Why It’s Worth a Watch Wednesday – Motive

Adjusting to life as a new mom is not easy, although wonderful.  However, regardless of the joy, I still have the need to get back to some sort of normalcy.  Therefore, I have decided it’s time to throw out another new blog post.  Well, kind of a new post… today’s post is a rerun from last summer with updated information.  So if you are still wondering whether or not ABC’s Motive is worth a watch, this post is for you!

Television is full of crime dramas and police procedurals today, but most of these shows focus on the investigation and capture of the suspects rather than the motive behind the act.  Some TV programs might answer the “why” in a brief one or two lines of dialogue after they’ve interrogated the suspect for a few minutes, but they don’t really spend a lot of time on the motive.

ABC’s crime drama, Motive, changes all of that.

The series, now in its second season, follows Detective Angie Flynn (Kristin Lehman, Judging Amy and The Killing) and her partner (Louis Ferreira, SGU Stargate Universe) as they work homicide cases.

Detectives Flynn and Vega

Wait a minute… that sounds just like every other police procedural on TV today.  Right?

Wrong.  Motive identifies the killer and victim at the beginning of each episode before we even see the crime scene.  Now that’s unique… and I absolutely love the format!

For the most part, Motive is like all the other police procedurals out there… the detectives inherit a case and work the scene from the ground up, looking primarily for the “who” and the “why.”  But with ABC’s drama (actually, Motive is a Canadian TV series that has been picked up by ABC the past two summers…), viewers get to see the “who” and “why” before anything else.  The show flashes back throughout the entire hour, telling us the stories of both the killer and the victim, and very little about the detectives and their personal lives.

That’s right.  Motive is more about the crimes than it is the stars of the show.  Having missed the pilot last year, I wasn’t even aware that Flynn was a single mother until about the fourth episode.  And even then, the series barely touched on that relationship… but there was enough to give the no-nonsense detective a heart (I’m not saying she’s callous, it’s just that she’s not on the job to make friends).

Detective Flynn is a closer…

Anyway…

Motive kind of reminds me of a combination of Cold Case (because of the series of flashbacks) and the short-lived series The Whole Truth, where viewers experienced the crime through both the prosecutor’s and the defense attorney’s point of view and they had to decide which one was the truth… fun show, but it didn’t last long.

And by the way, the crime drama also stars: Lauren Holly (NCIS) as Betty Rogers, the medical examiner; Brendan Penny (Stargate: Atlantis) as rookie detective Brian Lucas; and Warren Christie (Alphas) as the new boss, Sergeant Mark Cross.

Dr. Rogers is a small role for Lauren Holly, but it’s nice to see her back on TV.

So what’s the verdict?  Motive is different enough from the other police procedurals on TV.  I’ll give it at least that.  But do I like it more than all the others?  Not really.  But kinda.

That’s right; I’m torn. I do really like how the series focuses more on the crime (and the killer and victim) than the cops themselves.  And I am REALLY glad ABC picked up the second season. However, watching police procedurals is like standing on the chip aisle at the local grocery.  There are so many different brands and flavors to choose from, each bag with its own unique twist, that we only have time to grab a few here and there each time or our grocery basket would be nothing but chips. For that, Motive earns the JFTV rating.

Luckily for this one, it airs during the summer and doesn’t have a whole lot of competition. But the more I watch, the more I think it could hold its own with other police procedurals during the regular fall to spring television schedule. And I already find myself hoping for a third season…

Bottom line? Motive is my favorite summer crime drama (on the basic network TV channels).

Do you watch Motive? I’d love to hear from you!

*****

Tiffany A. White is the author of the YA mystery Football Sweetheart series available on Kindle and Nook.  She is available for contact via Twitter, Facebook, Google+, or via email at tiffany {at} tiffanyawhite {dot} com.

 

Why It’s Worth a Watch Wednesday – Mistresses

I’ve been quiet here lately,  but for good reason (if you ask me)…. I had a baby!

