What's Playing in the Media Room - December 9th 2010

My viewing of last night: I started my night off with Survivor and my god if this isn't the worst group of contestants in Survivor history, why wouldn't he have picked Sash.  Duuuumb.  I thought it was awful that the remaining players decided to eat the chicken with Jane gone from camp.  The chicken isn't just for Jane, it's for the team, but they all knew the attachment she had to it, they had to know that'd break her heart.  Not cool.  Benry is a big strong dude, I see why they voted him out.  It had to be either him or Fabio, either way it was a good move.  From my count, they may be the first wise decision they've made.  I'm really not sure why the jury in all their wisdom was shaking their heads in disapproval once the decision came in.  Bitter much?  Then I hit two of the four ABC comedies with Modern Family and Cougar Town.  Both I thought were solid episodes last night.  Modern Family pulled it back from the kids to the adults for the most part and it really felt like a season one episode.  Jay treating Phil like he did in the first season was a great flashback to that Father In Law/Son In Law teasing we saw before.  Even the insecure Claire trying to keep Gloria away from the dance and keep it her thing.  Felt very season one.  Maybe that's why I really liked the episode.  I haven't been enjoying season two as much as the first as I stated yesterday;  tt's been VERY up and down compared to the first season where pretty much every episode was funny.  Hopefully this is the turn around that the show needs in my opinion.  Cougar Town, a bit predictable but still very very funny.  I think I like this show because it reminds me of my own life a little bit.  A close group of friends that always like to hang out and while hanging out a wee bit of wine is consumed.  I have to ask though, what the hell was up with Grayson at the end when Bobby qualified for the tourney.  Running around like a child?  Season One Grayson prolly would have clotheslined that Grayson.  They've totally changed the character in every way, sure he's come a ways and admits that the group is his closest friends and he loves it.  He used to be a cool bar owner and they've turned into a brainless moron. 

Let's take a look at what one of my favorite nights of the week brings.


Shrek The Halls - 8:00 - ABC

This must be quite good as it's the second time it's been on in two or three weeks now.


The Big Bang Theory - 8:00 - CBS - Season 4 Episode 10

Episode Title: The Alien Parasite Hypothesis

Amy crushes on one of Penny's dim ex-boyfriends. Raj and Wolowitz argue over who'd be the better superhero.

I don't know anyone that watches this and thinks it's only ok.  EVERYBODY loves this one, as they should.  Sheldon has become one of the greatest characters in tv history, that being said I'm glad they're including the rest of the cast in the show again ;)  I hope we get a little more of a tease from Penny still having some feelings for Leonard tonight.  Them getting together was awful for the show, but it's cute that she still has feelings for him.  And as a side note, why does TBBT have to have the longest episode titles in HISTORY?


Community - 8:00 - NBC - Season 2 Episode 11

Episode Title: Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas

Abed wakes up in stop-motion animation making him believe that the group must re-discover the true meaning of Christmas. With the help of Professor Duncan, the group explores Abed's winter wonderland and soon discovers the truth behind Abed's madness.

I've ranted about Community in the past on this blog, but this is going to be the highlight of the night for me.  Stop motion! That's all that's got to be said.


Bones - 8:00 - Fox - Season 6 Episode 9

Episode Title: The Doctor in the Piano

Booth and Brennan investigate the mysterious death of a surgeon whose life and death challenge Brennan's legendary objectivity. As the team sifts through the evidence, Brennan identifies more and more with the brilliant doctor and her life which makes her question some of her own choices.


The Vampire Diaries - 8:00 - The CW - Season 2 Episode 11

Episode Title: By the Light of the Moon

With a full moon approaching, Caroline helps Tyler prepare for his inevitable transformation. Stefan and Katherine play mind games on each other, and Damon and Alaric become suspicious when a mysterious visitor named Jules shows up in Mystic Falls, looking for her missing friend, Mason. Elena is frustrated at Jeremy and her friends' excessive efforts to protect her. Bonnie and Luca team up to work on a spell, though both continue to keep secrets from each other. Finally, Elijah makes an unexpected appearance with an offer that could change everything.

I"m a few weeks behind on this, but this really does get better every week.


Disney Prep and Landing - 8:30 - ABC

An elite unit of elves, Prep & Landing, ensures that homes around the world are properly prepared to be visited by Santa Claus each Christmas Eve.


