What's Playing in the Media Room - January 8th

Once Upon a Time - 8:00 - CBS - Season 1 Episode 8
Episode Title: Desperate Souls
Emma runs for public office and Mr. Gold and Regina take opposite sides in the election; and in the fairy-tale world, Rumplestiltskin becomes desperate to find a way to keep his son from a futile war.


60 Minutes - 8:00 - CBS
Stem cells being sold on the Internet as treatments for incurable diseases; Marines who petitioned for the right to be with their siblings on the front lines of combat in Afghanistan; truffles from China threaten the European white truffle industry.


Dateline NBC - 8:00 - NBC
Singer Jennifer Hudson discusses her upcoming wedding, healthy living and her new book, ``I Got This''; investigators find an unlikely suspect in a woman's death; actor Ricky Gervais talks about his life, fame and hosting the Golden Globe Awards.


The Simpsons - 8:00 - FOX/Global - Season 23 Episode 10
Episode Title: Politically Inept, With Homer Simpson
After his videotaped rant about airport security goes viral, Homer lands a radio talk show, and considerable political influence. Then he endorses rock star Ted Nugent (who provides his own voice) for president.


The Cleveland Show - 8:30 - FOX/Global - Season 3 Episode 8
Episode Title: Y Tu Jr. Tambien
Cleveland Jr. begins dating a gorgeous young Latina, arousing Cleveland's suspicions about her motives. Guest voices include Rosie Perez (Chonni) and Baseball Hall of Famer Johnny Bench (as himself).


Desperate Housewives - 9:00 - CBS/CTV - Season 8 Episode 10
Episode Title: What's to Discuss, Old Friend
Abandoned by her fellow housewives, a desperate Bree prepares to kill herself. Meanwhile, Gaby suspects that Carlos may have been involved in Det. Chuck Vance's murder; Susan decides to pursue her art career in New York—with or without Mike; and an angry Tom decides not to go to Paris with his girlfriend after Lynette confesses that she's an accomplice to murder and could soon be arrested.


The Good Wife - 9:00/10:00 - CBS - Season 3 Episode 12
Episode Title: Alienation of Affection
A couple whose divorce was overseen by Lockhart/Gardner brings a multimillion dollar lawsuit against the firm. The pair accuse the firm of encouraging their breakup for financial gain. F. Murray Abraham guest stars.


The Firm - 9:00 Two Hours - NBC/Global - Season 1 Episode 1 and 2
Episode Title: Pilot; Chapter Two
Attorney Mitchell McDeere resurfaces in the opener of the dramatic series set 10 years after the events established in "The Firm."


Shameless - 9:00 - Showcase - Season 2 Episode 1
Episode Title: Summertime
In the second-season premiere, following her breakup with Steve, Fiona lands a job tending bar at a popular local joint and makes a new acquaintance in an enterprising young businessman. Meanwhile, Frank uses Liam as collateral for a gambling debt; Lip takes bets on Little League games; and Kash leaves town, so Ian decides to take over the Kash and Grab.


Family Guy - 9:00 - FOX - Season 10 Episode 10
Episode Title: Quagmire and Meg
Quagmire is the only guest at Meg's 18th-birthday party and soon they hit if off—much to her parents' distress, of course. Peter is especially miffed and won't rest until he stops his Lothario neighbor from having his way with his daughter.


American Dad - 9:30 - FOX - Season 7 Episode 8
Episode Title: The Unbrave One
Steve wants to show Stan that he's a macho man—a superhero, in fact. Meanwhile, Francine has an identity crisis after getting some surprising news that could permanently alter the Smith family dynamic.


Pan Am - 10:00 - ABC/CTV - Season 1 Episode 10
Episode Title: Secrets and Lies
Maggie falls for a congressman after writing a critical piece for the Village Voice against his politics. Meanwhile, fate deals a blow to Colette and Dean's budding romance, and Ted thinks he's found the love of his life.


CSI:Miami - 10:00 - CBS - Season 10 Episode 12
Episode Title: Friendly Fire
An eccentric genius is assassinated with an unusual weapon.


Hell On Wheels - 10:00 - AMC - Season 1 Episode 9
Episode Title: Timshel
A looming railroad deadline throws Cullen and Lily together; Joseph and Elam deal with what their violent mission has wrought.


House of Lies - 10:00 - Showcase - Season 1 Episode 1
Episode Title: Gods of Dangerous Financial Instruments
A black comedy about a big-moneymaking management consultant and his high-rolling, low-ethics team. In the premiere episode, they head to New York to concoct a plan for bankers trying to justify their annual bonuses amidst financial chaos. On the home front, team leader Marty discovers his son wants to audition for the school musical, specifically the female lead.


