Oscar Nominations: First Reactions

The Oscar nominations were this morning, and while much of it was predictable, there were some surprises and snubs.  Here are my first reactions.

We didn't know how many films would be nominated for best picture, only that it would be between 5 and 10.  I was quite surprised that 9 films were nominated.  I figured it would be between 5 and 7.  And if we're going to nominate 9 films, why not just throw in the much deserved "Drive" or "Bridesmaids" as the 10th spot? This annoys me.  Two snubs right there.


Extremely excited about:

• Best Picture noms for: The Artist, Hugo, Midnight in Paris, and The Help.
• Best Actress noms for: Meryl Streep, Michelle Williams, and Viola Davis
• Best Supporting Actress noms for: Jessica Chastain, Octavia Spencer, and the academy actually recognizing a comedic performance -- Melissa McCarthy for Bridesmaids.
• Best Supporting Actor nom for: Kenneth Branagh (My Week With Marilyn)

Surprised by:

• No love for Drive at all.  No Best Picture, No Supporting Actor for Albert Brooks (this upsets me greatly), and No Best Actor nom for Gosling.
• 9 nominations for Best Picture, and that Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close was nominated. It's predictable, but didn't get good reviews.
• No Best Picture nom for The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo or for Director David Fincher.
• Rooney Mara nominated for Lead Actress, nudging out Tilda Swinton (this makes me very happy).
• No Director nom for Spielberg for either War Horse, or The Adventures of Tintin.
• No Best Actor nom for Michael Fassbender or Leonardo DiCaprio, but virtually unknown actor to American audiences Demian Bichir did get a nomination.
• Golden Globe winner for best animated film The Adventures of Tintin doesn't even get a nomination for the Oscar in the same category. And it has Spielberg and Peter Jackson behind it.

Rolling my eyes at:

• Gary Oldman nominated for Best Actor. (yes, he is overdue, but Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy was not the film to finally recognize him for...IMO)
• Once again, can't say it enough, no love for Drive. 
• In a year that Ryan Gosling turned 3 great performances, which were all very different from one another, didn't get any nominations.  The Best Actor category was apparently much more crowded than I thought.

Those are my thoughts for now.  Below is a list of nominations. for all those who are curious. Don't forget you can follow me on twitter: @tvfilmjunkie

Best Picture
War Horse
The Artist
Moneyball
The Descendants
The Tree of Life
Midnight in Paris
The Help
Hugo
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

Best Actress
Glenn Close, Albert Nobbs
Rooney Mara, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Viola Davis, The Help
Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady
Michelle Williams, My Week With Marilyn


Best Actor
Demian Bichir, A Better Life
George Clooney, The Descendants
Jean Dujardin, The Artist
Gary Oldman, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Brad Pitt, Moneyball

Supporting Actress
Berenice Bejo, The Artist
Jessica Chastain, The Help
Melissa McCarthy, Bridesmaids
Janet McTeer, Albert Nobbs
Octavia Spencer, The Help

Supporting Actor
Kenneth Branagh, My Week With Marilyn
Jonah Hill, Moneyball
Nick Nolte, Warrior
Christopher Plummer, Beginners
Max von Sydow, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close 

Best Director
Michel Hazanivicus, The Artist
Alexander Payne, The Descendants
Martin Scorsese, Hugo
Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris
Terrence Malick, The Tree of Life

Best Original Screenplay
Michel Hazanivicius, The Artist
Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, Bridesmaids
Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris
J.C. Chandor, Margin Call
Asghar Farhadi, A Separation

Best Adapted Screenplay
Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, The Descendants
John Logan, Hugo
George Clooney, Beau Willimon and Grant Heslov, The Ides of March
Steven Zaillian, Aaron Sorkin and Stan Chervin, Moneyball
Bridget O'Connor and Peter Straughan, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Favorites of 2011

I know it's already mid-January, but I have finally finished seeing all the 2011 film releases that I wanted to see, so I have completed my Favorite and Least Favorite lists of the year.  Just in time for Oscar nominations Tuesday morning!

Alright here we go...

