Saying Good-bye to Hank Moody, Of Penny Dreadful, Tyrant and more

It's hard to believe it, but Californication has come to an end, after seven seasons. So now it's time to bid a

fond farewell to Hank Moody. While I will miss him, and Charlie, I have to admit that the show pretty much ran its course, and it was time. That being said, it was an interesting last season. ****SPOILERS AHEAD*** Hank discovers that he is a father of a son he never knew existed - a rather backward, randy young man by the name of Levon, whose mother is Julia, who Hank impregnated before he ever knocked up Karen, apparently. Which didn't sit all that well with Karen when she found out. To say Levon has issues would be an understatement. At the beginning of the season, Hank throws his heart at Karen, only to have it thrown back at him. Not quite the scenario he pictured. Becca is seeing the world with a male friend, and frankly I was really glad not to have to deal with her, she got on my nerves.

In this last season, Hank got a job as a writer on a TV show - Santa Monica Cop - whose star is an utter ass, and his producer is Rick Rath, played by Michael Imperioli, whom I first met on Chopped. The season follows, among other things, Hank's work on the show, and his developing relationship with Levon, whom he gets a job as a production assistant. He also provides a prostitute to pop his cherry, which doesn't sit too well with either Julia or Karen. Charlie and Marcy are struggling to make ends meet, and when Marcy's ex, Stu, makes an indecent proposal, they can't help but listen.


In helping Levon deal with his life, Hank is forced to grow up himself, and to take a good hard look at himself, who he is and what he wants. Although the various threads are given endings, there is no final happily ever after, because life goes on, even beyond what we see. We can only hope for the best for Hank and Karen and all the rest.

Showtime came up with a new series (the first season of which is now done) called Penny Dreadful. It takes

place in Victorian England, and some of the characters are familiar to us, lifted from the pages of well-known works of literature set during that time. Such as Dr. Victor Frankenstein and his creature. Wealthy profligate Dorian Gray. Vanessa Ives (Eva Green) is a young woman of extraordinary psychic abilities. Her patron is Sir Malcolm Murray (Timothy Dalton). His daughter is missing, held by a fiend, their goal is to find her. Which is why Sir Malcolm has assembled his little group. His daughter's name is Mina, whom you may remember from the novel Dracula. Josh Hartness plays an American Wild West sharpshooter by the name of Ethan Chandler, and Billie Piper (Rose Tyler, from Doctor Who) is a prostitute named Broana.

I wasn't sure if I would like this or not, but decided to give it a try. I was more than pleased with what I saw, so much I watched the entire first season. The writing is imaginative and creative, the acting well done, the stories very interesting. Even thought they took my favorite, Dracula, and twisted it a bit, I didn't mind, as it was well done. ****SPOILER ALERT** I won't give too much away, but I'd be remiss if I didn't mention a particularly hot and intimate encounter between Dorian Gray and Ethan Chandler that I totally didn't see coming. I'm looking forward to next season.

Tyrant just began a couple of weeks ago on F/X. I have a love/hate relationship with that channel. I love that they brought me Justified and American Horror Story. I hate that they took away Terriers and Lights Out. Tyrant concerns an American pediatrician named Barry Al Fayeed, whose father is the king of an Arab nation called Abuddin. Barry hasn't been back home in twenty years, but he is persuaded to return by his wife to attend the wedding of his nephew. **SPOILERS AHEAD** They take their teen-age son and daughter with them, despite Barry's misgivings about going at all. While there, Barry's father dies of a stroke, and his brother, Jamal, who is a real pig, is in an accident (deliberately caused) and Barry has little choice but to remain in the country.

I've enjoyed the first two episodes. I like Barry and hate his brother Jamal. I really dislike Barry's wife, who

is constantly telling him how to feel, when she has no idea of the reality of the situation. His children are rather obnoxious, particularly the son, who has been hitting on one of the security guards at the palace. He questions him as to his family, his biggest concern being that they aren't related. It's easy to see that these two will end up in bed together at some point. I look forward to seeing how this develops in future episodes.

We've been watching the third season of Game of Thrones. It gets a little confusing, since I'm ahead in the books, having read the first four volumes. Season 3 only covers half of book 3. Actually, we only have one more disk left in the season, the one containing the infamous Red Wedding. ***SPOILERS*** It's hard not to hate Joffrey, in fact he makes it easy. One of the scenes that is indelibly etched on my mind concerns a woman who is an associate of Littlefinger, but a spy for Varys. Littlefinger is a very dangerous man. When he discovers her duplicity, he presents her to someone who has an unusual use for her, to Vary's dismay. And in the closing scenes of that episode we see her being used as a human target for Joffrey and his new crossbow - a chilling scene indeed. One of my favorite scenes was when Daenyris bought her army, the Unsullied. The pig of a man whom she was dealing with, thinking she did not speak Valyrian, insulted her which way he could, belittling her at every turn. But she got the last laugh when she bought every one of his Unsullied and turned them against him - and had her dragon roast him. Great scene! There is a touching scene with Dany and Khal Drogo and their unborn child.

