MSN TV Blog: Blog

'Survivor' Cast Revealed

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 02:27:15 GMT

Today CBS announced who is going to be on the cast of the new season of "Survivor."

In addition to some of the elderly dead Survivors walking and hotties, there's an Olympic gold medalist, a pro video gamer, an actress who appeard on "The Gilmore Girls" and a guy named Ace Gordon.

Yes, Ace Gordon.

Now it's going to have a tough time trumping the last season or so. But maybe it'll succeed if these and other contestants live up to their potential.

Also, Exile Island is being changed up a little.

Instead of being a hardship, people who go to Exile (no longer an island) will have a choice to either get a little bit of luxury and comfort or to get a lead on a hidden immunity idol. From what Probst seems to be hinting, most people seemed to err on the side of luxury.

- posted by Raoul

Today Vegas, Tomorrow...Scranton? Seattle?

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:05:14 GMT

Here's an odd little news item courtesy of Variety:

"HBO has paired with Virgin America to rebrand the airline's flight from New York's John F. Kennedy Intl. Airport to Las Vegas as 'Entourage Air' throughout September...In addition to wrapping a Virgin America plane with 'Entourage' signage, the airline will screen the season premiere of the show on the Vegas-bound flight beginning Sept. 4, when the airline launches its direct route."

I could very reasonably shake my head here and lament the state of product tie-ins corrupting our favorite TV shows but...I think this idea is awesome! Every airline should do this! Here are my humble suggestions for a few more rebranded flights:

Threat Level: Midnight: Newark, NJ to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport on Continental Connection. Passengers can watch old episodes of "The Office" and a medley of "Survivorman" reruns. Pizza by Alfredo will cater. Anyone who oh-so-heroically sits in an emergency exit row will get a Dwight Schrute bobblehead to take home. There may or may not be a bat on the plane.

Seattle Grace Express: Los Angeles to Seattle on United. Passengers will board to emotive pop songs about love then dine on McPretzels and drink way too much (free!) McBooze. Passengers will be pretty much required to hook up with whoever they happen to be seated next to and then alienate their neighbors by the end of the flight. There will be dancing in the aisles for no apparent reason and at least three highly improbable medical emergencies during the course of the flight.

- Posted by Kate

'Top Chef:' Sometimes the Best Interviews Aren't Interviews At All

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:39:51 GMT

Remember Dale Talde? Of course you do! Well, earlier this week he taught a class at the Culinary Institute of America's NYC outpost and dished on his dreams...and Andrew. It seems like Dale's doing pretty well even without $100,000, a new car and a profile in Food and Wine magazine. You can read the whole "interview" here, but let me share my favorite part:

"Dale said that Andrew, who coined the 'I have a culinary boner' phrase, is actually pretty laid back and not nearly as spastic as he came across in the show. Dale did mention one time that Andrew almost threw his head through a window late-night after Dale had 'drank lots of champagne' and told Andrew that he should have been the one to go home on the episode where Zoe was eliminated."

I don't find this hard to picture, somehow.

- Posted by Kate

You Know You Love Me!

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:05:05 GMT

Hello, "Gossip Girl" fans! I have something to brighten up your Wednesday: the first couple minutes of next Monday's "Gossip Girl" premiere. Now, you'll have to sit through a not-so-quick recap of season one before you get to see the goods. The fun starts about a minute and a half in. It's lovely to see all our old friends again (though Blair is notably absent) and it's quite a relief that the show is turning up the sex, lies and materialism. The subway posters do not lie!

XOXO, Kate

'Buffy the Animated Series' to Make A Comeback?

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:57:34 GMT

One of my favorite series of all time is "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." I'd known that there was an attempt to make a cartoon version of it that died on the vine.

Now, through the magic of YouTube, a pilot for that is available. And Jeph Loeb, a comics writer who has had a fair amount of success also writing for TV shows like "Smallville" and "Heroes" and "Lost," seems to think that the series could be brought back from the dead, not unlike Buffy herself.

I'd heartily welcome that for several reasons. More "Buffy" is inherently a good thing. Also, the animated series would be set in the more innocent Season One era. So no magic-addiction storylines, no Spike, no junior Slayers. The world of animation would allow bigger and better sequences than were possible in live-action. (Loeb talks about Buffy fighting an actual army of vamps, and the pilot features her taking on a dragon.) And much of the original cast would probably be available and interested in reprising their roles, with the exception of Sarah Michelle Gellar. (I'm pretty sure Aly Hannigan would make the time to do her part as Willow, despite "How I Met Your Mother").

Anyhow, if you're curious, take a look and see what you think.

- posted by Raoul

'Intervention:' Behind the Addiction

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 19:54:26 GMT

E's most addictive show - pun halfheartedly intended? - is getting its very own reunion special. "Intervention: After Treatment" will air Monday, September 8. The special will take us back into the lives of some of the show's most controversial addicts:

"Among the people we'll hear from in the one-hour special hosted by actor and activist Christopher Lawford are: Sylvia; whose addiction to alcohol cost her custody of her children; Michelle; a once bright student who turned to drugs after childhood trauma; Hubert; whose addiction to alcohol left him homeless and on the streets of Los Angeles; Coley and his wife Francine. Coley's addiction to crystal meth almost cost him his family. Also appearing will be Dillon and his mom Tammy. Dillon's addiction to methamphetamines prompted his mom Tammy to reach out to the show for help and led to one of the series' most compelling interventions to date."

- Posted by Kate

The New 'Lost' Game Is Starting to Creep Me Out

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:53:30 GMT

Dork that I am, I'm always glad to play "Lost's" online summer games - I actually think I've played them all. Dharma Wants You is a different animal. Now, maybe I'm not far enough along, but so far there are no clues related to the show, no objects to find, no choppy video or mysterious new characters, there are just tests. Lots of tests. I've taken an odd personality test - much, much weirder than Myers-Briggs - and a spatial relations test.

Why so many tests? I've seen "Alias" -- isn't this just how Jack Bristow would recruit six year olds? The tests are sort of fun, but I don't really want to go live on a mysterious island and either save or destroy the world. Or stab anyone with an ice pick.

- Posted by Kate

'Idol's' Getting a Fourth Judge!

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:41:02 GMT

Fox is adding songwriter Kara DioGuardi to the "American Idol" judging panel!