My Top 10 of the Year
10. The Muppets
9.  The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
8.  The Ides of March
7.  Bridesmaids
6.  Drive
5.  Crazy Stupid Love
4.  Carnage
3.  My Week With Marilyn
2.  Hugo
1.  The Artist

The Artist and Hugo were both throwbacks to classic Hollywood, revolving around early film-making.  They both featured great story telling, which combined with excellent performances, direction, scores, etc, all came together to make incredibly enjoyable films.

Here would be my next 5 favorites:
11. The Help
12. Midnight In Paris
13. Iron Lady
14. J. Edgar
15. The Debt

Every year I also put out my least favorites of the year, but usually it's filled with things that are pretty much universally seen as garbage.  However, this year an interesting thing happened -- I found some that I did not like at all, that critics and audiences rather liked.  Here we go...

My Least Favorites
5.  Moneyball
4.  Adjustment Bureau
3.  Our Idiot Brother
2.  Larry Crowne
1.  Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

I must have completely missed the boat on Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy because I thought it was one of the most boring movies I have ever seen.  I couldn't even concentrate on the plot and performances because I was so bored.  And this is coming from someone who tries to find at least one good thing about a movie.  Couldn't do it here.  Also, don't get me started on how bad Larry Crowne was.  I was very embarrassed for Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts.  Poor things. 

If anyone is wondering, I saw 45 movies released in 2011.  Those are where this list comes from. 

Anyway, there are my lists for the year.  Oscar nominations are Tuesday morning, and the Oscars are right around the corner, so I'll be back with my predictions and wishes at some point soon.

Also, don't forget this blog now has a twitter account.  Follow me @tvfilmjunkie for daily tweets of reviews, news, and commentary on television and films.

-Andrew

Now on Twitter

Hi folks.  Since I rarely update this blog anymore, I decided to create a twitter account for people to follow that will be along the lines of this blog.  The handle is @tvfilmjunkie so be sure to follow me! I will be posting short reviews, news, and commentary about television shows and movies.  At times I will be live tweeting as well (look out, Oscars!).  This will be much more convenient for me to keep up with, so if you're into tv and films like I am, be sure to follow me there! Be sure to tell your friends as well!

I should be back with a new blog post around Oscars time. 

Thanks in advance for the follow!

Andrew
Twitter: @tvfilmjunkie

Emmys Recap

The Emmys were last night, and included many surprises, and a few not so surprising winners.  Here are my thoughts.

Picture: Getty Images

If there was one category that I was really hoping for a miracle in, it was supporting actress in a comedy.  Julie Bowen is one of the funniest women on television right now.  She has the grace, class, and comedic timing that many actors would kill to have.  The buzz seemed to be towards Jane Lynch winning again, but hands down, Bowen was the funniest of the year. Well that miracle happened, and she took home the prize.  Making things even better, her TV husband Ty Burrell won supporting actor in a comedy immediately after she won.  Yay Dunphys!! With only 2 seasons under their belt, half of the adult cast on Modern Family already has an Emmy (including Eric Stonestreet's win last year).  Next year, I would love for it to be Ed O'Neill and Sofia Vergara's turn.

One somewhat controversial upset, however, was Steve Carell's loss to Jim Parsons for lead actor in a comedy series.  I, for one, am very happy Parsons won his second Emmy in a row, but with it being Carell's last year on The Office, it would have been nice for him to finally take home the much deserved top prize.  Instead, he'll go down in TV history as one of those actors who never won for the iconic character they played for years (such as Martin Sheen, on The West Wing).  My theory on how Parsons won, is that each actor submits an episode for Emmy consideration...but Johnny Galecki was also nominated, therefore, Emmy voters saw two of Parsons' performances within the same season, and only saw one of Carell's.  But, that's just my theory.  Maybe they just can't stand the guy. *shrug*.