Sansa is saved from marrying Joffrey by Maergery Tyrell. When pressed by Maergery's grandmother

(played by Diana Rigg), Sansa confesses to Joffrey's cruelty. That doesn't faze the Tyrells, though, and Sansa is promised Loras' hand. However, things never seem to work out for her. Tywin Lannister, who has taken Tyrion's position as Hand of the King, wants Loras for Cersei (who is none too keen on the idea), and instead, weds Sansa to Tyrion, expecting him to be the heir to Winterfell thus. Despite his father's wish that he pop a bun in his new wife's oven posthaste, Tyrion is a gentleman and tells her he will wait for her to want him.

He might be waiting a while.

I really despise the Red Priestress, and Stannis Barratheon is a weakling. The Onion Knight, Sir Davos, would make a better king. One thing that they have changed from the books regards Arya's friend Gendry. We knew he was Robert's bastard, and he is taken prisoner by the Red Priestess because of her need for royal blood. I'm waiting to see what Stannis will do, since Gendry is the rightful heir to the throne. Last seen, Arya is riding with Sandor Clegane, who promised to take her to the Twins, where Robb's uncle Brynden is to wed a Frey daughter (Robb should have really known better, instead of thinking with his dick and insulting the Freys).

I loved the relationship between Arya and Jaqen H'gar (not to mention he's really easy on the eyes, and

although he's no longer in GoT, he is on a new series, Crossing Lines, which should be coming back for a second season). They also changed Tyrion's battle wound. In the book, he loses his nose and part of his lip, and has a terrible scar, in the series, just the scar, and it's not even that bad. He is my favorite character. All I can say is GRR better let him live! I have come to like Jaime Lannister more and more as the series goes on and his character develops from the shallow young man he began as, even if he has shit for taste in women. Cersei is, and always will be a bitch, and deserve whatever she gets. Not sure what it is, but I hope it's unpleasant.




New seasons of Ray Donovan and Masters of Sex and The Bridge are starting soon. I'm thinking of watching Face Off, I keep hearing I'd like it. Might look into Seven Deadly Sins, also on Showtime, I think.

Just started watching the sixth season of True Blood. I know the seventh is the last. I hope they wrap things up in a satisfactory manner. More on that later, as well as my cooking shows, and watching re-runs of Dragnet every night.

Have a great day!

Of Endings and Beginnings and Cliffhangers

I started a new temp job last Monday, one that's supposed to last two weeks, but I suspect it might last longer. One reason is because I didn't start to do what they actually hired me for until Friday because of corporate slowness. But all's well that ends well. The people there are very nice. I'm working at National Elevator Inspection Services, and it's been interesting so far.

This morning I watched two season finales - Californication and The New Normal.

First, Californication. ***SPOILERS AHEAD*** It's been quite the season. Becca dropped out of school

and decided to become a writer. Hank began to work for spoiled rock star Atticus Fetch and hooked up with a Muse by the name of Faith. Charlie pretended to be gay to get a client. Hank was in rehab (which is where he met Faith). It's been a wild ride, but everything came together in the finale. Hank went to the Greek with Atticus for his concert, where he (Atticus, being an ordained minister, thanks to the Internet) married Charlie and Marcy, and Hank camethisclose to asking Karen to marry him, but the moment passed. But he realized, while on the tour bus, where his heart lies, so he got a ride back, and knocked on Karen's door... and there is the cliffhanger. Damn. Have to wait until next season now! I sincerely hope Karen takes him back, and I'm so happy he left Faith. No offense to her, but I love Hank and Karen together. I think they're meant to be.

