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!

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.

Am I alone here, or do you also feel a little let down by some returning shows?

Thursday, September 25

UGLY BETTY
ABC
8pm

THE OFFICE
NBC
9pm

GREY’S ANATOMY
ABC
9pm

[Sidenote: I wrote about Callie & Hahn after the season finale, which clearly touched a nerve; the number of hits and emails were surprisingly high. I stand by my initial reaction and support of their relationship, even though that does not appear to be the popular consensus.]

Sunday, September 28

DEXTER
SHO
9pm

BROTHERS & SISTERS
ABC
10pm

Rather than attempt to predict the winners in the major categories (because these are the same people who infuriatingly reward Spader & Shatner year after year, and have now adopted Sheen & Cryer), I’ve selected those shows and individuals who I believe deserve the Emmy this year.

OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES
30 Rock
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Entourage
The Office
Two and a Half Men

I don’t think there has been a  more entertaining series or cast since Arrested Development.

LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
Tony Shalhoub, Monk
Lee Pace, Pushing Daisies
Steve Carell, The Office
Charlie Sheen, Two and a Half Men

Comedic timing is everything. A victory for Pace would be just as sweet.

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Jeremy Piven, Entourage
Kevin Dillon, Entourage
Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your Mother
Rainn Wilson, The Office
Jon Cryer, Two and a Half Men

I do not watch How I Met Your Mother (but I should and I will), and wasn’t that impressed with the nominees in this category. Dillon is underrated in the shadow of Piven.

LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Tina Fey, 30 Rock
Christina Applegate, Samantha Who
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, The New Adventures of Old Christine
America Ferrera, Ugly Betty
Mary Louise-Parker, Weeds

What an amazing category; every one of these women should win. I am pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy Applegate in this role; I see more nominations in her future. I would have chosen the consistently stellar Parker, but Weeds is more a comedy of errors than a traditional comedy.

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Kristin Chenoweth, Pushing Daisies
Jean Smart, Samantha Who
Amy Poehler, Saturday Night Live
Holland Taylor, Two and a Half Men
Vanessa Williams, Ugly Betty

Another tough choice; Poehler is the saving grace of SNL, but Smart could pull an upset victory. She makes me laugh out loud and deserves her own series.

OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A COMEDY SERIES
30 Rock (2 episodes)
Flight of the Conchords
Pushing Daisies
The Office

Wow. FotC may steal this one away from 30 Rock.

OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES
Boston Legal
Damages
Dexter
House
Lost
Mad Men

I am not just choosing Lost because it’s my favorite show; I believe that Season 4 was extremely strong across the board (acting, writing, direction, cinematography, etc.), from start to finish. Second choice would be Dexter. I love Mad Men but feel that the current second season is far superior to the first. And I will simply never understand the allure of Boston Legal.

LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
James Spader, Boston Legal
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
Michael C. Hall, Dexter
Hugh Laurie, House
Gabriel Byrne, In Treatment
Jon Hamm, Mad Men

The buzz is for Cranston, but I am absolutely mesmerized by Hall week after week. To be honest, I thought that this was Matthew Fox’s year for Lost; what an omission! Not to mention Kyle Chandler for Friday Night Lights…

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
William Shatner, Boston Legal
Ted Danson, Damages
Zeljko Ivanek, Damages
Michael Emerson, Lost
John Slattery, Mad Men

If it weren’t for Emerson’s eye-bugging, jaw-dropping role on Lost, my vote would have been for Danson in a heartbeat; his performance was the surprise revelation of the season.

LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Sallie Field, Brothers & Sisters
Glenn Close, Damages
Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order
Holly Hunter, Saving Grace
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer

No question. Glenn Close knocks it out of the park, and she scares me. But where’s the recognition for Connie Britton on FNL?

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Candice Bergen, Boston Legal
Rachel Griffiths, Brothers & Sisters
Chandra Wilson, Grey’s Anatomy
Sandra Oh, Grey’s Anatomy
Dianne Wiest, In Treatment

Dr. Bailey is the heart and soul of Grey’s, but frankly I’m surprised by Oh’s nod; she wasn’t given much to work with this season.

OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A DRAMA SERIES
Battlestar Galactica
Damages
Mad Men (2 episodes)
The Wire

Again, where is a nod for Lost? I really tried to get into The Wire, because some critics feel it is one of the best shows of all time, but I lost interest.

OUTSTANDING REALITY-COMPETITION PROGRAM
American Idol
Dancing With The Stars
Project Runway
The Amazing Race
Top Chef

—

Thoughts?

By date….

August 26
Greek
ABC Family

September 1
Prison Break
FOX

September 1
Raising the Bar
TNT
Drama

September 1
One Tree Hill
CW

September 1
Gossip Girl
CW

September 2
The Shield
FX

September 2
90210
CW
Drama

September 3 *
Bones
FOX

September 3 *
Sons of Anarchy
FX
Drama
For the cast alone: Ron Perlman (Hellboy), Katey Sagal (Helen on Lost), Mitch Pileggi (AD Skinner on The X-Files), Drea De Matteo (Adrianna on The Sopranos), Sprague Grayden (Heather on Jericho), Dayton Callie (Charlie Utter on Deadwood)

September 7 *
True Blood
HBO
Drama
From Six Feet Under creator Alan Ball. Need I say more?

September 7 *
Entourage
HBO

September 8
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
FOX

September 9 *
Fringe
FOX
Drama
I saw a 90 minute unedited version of the pilot at Comic-Con and fell in love immediately. From the mind of J.J. Abrams (Alias, Lost), featuring stellar new discovery Anna Torv and Lance Reddick (The Wire, Lost) and Joshua Jackson (whom you will no longer refer to as Pacey from Dawson’s Creek after episode 1).

September 9
Privileged
CW
Comedy Drama

September 10
Do Not Disturb
FOX
Comedy

September 10
‘Til Death
FOX

September 13
Saturday Night Live
NBC

September 16 *
House
FOX

September 18
Survivor: Gabon
CBS

September 18
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
FX

September 18
Smallville
CW

September 18
Supernatural
CW

September 22 *
Heroes
NBC

September 22
CSI: Miami
CBS

September 22
How I Met Your Mother
CBS

September 22
Boston Legal
ABC

September 22
The Big Bang Theory
CBS

September 22
Worst Week
CBS
Comedy

September 22
Two and a Half Men
CBS

September 23
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
NBC

September 23
NCIS
CBS

September 23
Without a Trace
CBS

September 23
The Mentalist
CBS
Drama

September 24
Lipstick Jungle
NBC

September 24
Knight Rider
NBC
Drama

September 24
The New Adventures of Old Christine
CBS

September 24
CSI: NY
CBS

September 24
Criminal Minds
CBS

September 24
Gary Unmarried
CBS
Comedy

September 25 *
The Office
NBC

September 25 *
Ugly Betty
ABC

September 25 *
Grey’s Anatomy
ABC

September 25
My Name is Earl
NBC

September 25
ER
NBC

September 28
Desperate Housewives
ABC

September 28 *
Brothers & Sisters
ABC

September 28 *
Dexter
Showtime

September 28 *
Amazing Race
CBS

September 28
Californication
Showtime

September 28
Cold Case
CBS

September 28
The Unit
CBS

September 28
American Dad
FOX

September 28
The Simpsons
FOX

September 29
Chuck
NBC

October 1 *
Pushing Daisies
ABC

October 1 *
Dirty Sexy Money
ABC
I’ve seen the first two episodes and really like the direction and tone…

October 1 *
Private Practice
ABC

October 1
Friday Night Lights
DirecTV
Sadly, I will not be able to catch these new episodes until they air on NBC in the future

October 3 *
The Ex List
CBS
Comedy
Only because I love love love Elizabeth Reaser (Ava/Rebecca on Grey’s Anatomy), and it’s about time she got her own show

