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Continued from our last post, here are Veronica's highly recommended Fall TV Shows.
VERONICA'S PICKS
NEW SHOWS
Hawaii Five-0
(Premieres Monday, September 20th @10pm on CBS/Global)
Hawaii Five-0 is a refreshed remake of the classic 60’s show by the same name. Not having watched any of the original series but knowing the iconic “Book ‘em, Danno!”, was enough of a draw for me. I also had the opportunity to watch the pilot episode earlier this Summer and was impressed. The cast is known from Daniel Dae Kim (Lost), Grace Park (Battlestar Galactica) and of course the very sexy Alex O’Loughlin (who can resist an Aussie accent?). Set in Hawaii, the series B story will be about Detective McGarrett trying to solve his father’s murder. This is a must see, even if it’s only for the scenery of the island and of Grace Park in a bikini.
Outlaw
(Premieres Friday, September 24th @ 10pm on NBC/Global)
I have high hopes for this one. I’ve always enjoyed Jimmy Smits as an actor and I do like my cop/court dramas so naturally this appealed to me. Conan O’Brien is the producer for this series so I can’t go wrong. The best thing about working in Broadcast TV is getting to see things before the public. This court-room drama focuses on Supreme Court Justice Garza (Smits) who resigns from his position to start up his own law firm intent on representing the little guy. Court dramas are almost always formulaic and I don’t foresee this being any different, but it does have the commanding presence of Jimmy Smits to keep you glued to your TV.
Love Bites
(mid season, will air on NBC/Global)
Love Bites will be geared towards a dominant female audience. It follows Annie and Frannie, two single women who delve into the world of dating, relationships, sex and of course, love. Becki Newton (Ugly Betty) plays the virgin Annie and Jordana Spiro (My Boys) is the promiscuous Frannie. These two have been known as the duo of “Annie and Frannie” since high school. Greg Grunberg (Heroes) plays the hapless husband well and he’s much more suited to a comedic role. The showrunner for Love Bites was Cindy Chupack (Sex and the City) but she’s since backed out. The pilot was well received, but as this is a mid season, expect a lot of changes to the story and characters when it finally premieres. Keep your eyes peeled for this one in 2011.
The Walking Dead
(Premieres Sunday, October 31st @ 10pm on AMC)
The Walking Dead is based on a comic book series by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore. It follows a band of survivors after a zombie apocalypse in search of a safe place to call home away from the hungry hordes of zombies. We should see that this series isn’t just about surviving the zombies but each other as well. The human mind and body is pushed to its limits when everything they knew disappears. I’m excited for this for many reasons; I love the comic books, the story is solid and no one is safe. It has the possibility of being a long running show as the story can change and adapt as needed. I love anything zombie. Season one is only a six episode order but I can tell this one is going to be great. I know what I’m doing Halloween night, do you?
RETURNING SHOWS
Castle
(Season 3 premieres Monday, September 20th @ 10pm on ABC/CTV)
Obviously the premise of this show is preposterous and would never, ever actually happen, but, it’s still one hell of an entertaining show. Richard Castle is a bestselling writer who kills off his main character, Derek Storm, then suffers from writers block. He gets called in to help with a copy cat murder from one of his novels where he meets Detective Kate Beckett. What makes this series work is the appeal of Nathan Fillion (Firefly) and Stana Katic (Quantum of Solace) and of course their obvious sexual tension. These two play off each other so well, each scene just sizzles with electricity. This is one show that is a must watch, every week.
The Big Bang Theory
(Season 4 premieres Thursday, September 23rd @ 8pm on CBS/CTV)
I don’t think there is a person alive who does not enjoy this show. It’s so delightfully nerdy, socially awkward and just funny. I didn’t get hooked on this show until the third season when I happened on an episode and just fell in love with Sheldon’s persona. Of course I then had to watch the previous two seasons to catch up. Leonard is Sheldon’s roommate and fellow geek who over time has become less awkward, especially after successfully dating the hot girl next door, Penny. CBS decided to move their entire schedule around this fall, moving The Big Bang Theory to its new comedy block on Thursday night to go up against NBC’s comedy block. I know which show I’ll be watching (read: PVRing).