Speaking of theories:  Melissa McCarthy wins best actress in a comedy series for Mike & Molly.  McCarthy has had an incredible year.  Hit new show, became even more popular for being the standout in "Bridesmaids", then received her first ever Emmy nomination and win. My theory is that Bridesmaids was on the mind of Emmy voters...and it pushed her over the edge to win.  I admit it...I was wrong on my Laura Linney prediction that I made way back in 2009.  It makes me sad.  Oh well, there's always next year.

Picture: Reuters

Let's take a moment to rejoice in the fact that Friday Night Lights finally got some Emmy love.  Jason Katims took home best writing for a drama series, and Kyle Chandler beat out expected winner Jon Hamm.  This was the 2nd moment of the night (2nd only to Bowen's win) that I came up out of my seat with excitement. With Katims' and Chandler's wins, I managed to hold on to a glimmer of hope that FNL would beat out Mad Men for best drama series....but alas, Mad Men took home their 4th consecutive win, joining the ranks of Hill Street Blues, LA Law, and The West Wing.  It was expected, and many would argue is deserved, but I for one am ready for a change.  Give another show a chance, please.  Yes, I finally gave in and started watching Mad Men.  Yes, it is very well done show. But...I'm ready to see something else win.  One final Mad Men note:  The show continues to have zero wins in the acting categories.  Many members of this cast are very talented (some more than others), but they just aren't able to win.  This year was probably their best shot, and it didn't happen, so the question is, will they ever win an Emmy for acting? Only time will tell.

Final thought: JULIANNA MARGULIES!!!  I'm so happy she won best actress in a drama series.  Margulies' performance is consistently top notch every single week on The Good Wife. If anybody else would have won (except for Connie Britton) it would have been a travesty.  Observe:

Alright, that's all the time I have for now.  It's premiere week, so soon I'll be reviewing the new shows that I'll be giving a try, and we'll see what will stay and what will get deleted from the DVR.

Emmys: My Picks

The Prime Time Emmys are this Sunday night! Hooray!  Earlier in the summer I posted my picks before the Emmy nominations, and then my reactions to the noms...but now it's time to pick who I think will win, who I wish would win, and possible dark horses. 

Outstanding Drama Series

Courtesy: emmys.com

Boardwalk Empire
Dexter
Friday Night Lights
Game of Thrones
The Good Wife
Mad Men

Will win: Mad Men
My wish: The Good Wife
Dark horse: Boardwalk Empire

Outstanding Actress in a Drama
Kathy Bates, Harry's Law
Connie Britton, Friday Night Lights
Mireille Enos, The Killing
Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: SVU
Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife
Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men

Will win: Julianna Margulies
My wish: Julianna Margulies
Dark horse: Elisabeth Moss

Outstanding Actor in a Drama
Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire
Kyle Chandler, Friday Night Lights
Michael C. Hall, Dexter
Jon Hamm, Mad Men
Hugh Laurie, House
Timothy Olyphant, Justified

Will win: Jon Hamm
My Wish: Kyle Chandler
Dark horse: Steve Buscemi

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama
Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones
Josh Charles, The Good Wife
Alan Cumming, The Good Wife
Walton Goggins, Justified
John Slattery, Mad Men
Andre Braugher, Men of a Certain Age




Will win: Alan Cumming
My wish: Alan Cumming
Dark horse: Walton Goggins



Outstanding Supporting Actress in a DramaKelly McDonald, Boardwalk Empire
Archie Panjabi, The Good Wife
Christine Baranksi, The Good Wife
Margo Martindale, Justified
Michelle Forbes, The Killing
Christina Hendricks, Mad Men

Will win: Margo Martindale
My wish: Christine Baranski
Dark horse: Kelly McDonald (or last years winner Archie Panjabi)

Outstanding Comedy Series
The Big Bang Theory
Glee
Modern Family
The Office
Parks and Recreation
30 Rock

Will win: Modern Family
My wish: Modern Family
Dark horse: Parks and Recreation

Outstanding Actress in a Comedy

Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie
Tina Fey, 30 Rock
Laura Linney, The Big C
Melissa McCarthy, Mike & Molly
Martha Plimpton, Raising Hope
Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation



Will win: Laura Linney (sticking to the prediction I made the day they announced this show)
My wish: Amy Poehler
Dark horse: Amy Poehler