Kind of a weird move on Fox's part? Yup.

"Fox president of alternative Mike Darnell [said]: 'For the past seven seasons, Paula has had to endure the experience of being the only woman at the judges' table. She's been as an island of consideration and gentle criticism between Randy and Simon, offering her invaluable expertise as a performer and No. 1 artist to the thousands who have competed on 'Idol.' With Kara by her side, Paula finally has some backup, and now there is going to be a lot more girl power on the show.'

So...girl power. Nothing about Paula's weird onstage gaffes, just girl power. I take it we can expect Kara to be another "nice judge" because she's a girl? Ooooookay. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for having a fourth judge. I think it's great that the show is shaking things up. What do you guys think?

- Posted by Kate

Win Season 2 of 'Heroes' on DVD

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:21:45 GMT

It's giveaway time, kids! Season two of "Heroes" comes out on DVD today and we've got four copies set aside just for you. Best of all? One of you will win a copy signed by Tim Kring, Ali Larter, Hayden Panetierre and Adam Pasdar! All you have to do to win is send an e-mail with the answer to the following trivia question to winthis@microsoft.com. If you want to be eligible to win the signed DVD set, then you've got to answer my bonus question, too. (Please read the official rules before you hit the send button.)

QUESTION:
What's the name of the casino that Ando, Hiro, Nathan and Niki visited waaaay back in the first season?

BONUS QUESTION:
What other TV show has featured this casino?

Good luck!

- Posted by Kate

ABC Picks Up a Bunch of Series

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 02:47:43 GMT

ABC is trying to win me over by picking up shows with stars and producers I love.

Rob Thomas of "Veronica Mars" fame is going to do a revival of "Cupid," which is about a guy who thinks he's the god of love.

Nathan Fillion of "Firefly" renown is going to star in a show as a crime novelist who helps the cops solve crimes.

Alyssa Milano of "Melrose Place" will headline the sitcom "Single with Parents."

- posted by Raoul

Tonight: 'America's Toughest Jobs'

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 21:03:32 GMT

What if "Wipeout" had a purpose beyond humiliation? Well, then we'd call it "America's Toughest Jobs." This new show from NBC pits 12 regular people against each other to do some of the most difficult work around: drilling oil wells, driving on icy roads... Hey, you still get to see people suck at things, right? (Still not convinced? We've got video.)

You can check out the first episode tonight at 9:00.

- Posted by Kate

Here's the (Possibly Fake) Roster for 'The Celebrity Apprentice'

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:38:23 GMT

It's that time of year again - The New York Post claims to know who's gonna star in "The Celebrity Apprentice."

Last time they got it almost completely wrong, but let me float you the names anyway.

We've got Khloe Kardashian, Joan and Melissa Rivers, Dennis Rodman, Tony Danza and Petra Nemcova.

I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for one of the Coreys.

- Posted by Kate

Link Time

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 22:46:01 GMT

Buzz got a great interview out of the young actor Tristan Wilds on moving from The Wire's Baltimore to 90210's, well, 90210. (BuzzSugar)

This week, Sandie took at first look at NBC's new show, My Own Worst Enemy. (Daemon's TV)

My favorite comedy, The Office will be returning in just a few ~~short~~ long weeks. I'm passing the time by watching season 4 on DVD. You can too. GMMR is giving away a copy of Season 4 of The Office on DVD. (Give Me My Remote)

Usain Bolt: the next Flavor Flav and even more thoughts from the Beijing Olympics. (Scooter McGavin's 9th Green)

Vance checks out the new contestants on The Amazing Race (Season 13) and makes gloriously uneducated preconceptions about all the teams. (Tapeworthy)

This week, Jace reviewed Season One of the adorable, charming, and wickedly funny British comedy Gavin & Stacey, which launches on Tuesday evening on BBC America. (Televisionary)

Is Dan overreacting? He was a bit put-off by the teaser for CBS's The Mentalist which employs some gay stereotypes. (TiFaux)

This Week

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 22:03:37 GMT

- Ellen Degeneres and Portia de Rossi got married.

- We found out we weren't getting "90210" screeners.

- We thought about how "Fringe" compares to "The X-Files."

- We didn't believe The Food Network when they said their new competitive eating show won't be gross.

- We dished out some "Eureka" spoilers.

- We gave you our honest take on "America's Greatest Dog"...and so did Beth Joy.

Some 'Stargate' Switchovers

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:01:32 GMT

Sci Fi has said that the current season of "Stargate Atlantis" will be the last and the franchise will join big brother "Stargate SG-1" in the movie-making business. The regular season ends in January. Unlike "SG-1," the first "Atlantis" movie will air on Sci Fi and then be released on DVD.

At the same time, a little more has come out about the next series in the franchise, "Stargate Universe."

Basically, an Earth crew investigates an Ancient ship called the Destiny and then gets stuck traveling on it to all sorts of places.

Part of me is sad that "Atlantis" won't have a chance to challenge "SG-1" for the longest running American sci-fi series. I think these characters and their situation still have a lot of legs behind them. That said, I don't know if the writers have ever fully made the most of what they had. As far as I know, most of Atlantis is still unexplored, the Wraith are still largely underdeveloped and two-dimensional and most episodes are about the undiminished greatness of Sheppard and McKay. Would it really kill them to make better use of their ensemble cast?

Chances are the number-crunchers figured that whatever the ratings for "Atlantis" are, they're not likely to get much higher in a sixth or subsequent season, and the direct-to-DVD model is probably more profitable. Even though I understand TV is a business, I still hate it that this decision is probably more about the financial side of things than the creative side.

As for "Universe," of course I'll give it a whirl. But it sounds uncomfortably like "Stargate Voyager" for my liking.

- posted by Raoul

How I Met Your Lighting Director

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:43:58 GMT

I have to say, the Creative Arts Emmys are getting cooler.

Kathy Griffin made her infamous "Suck it, Jesus" speech there, and the cast of "The Office" made quite a splash too.

Now Sarah Chalke and Neil Patrick Harris have been tapped to host this year's festivities.

The ceremony takes place on September 13 but won't be broadcast until the following week.

- Posted by Kate

Late-Night Comedians Joke Less about Obama

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:28:01 GMT

A study has come out showing that the main late-night talkers joke more often about McCain (and for that matter, Hilary Clinton) than they do about Obama.