Shit My Dad Says - 8:30 - CBS - Season 1 Episode 10

Episode Title: You Can't Handle The Truce

Henry tries to resolve a dispute between Ed and his neighbor Mr. Campbell, while Bonnie and Vince attempt to adopt a dog.

You know how I mentioned yesterday about shows just waiting to die and not get a season renewal, right here people.

30 Rock - 8:30 - NBC - Season 5 Episode 10

Episode Title: Christmas Zone Attack

At the urging of Liz and Avery, Jack reveals some secrets to his mother over her Christmas visit. Liz tries to get Jenna and Paul back together. Tracy tries to protect his new serious image by buying a film of his so it will never be seen.

On a side note, today at lunch we went over to The Worlds Biggest book store where I discovered this jem.  Wow, this thing is awesome and hilarious, the pictures can be, umm, shocking.  But if you like Frank from the show you'll enjoy this one.  Not too late to put it on your Christmas list.


A Barbara Walters Special: Oprah, The Next Chapter - 9:00 - ABC

The talk-show host discusses the end of her program and her upcoming cable network; memorable moments from ``The Oprah Winfrey Show.''

Apparently this is the special where Oprah tells Barbara that she's not even a little bit of a lesbian, ground breaking stuff here folks.

CSI - 9:00 - CBS - Season 11 Episode 11

Episode Title: 418/427

The CSIs set out to track down a pedophile suspected of murdering an FBI agent's wife and kidnapping his children.


The Office - 9:00 One Hour - NBC - Season 7 EPisode 11 and 12

Episode Titles: Classy Christmas Part 1 and 2

Holly returns to fill in during Toby's leave of absence, so Michael makes Pam throw a second office Christmas party to coincide with her return. Jim accepts Dwight's challenge to a snowball fight.

Amy Ryan returns to Scranton tonight, it's going to be so good.  I'm guessing this is what will eventually make Michael leave the show.  Amy Ryan was in The Wire way back when, have I mentioned how amazing The Wire is this week?  No? It's amazing, GO BUY IT!


Fringe - 9:00 - Fox - Season 3 Episode 9

Episode Title: Marionette

While the Fringe team investigate the case of a man who had his heart extracted, Peter deals with the revelation of who he's been dating for the last few months.

From what I can tell, tonight is the last night that Fringe will be in this timeslot before it moves to Friday nights to which I'm assuming is to die as most shows don't last on Fridays, except maybe Blue Bloods.  *just looked it up, Fringe should be returning Friday January 21st.

Nikita - 9:00 - The CW - Season 1 Episode 11

Episode Title: All The Way

Alex informs Nikita that Division is sending her on her first mission to kill the leader of a crime syndicate. Alex is concerned about killing someone, but Nikita reassures her and demands that she help execute the kill order. Birkhoff uncovers the shell program that a Division mole has been using to communicate with Nikita in the outside world and informs Percy and Michael. When Alex runs into problems on her mission, Nikita makes a quick decision to try to clear Alex's name. Back at Division, Jayden tries to prove that Alex is the mole, but Thom stands up for Alex and an unexpected accident clears her name.

I've been reading the hype on this episode for weeks, that's too bad because I gave up on this one about a month ago.  Like many did I think.

Barbara Walters Presents The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2010 - 10:00 - ABC

The journalist interviews some of the year's top newsmakers, including Betty White, Kate Middleton, Sandra Bullock, Sarah Palin, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber, LeBron James and ``Jersey Shore'' cast members.

Wow, Barbara has been busy with two shows in one night.  Jersey Shore? Come on Barbara I thought the name of the show was fascinating.  I wonder if the first question she asks them is, Why do you think America loves watching you slowly make America more stupid?

The Mentalist - 10:00 - CBS - Season 3 Episode 10

Episode Title: Jolly Red Elf

When a person in custody dies, retired CBI Director Minelli returns to question the team. After the death of a Santa, the CBI follows leads that take them to an AA group and the National Society of Authentic Santas.

Does anyone actually watch this one?


The Apprentice - 10:00 - NBC - Season 11 Episode 11

Like I said earlier, this night is one of my favorites:  I'll be checking out, Big Bang Theory, Community, The Vampire Diaries, 30 Rock, The Office, Barbara's most fascinating people list.