Just Because: Chalk Children

Just Because:

The Chalk Children story was some of the most original, creative, hilarious (and frighteningly realistic) writing I have seen on a sit com in years!

Beware the chalk children!

Kudos to Julianna Margulies & The Good Wife

The last few weeks have been so busy I have missed many of my favorite shows. Today as the rain poured down I started sanding and staining my desk and bookcase. (something I have been trying to get done for a year). While I worked I watched the last three DVR'd episodes of The Good Wife. I have written before of my love for this show. The writing is and execution are smart and compelling and I love a show that forces you to pay attention. The complex emotional layers all of the characters play are so far ahead of anything else on the big three networks.

I have always loved Julianna Margulies but don't think I appreciated her talent as much watching Alicia finally reach the end of her rope. Margulies is incredibly restrained, especially in her scenes with Kalinda (Archie Panjabi), making her hurt all the more powerful. If you don't watch The Good Wife your missing a truly great piece of drama.

The Good Wife on FH:
Why I Love The Good Wife:
Kudos to Karen Hall:
The Men Of The Good Wife:
Falling In Love Again: Josh Charles:
Favorite Guy from The Good Wife: James Carpinello

R.I.P Brothers & Sisters

I know the last season or two have been lacking creatively but I am still saddened at the cancellation of Brothers & Sisters. The show was a bit of a throwback, an hour long family drama. When at it's best it was character driven when it faltered it was usually when the producers focused on story lines not rooted in the core members of the Walker family. For some reason Ken Olin and company insisted on finding creating new brothers and sisters and playing with paternity when the original five siblings were really enough to spotlight.



The actors were top notch and some of the scenes were tv's most powerful. There are stand out hours in the shows first three seasons that ABC really should have promoted more. I think the show could have had a few more years if Greg Berlanti were still it's showrunner. I was hoping for the abbreviated season ABC was trying to put together but ultimately it never came together. R.I.P Brothers & Sisters, you will be missed!

Favorite Quote of The Week: Grey's Anatomy

Grey's Anatomy has always been my favorite television drama. The past year or two I have been doing a lot of fast forwarding through the episodes on my DVR. Last night however the show was back to it's brilliance. The drama was strong on character development without the silly crutches the writers have been relying far too much on this season. I think Baily's speech to Callie before her wedding was one of the most powerful scenes in years. It was also a strong comment on the church and gay weddings delivered masterfully as always by Chandra Wilson. Bravo, beautifully crafted episode!

Bailey:
'OK, first of all, you do not need the law or a priest or your mother to make your wedding real. And the church can be anywhere you want it to be - In a field, on a mountain, right here in this room, anywhere because where do you think god is? Come on, He's in you. He's in me. Just right here, in the middle of us. Your church just hasn't caught up to God yet. Your mother, she hasn't caught up to God yet. And, by the way, she may not ever catch up, but it's OK. It's okay. If you are willing to stand up in front of your friends, family, and God, and commit yourself to another human being to give yourself in that kind of partnership for better or worse in sickness and in health. Hunny, that is a marriage. That is real, and that's all that matters. Besides, I got legally married in a church. Look how well that turned out.'

Just Because: The Voice

Maroon 5 front man Adam Levine gets a little help from girlfriend Anne Lyalitsyna for Everyman.


I had little to no expectations for NBC's The Voice. First off tv does not need yet another singing competition. Secondly, the format or gimmick seemed weak. But... As I flicked on last night, expecting a disaster I was more than surprised how smooth and enjoyable the format was. The judges were all very personable (and it was sort of fun watching the competitiveness between Levine and Christina Aguilera). It was also great to see the return of Frenchie who was royally screwed over and so coldly thrown in the trash by Idol 8 years ago. It was interesting how the format had you rooting for someone to just push that button and turn around. I will certainly be giving The Voice a second viewing.

Next...On A Very Special Episode Of....