Californication - 10:30 - Showcase - Season 5 Episode 1
Episode Title: JFK --> LAX
It's a few years later as Season 5 begins and Hank is living in New York but hoping to relocate. His opportunity arrives via an invitation from Charlie to come to L.A. to write a screenplay for a project starring rapper-turned-actor Samurai Apocalypse. Upon his return, Hank reunites with Karen and her new husband and discovers Becca has a boyfriend who bears an uncanny resemblance to her father.


Note: Shameless, House of Lies and Californication all start tomorrow night over on TMN in Canada.



Other Shows Worth Mentioning:
8:00 - Masterpiece Classic - Downton Abbey Season Two Premiere - PBS
8:00 and 9:00 - Storm Chasers - Discovery Canada
9:00 - Leverage - TNT
10:00 and 10:30 - Angry Boys - HBO


Repeat Rundown:


Movies Worth Mentioning:
8:00 - up - CBC
9:00 - The Assassination of Richard Nixon - CHCH
9:00 - Children of Men - Bravo Canada
9:00 - Batman: Under The Red Hood - Teletoon Canada


Tonight on The CBC:
8:00 - Up


Tonight on TLC:
8:00 - JIG
9:00 - Hoarding
10:00 - All American Muslim


What`s Playing in My Media Room:
8:00 - Once Upon a Time
9:00 - The Firm, Downton Abbey
10:00 - Pan Am, Hell On Wheels

What's Playing in the Media Room - January 6th

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition - 8:00 - ABC/CityTV - Season 9 Episode 21
Episode Title: Gibbs Family, Part 1
Part 1 of 2. A legally blind widow raising six children in an Iowa farmhouse is helped.


A Gifted Man - 8:00 - CBS/Global - Season 1 Episode 10
Episode Title: In Case of a Bolt From the Blue
Michael's clinic colleagues rush to operate on him after he exhibits signs of a dire condition requiring immediate medical attention.


Chuck - 8:00 - NBC/CHCH - Season 5 Episode 9
Episode Title: Chuck Versus the Kept Man
Chuck and Sarah mull over the next phase of Carmichael Industries. Meanwhile, Casey gets more deeply involved in his forbidden romance with Gertrude Verbanski (Carrie-Anne Moss), who offers a shadowy assignment in South Beach. And an intellectually elevated Jeff scrutinizes oddball happenings at Buy More.


Nikita - 8:00 - The CW - Season 2 Episode 11
Episode Title: Pale Fire
Alex infiltrates her childhood home and faces ghosts from her past. Meanwhile, Nikita tries to steal Semak's black box and accidentally runs into Alex; and Michael attempts to uncover Percy's secret plan with the Guardians.


Extreme Makeover: Home Edition - 9:00 - ABC/CityTV - Season 9 Episode 22
Episode Title: Gibbs Family, Part 2
Conclusion. A legally blind widow raising six children in an Iowa farmhouse is helped.


CSI:NY - 9:00/8:00 - CBS/Global - Season 8 Episode 10
Episode Title: Clean Sweep
The CSIs investigate when the charred body of a cage fighter is found. The probe reveals that the victim may have been murdered by a stalker.


Supernatural - 9:00 - The CW/CHCH - Season 7 Episode 11
Episode Title: Adventures in Babysitting
Sam helps a teen girl search for her missing father, who is also a supernatural hunter. Meanwhile, Dean tries to take down Dick Roman (James Patrick Stuart).


20/20 - ABC/CHCH - 10:00
Allegations of abuse made by a girl with autism using a discredited communication technique threaten to send a man to prison and tear a family apart.


Blue Bloods - 10:00 - CBS/Global - Season 2 Episode 10
Episode Title: Whistle Blower
Erin's informant is murdered and she blames herself for his death. She then teams up with Danny to discover who killed him.


Dateline NBC - 10:00
A man goes missing from a cruise liner while on his honeymoon in 2005.


Repeat Rundown:
8:00 - The Vampire Diaries - Much Music
9:00 - Grimm - NBC, Secret Circle - Much Music
10:00 - A Gifted Man - Global Canada


Other Shows Worth Mentioning:
8:00 - The Cotton Bowl - FOX
8:30 - Clone Wars - Cartoon Network
9:00 - America's Most Wanted - Life Network
9:00 - The Life and Times of Tim - HBO
9:00 - The Real Housewives of Atlanta - Bravo USA
9:00 - Tyler Perry's House of Payne - TBS
10:00 - Merlin - SyFy
10:00 - Bill Maher - HBO


Movies Worth Mentioning:
9:00 - Arthur - PBS
10:00 - Alien vs. Predator - Spike Network


Tonight on the CBC:
8:00 - Market Place
9:00 - The Fifth Estate


Tonight on TLC:
9:00 and 9:30 - Say Yes to the Dress:Atlanta
10:00 - Four Weddings


A Look at Late Night:
Late Show: Actress Kristen Bell; comic Dan Naturman; Blind Pilot performs.
Late Late Show: Actor Michael Clarke Duncan; actress Laura Prepon.
Kimmel: Actor Don Cheadle; actor David Cross; Boyz II Men performs.
Tonight Show: Actress Glenn Close; comic Trevor Noah; Van Hunt performs.
Late Night: Actor David Duchovny; actor Judah Friedlander; Wild Flag performs; David Murray performs with the Roots.