I had mixed feelings about The New Normal, I have to admit, and mostly because of Nana, but also because I felt that they were too stereotypical, and trying too hard to be funny. But over the course of the first season, a lot has changed, and I think the show has grown and developed and I really love it. ***SPOILERS AHEAD*** In the two part season finale, we watch David and Bryan plan their wedding, which isn't easy as they have rather divergent tastes. The task is compounded when Bryan's mother arrives, whom he hadn't really planned to invite, and she seems to take David's side in everything. They end up making their choices from a hat, but it all seems to go Bryan's way. They still haven't agreed on a name for the baby. David wants to name him Julius, after his grandfather, and call him Julie, while Bryan wants to name him Thomas. His mother questions which last name they'll use which opens another kettle of fish, esp when she points out that with Bryan's first name choice, he'll either be Tom Sawyer or Tom Collins. Then Bryan's priest tells them he can't officiate at the wedding, because of church policy, which saddens Bryan. Shania decides she wants a new name, so everyone please call her Sarah. The wedding day arrives, and the two mothers decide to walk their sons down the aisle, Clay proposes to Goldie, and Nana wants to talk to Goldie about Brice. But before the I do's can be said, Goldie's water breaks, so it's a mad dash to the hospital, where the baby arrives. Looking at a ultrasound of the baby, David and Bryan find his name, and he becomes Sawyer Collins. Nana, in a surprising turn of events, advises Goldie against accepting Clay's offer, and thanks her for bringing her to California and a new life. Shania - who has gone back to being Shania - runs away, and they find her on the beach, and in her inimical way she makes Goldie see what is important. And then David and Bryan actually do get married, and the priest shows up and officiates. By the end of the first season, I actually like Nana now, and I love Bryan and David together, and hope there'll be a season 2.

The Borgias starts a new season Sunday, and I can't wait. From what I've seen in promos, this is the season when Cesare and Lucrezia get together. 'Nuff said.

Hannibal began two weeks ago, starring Mads Mikkelsen as Dr. Hannibal Lecter and Hugh Dancy as Will

Graham. I had to watch this, of course, as Lecter-obsessed as I am, although I admit to being apprehensive, as I have very high standards where Hannibal is concerned. I don't think Manhunter measures up, and the last time I tried to watch it, I ended up turning it off half way through it. But I was very pleasantly surprised. In fact, I enjoyed NBC's take on the character (which, alas, I cannot say for A&E's Bates Motel which I've already stopped watching). You may remember Mads as Le Chiffre, in Casino Royale. He plays Hannibal very well, and very interestingly, and not in imitation of Anthony Hopkins, but every bit as effectively.

I like Dancy's Will Graham, but Mikkelsen is undoubtedly the star of the show, and I find myself looking forward to seeing him appear in the story. In a twist from the original, Jack Crawford is being played by Lawrence Fishburne, and the Tattler reporter, Freddie Lounds (last seen in Red Dragon, tied into a wheelchair and flaming) is a woman, and just as despicable as her male counterpart. I'm not sure why the change, but maybe we'll find out later.

I watched the first two episodes and enjoyed them. **SPOILERS AHEAD*** In the last episode, they ran across a killer who buried his victims alive and used them to grow mushrooms. It was fascinatingly macabre. I love watching Hannibal and Will working together, also enjoy watching Jack and Hannibal have dinner. So much undertone! And no, not sexual. But we, who know and love Hannibal for what he is, can smirk when he cooks for Jack, knowing that we know what they're eating, even if Jack does not.  I recommend giving this series a try.


All for now, busy day - editing and writing. And errands to run.

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

How Sweet It is! The return of Sweet Genius and more!

Be still my beating heart! Sexy Sweet Genius Chef Ron Ben-Israel is back, and not a moment too soon!

As you may recall, I was totally gaga over him in the first season of the series. That hasn't changed, if anything  my feelings have grown stronger! I love this man and his show (as my daughter can testify to my delighted squeals whenever the commercials air!). The second season started a couple weeks ago, bigger and better than ever. Ron is looking quite sexy, as usual. He's changed the format slightly. This season the three rounds are Chocolate, Candy, and Baked, eliminating the frozen round from the competition. There are still mandatory ingredients - two per round - and an inspiration. Some of the inspirations so far have been a very limber gymnast, a gold fish, a graceful ballerina, and bubbles. In the first show, one contestant made a very lovely gold fish! When the ballerina was on, I thought I'd die when Chef Ron not only posed beside her, but formed a tableau with her, encircling her waist! Lucky girl!

I know that some think he is a stern and unyielding taskmaster, but I think there is a playful side to him as well. Why are the good ones either married or gay? Or both? Ah well, I'll have to be content to feed my fantasies through his program, which is excellent. Glad to have you back!

Californication has only one episode to go in its fifth season, but that one promises to be smokin'! ***SPOILERS AHEAD***** I watched last night's episode this morning. Richard (Karen's second hubby) is out of rehab, and he has not only found God, but he's got a sponsor named Gabriel to keep him on the straight and narrow path. Trouble is Hank caught Richard and Gabriel in a compromising position at his going away party (Hank's, not Richard's, though that could change). Charlie was devastated to learn that Lizzie blew Stu to get a part in his picture, although he didn't tell Marci, but it happened again apparently (you know how those accidental blow jobs are). Becca's boyfriend was given Hank's job on Samurai Apocalypse's film, after Stu fired him - and then he caught the scumbag in the bathroom with Sam's girl Callie. Hank's heading back to NY - assuming he lives to do so. One thing you can say about Californication - it's never boring!