October 3 *
Life
NBC

October 3
Numb3rs
CBS

October 3
Everybody Hates Chris
CW

October 3
Ghost Whisperer
CBS

October 3
The Game
CW

October 6 *
Samantha Who
ABC

October 9
CSI
CBS

October 9
Kath and Kim
NBC
Comedy

October 9
Eleventh Hour
CBS
Drama

October 9
Life on Mars
ABC
Drama

October 10
The Starter Wife
USA

October 13
My Own Worst Enemy
NBC
Drama

October 14
Eli Stone
ABC

October 17
Crusoe
NBC
Drama

October 30 *
30 Rock
NBC

I tried not to like 27 Dresses. I knew that Heigl couldn’t possibly follow Knocked Up with something as funny or well scripted. And I was right. But the thing is…it wasn’t bad. Formulaic? Sure. But so was Sex & the City.

I’m not quite ready to crown Heigl the next Meg Ryan or Julia Roberts, but she fills the shoes far better than Cameron Diaz (whoever continues to force her upon us in broad romantic comedies is probably the same delusional person who thinks Edward Burns is the next Richard Gere or Tom Hanks; he’s not, he’s grating, it has to stop).

Yes, I’ve heard the rumblings about Heigl trying to get out of her Grey’s Anatomy contract. And I know that she just removed herself from Emmy contention. I’m not one for addressing celebrity gossip or perpetuating rumors, so all I will say about that is…I don’t really care. I’m more interested in her next few film choices, and if she will have more success than Jennifer Aniston did after ditching a very lucrative television career for a chance to shine on the big screen.

As for 27 Dresses, it’s a rainy day rental. Screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna clearly has her pen on the pulse of contemporary women (she also penned The Devil Wears Prada).

But the best part about the movie was actually James Marsden, who continues to prove that he is a very diverse and appealing actor; he has nailed both the charming leading man role (Enchanted, Hairspray) and the action-packed ensemble player (X-Men, Superman Returns). I’m much more likely to see a film with Marsden than I am one starring Patrick Dempsey, to be honest.

Have any of you seen 27 Dresses? Let me know what you thought…

For those of you who are also fans of the show, I encourage you to read Grey Matter, the official Grey’s Anatomy writers’ blog.  Creator and show runner Shonda Rhimes wrote the finale, and she blogged about it there. I also recommend Grey’s Anatomy News, a great fan and news site for all things Seattle Grace.

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

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?

DIRT has returned for a sophomore run on FX. Though I haven’t had a chance to catch last night’s premiere episode, I hear that the series has made vast improvements over last season. It has been a guilty pleasure show for me, and I look forward to the changes.

Perhaps it’s because Private Practice is on hiatus until the fall…Dr. Addison Montgomery (Kate Walsh) will be making a one-episode appearance on GREY’S ANATOMY at some point when it comes back on the air next month.

Another guilty pleasure show that has recently transitioned into Season Pass-worthy is MEN IN TREES. It debuted again last week, and has moved to Wednesday nights on ABC. To be perfectly honest, it took me some time to be able to separate Anne Heche’s character from her real life persona (in my eyes, that whole Ellen debacle is her scarlet letter…even 10+ years later). But I really enjoy the ensemble of this show, and Heche is actually a pretty good actress. Thus, the addition to my weekly TiVO lineup.

It appears that SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE is making a refreshing resurgence. Tina Fey was the perfect post-Writers Strike host to kick off the second half of this season, and Juno star Ellen Page did an excellent  job last week (including a funny monologue with Andy Samberg as Diablo Cody; see photo above). Although I admit that her last skit was a tad confusing, I think that many viewers misinterpreted it…Page did not come out of the closet; she was making fun of the rampant and unsubstantiated rumors about her sexuality. I just think that the writing of that sketch fell flat and short.

Although NBC is currently denying it, there is story circulating that ABC is going to pick up and revive SCRUBS. The series has been on the bubble of cancellation for some time now, but apparently ABC would like to give it at least 18 more episodes over on their network.