My Little Guy’s Monkey Feet

I am trying to slowly get back into the swing of things, despite all of these new and very important tasks filling my days and nights, and have decided it’s time to throw out a new blog post.  Well, kind of a new post… today’s post is a rerun from last summer with updated information.  So if you are still wondering about ABC’s Mistresses, this post is for you!

Based on the popular British television series of the same name, Mistresses is a sexy drama following the lives of four girlfriends as they discover who they really are via their friendships, relationships, and sex.

Sound familiar?  I’m thinking of one of my favorites here… Sex and the City.

The series stars: Alyssa Milano (Charmed) as Savannah “Savi” Davis, who is learning to cope with loss and starting over in both her personal and professional life; Jes Macallan as Josslyn Carver, Savi’s single and carefree younger sister, who has recently launched a brand new career; Rochelle Aytes (Detroit 1-8-7 and The Forgotten) as April Malloy, a single mother, who owns her own boutique shop; and Junjin Kim (Lost) as Karen Kim, a formerly successful therapist, whose practice fell apart following an affair with one of her patients… and his son.

All four women are beautiful; they’re all successful; and they’ve all got issues.  Serious issues.

The series began last year with hot and steamy sex… for network TV.  Viewers watched Savi and her husband “role playing” during their attempts to make a baby.  We also first met Joss while she was having a little “afternoon delight” with her then boss.  And let’s not forget about the flashback sex scenes between Karen and her patient.  In season one, April was the only one not sweating between the sheets—but things certainly do change in season two.

Savi trying to be zen…

There for a while, it appeared prime time soap operas were a thing of the past.  Mistresses, however, definitely brings the drama and the sexy back to television…

First, let’s meet the girls.

When Savi and her husband (Harry) learned of their fertility issues last season, he pushed her away as he blamed and punished himself for having abnormal sperm.  This catapulted Savi into the arms of her coworker (Dominick) and they had one night of hot, steamy sex.  And guess what?  She discovered she was pregnant…she didn’t know who the father was… she came clean to Harry, ruining their marriage… and the season ended just as her car was smashed by another in a highway accident. Sadly, Savi lost her baby and her husband. But she also found a light at the end of the tunnel—Dom. Who cares if he’s now her boss?

Meanwhile, as if sleeping with her dying (now dead) patient wasn’t a big enough issue for Karen, the patient’s family couldn’t seem to stop themselves from leaning on her.  His wife didn’t appear to have a clue about the affair (at first), but his son knew there was another woman and he wanted answers… from Karen. One thing led to another… she slept with the son… the wife tried to kill her… her partner reported her to the board and she lost her license to practice… a total downward spiral. Now she’s back, working at the Emergency Room and with one patient in a brand new solo-practice. Karen’s life seems to be back on track. But is it?

Then there’s April… poor April.  Last season, she had a hard time letting go of her dead husband, so much so that she believed that a few prank calls she had received were actually his ghost telling her to not move on.  But it turns out those calls weren’t from her husband, they were from her husband’s mistress and their illegitimate son.  As if that wasn’t enough to deal with, the woman wanted money… after all, her son was entitled to some of the inheritance April’s daughter received from the insurance company—right? Next, April’s supposedly dead ex showed up on her front doorstep. That’s right; he faked his own death. It took her a while, but she finally kicked them both to the curb, somehow managing to keep all of this from her adolescent daughter. Now, April is on the rebound…

And last but not least, we have Joss… we discovered early on that she had climbed her way to the top of her realty company by sleeping with her boss.  But he left and her new boss wasn’t falling for any of her tricks (at first).  Work didn’t seem to be what she was best at, but she surprisingly got her act together. Now, Joss has left realty for a career in event planning. And somehow, she has found herself as the voice of reason when it comes to her sister, ex-brother-in-law/business partner, and her friends. I’m just waiting for the old Joss to return…

April, Joss, and Karen

Now, let’s talk about the title for a minute.