Tonight is the two hour season finale of Alcatraz. I'm really glad I started watching this. The premise is interesting, the stories intriguing and Sam Neill is hot as ever. **SPOILERS**  Rebecca and Diego have figured out that Luci is a '63, as they refer to the inmates of Alcatraz who disappeared on March 20, 1963 and are reappearing in the present. We know that Emerson cares about her a great deal, and has been searching for an inmate with a blood match to her in order to bring her out of her coma. That inmate was found last week, now to see what happens.  I sincerely hope Fox brings this show back next season.

What can I say about Justified other than it's great and Timothy Olyphant is hot? (Even though my daughter prefers Boyd Crowder). Winona has disappeared on Raylan - again. I don't know what's wrong with her, but it's compounded by the fact she's pregnant. Gary is dead, executed for his poor choice of business associates. Win Duffy has managed to stay alive by not getting on Quarles' bad side - and Quarles has shown his inner self, and his horrific childhood, sold for having a pretty face by his father. Ava, Boyd's ex sister-in-law-now-gf has shown her mettle and her I won't take shit from anyone attitude, developing into a stronger character than before. Dicky Bennett got released from prison, now there's a growing situation with the money that he thought he had that Limehouse took - a potential powderkeg just waiting to be lit. This show just keeps on getting better, may it run for a damn long time to come.

A new Chopped is starting on April 8th, an All Stars season, with the likes of Michael Symon and Marcus Samuelson. I also saw the one chef I really hated in Next Food Network Star. Yuck. That same night, The Borgias returns - yay!

Awake is going strong, I hope they can keep it up, balancing between each of his waking lives. The writing level is good, the acting wonderful, and Jason Isaacs is incredibly sexy.

I think Once Upon a Time and Grimm are near their season ends too. Both great shows, well worth the watch. I still need to watch the Wonderland episode of Once Upon a Time which aired Sunday. Other than that, it's Chopped and Restaurant Impossible as usual, and just started watching Kitchen Nightmares with Gordon Ramsey on BBC America. Caught a few minutes of  an undercover restaurant show last night, can't remember the name. It reminded me of a single episode show we caught before that wasn't very good. This was only slightly better, but not very interesting.

I'd like to see more Geoffrey Zakarian on Iron Chef America. Just saying lol

That's all for now, back to editing!

Until next time, take care!

♥ Julie

On Censorship, Justice, and Irony - and sandwiches!

By now a lot of you know about the escalating PayPal brouhaha. This financial institution has taken upon itself the position of moral arbiter and are strong arming sites such as Bookstrand and others to comply with their fascist demands - or else. I'm blogging on that subject today at my friend Margaret West's blog - if you want join in the fray, go there. I'm going to discuss other things here.

Top Chef Texas is down to the final three, but I've been too disheartened to blog about it since the show before last when two bad things happened - as I feared, Bev was brought back into the competition via the Last Chef Standing showdown. And the chef that was eliminated was Edward. I was so pissed, especially as I felt that Last Chef second chance deal was bogus.Bev was eliminated, she should have stayed that way. But Karma came back last week and bit her in the ass, eliminating her for a second time.  Lindsay won the quick fire challenge and was passed into the last show. Then Paul secured a spot, and it came down to Bev and Sarah. Sarah came through, and Bev's gone and she'll stay gone this time. That leaves the final three - Paul, Lindsay, Sarah. I like all three chefs, so I won't be disappointed, no matter who wins, but I think I'm leaning toward Paul as the winner. In the meantime, I'm mourning Edward's loss. He should have been there too.

A brief Vampire Diaries note - the show is off again until March. I don't really care. I'm sick to death of Klaus and his family, and if it weren't for Damon, I wouldn't care if I never saw the show again. Tired of martyr Stefan - yeah, we all knew that he's being a hardass for Elena. Not that I wanted her with Damon, 'cause I don't. But I want to see him happy. Paradox.

Poor Hank! He keeps getting blamed for stuff he didn't even do! Trying to protect Karen's new hubby by claiming the stripper Richard banged as his own girlfriend just didn't work out so well. Now Karen and Becca are mad at him without reason, and he was forced to agree to read the first ten pages of Becca's handsome but no-good boyfriend's screenplay. One good thing - at least Mia isn't in the picture any more. *quickly throws salt over my shoulder*  I'm really loving the fifth season, things are always happening, and you gotta love Hank Moody, right?

