Outlander: The Heart of Darkness

Last time on “Outlander”: Dougal and his merry group of Scots travelled the MacKenzie lands to gather the rent from the people who lived there. Claire went along and her 20th century sensibilities ran contrary to 18th century practices. But she soon becomes one of the boys as she realizes the MacKenzies are raising money for the Jacobite cause. A British soldier arrives to check on Claire, which is where we ended.

CREDITS! I have nothing else to discuss, but I will give a warning: This episode is graphic and violent. I will not use screen caps of anything too gory, but even me talking about it could be a trigger. You have been warned.

Doctor Who: We’re Men! Men in Tights!

Robot of Sherwood or "Robin Hood and the Knights Who Vaporize People"

Clara is a Robin Hood fangirl who gets to live every fangirl's fantasy. The Doctor, meanwhile, tries to figure out what's really going on and stumbles across a spaceship. Of course.

Now an old-hat at traveling with the Doctor, there’s someone Clara’s been dying to meet: Robin Hood. Apparently, she’s a fangirl. The Doctor tells her that Robin Hood doesn’t exist despite the fact that most scholars do believe he was based on a real person and that seems like something the Doctor would know. And breathe. Sorry. But Clara’s insistent, so the Doctor relents. He lands the TARDIS, still ranting about how Robin Hood doesn’t exist. But the arrow now lodged in his TARDIS beg to differ.

(I object!)

CREDITS!

Web Series: Submissions Only

One day, actors Andrew Keenan-Bolger and Kate Wetherhead had an idea. They wanted to keep working together and thought to venture out into the growing world of web series. And what better place to get their inspiration than from their experience as actors?

Now casting: SPOILERS!

ANTM: How Not to Use Your Head

Last time on “ANTM”: Mirjana moved on from Matthew to Denzel while Matthew moved onto Will (!). The models do a photoshoot where they have to hold weird poses because they will flip the pictures for a cool effect. But the big thing was: Makeovers! Kari came close to having a meltdown but no true hair-related breakdowns. In the end, Ben rose to the top while Kari and Chantelle fell into the bottom two. Romeo’s magic proved strong when Chantelle was eliminated. Twelve contestants remain, who will be eliminated tonight? Find out!

The models return to see Ben’s first photo. He and Adam hang out in the Tyra Suite. Adam promises to return the favor when he wins. He says he wants to win the competition to move out of the cubicle. Will, meanwhile, is surprised Chantelle went home.

Keith is in love with Kari. Everyone decides to play truth and dare. Matthew dares Kari to make out with Mirjana. Everyone is excited over that. Kari and Mirjana agree. Everyone thinks it’s sexy, which is a bit hypocritical after everyone went nuts over Will and Matthew’s kiss. Romeo, meanwhile, talks about his dark powers of being able to take people out of the competition. Seriously, it’s freaky.

Wanna be on top?

Outlander: On the Road

Last time on “Outlander”: Everyone gathers at Castle Leoch. Claire this decides this is a great time to escape, but finds many obstacles in the form of a lovesick teenager and several drunken men. When she gets out to the stables, Jamie informs her why this is the worst time to escape. He escorts her back to the castle but they are spotted. Jamie is forced to stand before Colum, where he could risk death by either taking an oath of loyalty or refusing to. Jamie manages to say the right things and gets to play in their reindeer Highlander games. After watching how she handled the death of a man on their boar hunt, Dougal tells Claire she’s coming with him to collect the rent.

CREDITS! What to say this week…Hmm, I guess not much. I think I’ve gushed over them long enough. Sorry, guys.

Doctor Who: Journey to the Center of a Dalek

Into Darkness or “Rehabbing a Dalek”

As Clara befriends a new teacher at her school, she’s pulled into an extreme counseling session between the Doctor and a supposed “good” Dalek. It still kills—but for good!

We open in the middle of a battle as two soldiers try to fend off an attack. But it’s a futile task as their enemies are Daleks. You knew they would pop up soon, right. As one soldier falls to the Daleks, the other finds herself on the TARDIS bridge with the Doctor. She demands to know where her brother is but the Doctor reveals he could only save her. Pointing her gun at him, she identifies herself as Journey Blue and demands to be taken back to her ship, the Aristotle. But the Doctor keeps interrupting her and saying she’s doing it wrong. Finally, she asks politely.

ANTM: Lust and Voodoo

Last week on ANTM: The final fourteen models walk a runway showing off the latest in silly string wear. They moved into the house and Mirjana continued to flirt with Matthew while Keith began wooing Kari. But when Mirjana reveals she has a boyfriend, Matthew cools towards her. Tyra is there on their photoshoot as they also film the opening credits. Keith’s photo rose to the top. After saying Romeo said he wanted her gone, Ivy fell after landing in the bottom two with Will. But Ivy has a chance to come back. Thirteen models remain, who will be eliminated tonight? Find out!

The models return home to look at Keith’s photo on the screen. Matthew makes a joke about looking at “manaconda” all week. “Manaconda” is the nickname Tyra gave to Ketih’s…er…package. Denzel is jealous and talks about losing his father as an infant. He says his grandfather and godfather were his role models. He wants to see an alpha male.

Kari continues to stay with Keith in the Tyra Suite. And they will get treats at the next photoshoot. As they climb into bed, Kari talks about having walls up that Keith is going to have to work to bring down.
Mirjana and Matthew talk and she says she needs her space. He’s chilly to her. Downstairs, Mirjana seems to move on to Denzel because he can make her laugh. Will, meanwhile, is annoyed by Mirjana. Matthew watches as she flirts with Denzel.

Doctor Who: Like Clockwork

Deep Breath or “Call Back”

Steampunk comes to Doctor Who as Moffatt seems to try to stuff as many callbacks into one episode as possible.

(Hmm, the new Jurassic Park movie is looking pretty good)

There’s a dinosaur in Victorian London! It stomps around the River Thames, coming very close to Big Ben. People gather around as a black carriage pulls up. Out pops Vastra, Jenny and Strax, come to investigate. Vastra tells Jenny she hasn’t seen a dinosaur since she was a child as everyone wonders why it’s there. A man believes it is choking and Vastra agrees it has something stuck in its throat. The dinosaur coughs it up—it’s the TARDIS!

Let’s talk about the credits—I like them. They seem to have a heavy gear and cog theme but it looks good. And I like the shot of the eyes from the 50th anniversary.

Outlander: The Not-So Great Escape

Last time on Outlander: Claire got to work as Castle Leoch’s resident healer and the residents kept her busy. Meanwhile, a young boy fell ill after visiting the Black Kirk, said to belong to the Devil himself, and people believed demons took him. Mrs. Fitz’s nephew also falls ill but Claire is the only one who doesn’t believe he is possessed. Geillis warns her to stay away but she doesn’t. After a visit to Geillis’ where Claire experiences some 18th century punishment, she asks Jamie to take her to the Kirk. There, she discovers the boys ate a poisonous plant and she is able to save the boy. In doing so, she makes an enemy of the local priest and assures the fact that Colum would not let such a talented healer go. But a song about a person who fell through the stones and managed to go back gives her hope of returning to 1946 and Frank.

CREDITS! It’s now a tradition, it seems, for me to talk about the credits here. I guess now I must comment on how brilliant it was that they keep the credits faceless. You can still tell who is who, but you don’t actually see their faces. Brilliant.

