2011—What a Year!

Here we are, December 31st. I can’t believe a whole year has flown by. And it’s amazing what has happened in the course of 12 months. And I’ve complied them into my own Top 10 list. So, sit back and enjoy.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

This should post around 8 AM EST, so it should be after midnight in Hawaii. I'm probably asleep as my sister knows better than to try and wake my family this early. But soon, we'll be opening presents, emptying the stockings, scratching the lottery cards and eating breakfast.

But I want to take a minute a remember what Christmas is all about. I don’t often bring religion onto this blog, but I am a practicing Catholic. Let’s not forget that today we celebrate Jesus entering the world and bringing us hope and peace. And I hope that even if you don’t believe in any higher power or organized religion, for you, Christmas is about that: hope and peace.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Come Sing About Love…

Before this review continues, I will take one moment to fangirl:

OH MY GOD, GODSPELL IS BACK! WOOT! AND IT INCLUDES “BEAUTIFUL CITY!”

Ahem.

I went to see Godspell this past Sunday. It was a last minute decision, something to take our youth group to see. We saw the Sunday matinee over at the Circle in the Square theater. I must note that I find it appropriate that Godspell is only a stone’s throw away from another Stephen Schwartz musical—“Wicked,” which plays at the Gershwin Theater. The theater is also appropriate as it’s a theater in the round. The stage is centered with the seats situated all around. It’s perfect for “Godspell.”
“Godspell” has a very loose plot. It’s more of an improv show with prompts coming from the lessons and parables of the Gospel of Matthew. And some fun songs thrown in to the mix. It’s high energy and thoroughly enjoyable.

Up On the Rooftop, Marshall Sits…

Yes, it’s been awhile. More on that later. Onto the plot!

Robin’s pregnant, y’all!

Or at least she thinks so. She says she’s late and she’s never late. And she’s confiding all of this to Barney. He keeps walking up on the bathroom floor, but not because he keeps passing out. He keeps saying stupid things that causes Robin to punch him. Hard. Then she reveals that Kal Penn can’t be the baby-daddy as they haven’t had sex yet. Which means the baby-daddy would have to be Barney after his and Robin’s one-night stand. This actually excites Barney, causing Robin to pass out. 

Credits!

Celtic Thunder: LIVE! AGAIN!

So, I got to see Celtic Thunder again!

I always knew I want to go to one of the 2011 concert dates. But the question was when? Living where I do, I could go to either the one in Manhattan or a few in New Jersey. I wanted to see the Christmas show though, which narrowed it to New Jersey. I rounded up some friends and got tickets for the night performance at the Wellmont Theater in Montclair, NJ. Then a friend got sick so I asked my aunt to come.

I drove to the theater, which was only about a half hour away from my house. Though there was some traffic by Newark caused by a car crash closing a lane. And then my GPS wanted me to turn, but the police had blocked off the street. (I correctly surmised that was where the buses were parked). Then I had to find parking, which was harder than trying to find a spot in Astoria. We finally found one and I got a call from a friend who lives in Jersey and was meeting us there. I thought it was the “Where are you?!” call, but she was calling to let us know SHE just found a parking spot as well.

Fortunately, they delayed the show so I didn’t miss anything. And let me just say, my seats were excellent. When the lads came out, they were actually life-sized! And I could see their faces! Which made it easier to stare lovingly at them. And yes, my boyfriend was next to me the entire time.

I Be Like Woah!

This past cycle on ANTM: Tyra brought back our favorite Top Model contestants…and Alexandria from last cycle. Tyra’s subjected them to Kardashians, Mario Lopez, music videos, her crazy antics, and Tyra’s own book. There are three girls left: Allison, Angelea and Lisa. Who will win the dubious honor again? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

Nostalgia Nook: Winnie the Pooh and Christmas, Too!

It’s almost Christmas! Which means many channels are breaking out the Christmas movies/specials. I will admit I love a good Hallmark Christmas movie, no matter how cheesy they may be. And ABC Family had a countdown to the countdown to the 25 Days of Christmas.

I’ve seen both Rudolph the Reindeer and Santa Claus is Coming to Town within the past seven days. And I love Santa Claus is Coming to Town. But then I saw another special I haven’t seen in years: “Winnie the Pooh and Christmas, Too!” And oh the memories it brought back!

So, let’s let this seasonal Nostalgia Nook begin! Beware heffalumps, woozels and SPOILERS!

It’s Time to Meet the Muppets…

If you were to go diving through some of my old stuffed animals, you will find a Miss Piggy plush. And probably my old Kermit one as well, which was handed down from a cousin. I watched the Muppet Babies as a child. One of my favorite tapes was a collection of various Muppet Show episodes. I knew who Alice Cooper was at the age of 5 because of that tape. A friend and I once spent a good chunk of an AIM conversation IM-ing quotes from “A Muppet Christmas Carol” to each other. My mother loves Pepe the King Prawn while both my sister and I own shirts that have Waldorf and Statler on them.

So when it was announced there was a Muppet movie coming to theaters, there was much rejoicing in my household. And then we found it was opening around Thanksgiving. And we knew what our Black Friday movie choice was.

We weren’t disappointed.

So, someday we’ll find it, the Rainbow Connection, the lovers, the dreamers and the SPOILERS!

(I’ll actually try to keep them to a minimum though)

Tyra is a Best-Selling Author?!

Last time on ANTM: Ms. J caused DRAMA by making the girls critique each other. Dominique led the others in a round of “Why Angelea Won’t Win” and Angelea stormed out. But Ms. J let her have her moment before saying Laura won the challenge. Nigel took their pictures as Olympic athletes. Laura took the gold while Dominique and Angelea failed to place. In the end, Dominique was sent home for being “unmemorable.” You know, the same thing that sent Brittany home in Week 1. Four wannabes remain, who won’t make it to the finale? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

The Fashion Olympics

Last week on Top Model: The top six models went to Greece. The models had to give a press conference where Angelea asked where the bathroom was. Allison impressed the Greek officials the most and won free bling. Mr. Jay then put the wannabes into lingerie and had them pose in a Greek salad. Even though the lingerie looked like bathing suits, Shannon refused to model them once she heard the word “underwear.” At panel, she fell into the bottom two with Laura. However, Shannon has never won a challenge or gotten first photo so she was sent home. Five wannabes remain, who is told “exo” this week? Find out!

(PS: “Exo” is Greek for “out”)

Wanna be on top?

Doctor Who the Movie: Why I am Slightly Skeptical.

I was excited when I saw that David Yates was to direct a Doctor Who movie. He brought the Harry Potter series to a masterful conclusion and I consider him the second-best director in the franchise (Alfonso Cuaran being the first). Before I clicked the link, I thought it was going to be for the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who. It’s an important milestone and should be celebrated accordingly, right?

Then I clicked the link. And that wasn’t what it was.

OPA!

Last time on ANTM: Tyra decided that since I started watching the show in Cycle 5 and missed “Shake Ya Booty,” I should be subjected to music videos. So each contestant had to write her own song, record it, get it autotuned and then make videos with Game. Allison rose to the top with her song inspired by her father’s untimely death while Angelea and Alexandria fell into the bottom due to not being engaging in their videos. But Angelea was just a tad more engaging, so Alexandria was (thankfully) sent home. Six girls remain, which means it’s time to go abroad! Who won’t spend more than a night or two? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

Nostalgia Nook: American Girl

When I was a little girl, my parents took me to a bookstore to find something for me to read. I was already a proud bookworm and was already a few reading levels ahead. My parents explained this to the employee who helped us and also explained how much I love American history. The employee said he knew what was perfect for me. And that’s when he introduced me to the American Girl collection.

This was back in the early 1990s, about 1991 or ‘92 I would say. The collection had just expanded to 5 American Girls and they are who I am going to talk about.

So, history and SPOILERS follow.

And the Winner is…AUTOTUNE!

Last week: I fell asleep on my basement couch and woke up halfway through the episode. And I was still tired so I just left it on as background noise. I know it involved perfume, bathtubs, a motorcycle, either being Snooki or Nene, Bianca hording a jar of pickles, and Kathy Griffin. Lisa got first picture while Shannon, Kayla and Bianca fell into the bottom. Tyra did a double elimination, sending Kayla and Bianca packing. Seven all-stars remain, who falls tonight? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

Snow White and the Stephen King Novel

Once Upon a Time…There were title cards.

And some guy riding a horse. Through a forest. As it snows. The seven dwarves greet him, revealing Ginnifer Goodwin…I mean, Snow White…in a coffin. He demands they open it so he can say good-bye. They oblige and he kisses her. Snow White wakes up and says he found her. He promises to always find her as we cut to the wedding where everyone is invited. Grumpy is forced to applaud. The evil one enters—which is clear by the fact she is in black. Snow White pulls a sword and proves this one is badass. The prince tells her to leave but the Queen says she has a gift for them. She says they will have this day but soon, everything will be taken from them. She wants them to suffer. The prince throws his sword at her, but disappears.

Glee Project Update

Playbill has pictures of Damian in Glee up!

So, I thought that Damian's first episode would be in October, but it's really the first episode in November. I didn't take the ALCS and NLCS into consideration nor the World Series because...well... baseball doesn't exist in my house. But I am willing to forgive three weeks of no "Glee" for it. And then I realized FOX pre-empted "Glee" for "The X Factor." No, FOX. No.

Anyway, Playbill reveals that Damian's character is called Rory Flanagan. I knew about "Rory" because someone asked Cameron on Twitter who his favorite Glee character was and he responded it was Rory. It looks like they are giving Rory a real swinger attitude if the hair is anything to go by. Nothing new on the Samuel front, but I'm sure we'll be hearing more soon.

Yay, Violence!

Last week on ANTM: Shannon decided to head off drama by devising a phone system. Except she forgot how to count and didn’t budget time for everyone to use said phone. So Bianca asked her about it. Then Shannon started crying, Lisa butted in and Bianca was pissed the rest of the episode. They had to do a runway for the Kardashian sisters complete with a carousel before doing a photoshoot honoring Michael Jackson. LaToya Jackson was there to help them and to be the guest judge. Laura rose to the top while Lisa and Angelea sunk to the bottom. But LaToya decided no one was going home! So once again, ten All-Stars remain, will someone actually go home tonight? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

Storm

Okay, back in 2009, Celtic Thunder filmed its 3rd DVD “It’s Entertainment.” However, the day it was filmed, “It’s Entertainment” was actually the second show. The first one was “Storm,” which was filmed and never released. But the fans knew it existed—one of the songs from “Storm” was featured on “Take Me Home” (Ryan Kelly’s “Midnight Well”). Fans clamored for it and finally wore producer Sharon Browne down. She released it to various PBS stations to air. The two in New York have not aired it, preferring to still air “Heritage.” I know others did the same, judging by responses posted on the Celtic Thunder Official Website. Some PBS stations refused to air them saying that “Heritage” didn’t bring in a lot of pledges. I’m not surprised. These are tough economic times and the cheapest pledge in New York is a $50 one!