What's Playing in My Media Room:
10:00 - Blue Bloods

What's Playing in the Media Room - January 5th

Wipeout - 8:00 - ABC/Global - Season 5 Episode 1
Episode Title: Winter Wipeout: A Sight for Sore Ice
The fifth season begins with a winter version that includes icy obstacles, such as the Snow Shovel Trouble, Pain in the Ice and Candy Pain Lane. Vanessa Lachey cohosts.


The Vampire Diaries - 8:00 - The CW - Season 3 Episode 10
Episode Title: The New Deal
Klaus threatens violence unless Stefan returns the coffins containing his family members, but Elena tries to strike a deal with him. Meanwhile, Alaric meets a woman (Torrey DeVitto) who is intrigued by his ability to heal; and Tyler makes the most of his new abilities as a hybrid.


Grey's Anatomy - 9:00 - ABC/CTV - Season 8 Episode 10
Episode Title: Suddenly
As the human wreckage from a serious auto accident preoccupies the doctors, Teddy (who's unaware that Henry has died) calls on Cristina to help with a patient; and Lexie works alongside Mark's new girlfriend, Julia, during an eye surgery.


The Secret Circle - 9:00/8:00 - The CW/CHCH - Season 1 Episode 10
Episode Title: Darkness
Cassie uncovers a secret about herself and tries to keep it hidden from the Circle members. Meanwhile, Diana's grandmother visits and takes an unusual interest in Cassie; and Faye recruits a mysterious stranger to help her cast a spell that could change the balance of the Circle.


Private Practice - 10:00/8:00 - NBC/CityTV - Season 5 Episode 10
Episode Title: Are You My Mother
Cooper catches Mason stealing and frets about punishment; Pete and Violet have trouble splitting time with Lucas now that they're living apart; Addison changes her home routine as she plans for a baby; Violet and Jake work with a polyamorous threesome; and Amelia returns to work and realizes how badly she hurt Sheldon when she was abusing drugs.


Other Shows Worth Mentioning:
9:00 - The Real Housewives of Beverly HIlls - Bravo USA
9:00 - Project Runway All Stars - Life Network
9:00 - The First 48 - AandE
10:00 - Beyond Scared Straight - AandE
10:00 - Jersey Shore - MTV
10:00 - Misfits - Showcase Canada - Season 3 Premiere


Movies Worth Mentioning:
9:00 - Mallrats - CHCH
9:00 - Platoon - RadX
9:00 - National Lampoon's Vacation - Movietime
What's Playing on the CBC:
9:00 - Apocalypse 2012


What's on TLC:
9:00 - NY Ink
10:00 and 10:30 - Hook, Line and Sisters


A Look at Late Night:
Late Show: Actress Tina Fey; actor Jeremy Irvine; The Barr Brothers perform.
Tonight Show: Actress Michelle Williams; actor Josh Lucas; Chris Cornell performs.
Kimmel: Actor Tracy Morgan; professional basketball player Chris Paul; TUnE-yArDs performs.
Late Late Show: Actor Tom Selleck; actress Daniela Ruah
Late Night: TV host Rachel Maddow; actor Fred Armisen; Sharon Van Etten performs.
Conan: Chris Paul; Johnny Galecki; comic Tom Papa.


What's Playing in my Media Room:
8:00 - The Vampire Diaries
10:00 - Misfits

What's Playing in the Media Room - January 4th

The Middle - 8:00 One Hour - ABC/CityTV - Season 3 Episode 12
Episode Title: Year of the Hecks
Frankie offers a buffet meal to family members who can keep their New Year's resolutions for a full week, but this proves to be a real challenge when the resolutions include Sue trying out for less activities, Mike smiling more and Brick reading less.


I Get that a Lot - 8:00 - CBS - Season 1 Episode 5
Unsuspecting people are tricked by celebrities who have taken ordinary jobs. Included: Pamela Anderson selling undergarments; Jerry Springer working at a deli; Pauley Perrette grooming dogs; and Drew Pinsky selling eyeglasses. Also: Ty Pennington; Apolo Ohno.


Suburgatory - 8:30 - ABC/CityTV - Season 1 Episode 10
Episode Title: Driving Miss Dalia
New driver Tessa is hired by Dalia to help her stalk her crush, but the plan might backfire when Tessa discovers a mutual attraction with her nemesis' obsession. Meanwhile, George jumps through hoops to join the local country club.


Modern Family - 9:00 - ABC/CityTV - Season 3 Episode 11
Episode Title: Lifetime Supply
Manny's dad (Benjamin Bratt) pays another surprise visit, this time to take his son to the racetrack as a belated birthday present. Meanwhile, Phil starts to get his affairs in order after a doctor's appointment coincides with the end of his lifetime supply of razors; and Mitchell's environmental-law award kicks off a trophy competition.