According to Webster, a mistress is a woman who is the head of a household, country, or state… or a woman with whom a man is having a prolonged affair with.

Let’s focus on the latter.

Not only do I watch a lot of television programs, but I also enjoy a good talk show here and there.  Especially when the guests are stars I like.  Alyssa Milano stated in at least two TV interviews that I watched that the girls, her character included, are not all mistresses.  Not by the definition we are most familiar with anyway.  She included the show is in no way glorifying mistresses or situations that tend to break up marriages and relationships… (even if it does seem to us, the TV audience, that each woman is connected to a traditional mistress in one way or another—it’s true; I know people who stopped watching the program for this very reason very early on in season one).

Ms. Milano also stated in an interview that while this program is based on the BBC series, the writers took an entire season of the British version and wrapped up the storyline in one episode… I’m assuming that was the pilot… and that this series is all its own.

I went into Mistresses not expecting to like it.  For one, I’m a big Sex and the City fan and initially felt this series was trying to cash in on Carrie’s and the girls’ success.  But because I’m an Alyssa Milano fan (I watched Who’s the Boss? as a little girl and LOVED Charmed more than words can say), I knew I’d give it a shot.

And after season one, it turned into my new summer guilty pleasure… I was thrilled when ABC gave the show a renewal.

Mistresses earns the JFTV rating.  It’s definitely not good for us, but I couldn’t stop at just one episode. Heck, I couldn’t stop at just one season. And despite having difficulty finding a lot of time to watch (and pay attention to) my television series right now with the new addition to our family, I am all caught up on this one.

Do you watch Mistresses? I’d love to hear from you!

*****

Tiffany A. White is the author of the YA mystery Football Sweetheart series available on Kindle and Nook.  She is available for contact via Twitter, Facebook, Google+, or via email at tiffany {at} tiffanyawhite {dot} com.

 

 

Ten Memorable TV Theme Songs – Part Two

I started this post a few weeks ago, and no sooner had I hit publish, more TV Theme Songs immediately came to mind.  So, I’ve decided to continue the post…

Writing and creativity are two very important aspects of a successful television show.  As is the cast.  But storylines and characters are not the only facets that excite someone like me.

A TV series’ theme song is a lot like hype music.  Simply hearing the opening tunes of certain television shows sends shivers down my spine, in a good way, whether I am remembering an older series that I enjoyed as a child, or getting ready to watch programs I follow nowadays.  And sometimes, theme songs are just catchy.

So today, I’m sharing ten theme songs that bring back fond memories or intensify my excitement to watch a new episode.  Heck, some of these are listed because I just can’t help myself from singing along or dancing every time I hear them.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

I don’t know about anyone else, but Buffy’s opening always made me wish I had her mad slayer skills… or at least jump around.

Charmed

Not only did “How Soon is Now?” play during the opening credits of my favorite TV show about three (and eventually four) sisters/witches, but also during a few ‘90s movies I have seen numerous times—The Craft and The Crow.  I love when I hear the tune on the radio… it takes me back.

Psych

Every once in a while, Psych likes to change the opening credits to honor whichever movie, TV show, or pop culture reference they are paying homage to in the current week’s episode.  I always like to watch the opening theme song just to see how the creative writers have tweaked the song.  The changes may be subtle, but they are always appreciated (just a little fun-Psych-”I Know You Know”-fact).

Magnum P.I.

The music, the show, and the man himself are all just awesome.  Plain and simple.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

I didn’t know Will Smith prior to The Fresh Prince, but because of this TV show and the theme song, I quickly learned.  He hasn’t stopped making music, but this song still remains as one of my favorites of his.

X-Files

I don’t want to call the X-Files instrumental creepy, but let’s be honest… it kind of is.  Is it just me, or does it make anyone else think aliens are coming?