Anyway, they released “Storm” on CD and DVD on September 20th. And thanks to Amazon, I was able to have it that day. So, this is strange to be using with a Celtic Thunder DVD but…

Let the Thunder and the SPOILERS roll!

(Don’t) Beat It!

Last week: Kayla had a racing heart and ended up in the hospital. When she came home, they went to the set of CSI to audition for showrunner Anthony Zuiker. And he’s awesome. The girls stumbled over the large words, but Lisa just bombs. Bre wins a role on CSI. They then had a shoot with Express, in which Bianca said she knew better than anybody else. At judging, Angelea rose to the top while Lisa and Camille fell into the bottom two. But Lisa stuck around, hopefully bringing more flashbacks of Cousin Itt with her, as Camille was sent packing. Who won’t reach the top tonight? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

Nostalgia Nook—Barbie and the Rockers

Barbie.

She can do anything, can’t she? I think most girls grew up with at least one Barbie. There is even a phase all little girls go through at one point—for about two years, our Barbies are naked. Or they have very interesting clothing options (mine only wore skirts. Just skirts). But Barbie could do anything and everything.

And that includes singing in a band in her own animated movie (?). And thus “Barbie and the Rockers” was born.

An overabundance of pink and SPOILERS! follow.

Express Yourself

Okay, lame title is lame. I couldn’t help it!

Last time on Top Model: The girls were interviewed by Mario Lopez and divided into teams. Lisa’s team floundered a bit and Angelea was called out for being too boring where she thought she was professional. Bianca’s team won the challenge and received immunity at panel while Allison took home the whole kit-n-caboodle for answering better than anyone else. Then the girls had to pose together…on stilts. Bianca’s old fear of heights came back to haunt her, but she managed to pull out a stellar photo. In the end, Allison had the best photo of the saved girls while Alexandria had the one of the unsafe girls. Despite not being the worse photos, it came down to Angelea and Isis. Angelea was told to find a way to be professional yet still bring that “716” to her interviews and Isis was sent home. Eleven  girls remain, who won’t be an All-Star after tonight?

Wanna be on top?

If I Ran Television…

Well, not really all of television. Just ABC’s daytime programming.

“All My Children” ended. I was certain the show would go out with a bang. I just didn’t expect it to be a literal bang as JR fired into a crowd of the main characters. And then to roll the credits! Will anyone even remember by the time Prospect Park gets AMC online?

What Lies Behind Suburban Doors…

So, Ron Artest/Metta World Peace/The Artist Trying to Be Dennis Rodman was eliminated from Dancing with the Stars. And as he and Peta dance one last dance, we lead into Body of Proof!

Romeo and Juliet nearly get killed by a car careening through the woods. They get out of the way as the car hits a tree. A bright light transitions us to the next morning, where Megan Hunt is walking up a walk. She is taking daughter Lacey to school since ex-husband Todd needs to be in court early. There is an awkward moment as Megan’s boss Kate leaves the house. Todd and Kate race off as Megan offers to take Lacey out for breakfast. Her daughter turns her down as she needs to study for a science test. Lacey complains that walls in the house are paper thin. This gives Megan pause as her mind immediately goes into the gutter, but Lacey explains that it’s the TV that’s bothering her. Lacey then realizes what her mother thought she meant, scrunches her nose and says “eww.”

Tick Tock Goes the Clock…

So, here’s what you need to know about Doctor Who’s sixth season: An 1104 years old Doctor is shot by an astronaut at Lake Silencio, Utah. Amy, Rory and River witness this and then run into a 906 years old Doctor who takes them to Washington where we meet the Silence. We learn that Amy’s pregnant, but then she’s not. But then Amy really is a ganger and was pregnant. And she gives birth to a daughter named Melody, but who we all know as River Song! River is trained to kill the Doctor and is a Time Lord. However, she gives up her remaining regenerations to save the Doctor. The Doctor learns the date of his death and parts with Amy and Rory. He ages 200 years, has one more adventure with Craig and the Cybermen. And now River is in an astronaut suit at the bottom of the lake.

The Wedding of River Song or “One Heck of a Kiss”

Time has stopped so River doesn’t have to kill the Doctor. So she marries him instead and as a wedding present, the Doctor doesn’t die!

Calling All Ghost Stories!

I love a good ghost story! I tried this a few years ago, but now that I'm juggling three blogs, I hope I will get responses this go around.

So, got a good ghost story? Maybe it's something that happened to you. Or to your roommate's cousin's dog's trainer's mother. Or perhaps it is town legend.

Whatever it might be, please share!

Thanks!

XO

AB

Never Underestimate the Challenges

Last time on Top Model: The girls were given their own brand by some pretentious PR guy. It was time for makeovers! Alexandria ended up loving her new do while Bre hated hers. They then create their own Pink’s hot dogs and pose with them. The judges loved Lisa’s and Bianca’s photos. Meanwhile, Kayla and Sheena fell to the bottom. In the end, Sheena was sent home for not being great.

Wanna be on top?

Let the Wedding Bells Ring and the Choirs Sing

Tyra’s acting ridiculous, the Emmy’s have been handed out and the commercials have been amped up. It’s the Fall 2011 season! So, suit up for an hour (!) of “How I Met Your Mother.”

We start where the finale left off—Ted entering a room with nervous groom Barney. He asks if he’s chosen the right tie because he will have to wear that tie forever. As Ted sits him down, Barney admits he’s not talking about the tie. Ted figured that out. Barney worries that this will be the worse wedding ever. Ted tells him that it’s impossible—Punchy’s wedding was the worst. And it was all Marshall’s fault.

But while Marshall’s ruining Punchy’s wedding, the others have their own plots:

The Doctor’s Swan Song

So, I’ve been thinking about the date they gave for the Doctor’s death in “Let’s Kill Hitler.” It is April 22nd. I was confused because “The Impossible Astronaut” aired the following day, April 23rd. But then I remembered something important—that was the day before Easter. Now, I may be reading too much into this, but this year, April 22nd was Good Friday. And that was throughout Christianity—the Orthodox calendar synced this year. They killed the Doctor on Good Friday, a day about death. Does this signify that like Jesus, the Doctor too will rise on the 3rd day?

Hmm…

Closing Time or “One Last Adventure”

Can I have a cybermat? They look better than guard dogs!

Always a Bridesmaid…

So, did the men come back yet? Because I’m not done with weddings! Well, the men have left again.

So, “Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta” has its own spin-off. It’s called “Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids.”

Pick Your Brand

Last week on Top Model: Fourteen former Top Model contestants were brought back by Tyra to have a second chance at being on top. They did a blink-and-you-missed it photoshoot, except for the bit where Shannon refused to wear shorts because they were lace and looked like underwear. The girls were forced to endure a live judging, where Alexandria learned that the fandom actually hates her. In the end, the judges and fans loved fierce Isis and quirky Allison. They didn’t like Alexandria but no one remembered Brittany, so her drunk self was sent home. Thirteen All-“Stars” remain, who is going home again tonight?

Wanna be on top?

Glee and Glee Project Update

Hey, Gleeks! Glee returns for its 3rd season tonight on FOX at 8PM EDT. (Check local listings if you don't live in the eastern time zone).

Ryan Murphy has confirmed through Entertainment Weekly that Glee Project runner-up Lindsay will be in the premiere, the first of her two-episode win. No word on when Alex's is or Lindsay's second episode. I follow some of the Gleekabes on Twitter and when they can, they usually post updates.

From what I've been able to gather, I believe Damian will be the first winner to debut on Glee. This will be sometime in October. It's been confirmed that he will be an exchange student who will be staying with Brittany's family. This was first hinted by a tweet from Damian's fish (don't ask) who asked that Lord Tubbington not eat him. I have no information on Samuel's first airdate, but do know that his character is a relative of Puck's.

Happy watching!

Beware the Minotaur’s Labyrinth

This interrupted season is throwing me off. We’re already up to episode 10? I feel all confused.

The God Complex or “I Think I’d Prefer the Hollywood Tower Hotel”

Trapped in a hotel, the Doctor has an existential crisis. Which appropriately features a sad clown.

Hey Now, You’re an All-Star…

It’s America’s Next Top Model time again! For those who haven’t heard—which is difficult—this cycle is the All Stars. Some of our favorites from the past 16 cycles are back to try their luck again. So, let’s find out who is getting a second chance!

Wanna be on top?

Here Comes the Bride, All Dressed in White

Weddings!

All my male readers have just run for the doors, I can tell. That’s okay. We don’t want any roosters in the hen house, to quote Lori.

Yep, I’m talking about “Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta” on TLC!

Some Kindness!

Got your TARDIS? Got your Sonic? Good!

The Girl Who Waited or “A Tale of Two Amys”

I felt bad for Robot Rory—even more than I felt for Wilson!

Nostalgia Nook—So Weird!

Who remembers Zoom Disney? It was a block of programming that aired on Sundays. It featured Disney’s own reality show entitled “Bug Juice.” If you aren’t singing the theme song, the show was about kids at summer camp. The show followed their daily activities for an entire summer. But this post isn’t about Bug Juice. It’s about another show that aired in the block.

So Weird.

Beware of Bigfoot and SPOILERS!

Night of the Living Dolls

Get behind the couch, it’s Doctor Who time again!

Night Terrors or “Beware of Cupboards”

The things that go bump in the night traumatize a young boy, who traps everything scary in his dollhouse.

Surprising, Not a Lot of Hitler

In the first half of Series 6 of Doctor Who: The Doctor was killed within the first ten minutes of the premiere. Except it was a future version of the Doctor (I’ve got a sneaking suspicion that it’s really Ganger!Doctor). Then there were Area 51 escapees, President Nixon, an astronaut, a young girl regenerating in the middle of New York and much more Alex Kingston. Later, it was revealed that Amy was a ganger the entire time and was really giving birth in some secret facility. She had a daughter, named her Melody and then had her kidnapped. In an interesting twist, we learned River was Melody. In an annoying twist, we learned River was also a Time Lord.