Happy Endings - 9:30 - ABC/CityTV - Season 2 Episode 10
Episode Title: The Shrink, the Dare, Her Date and Her Brother
Dave has a tough time wrapping his head around the fact that Penny is dating his psychiatrist. Meanwhile, Jane's efforts to get Alex and Brad to bond get a boost when they discover they have a mutual appreciation for the same film genre. And vain Jane and vain Max get into another one of their wacky competitions, which entails seeing who can go the longest wearing an unflattering outfit.


Revenge - 10:00 - ABC/CityTV - Season 1 Episode 11
Episode Title: Duress
A party crasher causes havoc at Daniel's small birthday gathering. Meanwhile, Conrad and Victoria use Charlotte as they delve deeper into their less-than-amicable divorce; and Emily's overarching scheme hits another snag.



Tonight on the CBC:
Repeats of Dragons' Den and Republic of Doyle.


Tonight on TLC:
10:00 - Toddlers and Tiaras


Other Shows Worth Mentioning:
8:00 - Bomb Girls - Global Canada - Season Premiere
9:00 - Mobbed - FOX
10:00 - Dog The Bounty Hunter - AandE - Season Premiere
10:00 - The Soup - E!
10:00 - Hot in Cleveland - TVLand
10:30 - The Exes - TVLand

Movies Worth Mentioning:



A Look at Late Night:
Late Show: News anchor Brian Williams; WU LYF performs
Late Late Show: Actor RZA; actress Melissa Rauch.
Kimmel: Actress Octavia Spencer; Lloyd performs.
Tonight Show: Actor Tracy Morgan; reality-TV stars Rick & Corey Harrison; Shaggy performs.
Late Night: Actor Ed Burns; TV-show host Alexa Chung; chef Geoffrey Zakarian.
Conan: Emmy Rossum, Dave Atell and musical guest Chris Isaak


Whats Playing in My Media Room:
9:00 - Modern Family
9:30 - Happy Endings
10:00 - Revenge

Thoughts from the Media Room - 5 Reasons to be Excited for January Television

We're a few days into January already and tv is returning to us slowly, but a lot of my cable favorites are done for another year, but thankfully a new group is starting up again. Let's see what's coming and what I'm most excited to watch.

Shameless - Season 2 - January 8th Showtime/January 9th TMN.



Summertime in Chicago, and the Gallaghers are back and up to the same tricks. Frank - after losing a bet with a fellow bar patron - is now in over his head $10,000, and Karen refuses to let him steal the money from Sheila again; Frank uses Liam to win sympathy panhandling, until the bar patron takes Liam as collateral for the money. Lip wants to continue seeing Karen, who is now attending Sex Addicts Anonymous meetings and in a sex-free relationship with a fellow group member; however, he is also preoccupied with summer courses, running a fighting ring, and selling pot and alcohol out of an ice cream truck with Kevin. Fiona and Veronica are waitressing at a local club; Fiona is seeing someone to get her mind off of Steve, though V says her new boyfriend is "a rebound" and "even looks like Steve." Ian is still working for Kash and Linda, whose marriage is deteriorating despite her pregnancy; Ian also expresses interest in attending West Point, and Lip agrees to help him with his application and grades; he is also looking forward to Mickey's release from jail. Debbie and Carl run a babysitting service in the house to bring in extra funds. Sheila is simultaneously trying to find Eddie (who committed suicide last season) and working on being outside her home.

Thoughts from the Media Room: I watched a screener for this one a couple weeks ago and it was fantastic. A very good start to the season and it's going to be a great one. Can't wait for this one to start rolling again. Makes your family seem "normal" doesn't it? But really, with the Gallaghers they are all about family and they'll do whatever it takes to protect each other. A fantastic series that should be seen by all.


Californication - Season 5 - January 8th Showtime/January 9th TMN



In reading a description of the first episode back, it seemed to give too much away, so I didn't want to post it, you can look it up on Wikipedia if you're super curious.

Thoughts from the Media Room: I watched the screener for this one last night. I forgot just how much I missed the legend that is Hank Moody. Another great start to the season, a very easy and often over used way of story-telling opens the story up to go in any direction they like. But really, I could keep watching this show forever. I really don't think too much can happen to Hank, he opens his mouth and bad shit just comes out. Another, must watch here. MUST.


Alcatraz - Season 1 - January 16th FOX



Few outsiders know the real reason why Alcatraz was closed. In March 1963, all of its inmates vanished overnight without a trace. Now, detectives Rebecca Madsen and Emerson Hauser are assigned to team up with an Alcatraz historian and comic book writer, Diego Soto, to discover the truth behind these disappearances.

Thoughts from the Media Room: JJ Abrams you say? I'm there. Nuff Said.