ANTM: A Deluge of Everything

Last week on ANTM: It was the second half of the casting episode! The remaining 22 contestants had to quickly change and board a subway to take pictures…four times. Most got left behind, leaving only Matthew and Danny standing. Matthew wins the challenge. Romeo continues to dislike Danny and Mirjana jumps on board that wagon. On a beach, Kelly introduces them to their new creative director—Yu Tsai. After some solo pictures in order to get advice from Yu Tsai, the models posed for a group shot on the beach. Tyra, Kelly, Yu and Ms. J went through the pictures and made their final picks. Tyra revealed the finalists and sent the rejects—including Danny—home. Fourteen contestants remain, who will be eliminated tonight? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

Nostalgia Nook: Timmy the Tooth

Growing up, my family would make regular trips to BJ’s warehouse store. I loved these trips for a few reasons: Free food samples, a stop at the computer store across the way and a new Timmy the Tooth video. My sister and I loved these silly little specials.

And now I’m going to tell you why.

Eww, that was a horrible transition. Sorry.

Do I have to put a SPOILER warning up? Really?

Outlander: Things Beyond Your Ken

Last time on Outlander: Claire arrives at Castle Leoch and befriends the housekeeper, Mrs. Fitz. She continues to tend to Jamie’s wounds and learns more about the mysterious young Scot in the process. Claire meets the Laird, Colum MacKenzie, who is suspicious of her. The entire castle is, except Mrs. Fitz and Jamie it seems. And Geillis Duncan, who befriends Claire. Just as Claire spies freedom, Colum yanks it from her and declares she will be their new healer.

CREDITS! And I finally found out the name of the song used for the opening credits—“Skye Boat Song.” I’ve heard it before; George Donaldson sang it on the Celtic Thunder DVD Heritage. But it only appears on the DVD, not the CD.

Web Series: Emma Approved

Pemberley Digital was not one to rest on their laurels. After the success of The Lizzie Bennet Diaries and Welcome to Sanditon, they introduced another modern take on a Jane Austen classic. And this time, it was Emma Approved!

I am AB and this entry will be SPOILER approved!

*Wink*

ANTM: Spicing Up the Subway

Sorry for the delay. Monday was my mother’s birthday and when I got home from celebrating, I had to choose between ANTM and the Emmys. I’m sure you understand that I chose the Emmys.

Last week: Thirty-one contestants came to LA for the chance to compete to be America’s Next Top Model. But more importantly, Ms. J’s back! After a runway show and  meeting with the judges, the number was whittled down to 22. There’s still another round of cuts to go! Who makes it? Find out!

Wanna be on top?

Face Off: Jungle Fever!

Last time on Face Off: The twelve remaining contestants worked together in pairs to create anthropomorphic trees with a twist. Some worked easily together, others not so much. Despite being in the bottom separately, Doc and Jason together have the winning look but Jason wins the entire week. Damien, Cig, Vince and Drew landed in the bottom. In a surprising move, Vince was eliminated. Eleven contestants remain, who will be eliminated this time? Find out!

Face Off!

Outlander: Into the Viper’s Nest

Last time on Outlander: Frank and Claire Randall go to Inverness, Scotland on their second honeymoon to reconnect after spending the Second World War apart. And for Frank to explore his ancestry, including a British soldier named Jonathan “Black Jack” Randall. When Claire visits a stone circle outside the town, she falls through time and lands in the 18th century. There, she comes face to face with Black Jack himself. He proves himself to be the evil doppelganger and Claire is rescued by a group of Highlanders. She is forced to travel with them and starts to bond with a member of their group named Jamie, who is very injury-prone. As Claire finally comes to terms with her situation, the group arrives at Castle Leoch.

CREDITS! Anyone know if the song is on iTunes? I would love to have it!

Web Series: Welcome to Sanditon

Pemberley Digital is on a roll. The Lizzie Bennet Diaries are an internet sensation. Fans everywhere love your work. Time to put out another video series!

So, which Austen novel to mind next? Sanditon, of course! You know, the novel Jane Austen never finished. In some ways, it was a good choice. But more on that later.

ANTM: The Return!

Damn you, Tyra! You’ve got me recapping a casting episode!

Okay, it’s my choice.

But still!

Wanna be on top?

Guardians of the Galaxy: The Unlikeliest Heroes Ever

Marvel has been on a roll, huh? Hit movie after hit movie—and a popular TV show to boot! And the “Guardians of the Galaxy” movie seemed to be a bit of a gamble. It wasn’t like Iron Man or Captain America or any other Marvel creation known to the mainstream. But Marvel took a chance and it paid off.

Time for SPOILERS!

Outlander: Through the Looking Glass

It’s here! The TV adaptation of Diana Gabaldon’s best-selling novel “Outlander” has arrived. And I’ve decided to recap it because…why not?

Note: I have read the book the series is based on. For the most part, I will not focus on divergences from the source material unless I feel there is something BIG being ignored that you should be aware of. But based on this first episode, I doubt that’ll be necessary.

Let’s begin! And we’ll start with the credits. My God, they are gorgeous! The shots of the Scottish landscape as well as shots no doubt of scenes coming up throughout the miniseries—absolutely perfect. So is the song that plays over them. Brilliant work, production.

Web Series: The Lizzie Bennet Diaries

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.”

Most of you probably recognize that as the first line to Jane Austen’s immortal “Pride and Prejudice.” In the first episode of “The Lizzie Bennet Diaries” (LBD), Lizzie (Ashley Clements) shows us that her mother had it put on a t-shirt she gave to each of her daughters. She explains her mother’s obsession with seeing her daughters married off while Lizzie eschews such an old-fashion notion. It’s not that she doesn’t want to get married, she just believes it isn’t the be-all end-all for her as a woman. And she discusses this on camera in a vlog style as part of her classes for her masters in communications, namely in new media, with the help of her best friend Charlotte Lu (Julia Cho).

FaceOff: The Woods are Just Trees, the Trees are Just Wood

Last time on Face Off: Aliens were among us! McKenzie and Glenn challenged the contestants to create their own using ancient cultures and landmarks. Doc struggled trying to combine his aquatic alien with the Easter Island heads. Gwen struggled with an application piece that fell apart. Sasha struggled as well but still rose to the top with her simple yet beautiful alien. But Stella was the week’s winner, stunning the judges with her use of colors. Gwen and Doc fell into the bottom, but Gwen was ultimately sent home. Twelve contestants remain—who will be eliminated tonight? Find out!

FaceOff!

My New Obsession: Web Series

I love web series. And I’ve discovered my share in the past year and a half.

Starting with The Lizzie Bennet Diaries. I discovered this show on tumblr and was shocked to learn it existed. I’m an Austenite—you’d think I’d know about a Pride and Prejudice adaptation! So I went to YouTube and binge-watched all the available episodes. And then I continued watching each episode. Even the ones that were released in between, filling in gaps in the story. Like Lydia’s heartbreaking videos or Gigi’s heartbreaking videos. Yeah, these videos could take you on an emotional and angst-filled rollercoaster sometimes.

FaceOff: Encounters of the Third Kind

Last week on FaceOff: The fourteen contestants moved into their house and loved it! And then they went to Universal Studios and loved it! McKenzie told them they would be creating over-the-top mobsters based on real life gangsters. They paired up and got to work. Cig and George clicked and their mobster was the crème of the crop. Barry and Sasha had some conflict with planning theirs and in the end, Barry was sent home. Thirteen contestants remain—who will go home tonight? Find out!

FaceOff!