Criminal Minds
(Season 6 premieres Wednesday, September 23rd @ 9pm on CBS/CTV)
Yes, I do watch a lot of procedural cop dramas. I stopped watching this a few years back but due to a recent life change I’ve been hooked on watching all the reruns on A&E on weekends and have found a new appreciation for it. I love it when a show gets syndicated. What I enjoy the most are the cast of characters, how they interact with each other and with other agencies. Thomas Gibson (Dharma and Greg) plays supervisory special agent Avon Hotchner, Shemar Moore (Young & the Restless) is Special Agent Derek Morgan and my favourite Kirsten Vangsness as Tech Analyst Penelope Garcia. Her spunk and skills on the keyboard provide the show with the break from all the darkness the BAU team deals with on a daily basis.
Glee
(Season 2 premieres Tuesday, September 21st @ 8pm on Fox/Global)
This show just brings a smile to my face. I knew it was going to be a hit when I saw the Pilot last year. It had all the makings of a great show; talented cast, strong storyline, dancing and singing! It was a weekly musical that I could watch from the comfort of my couch but always had enough to keep me laughing. The themed episodes were done well and the songs chosen are almost always on the mark. This second season I’m looking forward to the second Madonna episode and I’m curious as to how the hyped up Brittany/Brittany episode will play out. Season 2’s soundtracks will surely make it onto my iPhone.
Supernatural
(Season 6 premieres Friday, September 24th @ 9pm on CW/CityTV)
Having been a fan of this series from the beginning, I was cautiously optimistic about the sixth season. The series creator Eric Kripke had a story arc that only ran for five seasons. From what’s been speculated so far, it looks like show runner Sera Gamble will be going back to the roots of the show. This sixth season will have our beloved brothers Dean (Jensen Ackles, Smallville) and Sam (Jared Padalecki, Gilmore Girls) back on the road, hunting demons and killing things in the very sexy 1967 Black Chevy Impala. As much as I disliked the Angels vs. Demons line they were on for the last two years, I still watched. And this year will be no different.
And of course honourable mention goes to Fox/Global’s Sunday night Animation 
Domination with the return of The Simpsons, Family Guy, The Cleveland Show (all premiering September 26 starting at 8pm) and American Dad (premiering October 3 at 9:30pm). The Simpsons is returning for its 22nd season, making it the longest running animated TV show. Seth McFarlane is still at the helm of Family Guy and is always willing to push the envelope with his adult themes. Spin offs don’t always work but Seth’s tried and true formula does and has lend success to The Cleveland Show.
images from google images
Not that either of us need more motivation to hermit ourselves in the comfort of our own home, but it’s September – the beginning of a beautiful new Fall TV season, the perfect excuse to kick back, put our feet up and never leave our couches.
With plenty of new shows and old time favourites, how is anyone to know what is worth watching? And how do you make time to fit everything in? We figured we would help eliminate some of the pressure and put our tastes to the test by highlighting some of our picks for shows that you cannot miss this season.
ASHLEY’S PICKS
NEW SHOWS
Undercovers
(Premieres Wed Sept 22 @ 8pm on NBC/CityTV)
Undercovers is dubbed as a “sexy, fun, action-packed spy drama that proves once and for all that marriage is still the world's most dangerous partnership”. With a cast of somewhat unknowns, I’m really just curious to see what creator J. J. Abrams (Alias, Lost) can do with a somewhat been-there-done-that spy scenario. Sounds a little too Mr. & Mrs. Smith to me, but I’m willing to give it a chance.