Being Human - Season 2 - January 16th SyFy/Space



Thoughts from the Media Room: I'll admit, I got to this one later than I should have. A very cool show, that if you're a fan of Vampires, Werewolves or Witches, you really should be watching. Don't let True Blood ruin you from watching this type of show. This one is actually good and good most weeks unlike another Vampire show I named just the sentence before.


Luck - Season 1 - January 29th - HBO



Sadly, I can't find a series description that I'm happy with. But you just watched the promo, you get the idea.

Thoughts from the Media Room: Wow. Michael Mann, director of one of my favorite movies of all time, Heat. Check. That's really all I need, you throw in the creator of Deadwood with a totally nutso cast like that. HBO. HIIIIGH Expectations. Looks fantastic.

So those are my top 5 January shows, a lot of great stuff to look forward to this month. Plus those great 5 we've also got: The Firm, House of Lies, Are you There Chelsea?, The Finder, Lost Girl, White Collar, Justified, Southland, American Idol, Archer, Touch and Spartacus: Vengeance. Going to be a great month.

Thoughts from the Media Room - Least Favorite/Most Frustrating shows so far this season.

In my mid-season reviews, so far I've already covered my favorite new and returning shows. Now it's a quick look at my least favorite and most frustrating shows to watch and yet I still watch them.




Least Favorite:

This for years has been one of my favorites, but this year; my lord, it was awful. The cast was boring, the show was fairly predictable. Speaking of predictable, the producers really need to mix up how they're doing things with this one. The players know when things are going to happen and part of their strategy is to use that. They know when the merge is coming, they know what's up with redemption island and they've planned their game-play around it. I say, every six days on the island, all the buffs going back in a bag and they get re-sorted. There is always new tribes, keep them on their toes and try to slow alliances since people won't have time to really make them.

Another one of my favorites, again this comes down to a cast that really wasn't all that exciting to watch, for the mast part. I did have a few favorites, but still. BORING. For the first 6 episodes, I think the people forgot this was a race for a million dollars. Another show in need of some sort of switch up, with this one I think it might be a little more difficult to change. But it seriously needs it. What's with only going to 7 countries this season?

This one, I took a bleep-kicking on twitter last season for saying I liked this and that it was a good show that people needed to watch. The cast was great, the cases were relevant and I was entertained. It was also quirky and fun. I don't know what happened in the off-season, but half the cast was dropped, the backdrop for the show changed and all of a sudden this fun show started to take itself way too seriously. It was like I was watching a totally different show. With that, I'm done with you. I've got a lot to watch and not enough time to get it all in.

BIGGEST disappointment of the season, well actually make that second. The biggest is coming up soon. But seriously, how bad is this show without Steve? We all knew last season when he started to get less and less lines, that this was a show in trouble. But we all held out hope this summer that they'd get someone great to play the next boss. So. To our shock and awe, they go and make the least funny guy in the office the boss and it's just totally awkward for the staff and for me, the viewer. Click.

Yep, the biggest disappoint/least favorite/most frustrating show so far this year, without a shadow of a doubt. What the hell happened? Budget cuts I say. This farm story was maybe 50 pages in a great/amazing/terrific graphic novel that has seen WAY too much screen time. This show more than any other needs some serious fixing during the break. I hear more complaints in my travels than I do about any other show. FIX THIS! NOW!






Two more frustrating shows so far this season.

I saw the preview for this one at Fan Expo last August and I tore it apart. But I thought, it can't be that bad. Well, it hasn't bad "that bad". But somewhere along the way, they totally forgot to render some dinosaurs and they made the show a family drama. If I wanted family drama, I'd watch Parenthood. I want Dinosaurs and I want them asap. I'm a geek, I know it. This show "should" be for me, but week in and week out, I'm just annoyed at the show and I'm annoyed at myself for spending another 60 minutes on it. I hope it gets renewed for a second season, but I really, really hope it gets re-tooled.

This one, if you've read this blog before you know I love anything even close to being related to JJ Abrams. I held out high hopes for this one. But in September after watching the pilot, I said and I remember. This show can be great as long as they don't fall into the weekly procedural trap. It took 3 weeks, I think. But that's exactly what's happened here. The last two episodes, maybe three have started to correct this with some sort of ongoing plot and the last episode before the holiday break was truly the best of the series so far. I just want to know more about our main characters, what made them the men that they are today. Let's dig into that a little bit more. Please.

What's Playing in the Media Room - January 3rd

Last Man Standing - 8:00 - ABC/CityTV - Season 1 Episode 12
Episode Title: Moon Over Kenya
Vanessa fears that Mike would like to travel more for work, now that he spends more time at home. Meanwhile, Mandy decides to become a vegan, but Kristin and Eve believe it is just another one of her passing phases.


NCIS - 8:00 - CBS/Global - Season 9 Episode 12
Episode Title: Housekeeping
A navy commander's murder is investigated, and in the process, the team runs into E.J. Barrett.