Time for the rest of Series 6!

Let’s Kill Hitler or “Honey, I Shrunk the Cast!”

Many questions arose from this episode: Does River kill the Doctor? What’s up with the Silence? Did anyone let Hitler out of that cupboard?

Don’t Stop Believing!

This past season on The Glee Project: Thousands of hopefuls auditioned, but twelve finalists made it to the show. They had to survive homework challenges, guest judges, choreography with Zach, vocals with Nikki, videos with Erik and performances for Ryan Murphy. They survived Lindsay’s ability to talk, Alex’s diva tendencies, Damian’s accent, Cameron quitting and Samuel stealing Hannah’s thing. Eight Gleekabes were eliminated and Ryan began to look more and more like a douche in viewers’ eyes. Last week, no one got eliminated. So who wins tonight? Find out!

Glee!

A Cautionary Tale

In my May 17th post on another blog, I mentioned the recent resignation of Celtic Thunder member Ryan Kelly. I used it as part of my own personal debate to use a pen name or not. I am addressing it again for an entirely different reason.


I would like to repeat something I said in that earlier blog: I do not know the entire story. I may never know the entire story.

Sing It Out!

Last week on “The Glee Project”: Believability. Jenna chose Hannah as the winner of the homework challenge, giving her a larger role in the video. Alex breaks down in the studio, causing Nikki to play therapist. Lindsay next goes in and starts crying, causing Nikki to call her fake. During the video, Zach made fun of Damian’s eyebrows while Samuel just went to that intense place again. Damian was safe though while Samuel had to sing for Ryan along with Hannah and Lindsay. Despite winning the assignment, Hannah was sent packing. Who doesn’t make the final tonight? Find out!

Glee!

Recap Updates!

With the countdown on for the Fall 2011 TV schedule, I have been thinking of what shows I will be adding to my recap schedule:

Returning shows: “Body of Proof”—ABC, Tuesdays @ 10 PM
New shows: “Once Upon a Time”—ABC, Sundays @ 8PM

I am a little nervous to start recapping “Once Upon a Time.” On one hand, it looks good. On the other hand, it could end up being awful. We’ll just have to see.

Enjoy the preview after the jump!

You Are the Only Exception

Last week on The Glee Project: Mark Salling and Ashley Fisk showed up to judge the final six Gleekabes on their sexuality. Samuel won and he was paired with Alex for “Teenage Dream.” Damian and Lindsay steamed up the shoot together. Cameron though was not thrilled with his sexy food fight scene with Hannah and refused to kiss her. Damian, Alex and Cameron ended up in the bottom three. Cameron though decided to walk away from the competition, saving Damian. Five Gleekabes remain, can you feel the tension skyrocket? Who goes home tonight? Find out!

Glee!

The Glee Project Update

There will be a delay in my recap of this week's episode of "The Glee Project." I was not feeling well yesterday and went straight back to bed when I returned home from Mass. I did not wake up until well in the evening and then ate dinner really late. By the time everything was said and done, it was well into the second airing of "The Glee Project." I thought my sister was taping it for me as our DVR was recording but she wasn't. Surprisingly, Oxygen was not showing it in the early morning hours.

I shall have to wait until FiOS puts it on demand so I can watch it. I do know who is going home--I realized my sister wasn't taping the episode in time to watch the last ten minutes or so of the show. But I won't comment on the elimination until I see the episode.

Fall TV Schedule

I can’t believe it, but the next TV season is almost upon us! And so it’s time to get ready for premiere season!

Once again, these are RETURNING shows. And basically the ones I care about.

All times in Eastern time.

*Denotes a new date/time

Nostalgia Nook: Ready Yet? Get Set…It’s All That!

At the end of last year, Disney Darling Demi Lovato shocked the entertainment world and her fans by entering rehab for undisclosed “emotional” reasons. Disney supported her and put her show, “Sonny With a Chance” on hiatus. They were considering a retool so that the show wouldn’t be off the air for too long. The idea was to take the show-within-the-show, So Random, and use that for a few episodes. When Lovato left rehab, she announced that she was no longer pursuing an acting career and instead wanted to just focus on her music career.

Disney needed to figure out what to do with “Sonny With a Chance.” They decided to go with “So Random” full-time. However, the remaining cast members are still playing their “Sonny With a Chance” characters, which seems odd. “So Random” is a sketch comedy show, with a musical guest.
All of this is a long-winded away of introducing this month’s Nostalgia Nook entry: All That!

I’d like to say SPOILERS! But it’s hard to spoil a comedy show.

It All Ends

Hey, if the marketing department at Warner Brothers came up with something that works, who am I to try something else?

WARNING! Accio Spoilers!

I Made It Through the Wilderness…

Last time on The Glee Project: Everyone got slushied! Courtesy of Max “Karofsky” Adler! They did a mash up of “Under Pressure” and “Ice, Ice Baby”. Unfortunately, Cameron and Alex failed to connect while Marissa was only good, not great. But Marissa failed to impress Ryan and she was sent home. Six Gleekabes remain—who doesn’t get a gold star tonight? Find out!

Glee!

When Joanne Met Harry

In its first weekend, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II broke box office records. I have seen it and I promise a review if forthcoming.

Last Monday, Lifetime aired their newest original movie entitled “Magic Beyond Words: The J.K. Rowling Story.” Three guesses as to what it’s about.

Hate on Me…

Last time on “The Glee Project”: It was time for duets! Marissa won the homework challenge and got to pick her partner. She chose Samuel and the two sang “Don’t You Want Me, Baby”. Damian and Matheus teamed up for “Lady is a Tramp” while Alex donned drag to sing “Nowadays” with Hannah. After Marissa kisses Samuel in their video, Lindsay plants one on Cameron during “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.” He calls mom after freaking out but it’s Matheus who goes home. Seven Gleekabes remain, who sings their way home tonight? Find out!

Glee!

Don’t You Want Me, Baby?

Last time on “The Glee Project”: Recently-promoted-to-full-time cast member Harry Shum Jr (“Mike Chang” or “Other Asian”) stopped by to judge the Gleekabes on their ability to dance. Unsurprisingly, Damian didn’t win. Samuel won after cribbing Michael Jackson’s moves and then he cribbed Hannah’s form of “rapping” in the studio. Alex thought this was his to lose but when he does lose, he says he threw it so others could shine. This attitude lands him in the bottom three with Matheus and McKynleigh. Alex hits the high notes and Matheus takes off his shirts allowing both to stay. Despite showing a personality, McKynleigh got the cut. Eight Gleekabes remain, find out who gets slusheed tonight!

Glee!

Can’t Touch This!

Last time on “The Glee Project”: Dot-Marie Jones showed up to judge the Gleekabes ability to be vulnerable. Matheus won and got the spotlight in the “Mad World” video. The “Mad World” video had the kids walking around with something that made them feel vulnerable. Emily revealed she had spent time on the casting couch while Marissa revealed she had battled anorexia. This was not discussed again as Cameron, Emily and Damian fell into the bottom three. Cameron and Damian were saved while Emily was sent packing. Nine Gleekabes remain, who will go home tonight?

Glee!

Nostalgia Nook—Chip and Dale’s Rescue Rangers

Who remembers Disney Afternoons? I used to watch those shows every day. And one of my favorite shows starred Disney’s favorite chipmunks Chip and Dale.

There’s no case too big, no cast too small, but there are SPOILERS!

Happy 4th of July!

It’s that time of the year again! Beaches overcrowded, pools filled, lines at Disney beyond comprehension. Barbecues fired up, beers chilled and music pumping. Flags are waving, fireworks exploding and people across the country are digging through their closets for something red, white and/or blue.

So it’s only fitting to review a patriotic movie. And which have I chosen? The 2000 action adventure film The Patriot, starring the late Heath Ledger and Mel Gibson before his career crashed and burned!

iReview

Okay, okay. It’s been nearly two weeks since Nickelodeon aired the crossover “iParty with Victorious.” I wasn’t going to do a review—it hadn’t crossed my mind. Then I was writing something else and used this as an example. When I realized I was off on a tangent, I decided to write a review.

So, leave it all to me, let it shine and beware SPOILERS!

Please Don’t Leave…

Last week on “The Glee Project”: Theatricality! And who better to help them then a guest judge with a Tony Award. Idina Menzel, who played Shelby on the show, judged a performance of “Bad Romance” and chose Alex to be the winner. He got a starring role in the video “We’re Not Gonna Take It”. Ellis had difficulty with the choreography and her attitude, fought with Lindsay and subsequently landed in the bottom three. She was joined by McKynleigh and Matheus. However, despite McKynleigh being told Ryan didn’t know how to write for her, Ellis’ attitude led to her being cut. Ten Gleekabes remain, who will go home tonight?

Glee!

We’re Not Gonna Take It Anymore!

Last week on The Glee Project: The ten finalists had their first assignment. They were judged by Darren “Blaine” Criss, who chose Matheus as the winner. He got to spend extra time with Darren and was featured in their video of Katy Perry’s “Firework.” Bryce pissed off the choreographer, Damian was fading into the background and Ellis was trying too hard to play up her young looks. They had to sing to remain in the competition, judged by Ryan Murphy. In the end, Bryce was the first cut. Eleven Gleekabes remain—who will not make it tonight? Find out!

The Gleekabes walk in to see their homework assignment is “Theatricality” and they have to perform Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance.” Alex believes he is theatricality and this challenge is his to lose. Everyone practices singing. Marissa says she needs some power in her line as Lindsay practices some dance moves. She’s going to rely on her Broadway background. Lindsay quotes the show as Emily calls her a phony. Takes one to know one, Emily. Matheus meanwhile is wondering who the guest judge will be.

Glory, Glory, Hallelujah, the Doctor Keeps Marching On

What you need to know before last week’s Doctor Who episode: Amy announced she was pregnant at the end of the first episode. During the second episode, she kept seeing a strange woman everywhere and discovered pictures of herself with a baby. She then tells the Doctor it was a mistake and she wasn’t pregnant. The TARDIS could not determine if Amy was pregnant. Then in the previous episode, it was revealed that Amy was a Ganger! So, Amy’s never been there but rather in some chamber. And she’s ready to pop!