No Ordinary Family
(Premieres Tues Sept 28 @ 8pm on ABC/CTV)
This one hour sci-fi drama centers around the Powells, a typical American family whose members gain special abilities after their plane crash lands into the Amazon River. While I’m a big fan of anything sci-fi or superpowered, I hadn’t seen a preview for this until recently. It was Veronica’s mention that Jackson Rathbone (one of the only tolerable vampires in Twilight) would be guest starring for a number of episodes that secured my interest and this spot on my must see list. It has potential, assuming it doesn’t run the same convoluted route as Heroes did. They probably could have come up with a better name for the show, though.
RETURNING SHOWS
30 Rock
(Season 5 premieres Thurs Sept 23 @ 8:30pm on NBC/CityTV)
Liz and the gang are back for another season of corporate amusement and off-the-handle antics on 30 Rock. With all the buzz and endless awards 30 Rock has won, I initially refused to give it a chance. But I have a soft spot for Tina Fey (girl crush #2) and too much time on my hands, so at the suggestion of a friend, I gave in. I hate buying into the hype, but at least the show delivers and is somewhat deserving of all the attention. If you haven’t yet seen an episode, you’re missing out.
Stargate Universe
(Season 2 premieres Tues Sept 28 @ 9pm on SyFy)
Yes, more sci-fi. But before you roll your eyes, hear me out. The Stargate franchise may get a lot of flack for being too nerdy or too much like Battlestar Galactica (or any other sci-fi show set in space), and I guess it is, but it’s also so much more. A lot of thought goes into each episode; it’s cleverly written and planned out and ultimately, just entertaining. I’m fairly good at predicting how situations will be resolved, so I always admire a show that doesn’t take the obvious route and manages to surprise even the most weathered viewers. Give it a chance. It may take a bit to get into, but it’s definitely worth the patience.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
(Season 6 premiered Sept 16 @ 10pm on FX)
Another show that I was late to get into, but glad I came across. It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia follows the exploits of a group of self-centered friends who run a relatively unsuccessful Irish bar in South Philadelphia. The stars (other than Danny Devito) are also the creators and long time friends, making the comedic chemistry between characters believable and relatable. The only downside to the series, other than the fact that not many people have access to FX in Canada, is how the antics of each episode further inspire me to give up my career, buy a bar and drink all day.
Fringe
(Season 3 premieres Thurs Sept 23 @ 9pm on Fox/CityTV)
One word – Pacey Witter. Okay, I’m sure Joshua Jackson is tired of being remembered as Dawson’s smart mouthed sidekick on Dawsons Creek, especially considering he’s done so much to show his diversity as an actor, but I will always be team Pacey and I will always watch any film/show that he is attached to. Thankfully, Fringe ventures far from the drama filled creek and well into the mysteries of other dimensions and questionable experiments on mankind. Another J.J. Abrams project, Fringe is similar to what the X-Files used to be in its glory days (before it turned all UFO oriented) and sports a talented, strong willed cast, personable characters and unique story lines that keep drawing you back week after week.
The Mentalist
(Season 3 premieres Thurs Sept 23 @ 10pm on NBC/CTV)
Between the various Law&Orders, CSIs, NCISs and general cop shows, the last thing I want to see is another show with the same formula. While the Mentalist is often relatively predictable, it’s the characters that keep me watching, not the cases. I love Simon Baker as unconventional Patrick Jane and all the trouble he causes. And I’m a big fan of Robin Tunney (because of Empire Records, specifically the scene where she shaves her head) who plays his boss, Teresa Lisbon. The sexual chemistry and bickering between these two, not to mention the dynamic from the secondary characters on the squad, adds a little comedy and emotional drama to the tired police scene and who doesn’t love a little emotional drama?
Stay tuned for Veronica's Picks!
images from google images
Although the city is buzzing with Hollywood’s hottest celebs for the Toronto International Film Festival, remember that Toronto has a number of its own stars who have been working hard on local projects that promise to make an impact that lasts longer than two weeks of faux glamour.
While our theatrical history typically involves musicals, there is nothing more true to the stage than a Shakespearian play and last night, we were lucky enough to be invited to the opening night of Richard III at the Hart House Theatre.