Outstanding Actor in a Comedy
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
Louis C.K., Louie
Steve Carell, The Office
Johnny Galecki, The Big Bang Theory
Matt LeBlanc, Episodes
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory

Will win: Steve Carell (which would be his first win)
My wish: Jim Parsons
Dark horse: Jim Parsons (who was a shoo-in until it became Carell's final season)

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy
Chris Colfer, Glee
Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Modern Family
Ed O'Neill, Modern Family
Eric Stonestreet, Modern Family
Ty Burrell, Modern Family
Jon Cryer, Modern Family

Will win: Eric Stonestreet
My wish: Eric Stonestreet
Dark horse: Chris Colfer


Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy
Jane Lynch, Glee
Betty White, Hot In Cleveland
Julie Bowen, Modern Family
Sofia Vergara, Modern Family
Kristen Wiig, Saturday Night Live
Jane Krakowski, 30 Rock


Will win: Jane Lynch
My wish: Julie Bowen
Dark horse: Betty White




Well, there ya have it! We'll see how it all pans out, this Sunday.  Enjoy the show!

First Reactions to Emmy Nominations

Melissa McCarthy and Joshua Jackson announced the
Emmy nominations Thursday morning.

Well the 2011 Primetime Emmy Nominations are out.  There were several surprises and several snubs.  In this blog I'm going to just give my first reactions to the noms, and then closer to the award show, I'll post who I think/want to win.  So, here we go...

OUTSTANDING DRAMA
Boardwalk Empire
Dexter
Friday Night Lights
Game of Thrones
The Good Wife
Mad Men

*Not many surprises here. The much buzzed about Boardwalk Empire and Game of Thrones were expected.  Great for Friday Night Lights to finally get a nomination in its final season.  Mad Men has won the last 3 years, so it was expected.  And my favorite, The Good Wife, is the only network show to get a nomination. The only snub was LOST.  Okay, fine.  It's not on anymore.  But it's absence was dramatic enough for me to warrant a nomination. I'm lost without this show (see what I did there?)

OUTSTANDING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Kathy Bates, Harry’s Law
Connie Britton, Friday Night Lights
Mireille Enos, The Killing
Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: SVU
Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife
Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men


*I had a feeling Kathy Bates might sneak in here.  She is Kathy Bates, after all.  But "Harry's Law" is nothing to write home about...yet.  I think she'll easily appear in here as the show continues to improve...but based on season 1? I think not.  So happy for front-runner Julianna Margulies.  Connie Britton is crazy talented, so I'm glad she got a nom for FNL's last season. Snubbed: Lauren Graham, for Parenthood.  Her performances captivate me every week.  Show her some love!

OUTSTANDING ACTOR IN A DRAMA
Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire
Kyle Chandler, Friday Night Lights
Michael C. Hall, Dexter
Jon Hamm, Mad Men
Hugh Laurie, House
Timothy Olyphant, Justified


*With Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston out of the way (BB didn't air within the eligibility period), there is plenty of room for any of these guys to win.  The least likely is probably Hugh Laurie, who has yet to win after 5 nominations.  Most likely? Jon Hamm.  Snubbed: Peter Krause for Parenthood.  They nominated him 3 times for Six Feet Under, and he's terrific on Parenthood as well.  But, there just wasn't enough room.

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA
Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones
Josh Charles, The Good Wife
Alan Cumming, The Good Wife
Walton Goggins, Justified
John Slattery, Mad Men
Andre Braugher, Men of a Certain Age

*I am so very pleased that Alan Cumming and Josh Charles were both nominated for The Good Wife.  They both had great seasons.  Peter Dinklage has been around for years and years, and finally he's getting some attention, so it's great for him.  Snubbed: Chris Noth, for The Good Wife.


OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA
Kelly Macdonald, Boardwalk Empire
Archie Panjabi, The Good Wife
Christine Baranski, The Good Wife
Margo Martindale, Justified
Michelle Forbes, The Killing
Christina Hendricks, Mad Men

KaDee Strickland, Private Practice

*I have to start by expressing my severe disappointment in KaDee Strickland's snub for Private Practice.  Her work in the post-rape episode "Did Year What Happened to Charlotte King?" was Emmy worthy...and she didn't even get a nomination.  I figured she wouldn't since the show has never gotten any love, but I thought she might just break through.  I'm very happy about last year's winner Archie Panjabi, and Christine Baranski (both from The Good Wife) both getting nominations again. This category is further proof that this is a year full of newbies.  Michelle Forbes and Margo Martindale have both been around for years, but are just now starting to get recognized.



OUTSTANDING COMEDY
The Big Bang Theory
Glee
Modern Family
The Office
Parks and Recreation
30 Rock


*I am so pleased with the nominations this year.  All nominees are on network TV, and they're all great shows.  In my opinion, season 4 was the weakest for The Big Bang Theory, but this was the first year it snuck into this category.  Parks & Recreation is hysterical, and I was afraid it would get snubbed, but sure enough, they finally recognized it! And of course Modern Family and Glee are in there again, and the old favorite 30 Rock.  I was not a fan of this past season of The Office, but I believe that it being Steve Carell's final season was enough to snag a nom.



OUTSTANDING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY
Edie Falco, Nurse Jackie
Tina Fey, 30 Rock
Laura Linney, The Big C
Melissa McCarthy, Mike & Molly
Martha Plimpton, Raising Hope
Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation

*Over a year ago, Showtime announced a new show starring Laura Linney.  That very day, I said "Laura Linney will win best actress in a comedy in 2011".  We'll see if that prediction holds true.  Amy Poehler is my top pick.  I'm glad to see the hilarious breakout star Melissa McCarthy get nominated, along side Martha Plimpton! Snubbed: Courteney Cox (Cougar Town) and  Lea Michele (Glee).


OUTSTANDING ACTOR IN A COMEDY
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
Louis C.K., Louie
Steve Carell, The Office
Johnny Galecki, The Big Bang Theory
Matt LeBlanc, Episodes
Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory

*Excuse my while I pick my jaw up off the floor after seeing that Johnny Galecki has been nominated for best actor in a comedy series.  Umm...he's good, but this show belongs to Jim Parsons (and Kaley Cuoco).  There is no need for both of them to be nominated in this category.  Parson's won last year, and the only thing (knock on wood) keeping him from winning this year is an Emmy finally thrown Steve Carell's way for his Office swan song season. We'll see what happens.  Oh, and the inner-Friends nerd in me is so pleased that Matt LeBlanc is back! Snubbed:

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY
Chris Colfer, Glee
Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Modern Family
Ed O’Neill, Modern Family
Eric Stonestreet, Modern Family
Ty Burrell, Modern Family
Jon Cryer, Two and a Half Men

Nick Offerman, Parks and Recreation

*Alas, all Modern Family men have been nominated in this category (yay Ed O'Neill!).  My money is on Eric Stonestreet again.  And for the love of Charlie Sheen, please stop nominating Jon Cryer.  There needs to be a spot for the mucho-snubbed Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation) who is one of the funniest supporting actors to come around in a long time.



 
OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY
Jane Lynch, Glee
Betty White, Hot In Cleveland
Julie Bowen, Modern Family
Sofia Vergara, Modern Family
Kristen Wiig, Saturday Night Live
Jane Krakowski, 30 Rock


*As soon as I posted my predictions earlier this week I thought to myself "Oooo, I forgot Betty White!".  Betty White ended up getting a nomination for Hot In Cleveland.  I can't really complain about this. I love Betty, and she's a force to be reckoned with.  As much as I love Jane Lynch, this belongs to Julie Bowen this year.  She was the funniest woman on TV this year (to me) as Claire on Modern Family.  She just oozed of comedic charm, class, and timing that the greats like Lucille Ball always got recognized for.  Give her an Emmy already!!  Snubbed: Naya Rivera, as Santana on Glee. 


Alright, those are my first reactions to the Emmy noms.  Later this summer I'll post my predictions as to who will win!