In other news, the Sandwich King is back! The second season of Jeff Mauro's show premiered Sunday, and this season is already off to a good start. In the first episode, Jeff visited a deli there in Chicago, and showed us how to make grilled cheese two ways - one for children, one for adults, along with a hearty tomato soup, and then he made a meat loaf sandwich. Everything looked delicious! All the recipes can be found at the Food Network site, and I for one intend to grab them. I'm glad Jeff's back. I think he's more self-assured in front of the camera, and I really enjoy this show.



**SPOILERS AHEAD**

Things are heating up in The Walking Dead, which came back after a brief hiatus. There is growing dissension, and hard decisions are being made. When Herschel disappears, they find they need him for a girl who's gone into shock, so Rick and Glenn track him to the bar in town, where he's tying on one. While there, two men show up, one of whom is Raymond Michael James, late of Terriers and True Blood. The two draw first, and Rick has to shoot them. Unfortunately, they weren't alone, and they end up taking a wounded young man back to the farm. Now they fear to release him because he might give away their location. Shane is more and more unhappy with the way things are going, and Lori suspects he had something to do with Otis' death. Which he did. She tells Rick that Shane is obsessed with her, and is convinced the baby is his, but that she says it's Rick's regardless. That tells me it might be Shane's and she's just not going to deal with the possibility. Their son Carl is growing up far too fast, seen things he should never have seen. When Shane blurts out about the baby in front of him, he asks that if it's a girl, she be named Sophia, after his late friend.

Out of everyone, the character that is developing the most is Glenn. He's come a long way from the innocent young nerd he was at the beginning of the series, and I think there is a definite chance for him and Maggie to forge a lasting a alliance. I really do not like Lori, and the best thing would be if she and Shane ran off, but I don't see that happening, as she's starting to see him as a psycho. It's a really rough world, and I'm not sure things will ever get better, at least not in the foreseeable future.

Alcatraz keeps on delivering, this week's episode involving Johnny McKee, a guy who specialized in poison. In order to learn something about him, Rebecca wants to talk to the prisoner who occupied the cell next to his - Jack Sylvane. When she wants to go to the prison where he's being held, Hauser stalls, and says he'll bring him to her, which he does. There's a lot that she and Diego don't know about what's going on, but I predict someday it'll come out. It's coming closer all the time. For one thing, the fact that Lucy comes from the same time as the prisoners. They know Hauser worked at The Rock then, but not about her, not to mention she looks the same as she did then. Hauser has moved her from the hospital where she was at to the facility where the prisoners are housed. Rebecca is trying to get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding her grandfather, but Hauser seems determined to keep her from up. Keep up the good work.

All for now, gotta get back to editing and writing. I have an idea for an open call at DSP, but I don't want to jinx it by talking about it!

Until next time, take care!

♥ Julie

Of Teddybears, Fairy Tales and Things that go Bump in the Night

Californication is back for its fifth season, and now we're several episodes in and I'm all caught up. **SPOILERS AHEAD***  It starts out a couple of years after the fourth season ended. We're all done with Hank's probation over the statutory rape of Mia and hopefully she won't pop up again. But having said that, one never knows. Karen is married to Richard Bates (you may remember him as the psychotic drunken writer who likes to show his schlong at inappropriate times), Marci and Stu are still together, and they have a child Stuart, who is actually Charlie's son, conceived after his vasectomy was found not to have taken. At the age of two and a half, Stuart doesn't speak, which disturbs Charlie, but Marci says it's normal. And now Becca, Hank's teenage moody daughter has a boyfriend. And damned if she didn't pick a guy just like her old man. Which he learns, when he catches said boyfriend cheating on her. What's Hank doing? He's writing a script for a rapper named Samurai Apocalypse, who's making the transition to actor, and it's called Santa Monica Cop. Don't dare compare it to Beverly Hills Cop, Sam gets really ticked off. On the flight from NY to California to see about doing this project, Hank meets a lovely lady on the plane and they do it in the bathroom. Of course, being Hank, Karma bites him in the ass when he discovers that he just boned Samurai A's girl.

Besides sharing custody of his son, Charlie isn't doing very well in the romance department (not that Hank is doing much better - he broke up with a girl in NY who turned out to be all kinds of crazy and torched his apartment, played by the actress who plays Winona Hawkins on Justified). Charlie's problem is that he treats women the way he sees them treated in the porn he loves - and that doesn't get him very far.  Now let's talk about Charlie for a minute. As an agent, he's had his ups and downs. If you'll recall, he was fired from one agency because he was caught too many times in the act of self-love while in his office. Hank's his main client, but Hank had a dry spell. And then the whole Mia stealing his book thing. He worked briefly for Kathleen Turner, who demanded he service her when she wanted it. It was through her that he met Rick Springfield and Marci got to have her fantasy fuck. Then there was the whole Vagina Town debacle, and his liason with the girl who became the porn actress.

