Quid Pro Quo, Widmore: LOST, Ep 4.9 – “The Shape of Things to Come”


Initial thoughts, questions and crazy theories about tonight’s new episode are now posted on my other blog, Get LOST with JOpinionated.

For dedicated Lost fans, this was a very welcome return. It just keeps getting better. There really isn’t a better show on television right now; stellar on every level, from the cast to the scripts to the overall production.

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Welcome Back: Bones, Brothers & Sisters, Grey’s, House, Lost, Ugly Betty


For the most part, many shows are just returning this week with new episodes of post-Writers Strike television.  And boy am I happy to see them again.

Here is an update, and a few fun related links to pass the time until your favorite shows grace the airwaves [warning: read at your own risk; most of these sites contain spoilers].

BONES
The series debuted again last week, and airs Monday nights at 8pm on FOX. Baby-faced John Francis Daly (Freaks & Geeks) has been a great addition to the cast.

4/21: “Player Under Pressure”
4/28: “The Baby in the Bough”
Fan site: Searching Bones

BROTHERS & SISTERS
Returned last night, airs Sunday nights on ABC at 10pm. I can’t wait to find out if Ken Olin’s character is Rebecca’s real dad, and how that will affect her relationship with Justin. One of the best ensemble casts on television, and Danny Glover has been icing on the cake.

4/27: “Double Negative”
Production blog: Bloggers and Sisters

GREY’S ANATOMY
Begins again this week on ABC, will air regularly on Thursday nights at 9pm.

4/24: “Where the Wild Things Are”
Writers blog: Grey Matter

HOUSE
Returns next week, airs Monday nights at 9pm on FOX. Let’s hope they bring back Cut-Throat Bitch for the remainder of the season.

4/28: “No More Mr. Nice Guy”
Fan site: House is Right

LOST
Fortunately for Lost fans, the hiatus has only been a few weeks long. The new batch of episodes for Season 4 begins this Thursday (now in the 10pm time slot on ABC), and here is the tentative schedule:

4/24: “The Shape of Things to Come”
5/1: “Something Nice Back Home”
5/8, episode 4.11
5/15, episode 4.12: Season Finale, Part 1
5/29, episodes 4.13 & 4.14: Season Finale, Parts 2 & 3
My blog: Get LOST with JOpinionated

UGLY BETTY

Returns this week, airs every Thursday at 8pm on ABC.

4/24: “Twenty Four Candles”
5/1: “Burning Questions”
Fan site: Ugly Betty News

I don’t watch Gossip Girl, but I know that it starts up again tonight as well. What am I missing?

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Surprise, Surprise: Samantha Who & Survivor


I have been pleasantly surprised by two shows this season. One series has returned to my weekly must-see lineup and the other has totally earned a TiVO Season Pass.

I abandoned Survivor several seasons ago because the contestants had become predictable and the challenges repetitive. This season I tuned in because the theme is Fans vs. Favorites, although I was hesitant at first because I wasn’t familiar with most of the returning cast from recent seasons. It has turned out to be very entertaining. Without giving too much away, I will say that last night’s Tribal Council was the best since Season 1 (when Sue verbally assaulted Richard Hatch for being a snake). The alliances and the twists keep me glued to the screen, and my money would be on Cirie to win it all. She may not be super athletic, but her mental game is strong and smart.

I find myself laughing out loud at Samantha Who, and that is a rare feat these days (the only other sitcoms I watch regularly are 30 Rock and The Office; both are fantastic but Arrested Development was the best). The show is very cleverly written and I am very impressed with Christina Applegate’s comedic chops (high marks for facial expressions and physical comedy).

The supporting cast of Samantha Who is stellar as well. Jean Smart is brilliant and needs her own show…again (Designing Women, for the young and uninitiated).  Jennifer Esposito plays over-the-top and inebriated quite well, and Melissa McCarthy is becoming one of my favorite new actresses. I never watched Gilmore Girls (I know, shame on me; I would love it), but I loved her in the film The Nines.

Do you watch either show? What do you think?

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Lengthy List of Lingering LOST Questions


I’ve been working on very diligently on a long list of Lost questions (by character and mystery) during the Season 4 hiatus. That entry is now posted over here at Get LOST with JOpinionated.

Don’t forget to set your DVR/TiVO…the second half of Season 4 begins next Thursday at 10pm on ABC. Lost will now air in this later time slot, after Grey’s Anatomy.

Click here for the schedule of the remaining episodes, including the 2 night/3 hour season finale!

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