Watching Sitcoms

Finally, here we are at the end of American Idol Season 8. Because I still can’t blog as I watch without my laptop, like I’ve been doing all season, I won’t do an actual recap this week, but just share my thoughts about the show tonight.

Both Adam Lambert and Kris Allen had to sing (more…)

So here’s the deal. As we start watching the penultimate episode of American Idol tonight, I’m not going into this thinking Adam Lambert will win. I know I’ve been on that bandwagon all along, but honestly, at this point, the rules change a little. Up until now, it was only necessary for him to have about 35% (or less) of the vote to be safe. Now its necessary for him to have more than 50%. Let’s just say that Adam and Kris Allen are going into this week evenly matched, meaning both had about 35% of the vote last week. That leaves over 30% of the vote to be split between them. That’s a lot of votes.

Even if Adam goes in to this week with 42% of the vote (I played with the numbers a little at dialidol and that’s what I came up with) and Kris has 37%. There is still 21% of the vote left. If that all went to Kris, he would easily have the win.

So you can see why I don’t think that this is really the runaway event that people are saying.

Right before last week, I revised some of what I had been saying and, after really thinking this through, started becoming of the mind that Danny Gokeywould go out in third place (the better place for him to be allowed to make his gospel CD), Adam would be in second place (so he can make the CD he should make) and Kris would win (so he can make the boring bubblegum pop thing that 19E would insist upon.

So although it would be sad for Adam to come so far only to lose to such a boring guy, it really doesn’t even matter at this point. I believe I’ve mentioned this before. Adam Lambert is this year’s Chris Daughtry. He’s already won this competition no matter who is crowned this week.

I’m gonna cut to the chase on my American Idol chop and slash show review.

We watched three home visit reels, sat through Jordin Sparks and Katy Perry (thank God for my mute button, since I didn’t start the show late enough to fast forward through all that), a silly Ford commercial where Kris Allen and Danny Gokey had super powers and Adam Lambert was just smart, and some charity thing with Alicia Keyes. Also, a very lame movie plug. And Katy Perry was wearing a cape with Adam Lambert’s name on it.

Observations I made while watching the show:

1. Theoretically everyone this week is in both the bottom three and the top three.

2. At their home town visits both Kris and Adam basically just sang, while Danny had a full orchestra and backup singers treatment.

3. Both Jordin Sparks and Katy Perry sounded screechy and off key to me.

4. Each one (more…)

My American Idol review will be a little different tonight. I usually write my review as I’m actually watching the show, but this week my laptop has some issues and I’m not able to do that.

So I took notes and now I’m attempting to decipher what I wrote.

I have to say I can’t remember a stronger Top 3, or maybe I’m not trying hard enough. I thought everyone (more…)

I know there’s going to be another ep of American Idol tonight, and I know I’m gonna recap it, but my recaps don’t seem to give me enough space to talk about everything I’m thinking. Hence, this post, in which I am going to share a few of those random Idol-related thoughts I feel the urgent need to share.

Last night, after the show, Laura and I were looking up the American Idol tour dates to see which one we plan to attend. (We’re thinking Hamilton, ON, on 8/14, cause it’s a Friday, rather than Saturday in Rochester, NY, since we’re right in the middle of the two cities. But it always makes me wonder why the tour goes to random places like Hamilton and Rochester and not Buffalo, which is a much larger city than either. But I digress.) Anyway, it started us talking about the Top 10. Neither of us could recall where Alexis Grace was voted out. Turns out it was at (more…)

I know this is Tuesday and I’m going to be writing my American Idol post later today, but I just had to jump in here and talk about something AI-related.

A friend sent me an interesting article from the New York Times entitled “American Idol’s Big Tease” and it made me start to think about a few things. First of all, let me say that Adam Lambert is probably, no wait, make that definitely, my favorite Idol this season. I like some of the others, but in my opinion, Adam is far and away the best of this season and even for a couple of seasons back. He is in his own league. He is one of only a handful of contestants (actually, three), who have induced me to go to the trouble of downloading their songs during the course of the competition, and the only one whose songs I’ve ever paid money to download.

Now I’m not gonna pretend I didn’t see all the same pictures that everyone else has seen of Adam in various modes of dress, made up and making out. But honestly, I don’t care.

How does that in any way affect his singing ability? Not at all that I can see. Maybe it’s what makes him better than everyone else, but I’m pretty sure the two things - sexual proclivity and talent - are not connected in any way.

When I watch American Idol, I’m afraid to say, that unlike many others, apparently, I’m not thinking about the contestant’s sex lives at all. Not even a little bit. I’m thinking about how they sound and, somewhat, about how they look. Maybe even how they comport themselves on stage, in interviews and when dealing with the judges. Because, and this may come as a shock to some people, American Idol is a singing competition/talent contest, and those are the things that count, not their sex lives.

So I’m wondering why, in this day and age, the New York Times thinks that this is news. The question shouldn’t be “Is Adam Lambert gay?” it should be “Adam Lambert is gay?” Or better yet, “Who cares?”

