Serial Killer? Yes, please! The Following and more...

It's been a while since I talked about what I'm watching, and I've begun to watch some great new shows, so let's get to it!

First, anyone who knows me knows I love serial killers - Hannibal Lecter, Dexter Morgan, Sweeney Todd, Gretchen Lowell... I find them all fascinating. In fact, I've created my own serial killer recently and plan to expand on that short flash that I did, There is a new show on Fox that involves a serial killer, so of course I had to check it out. it didn't hurt that Kevin Bacon and James Purefoy are the main characters.

The Following airs on Fox on Monday nights. James Purefoy is Joe Carroll, the incarcerated serial killer, an English professor with a penchant for Edgar Allan Poe and for killing. He is a very charismatic man, and he has a number of followers whom he has trained to obey his every command, and whom he controls even inside prison. You may remember James Purefoy as Marc Antony in the wonderful series Rome. Kevin Bacon is Ryan Hardy is the FBI agent that brought Joe down - and also had an affair with Mrs. Carroll (played by Natalie Zea, who certainly gets around this year. She's also Raylan Givens' ex Winona in Justified and the crazy lady who tried to kill Hank Moody (David Duchovny) in Californication.

There has been a fantastic storyline going on that involves Joe's young son, Joey, his nanny, and the gay next door neighbors, who kidnap the young boy and all efforts are directed toward finding and rescuing him. This is a really good show, I'm enjoying the heck out of it, and look forward to seeing more of it. Why can't you write Vampire Diaries like this, Kevin Williamson? Maybe it wouldn't suck so much if you did. Just sayin'.

Also on Monday nights is a program I started watching on TNT, believe it or not, an original series called Monday Mornings, involving the morbidity and mortality meetings at Chelsea General, starring Ving Rhames and Alfred Molina. Molina is chief of surgery, Rhames chief of trauma. There's an obnoxious transplant surgeon, an overachieving female doctor, a Korean surgeon with a minimal command of English, a brain surgeon who is cheating on her husband with another member of the staff, and more. I'm really enjoying this show a lot so far. My favorite character is Dr. Sung, who cut to the chase when talking to a patient and his family regarding the proposed surgery: "No do, dead."  I hope my liking this show doesn't doom it to failure.

I would tell you about Do No Harm, which involved a Jekyll/Hyde doctor, and his struggle to keep his evil alter ego in check, but alas, they cancelled it after two episodes, to my great chagrin. I'm pissed at NBC for that, coming on the heels of their cancellation of Awake. You disappoint me greatly, NBC.

Last night saw the finale of Top Chef Seattle, and what a season it was!  ****SPOILERS***** As you may recall, I was bitterly disappointed to see my favorite chef voted off far too early, Kristen, especially when obnoxious chefs were still there, like Josie. (At least Carla was already gone). I was disappointed when Stefan was cut too. But I held on to the hope that Kristen would re-emerge through the auspices of the Last Chance Kitchen, and she did, becoming the third chef, along with Brooke and Sheldon. I was hoping Sheldon would be eliminated and the two women would face off, and that's just how it went. Kristen and Brooke went on to LA for the finale, which was done before a live audience, and they had former team members as sous chefs. I was surprised that Kristen didn't use her "husband" Stefan. Each chef planned five courses. As each course was judged, the judge would pick their favorite between the two, and the first chef to gain three votes in a round was the winner of that round. First chef to win three rounds would win Top Chef. Kristen won the first round, Brooke the second, but then Kristen took the next two and became Top Chef.  Yay! Wonder what they'll do  next, now that this is done?

Sweet Genius ended its seasons, alas, and in its place we have been given Chef Wanted, with Anne Burrell. There was a similar show that didn't last long, Chef Hunter. I have to say that although I like Anne, this show leaves me, not cold, but not exactly excited to watch it either. If I have to record it rather than watch it when it airs, no big deal. It's interesting viewing, but adding Anne to the equation didn't make it better in my book, and it's fairly predictable. Four chefs begin, competing for a spot at a restaurant that is desperate for a new head chef and has turned to Anne for help. Two are eliminated in the first two challenges, and the remaining two each take charge of the restaurant for a night, plan their menus, and do a full dinner service. There is invariably at least one contestant that you look at and wonder why they are even there, they're so obviously mismatched. Then, when it comes to the dinner service, all the auditioning chefs have problems and have to over come them. Then the owner/owners make their selection and all's well (and amazingly they already have the right size chef coat waiting for the new head chef!) Not a bad show, but nothing I'd cry over if it was cancelled.