The trouble with this sort of study is that it's another example when numbers alone don't tell the whole story.

A lot of people will look at the stats and jump to the conclusion that they've been harboring all along: the late night comics are "laying off" on Obama in the hopes that he'll win. In fact, the L.A. Times story I linked to has "laying off" as part of their headline.

There are other potential reasons for the numerical discrepancy than political bias, and reasons why this study doesn't say all that much on that subject.

For one, McCain jokes, particularly about his age, are pretty easy. People have been telling jokes about old people so long that listeners fell off their dinosaurs and broke their stone underwear. Joking about Obama is probably not all that straightforward. Joking about his blackness is not PC. Apparently some have joked about his being a messiah figure.

For another, there's an unspoken assumption that in a balanced world, about the same number of jokes should be about each candidate. That's not the case. Sometimes one candidate is in the news more frequently than the other, and so (one would think) more jokes would be told about him. Sometimes one candidate does something that particularly deserves being mocked, and all the shows should seize on it.

And then finally, it's important to remember the difference between quantity and quality. A dozen mostly harmless jabs could lead to greater numbers of jokes being told about one politician, but a couple really harsh jokes against his opponent might show more bias.

In the end, I think if the numbers were reversed and the comics told more jokes about Obama than the other candidates, we would have some of the usual suspects claiming that as a sign that the liberal media was wanting to promote their man and make sure that he got the maximum free publicity. It's pretty much a no-win scenario.

- posted by Raoul

Guess Who's Giving Out Roses

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:28:12 GMT

ABC has announced that Jason Mesnick will be their next "Bachelor." Remember Jason?

I have to say, I like this twist. We're used to our bachelorettes being cast-off contestants, so why shouldn't the next bachelor be one too?

I have to wonder if Jason will take as many little digs at DeAnna as she took at Brad. (Probably not. She sure stuck that knife in and twisted it around.)

I know that a lot of you guys loved Jason - are you looking forward to seeing him back on TV early next year?

- Posted by Kate

Tonight: 'The Cho Show'

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:14:47 GMT

If you're planning to stay up a little bit late tonight you should check out Margaret Cho's new reality show on VH1. "The Cho Show" follows America's favorite non-redheaded potty mouthed comedienne around as she...does nothing. I haven't seen it yet and, sadly, the reviews aren't stellar. Here's what Verne Gay of the Sun-Sentinel had to say:

"Cho has long been an acquired taste, and - while her fans will luxuriate in these 22 minutes - few newbies will acquire that tonight. VH1 badly needed to fully set the table here and tell viewers why she's funny and has a rabid (and largely gay) following. All they get is a shaker of salt and a little pepper."

The show premieres tonight at 11:00 on VH1.

- Posted by Kate

'Dog' Owners And Their Cattiest Comments

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:13:27 GMT

Time to catch up with "Greatest American Dog."

I've been watching every week, and it seems like it's going to come down to a contest between J.D./Galaxy versus Theresa/Leroy. Those teams seem consistently to be winning the most challenges and as a storyline, it's perhaps intriguing. J.D. is a very discipline-oriented master, while Theresa seems very laid-back. Also, of the dogs remaining, Galaxy and Leroy seem to me the cutest.

In last night's episode, we got to see truly cute puppies: golden retrievers. I may be biased by ownership of one of that breed as a kid, but I really don't think many dogs can match up with golden retrievers when it comes to looks, especially when we're talking about young dogs.

Our owners and dogs were supposed to lead three of the puppies through a maze. And when Bella Starlet not only failed to lead a single pup out, but didn't make it out herself, it was clear she was heading home.

Over the last three weeks, we've seen Brandi and Beacon, Laura and Preston and now Beth Joy and Bella Star expelled from Canine Academy. In an attempt to catch up, I'll post the highlights of my conversations with each of the three instead of the transcript I usually do.

Let's start with my talk with Beth Joy and Bella Starlet.

She started off by saying she felt "shafted" because even though Bella Starlet didn't lead any of the puppies out of the maze, at least she didn't bite or snipe at them like Andrew and Star. "I think I'd rather have my dog have my dog have me try to rescue her than try to eat a puppy," she said. "It was about citizenship."

She went on, "From the time we were introduced to the puppies to the time we actually started the competition, it was about three hours. It was about 105 degrees that day. In the beginning, when Bella saw the puppies she went darting toward them. She was so excited. Three hours later, she could care less. It was so hot. No dog wanted to be out there. Presley got overheated. Star got overheated." At one point, Bella Starlet even had to get IV fluids.

Some of the challenges by their nature, Beth Joy said, give different dogs an advantage. Bella Starlet had somewhat of one when it came to being photographed. The maze, she continued, gave larger dogs one. "I'm so short I couldn't see where she was at all, and it was very hard to navigate her and where she was."

In a way, I'm saddest to see her go. From when the descriptions of the dogs and their owners came out, she seemed a little out there. She has a tattoo of her dog and she lists her profession as managing Bella Starlet's career.

When I asked her what prompted her to get the tattoo, she said that it was because Bella Starlet's her "soulmate. She's part of everything I do. She's my muse and my mentor. She inspires me daily. I don't know where I'd be in my life without her. We rescued each other. She's my world."

And as for how she can sustain herself on Bella Starlet's career, she said she has three other showbiz animals who she also manages. "They do a commercial here, a photo shoot there," she said. Beth Joy also writes a couple columns in local magazines.

And, curiously enough, she also used to get some work as a lookalike for Elaine from "Seinfeld."

She has bellastarletdog.com. And she also does a lot of other animal work, including renting out one of her dogs to let people play with her and helping with public relations for animal charities.

She defended herself against the notion that she's as odd as she might seem to viewers. "Experiencing it and watching it are two different things," she said.

Beth said she would crack up the producers by saying stuff and singing songs. "I'm funny and goofy, but I'm not a total spaz like that. They (the producers) wanted to make a character. I get it."

She also said that she may seem fussy with all the pills and powders she gives Bella Starlet, but that she's overprotective for a reason. She had a previous dog die and she wants to do everything to make sure that Bella Starlet has as long a life as possible. She even converted former contestant Ron to feeding Tillman only organic dog food. Bella had had two surgeries on one leg and a heart murmur; she's had no problems like that with her current regimen. "I take better care of Bella than I do myself," she said. "I would hope every person in America reading this would do the same for their dogs because health and nutrition is so important, and people take that for granted."