Dukes of Hazard

Good Ol’, Waylon… enough said.  Be honest, has anyone ever slid into their car via the window?  I have.  LOL.

Facts of Life

“You take the good, you take the bad, you take them both and there you have The Facts of Life, the Facts of Life.”  Truer words have never been spoken…

Happy Days

Who can listen to the Happy Days theme song and not want to Jitterbug?  Or wear a Poodle Skirt and/or leather jacket?  C’mon… we all do.  Right?

Charlie’s Angels

Personally, I was glad to see the Charlie’s Angels movie use the TV series opening theme.  It just wouldn’t have been the same otherwise.

Your turn.  What are some of your favorite TV theme songs?  I’d love to hear from you!

Spend a Summer at The Vineyard

I’ve not kept the fact that I love ABC Family’s teen mysteries a secret.  Heck, I’ve only blogged about Pretty Little Liars at least five times; I thoroughly enjoyed the recently cancelled The Lying Game; I can’t wait to catch up on the new hit, Twisted (I lost all of the episodes in my latest DVR crash a few weeks ago, but luckily the network aired a marathon and I have them all recorded again… now I need to watch them); and I’m eagerly awaiting the PLL’s spinoff coming this fall, Ravenswood.

It’s because of the allure and success of these teen programs that I plan to watch ABC Family’s latest series starting tonight—The Vineyard.

Now, The Vineyard is not a mystery; nor is it actually a scripted drama.  What?  I’ve seen the previews and it looks like a “normal” series… but Wikipedia calls it a reality program, while ABC Family refers to it as a docu-series.

At first I thought the new summer program was going to be more like the WB’s Summerland, which I felt wasn’t bad after catching a few episodes here and there.  But now I’m afraid it’s going to resemble more of MTV’s Laguna Beach or The Hills.  I somehow managed to stay away from these shows back in the day and I don’t regret my decision one bit.

So, how do I feel about The Vineyard?  The series promises “summer dreams, summer love, and summer drama.” And knowing me, I’ll at least give it a shot.  Heck, if anything, I can use this as writing research… right?

ABC’s new show will follow a group of young adults as they work together and live together in paradise (Martha’s Vineyard).  Okay, now it’s sounding a little bit like MTV’s Real World.

As expected, most of the girls have conflicting backgrounds: the girls who grew up in The Vineyard; the girls who want successful careers; the girls who want successful men to take care of them for the rest of their lives; and the girls who just want a fresh start.

And then there are the guys.  It seems as though the guys are all looking for love.  No, I’m sorry—lust.  But the same stands true for them as it does the girls… we have the bad boy, the player, the partier, and the serious one.

Heck, two of the “cast” members even shared a romantic past…

Regardless of who they are or where they come from, all eleven are beautiful.  Surprise!

Who wouldn’t want to spend the summer here?

The Vineyard premieres tonight (July 23^rd) on ABC Family.

So what do you think?  Will you watch The Vineyard?  I’d love to hear from you!      

Why It’s Worth a Watch Wednesday – ABC’s Mistresses

The summer shows have started, some of them anyway.  And while we still have at least one left to premiere, and despite my second DVR crash since March (I’ve lost over 200 recordings this calendar year due to faulty boxes), I did manage to catch up on the first half of the new ABC drama, Mistresses.

Based on the popular British television series of the same name, Mistresses is a sexy new drama following the lives of four girlfriends as they discover who they really are via their friendships, relationships, and sex.

Sound familiar?  I’m thinking of one of my favorites here… Sex and the City.

The series stars: Alyssa Milano (Charmed) as Savannah “Savi” Davis, a successful lawyer, married and trying to have a baby… that is until she and her husband learn they have fertility issues; Jes Macallan as Josslyn Carver, Savi’s single and carefree younger sister, who is not looking to settle down anytime soon; Rochelle Aytes (Detroit 1-8-7 and The Forgotten) as April Malloy, a recent widow and single mother, who owns her own shop; and Junjin Kim (Lost) as Karen Kim, a successful therapist, who had an affair with one of her patients.