One of my favorite lines on The Gilmore Girls was a crack about Asaad Kelada. The Gilmore writers were famous for their pop culture references and many sitcom fans remember seeing 'directed by' followed by Asaad Kelada at the end of many of show of the 80's and 90's.

I was a little young to watch The Facts Of Life during it's original run on NBC. I seem to remember watching a few episodes but it was not until I was in University that the repeats sort of became one of those 'go to' shows. By 'go to' I mean one of these safe shows, one you could count on to make you feel good. Sort of like comfort food.

I think The Facts Of Life, like fellow sitcoms, Golden Girls and Friends specialized in bringing together a group of people, not related by blood, and make them into a family of sorts. A group of people who could count on each other and who you felt would be together for a very long time. I think this feeling, or this theme resonated with me. I think many gay youth who may feel isolated and disenfranchised from society gravitate to such shows

The show was not great, not particularly well written, but there was something about it, maybe it's likable and talented cast, maybe it's heart, that has made it one of televisions longest running sitcoms. The show ran close to a decade with over 200 episodes. Seeing shots of the cast from the TV LAND Awards over the net today had me a little nostalgic. It is not a show I would have normally thought of as important to me bu...there were many times, especially when younger when it provided that bit of comfort so desperately required.

Kudo's to Harry's Law

When I was a kid I HATED shows like Harry's Law. I remember being forced to watch Matlock and Murder She Wrote in parents home and resisted any show with an elderly crime fighter. I like Harry's Law. I don't love it but it is comforting in an odd way. Comforting in the same way I guess Matlock was to my parents. I don't consider myself old by any means but as I go through my thirties slowly I can see my tastes changing and even though I watched MTV non stop til my late twenties shows I have not turned on the channel in a few years.

Although Harry's Law hasn't aired an original storyline since it began, it does sport a stellar supporting cast that manages to make it both engaging and highly watchable. Leading the group is Kathy Bates who I think is a main reason for the familiarity. Although Bates has been acting on stage, TV and movies for decades it was not until she was in her 40's that she really hit big. Misery is considered her best work by many but my favorite role (lead role) for Bates was in Stephen King's Dolores Claiborne. I worked with Bates for three days once (by worked I mean was an extra). I cannot say that I really like her. We never spoke actually but I did get a glare or two when I sneezed as she was emoting. That did not take away for my respect for her talent or her choices of roles (which given her age/sex and size) are not abundant, Bates still finds the most fascinating women to play.

-Aml Ameen-


One of my favorite actors in Harry's Law is the talented, and beautiful Aml Ameen. Although by his accident on the show you might not know Aml is English. Aml began acting at 7 when he attended the Barbara Speake Stage School in West London. Aml is a talented dancer and singer but it was acting that he put his concentration into. Only 26, Aml particular interest lies in older films like It's A Wonderful Life and Fred Astaire movies.



Aml's first theatre job was playing the young Sammy Davis Jr (age 11) in the West End production of Jolson. He went on to take the lead in a production of Olivier. Aml's quickly moved to tv and movies and in 2006, the low budget film Kidulthood that gained him international attention. In June 2008 Ameen began A.S.A (Actors Student Alliance) a drama school set up to discover and teach untapped talent in London.



Below: Aml & Robert Whitelock in the 2009 production of Category B at London's The Tricycle Theatre.

Kudos to Sara Ramirez

I can't quite give a total thumbs up to last nights musical episode of Grey's Anatomy. I found some of the episode rather awkward and it was obvious many scenes were written around who could actually sing (Kevin McKidd, Chyler Leigh) instead of characters who actually had closer relationships to Callie. I also thought the talented Chandra Wilson (who has sung on Broadway) was not meant to have her Baily singing and dancing in the halls of Seattle Grace. But... I wish the show had left all of the music to Sara Ramirez who book ended the show with two truly beautiful and outstanding performances. Her talent as both a singer and an actress made the hour haunting, powerful and worth the risk that the show took.

