I can’t drive until later next week, so I should be taking more advantage of this ‘free’ time. I am failing miserably. Except for the nap part.

Movie-wise…I tried to get through In Bruges but could not, endured 30 Days of Night even though Josh Hartnett is painfully miscast as a leading man once again, enjoyed the highly recommended/cheesy awesome Boondock Saints, gave M. Night’s Unbreakable another look and loved Iron Man even more upon a second viewing.

TV-wise…I attempted to watch The View but wanted to flick Hasselbeck in the head, finally had time to watch and appreciate Rachel Maddow, painfully giggled at Ellen on a daily basis, sat through my first ever episode of Dancing with the Stars with and on behalf of my parents, was pleasantly surprised by Heroes, rediscovered It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia online, and loved Life, Dexter, Brothers & Sisters, Bones, Eli Stone, and 30 Rock (except for Jennifer Aniston). The Office was a bit stale but I really liked Andy and Oscar’s banter. I am secretly disappointed that Lipstick Jungle was canceled, and am anxiously awaiting word on the future of Pushing Daisies. I also decided to stick with Grey’s Anatomy, but only because of my affection and respect for Sandra Oh and Sara Ramirez (who, I admit, made me tear up this week during that ER scene).

On second thought, I did do more than just nap. Sweet.

Thanks for reading an absolutely rambling mess of an entry. Good times, and good night!

The good news is that as of right now, Pushing Daisies has not been canceled.  However, next week’s new episode may be the last. Apparently ABC has yet to decide about the future of the show, and may not do so until January.

* UPDATE: A friendly anonymous source has clarified that next week’s episode is only the 6th of 13 they’ve shot thus far for Season 2; that 13th ep. is tentatively scheduled to air on 2/18/09. He or she referred to the next episode as airing tomorrow night, but according to both ABC.com and my TiVO, the next new episode airs on 11/19/08. I could be wrong. It happens.

[Note to ABC: In light of your recent, inexplicable decision to axe Brooke Smith from Grey's Anatomy, I am seeking some redemption. Renewing Pushing Daisies would be fantastic. Thanks.]

Should PD get canceled, show runner Bryan Fuller plans to finish the series’ story lines in comic book form! I love that idea. I have been a big believer in Fuller’s world and vision since his fantastic show Wonderfalls, and listening to him speak about Pushing Daisies at a Comic-Con panel earlier this year made it official; where Fuller creates, I shall follow.

So you’re also a fan, please visit the Save Pushing Daisies blog and this site to sign an online petition.

Stay tuned…

Those five films made me respect Katie Holmes as an actress, and I became a fan.

I’m not one to delve into celebrity gossip or defamation (at least here ‘on paper’), but let’s just say that ever since she became Kate Cruise, that spark has been missing on screen. 

All of that changed with her recent stint on Eli Stone. She’s back, you can see it in her eyes again. And I hope it stays that way.

Anyone care to chime in?

I have been very vocal about my support for the relationship between Callie Torres and Erica Hahn on Grey’s Anatomy. So imagine my surprise and dismay to hear that actress Brooke Smith has been let go from the show. Just like that. Apparently this week will be her last episode. No end to her storyline, no resolution. Done. Gone.

I have also been a huge fan of showrunner Shonda Rhimes. However, I take umbrage with the statement that she just released regarding this news:

Also, if their chemistry was the issue, why not just dissolve that storyline as they do others on the show? Why not keep Smith on as Hahn and change directions?

Apparently Smith was let go by the network, and not Rhimes. That is a baffling move, and one which I hope was not motivated by negative fan feedback regarding her character.

And although this entire matter might seem trivial to you, consider the timing…

Smith was notified about her unemployment in mid-September. WHY on earth would ABC make such an announcement (about the abrupt dissolution of one of the most visible gay relationships on television) the day before an election featuring a measure which discriminates against gay and lesbian couples?!  Strategically speaking, and from a public relations standpoint, this was a very ill-advised move.

Remember that not too long ago, this was the very show and network which chose to write Dr. Burke’s character off of the series when the actor who played that role made homophobic remarks to another actor on set. But to fire an actress because of her lack of chemistry with another actress? Wow.

For Brooke Smith’s response to this egregious situation, please visit Michael Ausiello’s interview with her on EW.com.  She is a very talented actress, and a classy human being. I wish her the best and will watch whatever film or series is lucky enough to feature her next.

According to Variety, co-executive producers Jesse Alexander and Jeph Loeb were let go from the series. Both have been involved with the show from day one, and regardless of lower ratings this season, I believe that NBC’s decision will play a significant role in the future of Heroes (to be frank, I would now be very surprised to see it renewed for a fourth season).

I’m not sure we’ll ever find out what transpired at the network, but I will say this…regardless of the ratings and my opinion about Season 3, I have never questioned the passion of the creative team behind Heroes. That was never more obvious than at Comic-Con earlier this summer; Loeb’s enthusiasm at the Heroes panel was incredibly infectious and I was sold.

Alexander and Loeb were also producers on Lost a few years ago. And Loeb is a frequent comic book collaborator with Heroes artist Tim Sale; together they have created some fantastic graphic novels such as Batman: Haunted Knight. I will continue to follow both of these very talented producers wherever they land, and have faith that there will be more than a few interested parties who would love to have either on their staff.