Widely considered to be one of Shakespeare's greatest plays, Richard III tells the bloody and brutal story of corrupt and arrogant Richard of Gloucester and the lengths he will go to gain the crown and reign in England during the War of the Roses.
Directed by Jeremy Hutton, the three hour play stars Andre Sills as the suave villain Richard of Gloucester, a heartless role that Sills pours himself into. His bewildering charm wipes your judgements clean, causing you to forget the corrupt acts he just committed to reset the groundwork for shock every time he one-ups his previous treachery. With a pleasant tone of comedic narcissism, Sills brings the villain Richard to life in front of your eyes, exposing his deepest, darkest thoughts for all to see.
Annemieke Wade’s passionate Queen Margaret stole the show each time she took the stage, demanding your attention while spitting out her spiteful curses. She seemed to float around the stage like a magical being in a dark blue prom dress, spreading fear through her damned enemies. It was a powerful performance to witness.
Another potent scene exerts a rare moment of modernized girl-power as Claire Accott's Queen Elizabeth stands toe to toe with Richard, calling him out on his murderous deeds and refusing to promise him her daughter. You can almost see her hatred piercing into Richard as she stands her ground and resists his charm. Ultimately, she concedes to his demands, only to defy her word later by rewarding Richard’s enemy, Richmond, with her daughter’s hand. That's our kind of woman.
As always, the general production of the play is admirable. While set options are limited in a smaller theatre, the Hart House production team is so versatile when it comes to making the most of what they’re given. The transitions between scenes were seamless; your eyes being cleverly drawn to various areas of the stage as lights randomly illuminated different characters and scenes to camouflage any motion or change happening in the background.
And a personal shout out to Set Designer Scott Penner for the fascinating tree line. A simple enough scene, but 
the sneaky light work to create the transition from full bodied forestry to sinisterly bare branches during the dark inner monologues was impressive. Ashley would like to line her living room with your set design, please.
Richard III is on stage from Sept 15 – Oct 2 at the Hart House theatre. Tickets are $25 for adults or $15 for students and seniors and are available through www.uofttix.ca or by calling (416) 978-8849. show images from hart house
ticket image from Veronica's phone.
Hawaii Five-0 is a refreshed remake of the classic 60’s show by the same name. Not having watched any of the original series but knowing the iconic “Book ‘em, Danno!”, was enough of a draw for me. I also had the opportunity to watch the pilot episode earlier this Summer and was impressed. The cast is known from Daniel Dae Kim (Lost), Grace Park (Battlestar Galactica) and of course the very sexy Alex O’Loughlin (who can resist an Aussie accent?). Set in Hawaii, the series B story will be about Detective McGarrett trying to solve his father’s murder. This is a must see, even if it’s only for the scenery of the island and of Grace Park in a bikini.
I have high hopes for this one. I’ve always enjoyed Jimmy Smits as an actor and I do like my cop/court dramas so naturally this appealed to me. Conan O’Brien is the producer for this series so I can’t go wrong. The best thing about working in Broadcast TV is getting to see things before the public. This court-room drama focuses on Supreme Court Justice Garza (Smits) who resigns from his position to start up his own law firm intent on representing the little guy. Court dramas are almost always formulaic and I don’t foresee this being any different, but it does have the commanding presence of Jimmy Smits to keep you glued to your TV.
Love Bites will be geared towards a dominant female audience. It follows Annie and Frannie, two single women who delve into the world of dating, relationships, sex and of course, love. Becki Newton (Ugly Betty) plays the virgin Annie and Jordana Spiro (My Boys) is the promiscuous Frannie. These two have been known as the duo of “Annie and Frannie” since high school. Greg Grunberg (Heroes) plays the hapless husband well and he’s much more suited to a comedic role. The showrunner for Love Bites was Cindy Chupack (Sex and the City) but she’s since backed out. The pilot was well received, but as this is a mid season, expect a lot of changes to the story and characters when it finally premieres. Keep your eyes peeled for this one in 2011.