So who wants Amy and her baby? Where has she been this entire time? And how long has Amy been a ganger? I think it was the three month gap between “The Impossible Astronaut” and “Day of the Moon.”
Sorry for the delay. I was out on Saturday and when I came home, I was too tired to recap Doctor Who. So I settled in to watch “iParty with Victorious” (which far exceeded my expectations) and taped Doctor Who instead. And you know how when you have something taped, you tend to forget it because you now have all the time in the world to watch it? Happened to me. I just watched the Tony’s the other day (NPH was awesome). Now, it’s Doctor Who time! Or my friends are going to kill me!

A Good Man Goes to War or “Time to Storm the Barricades!”

The Doctor gathers an army despite 48 years of decrying violence. Despite this, it’s still epic!

Baby, You’re a Firework…

So…The Glee Project. In a nice touch, the person who does the recaps before each Glee episode introduces you to what you need to know. Basically, they are looking for the next Glee cast and are using a reality show to cast it. They’ve narrowed it down from a few thousand contenders to twelve finalists. And if you’re wondering why I didn’t recap this, you’re obviously new to my blog. My name is AB and I hate casting episodes. I mean, they’re not bad but there are so many people thrown at you that it’s hard to keep everything straight. And that’s why I don’t recap them. So, let’s move on!

Glee!

The Glee Project: First Impressions

So, I can’t get enough of The Glee Project finalists’ version of “Firework.” Seriously, I’m surprised YouTube doesn’t just play it when I sign in. I’ve also seen the “Meet the Contestant” spots (courtesy of Playbill). Of course, those only allow them about thirty seconds of air time.

I am basing this on their performances and personas in the video(s). Things may change as I watch the show.

(Impressions based by appearance in the video)

Three Year Anniversary!

Three years already? Sometimes it feels like it. Other times, I’m surprised when I scroll to find an old post.

So, what I am doing to mark the third anniversary? I’m announcing my summer recaps!

I will continue to do the Doctor Who recaps (though I would like to note that Jacob is no longer recapping the show over at Television Without Pity). However, the last new episode airs this Saturday, June 11th. This season has been split in two and the last six episodes will air in the fall.  I will start to recap sister series Torchwood when the series resumes on July 8th.

I have a few Samantha Browns sitting on my DVR that my parents are starting to wonder if I’ll ever watch. I should catch up on them. Also, Samantha Brown filmed some new Disney things—and you know I love Disney!

I have seen some of the promos for the new summer shows on ABC Family. I haven’t watched any of their original programming since “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” lost my interest. I have heard “Pretty Little Liars” is good, but I never got into the promos. However, I have seen promos for “Switched at Birth.” While the premise sounds like something from a soap opera and the girls look nothing like their families, so why didn’t anyone question this before aside, I am intrigued by the fact that one of the main characters is deaf and played by a hearing-impaired actress.

I know I said I would continue recapping Glee. Yeah…here’s the deal with that. When I started recapping, I would watch the show and recap as the show aired. My pause button got a lot of use. And there were times I was just not interested in doing that while watching the shows. Then I got sick and recapped “How I Met Your Mother.” I liked that style a lot better for scripted shows. But by then, Glee was so advanced that I decided not to go back.

Maybe next season.

But this summer, Oxygen is bringing us a new reality series—The Glee Project! I wasn’t going to recap it—wasn’t even sure I’d watch it. Then the contestants were announced. One of the contests is 18-years-old Damian McGinty from Derry, North Ireland. Yes—that would be the same Damian McGinty who I’ve seen go from high-pitched teenager to deep-voiced young adult with Celtic Thunder. Turns out he’s a Gleek! So…now I’m watching.

Don’t worry though. I will try to remain as objective as possible. I promise.

“The Glee Project” begins airing on June 12th…which is the same day as the Tony Awards. Damn. Okay, my first recap might be a bit late.

For now, here’s the finalists first video, “Firework.” Enjoy!

Viva la Revolution!

Last time on Doctor Who: The Doctor, Amy and Rory end up in some monastery where everyone has a plastic doppelganger! Rory makes a friend in Jennifer’s double. The regular people declare war on the Voldemort Lookalike Convention as the Doctor gets another clone!

The Almost People or “A Tale of Two Doctors”

Who’s a Ganger? Who’s real? Who knows?

Nostalgia Nook—Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealers

Bright colors.

They defined the 80s, didn’t they? You look back and all you see is bright colors and shoulder pads. God, I hate shoulder pads. Anyway, a new cartoon was created with bright colors. Besides Care Bears, but that was unisex. This colorful cartoon was made for girls—Rainbow Brite.

To make the world a brighter place, Rainbow Brite and SPOILERS!

Bringing Down the House

Oh my God, I read an article where the show runners said not to miss the last few minutes of the finale and they were right!

Sorry, getting ahead of myself. Let us continue to the How I Met Your Mother finale, which requires us to snag the TARDIS and go straight to this coming September.

Voldemort Lovers Unite!

So, I guess everyone survived the rapture. So we get to continue watching Doctor Who! I guess God wants to see how the season plays out.

The Rebel Flesh or “Scenes from the Voldemort Lookalike Convention”

So…doppelgangers are always evil. Always.

Up Fronts!

So, the 2010-2011 TV season is coming to a close. This week the major networks present their schedules for 2011-2012 to the investors. Here’s where we see the new shows being picked up and which shows are returning.

Tripping and Slipping to the Top

This cycle on ANTM: Tyra punked the 14 wannabes and me by not doing a casting episode. She made the top 14 think they were losers until revealing that they were in their new house. Alexandria soon showed her colors as the house bitch leading to a confrontation at a challenge witnessed by Nigel. Brittani had a meltdown at panel and got the redemption arc. Meanwhile, Ondrei walked out before makeovers due to unresolved family issues. Otherwise, despite multiple chances to get scorched, the girls survived to make each panel, their numbers dwindled as the final five got to go to Morocco. Now, we’re down to the final two: Molly, an adopted girl with gorgeous looks but an anger management problem and Brittani, an editorial girl who needs to cry to get emotional on set. Who will win? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

So, remember Molly’s awful makeover? I think I found the inspiration. I get American Life Network (ALN) and they’ve been running reruns of “Chicago Hope.” In one episode, Lauren Holly had hair that looked just like Molly’s makeover. And it didn’t look good on Holly either. 

Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Pirate’s Life For Me

It’s time for the last in my Disney ride series.

One of the first rides in Disneyland, Pirates of the Caribbean was a staple in all subsequent parks. Naturally, it was chosen to be turned into a movie. I remember articles before this movie came out. They commented that pirate movies do not do well. After “The Country Bears,” expectations were low. But boy, were we shocked!

There be rough waters and SPOILERS ahead!

House Just Really Wants Vicodin

Sorry, I couldn’t resist.

The Doctor’s Wife or “Confessions of a TARDIS”

Anyone surprised that the Doctor’s soul mate is his own TARDIS? No? Good.

Of Landmarks and Diabolical Plans

The breakup wasn’t as explosive as I thought it was going to be. But I’m getting ahead of myself here.

“How I Met Your Mother” only had one plot and one subplot this week, so I’ll go to the old style again.

Spin Those Tassels!

Last week on ANTM: The final four had tea with Franca and Ms. J. They then had to balance tea trays on their heads in a challenge, which Brittani won. She and Hannah get private runway lessons with Ms. J before deciding to try goat brains. Brittani gets sick but manages to rock in her photoshoot. Molly and she go straight to the final three, but Hannah and Alexandria land in the bottom two. Alexandria is sent packing. Who won’t make the final next week? Find out!

OH MY GOD, THE FINAL IS NEXT WEEK!

Also…Wanna be on top?

In the Land of Dolls

I’ve had free time on my hands, being unemployed and all. Though I have been working on my first novel. (Shameless plug: A blog about my novel!) Otherwise, I’m using my time to surf the Internet. And there are the usual sites I go to—Celtic Thunder’s webpage, Playbill, Internet Movie Database, etc. I also like to live on YouTube as well. And can I say that I love that Internet Explorer 8 lets users open multiple tabs? Because I do. I also use it to alternate between Career Builder and USA Jobs. I also use it to investigate possible literary agents (Shameless plug #2!) and any writing organizations (if you know any, let me know! Shameless plug #3!). 

Pick Your Poison

It’s feuding time this week on How I Met Your Mother. So put on your gloves and put ‘em up.

But Why’s the Rum Gone?

So, this is late, but that’s because I had a family event last night. I DVR-ed the episode and watched when I really should’ve turned in. I just couldn’t wait!

The Curse of the Black Spot or “Pirates of the Caribbean V”

The TARDIS lands on a ship with a siren problem. Or do they? Since this is Doctor Who, you know the answer to that is: No.

A Balancing Act

Last week on ANTM: The final five arrived in Morocco. They were assaulted by monkeys and then made to pose on a camel. Molly impressed Italian Vogue EIC Franca Sozzani while Alexandria and Kasia fell to the bottom two. Because of insecurity, Kasia was the first sent back to the US. Who will be eliminated tonight? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

Nostalgia Nook—Polly Pockets

It’s that time of the month again! Time to go back in time and remember something fun from my youth. Last month at my birthday, a group of us recalled our Polly Pockets. We even looked up pictures of them to remember them! So, let’s dive into the world of Polly.

That’s One Small Step for Man…

Last time on Doctor Who: Blew. Our. Minds. Within the first fifteen minutes, the Doctor was reunited with Amy, Rory and River in America. He was then shot by an astronaut and died. Then the Doctor—a younger version—comes back. They all go to 1969, where they meet Nixon and former FBI agent Canton. As Amy encounters the Silence, Canton joins the gang in saving the world.

Oh, and Amy’s pregnant.

We can proceed:

America’s Next Top Model: All Stars

The CW has renewed America’s Next Top Model for a Cycle 17 and 18! So I’ll have another year of recaps.

I’ve Been Through the Desert on a Camel

Last week on ANTM: Recap episode!

Last time on ANTM: Go-sees! Alexandria dazzled everyone and Molly learned she could’ve if she hadn’t looked so dour when waiting. The girls then had a photo shoot in garbage. Alexandria soared again and Brittani redeemed herself but Molly and Jaclyn fell into the bottom two. Sadly, Jaclyn will not have the opportunity to baffle Moroccans with her Southern accent as she was sent home. Five girls remain! Who will go home tonight?