Pre-Emmy Nominations Picks

Hi folks! I should have known when I started a blog that I wouldn't be able to keep up with it as much as I would like.  But alas, I'm back (a few months later), with my annual Emmy nominations picks.  The Emmy nominations are this Thursday, and are being announced by the hilarious Melissa McCarthy.  (Watch this funny video of Joel McHale preparing her for this year's announcements).  

I have put together a list that is a conglomeration of who I would like to be nominated, and who I think will be nominated.  I'm not going to differentiate because, well, it would take much time to provide so much commentary.  The names with an asterisk are who I would like to see win the Emmy.  Once nominations come out and we are closer to the actual ceremony (September 18th), I will blog about who I want/think will win, based on the official nominations.  So, without further ado, here is my list.

Drama Categories

Best Drama Series
*The Good Wife
Boardwalk Empire
Mad Men
Dexter
Friday Night Lights
Private Practice

Best Actor Drama
*Michael C. Hall, Dexter
Jon Hamm, Mad Men
Hugh Laurie, House
William H. Macy, Shameless
Steve Buscemi, Boardwalk Empire
Peter Krause, Parenthood

Best Actress Drama
*Julianna Margulies, The Good Wife
Connie Britton, Friday Night Lights
Elisabeth Moss, Mad Men
Katey Sagal, Sons of Anarchy
Kate Walsh, Private Practice
Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: SVU

Best Supporting Actor Drama
*Alan Cumming, The Good Wife
Josh Charles, The Good Wife
Chris Noth, The Good Wife
Peter Dinklage, Game of Thrones
Michael Pitt, Boardwalk Empire
John Slattery, Mad Men

Best Supporting Actress Drama
*KaDee Strickland, Private Practice
Christine Baranski, The Good Wife
Archie Panjabi, The Good Wife
Mae Whitman, Parenthood
Lauren Graham, Parenthood
Sara Ramirez, Grey’s Anatomy

Comedy Categories

Best Comedy Series
*Modern Family
Glee
Parks & Recreation
The Big Bang Theory
30 Rock
The Big C

Actor Comedy
*Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory
Steve Carell, The Office
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
Joel McHale, Community
Matthew Morrison, Glee
Rob Lowe, Parks & Recreation

Actress Comedy
*Amy Poehler, Parks & Recreation
Laura Linney, The Big C
Kaley Cuoco, The Big Bang Theory
Courteney Cox, Cougar Town
Lea Michele, Glee
Tina Fey, 30 Rock

Supporting Actor Comedy
*Eric Stonestreet, Modern Family
Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Modern Family
Ed O’Neill, Modern Family
Ty Burrell, Modern Family
Nick Offerman, Parks & Recreation
Chris Colfer, Glee

Supporting Actress Comedy
*Julie Bowen, Modern Family
Jane Lynch, Glee
Sofia Vergara, Modern Family
Ellie Kemper, The Office
Naya Rivera, Glee
Allison Janney, Mr. Sunshine

**Note: "Breaking Bad" did not air within the eligibility period, therefor the series, and it's actors (including past winners Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul) are not eligible.  

Night of Neglect

I have a confession to make.  I was not a fan of last night's Glee.  I had high hopes since it was the first new episode in a month, but I was left underwhelmed.  The plot was based around a "Night of Neglect" concert that the Glee club was going to perform in order to raise money to afford the trip to Nationals. Holly (Gwyneth Paltrow) came up with the idea, and I'm still not sure I understand it.  It was supposed to feature songs by neglected artists, yet somehow an Aretha Franklin song wound up being performed...still trying to figure all of this out.

The best scene was easily the opening scene with Sue and her "League of Doom" (or is is "Legion of Evil"?) comprised of Will's ex-wife Terri, Vocal Adrenaline coach Dustin, and former McKinley High employee Sandy.  The 4 of them set out to once again destroy the Glee club.  Each one had a separate mission.  While the missions were pretty much boring and poorly executed...the first scene with the 4 of them had excellent writing, and perfect timing and delivery.