The Biggest Loser - 8:00 Two Hours - NBC - Season 13 Episode 1
Episode Title: Episode 1301
A new batch of couples arrive at the ranch and are shocked to learn they'll be split up to compete against each other in the Season 13 premiere. The new round has a "No Excuses" theme, and the trainers address the reasons the contestants are overweight.


Work It - 8:30 - ABC/CityTV - Season 1 Episode 1
Episode Title: Pilot
A comedy about two men who dress as women to get jobs begins with Lee (Ben Koldyke) finding work in sales at a pharmaceutical company, and then telling his friend Angel (Amaury Nolasco) about the necessary wardrobe change to get the same position, a prospect that's in jeopardy after his interview doesn't go well.

Isn't this just a really bad version of Busom Buddies?


Celebrity Wife Swap - 9:00 - ABC - Season 2 Episode 2
Episode Title: Gary Busey/Ted Haggard
The pious wife of pastor Ted Haggard goes to a home that rejects organized religion when she swaps with the spiritually open fiancée of Gary Busey.


NCIS: Los Angeles - 9:00 - CBS/Global - Season 3 Episode 12
Episode Title: The Watchers
Nell goes undercover when a researcher for the defense department is murdered and she's asked to replace him.


Body of Proof - 10:00 - ABC/CityTV - Season 2 Episode 11
Episode Title: Falling for You
When a bride falls to her death on her wedding day, the list of suspects is as long as the guest list, and it includes a jilted ex-boyfriend and an overbearing father. Meanwhile, Ethan's interest in new member Dani is not reciprocated, as she may have her eye on someone else on the team.


Unforgettable - 10:00 - CBS/CTV - Season 1 Episode 12
Episode Title: Butterfly Effect
A construction worker with ties to organized crime is murdered, and Carrie and Al try to determine if his death is mob related.


Parenthood - 10:00 - NBC/Global - Season 3 Episode 12
Episode Title: Road Trip
The Bravermans take a road trip to visit Zeek's mother. During the trip, Adam bonds with Haddie; Sarah and Drew tackle an embarrassing issue; Julia sees Crosby in a new light; and Kristina must follow through on a punishment for Max.


What's on the CBC:
9:00 - Winnipeg Comedy Festival


Other Shows Worth Mentioning:
8:00 - Switched At Birth - ABC Family
9:00 - Jane By Design - ABC Family
10:00 - Teen Mom 2 - MTV
10:00 and 10:30 - Storage Wars


Movies Worth Mentioning:
8:00 - Starsky and Hutch - CTV
9:00 - Big - MovieTime

What's on TLC:
9:00 - What Not To Wear
10:00 and 10:30 - Extreme Couponing All-Stars


A Look at Late Night:
Late Show: Actor Will Arnett, Comic Lisa Lampanelli, Guided By Voices perform.
Late Late Show: Actress Carrie Fisher, Actor Matthew Gray Gubler.
Kimmel: Actress Christina Ricci, Jersey Shore peoples, Mariachi El Bronix Performs.
Tonight Show: Actress Whitney Cummings, Snooki, Will.I.Am performs.
Late Night: Actor William H. Macy, Sean Avery, Black Star performs.
Conan: Actress Mindy Kailing, actor Gary Oldman, Everlast performs.


What's Playing in my Media Room:
8:00 - Last Man Standing
8:30 - Work It
10:00 - Body of Proof, Parenthood

Thoughts from the Media Room - Favorite New Shows

Earlier today I finally posted my favorite returning shows, now I'm listing my favorite new shows so far this television season.


First off is a easy choice for the list.

Loved this one right until the end. After my first viewing, I was stunned and not in a good way. I've done a lot of reading and I've started to come around. Looking forward to what they can come up with for season 2. Which by the way, will be at a different location, different family and everything. Except some of the actors will be back. In different roles. Certainly one of the most different television shows I've ever watched.

This comedy just might be one of the funniest shows on tv. I think I might have watched 1 maybe 2 bad episodes. But week after week it gets better, the actors have sorted out their roles and what makes them funny. Another can't miss for me here.

While I loved Rubicon, Homeland has certainly turned into what I think Rubicon was trying to be. Just some incredibly smart television. If you haven't watched this on Superchannel in Canada, I suggest you try and see if it's on demand somewhere. Smart, smart show. Can't say it enough.

This one, if these were in numerical order, I'd have to put at the bottom. I fight for this one, but wow, talk about inconsistent. I'm hoping in a few weeks we see some improvement. I don't laugh as often as I did the first few weeks, but when I do, it's loud and uncontrollable.

When I first watched Revenge way back in September, I really didn't think it was going to last. Turns out, it's damn addictive and you can't help but wonder what she's going to do next to the rich and famous of The Hamptons. Rumor has it, that the show will be moving back to New York soon. They can't stay their forever. It's just going to make this dark show even darker. Can't wait.

