tv

OK I have a new show for you.  And for those of you with Netflix, pay special attention.

So.  My friend Mary Carver kept writing about Hart of Dixie.  It was on my list when it debuted last year and I just never found the time to watch it.  Well, Mary assured me at Allume that I needed to watch and since Scott has been on night shift the past month, I’ve been using my night to catch up.  And ya’ll, season one was so good! 

The gist of the show is Zoe Hart is trying to be a surgeon in NYC (same kind as Grey’s Cristina Yang) but gets turned down for a fellowship so she finally accepts a General Physician’s job in small-town Bluebell, Alabama.  It turns out she’s not very wanted and struggles to fit in but it makes for some great TV.

It took a good 5 or 6 episodes to really love it but I do now and here’s 10 non-spoilerish reasons why:

1. First and foremost, you must know I love that one of my beloved FNL characters is one of the leads.  I love that Scott Porter plays a similar type of role with Bluebell’s town attorney George Tucker.  I mean, QB1 and small-town attorney aren’t exactly similar but they’re similar in that he plays one of the town favorites in both shows.
2. I never watched Rachel Bilson in The OC so I’m not really sure how to compare characters or her acting but I simply adore Zoe Hart.  She’s smart and fashionable and funny and horrible with guys and yeah, I love her.  Did I mention I love her clothes?  Even Scott won’t quit talking about her shoes  Did you see those shoes?  Those are awesome. Look at those shoes.
3. Who cannot love Wade?  He’s the bad boy everyone loves to hate, or you know, just love to love.  If I were single, he’d be welcome to come paint my house any day.
4. I love that they picked a former NFL star as The Mayor. It’s so random but so awesome too.  Lavon Hayes would say so too, I think. Speaking of, did you know I heard Michael Jordan has a house not 10 minutes from me?   I had a friend say they nearly ran into him when he was pulling into his neighborhood.  Anyhoo.
5. Lemon.  Oh, Lemon.  I seriously cannot believe they named her that.  I don’t know that I like Lemon but she sure is interesting to watch and the Jaime King plays her to absolute Southern perfection.
6. I enjoy Zoe’s lifeline to her high school friend, Rose.  I feel like we get a glimpse into the high school/CW realm without actually having to live in it all the time.
7. I really like how they play the big city against the small town. I definitely find myself pulled in both directions.  I live in the suburbs but work in the city and enjoy bigger cities.  I appreciate both sides so it’s kind of nice to reminisce about NYC (I know, all of my 3 visits) with Zoe and make fun of their small town-ness but I also love how The Mayor, Lemon and other residents stick up for their small town.
8. I enjoy the medical side of the show.  I know it’s no ER or Grey’s but I like it that way.  I like a little suspense when someone gets a snake bite or something.  Nothing too dramatic but enough to keep you involved.
9. The Southern Belles.  I can’t help it, I love all of Lemon’s friends.  Although I’m in South Carolina, to my knowledge we don’t have these Southern Belles and I just find the whole thing entertaining.  In fact, DO these people exist in the South these days?  Anyone?  Annabeth is my favorite and she is HILARIOUS.  There was one episode in particular when she was actually being friends with Zoe and it was pure gold.
10. OK and finally and not surprisingly–I LOVE the love triangles. Zoe-Wade-George and George-Lemon-Lavon could go on forever and I’d be happy.  And does anyone else want to see Zoe and Lavon just one time figure out if they could work?  I mean, I feel like there’s something there, no?

Now, I’m not TOTALLY sold on the whole deal.  Their morals are out the door.  This is no family-friendly show. Someone is always scheming and lying. I’ve been pretty disappointed in Season 2 especially with all the friends with benefits things going on.  Not a fan of Zoe going there.  I mean, he IS cute but come on, Zoe Hart, have some scruples.  It is what it is, though.  It’s near to impossible to find a show that isn’t like this in some respect.

But given that, it’s such a unique, interesting, fun, heart-warming world to live in for an hour a week.

So the entire first season is on Netflix and if you hurry up you can watch most of Season 2 on Hulu! 

Do you watch Hart of Dixie?  Let’s chat in the comments!

This post is linked up with Top Ten Tuesday

For goodness sakes, it’s Friday. Let’s forget about all the junk going on and live in TV land for a few minutes, yes?

I posted my Fall TV plans a few months ago and we’re well into the season now.  Let’s gather around the water cooler and talk about how it’s going.