Nostalgia Nook: Clueless

In 1815, Jane Austen published her fourth book, Emma. In it, Emma Woodhouse believes she is an expert matchmaker and meddles with her friends’ love lives while content to never marry herself. It ends up blowing up in her face and she ends up falling for her dearest friend, Mr. Knightley. Mr. Knightley, the only one who will tell her the truth. In the mid-90s, writer-director Amy Heckerling took Austen’s classic and adapted it for a more modern audience.

The result? Clueless!

(SPOILERS? As if!)

FaceOff: Top of the World, Ma!

Last week on FaceOff: The contestants arrived to find out they weren’t actually on the show yet. Half the contestants had to make creatures that represented life and the other half made creatures that represented death. Neville Page and Glenn Hetrick inspected the creatures before the contestants stood before the judging panel. Ve announced that she would not be able to participate in most of the season due to her commitments to “The Hunger Games.” But instead, we will get Academy Award winner Lois Burwell. Seems like a fair trade to me. Dina rose to the top to become the first spotlight challenge winner. Scott and Gabby fell short of joining the show. Fourteen contestants remain, who will be eliminated tonight? Find out!

Face Off!

America’s Next Top Model: Cycle 21!

Alert! Alert! Alert!

America’s Next Top Model will start again on Monday, August 18th. Please note the day change—Monday instead of Friday.

Once again, this will be a mixed cycle—boys and girls competing together. Maybe a boy will take it this go-round. We’ll see.

I will be recapping the cycle once again. Especially as Television Without Pity is no more. (A moment of silence, please). Keep an eye out for them!

See you in three weeks!

Wanna be on top?

Newsies Review: Seize the Day

In the early nineties, newbie screenwriters Bob Tzudiker and Noni White pitched an idea to Walt Disney Productions. They wanted to make a movie about the 1899 newsies strike where young boys were able to win against the likes of Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst. Disney ordered it and Christian Bale was cast in the main role of Jack Kelly. Then Disney decided to make it a musical, bringing award-winner Alan Menken on board with new lyricist Jack Feldman. The movie was far from a box office smash and Christian Bale swore off musicals forever.

But then something strange began to happen. Newsies became a cult classic. Fans grew to love the movie despite its flaws--or maybe for its flaws. The music grew more and more popular. And Disney decided to turn the property into a musical. Menken and Feldman agreed to write new songs as well as work with the ones they had already written for the movie. Pulitzer Prize winner Harvey Fierstein was brought on to revamp Tzudiker and White's screenplay, to make it more palatable for the stage (and to fix some of the more problematic aspects of the movie). The musical bowed at the Papermill Playhouse in New Jersey to critical raves as well as good word-of-mouth.

After it closed, it was rumored that Disney wanted to bring it to Broadway. And a few months later, it did. Opening March 12, 2012 in the Nederlander Theater, the same praise from Papermill followed it to Broadway. It was nominated for eight Tony Awards, including Best Actor for Jeremy Jordan and Best Musical. While it lost the top prize to "Once" and Jordan lost to Ben Kazee (of "Once"), Newsies still won two Tonys--Best Score and Best Choreography.

On Friday, July 12, 2014, I finally saw this musical.

EXTRA! EXTRA! SPOILERS BELOW!

Face Off: Sitting in the Graveyard…

Time for a new season of Face Off! I’m all excited, are you?

LA! Our group of contestants storm a building and everything is set up for their first challenge. And there’s Sheridan Crane McKenzie Westmore to welcome them to FaceOff! The building used to be a cathedral, the site of baptisms and funerals. McKenzie says that the season is about life and death. Then she reveals that none of them are on the show yet. This is their final audition. Everyone is shocked. Two people will be eliminated before going to the house or the lab. She says the contestants have to pick to represent life or represent death then pick an item from the box to incorporate into their makeup.

On Your Mark

Get Set!

RUN!

Update

So...I know I sometimes tend to go off without posting for a while. But this time, I have a reason. My hard drive crashed. So I lost my (admittedly late) July Nostalgia Nook. It will now be August's.


I also lost two reviews but I won't be redoing them. They were for movies that are closer to being on DVD than in the theaters.


I'll be back soon, I hope!

OUAT: For Good

Last time: Zelena’s portal sucked Hook and Emma through, landing them in the Enchanted Forest, in the past. Before the Dark Curse was cast, before Snow White met Prince Charming but after Regina went full on Evil Queen. However, Emma ruins her parents’ meet-cute and she needs Rumple’s help in fixing things and getting back. After an elaborate ruse involving Emma distracting Past!Hook, things seem to be course-correcting—until Snow drops the ring and Emma-disguised-as-Princess-Leia ends up Regina’s prisoner.

Uh oh!

We open in…prison? Did Regina go high tech as the Evil Queen? Because the last time we saw her dungeons, they were pretty much your standard medieval/fairy tale fare. Oh, no wait, there’s Emma and Neal. This is a flashback. Sorry, I missed the placard saying so. Neal picks a lock and gets them inside a deserted carnival. He and Emma ride the merry-go-round as they talk about home. Neal says he feels like home is the place you run to.

(For those who miss Neal)

OUAT: Thank Goodness

Last time: Regina defeated Zelena! Rumple then killed Zelena! Mary Margaret had a baby boy! We still don’t know his name! Emma wants to leave Storybrooke and go back to New York! Henry thinks they are staying! Rumple proposed! Belle accepted! And the time portal opened anyway!

We start with a shot of Mickey Mouse. As the camera zooms out, it’s revealed to be a gift to a little blonde girl by her parents. Her new parents, it turns out, as she’s just been adopted. As the car drives off, the other orphans wave goodbye to her. One older girl stays outside, watching the car and crying. A woman comes up and tells her that her time will come. The girl? Emma Swan, our very own Lost Girl.

(Don't worry, Emma. Some day, your family will come)

OUAT: Defying Gravity

Last episode: Mary Margaret went into labor!

This episode: Mary Margaret prepares to give birth as the residents of Storybrooke try to prevent Zelena from getting the baby. But first, let’s learn more about Zelena and Glinda, shall we?

So let’s go back to Oz, where Zelena watches her sister practice with Rumplestilskin. She seethes until Glinda enters to thank Zelena for revealing the truth about the Wizard and setting Oz free. Zelena’s like “Oh, thanks.” She revels in the attention and stops stalking her sister. So Glinda introduces her to the other witches of Oz, who shall remain nameless. 

(Glinda, Witch of the North; Not Important, Witch of the South; and Who Cares, Witch of the East)

She explains to Zelena that they each represent a direction as well as a characteristic—courage, love, wisdom. Glinda invites Zelena to join them as the Witch of the West and represent innocence. Zelena’s like “Have you met me? Not exactly innocent here.” But Glinda says that releasing her anger and jealousy toward her sister will make her innocent again. Zelena agrees to it and her green skin returns to it’s normal hue. Glinda gives her a jewel to wear to help control her powers.

Nostalgia Nook: Hercules

Fun story time! My dad worked at ABC during the Disney takeover and for a few years after. In 1997, Disney celebrated its renovation of the historical New Amsterdam theater by having a special event. My dad managed to get tickets but was unable to take off to go himself. So my mother, sister, aunt, cousin and I went. Disney characters put on a little show, celebrating and dancing in the aisle. My sister, who was almost five, was a bit confused as she thought the Disney characters all lived in Disney World. My mother told her they were visiting us in New York for the party. After the party, they lowered a screen and showed us Disney’s latest movie—Hercules!

From zero to SPOILERS!