What's Playing in the Media Room - January 2nd

The Bachelor - 8:00 Two Hours - ABC/CityTV - Season 16 Episode 1
Episode Title: 1601
Jilted Sonoma, Cal., winemaker Ben Flajnik begins a new quest for love as this durable matchmaking contest's Season 16 bachelor. In the opener, Ben meets and greets his 25 would-be partners at the entrance to the Malibu mansion. (One arrives on horseback; another's older than he might have suspected.) And he receives his first kiss before the opening cocktail party begins. Then come push-ups, a gangsta rap and a first-impression rose, and before the evening's over Ben pares the field to 18.


How I Met Your Mother - 8:00/10:00 - CBS/CityTV - Season 7 Episode 13
Episode Title: Tailgate
Marshall tailgates at his father's grave to keep a tradition alive. Ted and Barney start their own bar. Robin's pressed into service when a news anchor is too drunk to go on the air.


Who's Still Standing - 8:00 - NBC - Season 1 Episode 6
Episode Title: Look Out Below
An Internet marketer from Utah competes against 10 opponents in a trivia battle for $1 million.


2 Broke Girls - 8:30/10:30 - CBS/CityTV - Season 1 Episode 13
Episode Title: And The Secret Ingredient
Caroline accidentally stumbles upon Max's secret ingredient for her cupcakes, while dealing with her new couponing obsession.


Two and a Half Men - 9:00 - CBS/CTV - Season 8 Episode 12
Episode Title: Slowly and in a circular fashion
Walden needs Alan and Sophie to help when Bridget and his mother look to wrest away control of his company.


Fear Factor - 9:00 - NBC/Global - Season 6 Episode 5
Episode Title: Snake Bite
Odd-couple teams crawl inside a car suspended in the air by helicopters. In a second test of dares, they must drink a foul blend made out of insects. The final stunt involves a tower of terror. Here, a team member dangles from a tower and then is sent soaring up through it.

Mike and Molly - 9:30 - CBS/CTV - Season 2 Episode 12
Episode Title: Carl Has Issues
Carl is in a state of panic when Christina wants them to take their relationship to a new level.


Celebrity Wife Swap - 10:00 - ABC - Season 2 Episode 1
Episode Title: Tracey Gold/Carnie Wilson
Two actresses, self-described control freak Tracey Gold and free spirit Carnie Wilson, trade lives for a week, ending with a frank assessment of each other and what they learned from the experience.


Hawaii Five-0 - 10:00 - CBS/Global - Season 2 Episode 12
Episode Title: Ka Ho'oponopono (The Fix)
Five-0 investigates when a teen girl is murdered by a professional hit man. Steve and his team must first determine why she was a target before they can locate her killer.


Repeat Rundown:
8:00 - House - FOX, The Secret Circle - The CW/CHCH, A Gifted Man - Global Canada
8:00 - Gerry Dee: Life after Teaching - CBC. Flashpoint - CTV
9:00 - House - FOX, The Secret Circle - The CW/CHCH



Other Shows Worth Mentioning:
8:00 - Pretty Little Liars - ABC Family/Much Music
9:00 - The Lying Game - ABC Family
9:00 - The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills - Bravo USA
9:00 - Hoarders - AandE
10:00 - Intervention - AandE
10:00 - Rock Centre With Brian Williams - NBC
10:00 - Rizzoli & Isles - TNT
10:00 - It's a Brad Brad World - Bravo USA


Movies Worth Mentioning:


Tonight on the CBC:
9:00 - Just for Laughs


Tonight on TLC:
9:00 - Cake Boss: Next Great Baker


A Look at Late Night:
Late Show: Repeat
Late Late Show: Actor Tim Meadows; Eliza Doolittle performs; comic Myq Kaplan.
Kimmel: Repeat
Tonight Show: Repeat
Late Night: Repeat
Conan: Repeat


What's Playing in My Media Room Tonight:
8:00 - How I Met Your Mother
8:30 - 2 Broke Girls
10:00 - Hawaii Five-0

Thoughts from the Media Room - Favorite Returning Shows

So we're rapidly approaching the Christmas Holiday Break, New Years and most of our tv favourites are already on break and some of my favourites this season are already over. So I thought I'd take a minute to take a look back and see what I've liked, dis-liked and found just frustrating to watch so far this season. Also I take a brief peek in to what is coming next month that I'm really looking forward to.

It just seems logical to me that I start off with what I've liked so far this season. So let's look at my favourite returning shows this season. I couldn't put these in any sort of order as I find it just too difficult.