Once Upon a Time

The first episode of the season really freaked me out with that dementor thing so I turned it off half way in the ep and swore off the show.  But then Mary assured me at Allume that the dementor thing had gone away and the season was good. 

So I gave it another try and sure enough, this season has been great.  I’m not sure I love Mulan or the fact that Snow is separated from Charming but they definitely have been able to keep it going even after everyone realized who they were.  The addition of Hook has been fabulous and I am enjoying some more back story.  If nothing else, I watch so I can read SortaCrunchy’s recap posts every week.

Revenge

I was doubtful about Revenge but I’m so glad I hung in there.  It’s been a fantastic season.  There was an episode a few weeks ago that was so good, it could have been a great season finale.  I like the addition of the new character. I like the addition of her mother. I like the drama with the pregnancy.  Well done, folks.

Parenthood

By far, this season is Parenthood’s best.  Great storylines, great acting.  Makes me cry.  Just brilliant.  I’m so entirely thrilled for Matt Lauria in his new role on there. Ryan York + Amber FTW!  I just have to post these pictures because oh my goodness, I just do.

 

I knew him first, Amber, ok? If you have no idea what those are about, go read here. 

And before you think there was any funny business going on, I’m obviously happily married and so is Matt.  I was hugging Luke, ok?  Luke.  Who wouldn’t want to hug Luke Cafferty?  Matt is actually very awesome and has a BEAUTIFUL and TALENTED wife Michelle Armstrong we got to meet as well so go check her out.

Modern Family

Modern Family continues to keep us in stitches.  I wouldn’t say it’s the best season but the Obama line the other night made up for it in spades.

Nashville

Hm, what do I think about Nashville?  Intense.  Very intense.  The acting is superb, really.  The storylines live up to its dramatic name.  But I kind of hate that the main couple is falling apart.  Neither really are faithful to their partners.  Both are a bit selfish and shallow.  It seems everyone is just chasing money.  I miss the rock solid relationship of Coach Taylor and Tami in Friday Night Lights.  But the singing and the chemistry.  Oh, it’s all so good.  I do wonder what you Nashvillian folks think about it?

Oh and since I mentioned Coach, why not another FNL picture?

Someone get Kyle Chandler back on my TV screen, please.

Arrow

This show wasn’t even on my radar this year but I’m so glad I checked it out.  This is a fantastic drama/action series.  The acting can be a bit sketchy by the main character when he’s trying to play his old character but it has definitely improved over the last episode or two. I enjoy the idea that the main character and Laurel both fight for the good of their city.  Above all, the action scenes are just tremendous and worth the watch. 

Last Resort

While I’m not on the edge of my seat each week this this show, both Scott and I enjoy watching a show together.  I appreciate the intensity and the action and feel more like I’m watching a movie than TV series.  Scott Speedman and Andre Braugher are just such great actors, they make me believe in it. Unfortunately, I think the two female characters played by Daisy Betts and Autumn Reeser are weak and if there was any area of improvement, that would be it.

Shows I’ve axed

Elementary

Well, this was no Sherlock.  The show was interesting but I found it hard to follow and lacking enough wit for me to enjoy.

Revolution 

Bad acting.  Bad characters.  Horribly slow storyline.

Chicago Fire

It wasn’t a bad show but my Wednesdays were already busy and there weren’t too many characters to like very much. Perhaps I should give it another chance.  Anyone really enjoying it?

Mob Doctor, 666 Park Avenue and Animal Practice were too bad to even go into detail.

I still haven’t checked out Beauty and the Beast.  Anyone?  How is it?

 

OK that’s it.  What say you?  Which of these are you watching too and what do you think?

Fall TV season is upon us!  While my relationship with TV has changed drastically over the last few years, I still find I have quite a few shows on tap to watch for the fall. 

This season will be especially interesting as it’s my first ever without cable.  I’ll be relying on Hulu Plus and *gasp* live TV.   

Here’s the rundown for what else I’m watching:

 

Sunday

Once Upon a Time – This show continually got better but I wasn’t sold on the Season 1 Finale.  I’m going to continue to check it out for a few episodes to see if it’s worth it.  It’s on Hulu, so watching at leisure is a plus.

Revenge – Revenge is in a very similar boat with Once Upon a Time.  The season got better but now I’m not sure I like the direction it’s heading.  Another Hulu one I’ll keep on tap for a few episodes.