OUAT: As Long As You’re Mine

Scene: Enchanted Forest. A lone rider gallops through the woods, heading toward the palace. That rider? Belle. She goes to tell everyone gathered at the palace—Snow, Charming, Regina, Aurora and Philip—that Rumple is alive. But Neal’s been absorbed into him and now he’s insane. Well, more insane. Regina’s happy Rumple is alive, Snow is aghast Neal is kinda dead.

Anyway, Aurora tells Snow that Zelena wants Snow’s baby. Which proves Regina’s point that the Charmings shouldn’t make a big deal about announcing their impending arrival. But the Charmings will not be intimidated by a green witch riding a broomstick. Speak of the devil!

Zelena flies in and turns Aurora and Philip into flying monkeys for blabbing. No one blinks an eye. Aww, come on, guys. At least pretend like they were your friends. 

(Sleeping Simian and her Prince Monkey)

Anyway, Zelena freezes everyone as she feels up Snow’s baby bump. She says that the baby will do nicely. And then she flies off.

HIMYM:…Our Friendship Will Never Die

This is really it. My last How I Met Your Mother recap. Deep breaths everyone. We’ll get through it.
And then we can rant all over again.

We open again at the Farhampton Train Station. Ted is still being needled by the old lady to go talk to the bassist. She believes that the bassist is The One and asks to sing at Ted’s wedding. Ted’s like “No. Calm down.” But he’s drawn to the bassist.

Go for it, Ted. Doooooo eeeeeeeeeet.

OUAT: I’m Not That Girl

Let’s recap, shall we?

Regina suddenly has a half sister she never knew about named Zelena who grew up in Oz, is a witch, can turn green and has a grudge against Regina for kinda weak reasons. She’s collected Charming’s courage and Rumple’s brain and is waiting to get Regina’s heart and Snow’s unborn baby. No one knows why.

Meanwhile, Zelena has cursed Hook’s lips so that when he kisses Emma, all her powers get zapped. So he’s trying to keep his distance. She also has Rumple locked in a cage in a storm cellar, Belle’s running Gold’s, and Regina’s heart is being guarded by Robin Hood.

Oh, and Henry still has no clue what’s going on.

OUAT: No Good Deed

We open in the Enchanted Forest, where a fancy looking carriage rolls along a dirt road at night. I’d say this is going to be a Robin Hood story but Sean Maguire’s name didn’t appear in the credits so…that’s a no. The carriage stops as a knight steps out. 

(We are the Knights Who Say "Give Us All Your Money") 

He says he’s going to take all the money from the occupants of the carriage. Their response is pretty much “You and what army?” Fires light in the trees around them and shadowy shapes appear, all armed. The men decide that army is sufficient and run away.

Who is in the armor? Why, Captain Hook! I guess he’s picking up the slack while Robin bickers with/sexes up Regina over in the Royal Castle. He yells at Mr. Smee for lighting the fires too slow but Smee’s like “We got the loot. Let’s celebrate!” Hook agrees.

HIMYM: And As the Years Go By…

Here we are, folks. It’s the finale. Time for our last go around with the gang we’ve come to know and love. So, let’s start where it all began…MacLaren’s, 2005.

Barney is aghast that Ted used another wingman in his absence. That wingman—Robin. She apologizes that she wasn’t able to get him a date, but Ted says it’s alright. Robin offers to buy a round and gets up. Lily turns to Barney and Ted, threatening them. She says Robin could finally be the girlfriend she’s been waiting for. And she’s not going to let either of them ruin it for her. If they want to sleep with Robin, they have to marry her. Meanwhile, Robin orders scotch and cheers on sports—everything Lily didn’t think she wanted in a girlfriend—and has no clue what ride she’s just gotten on. It’s going to be a ride, Robin Scherblasky. 

Enjoy it.

OUAT: The Wizard and I

Neal is dead.

(Rest in Peace, Neal)

The episode features his funeral, intercut with scenes of Rumple being thrown back into his cage to mourn alone. Everybody was called in for the funeral and so there’s a nice crowd there to send Neal to his final resting place. Hook, Belle, Charming, Regina, Emma and Henry all toss dirt onto Neal’s coffin.

Nostalgia Nook: Wishbone

Two PBS shows dedicated to books back-to-back? Why not? Especially as I’ve said before—I’m a bibliophile!


“Wishbone” is the main character, a Jack Russell terrier with a BIG imagination. He can also talk but only the audience can hear him. Wishbone is owned by middle schooler Joe Talbot (Jordan Wall), who is being raised by his widowed librarian mother Ellen (Mary Chris Wall). Being surrounded by books, Wishbone becomes a bibliophile as well and often compares the situations Joe and his friends encounter to the books he’s read. Joe’s friends are David Barnes (Adam Springfield), a budding scientist and inventor, and Samantha “Sam” Kepler (Christie Abbott), an athlete with a heart of gold.

HIMYM: Cold Feet

It’s the penultimate episode, the last one before we say goodbye to this wacky group of friends forever. The one where everything was still a mystery and people weren’t…well, I’m getting ahead of myself. It’s time for Barney and Robin’s wedding, y’all!

Except the bride and the groom are both having pre-wedding panic attacks. Barney’s is over the color of his tie. He says he has the perfect cornflower blue one back in his apartment. He tries to climb out of the window to escape. Lily and Marshall hold him back, fully aware of pre-wedding panic attacks. (Marshall’s hair cut, anyone?)

OUAT: Sentimental Man

On the last episode, our intrepid heroes discovered that Rumplestilskin was alive and well and living in the Witch’s storm cellar. Yet they still seem to trust Zelena. Go figure.

We open in the Enchanted Forest. Neal and Belle decide to break away from everyone at Regina’s castle and go to Rumple’s old manor. Being the genre-savvy ones, they figure there’s no way the producers would’ve killed such a popular character who borders on villain and antihero so well. So there has to be a way to raise Lazarus and the one person who would know would be…Lazarus. The two are determined to scour Dark One Manor for the answers they need. Have fun, you two!

HIMYM: RED ALERT!

We’re almost at the wedding. Almost. All the guests have arrived…including Gary Blauman. You know, the recurring character played by Taran Killam, Cobie Smulders’ real life partner? He goes to say hello to Robin, who is surprised to see him. She then panics, running into Marshall. She explains that there’s no seat for Gary as he never RSVP’ed. Marshall calms her down, saying he’ll handle everything. He says he is the king of seating charts and that Table 34 from his wedding still gets together every year. Robin thanks him and continues getting ready.

Marshall looks over the seating plan and declares it a mess. He enlists Ted’s help, but Ted hates Blauman. He recalls the time he read about Teddy Roosevelt and then would not stop talking about the man. To the point it annoys his friends. But then he meets a cute girl at a party who is also fascinated by TR. So is Blauman. The three of them continue to exchange TR trivia for hours. Ted runs out of trivia but Blauman gets one more in. So Ted asks the woman who she is going to sleep with. And now Ted blames Blauman for losing that woman. (Really, Ted? Really?) He’s for throwing Blauman out.

OUAT: Something Bad

This episode opens with Prince Charming staring at what was supposed to be Emma’s nursery. But he notices it actually looks, you know, lived in. He says that it’s wrong. Emma says he’s right…but then says that it’s wrong that a princess of her age is still in her nursery. Charming spins around to see Emma in a pretty pretty princess dress and I must say Jennifer Morrison looks amazing. She asks her father to teach her to dance for the ball. He agrees and they start spinning around the nursery. Charming says she’s a natural, like her mother.

(Father-Daughter dance)

But then a vortex opens and starts sucking everything into it. Including Emma. She talks about Charming having to let her go and not being there for her blah blah blah.

