Monday, June 24, 2013

Stephen King's Under The Dome

Tonight at 10PM on CBS is the premiere of Under The Dome a short series by Stephen King and Steven Spielberg, and probably a bunch of other people.


The people of a small town suddenly find themselves trapped in a bubble. How they react to this dilemma is the main part of the story while trying to figure out why is it happening is a secondary concern. This was one of Stephen King's most massive books. He also felt the story needs to be stretched out on TV and should span several seasons.

For those fans of The Simpsons Movie you may remember a similar plot but everyone involved agrees it was just a coincident. Another trapped in a fish bowl movie that I enjoyed was Dark City and may be a bit of spoiler to the book.

The book is guaranteed to be different than the series as King himself said that the book ending and reasoning would not work well on TV. Still I would wait to read the book if you have not yet. I find it better to read the book later as people tend to be disappointed with the TV/Movie versions.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

The Chew

Recently stayed home on a weekday and left ABC on after the news was over. Back in the day that meant hours of soap operas but I forgot those days are over. Recently ABC replaced the soaps with The Revolution and The Chew, months later only one show survived.

The Revolution was almost immediately canceled since it had to do with exercise and a healthy lifestyle change.  The Chew on the other hands celebrates foods and crafts which everyone loves. Another plus for The Chew are the hosts.

Daphne Oz, ‎Carla Hall, ‎Mario Batali, ‎Clinton Kelly and Michael Symon make up the co-hosts. Michael and Mario are like feuding brothers. Carla is the cool kid. Daphne is a sweetie pie. Clinton is the main host and is like the older brother who occasionally gets no respect. The cast works well together and they seem to be having fun.

That is the good but the bad is they play to many games with the audience, that is a new thing among talk show. Even Katie Couric plays games in her show. They also make a lot of comfort foods. They try to balance the cooking with healthier alternatives and remind people this should not be everyday food. Still all that food make me full. I am not a foodie but I see why many enjoy this show.

Granted I prefer soaps when I am sick at home but watching a show with fun people is always good.

P.S. I have no plans to make any of their recipes but I may order out.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Remembering James Gandolfini

James Gandolfini, American actor. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
In Italy James Gandolfini died of an apparent heart attack. The great actor leaves behind a young family. It always makes me upset when I hear these stories not only because the guy was so young but he died in Europe.

European countries tend to treat first and then take the victim to the hospital. In America they take you to the hospital first then treat the patient. In cases of heart attacks or strokes or internal damage it means almost certain death in Europe.

I must have seen Gandolfini in a dozen small time roles before the world discovered him in The Sopranos. He was a great character actor and that is not a knock. Character actors are so difficult to do well and Gandolfini often stole the scene.

After Sopranos he became leading man material and while he never reached the same heights each role was better and more believable.At this moment I hope everyone remembers him and his family quietly like James would have wanted.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Nurse Jackie

The season finale of Nurse Jackie just passed and it was great. The show about a drug addicted constantly lying nurse changed last season. This past season she was sober and starting her life anew. The final moments of the season finale ended with hope that the old Jackie is finally back.


The acting and writing for this season was great but I still wanted the old less apologetic Jackie. While I normal cannot stand drug users I think the drugged up Jackie is better. For new fans a marathon of all the seasons will be a good investment.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Game of Thrones

I came late to The Game of Thrones on HBO but all the talk about Peter Dinklage's performance made me check it out. Turns out he was not the only great thing. As the season just finished on Sunday let me summarize what happened.

Oh, aah, eww, aha, OMG!, ooh okay.

An expanded summary is more about how people are battling for leadership of an entire world. This world has many kingdoms, magic, the walking dead, and even a few dragons. While all the people are killing each other a powerful evil is coming from the far north.


After the first few episodes you should refer to the cast guide as you may need it. 


Now that you got the faces straight now try and get the houses and orders sorted out.

If there is ever a show to watch in marathon form it is this one. I do admit the first season is slow and mostly uneventful until the end. They hint at magic but it is not confirmed until the last episode. After that the show picks up with the Red Wedding being the cherry on an awful sundae.

Mo' Money Links

Mo" Money

TV is educational. If you can't learn something everyday your box is broken.