Wanna be on top?

Now That’s What I Call a Season Premiere!

It’s no secret that I like Doctor Who. Heck, my most memorable event of 2010 was Matt Smith becoming the Doctor! So I’ve decided to recap Doctor Who. Why haven’t I before? I’m not entirely sure. I know Television Without Pity recaps it, but you can put me in the (apparently long) list of people who HATE Jacob’s recaps. I want to know what happened or laugh at someone’s comment. I don’t want a thesis on existentialism. So, here’s my own recaps.

Elsewhere, I write “The Moron’s Guide to Doctor Who” where I take an episode, rename it and then sum it up in a sentence or two—usually hilariously. I’m going to start each recap with my Moron Guide. Enjoy!

Doctor Who has landed the TARDIS again!

Long Live Saturday Night!

John Lithgow returns to How I Met Your Mother! This is so epic, I have to go back to my old recapping style!

We start on my home borough, Staten Island, in 1983. John Lithgow in a wig and clothes that the 70’s would like returned talks to a young Barney. He tells the kid that Loretta doesn’t want John hanging around Barney anymore. Barney is upset but John leaves him with some parting words—a magician’s best friend is a drunk audience and to never stop partying. Future!Ted says that young Barney watched his father walk out of his life and in 2011, he walked away from John.

They’ve Canceled My Stories!

Yes, I watch soap operas. My Nana used to watch Passions in its early days, when it was zany and unlike any other soap. While doing some summer volunteer work in high school, I was stuck answering phones in a room with a TV with no cable. So, I decided to give Passions a try. And I enjoyed it. Unfortunately, while I could watch it during the summer, I couldn’t during the school year. I tried to watch when I could, but eventually drifted away as it became more traditional.

Revenge is a Dish Best Served Exploded

“How I Met Your Mother” is back! And let’s dive in.

We’re Off on the Road To…

Last time on ANTM: The girls posed as symbols for Ford’s Warriors in Pink campaign. Nigel chose Alexandria as the winner. She got to film a spot for Warriors in Pink and get a new Ford Focus. Brittani was upset and let everyone know about it—within ear shot of Nigel. Then Ms. J took everyone to Universal Studios before being “killed” by Mr. Jay at the Psycho house. The girls had to pose as fashion crazy nutjobs. At panel, Nigel brought up Brittani’s rant and she had a panic attack. Jaclyn rose to the top while Brittani and Mikaela ended up in the bottom two. Despite Tyra wanting to send Brittani home, she was outvoted and Mikaela got the boot again. Who will go home tonight? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

Crazy for Bitches!

So, no one really voted in my poll. But I talked with a few friends and we think that if he’d been a plant, Ms. J would’ve brought him out to warn about stalkers. Unless there’s a scene sitting on the cutting room floor, James is just a Creeper.

Last week on Top Model: Monique was a bitch. She just stood around the Meet-and-Greet like she was the shit. She sent a creeper to get a kiss from Alexandria, who kissed his cheek. Ms. J chastised her for that and picked friendly Kasia as the winner. She, Brittani and Jaclyn ate with Ms. J while Monique continued to be a bitch. In the battle of the brunettes vs. the blondes, the brunettes won over all but two brunettes—Monique and Mikaela—were sent to the bottom two. In the end, Monique was sent home. Seven girls remain--who won’t be going overseas? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

Nostalgia Nook: Faery Tale Theater

Confession time! Part deux! I think I’ve done more confession here than at my church. Anyway, have you ever gone to the website That Guy With the Glasses? If not, click the link and check it out! Two main presenters are the Nostalgia Critic and his distaff counterpart, the Nostalgia Chick. They review and rip apart TV shows and movies of our youth. While I don’t want to step on their toes, I have my own nostalgic things that I do not think they will cover. So, once a month, I will do my own nostalgic review. Look for it on the fifth of each month!

SPOILERS abound if you’ve never heard of these fairy tales!

Dragging Through the Mud

Last time on ANTM: Alexandria was a bitch. But Monique was a bigger bitch for reading Alexandria’s diary. Meanwhile, Kasia, Mikaela and Brittani won the Cover Girl website challenge. Then the girls modeled Rachel Zoe’s faux fur collection while holding a baby jaguar. At judging, Zoe joined the panel to comment on the wannabes. Hannah, Brittani and Jaclyn were amongst the best while Molly and Dayla were amongst the worst. In the end, Dayla got sent home. Who will join her tonight? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

Mind the Gap

I’ll eventually recap “Barney’s Heart”. Unfortunately, I have to wait until CBS reruns the episode. So, for now, we’re moving on!

The gang visits Ted’s house. You remember, the one he bought after his mother remarried. Since this is a fixer-upper, it’s nice to see that Ted is actively working on getting it repaired. Barney suggests that Ted install a stripper pole in the backyard. Ted, of course, shoots it down. The gang gets Barney out on to the patio where their intervention sign hung over the doors. Barney is happy to see it and thinks the intervention is about Ted buying the house. But the intervention is for Barney.

And the reason why starts a few days prior.

Best in Film

This past Tuesday, ABC News and People Magazine teamed up to find what we, the American public, thought was the best movie. They first had various Hollywood insiders submit their lists and then the American public voted. Hosted by Tom Bergeron and Cynthia MacFaddyn, the two-hour special revealed the public’s top five choices in various categories. And here they are, along with some of my commentary.

It’s a Jungle Out There

Last time on Top Model: Alexandria was a bitch. The models hit a fiery runway, but sadly no one was even singed let alone burned. Dayla won the challenge but Kasia, Sara and Hannah were the worst of the worst. So they had to walk home. Next, the girls had to film a commercial for Fierce Roast Coffee in a Mad Men-inspired spot. Kasia, Hannah and Jaclyn were considered the best while Sara and Alexandria fell into the bottom two. Despite being pushy on the set, Alexandria was kept over Sara, who just didn’t believe enough. Nine girls remain, who gets the designer boot tonight? Find out!

You Might Want to Take the Stairs

Confession time! I am very uncomfortable in elevators. Whenever possible, I take the stairs. If I do have to take an elevator, I’m nervous and just waiting for the doors to open. But one of my favorite rides in Disney World is the Tower of Terror. Where you get on the elevator and it drops you thirteen stories. I know, it’s weird.

When the Tower of Terror arrived, Disney decided to give it its own film. It’s not like the ride needed more publicity—it was the second big ride in MGM. But Disney needed something to air on the Wonderful World of Disney for Halloween. And the success of this movie encouraged Disney to turn other rides into movies.

So, strap in and prepare for SPOILERS!

Models Roasting on an Open Fire

Last week on ANTM: It was makeovers! Which weren’t so great and we had no real meltdown. Molly’s weave was horrendous but she soldiered on. During the photo shoot, Lori Goldstein couldn’t help but notice how sullen Alexandria was and commented on it. But Alexandria had the best photo while Sara and Dominique fell into the bottom two. Dominique was sent home for not being inspiring enough. Who will be sent home this time? Find out!

Taking a Leap

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, I’ve decided to review a movie set in Ireland. And while my parents have me tap “The Quiet Man” every year while I watch Celtic Thunder, I think I’ll save that for another St. Patrick’s Day. And I just couldn’t wait to review Heritage. Hope that got you in the mood! So, in honor of the Emerald Isle, I present “Leap Year.”

I’d like to apologize to the Irish and those who do not like SPOILERS now.

And They All Lived Happily Ever After

This past season on Face Off: We’ve seen aliens, zombies, gender swaps and fooling loved ones. There have been romances (Megan and Conor), feuds (Jo vs Megan, everyone vs Frank’s laziness), and some really great creations. And some really bad ones. We are down to the final four: Tate, Gage, Sam and Conor. Who will win? Find out tonight!

Fooling the Ones You Love

Last time on Face Off: The contestants got to make their own zombies, who then had to do a dance at judging. There was also a double elimination, with both Anthony and Tom going home after the former had sculpture problems and the latter had a bland concept. We’re getting closer to the end…Who will go home this time?

When Weaves Attack

Last week on ANTM: The girls had to deal with their inner demons. This caused most girls to have cathartic relief. However, it caused Ondrei to question if she should really be in the competition while grieving the deaths of her brothers. They have a photo shoot with real bees and then at panel, Ondrei asks to leave. Tyra lets her and an elimination hangs on how bad Ondrei’s picture was. Hannah and Brittani rise to the top while Nicole and Dayla fall into the bottom two. Since Ondrei’s picture was actually decent, Nicole is sent home as well. So, who will be sent home tonight? Who cares! It’s makeover week! Let the meltdowns commence!

Wanna be on top?

Heritage

St. Patrick’s Day may be a week away, but it’s time to get our Irish on. The other day, I got Celtic Thunder’s latest CD/DVD—Heritage!

To be fair, you may recall that “Heritage” was the first part of the Celtic Thunder show I saw in October. I couldn’t really give it a proper review as I barely knew all the songs in the show. Also, there are a few songs that aren’t on the show but on the CD that I’ll cover as well.

The Return of the Captain

The episode begins in the year 2021. Ted is stuck in an airport in Hong Kong. He’s trying to get on a flight, but it seems all are cancelled due to weather. Ted yells at the attendant, wondering why they could invent a holographic cell phone but not a plane that can fly in bad weather. The attendant could care less and is saved from more of Ted’s ranting by someone calling his name. It’s Wendy the Waitress!

And there’s a funny story…

Cause This is Thriller…

Last week: The contestants paired off to turn brides into groom and vice versa. Jo grew more frustrated with Megan, but she won in the end. Jo, though, was sent home. Who will go home tonight? Find out!

The Buzz of Success

Last week on ANTM: Tyra punked the wannabes and myself. Rather than a casting episode, they just went straight to it. The girls had to pose for pictures back stage before hitting the runway in a hamster ball on water. Model Erin Wasson was the first guest judge. Molly and Brittani rose to the top while Angelia and Dominique fell to the bottom. In the end, Angelia was the first sent home. Who will get the boot tonight? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

Tyra Punked This Blogger!

So, you know that old saying about when you assume? Well, I certainly made an ass out of me with Top Model. So, here’s the recap you all should’ve gotten on Wednesday.