The Walking Dead is based on a comic book series by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore. It follows a band of survivors after a zombie apocalypse in search of a safe place to call home away from the hungry hordes of zombies. We should see that this series isn’t just about surviving the zombies but each other as well. The human mind and body is pushed to its limits when everything they knew disappears. I’m excited for this for many reasons; I love the comic books, the story is solid and no one is safe. It has the possibility of being a long running show as the story can change and adapt as needed. I love anything zombie. Season one is only a six episode order but I can tell this one is going to be great. I know what I’m doing Halloween night, do you?
Obviously the premise of this show is preposterous and would never, ever actually happen, but, it’s still one hell of an entertaining show. Richard Castle is a bestselling writer who kills off his main character, Derek Storm, then suffers from writers block. He gets called in to help with a copy cat murder from one of his novels where he meets Detective Kate Beckett. What makes this series work is the appeal of Nathan Fillion (Firefly) and Stana Katic (Quantum of Solace) and of course their obvious sexual tension. These two play off each other so well, each scene just sizzles with electricity. This is one show that is a must watch, every week. 
I don’t think there is a person alive who does not enjoy this show. It’s so delightfully nerdy, socially awkward and just funny. I didn’t get hooked on this show until the third season when I happened on an episode and just fell in love with Sheldon’s persona. Of course I then had to watch the previous two seasons to catch up. Leonard is Sheldon’s roommate and fellow geek who over time has become less awkward, especially after successfully dating the hot girl next door, Penny. CBS decided to move their entire schedule around this fall, moving The Big Bang Theory to its new comedy block on Thursday night to go up against NBC’s comedy block. I know which show I’ll be watching (read: PVRing).
Yes, I do watch a lot of procedural cop dramas. I stopped watching this a few years back but due to a recent life change I’ve been hooked on watching all the reruns on A&E on weekends and have found a new appreciation for it. I love it when a show gets syndicated. What I enjoy the most are the cast of characters, how they interact with each other and with other agencies. Thomas Gibson (Dharma and Greg) plays supervisory special agent Avon Hotchner, Shemar Moore (Young & the Restless) is Special Agent Derek Morgan and my favourite Kirsten Vangsness as Tech Analyst Penelope Garcia. Her spunk and skills on the keyboard provide the show with the break from all the darkness the BAU team deals with on a daily basis. 
This show just brings a smile to my face. I knew it was going to be a hit when I saw the Pilot last year. It had all the makings of a great show; talented cast, strong storyline, dancing and singing! It was a weekly musical that I could watch from the comfort of my couch but always had enough to keep me laughing. The themed episodes were done well and the songs chosen are almost always on the mark. This second season I’m looking forward to the second Madonna episode and I’m curious as to how the hyped up Brittany/Brittany episode will play out. Season 2’s soundtracks will surely make it onto my iPhone. 
Having been a fan of this series from the beginning, I was cautiously optimistic about the sixth season. The series creator Eric Kripke had a story arc that only ran for five seasons. From what’s been speculated so far, it looks like show runner Sera Gamble will be going back to the roots of the show. This sixth season will have our beloved brothers Dean (Jensen Ackles, Smallville) and Sam (Jared Padalecki, Gilmore Girls) back on the road, hunting demons and killing things in the very sexy 1967 Black Chevy Impala. As much as I disliked the Angels vs. Demons line they were on for the last two years, I still watched. And this year will be no different.
Domination with the return of The Simpsons, Family Guy, The Cleveland Show (all premiering September 26 starting at 8pm) and American Dad (premiering October 3 at 9:30pm). The Simpsons is returning for its 22nd season, making it the longest running animated TV show. Seth McFarlane is still at the helm of Family Guy and is always willing to push the envelope with his adult themes. Spin offs don’t always work but Seth’s tried and true formula does and has lend success to The Cleveland Show.