So here we go, The Media Room's Official Favourite Returning TV Shows:


Sons of Anarchy:

Say what you will about the finale, I know it wasn't that well-liked which I don't get. Sure it wasn't as good as its lead-in episode, but I felt it was a great way to end the season. When we look back to Season 3 and the next logical step that the SAMCRO story had to take, this was it. We've been wondering since the second episode of the series when they would (a) Confirm that Gemma and Clay had something to do with John Tellers death and (b) When would Jax find out. Super story teller Kurt Sutter went down the path and covered both and frankly he had me on the edge of my seat most weeks. As I'm reading this, I've quickly realized that it's going to be very difficult to keep this spoiler free. I will try my best to limit possible spoilers because i know some of you are still catching up on some of these shows. Back to Charming. The story-telling pace this season was much more even than last season. I should state for the record, I was a fan overall of last season. Sure, it was slow and quite clunky at times. But it was part of the story that HAD to be told, I'm just not sure it required 13 episodes to tell it. I liked how the story involved everyone once again, everyone had a part in the current plot and it didn't feel that the players were given something to do just because we needed to be reminded about them. The sideline storylines really were quite good and it showed us another side to these tough guys in leather. It showed us that they do struggle with what they do, day in and day out and that they're not just a group of one dimensional bikers. The story ended a bit clunky, but it has kicked the door wide open for story possibilities. Next season promises to be full of action with many groups gunning for our favourite biker gang from a small town in California.

Next up, Dexter:

I've talked to a few of you and you've told me that you aren't feeling this season of Dexter. I just don't understand how that can be. To me, if anything, Dexter has found his focus again. A few of the episodes haven't worked and haven't moved the story along enough for my liking. But over-all I've loved this season. Considering Tom Hanks' son is one of the villains, he's once again playing a very stiff character and I don't think he's taking the words and acting like that to add to the show. I just don't think he's a great actor. They've involved the secondary characters when needed to further move along Dexter's story and that's something they have always done well. We've been teased that Dexter is finally going to get caught and it was a moment that was as tense and exciting as I wanted it to be.  Since it had been six years in the making, it could have fallen flat, but it didn't.  I had to look away when it was happening.  The big complaint I've heard this season has been all the religious story lines. Too me, that's something that Dexter naturally would be wondering about. How could this God that is supposed to be so wonderful create such monsters as himself? How some people interpreted his words to do good and to also to do evil? I've found that to be some of the more fascinating pieces of the story.  You really have to wonder just what the assistant in the lab knows about Miami Metro's favourite blood splatter analyst. Deb has been fantastic in adapting to her new role in the department. The struggle she goes through in each and every episode has been gut-wrenching and at times very tough to watch. We've often felt bad for Deb, but this has been the most-relatable I've felt to Deb. I can't say that I've had a girlfriend that was a serial killer, a boyfriend that was attacked by a different serial killer or had a boyfriend killed by the daughter of a serial killer. So I can't just imagine just how much pain and shock a person goes through in those situations. But I think we all can relate to have shitty days at work and the difficulties we get from both ends at work. Like many of you, I was jumping on the couch screaming as the final scene in the church was progressing. Finally! After a few close calls over the last few seasons, it was finally going to happen. BOOM! What a great way to end in my opinion a good season. I’ve been putting this post together over a few weeks and from what I’ve read on the net, a lot of people thought this was a bad season of Dexter and I just don’t get it.

Castle:

Say what you will about the bumbling writer and his tough as nails Detective Beckett. This season has been fantastic so far, we’ve seen a new side of Beckett that we’ve never witnessed before. She’s not quite as tough as we had thought; she can’t handle everything thrown at her with ease. She’s struggling to deal with the events of last season’s finale and thank god for it. Earlier in the season I was growing frustrated because she “seemed” like nothing was wrong and I just wonder, “How Could that be?” There has to be some side-effect to the shooting, we’ve seen her get even closer to Castle and while their relationship is the driving force of the show. I’m just worried that when it finally does happen and it appears to be happening sooner and sooner. What will the show do next? I throw that thought in the garbage can for now and just enjoy the show for what it is, great entertainment.

Big Bang Theory:

For this one, I had to jump over to IMDB and read all the episode descriptions for this season so far. I think we might have had one “meh” episodes, the rest have been golden. They expanded the cast over the last year and it’s working wonderfully. Raj has been pushed into the background a bit this season and frankly that’s ok with me. His can’t talk to girls thing is becoming old and a bit one trick pony. These nerds are growing up(I’m not sure “growing up” is the right word here) and coming out their shells in all major ways. These aren’t quite the same quiet nerds that we were introduced to a few years back. Highlight of the season for me so far: The boys playing Settlers of Catan. If you aren’t watching this one, you don’t know what funny is.

Parks and Recreation:

A few weeks back I tweeted, don’t you remember when this show was awful? It’s come a long way, the cast has come together nicely to create one of the funniest shows on television. This season’s will they won’t they storyline of Ben and Leslie has been fantastic and has really pulled the viewer with all emotions. The Entertainment 720 Storyline didn’t really work for me, but thankfully we’ve got Tom back in the mix of Indiana’s quirkiest Government.  This one over the last season has become one of the can't miss moments of the week.

So, that's my list.  That's a list of what my week better and what I can't wait for and what makes those days, just better.  What are some of your favorite returning shows?