 In last night's episode, Charlie got a long time wish when he and Hank went with Samurai Apocalypse on a ride along with the police department, to prepare for the role. Of course things got horribly fucked up. The policeman had a seizure at a donut shop and they had to call 911. At that point, they should have taken the car back and found something else to do. But that would have been sensible, right? Especially after Samurai learns his girl, who left him two weeks before, is out with some dude. Things go from bad to worse. After that, Hank gets a call from Becca. Her bf has gotten Richard drunk and he's exposing himself in public. In attempting to deal with that, the bf recognizes Samurai as one of the group that beat the shit out of him after Hank caught him cheating, and now Becca and Karen think he had something to do with that, which he didn't. And then Charlie ends up getting a blow job from a tranny hooker, which Hank and Samurai are bound to never let him forget.

Charlie Runkle. Yes, he's not perfect, far from it. But there is something about him. He's a teddy bear. He's cuddly and adorable. If I had to choose between him and Hank for dating purposes, sorry Hank, but I'm taking Charlie. Hank is not only hopelessly in love with Karen, he's also incapable of commitment and being in a long term relationship. Charlie has possibilities. I think with the right woman, he'd settle down and be a great husband and father. He has very pretty eyes. And bald is sexy, so yeah...

Grimm is still going strong, and I hope it stays that way. I enjoy the stories, the writing and acting are good. It's a definite twist on a police show, and I know there are interesting things ahead. I especially enjoy the relationship between Nick and Monroe, his werewolf friend. In one episode, Monroe suffered bodily harm from other supernaturals because of his relationship with Nick. But he decided he wasn't going to give in to their pressure, he'd help Nick all he wanted to. The make-up and cgi work is really great. The last episode was based on Hansel and Gretel and concerned a black market for human organs. They take familiar fairy tales and give them a modern twist. I'm not sure what the ratings are, so watch it while  you can. It's definitely worth it.

***SPOILERS***Once Upon a Time is getting really good too. After the death of the Sheriff, Emma was elected as his replacement, to Regina's dismay. Mary Margaret and David try to fight their feelings for one another, as David is trying to be a good husband to a wife he doesn't remember, but their love is too strong.  After a storm, Regina has had Henry's secret play area torn down, to his distress. And his book is now missing. Emma tries to catch her in misappropriation of town funds, but only succeeds in making her look better when it's revealed that she's planning a park for the children, including Henry, to play in. Emma turns to Sidney, whom Regina has cast off, to help her take the Mayor down, and we learn about Sidney's story - as the wicked queen's one time lover who became the genie in the mirror. What Emma doesn't realize is that Sidney is not what he appears to be, and he's still in Regina's pocket. A stranger has come to town, and Emma and Henry both wonder why and who he is, cause strangers never come to Storybrooke - other than Emma. I suspect he's Henry's father, but we'll just have to see. Sunday nights on ABC - definitely worth watching.

Top Chef Texas is winding down, hopefully they have a great replacement waiting in the wings. Not the best Top Chef season they've ever had. In last week's we were down to five chefs, and I was afraid Edward was going to be axed, but he's still in. I'm really happy that Beverly got taken out, I just hope she doesn't come back with that little survivor thing they have going on after each episode. I think we'll find out this week. Apparently, she beat Nyesha, so let's hope someone beats her or we'll see her back again. I'm rooting for Edward all the way!

There is a new Restaurant Impossible this week and a new Chopped. Looking forward to those. No Iron Chef America, instead it was a night of Cupcake Wars. I watch that sometimes, but it's of limited interest. New Alcatraz tonight, looking forward to it. I'll talk about the new season of Vampire Diaries another time.

Until next time, take care!

♥ Julie

Even Bad Boys Face Consequences

Look at that face. How can you say no to it? Most women can't. Maybe that's his problem.  For those of you who don't recognize him, that is Hank Moody, author, bad boy and all around sexy guy - the foundation upon which Californication is built, the sexy comedy on Showtime now in its fourth season.

Hank Moody is the ultimate badboy. He does what he wants when he wants to whom he wants. He's a perpetual Peter Pan who's never grown up and doesn't plan to. Why should he, when his extended childhood is just too much fun? He's never even held an actual job in his life, as he admitted in this week's episode - he's never had a boss, his admission rather blowing his attorney's mind.  Oh, if you haven't seen this week's episode, then possible spoilers ahead.