It’s all a dream! Charming wakes up in bed as sunlight shines through a wedding. Snow is already up and she tells her husband that she’s pregnant. And already showing so she’s been waiting a while to tell him, I gather. Charming is happy but still looks nervous.

HIMYM: Mosby Boys!

We keep journeying to the end. Hang on!

We open with Robin catching up with her mother. Ullman can’t wait to meet Barney. She hopes he’s nothing like Robin’s father was. Ullman says there were a lot of warning signs before the wedding. Like how he was a playboy who slept with a lot of women. And was engaged to a stripper at one point! Sound like someone we know?

OUAT: What is This Feeling?

Things are moving fast here in the second half of the third season! Hope you are keeping up!

So Emma dives in to try and figure out what exactly is going on. But the people of Storybrooke are no help. They remember saying goodbye to Emma and Henry as they crossed the town line and then they were waking up in their beds back in Storybrooke. Really, the only way they know time passed is because Mary Margaret looks like she’s going to give birth any minute now. Hook doesn’t have any more answers, just that he received a note and the vial of memory potion by bird one day. He figured Snow White sent it to him and David agrees it does sound like his wife. But of course she can’t remember if she did send the message or not. Emma decides to start with the last person who cursed Storybrooke: Regina.

Nostalgia Nook: Reading Rainbow

Oh my goodness! How did I miss my scheduled deadline? My bad.

This month, we look back at a beloved childhood show. And since I’m a bookworm, it deals with books!
Take a look, it’s in a…Wait. Do I need to do a spoiler warning? I don’t think so. But just be careful anyway.

OUAT: No One Mourns the Wicked

I don’t think I’ve recapped this since the season premiere back in 2011! But I feel like I’ve neglected this blog as of late. The tumblr I created for this blog is more active than this place! So I’ve decided to start recapping more. And I’ve decided to use Wicked song titles…even if they don’t exactly fit.

We open in the Enchanted Forest. Prince Philip rides up to a waiting Princess Aurora. They have a sweet reunion where Aurora says she’s hungry. Philip teases her about always being hungry and that’s because Aurora is pregnant! This cute Moment of Matrimony is interrupted by a giant purple cloud overtaking the Enchanted Forest. Philip recognizes it as magic and he and Aurora take cover. When the cloud dissipates they look up to find the denizens of Storybrooke standing there. Aurora recognizes Snow and rushes to ask her what is going on. “We’re back,” Snow says. And I was trying to figure out why Charming had blood on his shirt when it hit me—he was stabbed before the curse sent everyone to Storybrooke. Nice continuity, show!

HIMYM: NOPE

We’ll get more into that title later.

Instead, we open at the Farhampton Inn in 2024. A snowstorm rages outside as Ted and the Mother sit inside, alone. She comments that they made it just in time and that the storm looked bad. Ted says that this isn’t the worst storm he ever encountered. He starts talking about the Fiero Fiasco, but the Mother has already heard the story. So he tells about the time he and Barney took over MacLaren and Lily got stuck on her flight back to New York…but the Mother heard that one too. So then there was the time Marshall got stuck on the roof while putting up decorations…which (sing along if you know the words!) the Mother has already heard. Ted wonders if maybe Lily told her the story, but the Mother points out that the story contains a word (“ragamuffin”) more suited to Ted’s vocabulary. (And mine. What?)

So the Mother decides to tell a few stories of her own, but Ted’s heard them all as well. They realized they’ve heard everyone one of each other’s stories. Ted declares that it’s official—they are an old married couple. After a beat, the two smile and high five each other in celebration.

HIMYM: Weekend at Barney’s

Sorry for the sporadic recaps.

We start on the day of the wedding with ten hours to go. And Barney is out cold from all he had to drink the night before. The problem? Robin’s dad has paid for wedding pictures that morning. And he’ll be pissed if they have to cancel. So the gang has to get Barney awake and sober.

Ted, though, wonders if that’s necessary. After all, Barney is incapable of taking a bad picture. We flashback to the episode all about that. Remember? Back when Marshall and Lily lived in DoWiStrePla? When Ted was dating a new girl every week in the wake of Stella breaking his heart? How Robin tried all episode to get a bad picture of Barney and failed? Time to rely on his superpower now!

Nostalgia Nook: “Luck of the Irish”

Time for a Disney Channel Original Movie or DCOM! I should probably do more of these. But in honor of St. Patrick’s Day (which is why this is delayed to then), I present this original movie!

A pot of gold and SPOILERS!

Doctor Who: Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?

Hide or "Paging Mystery, Inc!"

Clara has an existential crisis while investigating a ghost that isn't a ghost. And I hit my head when I realized the Professor was played by the same guy who played the prince in "Ever After."

We open in a dark and creepy mansion. Because it’s a Doctor Who episode! Inside the dark and creep mansion is apparently a sting operation, judging by all the equipment inside. A man pops up wearing thick glasses and clothes which scream “COLLEGE PROFESSOR!” Or “UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR!” if you are so inclined. He is talking to a young woman dressed in retro, 70’s clothing. This isn’t a sting operation but a paranormal investigation. The young woman is a medium and the house is haunted by a screaming woman. So the two are studying the ghost.

The woman starts calling for the ghost to speak to her. As she does, the equipment starts to collect readings. Our professor friend reads his machines as the medium looks ready to run in the opposite direction. But she stands her ground as the camera zooms closer to her. Lights flicker, the machines go nuts…and then the doorbell rings. Guess who’s at the door? If you guessed Scooby and the Gang, you’re wrong! This is a Doctor Who recap! So it’s the Doctor and Clara!

Cue the credits!

Nostalgia Nook: The Lovers Part IV

And we bring February to a close with Elizabeth Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy from Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.” In a few incarnations as the Jane Austen classic is beloved to this day.

So, even though it is over 200 years old—SPOILERS below!

Nostalgia Nook: The Lovers Part III

We press on with our month of love with an iconic couple who aren’t human. They’re mice!

I’m sure that was a dead giveaway, even if you didn’t read the preview last week. Yes, we’re discussing Minnie and Mickey Mouse this week.

Hey there, hi there, ho there…SPOILERS!

The story of how Mickey Mouse came to be is legendary. For those who don’t know, here’s a rundown: Walt Disney had just lost his cartoon character Oswald the Lucky Rabbit due to contractual wording. He was on a train, heading home to an uncertain future. And he started doodling. He created a little mouse he wanted to name “Mortimer.” But his wife Lillian convinced him to call the mouse “Mickey” and a star was born!

Mickey delighted audiences worldwide. And he gained friends. Donald Duck. Goofy. He gained enemies. Like Peg Leg Pete. Yes, he started out as a villain. And Mickey got a love interest—Minnie Mouse. He tried to woo her though he faced competition from Mortimer Mouse (seems Walt never gave up his penchant for the name). But Mickey ultimately emerged the victor, especially as Mortimer was a bit on the slimy side and Mickey is our hero.

Minnie and Mickey have lasted over the years, supporting each other. How many people have gotten married with Groom!Mickey and Bride!Minnie cake toppers? Or worn those hats in the parks? Or seen something like “I’ll be the Mickey to your Minnie”?

Why do we like this couple so much? Perhaps it is because Mickey is the Everyman in mouse form. And Minnie is an Everywoman. They are perfect together! And they give us hope, much like Cory and Topanga from last week. They are two halves of a whole. Mickey has been her knight in shining armor. He’s been her shoulder to lean on. Isn’t that what we want?

So I hope you’ve found the Mickey to your Minnie (or vice versa). Or that you will.