Kudos to Downton Abbey

As is usually the case with me, I was slow to get on the Downton Abbey train. I had heard how great it was from a variety of sources including a friend who fell instantly in love with the series. I have had both good and bad experiences with British drama. I have spent more than a few nights in theatres where I was itching in my seat for the thing to just finish. Downton Abbey did have a few things going for it. It's incredible cast included Maggie Smith and Elizabeth McGovern, two of my favorite actresses. It was also on television so if I was bored I could simply change the channel. I DVR'd episode one but took so long to watch it the subsequent episodes were over before I even started watching. Thankfully Masterpiece reran the series the last few weeks and last night completed the first four episodes.

The first 15 minutes off Downton hooked me. The music is haunting and the opening scenes with the staff preparing the house for the day were a carefully choreographed and visually stunning piece of film. I was happy to read more episodes are currently in production. Downton has been described as deliciously addictive and that is exactly how I would describe it. The drama is not flashy but intense and each and every actor perfect in their roles


above: Theo James by Kate Friend.

An added bonus was being introduced to actor Theo James who played Turkish aristocrat Kemal Pamuk. Kemal only appeared briefly but his character had a lasting impact. James was born in Oxford, has a degree in philosophy from the University of Nottingham, and trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. His memorable performance in Abbey will have me researching more of his work.

I Say A Little Prayer For You...

I truly loath D Trump and almost everything he represents. I am not proud but despite this loathing I am addicted to the craziness that is Celebrity Apprentice. I usually watch with two friends of mine and although I can see how manipulative it is, how horrible it is, I can also see how watchable it ends up being.

Last night three things occurred. I always disliked Star Jones and continue to. I never liked Lisa Rinna and now find myself a fan. Lastly, and sadly I used to hold the music of Dionne Warwick as something pretty special. My mother played her constantly when I was a kid and even when to see her live once. I still love that music, but if the Psychic Friends Network was not enough to convince one what a wack job she is, Celebrity Apprentice certainly sealed the deal!

Who Would Have Thought... That 70's Show

For some reason the cast of That 70's Show were unintentionally themed throughout my posts for today. First off is my annual Oscar wrap up. I could just write it was pretty horrid but I will add a bit more below. (not a lot more, it really does not deserve much...)



When watching the Oscars I was struck by the beautiful and talented Mila Kunis. I am not sure anyone could have predicted when That 70's Show premiered in 1998 that it would be Kunis would end up getting some of the best roles after the show ended. Laura Prepon was so much more seasoned and strong in the shows first few seasons. You could literally see 'Jackie' run by poor 'Donna' as the show went on. As Prepon continues on television with guest starring roles and pilots that don't make it, Kunis has moved on to roles on the big screen.



If I were to give one Oscar to a cast member of The Black Swan, it would have been Mila Kunis. Natalie Portman obviously put her heart and soul into the role and acted her ass off but for some reason I have yet to see a Portman performance that does not fall flat at some point for me. If she were acting in silent films I would have given her the award, the anguish, confusion and pain expressed through her face and movements were incredible. Yet...when Portman speaks, her voice somehow cannot seem to act as well as her body. Her line delivery puts a very tiny crack in each performance I have seen her give. Kunis on the other hand was flawless in Swan and every moment, no matter how small was delivered to perfection.



During the run of the show I had crushes on both Topher Grace and Ashton Kutcher. Both great looking guys who delivered solid performances week after week. Not sure then why it is then that when I see them credited in any film I usually avoid it. I have not seen either in anything I have actually enjoyed (admittedly most of their films I have skipped). Maybe it is that both left the sit com for movie roles and both, Grace in particular seem to have an overly inflated sense of their position in the business.

It was for this reason I had avoided watching Valentines Day. I loved Love Actually and many of Robert Altman's movies where huge casts and multiple stories are weaved together. I was worried Valentine's Day would not be more than a average episode of The Love Boat and I was not far off. Besides the cast (who included many other actors who annoy me like Jessica Biel, Jessica Alba and Jamie Foxx) the stories were just not that engrossing.

