THE GOOD WIFE: The Jesus storyline with Alicia’s daughter Grace is still striking me as very odd; it feels out of place in the space of the show and I’m wondering if it’s a means to an end because Grace’s rebellion doesn’t make a lot of sense as simple teenage rebellion. How great was the Eli Gold story in this week’s episode?? America Ferrara was lovely as Ms. Flores and though they only had a couple of scenes together, it seemed like Eli really took a liking to her, or did I imagine that? The return of Gary Cole as Kurt McVeigh was also very good and I like how much Kurt digs/is turned on by Diane’s tough streak when she’s in court or dealing with her adversaries outside of court. You knew she wouldn’t run away with him to Costa Rica but it’s always nice to get those offers. I assume we’ll see the firm’s board meeting in the next episode and the promo made it look like Will sells Diane out but I’m hoping that’s just a mislead. I’d like to see them turn the tables on Bond.
GOSSIP GIRL: More incredible fashion in this week’s episode. Both Blair and Serena wore luxe silver and grey dresses and separates that had to be either vintage or couture. I’m still bored by Serena and Ben but liking the new friendship between Dan and Blair. I’m a little surprised they ended Blair’s stint at W Magazine so quickly; it seemed like a great way to grow the show past college parties.
SOUTHLAND: This week’s episode “Fixing A Hole” was a quieter episode in many ways but the really painful moments came in the form of Sammy trying to cope with the death of his partner Nate and finding out revenge may not be the answer, and John Cooper trying to find a child who wandered away from his foster home. Cooper and Ben’s partnership is now being tested as Ben feels more experienced but is still a trainee. I like that Ben has a deep-seated respected for his training officer and ultimately, he knows Cooper’s instincts come from the right place. Michael Cudlitz as John Cooper is still the rock of this show, providing a performance filled with quiet strength and conviction. You can’t take your eyes off him when he’s onscreen.
WHITE COLLAR: I’ve seen the first half of this week’s episode and I really love how Neal is more and more protective of Peter as time goes on. I also think Ross McCall as Keller is one of the show’s best guest stars.
GLEE: Another messy episode titled “Blame It On the Alcohol” that had the kids trying to find songs to do for Alcohol Awareness Day. Hmm, what do I recall from this episode? Rachel wore a green nightgown to a party at her own house. None of the actors play drunk well. Heather Morris is the true star of the show as evidenced by her performance in the Britney Spears homage episode and her performance of Ke$ha’s “Tik Tok” in this episode. I’m still fond of Puck but they seem to be running out of ideas for him. The other song I liked, Coach Beist’s duet with Will on “One Bourbon, One Shot, One Beer” — here’s the original by George Thorogood and the Destroyers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISmgOrhELXs
RAISING HOPE: Amy Sedaris guested as Martha Plimpton’s cousin Delilah in this week’s episode and it was spot-on casting as the two could believably be related and both have an edge to their comedic delivery. Garret Dillahunt continues to surprise with his facility for comedy and this ensemble continues to mesh very well — and it’s only season one. The show is very endearing and wryly funny. Wish I could say the same for TRAFFIC LIGHT; the show has a good rhythm and a solid cast but no laughs, which is a problem.
COUGAR TOWN CLIP: Vulture.com has the Cougar Town goods while the show is on hiatus. In today’s very funny clip, the show’s actors try to name the writers: http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2011/02/cougar_town_video.html
STILL READING PILOTS: So apologies for the sporadic emails. Be sure to follow me on twitter @thesurfreport for all my immediate TV thoughts.
TODAY’S SURF WRITTEN WHILE LISTENING TO: NRBQ – “I Want You Bad” – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=005cFaFwprE
ANOTHER MUSIC MUST, IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Adele performed a mini-concert at the Ed Sullivan theatre when she appeared on Letterman earlier this week; not sure how long they’ll leave the video up so click ASAP to watch:
http://www.cbs.com/late_night/late_show/video/?play=true&pid=AOhnKz2cFakZInhIlvImIE4_D1R3MMgG
EARLY HEADS UP FOR THURSDAY: ROYAL PAINS season two finale at 9pm on USA and I can’t stop wondering if Divya will go through with the marriage to Raj. All broadcast network shows are new episodes so it’s a very crowded night.
Tonight’s rundown:
ABC: The Middle, Better With You, Modern Family, Mr. Sunshine, Off the Map
On THE MIDDLE: The Hecks take a trip to New York.
On BETTER WITH YOU: Joanna Garcia’s new hubby in real life, Nick Swisher, does a guest shot in tonight’s episode.
On MODERN FAMILY: Jay buys a karaoke machine for Gloria. Jay and Gloria try to help when Phil and Claire have a fight. Cameron plans a fund-raiser.
On MR. SUNSHINE: Ben goes on a couple of dates. The dog show comes to the Sunshine Arena. I liked the second episode of the show because it didn’t feel like everyone was trying so hard and Allison Janney is very good at playing the always medicated Crystal.
CBS: Survivor: Redemption Island, Criminal Minds, Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior
NBC: Minute to Win It (2 hours), L&O: SVU
Reality TV alert: “Countess” LuAnn de Lesseps guests on SVU tonight.
Latenight note: Jimmy Fallon has the best mixed bag of guests tonight: Liza Minnelli (!), actor Anthony Mackie, tech guy Josh Topolsky and musical guest ABel Biv Devoe.
FOX: American Idol (2 hours)
The contestants perform songs by The Beatles tonight. I saw the commercial for this a few times last night during the FOX comedies RAISING HOPE and TRAFFIC LIGHT and it didn’t sound all that good.
THE CW: America’s Next Top Model (cycle premiere), Shedding for the Wedding premiere
AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL: This cycle takes place in Los Angeles. Model Erin Wasson guests in tonight’s season opener.
Sara Rue hosts SHEDDING FOR THE WEDDING where couples compete for a dream wedding while losing weight. So it’s THE BIGGEST LOSER: COUPLES with a wedding as a goal/deadline. Nerve-wracking for sure.
PBS: 10pm: Nova ScienceNow: “What’s the Next Big Thing?”
Bravo: 10pm: Top Chef: All Stars
Paula Deen and John Besh are the guest judges tonight. One challenge involves deep frying, the other is a seafood challenge.
FX: 10pm: Justified
A church bus full of drugs is hijacked and many suspect Boyd is behind the caper. Raylan and Winona are trying to keep their renewed relationship quiet. Look for a special musical performance by Dave Alvin in tonight’s episode.
Investigation Discovery: 10pm: James Ellroy’s LA: City of Demons finale
Syfy: 9pm: Ghost Hunters premiere, 9pm: Face Off
TLC: 10pm: Toddlers & Tiaras finale
TVLand: 10pm: Hot in Cleveland, 1030pm: Retired at 35
That’s a wrap for now.