Tyra starts the episode saying that everyone must be expecting the typical casting episode. Then she perfectly mocks every type of girl that comes before Tyra and the Jays—the one who has no clue about fashion, the one who’ll do anything but have the makeover meltdown, the one with the tattoos, and the tough as nails individual. Tyra says they are scrapping that this season and going straight into the competition.

Happy St. Valentine’s Day, Everybody!

Okay, so Valentine’s Day is over. Like Robin, I had no Valentine but I treated the day as if it were any other day. But you don’t care about me, right? You just want your HIMYM recap! Let’s begin:

Here Comes the Bride, Or Maybe the Groom

Last week on Face-Off: Villains were created and evaluated. Jo grew frustrated with Megan, who still is flirting with Conor. In the end, Tom and his creepy Teddy Bear mask wearing Peter Pan rose to the top while Marcel and his bland 70’s skater serial killer were sent packing. Who will go home tonight? Find out!

Our Top Models

Okay, so I missed the casting episode of America’s Next Top Model. But here’s the list of wannabes we’ll be rooting for (or against) this cycle:

Alexandria

Angelia

Brittani

Dalya

Dominique

Hannah

Jaclyn

Kasia

Mikaela

Molly

Monique

Nicole

Ondrei

Sara

Good luck, girls!

Villains Are Cool

Last time on Face Off: McKenzie brought her dad, Michael, out to tell the contestants about their latest challenge: Aliens! While they worked in teams, Frank pissed off Anthony. A little romance brewed between Megan and Conor. In the end, Conor won (again) and Frank was—FINALLY!—sent home. Who will get le boot tonight? Find out!

Waiting to Be On Top?

Going through Top Model withdrawals?

Watching the marathons on VH1 or Oxygen to get your fix?

Snapping your fingers and telling people you are fierce?

Well, cheer up! In exactly one week, America’s Next Top Model returns! Keep your eye out for my recaps, which will once again NOT include the casting episode. Sorry, guys.

Tune in, though, next week to find out who we’re rooting for!

Oh, There’s No Place Like Home…

Guess what y’all? We’re going to Sam’s childhood home! We’ll get to meet her family and the places she knows.

Friday afternoon: We’re in Portsmith, New Castle Island, New Hampshire. This is Sam’s hometown. She says she loves coming back though as a teen, she couldn’t wait to leave. And she has teen pictures to share!

Katy Perry Reference or Clue Reference?

I seriously couldn’t decide. I went through Perry’s hits. I came up with some variations of the Clue reveal. And I couldn’t decide. So, that’ll have to do.

Anyway, Marshall is still in Minnesota helping his mother along with his brother. He stays in touch with the gang back in New York, mostly out of boredom as he’s now playing Clue…with himself. So, first a reminder from Future!Ted. Zoey started off as Ted’s enemy and evolved into a member of the group. Now, onto…

Paging the TARDIS…

Last week: The models were nude and the contestants had to paint their models into a background. In the end, Anthony rose to the top while Tate, Conor and Sergio sank to the bottom. While Tate and Conor could be said to be having an off week, the same could not for Sergio and he was sent home. Ten contestants remain, who will be going home tonight? Find out!

So Clap Your Hands and Stomp Your Feet

Before “The Haunted Mansion,” before “Pirates of the Caribbean,” there was “The Country Bears.” Based on “The Country Bear Jamboree,” the movie is a campfest around every corner.

So, avoid hibernating and SPOILERS!

Magical Express: Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?

On MousePlanet, columnist Steve Russo published this article about Disney’s Magical Express. In it, he takes an article posted with arguments against the service and tries to present arguments against the author’s comments. As someone who has used the Magical Express with positive experiences, I wish to also counter a few of the arguments presented.

It’s NEKKID Time!

Last week on Face Off: The contestants arrived and instantly faced a challenge. Tom and Gage were highlighted as some of the best but Gage won immunity. After, their first task was to pair off and create a human/animal hybrid. Tom and Conor’s elephant man was deemed the best and Conor won the week overall. Gage and Sergio’s elephant man and Jo and Jessica’s Ostrich Vegas Showgirl were the bottom. In the end, Jessica was the one sent home. Who will fall flat tonight? Find out!

Elephants, Ostriches and Beetles—Oh My!

SyFy has decided to find the next great special effects makeup artist. They will face challenges, deadlines, pressure, and naked models. In the end, only one will win. Who will it be?

We first meet Tate from Brooklyn before moving on to Megan from Pittsburg. Jo enters the hotel after them and wants to win this for her mother, who let her be creative. Next is Anthony from New York City, who has been working in the industry for 15 years. Tom comes in next, revealing he is dyslexic and thinks that’s why he is in the arts. Sergio is introduced next and is nervous because he didn’t go to school. Gage comes in and it is revealed that he and Tom have worked together. Frank comes after this introduction before we are introduced to Conor…Was that a picture of Lord Zedd from Power Rangers? He worked on freakin’ Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers? Wow… Our host comes in and it is McKenzie Westmore. Several of the contestants recognize her last name as her family are masters of the genre. I recognize her as Sheridan Crane (Lopez-Fitzgerald) from the NBC soap “Passions.” So, she may get referred to as Sheridan time to time. Glenn Hetrick comes in to judge their challenge. McKenzie brings in the waiters, who will be their models. They have make up kits, which the contestants will use. They have two hours to come up with an original design and must use something in the room. Megan goes first for the balloons. We meet Sam from Decatur and Marcel, who wanted to do makeup since he saw his first movie. Frank decided to use peacock feathers while Conor uses a prosthetic nose. Tom uses leaves to turn his model into a reptile-looking creature. Our last contestant is Jessica, who thinks this will be tough but she’s up for it.

Grim, Grinnin’ Ghosts…

Apparently at a creative loss, Disney decided to turn some of its theme park attractions into movies. The three chosen were: The Country Bear Jamboree, Pirates and the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion. This entry focuses on the promise that was the Haunted Mansion and the completely missed opportunity the film represents.

Beware of hitch-hiking ghosts and SPOILERS!

Eating By the Bay

This weekend Sam Brown is in San Francisco for some food and drinks. Grab something to eat, I have a feeling this is one episode you don’t want to watch on an empty stomach.

Friday afternoon: Samantha starts in Chinatown. Sam meets up with Shirley, a local Renaissance woman. Shirley shows her a shop that introduced tofu to San Francisco. They get a piece of tofu and it sounds like Shirley’s arguing with the grocer. But Sam likes the end result. Next, Shirley heads to a restaurant for dim sun. Shirley says you have to shout to get what you want. She tries to get some food at their table and the tenth time is the charm. They keep trying to get more carts but it’s a bit difficult. Since Sam loved the pot stickers, Shirley gets her into the kitchen to learn how to make it. After some flirting between Sam and the chef, the two go to a fortune cookie factory. “You are contemplative and analytical by nature” is her fortune. Sam disagrees.

“Jefferson Still Lives.”

For those of you who don’t know (by now), I’m an American history nerd. Our title this week is the last words uttered by John Adams, Founding Father and second president. He had a friendship with fellow Founding Father Thomas Jefferson until the man was Adam’s vice president. It soured pretty quickly. Afterwards, the two entered into a period where they didn’t talk. In their twilight years, after they both retired and Adams became a widower, he and Jefferson revived their friendship through letters. However, there was still a bit of competition between the two. Both would die on July 4, 1826—the fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson would die first at Monticello, but in Quincy, Adams would not know that. With his family around him, Adams uttered his last words.

Now, you’re probably wondering what’s up with the history lesson. Well, believe it or not, it applies to this week’s “How I Met Your Mother.” As you recall, the last episode ended with the shocking news that Marshall’s beloved father died. And that is where our episode starts this week…
In a nice touch, there is no cold opening and the episode starts with just the theme music.

The Power of Dreams

Besides trying out the dining plan, we decided to try out Disney’s Fantasmic Dining Package as well.

Fantasmic is a night show staged at the Hollywood Studios. To get in, people start lining up two hours before show time. My family doesn’t do that sort of wait time. So, while searching for a way for us to see the show, I came across the dining package. We went to Hollywood and Vine for an early dinner. If you have small children, I’d suggest going here as it does have the characters from Playhouse Disney stop by. And even if you’re like my family, with no small children, you’ll like the food.
It is a buffet with a wide selection of food. I had delicious herb-crusted turkey, string beans, rice, and bread and apple butter. Which, by the way, is delicious. For dessert, I had some apple crisp. This was one of our favorite options on the dining plan as we could control how much we ate and not overstuff ourselves. When we were seated, our server brought us our golden ticket. Okay, yellow ticket.

My Review of the Disney Dining Plan

As I mentioned in some of my earlier blog postings, my family decided to take advantage of the free dining plan Disney was offering during our trip. For this to happen, we had to check out and check back in as we arrived two days before the start of the free dining plan.

From Ride to Movie: A Series

I got an idea while plummeting thirteen stories at Walt Disney World. Disney has turned four different rides into a movie. So, I’ve decided to do a round of retrospections on these films. Compare them to their respective rides, appraise the narrative chosen, the acting, etc. So, I will do them in order of how I liked them, which follows as such:

1. “The Haunted Mansion” (Liked Least)

2. “Country Bears” (Liked More)

3. “The Tower of Terror” (Liked Even More)

4. “The Pirates of the Caribbean” Trilogy (Liked Best)

So, keep an eye out for them!

A Blast From the Past

As I sat in Newark-Liberty International Airport, the snow was falling so thick we could hardly see the runways outside. Our plane was originally schedule to depart around 11:30 AM. By that time, it had already been pushed back to 12:54 PM and my family had been at the terminal for nearly three hours. But as noon approached, the snow relented and a plane was soon spotted taxi-ing to our assigned gate. By 1 PM, the JetBlue staff started to board us. Once everyone was seated, we pulled away from our gate, but we were nowhere near departure.

Because of the weather, the plane had to be de-iced. That was slated to take about another twenty minutes, according to the pilot. While that was finishing, he came on to tell us a mechanical problem had been discovered and needed to be addressed before we could depart. And so, an hour after boarding the plane, we finally took off from Newark-Liberty International Airport and left the frozen tundra that was New Jersey and New York City behind us.