It’s time to eliminate one more contestant from American Idol. I’m ready for almost anyone to go home tonight, aside from Danny Gokey or Adam Lambert, cause even if they were the person going home, I know the judges would use their save. But they won’t be.

I’m not sure if this show has ever seemed as long to me as it does this year. It seems like we’ve been watching this season for years rather than just months. And there are still months left!

So we start the show and, randomly, Frankie Avalon comes out singing Venus. What? What show is this? Apparently, this is in homage to the year of Simon’s birth, 1959. All that just to poke fun at Simon. It was a little weird and uncomfortable. Speaking of weird and uncomfortable, the group number is some song from the year of American Idol’s birth, 2002.

We then waste a little time (more…)

Well, if you’ve seen tonight’s episode of House, and you’re a fan, then you are probably either upset or angry right now. I’m leaning more towards upset right now, but I may hit angry later.

First of all, let me say that although I used to really, really love (more…)

Well, here we are again, another week of American Idol. I’m really not caring about the show too much this year. I can’t tell you how much I hate the judges’ entrance. Then the theme this week is Popular iTunes downloads. Hmmmm. I probably won’t know any of these songs since I am not much of a fan of top 40’s pop music. Why do I watch this show again? (Reminds me of a Buffy the Vampire Slayer quote, “We listened to aggressively cheerful music sung by people chosen for their ability to dance.” That’s what tonight is gonna be like, I can feel it.)

Oooh Harry Hamlin and Lisa Rinna. I like them at least.

Anoop Desai is up first singing some Usher song. Well, I have heard of Usher. Did Anoop just say “her body was so tight”? What?? I don’t know how he got clearance for this song. Personally, I hated it. I like music that sings and that song was just crap. I think Anoop is putting himself right out of this competition, both with his attitude and his song choices.

Megan Corkrey (I refuse to start calling her Megan Joy) is next. I have (more…)

Want to know a secret? I don’t even need to watch this week’s ep of American Idol to tell you who is most likely going home tomorrow. Really. Its obvious to me and, if you think about it a while, it will be obvious to you. Although what makes sense to me, I’ve found in my years of watching American Idol, rarely makes sense to the powers that be on this show or to the huddled masses watching and voting.

I may have already said this, but it just seems a given that Scott would be a liability on the tour. He’s not meant to be a song and dance man. Most blind singers tend to stay with their instrument, safely in one spot, and I think that’s really what would be best for Scott. Think of the liability of him having to dance and bop all over that Idol tour stage. It’s just not gonna happen. Or it shouldn’t.

Besides, back to all the blind singers who sit with their instruments, people like Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Jose Feliciano, to name a few, does anyone really think Scott fits in with that group? He’s just not that good, so there is no reason why he should make it to the tour anyway. Look, I’m not trying to be a jerk because he has a disability. I give him all sorts of props for having the guts to go for what he wants, but it would be best for him if someone just signs him this week.

I mean, it’s not like he hasn’t done anything with his music to this point anyway. The guy has produced six CD’s already! He’s won awards. He has a Masters in piano/vocal performance from England’s Royal College of Music. He has a couple of scholarships waiting for him (a Marshall and a Fulbright) and has been accepted at both Oxford and Cambridge for further graduate research. He’s pretty well set.

And believe me, there are other people I’d rather get rid of before Scott (I wont name names, but it sounds like Megan), but I’m looking at this from a logisitcal viewpoint and also using some sound business sense.

Scott should go home this week.

This is the night we get the Top 12 on American Idol. Despite the fact that the show has been annoying so far this year, I’m still excited to watch tonight. Maybe it’s because they’ve been so very vague about what’s going to happen. And maybe it also has something to do with how predictable it’s been up til now.

Based on the order tonight, it’s clear that Anoop, in the pimp spot, is going through. Of course, this is all based on the judges, so I guess that doesn’t really matter.

First up is Jesse Langseth singing Tell Me Something Good, Rufus (feat. Chaka Khan). It was OK, but not the best ever. My husband said it was Hot. I do like that song, but I’m not sold on her talent. However, if we need another girl in the Top 12, she might not be a bad choice, cause at least she’ll be interesting.

Matt Giraud is up next. I like him, but he really didn’t show up last time. Now he is singing Who’s Loving You, The Jackson Five. Not that well known of a song, but it really allows him to show off his bluesiness. I’m not actually sure if this will save him or not, though, cause it might have been a little over the top. (Wow, see Kara agrees with me.)

I write my posts as the show is happening. Its crazy how often the judges repeat something I’ve just written, like they can actually see me. I know it probably comes across as me repeating what they’ve said. But I don’t. I really, really don’t.

Megan Corkery sings Black Horse and The Cherry Tree, KT Tunstall. I don’t like her voice and style at all and I’m not fond of this song, either, for that matter. No, no, you’re not the one for me either, Megan. I know she thinks she’s all that, but I don’t see it. The judges like her cause she’s a cute blond, but I don’t think they are gonna want her to split the vote with Alexis Grace.