Next week: Elizabeth Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy

Nostalgia Nook: The Lovers Part II

Cory and Topanga.

Topanga and Cory.

Any 90s kid knows those names. They are probably in some ways the ideal we hold our romances to.

So, let’s go back to when a boy meets SPOILERS!

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella: I Can Be Whatever I Want to Be

Okay, who remembers the version of “Cinderella” starring Brandy and Whitney Huston? Because I thought that version was amazing. Well-acted, well-sung and one I’d watch again and again. Which I did, during the last snow storm—it was on Ovation. And it was timely. Because I went to go see the show on Broadway that Friday with my parents.

And with today being Valentine’s Day, I thought today would be an excellent day to post this review.

So, impossible things (and SPOILERS!) are happening every day.

Nostalgia Nook: The Lovers Part I

L’amour.

It’s all around us now that February is upon us and the Super Bowl is over. Time to bunker down and wait for shamrocks, leprechauns and people shouting “Erin Go Bragh” without knowing what it means if you’re not in a romantic mood.

I may not have a Valentine this year, but I’m a hopeless romantic. So I’m going to discuss all the characters I’ve shipped over the years. And we’re starting with one of the earliest ships I can remember having:

Tommy and Kimberly from the Power Rangers!

Doctor Who: Eleven’s Hour is Done

The Time of the Doctor or “Protect Christmas”

And by “Christmas,” I mean an actual town called Christmas located on Trenzalore. Gallifrey exists in a crack in time and the Doctor has to protect it from the Bad Guys of Doctor Who Union Local 42 lay siege on Christmas while the Doctor grows old. When all seems lost, hope bursts forth and the Doctor begins anew.

Frozen: A Story of Sisterly Love…And a Lot of Snow

For its 53rd animated movie, Disney Studios looked to Hans Christian Anderson’s “The Snow Queen.” And then rewrote everything to make it more awesome than it already was.

So bundle up against the cold and SPOILERS!

Doctor Who: The Doctors United

Fifty years ago, the BBC debuted a show about an alien who traveled through time and space with his granddaughter in a blue police box. It was designed to teach some history and science lessons. No one thought it would last. But it did. It did more than last—it ingrained itself into British culture. And then it made its way across the pond, becoming a part of “nerd culture.” It faded away for a while but came back with a roar, this time exploding across the world. Eleven men have played the Doctor and countless others played his companions and enemies.

And now it’s celebrating 50 years in style. To the point it almost overshadowed the 50th anniversary of JFK’s assassination. Note I said almost. So, how did Doctor Who celebrate? Let’s reverse the polarity, fire up the sonics and set the TARDIS into motion for…

Day of the Doctor or "THE FEELS! THE FEELS!"

Bad Wolf guides the War Doctor through his biggest decision ever. Ten courts Elizabeth I trying to fight the Zygons. And Eleven joins Clara and the Brig's daughter to solve a mystery. But they all gather together to save Gallifrey. ALL of them.

Nostalgia Nook: Camp Nowhere

Ahh, Camp Nowhere. It wasn’t a critical darling. And I was a bit surprised when it popped in my mind. Camp Nowhere wasn’t exactly a movie I was clamoring to see as a child. Nor was it one I have ever really felt the urge to revisit. But it popped into my head. So, let’s take a look, shall we?

No Parents, No Counselors, No Rules but SPOILERS!

2013: A Year in Review

Another year is over. I know, it seems like it just started, right? But here we are, ready to look back at the stories that made 2013. Here are my top 10 news stories, once again compiled by the monkeys in my head.

Let’s begin!

Nostalgia Nook: Love, Actually

Yes, I know I did Love, Actually already. But it’s been ten years. TEN YEARS! Time certainly flies. Let’s see how it’s withstood the test of time.

SPOILERS! are all around.

Smash: Bring Down the Curtain

Last time on “Smash:” Sam learned Ivy was preggers! Derek did not! Tom was obnoxious about the Outer Circle Critics awards! He annoyed Patrick Dillon, a hot actor who may or may not be gay! Jimmy is worried Kyle won’t get a Tony nom! But then everyone pretty much got a nom! Time for the Tonys!

SMASH!

We start with…someone misspelling Anjelica Huston’s name as “Angelica.” Way to go, show! Anyway, the cast sings “Under Pressure” as they walk around New York City to get to the Marquis Theater which is hosting the Fake Version of the 67th Annual Tony Awards.

The Thanksgiving House

It’s the Countdown to Christmas on Hallmark! Holiday movies galore! White Christmases as far as the eye can see! Secret Santas around every corner! So many decorated trees it can fill a forest! Oodles of cookies that make you think you’ve gained the holiday weight just from watching these movies!

But Hallmark doesn’t forget that there is a holiday that comes before Christmas. Last year, they aired “Love at the Thanksgiving Parade.” This year, it was “The Thanksgiving House.”

Put on your buckled hats and prepare for SPOILERS!

Nostalgia Nook: Passions

Soap Operas. You know I watch them. And I think it all started with Passions.

My Nana started watching Passions first. And she told my sister and I about it. My sister didn’t really give it much thought until she watched it with my grandmother one day. Then I volunteered at my school’s convent for a week one summer. There was a TV in the room but it only got the broadcast channels. So I decided to give Passions a try.

Breathe In, Breathe Out, SPOILERS!

ANTM: Who Will She Choose?

Last week: Tyra psyched us out and only had the two photo shoots. But first we learned nobody really liked Jourdan as only Chris supported her. But then money lured Mike to switch alliances from Cory to Jourdan. As the final three prepared to walk in the final runway, the judges appeared. Someone was not walking as a finalist. Who will it be? Marvin, the janitor’s son who cried at the drop of a hat? Jourdan, the young woman who didn’t endear herself to her fellow models? Cory, the androgynous model who Rob wanted to be more masculine? And who will ultimately be America’s Next Top Model? Find out!

Top Model!

ANTM: Where Do You Put Your Support?

This cycle on America’s Next Top Model: THERE WERE GUYS! Marvin had no game until like last week when he and Renee may or may not have had sex! Jeremy idolized Jourdan until she kept going on about how he was obsessed with her and pretty much turned him off. Nina liked Chris but then he upset her and then no one liked Chris. Phil kept being called a “sexy Jesus” and kept flirting with Jiana despite having a girlfriend. And in between, there was actual modeling going on as well! Once the models got to Bali, their numbers dwindled until there was three. Who will be America’s Top Model—Jourdan, Cory or Marvin? Find out!

Top Model!

Wait, this is only part one of the finale? And according to my guide, part two isn’t airing right behind it. That means I still have to tune in next week to find out who won?

Wanna be on top?

BALI! Jourdan’s picture is on display and she notes this is her fifth time getting the first photo. Cory and Marvin celebrate being the top two guys. He says he’s not going to be happy until he wins it all. Cory says they all represent a different side of the industry—Jourdan is the classic beauty, Marvin is the youthful male and Cory is the androgynous male. Marvin, meanwhile, is glum that he didn’t get a kiss goodbye from Renee last week. But the other two remind him that Chris is gone.

Glee: Good Night, Sweet Prince

Yes, I know I haven’t recapped a Glee episode since pretty much the first season. But after Cory Monteith’s death, I knew I had to recap this episode.