The pilot begins with hot and steamy sex… for network TV… as did the second episode as well.  Viewers watch Savi and her husband “role playing” during their attempts to make a baby.  We also meet Joss while she’s having a little “afternoon delight” with her then boss.  And let’s not forget about the flashback sex scenes between Karen and her patient.  April might just be the only one who’s not sweating between the sheets at the moment (or at least through episode four because that’s how far into the series I am).

They’re all beautiful; they’re all successful; and they’ve all got issues.  Serious issues.

Savi has every reason to be freaking out right now…

When Savi and her husband (Harry, played by Brett Davis from the popular Australian series McLeod’s Daughters and Neighbours) learn of their fertility issues, he pushes her away as he blames and punishes himself for having abnormal sperm.  This catapults Savi into the arms of her coworker (Dominick, played by Jason George from Sunset Beach and Grey’s Anatomy) and they have one night of hot, steamy sex.  And guess what?  She’s pregnant…

Karen and her lover/patient

Meanwhile, as if sleeping with her dying (now dead) patient wasn’t a big enough issue for Karen, the patient’s family just can’t seem to stop themselves from leaning on her.  His wife (Penelope Ann Miller from Kindergarten Cop) doesn’t appear to have a clue about the affair, but his son (Sam, played by Erik Stocklin) knows there was another woman and he wants answers… from Karen.

April’s shock at the news of her husband’s infidelity…

Then there’s April… poor April.  She’s having a hard time letting go of her dead husband, so much so that she believes that a few recent prank calls she has received are actually his ghost telling her to not move on.  But it turns out those calls aren’t from her husband, they are from her husband’s mistress and their illegitimate son.  As if that’s not enough to deal with, the woman wants money… after all, her son is entitled to some of the inheritance April’s daughter received from the insurance company.

Joss… ready to turn on the charm. But will it work?

And last but not least, we have Joss… we discover early on that she has climbed her way to the top of her realty company by sleeping with her boss.  But he’s gone now and her new boss isn’t falling for any of her tricks.  She has to actually work now and sell a few properties before he’ll let her have all of her listings back.  Work doesn’t seem to be what she’s best at, thus the fact she’s technically homeless and living in Savi’s guest house right now (I can’t remember the details, but she slept with her landlord too).

Now let’s talk about the title for a minute.

According to Webster, a mistress is a woman who is the head of a household, country, or state… or a woman with whom a man is having a prolonged affair with.

Let’s focus on the latter.

Not only do I watch a lot of television programs, but I also enjoy a good talk show here and there.  Especially when the guests are stars I like.  Alyssa Milano has stated in at least two TV interviews that I have seen that the girls, her character included, are not all mistresses.  Not by the definition we are most familiar with anyway.  She included the show is in no way glorifying mistresses or situations that tend to break up marriages and relationships… (even if it does seem to us, the TV audience, that each woman is connected to a traditional mistress in one way or another—it’s true; I know people who have already stopped watching the program for this very reason).

Ms. Milano also stated in an interview that while this program is based on the BBC series, the writers took an entire season of the British version and wrapped up the storyline in one episode… I’m assuming that was the pilot… and that this series is all its own.

I went into Mistresses not expecting to like it.  For one, I’m a big Sex and the City fan and initially felt this series was trying to cash in on Carrie’s and the girls’ success.  But because I’m an Alyssa Milano fan (I watched Who’s the Boss? as a little girl and LOVED Charmed more than words can say), I knew I’d give it a shot.

And it’s turning into a guilty pleasure…

Bottom line?  I give Mistresses the JFTV rating.  It’s definitely not good for us, but I couldn’t stop at just one episode.

Oh, and I’m glad I didn’t stop with the pilot because Gary Dourdan guest starred in the second episode.  Remember Warrick Brown from CSI: Crime Scene Investigation?  Uh, I’ve missed those blues eyes… I hope he comes back for more!