As for the rest of the episode....*snore*.

They worked in the return of Sunshine (Charice) to sing "All By Myself".  The idea of the star of the opposing glee group being allowed to audition (let alone perform) on the Night Of Neglect is beyond me.  It felt like a desperate plot point to work Sunshine back into the fold...and it left me confused and not caring.

Then we have my most hated sub-plot of the night...Mercedes.  Mercedes, with the help of Lauren, decided that she was going to act like a total diva and make ridiculous demands of her fellow glee clubbers (such as requiring a soft puppy to dry her hands off with after she washes her hands before her big show stopping number)...excuse me, what???  Mercedes does not act like this.  With Glee you have to suspend disbelief, but this felt very forced and contrived to me.  Not organic at all. If a girl in high school started acting like Mercedes did last night, her friends would never, ever, bend over backwards the way the Glee kids did.  They would call her a word that rhymes with "witch" and refuse to do the things she was demanding.  Instead, her friends in Glee club just kept on making good on the demands!  And then we had this ridiculous scene where Mercedes breaks down and tells Rachel that she's jealous that Rachel has more talent and gets all the big numbers, and that's why she was being a diva.  This does not add up to me...at all.  Rachel decides to give Mercedes the closing number, and all is right with the world.  Now...I don't mean anything against Amber Riley, because I do like her...but let's just say I've never downloaded any of her singles from Glee.  Ever.  Yet I have plenty of Lea Michele on my iPod.  I guess if I force myself, I understand the point that they were trying to make with this story...but it still did absolutely nothing for me.  It felt very out of character for everyone involved.

Then there is the Night of Neglect concert itself.  The only people in attendance are Kurt/Blaine and then 4 hecklers.....Do you mean to tell me that not a single friend of the Glee kids could attend? And where were their families??  More people are in attendance for their rehearsals than there were for this concert!!

I have many other complaints, but not more time.  Next week's is an Hour and a Half episode inspired by Lady Gaga songs.  Should be interesting.  I certainly hope it's better than last night's show.

"Good" News!

I have grown to really enjoy the character of Eli on "The Good Wife".  Perfectly played by Alan Cumming, Eli is the campaign strategist for Peter's race to become State's Attorney.  Snagging Cumming as a regular for Season 2 seemed to good to be true.  The Scottish theater vet is quite busy with many theater and film projects.  I was surprised that he would want to commit to a series regular gig on a demanding network series, and I just assumed it would only be for one season.  Peter would lose the election, he and Alicia would divorce, and there would be no need for Eli or Peter (Chris Noth) and both would leave the series.  I've always suspected that Peter wasn't going to be here long term, because Chris Noth is not a series regular...he just always appears in a guest star capacity.  Well...maybe I was thinking incorrectly. On the last episode of "The Good Wife", Peter won the race for State's Attorney, and they planted the seeds for a possible run for U.S. Senate.  On Monday afternoon, news broke that Alan Cumming had just signed a new deal with "The Good Wife".  This is not just a one more season deal...no, he has signed on for Seasons 3, 4, AND 5!  Color me shocked and pleasantly surprised!! I guess this means they'll either integrate him into Lockhart Gardner, or Peter will be sticking around in some capacity that long as well.

All of this is dependent upon CBS actually renewing the show for a 3rd season (and 4th, and 5th), as it has not yet been renewed yet.  But, it gets high ratings, and is critically acclaimed, so it's a safe bet that it will.

Good Wife Bombshells

*SPOILERS BELOW!*

Tonight's installment of "The Good Wife" has been described as being so good that it could be mistaken for the season finale.  It includes the return of America Ferrera as Natalie Flores in her final episode of this season.  She's been fantastic, and apparently her exit leaves it wide open for a return next season. The fun doesn't stop there...the episode will also (finally) include the election for D.A. Will Peter win? Will Alicia finally make a public statement? We'll see.  As if finally reaching election night isn't big enough...Alicia will also find out the affair between Peter and Kalinda.  How will it go down? How will Alicia react? We'll find out in just a few hours.  Cannot. Wait.