Before we continue, let’s get this out of the way first: They do not reveal how Finn died. It’s not important as this episode is not about how Finn died, but how the people around Finn grieve and find the strength to go on. Yes, it may not give some fans closure in regards to the character of Finn but it was a choice the producers made. Some people thought they should’ve killed Finn the same way Cory died and I’m glad they didn’t. While Finn’s father became an addict, it wouldn’t have been true to the character to make Finn one either. And if Glee had chosen this episode to be the “drugs are bad, m’kay?” episode, I would’ve been mad. When Glee gets preachy, it gets very heavy-handed in my opinion.

Anyway, on with the show…

ANTM: Bats!

Last week on “ANTM:” It wasn’t on. They debuted Katy Perry’s new album instead. So…

Two weeks ago on “ANTM:” Everybody hated Chris! Marvin and Renee became Marnee! Everyone posed in a rice patty! Then they went to go visit elephants! At panel, Jourdan rose to the top while Nina, Jeremy and Chris H fell into the bottom. In a double elimination, Nina and Jeremy were sent packing. Five contestants remain, who will be eliminated tonight? Find out!

Top Model!

First Look: Jamie Fraser

On Diana Gabaldon's official site, she posted some good news: Starz has released the first image of Sam Heughan as Jamie Fraser in the upcoming Outlander mini-series!

Take a look:

What do you think?

ANTM: The “Preposterous” Elephants

Remember Jade from Cycle 6? And when she thought elephants were related to dinosaurs?

Good times.

Last week on “ANTM:” The models flew to Bali! No one liked Chris H! Don had a panic attack and Nina revealed she had some of her lung taken out so they couldn’t do the underwater runway challenge. Then they had to pose with animals. Nina rose to the top while Don and Marvin fell to the bottom. In the end, Don was eliminated. Seven contestants remain, who will be eliminated? Find out!

Top Model!

ANTM: Bali Hai

Last week on “ANTM:” Jeremy was revealed to the be the male contestant entering back into the competition. The contestants had to film a commercial with some crazy direction. Jourdan won the challenge. There was a large fight over dirty dishes. Then a photoshoot featuring Zendaya in which the models had to turn flaws into assets. Nina rose to the top while Chris H. and Alexandra fell into the bottom. And Alexandra had to leave the stage due to a heart condition. Alexandra was eliminated again and won’t be going to Bali. Eight models remain, who will be eliminated first in Bali? Find out!

Top Model!

The contestants return to the house and pack up their stuff to go to Bali! Marvin’s excited to leave the country; Don says the stress of the competition is getting to him. Jourdan and Renee still think the other is her competition. Nina isn’t sure where her relationship with Chris H stands while he’s glad he wasn’t sent home as he has no home to go to. Because, you know, him mom threw him out when he turned 18. Everyone gets on the model mobile to head to the airport as we head to credits.

Wanna be on top?

HIMYM: The Old-pocalypse

Robin and Barney’s wedding weekend continues as they discuss their schedules. But a bus pulls up, bringing with it our…

“A” Plot: Robin’s and Barney’s elderly relatives have arrived for the wedding and the two are terrified of them. Though they try to be excited and respectful, all they want to do is hide. Robin talks about her great-grandparents and how all they do is bicker. She’s pretty confident they don’t have sex anymore after sixty years of marriage. Barney wonders if that will be them in sixty years. Robin says no, they’re too awesome to be like that. Barney agrees but doubt has crept in.

Nostalgia Nook: Casper the Friendly Ghost

It’s Halloween! Okay, almost. But I thought I’d do a related movie.

Let’s have a little history lesson first though: Casper the Friendly Ghost was created by Seymour Reit and Joe Oriolo for a children’s book which never took off. During World War II, Oriolo sold the rights to Paramount who turned Casper into a cartoon. In the cartoons, Casper lived with other ghosts who enjoyed scaring the living. But he didn’t want to do that and so he set out to make friends amongst the humans. The cartoons ran before movies and soon transferred to TV. Comics staring the ghost were also produced. And in 1995, Casper got his own live-action movie.

Casper, the Friendly SPOILERS!

HIMYM: Faith and Trust

But sorry, no pixie dust!

Welcome to part two of How I Met Your Mother’s final season premiere. The gang—sans Marshall—has arrived in Farhampton, where Barney and Robin will be getting married.

Plot “A”: Marshall and Marvin’s Bogus Journey. When we last left father and baby son, they were trying to outrun Sherri to get onboard the last flight to New York. But there’s a big storm and there are no more flights to New York. Barney, on the phone with Marshall, instructs him to throw Sherri’s luggage into a restricted zone. Marshall refuses but promises to make it to New York in time for the wedding. He tries to find another flight but once again, no flights to New York. What about the train? Anyway, the booking agent says they might try renting a car. Sherri throws Marshall’s diaper bag into the restricted area and runs off.

ANTM: Flawsome

Last time on "ANTM": The models went on go-sees to try and book fashion shows. Jourdan and Marvin didn't book any and Jourdan didn't understand because they kept saying it was because her walk was "too good." Tyra eventually clued her in that it was a polite way of saying she was too bland. Renee won the challenge before they posed in a field with mirrors. Chris H rose to the top while Marvin and Phil fell to the bottom. Phil was eliminated but had a chance to comeback right then! Alexandra was revealed to be the comeback kid...for the girls. As Phil, Mike and Jeremy awaited their fate, the episode ended. Who will come back? Who will be eliminated? Find out! 

Top Model! 

HIMYM: When Lily Met the Mother

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s the last season of How I Met Your Mother. So I am recapping it again for old times’ sake.

Back in May, the season finale gave us a most welcomed surprise—the titular Mother! And I am a bit embarrassed to admit I had to look up the actress who played her because she looked so familiar to me…only to discover it was Tony Award nominee Cristin Milotti (“Once”). Does that mean I have to turn in my Theater Geek card?

Smash: Waiting, Impatiently

Last time on “Smash:” Hit List made it to Broadway! Daisy blackmailed Derek and replaced Ana in the show! Jimmy wants to get Kyle a Tony! Someone told the press about Season 1 Ivy! Tom and Julia have a goodbye performance! Ivy is preggers!

SMASH!

Ivy’s pregnant and suffering from morning sickness. A stage manager bangs on the bathroom door, telling her she’s missing her curtain call. She yells back she’ll be out in a minute. And her odd behavior hasn’t gone unnoticed. Jessica and Bobby recruit Sam to check in with her, telling him about her bizarre behavior which includes almost missing her Act II entrance because she had fallen asleep during the intermission. They are concerned Season 1 Ivy is back.

ANTM: The Comeback Kid

Last week on “Top Model:” Marvin cried. Nonstop. Kelly tested them on their fashion knowledge…while they were in their underwear. For every correct answer, the contestants earned money to spend to put together an outfit. Don charmed his way to a challenge win. Then they had to pose while paint was thrown on them. Jourdan rose to the top again while Phil and Jiana ended up in the bottom two. Jiana was eliminated as Phil gets to model another day. Eight contestants remain, who goes home tonight? Find out!

Top Model!

Outlander Has a Heroine!

Outlander fans rejoice!

Claire Beauchamp Randall Fraser has been cast! 

 She will be played by Catriona Balfe. I don't know much about her but Diana Gabaldon raved about her. Looking at her, though, I think she'll be good.

Can't wait to see!

ANTM: Big Boys Don’t Cry

Last time on “ANTM:” The boys decide to prank the girls, who are pretty cool about it. Phil goes crazy on a shoot, annoying Kelly to no end. Cory’s team won only because Don’s team didn’t put Nina in a shoot featuring women’s clothing. Then Nina and Chris H fought it and it looks like China is on the skids. At a photoshoot about nail art, J2 hits the skids too. Kanani though is still freaked out about the clowns the boys hid in her room the night before. While Jourdan rises to the top, Jeremy and Kanani are sent packing in a double elimination. Nine models remain, who is eliminated tonight? Find out!