Beth was still a little bitter about Laura trying to call Beth out for allegedly overtaxing Bella Starlet during the painting episode. "It was completely premeditated on her part to go out there and throw me under the bus. She has no scruples. She made that choice. 'You know what? I'm going to sit around for hours on end and put my makeup on instead of working on a project with my dog.'"

While Beth woke up at 5 a.m. to finish the project, she said Laura wasn't even outside till 11 a.m., and hadn't started stenciling yet. "In no way, shape or form was I hurting my dog whatsoever," Beth Joy added. "Those yelps were voiceover yelps. That's not even how my dog yelps. So they were trying to make a story about it."

One of the challenges with the show was constantly performing. "Some of the best trick dogs on that show sometimes just said, 'I'm just going to sit here and not listen to you right now," Beth Joy said. All that makes it hard to figure out who might win, she added.

Beth Joy recalled being terrified by dogs as a youngster because she was almost mauled by a German Shepherd. "I've completely come around, and I understand the nuances of dogs," she said. "I get it."

Before Beth Joy and Bella Starlet, Laura and Preston got eliminated after participating in a challenge to do a painting where the dogs applied all the paint to the canvas. During the process, Laura and Preston seemed to struggle and the final product had a big ol' pink blob in the middle. "I guess it was our time to go. Painting was definitely not our thing. I don't know how that relates to being the greatest dog."

It seemed like in her last two weeks, Preston wasn't doing a great job of following Laura's lead. Painting and dancing aren't exactly in her wheelhouse, she explained. She's more of an extreme sports gal.

Viewers didn't get the full sense of what she was hoping to convey with the painting, namely how the bond she has with Preston reflects what she wished she could have had with her mom. Laura's mom died of breast cancer when Laura was six, and even though the rest of Laura's family was great, there was a real void there.

Laura said the turnaround time on challenges was killer. "They were trying to really encourage us to teach our dogs these new things that were so foreign to them in such a short amount of time, and he was exhausted."

Behind the scenes, Preston did a lot of playing with the other dogs, and that was something Laura encouraged. So instead of being "overtrained," like the judges said, Preston was just tired.

Unlike some of the other contestants, film producer Laura never really thought she was going to take home the title and the $250,000 prize. "I went there to have a good time with (Preston) and escape my crazy life in show business," Laura said. "I really was focused on making the experience fun for him. ... I was so fortunate to have 40 days to hang out with my best friend, Preston."

Laura got Preston after a break-up left her thinking that the only male she's going to be able to depend on is a dog. (Everybody go, "Aww.") She travels a lot and is a workaholic, so she thought it would be nice to have someone come home to every day. When she met Preston, it was love at first bark.

Growing up, Laura always wanted to have dogs, and she'd try to sneak them in, only to have to give them up when her dad discovered them. So to be in a house with all sorts of dogs was a great experience for her. "To be able to wake up every day and not have to think of anything but 'Is my dog happy' and 'Today I get to play with my dog and 11 other incredible animals' was just such a joy and I feel so lucky to have that opportunity," Laura said.

The most challenging part of being the house was the busy schedule. "It was difficult to keep some sense of normalcy for your dog and make sure they stayed on their normal feeding schedule," she said. "Finding the balance between work and rest and play was really important to me."

Laura tried to be a little cagey when it came to what's going on between her and Travis.

Travis "is a very thoughtful, good human being who has become a very dear friend of mine since we first went on this journey together," she began.

"The fact that Travis and I are both in Los Angeles, we're both in the industry and our dogs both adore each other, we had so much fun together," she continued. "We have a lot in common. We're definitely close."

She didn't go on the show to have a 'showmance' and added that Travis would be part of her life for a long time. She laughed and tried to "no comment" as to whether they were dating.

"Travis and I are getting to know each other. We're very close. We went to the Dog Museum the other day. We took our dogs surfing. ... We went to a Dodgers game and caught a foul ball."

After the show, Travis went to Bali on a mission trip.

"I can't say that we're dating, but we're definitely close," she added.

Preston's getting a website called prestonsplanet.com. The last time I checked, it was still under construction, and had a link to http://www.prestoncasanova.com/

When it came to what looked like tension between her and Brandi and Travis, Laura said that was a misunderstanding and that Brandi cracked her up. Brandi might have taken some things the wrong way, Laura said. Unlike most reality show contestants, she added, "I came here to make some amazing friends." When there was tension, Laura said she tried to avoid it.

In the episode in which Laura was eliminated, she caused some controversy by calling out Beth Joy for training Bella Starlet in a way that caused her discomfort, only to have Travis stick up for Beth Joy.

Laura said she felt bad because she knows that Beth Joy has Bella's best interests at heart. "I felt bad. The way it was cut together made it seem like there was a big thing between the two of us. Everybody had noticed Bella had cried out. Of course she knows her own dog, so if she says she's working through her issues, it's not my position to judge. ... I wasn't the only one who said something to the judges. It's just the way the show was cut. They really tried to play up Travis and my alleged showmance and have some big traumatic ending like we hated each other."

When I was talking to Brandy, she was giving Beacon a haircut. We talked about how she maybe needed another stint in obedience school. "The problem is, I'm the nurturing mother." Brandy explained. "My fiance is the stern dad who she likes to play with all the time. It's unfortunate he couldn't be on the show with us because she listens to everything he says. She just likes to be a little brat to me."

Her fiance is a little camera-shy, she said. With Beacon being relatively young and with Brandy not being a professional dog trainer, Brandy said she was happy with how they did. But Beacon was really missing her dad, and she realized Brandi wasn't having fun and shut down.

"When we got home, you should have seen how her face lit up," Brandy said. "Her family was back together again."

If Brandy had the chance for a do-over, she might try to be more calm and relaxed. The experience taught her to be more positive and happy.

Brandy and her fiance were hoping to win a little money for the wedding, which is set for April. Beacon's going to be the flower girl/ringbearer/best woman. "I guess she can't be my maid of honor," Brandy said. "But she's definitely going to be in all the pictures. It's going to be Beacon's day too."

Brandy credited Beacon for a lot of the happiness in her relationship with her fiance. "She's part of our family," Brandy said. "It's like having a little child. I'm the mother, and he's the father, and she's the baby. We're just a happy family."