Let's show him in action now:

He's irreverent, irresponsible, and wickedly funny.  Sexy as all get out too.  I think he must have a clause in his contract (David Duchovny, that is, the actual actor that plays the character) that he gets a partial nude scene in every episode.  Not that I'm complaining, mind you, it works for me. This week was with her attorney. We got to meet her boss this week, and he insisted on taking Hank to the golf course. Watching Hank in a yellow golf shirt was priceless - and what he did on that course will have you rolling and wiping your eyes. (Not giving everything away, don't worry).

But even the biggest bad boy has to face the consequences of his actions. Life can't be too easy for them, and Hank is no exception. If  you've been following the show from the beginning, you know that he hooked up with a girl at one of his book signings, took her to bed, and while they were fucking, she punched him - twice. Imagine his surprise to later find out she was only sixteen.  She did seem a lot older and she never said a word. Not only that but her dad was, at the time, engaged to Hank's ex.  Damn touchy situation. Naturally he didn't confess to what happened, but perhaps he should have, cause the truth has a way of coming out, and the longer delayed it is in that coming, the uglier it gets. But before it does, Hank polishes his dormant writing skills and actually pens a novel - a thinly veiled autobiographical novel of the cathartic type about what happened, which he titles Fucking and Punching. The young lady in question, whose name is Mia and is played by Madeline Zima (who also appears in the last season of Heroes as Clare's roommate), spots the manuscript and steals it, and then has the temerity to find an agent (Hank's agent Charlie Runkle's ex-assistant, but that's a whole other story there) and have it published under her name, to great literary acclaim. Shit happens and the truth does come out, but with a price - Hank, who has reconnected with his lady love, loses her and his daughter too.  And oh, he gets arrested for statutory.

Other actions bring other consequences. His relationship with his daughter Becca is an emotional rollercoaster. Becca is a damned emo Goth girl who looks like she could happily hang out with Lydia Dietz of Beetlejuice. At times she is more mature than her father, but at other times I just want to punch her, especially for that doom and gloom attitude of hers. Negativity breeds negativity, sweetie! Just saying!  Hank's ex, Karen, is actually a gorgeous woman, and very cool. She does put up with a lot from him, and he does put her through hell.  He doesn't seem able to be faithful. He needs to learn to keep it in his shorts. But that's part of his bad boy charm, right? And how he does charm the ladies, he really does.

His agent, Charlie, is cute too - not quite as charming, but he has his own sweet personality (although he has moments when he is a major tool himself). Let's look at Charlie.

He's adorable! In the first season, he got fired from the agency he worked for - they caught him on camera too many times whacking off in his office. Later he has a dom/sub relationship with his assistant (the one who later represents Mia) and at one point he falls in love with a porn star of the film he produces - Vagina Town. He goes to work at another agency where his boss, superbly played by Kathleen Turner, demands he service her!  Charlie is a bad boy too, just not in the same league as Hank - and with more and worse consequences.

Bad boys - how we love them. But if  you don't give them consequences, they become one dimensional and boring. No one is perfect. No one is all bad either. A touch of humanity goes a long way.

Who are your favorite bad boys and why?  Tell me, I'd love to hear!

TV Rambling - in anticipation of the return of Justified and a chance to win

Check this guy out.

For those of you have haven't been privileged to meet him yet, that's Raylan Givens, federal marshal relocated to Kentucky from Florida after he shot a man there (the shooting was justified, but nonetheless Raylan was sent back home for it).  Raylan comes from Kentucky, and knows a lot of people there, including his ex-wife Winona, and Boyd Crowder, criminal turned evangelist whose daddy Bo is still a crimelord in those parts.  This is the background against which Justified is set.  Justified has completed its first season, which is now out on DVD (my copy of which is even now on its way to me), and the new season begins on February 9th.  I am way excited for this for many reasons.  I almost didn't give Justified a chance, as I am very selective in my TV viewing, which is close to non-existent.  But I saw some promos for this at the theater (and it's impossible to fastforward through those, so you either watch and listen, or tune them out).  First I tuned out, but then I began to watch and listen and I became interested, and now I'm hooked.