On a brighter note, I've begun watching Ripper Street on BBC America, and I am enjoying that very much! Saturday nights is when it airs.****SPOILERS AHEAD*** Matthew MacFadyen is Inspector Reid, who's charged with protecting the folks in the Whitechapel area. Yes, that Whitechapel. And no, this isn't about the Ripper, although he does rate mention now and then, mostly as the one that got away. Inspector Reid is married, but tragedy has marred the union through the death of their only child, a daughter, and his wife has pulled away from him, seeking the solace of the church and her work at the mission. This is becoming more and more of an issue, especially as Reid finds himself unexpectedly attracted to a Jewish woman who heads a local orphanage. At Reid's side is Sergeant Drake, who has a thing for a lady of easy virtue in a prominent house of ill repute, but he doesn't want her like that, and she has a living to make, so they have a difficult relationship at best. Then there is Homer Jackson, an American who was once a Pinkerton, and now lives in that same whorehouse, with the madame, and is a very skillful if unorthodox surgeon. I highly recommend this series. I look forward to it every week.

Well, all for now, better get back to writing and stuff. I have another series I want to talk about, but I want to devote more time to it - BBC's Sherlock. Let's just say for now that I am totally in love and intend to buy the first two seasons as soon as I can afford it.

Until next time, take care!

♥ Julie

Disappointment in an Unjust Decision and AHS Nears an End

****SPOILERS AHEAD**** Since Top Chef Seattle began, there is one chef that has been my consistent favorite. While I like Stefan, and I didn't mind the now departed John, I felt the best chef there was Kristen. Well, as of last night, she is no longer a contender, and while it's partially her fault (but mostly Josie's), there has been a grave miscarriage of justice here. Last night on Top Chef was the Restaurant Wars that was set up last week, with Kristen and Sheldon as the two executive chefs. It turned out to be boys vs girls, with the boys one chef short after last week's elimination. Sheldon set up a Philippine restaurant, while Kristen went with her own version of classic French. The reason for her elimination is the pedantic chef Josie, who skated by on the backs of her fellow chefs, although she is possessed of mediocre talents and an abrasive, annoying personality. I could not believe they would eliminate Kristen over Josie's stupidity, but then again, Kristen should not have been so passive and put blame where it needed to go. My only hope is that she will return via Last Chance Kitchen. Otherwise, my hopes lie with Stefan now.

One episode left and then American Horror Story will be history. At least this season's, that is. Much as I loved the first season, I loved the second season just as much, if not more. I would gladly own both seasons in a heartbeat.  ***SPOILERS*****  Wow, so much has happened. People come and gone. Dr. Arden dead - threw himself atop Sister Mary Eunice's body as it was being rolled into the crematorium. Dr. Thredson, aka Bloody Face, dead, but survived by his child with Lana Winters. Kit ended up with two children and two women - Alma and Grace. Jude is still an inmate at Briarcliff, waiting for Monsignor Timothy to release her. But wait, he's a Cardinal now, has been for two and a half years, and she's still there. And that's not everything. Next week is the season finale. I suspect it will go out with a bang, not a whimper.

Hawaii 5-0 is excellent, as ever. Although apprehensive when I first learned of the remake, I had to give it a try because of Alex O'Loughlin, and I'm glad I did. It's well written, well acted, and better than the original. This week's episode was no exception, with Danny's nephew visiting from Jersey adding to the fun. The only complaint I have is in the relationship between Steve and Catherine, because I really don't like her, and I can only hope that goes nowhere. Also, the less seen of his mother, the better. Okay, I do have a complaint with the way CBS airs the show. It's often hit or miss and has no rhyme or reason. Good thing it's really good, so I make the effort to watch it.

I'm still watching Chopped and Restaurant Impossible, that goes without saying. We just got caught up with a series we recorded and never watched: Chef Wanted, with Anne Burrell. While it was enjoyable, I felt it was just another version of Chef Hunter, and they could save paying Anne Burrell's probably higher salary and keep the original show, which was just as good. We have a few more cooking series to catch up on - Around the World in  80 Plates, $24 in 24, and Baron Ambrosio. Will update when I can.

We're behind an episode on Person of Interest, due to a DVR mishap, but I'm still loving it, and especially look forward to watching Mr. Reese's fight scenes. So sexy! No new episode tonight, though.

Californication began its new season. ***SPOILERS**** As you may recall, Hank was drugged by his crazy ex, Carrie, just when happily ever after seemed to be within his grasp. This season begins with him awakening in the hospital, very much alive, with Carrie in a coma. He becomes wracked with guilt that he drove her to it and goes on a killer binge. Finally, the people in his life who love him tell him enough is enough and get thee to rehab. One of the funniest scenes involves Hank going to see a Johnny Depp lookalike movie star (played by Tim Minchin). I love these series, can't wait to see where this season is headed.

New shows coming up that I plan to watch:

The Following with Kevin Bacon starts on January 21, looks interesting. Riddle Street, on BBC America, also set to record. In March, I believe, is a series that is a prequel to Psycho, Bates Motel. And in June, Showtime has a series starring Liev Schrieber that I plan to try, Ray Donovan. Will keep you updated as I begin to watch them.

All for now, back to work!