I asked her about the dynamic between her and Travis and Laura, and when I stumbled over Laura's name, she joked, "She is pretty forgettable, right?"

Then Brandy said that she and Travis were good friends and Laura had said a couple of things that made her not like her. "I couldn't understand why one of my friends was talking to someone we weren't supposed to like," she added. "I didn't know why he was talking to her. It wasn't entertaining me. But it came off so wrong. I think I'm funny. When I watch the show I'm like, 'Oh my God, I'm so funny.' "

When I told her that it seemed like jealousy was afoot, Brandy replied, "It wasn't jealousy. It was irritation." Brandi was joking with Travis about that sort of stuff, and blamed editing for making it look like anything else.

The judges eliminated Brandy for a poor dance routine. Brandy said she respected Alan's opinion but added, "as far as the other two go, I really don't care what they say. A lot of things they said to me was the total opposite of everything my trainers have told me, like manipulating my dog to sit."

Brandy said she still talks with her housemates except for Laurie. She praised J.D. and Travis as good country boys, and said of Laurie, "She's really mean. ... She's just conniving and evil. That's what I personally think. I'm glad I'm not in the house any more to have to deal with that. I don't even see the need to ever talk to her again. She claims she is the 'alpha bitch.' You know that, right?"

I did not.

Brandy said she was hoping to get Beacon an agent and hoped she would have a future with photo shoots and commercials.

Best of luck to her, Laura, Beth Joy and their respective pooches.

- posted by Raoul

Labor Day='90210' Day

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:28:59 GMT

SoapNet is counting down to the premiere of "90210" 2.0 with a marathon of episodes of the original series:

"In anticipation of 90210 returning to television, SOAPnet will air a 24-hour marathon of the original drama "Beverly Hills, 90210" on Labor Day, MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, starting at midnight and running through the entire day. The "BFFs of BH" marathon will feature 24 pivotal episodes of the hit TV series. It's all "Beverly Hills" all the time."

You can get a complete list of the episodes here. It's a pretty good selection, let me tell you. OMG! Remember when Brenda pretended to be French? I totally forgot about that.

- Posted by Kate

Valerie Bertinelli Reinvents Herself...as a Sitcom Mom

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:39:12 GMT

Guess who's returning to her roots - and I'm not talking about hair color. It's Valerie Bertinelli! She'll play a TV mom at upcoming TBS pilot. Here's the scoop:

"'Valerie Bertinelli became a popular fixture on television playing one of two children being raised by a single working mother,' said Michael Wright, senior vice president in charge of the Content Creation Group for TBS, TNT and Turner Classic Movies. 'Now she's exploring that world from the opposite angle, playing a single working mother raising two children. Between Valerie's comic skills and Dave Caplan's highly relatable humor, we're very excited to watch this pilot take shape.'

"The Caplan project follows the life of a woman who manages to get through the day with surprisingly good humor despite very difficult circumstances: Her husband walks out, leaving her with two kids and a struggling lumberyard. It will take every ounce of energy she has to keep both her household and her business afloat, while facing obstacles at every turn."

Well, it's no "Weeds"...but maybe a lumberyard is just as interesting as Nancy Pants' struggling business?

- Posted by Kate

Swagapalooza! (Or 'It's Good to Be an Entertainment Blogger')

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:39:09 GMT

It's almost time for the fall season to begin, which means that the networks are shipping out packages to all the good little bloggers and critics. Some merely contain screeners, such as the ones for "America's Next Top Model" and "Gossip Girl."

But let's give FOX some credit (and do some full disclosure and/or gloating). In their last few packages, they've been going above and beyond the call of duty.

Over the last few weeks, I've received from them:

- a "Kitchen Nightmares" kitchen timer

- a "Fringe" digital recorder (which is cool, 'cause now I have a backup one)

- a "Bones" mousepad, soundtrack and a book by Kathy Reichs. (not to mention some other thingy that I didn't grasp at first glance what it does)

- a "Property of Princeton Plainsboro Teaching Hospital" t-shirt, promoting "House."

- a "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" t-shirt and bag.

My only regret is that with the t-shirts, FOX didn't make adjustments for the huskier among us. Oh well. My loss is my wife's gain.

Hey, FOX people, if you want to hook me up with some XXLs, that'd be sweet.

And you other networks, get on the stick.

Seriously, though, I have to say as much as I loves me some swag, it's not going to change my opinion much about the shows. I'm still going to love shows I love like "Heroes" and "Lost" despite the lack of swag from those shows, and I'm still going to be somewhat steamed about the decision to make Zack into a serial killer's apprentice even though I have a mousepad promoting the remaining cast.

If I ever start praising something mediocre like "Til Death" after receiving a promo from that show, you have the right and perhaps even the obligation to slap me until I return to my senses.

- posted by Raoul

Fasten Your Seat Belts for 'Blonde Charity Mafia'

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:17:38 GMT

What would happen if you took "Oprah's Big Give" and combined it with "The Hills" and "The Real Housewives of Wherever"? Well, I think we're about to find out. Lifetime is producing a new reality show set in the sweet, sweet world of ladies who power lunch:

"Blonde ambition meets philanthropy in the new Lifetime docu-series, 'Blonde Charity Mafia,' which follows a trio of gorgeous, twenty-something, alpha girls and their quest to make a mark on Washington, D.C., both socially and professionally -- no matter what obstacles they face.

"Production on the six-episode series will begin in September on location in Washington, D.C.

"In the city that is home to some of the world's most important power players, one group of young women dominate the social scene, an exclusive group known as the 'Blonde Charity Mafia,' comprised of the capital's social heavy-hitters, Katherine Kennedy and Krista Johnson. Also featured is Sophie Pyle, an acquaintance of the girls, who is always in attendance at the charity functions thrown by Katherine and Krista. Their events are always a hot ticket; their dating lives are gossiped about; and sometimes merely their simple daily activities are chatter within the D.C. social set. Throwing these glamorous soirees every week, they are the young personalities of Georgetown and the darlings of the city's most fashionable clubs and hottest restaurants."