Having watched the first season, I was unaware until recently that Raylan began with a short story.  His creator is none other than Elmore Leonard.  You may know him for many reasons, among them being Get Shorty and Be Cool.  The original story is called Fire in the Hole, and I recently read it.  You can read it before you watch the series, or after, bearing in mind that transferrence from one medium to another generally involves change, and this one is no exception.  Justified is full of humor, action, and plain good ol' fashioned fun.  The characters will hold your attention, and Raylan is definitely my favorite, although Boyd is an interesting case study, and Dewey Crowe - well, there are not adequate words to describe that boy.  Do yourself a favor, check it out when it returns February 9th, and then catch up on the first season.  If you like what you see, find more of Timothy Olyphant.  I did - Hit Man (which I reviewed here), Die Hard 4 and Catch and Release.

Moving on.

A new show premiered on F/X a couple of weeks ago.  Being pleased with Justified, I checked it out, and I'm glad that I did.  Lights Out is about a boxer who left the ring five years before, after a title fight which he, and a lot of other people, think he was robbed in.  Since that time, things have gotten rough for him, and he's been reduced to such things as calling bingo games and appearing in cheesy ads to make money.  He has a large home to maintain, a wife and daughters to support, but times are tough, and a real estate investment he sunk a lot into isn't materializing quite the way that he'd hoped.  His brother is his business manager, and he does what he can, while his dad (former Papa Titus Stacy Keach) helps out at Lights' gym.  But when he is compelled to help with collection of a debt, and resorts to violence, and then ends up wailing on a loudmouth at a bar - well, he's sinking fast and it looks like his only way out is the rematch of that title fight which the winner is clamoring for, cause he's tired of hearing that he robbed Lights.  To complicate things, Lights has been diagnosed with pugilistic dementia.

I like this already, after only two episodes.  It's character driven, and well written and acted, and I think it has potential.  F/X is doing good.  I would be happier with them if they hadn't let Terriers get canceled.  I understand that it was a bad time slot, but it could have been moved to a different one.  I recorded it anyway, so it didn't matter to me when it aired, but it was good, and its cancellation is our loss.

So what else is going on in my TV land?  Hawaii 5-0.  I watched it for Alex O'Loughlin, but there is more to it than him (though if you only watch for him, you won't feel shortchanged, I assure you). If you'll recall, he was vampire Mick St. John in Moonlight, which died far too soon, after only one season.  Blame the writer's strike.  I do - for that and for the demise of Deadwood, but that's another story.  Hawaii 5-0 is beautifully shot, the acting and the writing are first rate, the scenery is magnificent, and it's a refreshing update of the old series.  The stories are all good, the last one, which actually aired last night, after the football game, was about a killer tsunami hitting the island.  If you haven't seen it, check it out, you'll be glad you did.

******potential spoilers ahead******
A few weeks ago, Californication returned for its fourth season, starring that sexy sex-addicted bad boy Hank Moody (David Duchovny).  I have liked this show from the start, never missed a one.  It's still got the kick it had when it began, and it never disappoints.  If you'll recall from the first season, Hank had sex with a girl he picked up at a book signing, who punched him during their coitus, and who turned out to be only 16, but he didn't know.  Later, after a dry slum of non writing, he wrote the story of what happened, under the guise of a novel, called it Fucking and Punching.  The girl in question, whose name is Mia (Madeline Zima, also of Heroes) found the manuscript, stole it, and published it under her own name.  Ye gods!  It gets worse.  She's a sudden instant hit, feted and touted for her writing, to Hank's chagrin.  But how can he reclaim his own material without his long time girlfriend discovering the truth of what happened (it's a very complicated situation). Well, last season she found out and the shit hit the fan, and now this season - the fallout.  Hank is still Hank, and he's still got his sleazy but cute manager Charlie Runkle, as well as the regulars.  This season's guests so far include Rob Lowe and Matt LeBlanc.  If you haven't seen it, you should.  Be warned that there is a nude or semi-nude David Duchovny in almost every episode, not to mention a great deal of language and sexual situations.  Not everyone's cuppa tea, but definitely mine.

Enough about my shows - let's hear about yours.  Ever watch something, get totally hooked and have the network yank the rug out from under you by cancelling it?  I think we've all been there done that.  Ever written a letter of protest?  I'm not sure if those even help, but I hear they do.  The one time I tried was years ago when they canceled Matt Frewer's show Doctor, Doctor (pre Max Headroom).  It didn't help.  I also wrote last year to the writers of Vampire Diaries telling them their stories were horrible and the writing had slid downhill by the end of the first season.  It's gotten better this season, but that could be a coincidence.  They never replied, so who knows if they even read my letter.

Who are your deepest regrets from the TV graveyard?  What shows did you love that died without being allowed to properly wrap up their storylines?  Do you regret that they left the castaways on Gilligan's Island and only came back to them in movies years after the fact?

I'll be giving out a gift from my virtual gift basket to one of my new followers.  Follow and leave a comment which includes your email addy!

That's all for now!

Julie