Until next time, take care!

♥ Julie

An unexpected holiday

It looks like my previous plans have been upended. I'd anticipated working next week, but I learned yesterday that is not the case. As of now, I'm not even sure when I'm going back to work. Again. That's the problem with temporary jobs, they're so... temporary.

Well, I could sit around and piss and moan about it, but what will that accomplish? Not a damn thing. Or I can take these lemons and make lemonade. I opt to do that! I have editing to do, and I have books to write. I hope to finish When Will I See You Again and sub it by the year's end, so maybe that's a good thing, right? Right!

Sarah and I went to see The Hobbit last weekend. It was AMAZING! If you're a fan of Lord of the Rings, you have to see this. It was everything I'd hoped for and more, including familiar faces I'd not expected to see. There are a lot of people in this movie, well worth a trip to IMDB to look them up, because frankly you won't recognize many of them with the great make-up jobs they have. For example, Bofur is James Nesbitt, who played Jekyll in the BBC mini-series. I would never have guessed. Yes, it's nearly three hours long - all the LOTR films are. But I have to tell you, it doesn't feel like it. In fact, I was so engrossed in what was happening, and had just settled down to watch more, when suddenly, the film was done.  I can't wait for next year, to see the second part.

Of course we saw some trailers while we were there, but nothing I'd rush out to see. Except for one thing, and it wasn't even a movie trailer, it was a promo for a TV series that is returning in January. One of my very favorites. Sarah and I got so excited to see that!  Yes, it's Justified! Coming back January 8th, I believe, and looking awesome! If you watched it last season, then you know about Bobby Quartles. And Winona. And a whole lot of stuff. Can't wait to see what happens.

I'm behind on watching programs, I admit, because of working, which is actually a good thing. Other than the ones Sarah and I watch together, such as Next Iron Chef Redemption, Sunday nights on Food Network. In fact, it's almost over now, down to three chefs - Alex Guarnaschelli, Amanda Freitag and Nate Appleman. The finale is Sunday, and I predict that Chef Appleman will be eliminated right away and the two women chefs will battle for the title. Katie is rooting for Amanda, I know, but I'm in Alex's corner. I think it would be so cool if she made it, and if Geoffrey was to work as her sous chef, like she does for him. Guess we'll find out Sunday, should be a good battle.  Go, Alex!

Top Chef Seattle is progressing smoothly as the field is narrowed every week. I was so grateful that they eliminated Carla, she got on my last nerve. As the weak ones are being picked off, the stronger chefs survive, although there are still a few I'd like to see gone. My favorite chef is Kristen, who is a model. She did very well this week, winning both challenges. Here she is, being kissed by Stefan. Stefan is a gruff and grumbly guy, and he didn't make a lot of friends in season 5 of Top Chef. But I rather like him, despite that, mostly because  he and Fabio are good friends and I love Fabio.

Speaking of Fabio, he's the only reason I even watch Life After Top Chef, frankly. It's him, Richard, Spike and Jen. Richard's okay, but I don't like Spike and I really can't stand Jen. I love Fabio, though, and would watch him in anything. Seriously. Put him in a show, and I'm there. Someday I hope to be able to eat at his restaurant. He is so sexy, and such a hard worker, and such a gentleman! If they got rid of the other three chefs, I'd never miss them. Just give me Fabio and I'll be happy!

Sarah and I are still watching Person of Interest, and this season is definitely a worthy addition to the series, beginning with Harold's kidnapping by a crazy woman. I love the relationship between Harold and John, and learning more about both of them. Watching Reese's fights is... well... exhilarating. I hope it's mandatory that he has at least one fight scene per episode, as they are damned exciting, and very sexy. I am never disappointed in any of the episodes, and I hope the show continues for a long time to come. I love that Carter and Fusco know about one another now, and that they all seem to be working for a common good. I predict that at some point, Lionel's number is going to come up in the machine. I also love Enrico Colantoni's Elias - he's a very clever and fascinating villain who wields great power, even from prison.

We're behind on The Walking Dead by three episodes.  *****SPOILERS***** We saw the birth of Lori's baby, and her death. Can't say I was torn up about that. I didn't like her, and the way she treated Rick. I've never liked their son much, either, especially since he got Dale killed. I read a spoiler myself, something about Shane returning, although we haven't seen it yet, and I'm not even sure how that can happen. But I'm not all that worried about it, either. I suspect Shane, if he does come back, will contend that the baby is his and will fight Rick for her. Maybe, in Rick's shattered state, he'll just give in. Or maybe he'll pull himself together and say no. Guess we'll find out. I think it's on hiatus until February now.

That's it for now, need to get moving and do other things. Maybe next time, I'll get to Sweet Genius and Vampire Diaries (behind on that too) and American Horror Story (also behind) and The New Normal. One good thing, I'll be around a lot more.

Until next time, take care!

♥ Julie