- Posted by Kate

U.S. Medical Dramas Don't Translate So Well in Italy

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 18:55:50 GMT

An Italian medical group is protesting the airing of U.S. medical dramas like "Grey's Anatomy" and "ER" because the "medicine" practiced on these shows is less than realistic:

"According to Annalisa Silvestro, president of the National Federation of Medical Colleges, offending programs include imported fare such as "ER," "House," "Grey's Anatomy" and "Scrubs," along with a host of Italian-made productions, several of which are scheduled to premiere with state broadcaster RAI or Silvio Berlusconi's Mediaset when new schedules start in September.

"The Order of Medical Professionals of Rome echoed the same view.

"'These programs are teaching viewers inaccurate views on medicine,' Silvestro said. 'They are spreading misinformation."

I think these Italian doctors might have a point. Medical dramas are pretty farfetched...and that's just the drama part. Wait until they start showing "House" over there - then they'll really have something to complain about!

- Posted by Kate

Shocker (Not Really): Spencer Pratt Wants to Get Married on TV

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:45:20 GMT

Reality TV World says that Spencer Pratt wants to marry Heidi Montag...on TV:

"'I'm telling you live - it's going to be bigger than 'American Idol,' said Pratt during a Monday appearance on Ryan Seacrest's KIIS-FM radio show. 'I'm going to have Seacrest host it, 'We're live at the Heidi and Spencer wedding!'"

Free Heidi! Does this guy even get out of bed in the morning if there aren't any cameras rolling?

- Posted by Kate

The Death on "Eureka" Spoilers

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:43:49 GMT

I don't think I'm giving anything away by saying that someone might be leaving the cast of "Eureka" since last week's previews warned one of these people would be leaving "Eureka" forever. But just in case there are fans who haven't seen the episode, I want to give them a chance to bail out.

You've been duly warned, OK?

Nooooo! I can't friggin' believe it! Nathan Stark? On the day he was set to marry Allison?

The way it went down was that Carter got caught in a "Groundhog Day"-like loop (and I wish that they would have explicitly have referenced "Groundhog Day," because that's probably how a civilian like Carter would talk about a time loop). Ultimately, Stark believes him and locks himself in a chamber, all Spock in "The Wrath of Khan" style, so he can set things right. Afterwards, Stark sort of de-rezzes.

First question: Is Stark really dead? Ultimately that's up to the producers. But my take is one of the prime rules of sci-fi is "No body, no death." Stark could have been sent back to the past. He could have been bounced to the future. He could be in an alternate universe. Heck, Stark's autistic son with the former connection to the Artifact could probably "magic" him back if they wanted to open up that whole can of worms. My point is there are certainly ways to bring his character back if the producers are so inclined. I'll keep my fingers crossed we haven't seen the last of Nathan Stark.

If we have, it was either a brilliant, ballsy move to get rid of the character or an extremely foolish one.

A huge component of the show has been the ongoing rivalry between Stark and Carter, not just for Allison's affections but for alpha-male status over "Eureka." The two characters were awesome to watch as they grudgingly respected what the other did while having a level of disdain for the other personally.

Changing that up could allow for a whole new global dynamic on the show, so to speak. Now that Carter has saved Eureka a number of times, maybe people will give him some leeway and let him do his thing. Maybe the Fixer will step in and be more adversarial. Maybe they'll bring that one character who was running GD in the first few episodes back.

But I'm sure a lot of fans will miss the back-and-forth between Stark and Carter.

On another front, a bunch of sci-fi love triangles outlive their welcome (see "Battlestar Galactica" or "Lost" for vivid examples of this.) But "Eureka's" hadn't. I could understand why Allison would be torn between the two men, and I wanted Carter to have an opportunity to win her over fair and square.

Now he won't really have the chance.

Oh, sure, she's going to be scarred over losing Nathan for a while, and she may even blame Carter for not doing more to save him or something. But eventually that will fade. What then? Will Carter finally get his girl? And if so, will the show do a "Moonlighting" and become less interesting once the unresolved sexual tension is resolved?

It does offer the opportunity to give Henry a bigger role (because there's a need to have someone who is totally on the cutting edge of all the science, something neither Allison nor the Fixer can fully claim.) After all, they made him shave off his dreadlocks, so that could be the prelude to his becoming more mainstream.

"Eureka" fans, what say you?

- posted by Raoul

Gross Out: Competitive Eating Coming to The Food Network

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:06:28 GMT

Want to see people eat until they throw up? Do you? Well, soon you'll be able to: The Food Network has announced that they're doing a new show set in the world of competitive eating:

"The show, from Pie Town Prods. ('Rachael Ray's Tasty Travels'), is described as a cross between an eating competition and 'The Amazing Race.' Two teams of contestants follow clues to various Los Angeles eateries and enjoy culinary treats. Food Network says the show should not be confused, however, with the face-stuffing competitive eating shows where contestants consume mass quantities of food."

OK, now let me get this straight: the show is not to be confused with "face-stuffing" shows but is more like "The Amazing Race." Have we seen people eat until they throw up on "The Amazing Race"? You betcha. Have we seen them eat bugs? Oh, yeah. Frankly, a hot dog eating competition or somesuch is mild compared to some of the stuff on "The Amazing Race." I somehow doubt it's gonna be a show about eating truffle mousse or crudites at sidewalk cafes.

- Posted by Kate

'Fringe' vs. 'X-Files'

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:53:12 GMT

Last night I got a copy of the pilot of "Fringe," FOX's new TV show in which the lead characters investigate a series of weird phenomena and convoluted conspiracies. (FOX even threw in a digital voice recorder, knowing that the way to some critics' hearts is swag.)

Obviously, the premise is not dissimilar to "The X-Files" and the creators of "Fringe" even cite that show as part of their inspiration for creating it.

As it happens, I've been getting my "X-Files" on this summer, going through a lot of the series on DVD and seeing the mediocre movie. So that begs the question how do the two series stack up. With just one episode of "Fringe" to go on, as compared to nine seasons and two movies of "The X-Files," obviously, it's not the fairest of comparisons. But here goes:

The heroes:

"The X-Files" followed Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, two FBI agents. Mulder is a brilliant profiler who is driven to believe weird stuff because his sister was abducted by aliens when he was a youngun. Scully is a devoutly Catholic daughter who wants a scientific explanation for everything, despite week after week seeing things that defy scientific explanation.

"Fringe" is the story of a FBI agent, Olivia Dunham; a mad scientist, Walter Bishop; and his genius, semi-estranged son, Peter.