Our flight was uneventful and thankfully, we did not hit any turbulence. The complimentary beverages were fine as were the snacks (I had ginger ale and munchies). My only complaint was with the TV at my seat. One thing that makes the delays more bearable is the fact you have your own TV to watch while waiting, or you could listen to music as well. There is a control panel on your arm rest to allow you to do so. Mine was broken. I was stuck in sports channels and could move sometimes if I pressed hard enough. When it switched over to the TV after takeoff, I was stuck watching Maury. After find out who was and who wasn’t cheating with random girls out of town or their fiance’s mother or confirming they were the baby-daddy, I decided just to spend the rest of the flight listening to my iPod and reading my Kindle.

The sky was clear and the sun was starting to set as we touched down in Orlando International Airport. As we had signed up for Disney’s Magical Express, we didn’t have to pick up our luggage—a cast member would do that for us and bring it to our room. We proceeded straight to the Magical Express check in and were able to board our bus immediately. I read that there was a decline in Magical Express ridership and I find that odd. It makes everything easier—no need to worry about your luggage and direct transportation to your hotel.

After a stop at the Caribbean Beach Resort, our bus pulled up to Pop Century Resort. My mother and I went to check in and soon we were on our way to our rooms. This time we’re staying in the 90’s, which we’ve nicknamed “Guam.” After putting our stuff in our rooms, we returned to catch the bus to the Magic Kingdom. We go there at the start of every trip and ride the WEDway People Mover—but last time we went, it was closed due to the refurbishment of Space Mountain.

After dinner at Cosmic Ray’s and a spin on Buzz Lightyear, we hopped from monorail to monorail to go to Epcot, which had the magical hours that night. (It was one of the monorails specially designed to promote Tron Legacy). We quickly found ourselves on Space Ship Earth before going to see how the lines looked at Mission: Space. The green team line was short and after, we ran over to Test Track. We were actually able to get on the stand-by line and ride together, and then hung out in the show room to wait for some friends who had come down a few days earlier than us.

Once we were all together, we went to Soarin’, which only had a thirty minute wait (if that). As they had been in the park the entire day, we bid each other a goodnight and they headed to the exit. We, on the other hand, turned to the Imagination Pavilion—it was time to revisit Captain Eo! The movie premiered in 1986 (the year I was born) and was removed in the early 1990s, so I have very dim memories of it. My sister never saw it.

In the waiting area, they play the original pre-show. It is a behind the scenes feature with Coppola, Lucas and Jackson as well as the crew and dancers. During which, all my sister could say was “Look at that 80’s hair!” We entered the theater and sat down to experience “Captain Eo.”

Since we’re talking George Lucas, this is set in space! Captain Eo is part of a group that keeps the universe good. We are told two conflicting details about this captain: that he is a respected captain and that he has bungled a mission or two. So it’s hard to peg him—the efficient hero who gets the job done or the misfit leader who gets by by the skin of his teeth. However, after viewing the whole movie, it seems that they were going for misfit leader with unorthodox ways that gets results. We come into Eo’s ship, manned by robots and rejected Muppets. As they rush around and yell at each other, up rises Michael Jackson. He looks like a mighty hero, a captain you would follow, and just seriously badass.

And then he speaks.

It’s hard to take someone seriously as a serious badass space captain when he sounds like he never hit puberty! Anyway, it is revealed that Eo and his crew are on their way to a planet to deliver a gift to its leader. However, one of the Muppet Reject Crew has lost the map and they’ve been spotted by the planet’s defenses. Once they crash into the homing device, they must get to the leader—which is easy as they are quickly captured.

The planet’s leader looks like a cross between a spider and how you usually find all your extension cords—knotted together in a giant ball. Everything is black, white and grey and she hisses like a snake. Captain Eo calls her beautiful but it is buried, needing to be unlocked. He is going to unlock it for her. As his crew turns into the Muppet Reject Band, the queen sends her robotic forces after him. Once the music begins, the soldiers are turned into dancers wearing orange and yellow costumes. They form a small army behind Captain Eo and start dancing.

And here’s where we get to see Michael relive his glory days, his Thriller success. His dancing ability is mesmerizing and you only watch him (though he is the only one in white). He then starts singing a song with the chorus of “We are here to change the world”. It is such an 80’s sentiment, though it is interesting to note that at one point, the queen calls Captain Eo and the Muppet Reject Crew “Infidels.” As the dancing army continues to sing, Captain Eo continues to convert more of her soldiers into his backup dancers.

Now, he has enough power to convert the queen. In a flash of neon, the wire-spider disappears and in her place we get…well, as my sister said “Angelica Huston?” She doesn’t speak, just waves as Captain Eo realizes his mission is complete. He dances out of the palace, Muppet Reject Crew once again with him. As their ship sails back into the black of space, the Captain Eo logo is brought back up.

Like most Disney 3-D films, this one also has ways of putting you right in the middle of the action. When there are blinking lights on screen, they blink in the theater. As the spaceship engages in battle and swoops through a set that looks oddly reminiscent of the Death Star, the theater rattles as well. When the queen sends out her robotic minions, their whips lash against your own leg as they hit Eo’s.

Overall, it is a very dated piece—and not just by how good Michael Jackson looks. The sentiments and the outfits are clearly from the 80’s. While I wouldn’t mind a return of the former, the latter can stay clearly there. (As you can tell, I’m not a big fan of 80’s fashion). If you find yourself in Epcot one of these days, I definitely recommend a stop to see Captain Eo. If only to just remember what Michael Jackson once was.

Holy. Crap.

Happy 2011 everyone! Hope you rang in the New Year’s in your style and that it’s off to a good start.

“A” Plot: Lily and Marshall are trying to get pregnant. You remember that, right? So, the two of them go to see a specialist when they get nowhere after six days. The doctor tells them to give it time. Which they do. As days turn to weeks and then months, they bother the doctor. Fed up, he sends them to a fertility specialist…Who happens to look like Barney!

The final doppelganger has been found: Senor Marshall, Stripper Lily, Lesbian Robin, Mexican wrestler Ted and now, fertility specialist Barney.

Lily isn’t convinced it’s a doppelganger and races to MacLaren’s to ask Barney how he did it. Barney is thoroughly confused and Marshall vouches for Barney—they were together all day. So the last doppelganger has truly been found. And Lily is pissed because she realized everyone lied to her in the season finale. She thinks that’s why she and Marshall are having such difficulties—they jinxed her uterus!

Marshall and Lily go to visit the Barney Doppelganger and even Marshall is convinced it’s really Barney. Until he pulls the doctor’s beard and realizes it is real. But Lily still isn’t convinced. So, Barney comes down to the office to prove it isn’t him scamming women again. But when he leaves, Lily still isn’t sure, so they bring him back. Barney stands in a corner wearing blinders to prevent him from seeing anything. When the exam is over, everyone agrees just to leave Barney in there.

Later, Marshall comes home and Lily tells him they had two phone messages. One is from his father in Minnesota, asking if he has any sixes. Marshall explains that they are playing “Go Fish” over the phone and then asks who the second message was from. Lily excitedly tells her it is from Dr. Doppelganger and that she is extremely fertile. They hug and Marshall goes to call his dad. We cut to his dad in Minnesota but the phone doesn’t ring, clearly showing us a number on his dad’s beer can. We cut back to the apartment where Marshall worries that maybe the problem is him.

So, he ignores his father’s calls to the surprise of everyone. He then explains that he only calls his father to tell him good news: His engagement to Lily, when he passed the bar, when he bought a Vikings lamp, when he found someone to fix said Vikings lamp, etc. He said it just feels real when he tells his dad. I understand. Bad news doesn’t seem as real until you tell someone.

So he goes to Dr. Doppelganger, who asks Marshall to provide a sample in a cup. Marshall goes to the room but is haunted by the specters of the other men who had done the deed in there. So he asks if he can bring it home and Dr. Doppelganger gives him an hour to do so. But when Marshall gets back to his apartment, there’s a surprise waiting for him—his parents! They were concerned when they hadn’t heard from Marshall and came all the way from Minnesota to check on him. Marshall pulls his wife into the kitchen to ask her to keep his parents occupied while he does the deed in the bathroom. But they keep interrupting him to the point he storms off, frustrated. As his parents demand to know where he’s going, Future!Ted tells us that Lily yells out the one thing that Marshall will always be grateful for: “He’s going to masturbate!”

And so Marshall finally tells his parents his concerns. They are supportive of him and tell them that it doesn’t matter if he can’t give them a grandchild. His father suggests adoption or using a sperm donor. Marshall thinks of his options: Barney or Ted. He says adoption is always a good option. His parents tell him to go pretend to be in high school again, go back into the bathroom and pretend his blow drying his hair. “You knew?” Marshall asks horrified, which is when his mother points out they didn’t have a hair dryer.

I’ll leave the rest of this for the end of the recap.

“B” Plot: Robin began working at World Wide News, remember? Well, on her first day she runs into a former co-anchor from her time on cable. Who then announces that he and Robin had sex. She tells Ted that she didn’t want to be known as the woman who slept with the anchor on her first day. Ted notes that that implies that she eventually wanted to be known as that. He gives her a buck up little camper speech and sends her back to her second day.

When she returns, she says it was the same as her first day—only worse. Her former co-worker was convinced they slept together and when Robin tried to convince him otherwise, she reminded him of an embarrassing news story she did. He finds it—Robin falling from a carriage into some horse manure. And so everyone teased her. Ted tells her to go with it, like one would lean into the skid when hitting ice.

But Robin didn’t lean into skid. She tells her coworkers that yes, she had one embarrassing story. She says anyone with a long career like her while have a few embarrassing stories. And so her coworkers initiate a search. Ted asks what they found. Robin: “Everything.” And then we get a montage of every embarrassing the show has every done with Robin. Including Robin Sparkles. So now they were all calling her “Sparkles.” Ted says he was wrong to suggest she lean into the skid. It was time to get revenge. Robin tells him not to.

But Ted does so anyway. He tells Robin he went to go intimidate her former co-anchor with his crazy karate skills (emphasis on crazy). But when he got to the apartment, the co-worker was there in his balding glory. And a whole smorgasbord of sexual kinks. Robin loves the bald shot and Ted asks her about the happenings in the background. She said her co-worker was open about that, but the hair would be news.

The next day, Ted asks if it was her last day at WWN. She says no and that she took his advice. She showed the picture? No, she leaned into the skid. As everyone called her Sparkles, she pulled up her old jean jacket and wore it at the meeting. Future!Ted tells us that Robin’s torture wasn’t too long as shortly after, some guy spilled his coffee all down his shirt. Everyone—including Robin—has a good laugh and moves on.

