Tim Minear is one of the creators of Drive, being the writer and executive producer.   He wrote 18 episodes of Angel as well as being the consulting producer for 22 episodes.  It’s good to see his name on the screen.

The first night was a two-hour premier, followed by it’s regularly scheduled time slot on Monday night’s taking the place of Prison Break.  I have to say, I do like this show.  It’s a little on the suspensy side, a little twisty and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect going in, but I was pleasantly surprised.   

The one thing I really didn’t like was the annoying blonde girl.  She’s bitchy and rude, but she’s a strong character, and will probably last for awhile.  I really can’t wait to see if Drive will be more than just some summer replacement show.

Read FOX’s recap here.

Barney Stinson, meet Bob Barker…

Now, I know this show is fantastic… the legendary Bob Barker is scheduled to make an appearance on How I Met Your Mother April 30th. 

Barney ends up on THE PRICE IS RIGHT during a voyage of self discovery. 

Check out The Starr Report for the story.

I really didn’t think this show could get any better, but with such a “LEGENDARY” guest star, how could you go wrong?

Just when I thought I was out…they pull me back in!

Easter Sunday…April 8th…marks the “Official” beginning of the end of the Sopranos.  It shall be the second half of the sixth season – at least, I think that’s what they’re calling it.

Since the beginning, the show has witnessed the racy affairs and supreme leadership of mob boss Tony Soprano, as well as the deaths (some more brutal than others) of very likeable characters, as well as those I have been praying for to be whacked already… Big Pussy.  Richie Aprille.  Ralph Cifaretto.   Gloria.   Adriana.  Vito.  Tony Blundetto…all gone.

One thing that isn’t gone is the affect the show has had on pop culture.  A cult classic in it’s own right, I think it’s safe to say that if you walk through a crowded mall and ask “OMG!  Did you see The Sopranos last night?”, 8 out of 10 people may have a comment on it.  (it could be true…)

I’m not one of those people who started from the beginning nearly 10 years ago.  I only picked it up a few years ago on dvd, and it was perhaps one of the best decisions about television I could have made.  I’ve been shocked and entertained all at once.

The Sopranos did what no other show could do, and things they couldn’t do on network tv.  They took a mob boss and made him real.  Then they made his family real, and his problems.  It wasn’t cut and dry he’s a mob boss, so automatically he’s a bad guy.  He was a family man, who just happened to be in the business of “Waste Management.” 

The only thing I can wonder is if the end will address all of the unfinished storylines: Carmela finding out about Adriana; What will happen between Tony and Phil; and what is really going on with AJ…

So, if this is the end, I hope it goes out with the same impact and brutality it came in with.

Danny Strong picked up by HBO

That’s right.  Former Buffy alum, Danny Strong, joins HBO’s film team in an upcoming film entitled “Recount,” which documents the weeks following the 2000 Presidential election and the endless recounts and controversy surrounding it.

Strong pitched the idea a year and a half ago, having done extensive research and interviews in order to get a better perspective for those who were involved in the recounts during that election year.  HBO is aiming for a release date of early Spring, 2008.

The film will be directed by Sydney Pollack, who is recognized for directing such films as “Out of Africa” and “Tootsie.”

“It’s a very compelling piece that takes a well-known event and deconstructs it from the point of view of the people involved,” HBO Films president Colin Callender said.  …according to HollywoodReporter.com.

Good luck to Danny!

another apocolypse…must be wednesday

Seriously, this is getting little ridiculous. This ridiculousness has got to stop. Another week goes by and Sanjaya has yet to be voted off American Idol.

Look. I get it. The point was made. It’s getting a little old. But seriously, WTF? I’ll give him a little credit this week, as he was a little better. And if he had any dignity, or whatever, he’d leave the show voluntarily. But, to be perfectly honest, I don’t see that happening…and he may just make it to the end.

I have no words.