Advantage: I'd call it a tie. I love Mulder and his sarcastic attitude, Scully must have fiction's biggest blindspot since Lois Lane couldn't figure out that Clark Kent was Superman. I also don't know about the dynamic where Scully almost always seemed the junior partner. I think "Fringe" recognized that and made Olivia more assertive and central than Scully is to "The X-Files." I like the threesome they've assembled for that show.

The conspiracy:

I'll be the first to admit that I don't understand all that's going on in the "X-Files" conspiracy, but it has something to do with aliens attempting to colonize Earth, with a certain faction of our government acting as collaborators speeding the way by creating human/alien hybrids. A bunch of guys hang out at a club and talk about this plan or that. Meanwhile, black oil and bees are involved.

In "Fringe," Dunham's boss refers to something called "The Pattern," and wonders who or what is controlling it. Instead of (or in addition to) the government being at the center of things, a huge corporation called Massive Dynamic seems to play a key role.

Advantage: "Fringe." The conspiracy on "The X-Files" got way too involved, and the one in "Fringe" is by definition more down to earth. Although I do wonder if anti-corporate messaging will get tiresome after a while. Also, one of the best things about "The X-Files" is that a lot of what happened was unrelated bizarre stuff. If "Fringe" has to bend over backwards to tie everything together, that could be a problem.

The strange stuff:

"The X-Files" looked at a wide range of stuff, from alien abductions to ancient myths having real foundations to humans developing the ability to generate lightning, make hypnotic suggestions or otherwise do bad things.

In "Fringe," it would appear the investigators are going to look into just weird science. It seems doubtful that there'd be looking at ancient legends or extraterrestrial plots.

Advantage: "The X-Files" had more subject material it could draw from, which is in part why it could go on for so many years.

The supporting cast:

"The X-Files" had a bunch of great secondary characters from ADA Skinner, Deep Throat, and of course, the Cigarette-Smoking Man.

"Fringe" has Philip Broyles, Dunham's supervisor; a couple of agents who didn't register all that much; a woman in charge of Massive Dynamic.

Advantage: "The X-Files." Here is where it's perhaps least fair to judge by the pilot. But I can't see any of the "Fringe" characters matching up in the long-term.

The writing:

Just about every "X-Files" script had some great banter between Mulder and Scully, a pretty creepy menace and moved things along pretty tightly.

As for "Fringe," when it comes closer to the show's premiere, I'll have more to say about it. But I thought it was solid enough to make me want to come back for more.

Advantage: Tie.

Overall, I'd say that "Fringe" holds up pretty well to one of the classic sci-fi series of all time. Let's hope it becomes one in its own right.

- posted by Raoul

'Veronica Mars' the Movie Closer to Reality?

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:35:45 GMT

EW's Michael Ausiello has both Rob Thomas and Kristen Bell talking about the possibility in positive terms.

It's something that's been bandied about ever since the show's (IMO) premature cancellation. But with Rob Thomas saying it would be his top priority, maybe that's cause for "VM" fans to be optimistic.

On the other hand, it seems to me that modern TV shows that make the transition to the big screen with their original casts are often box office and/or fan disappointments.

Consider, for example, "Serenity," the two "X-Files" movies, almost all the "Star Trek: The Next Generation" movies except "First Contact."

Maybe they should go for something straight to DVD instead. I'd buy it.

Heck, even at its worst, "VM" was still better than 80 percent of what's on TV. It's reasonable to expect a movie version would be the same.

- posted by Raoul

'90210': You Get What We Get

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:46:06 GMT

We don't have too much longer to wait for the premiere of The CW's "90210" version 2.0 - the show starts September 2. Here's a video to tide you over...look out for some familiar faces. Now, as Raoul said yesterday, these teeny tiny little video previews are all anybody's going to see of the new "90210" until it's broadcast.

- Posted by Kate

Major 'How I Met Your Mother' Spoilers

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 13:22:27 GMT

I try to warn you guys about spoilers even when they're fairly mild. This time they're not even slightly mild. If you don't want to know what's gonna happen on "How I Met Your Mother" this season, quit reading now.

Still there? I'm really not kidding about the spoilers.

Okay, that should be everyone. Ted and Stella are getting married. Seriously! Kristin Dos Santos of E! talked to somebody over at CBS who said: "Yes, we will have a wedding with these two early in the season."

Wow! Just like that! Carter Bays, one of the show's producers, went into some more detail on the nupitals and what we can expect this fall:

"'I will not confirm or deny motherhood on 'How I Met Your Mother,' but I will say the fact that Josh and Sarah were so great together was a discovery to us—Sarah's greatness has informed our plans for sure.'

'We had not planned on fighting to have her back as much as we have fought, and it may be that she's back for more than just those first four of six episodes of season four. We'll see. We love her.'"

So, Ted and Stella are getting married but Sarah Chalke is not becoming a series regular. Interesting. She really might not be the mother, wedding or not. What do you guys think: Stella or the girl from the bar who lost her umbrella? The show isn't scheduled to come back until September 22, so we've got some time to think on this one.

- Posted by Kate

Tonight: 'Into the Unknown'

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 20:43:19 GMT

Last week I went to the premiere of “Into the Unknown,” a new show on Discovery that takes on various myths and mysteries with a one-two action then scholarship punch. Sound confusing? It's not. Just think of the show as a stripped-down but much sexier version of PBS' “Secrets of the Dead.” Some of the episodes focus on historical questions like what happened to the Chachapoya of Northern Peru, and some take on more contemporary problems like the conflict between elephants and humans in Africa.

The premiere was pretty swanky. It was held in a huge loft space that was completely tricked out for the event: there were tents fitted out with tables and couches, an entire room converted into an indoor jungle and there was a very, very open bar. Discovery even hired a troupe of drummers to perform. There was more food than the hundred or so guests could have possibly eaten: boar on skewers, white truffle mousse in pastry cones and individual servings of fish and chips. Was it nice? Of course! Did I feel like I was being bought? Absolutely. When the party's that nice you have to wonder what the host is trying to hide. Josh Bernstein, Discovery's very own Indiana Jones, made a short speech thanking everyone for coming. It was charming and not at all affected. He thanked everyone for coming and told us a little bit about the show we were going to see.