There’s a plot where Barney tries to get Marshall and/or Ted to go play laser tag with him in Poughkeepsie. It’s not worthy to be called a “C” plot.

Marshall goes to see Dr. Doppelganger, who says his count is low. Marshall is devastated and Dr. Doppelganger suggests he take up a sport, like laser tag. That’s when Marshall realizes that it’s Barney, pulling off the beard as Dr. Doppelganger comes in. He chases Barney out and then tells Marshall that he has the test results…And now was when I really noticed the numbers and caught on to what the episode was doing.

As Marshall celebrates, we count down to one as he calls his dad. At first, I thought they were counting down to Lily telling Marshall they were pregnant. But then his dad didn’t answer and I got a growing pit in my stomach. Then Lily got out of the cab, crying and I knew. She tells Marshall his dad had a heart attack and he didn’t make it. Marshall hugs her and says he’s not ready for this.

Sob!

That was not the ending I was expecting but a good reminder that when HIMYM wants to pull the heartstrings, it can. It’ll be interesting to see how they proceed with this, how Marshall handles it.

Going Like Nancy…

Last week on “I’d Do Anything”: The final five performed songs showing their leading lady quality. Samantha and Jodie were praised. In their Nancy mission, the girls were asked to be funny while the Olivers worked with a real West End child actor. Jonny moved into the last Oliver spot and we bid farewell to Sam, Joseph, Gareth and Jordan.

Graham welcomes us to the (not-so) live semi-finale. Graham suit watch: Red suit and purple shirt. He tells us the final four will perform and three Olivers will be revealed. He welcomes the fans, the band, the judges and the Lord. The Nancys and Olivers open the show with “Food, Glorious Food.” And those Olivers still include the ones who weren’t put through as well. Graham reminds us that this is the last time Andrew can save a Nancy as next week it’s all up to the public. Helping him are: John Barrowman, Denise van Outen, Barry Humphries and the producer Cameron Macintosh.

Andrew called a meeting with the panel and Cameron in a dark room complete with furniture from Phantom of the Opera. Andrew then works with each girl to help them improve. Graham asks Andrew what the girls need to do: he says he’s trying to find Cameron a star and that each girl could be a Nancy. He hopes the girls deliver the performances they gave him in rehearsal. Cameron says he’s not as worried because the girls have shown themselves to be great leading ladies. He hopes the public chooses the best girl with star potential.

First up is Rachel. She says it is frustrated to think that no one is seeing her when she’s singing with everything she’s got. We cut back to that secret bunker. Andrew says Rachel will keep the curtain up but Cameron is nervous about her. Rachel sings “Cabaret” from the musical of the same name. And that performance gets a standing ovation, including the panel. She blew the roof off the studio and proved she could dance. Not much more I can say. Denise praises Rachel’s performance and calls her brilliant. Barry calls Rachel “great” in the mission and says she gave “a star performance.” John calls it “Rachel, Rachel, Rachel” and calls her an actress. Cameron says she’s got it and would love to see her as Nancy. Andrew talks about Rachel changing it from “Going like Elsie” to “Going like Rachel” and praises it.

Coming Up: Oh, John.

Our next Nancy is Jessie. Jessie says that when she gets criticism she gets frustrated with herself. And in the secret bunker, they talk about “The Man that Got Away.” John calls her awkward and Denise doesn’t think she’s ready. Andrew says she has to prove she deserves to be in the final. Jessie sings “What I Did For Love” from A Chorus Line. The poor thing. She has a lovely vocal and her diction’s improved. But not much in the movement department.

John agrees that it was nice but slightly boring. He mentions her usual hand movements. Jessie asks what she can do to excite him and everyone laughs. He wants to see the conviction behind the words. Barry disagrees and calls it heartfelt. Denise calls her strong and heartfelt, but asks her to sit back a bit. Cameron calls her performance beautiful but she still hasn’t gone through the roof yet. She says this is just the beginning of her career and Graham interrupts her to get her to Andrew. He praises her decisions and her knowledge. He thinks she has star quality.

Coming Up: The Olivers get picked!

Graham explains that the Nancys have been divided into two groups: the Northern Nancys (Samantha and Jodie) and the Celtic Nancys (Rachel and Jessie). Samantha and Jodie are up first and work with Andrew on their song. The girls perform “Jesus Christ Superstar.” This really gives Jodie a chance to prove she can move but I’m afraid Samantha still stole my attention during the performance. The judges give them a standing ovation. Andrew calls them fantastic.

Now, we go to the Olivers! Our eight Olivers before “Tomorrow” from Annie. Because, you know, she was an orphan and Oliver was an orphan…Anyway, the Oliver mission. Andrew and Cameron put them in a West End theater and let former S Club 7 member Jon Lee give them some tips. He was Oliver too! Then the Olivers sing “Where is Love?” Our three Olivers are: Gwion, Laurence and Harry. I was still really rooting for Chester. Graham congratulates Alexander, Jonny, Kwayedza, Chester and Arthur.

Oliver: Harry, Gwion, Laurence

Gareth

Jordan

Joseph

Sam

Chester

Arthur

Kwayedza

Alexander

Jonny

Coming Up: The judges heart Samantha.

Our third Nancy is Samantha. She calls this the most amazing moment of her life. In the secret bunker, Andrew says she’s grown. Cameron loves Samantha. But they want her to be vulnerable. Samantha sings “When You Believe” from the Prince of Egypt. This week is turning more musical theater than the musicals week! She giving a beautiful vocal, but I think the meaning of the song was lost in the second half. It was there in the first part but she didn’t continue it through. Graham asks if she’s changed as the competition went on. She said she grew as a performance.

Graham starts with John. He said she showed vulnerability and asks the audience to take gamble. Denise says she has a likeability factor for both men and women. Barry calls her the bee’s knees and the cat’s…whiskers? Isn’t that “the cat’s meow”? Anyway, he loved her. Cameron felt the same as me: vulnerability in the beginning but lost at the end. But he feels she’ll be there next week. Andrew says the song doesn’t lead one to a great acting performance. Maybe because it was written for a movie?

Coming Up: Denise wants to hug Jodie.

Our last Nancy is Jodie. She said she can’t believe she’s in the semi-finale. In the Secret Bunker, Cameron isn’t too certain about Jodie. Barry thinks she could be Nancy. Jodie sings “Out Here On My Own.” It’s a lovely performance, but I can’t help but think that Jodie looks too old to play Nancy. Right now, the make up is okay, but she still looks older than she is. I think Denise is crying. She calls Jodie heartfelt and that she put so much emotion into the song. She praises Jodie’s life experience. John praises her ability to take direction. Barry praises her voice but thinks she may be too restrained. Cameron calls it “beautiful but matronly.” Andrew tells Barry that she was holding back because he asked her to be. And we just cut to commercial…

Coming Up: Second duet!

Next up Rachel and Jessie sing “Buenos Aires” from Evita. I got a bit distracted but I could hear Rachel singing through it. The Oliver’s who didn’t make it to the finale sing “No Matter What” from “Whistle Down the Wind.” I love this song and am determined to have it as my wedding song! The boys finish and hug.

Coming Up: The results show.

We’re at the results show. Graham suit watch: Yellow suit with a dark green shirt. Once again, we have a reprise of “Food Glorious Food” though this time only Gwion, Harry and Laurence are wearing caps. Graham then shows a recap of everything that’s happened.

Coming Up: Nancy mission.

Okay, maybe Graham’s shirt is blue. I don’t know. Jodie talks about winning and being in the competition. Anyway, the girls are sent to Dickens London. They put on the dress and give interviews by candlelight. The girls will now have to speak “As Long as He Needs Me” for Barry. He likes Jessie’s performance, calling it true. He says he noticed a new side to Rachel. As for Jodie, he calls her emotional if not courageous. He thought Samantha was parroting the words until she addressed him and he saw the tears in her eyes. He calls it a close contest. The final four sing “A Hard Day’s Night.”

Coming Up: The results!

They show us Andrew telling the winner Olivers they won. Harry is shocked, Gwion looks ready to laugh and I think Laurence cried. The three perform “Where is Love?” Graham introduces a package where the girls tell why they should be Nancy. Unfortunately, my sister and her boyfriend are being TOO LOUD for me to hear. The panel says their not Nancy’s:

John: Jessie

Denise: Jessie

Barry: Jodie (he gets booed)

Cameron: Jodie (he gets booed)

Jodie could still be Nancy and leaves the stage. Take that, Barry and Cameron? She hugs her parents. Rachel is in the sing-off and joins Graham. Samantha and Jessie stand center stage. John and Denise are holding hands like they are on the line. Jessie could still be Nancy and she practically attacks Jodie. So Samantha and Rachel are in the bottom two.

Coming Up: Rachel or Samantha.

If it were down to viewers alone, Samantha would be out of the competition. But this is Andrew’s last chance to save someone. The two must now sing “Memory” from Cats. Andrew says he didn’t want these results and tells them to give it their best. I think. Once again, my sister was TOO LOUD. Once again, Denise looks ready to cry. Someone give her a tissue. Andrew looks like he would rather eat the jellied eels again. Rachel and Samantha hug before going before the lord. He calls the choice “impossible”—Samantha is fabulous and Rachel was wonderful. He has to think about where the show is going to go. He stutters before going with Samantha. She hugs Rachel before running to join Jodie and Jessie.

Graham asks Rachel if she has someone she’d love to see all the way. She praises them all and they yell “We love you.” Andrew says she’s wonderful and has a career ahead of her. Rachel thanks everyone before going to say good-bye.

The final three sing “Be Back Soon” before Rachel sings “As Long as He Needs Me.” Samantha takes off her locket before Rachel ascends the stairs. Rachel finishes the song, giving it her all. Take that, United Kingdom. That’s what you kicked off.

Could Still Be Nancy:

Amy

Keisha

Cleo

Sarah

Rachel

Jodie

Samantha

Ashley

Jessie

Francesca

Niamh

Tara

So, Rachel is gone. She was my favorite Nancy and I’m still upset with you, UK. Seriously. Also, sorry my sister prevented me from hearing everything. I promise she won’t do so for the finale. I’m actually going to be on vacation next week so I will be taping the finale and recapping it when I come back. Who do you think will win? And don’t cheat by already knowing or going to Wikipedia!

Next week: The (not-so) live finale!

Quote of the Episode:

Don’t have one. My sister may have talked over it.