Now we have Von Smith, previously known as (more…)

Thankfully, I wasn’t home tonight, so I get to fast forward through the American Idol cut and chop show. I did watch the dance number, though, even though my husband said it was like the Mickey Mouse Club. I like how they were able to keep Scott on the couch for the whole thing, even while moving people around. I must say, that I don’t care for the songs they’ve been using for the group numbers this year. I miss the medleys of random 70’s songs. Please, bring those back.

I’m happily fast forwarding through the recap from last night and Ryan chatting with the kids. So, first up is Lil Rounds. She is, of course, in the Top 12. Was there ever a moment’s doubt? I mean, from her very first audition to this point, did anyone not believe she was making it through?

Then we have Arianna, Taylor, Alex, Kendall and Scott up next. Only one is going through. (more…)

Finally, I’m writing about something that (almost probably) actually counts as a sitcom. Imagine that!

On Saturday, between blogging and other stuff, I decided to take a break. Then I remembered that I wanted to check out Felicia Day’s online series The Guild. You may remember Felicia from both Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Vi) and Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog (Penny). I already liked her, so I figured it was possible I was going to like her show.

The Guild has just completed its second season, but when I sat down to watch, I figured I’d catch an ep or two. Each episode is about 6 minutes long, give or take, and there were 10 eps in the first season and 12 in the second, plus a Christmas sing along and two blooper reels.

I didn’t get up from the couch until I had seen every single minute (including two eps with Chinese subtitles). I’m not exactly sure how long it was, but days could have passed for all I knew, cause I was so engrossed in the show that I was unaware when it became dark outside and oblivious to the fact that no one in my house got any dinner.

Scarily enough, that’s part of the show’s premise. It’s about a group of online gamers who don’t know when to stop. Even though I am not an online gamer and I know nothing about how it all works, I couldn’t help but identify with the characters. Maybe it’s just cause I’m a fellow obsessive geek, cause I can totally see myself and my online friends in their complete devotion to their game and to their online life.

That was a bit frightening actually and when I tried to explain it to my husband, he just didn’t get it. He doesn’t have any hobbies, though, so you can’t go by him.

The point here is, you absolutely must see it for yourself, at WatchTheGuild.com. Enjoy!

For anyone who was smart enough not to waste their time watching three hours of The Bachelor last night, I can tell you that Reality Steve was right. The show went down just as he said it would. Honestly, I didn’t bother watching the first hour and 40 minutes. I tuned in just in time to see Jason dump Molly and propose to Melissa.

Then the real fun began at the After the First Rose Show. After being able to see the girls’ faces during the ATFR show, I’m going to revise my opinion. Melissa was probably not in on this for the whole time, but she clearly knew what was happening when she showed up on the couches with Jason and Chris. All you have to look at is the set of her mouth to know that she was already really angry. She knew what was about to happen and she was mad that it was happening to her.

As for Molly, at first (more…)

This week’s ep of The Secret Life of the American Teenage had a little too much of Anne being perky, George being weepy and Amy being whiny.

I’m not doing my traditional recap this week, cause I was very tired and I was laying down while I watched. Now I’m just gonna give you the basics as I recall them. Anne is determined to find a job for both her and Amy. Amy is not interested in working at all.

George is realizing that he still loves Anne.

Donovan and Leon decide that they are not going to adopt the baby, but that they want to go after their foster kids.

Ben gives Ricky a word beat down, basically telling him that he will never be able to support the baby for the next 18 years.

Ashley’s new friend, Thomas, comes to visit. He tells her he is 15, then tells her he is 13. I thought he looked older, but what do I know.

Adrian, with Grace’s help, decides to become a virgin again. (Can this be done? Is this something people do?) So they consult with the Rev. Stone. I thought the scene with the three of them was really compelling. The Reverand comes across as a very nice guy who sees more than he lets on and who really wants to help people. He isn’t pushy at all, which I like, cause too often Christians are shown in a bad light. Like they are always trying to convert people to their way of thinking. Rev. Stone seems like he’s very tolerant. I like that, too.

Adrian then shares with news with Ricky, who doesn’t seem like he believes her, but they are interrupted by Adrian’s brother, whose name I still haven’t caught. Adrian tells her brother about her determination to become new and not have sex until she’s married. Of course, he seems like he’s now ready to move the relationship along. But he also seems like having sex or not is not a deal breaker. Good on him.

A man flirts with Anne at the Hot Dog Hut, where she is now working, much to George’s dismay.

Leo tells Ben off for telling Amy that she doesn’t have to work if she doesn’t want to cause he can take care of her. Leo’s response, “No you can’t, you don’t have a dime. I have dimes.” I love that man so much.

Jack sells (with Grace’s help) some candy bars to help Duncan raise money for disadvantaged kids. On his way to Duncan’s house, the money is robbed, then his keys and his phone, and then his car. He is running around trying to get it all back, when he comes up a couple of guys who look tough. They take his shoes, his money and his wallet. Then they admit they were just playing with him. They tell him that Duncan is the thief and that he was scamming Jack. They also tell Jack that Duncan won’t let him anywhere near Shawna just because he won’t let anyone near her.

Honestly, other stuff may have happened, but try as I might, I don’t remember. If you do, please help me out.