 

Monday

Revolution – This is a series premiere I at least want to check out.  I have no idea if I’ll like it but the previews intrigued me enough.

Chicago Fire – This looks hot.  Get it?  Hot.  Fire…firemen…ok, ok, sorry.  Seriously, though, it’s Chase from House with an American accent. I mean, we owe it to Dr. House to check it out.

 

Tuesday

Parenthood – Parenthood remains one of my favorite dramas on TV.  Very relatable to our life, especially since Julia adopted an older boy in the finale of last season.

Nashville – Connie Britton aka Tami Taylor is starring in this and there’s no way I’m going to miss it.  I really, really hope I like it for her sake.

 

Wednesday

Modern Family – This remains one of the only shows that me and Scott will watch together.  This is not going anywhere. However, we *just* caught up with the last few episodes of last season last week.

 

Thursday –

Big Bang Theory – I still haven’t caught up with last season but this show is still one of our favorite comedies and I will watch this season.  I’m just not sure it will be this fall.

Does anyone remember when Friday night was the best night of TV?  *sigh*  I miss T.G.I.F.

 

Other honorable mentions. I’m interested but not sure I’ll commit:

Mob Doctor – FNL’s “Matt Saracen” is in this so I feel obligated to watch but I’m kind of over the whole doctor drama thing.

666 Park Avenue – I feel like it should be good with “John Locke” in it.  However, One Tree Hill’s “Clay” is staring and that makes me as nervous about it as the “666”.

Animal Practice – I’ve heard mixed reviews of this sitcom but it has CW’s Joanna Garcia in it so I feel like I should at least check it out.

Beauty and the Beast – Everyone knows I’m a sucker for CW and Beauty and the Best is my favorite Disney movie. Might have to check this one out.

Elementary – I’m head over heels for the British remake Sherlock so this American remake intrigues me.  I can’t imagine it will live up though.

 

OK, friends, tell me what shows you’re dying to watch!

*image credit: ABC

Last week’s posts were heavy.  I like the heavy, but sometimes I’m not sure it reflects me completely.  In between all these deep thoughts, which are only written and rarely spoken, I’m doing not so serious things like laundry and making salsa (Ree’s Restaurant Style is to die for).  And mostly last week, watching the Bachelorette and basically being a complete and total fan girl about Emily and Jef.

photo credit

The Bachelorette is My Crack

I swore off the Bachelor/ette a few seasons ago.  In fact, I swore off a lot of TV in the past year or so.  Everyone has their weakness and I’ve just realized that TV is mine.  I can’t just watch a TV show.  Just like I can’t just buy a shirt. I have to rewatch every single scene 5 times, post all the animated gifs to Tumblr and watch all the fan videos on YouTube and then spam all my Facebook friends with them.  I’ve also been known to create an entire fan site or two.

Here’s what I relearned this summer with The Bachelorette: TV is my crack. 

We only get one life, folks.  And I don’t want it to be spent fangirling over strangers.  I mean, it’s fun and all, and it brings me a lot of joy.  And I still would be super excited to be new BFFs with Jemily when they get set up in Charlotte. But that’s just it, it brings *me* a lot of joy. 

I want my life to not be all about me. 

I mean, it’s my life, and I should be happy and all but I’d rather be happy about making an eternal difference.  If I had died with one of those people in Aurora, people could say I spent a lot of my last week on YouTube and I did a really great job culling up Bachelorette articles. SERIOUSLY.  This is our LIFE, folks. 

Alright, I’ll hop off my soap box.  I needed to give myself a good talking to but let’s be done with that. 

While we’re camped out on the Bachelorette, I figured we may as well learn something from all my devoted hours of TV watching.

The Bachelorette and Love Languages

I promise I’m not going to Jesus Juke this whole thing but I do think there’s a good applicable reminder in here.

I had a realization today of why everyone is in love with Emily and Jef.  And specifically, Jef. 

Jef is really good at expressing himself. And it’s not just his eloquence.  Jef is really good at all the love languages and furthermore, he’s spot-on with Emily’s.

The proof:

Words of affirmation

By far, I think Emily’s prominent love language is Words of Affirmation.  If you watch back, Emily was always so focused on what the guys were saying.  It was a huge deal when Sean had a hard time saying I love you. 

Jef is a hopeless romantic and knows just how to communicate his feelings.  He says things like we need to bridle our passions and I’m smitten with her and I want to spend every night with you in our own fantasy suite.  The guy is smooth.  And Emily ate that up. 