Top Model!

Nostalgia Nook: Kim Possible

Disney is known for its Princesses at the movies. But it has had its share of kickass heroines in its animated shows. And I think one of the more popular ones has been Kim Possible!

Call me, beep me, SPOILERS!

ANTM: Nail It

Last time on “ANTM:” Jourdan couldn’t figure out how to evenly distribute phone time and then spent longer trying to calm down her boyfriend. This led to fighting and no doubt the producers cackling in joy. Perez Hilton and Bryanboy interview people on the street for…reasons…and Jeremy won a date with Jourdan. Which was pretty much Jourdan yammering on about her past. Then the wannabes then had to film a fragrance commercial while portraying the opposite sex. Cory was in his element and rose to the top while Alexandra and Jiana fell to the bottom. In the end, Alexandra was sent packing. Eleven contestants remain, who will be eliminated tonight? Find out!

Top Model

ANTM: Dude Looks Like a Lady

Last week on “ANTM:” Chris H had a heart-to-heart with the rest of the house and most people accepted his explanation of why he was weird. He also has a blossoming friendship with Nina, who had a swollen ankle. The models had to walk a revolving turntable and no one got seriously hurt. And then they had to pose in a trailer park. Marvin has no game. Though he does cop to his crush on Jiana at panel. Jourdan rose to the top while Mike and Jeremy fell to the bottom two. In the end, Mike was eliminated. Twelve models remain, who will be eliminated tonight? Find out!

Top Model!

ANTM: You Know You’re a Redneck When…

Last week on “Top Model:” MAKEOVERS! Before that though, Tyra and Rob taught the model wannabes about “chemistry.” They then posed in pictures with Alessandra Ambrosio. As for makeovers, Cory went bald! Nina went red! Jourdan went blonde! Phil turned into Jesus! Marvin still has no game! In the end, Mike rose to the top while Chlea and Don fell into the bottom two. Chlea was eliminated but wait! She could come back like last year! Thirteen contestants remain, who is eliminated tonight? Find out!

Top Model!

ANTM: Manscaping Causes Manspain

Last week on “ANTM:” No one died as the models walked down the side of a building for a fashion show. Chlea earned the wrath of Kelly. Marvin had no game with the ladies. Bianca had a crush on Mike, who was giving Season 5 Lisa a run for her money in alcohol consumption. They posed in non-traditional marriage photos. Don and Marvin exceled while Mike, Bianca and Chris S fell to the bottom. Bianca and Chris were both eliminated. Fourteen contestants remain, who will be eliminated tonight? Find out!

Top Model!

Chlea complains about Kelly and how she talked to her. She said her mother kicked her out and she wasn’t going to be controlled. Renee is like, “Be smart. It’s a game.” Phil and Jiana talk about the hormones and Marvin is still trying to get with the girls. Cory is over it. Uh oh. No, Cory! You’re getting the goner edit!

Wanna be on top?

Smash: Beware Sneaky Chorines

Last time on “Smash:” The bastards killed Kyle, one of the last likeable characters on this show. Everyone mourns the loss of a genius despite the fact we hardly saw him being a genius. They cancel the performance of “Hit List” but then Scott reschedules it, though it costs him his relationship with Julia. Jimmy returns to perform while most of the cast looks on. As they toast Kyle, Jerry reveals he’s bringing “Hit List” to Broadway.

SMASH!

ANTM: I Think I Wanna Marry You

Last week: Time for a new cycle! And this time, Tyra is letting men join the competition. We met some good looking ones, some quirky ones and some crazy ones. Tyra flew the top 35 out to LA to walk in a fashion show where they had to kiss their partner and pose. After the requisite sob stories, the judges reduced the number to 26. The final 26 pose on the side of a building for people to vote and the judges whittle it down to the final 16. Chris H has some very poor bonding skills, as his idea is to punch other guy’s nuts, and Jeremy is infatuated with Jourdan. The top sixteen are revealed and will now have to walk down a building. Who will fall to their death? Who will be eliminated? FIND OUT!

Tyra points to the roof of the building as some guy walks down it with the assist of a harness. She reveals this is a challenge and like last year, they will be ranked. Jiana is nervous that they will be walking in heels and says she hasn’t even told her mom she’s in the competition let alone about to die in it. Don’s scared of heights and is looking a bit unsure.

Wanna be on top?

Outlander Has Its Villain!

And no, it's not Jason Isaacs.

It's Tobias Menzies.

Let's take a look, shall we?

Nostalgia Nook: Captain Planet and the Planeteers

Yes, I know the Nostalgia Critic did this. But I wanted to do it myself. Especially as there will be a film made based on the TV show.

So let our SPOILERS combine!

ANTM: THERE ARE MEN, YOU GUYS!

I’m not liveblogging the casting episodes because…well…you all know how I feel about casting episodes. So regular recaps will resume next week with the first proper episode.

But here are my thoughts!

I don’t see how the boys will bring something new to the program except increased hormones. Each fills an archetype we’ve seen on the show before: the overconfident one, the poor one, the socially awkward one, etc. But there was some flirting already. We need to keep our eye on Jourdan and Jeremy. I smell reality show love!

America's Next Top Model Returns!

Going through FIERCE withdrawals? 
Missing the chance to use the words "smize" and "tooch" in conversation? 
Forgotten how cray-cray Tyra can be? 

FEAR NOT! 

America's Next Top Model returns Friday, August 2nd. (Check local listings). It's Boys vs. Girls, so let the battle of the sexes begin! 

Yes, I will be recapping it. 

Outlander: Jamie Cast!

Starz has cast its Jamie Fraser!

It first leaked out earlier that Starz may have cast Sam Heughan to play the lead in the adaptation of Diana Gabaldon's "Outlander," seemingly confirmed by the author herself. And now Starz has confirmed it.

So here's our Jamie:

Star Trek: Into Morality and Ethical Dilemma

Four years after breathing new life into the Star Trek franchise, J.J. Abrams and his partners return with the continuing adventures of the USS Enterprise. How do they do?

And yeah, I know I’m a bit late in seeing the movie. But I got to it and so I’m sharing my opinion on the movie.

Boldly going where no SPOILERS have gone before.

RIP Cory Monteith

"Glee" Star Cory Monteith Dies at Age 31

When I saw the article at Playbill (I linked to the one at E! Online), my heart skipped a beat. I could not believe this was true but, alas, it is. Glee has lost it's leading man and I want to take a moment to reflect on this, including some videos of Monteith's performances on Glee. Let's start with "Don't Stop Believing" from the pilot:

Smash: Here He Lies, No One Knew His Worth…

Last time on “Smash:” Ivy was running circles doing promotional events for Bombshell. Derek tried to talk to her but she kept shutting him down. Jimmy was high and messed up! So he got fired! Tom and Julia are fighting! Jimmy and Kyle are fighting! Kyle steps off the curb and is greeted by bright lights!

SMASH!

Nostalgia Nook: Disney Adventures

When I was younger, I received four magazines: Highlights, American Girl, Nickelodeon and Disney Adventures. Of course I had a magazine put out by Disney—why wouldn’t I?

So let’s discuss it, shall we?

Disney Adventures came out monthly. And I loved to read it. It was my People magazine. News about different stars filled the pages. Stories about movies, TV shows and music were all presented to a tween/teen audience. Comics filled the back pages starring our favorite Disney characters.