The first episode of “Into the Unknown” focuses on the Hollywood legend of the gladiator. How much of what we see in the movies is true? Well, not much. The show opens with Josh's day at gladiator school in Rome. The combat scenes were really well shot. They were exciting to watch, but not too slick and, well, Hollywoodish. It turns out that gladiator combat wasn't nearly as deadly as I thought. Ninety percent of fights ended without a kill. But what was life actually like for the gladiators? Most gladiator schools were owned or controlled by the emperor. Were gladiators slaves? Yes, but they didn't necessarily have it as bad as, say, Maximus in Gladiator. Win or lose, gladiators got a small allowance and did not in fact live in cages. In fact, some gladiators wanted to be gladiators. Graffiti in Pompeii makes gladiators seem like the true celebrities of their time. Hey, Hollywood has to get things right once in a while.

Josh traveled to Ephesus, Turkey to find out what the remains of gladiators could tell us about their lives. He met with a scientist who performed a chemical analysis on the bones of a fallen champion. Guess what? The dude was a vegetarian! It doesn't seem like he was the only one, either. Apparently, gladiators ate mostly vegetables and legumes. He examined several skulls for the telltale three pronged mark of the trident, the weapon of choice for an execution. There sure were a lot of dead gladiators out there in Turkey, so even if ninety percent of fights ended without a kill it seemed like warriors' numbers came up eventually. I feel good recommending “Into the Unknown” in spite of the lavishness of the premiere party. You'd think they would have wanted us to eat less like emperors and more like gladiators! The show airs tonight on Discovery at 10 pm.

- Posted by Kate

Screener Shenanigans

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 20:35:28 GMT

The CW just announced today that it's not going to be releasing screeners of the new version of "90210" to critics.

In a statement, the network says, "We're not hiding anything . . . simply keeping a lid on 90210 until 9.02, riding the curiosity and anticipation into premiere night, and letting all our constituents see it at the same time."

Pardon my cynicism, but refusing to show advance copies to critics has traditionally been a massive red flag that the network has completely no confidence in the project and/or the project has to do tons of last-second revisions.

Maybe "90210" will be the one exception to that rule. But I doubt it.

On a somewhat related topic, ABC is making its screeners available for critic viewing, but only online.

I have to wonder who at ABC thought it was a good idea to save a few bucks on postage and DVD-making in exchange for having critics see their shows on relatively tiny screens and by putting additional hoops in front of them.

- posted by Raoul

Laurence Fishburne Joins "CSI"

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 19:49:17 GMT

The rumors have been out there for a while that with William Petersen leaving "CSI" that Laurence Fishburne would step in to be the new lead.

Now the official word's come down, and Fishburne's character will be joining the cast around the same time Gil Grissom takes off.

Fishburne's character is going to be a college professor who cares about the psychological motivations of criminals and who sees some of their thought process in his own. A little cliched sounding if you ask me, but who knows how it will play out?

I almost never watch "CSI," but I have to admit that the changeover might get me to tune in.

It's in part because Fishburne is of course a big-time, hugely talented actor. But it's in part to see how the show handles the switch.

How about you "CSI" fans? What do you think?

- posted by Raoul

'The Hills' Is Back Tonight

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:48:00 GMT

Could we forget about L.C., Heidi, Whitney and Audrina...even if we tried?

MTV's perennial show about nothing is back tonight at 10:00. What have the girls been up to since we last saw them? Well, let me guess: shopping, going to clubs and talking on the phone. Did I miss something? MTV has a clip from tonight's episode up on their web site in case you just can't wait to see what happens.

- Posted by Kate

Donald Trump Makes a Personal Investment

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:06:26 GMT

Here's a weird news item you might have missed: Donald Trump is buying Ed McMahon's house - and he's going to rent it back to him.

"Trump announced Thursday he would save the television personality's Beverly Hills mansion from foreclosure by buying it for an undisclosed amount and leasing it to McMahon.

"The developer told the Los Angeles Times he doesn't know McMahon personally, but acted out of compassion because helping out 'would be an honor.'...McMahon's spokesman, Howard Bragman, told The Associated Press that paperwork on the sale had not been completed but that McMahon was 'very optimistic' the deal would go through.

"'When I was at the Wharton School of Business I'd watch him every night' Trump told the Times. 'How could this happen?'"

Does anyone else ever get the idea that Donald Trump is not after all a savvy businessman? Just because somebody can sit next to Johnny Carson on TV or hand out giant checks to Publishers' Clearinghouse winners does not mean they can or will make their mortgage payments on time. Pssst, Ed, I wouldn't worry too much about getting that rent check over to Mr. Trump on the first every month.

- Posted by Kate

MSN TV Blog: Blog

'Survivor' Cast Revealed

Today Vegas, Tomorrow...Scranton? Seattle?

'Top Chef:' Sometimes the Best Interviews Aren't Interviews At All

You Know You Love Me!

'Buffy the Animated Series' to Make A Comeback?

'Intervention:' Behind the Addiction

The New 'Lost' Game Is Starting to Creep Me Out

'Idol's' Getting a Fourth Judge!

Win Season 2 of 'Heroes' on DVD

ABC Picks Up a Bunch of Series

Tonight: 'America's Toughest Jobs'

Here's the (Possibly Fake) Roster for 'The Celebrity Apprentice'

Link Time

This Week

Some 'Stargate' Switchovers

How I Met Your Lighting Director

Late-Night Comedians Joke Less about Obama

Guess Who's Giving Out Roses

Tonight: 'The Cho Show'

'Dog' Owners And Their Cattiest Comments

Labor Day='90210' Day

Valerie Bertinelli Reinvents Herself...as a Sitcom Mom

Swagapalooza! (Or 'It's Good to Be an Entertainment Blogger')

Fasten Your Seat Belts for 'Blonde Charity Mafia'

U.S. Medical Dramas Don't Translate So Well in Italy

Shocker (Not Really): Spencer Pratt Wants to Get Married on TV

The Death on "Eureka" ** Spoilers **

Gross Out: Competitive Eating Coming to The Food Network

'Fringe' vs. 'X-Files'

'Veronica Mars' the Movie Closer to Reality?

'90210': You Get What We Get

Major 'How I Met Your Mother' Spoilers

Tonight: 'Into the Unknown'

Screener Shenanigans

Laurence Fishburne Joins "CSI"

'The Hills' Is Back Tonight

Donald Trump Makes a Personal Investment

The Death on "Eureka" Spoilers