The fact that Jef is quite eloquent coupled with Emily love for words of affirmation, played a huge part into her falling for him. 

Touch

Anyone that watched could tell you that Emily liked to kiss.  A lot.  She was kissing left and right (no blame here, Emily).  The one time she got frustrated with Jef was when he wouldn’t kiss her.  Was anyone just dying when he wouldn’t kiss her on the beach?  Gah.

I’m going to bet Emily’s second love language is touch.  Jef finally got on the ball in London and they never looked back.  If you watch their scenes, he was always playing with her dress or rubbing her arm or holding her hand.  Jef expressed his love well through touch. 

Gifts

I think out of any of the bachelors, Jef did the best at giving gifts.  They don’t have a ton of opportunities to give each other gifts but one that stuck out to me was Jef buying Emily the puppet in Prague and including one for Ricki.  You could tell Emily felt very loved. 

He also gave her the book from Curacao and took the time to draw stick figures of them.  Cheesy, but Emily ate it up.  I can’t really blame her. 

Oh and let’s not forget the beautiful flowers he gave to Emily’s mom and future sister-in-law.

Quality Time

Emily and Jef probably lacked time the most.  They only had a handful of dates but time was important to them. She gave Jef the fantasy suite card so she could spend more time with him and they were constantly reminding each other how much they loved their time together.

Acts of service

Acts of service was probably the least represented from the season but I think Jef did little things like pulling out seats for her at the dinner table, giving her a blanket when it was cold and paddling them around a cove to send things through the roof.

 

Of course, I think there is much more to Emily and Jef’s match, but I certainly think their love language match is a huge factor in their connection.

Sean had a hard time expressing his love in words—a deal breaker for Emily. 

Ryan vomited out of the mouth constantly–a major turn off for Emily. 

Doug had a hard time kissing Emily–it sent him home. 

Arie was good at both words and touch–landing him in the final two.

I would mention Chris but I think he’s still fuming somewhere.

The display of the love languages didn’t just cement Emily and Jef’s connection, but the audience’s connection to Jef as well.

I wonder if people were to read this and then watch back, would they recognize they were drawn to Jef when he displayed their own love language? 

Did you hear he just said he’s smitten with her, he’s so sweet!

That kiss was amazing, he must really love her!

Wasn’t it so sweet he bought Ricki a doll?  He just thinks the world of them!

And since Jef was so good at all of the love languages, I think he was well-loved by the majority.  Each person could usually find something to be drawn to. 

 

Why am I being a dork and analyzing all this?  Let me get to the point. 

The real point to all this rambling is how important our love languages are and how we ought to let that translate to our spouses (and even kids!).  If you don’t know your spouse’s love languages, RUN to the book store and get the book. 

The thing is, many of us are not matched in our love languages and are not naturally good at expressing love in all the different languages. 

Mine is words of affirmation and Scott’s is touch.  I always know if I need Scott’s attention, it’s through an unexpected kiss and if he wants on my good side, it’s through washing the dishes or a well-played compliment. 

When we become self-aware enough to recognize our own love language and our spouse’s, we can learn to speak our love in such a way that they know without a doubt we’d pick them out of a crowd of 25 every. single. time.

If you know your spouse’s love language—use it!  It’s not manipulation, it’s simply showing your spouse your love in the language they understand.

 

So, I’m curious. Is TV your crack?  What’s your love language?

The first two rounds I think went to Jessica.  Jennifer was right that it’s really hard to compare because they’re so different but I just think it’s hard to say that Phillip has better vocals than Jessica. That being said, Phillip is WAY more likable, WAY more creative, WAY more unique and generally the better artist.  Still, I was a little worried going into the final round.  However, when Jessica made a mess of whatever that horrible (and inappropriate) single was, I was feeling better.  And then. THEN.  Phillip bossed that legit new single around and it was AWESOME.  By FAR my favorite new single anyone has ever chosen for the finale.

All that said, I almost don’t want Phillip to win so he doesn’t have to bend to “the machine” and he can do his own thing.  Still, I really hope Phillip’s name goes down in the record books as the best of the season.  It’s been a great one. Colton, Joshua, Skylar and Phillip will go down as my favorites and I just can’t wait to see what they do.  Thanks for reading all my ramblings of another Idol season.  Until next time!