I was surprised by the Julia Roberts and Bradley Cooper reveals near the end and did enjoy being introduced to the adorable Carter Jenkins (see more below). Many must have loved the film as Garry Marshall is assembling much of the cast and many others for a what appears to be the exact same film only this time New Years Eve replaces Valentines as the theme.

Have to mention that although Danny Masterson and Wilmer Valderrama have not been in as many high profile pictures, both have been in some interesting projects. Now...if only Debra Jo Rupp could land a sit com worthy of her talent!

Just Because: Chord Overstreet

When I got home late last night I contemplated just heading straight to bed. But...I knew I had Glee on the DVR and although I was not exactly looking forward to a Justin Bieber themed episode (no matter how much the producers said otherwise) I decided a little Glee after the long day I had would be a nice way to end it.



Well the episode was not exactly one the shows best but... It did accomplish two things. Firstly although I always thought Chord Overstreet was a cutie (especially in all the shirtless scenes the show puts him in), last night he moved to an official crush. (Still not up there with Harry, but close). His lack of dancing abilities made his performances all that more adorable.

Secondly, and most thanks to Chord, I actually for the first time ever sort of enjoyed a Justin Bieber song. Again, Chords moves sold it. Frightening however is that there is something to that Bieber hair cut craze... all the Glee guys actually look good in their Bieber dos....



On the downside, the episodes writing was only so so with Sue's storyline being not only a yawn fest but with that Sue & Will visiting the sick children scene yet again repeated the Sue gets a heart scene they continue to shove down our throat week after week. Sue getting a heart scenes are about on par with the coyote getting squished with a boulder pushed from the road runner...Means nothing.

I also am not a fan of the character of Lauren in a lead role. I think she makes a great supporting school player, much like Principal Figgins and Jacob. As a lead, the actress and the character are quickly getting annoying. Also, if Glee continues to make any actor who makes a splash a regular I would expect Tina, Artie, Mike and maybe even Mercedes to join Matt at whatever school he transferred.



Above: No Chord in the shot above, but Damn....Harry looks hot!!!

The Superbowl

Putting Glee with the Superbowl is a rather confusing combo. Sort of like a mash up of Celine Dion and Judas Priest (which it would not surprise me if Glee did one day). I am a huge sports nut, especially basketball and hockey. I have not however, gotten the appeal of football, especially American Football. I will be watching though as my brother and his new girlfriend are coming over (could it be my wonderful company or the fact they have a 20 inch and I have a much larger flat screen).



And...because this is FH....one combo that does work is The Carlson's and football.

Boardwalk Empire's Lucky Luciano

Vincent Piazza
Lucky Luciano in HBO's Boardwalk Empire


I have not watched Boardwalk Empire yet but given how it swept many of the awards at this years SAG and Golden Globe award shows I think it is time to give it a shot. (although said the same thing about Mad Men a few years ago and have not seen a minute of that show yet).



Another reason to check it out is definitely actor Vincent Piazza. Now before seeing the caps below I knew Vincent mostly for his effective turn as Cam in Yeah No Definitely, part of 2008's Boys Briefs 5.

Vincent Piazza was born and raised in Queens, New York and of German-Italian descent. Originally a Division I-AA ice hockey player representing Villanova University in Philadelphia, a shoulder injury forced him to quit playing after only one year. Leaving hockey did allow Vincent to pursue acting and he joined the TerraNOVA Collective theatre group in Lion Theatre along Theatre Row in New York. Vincent appeared in several Off Broadway productions, including Baby Steps, A Match Made in Manhattan and Much Ado About Nothing, and made his feature film debut in the 2006 film Stephanie Daley along side Tilda Swinton, Amber Tamblyn and Timothy Hutton. Vincent went on to appear in movies (including 2007's Rocket Science) and on TV in Law & Order, several episodes of The Sopranos and a recurring role on Rescue Me.

Thanks to Braxnis for the caps!