And then in episode three, I see a Twitter friend.  That’s right; a Twitter friend.  Matthew Del Negro may guest on some of the hottest shows on television (love his recurring character on Rizzoli & Isles), but he’s also a very nice guy and I enjoy chatting with him on occasion via the Twitterverse.  I hope to see more of him too!

So, it seems I will keep watching Mistresses…

Have you watched Mistresses?  Do you plan to?  Will Mistresses be the next Sex and the City?  Or will it flop trying, just like Lipstick Jungle?  I’d love to hear from you!

Remember to stop by the #watchwed hashtag in Twitter to discuss today’s review, or to mention any television programs that you’d like to see on Why It’s Worth a Watch Wednesday in the future.

A Recap of The WatchWed Review System:

GTV (Gourmet TV): Everything we want and more
MacTV (MacNCheese TV): Guilty pleasure. Not perfect, but is satisfies
GMacTV (Gourmet MacNCheese TV): A combination of fine wine and comfort food
JFTV (Junk food TV):It’s not great for us, but we’ll go back for seconds
TBPTV (Twice Baked Potato TV): Part gourmet and delicious, while absolutely horrible for our cholesterol
SSTV (Still Simmering TV): It has potential, but the jury is still out
NIV (NyQuil Induced Viewing): Perfect for that late night television sleep timer
LOTV (Liver&Onions TV): Do we really have to explain? Blech
Inedible TV: Exactly how it sounds…

Battle of the Summer Camps

The summer shows have started.  And what says summer better than summer camp?

Most of us have attended summer camp in one form or another during some point in our lives.  Maybe it wasn’t a summer long excursion away from mom and dad; maybe it was just a day camp without sleepovers; but when we were kids, many of us had the pleasure of experiencing summer camp.

For me, it was a small ranch outside Alpine, Marfa, and Fort Davis, Texas called Prude Ranch.  I only attended twice, but both times I spent multiple nights away from home.  I experienced sleeping in the creaky and HOT cabins (even then I was a big fan of air-conditioning); eating Sloppy Joes in the mess hall, while singing camp songs; watching the girls in my bunk apply calamine lotion to all their bug bites; walking along the narrowly made path to the restroom area (Jason Voorhees, anyone?  Yeah, I knew who he was back then and camp life totally creeped me out); riding horses; climbing mountains; and the fun group get-togethers and socials with the rest of the campers before we all packed up and went home.  That was for Girl Scout camp.

I also attended once in high school for a Student Athletic Training Camp—same place, Prude Ranch.  While we slept in a much better cabin as teenagers, most of the days were spent with us learning new taping techniques and sports medicine tricks and treatments, instead of fun outdoor activities.  We still consumed the traditional summer camp food and got to ride horses, but that was about it as far as camp life was concerned.  Still, I wouldn’t take it back for anything.

But enough about me, let’s talk about TV… this is Tele-Tuesday after all.

The NBC Universal affiliates aired two different shows about summer camp last week—NBC’s Camp and USA’s Summer Camp.  Much like my experiences at summer camp, these two shows are very different.

First, we have NBC’s Camp, a one hour dramedy (drama plus comedy for those who aren’t familiar with the slang term) about a woman (MacKenzie Granger, played by Rachel Griffiths from Six Feet Under and Brothers & Sisters) who is running her family summer camp for the first time since her divorce.  Not only is she dealing with the struggles of her new life as a single mom, but she’s also fielding constant and tempting buy-out offers from an upscale resort across the lake… a resort owned and operated by one irresistible man (the romantic tension quickly turns into “hate sex”).  Like mothers do, she’s worried most about her teenage son and how he is handling this familial change; and things only get worse when her ex shows up requesting that she buy his half of the camp from him so he can have the funds to start his new life with his mistress.

But that’s just about MacKenzie…

There are also the counselors crushing on each other; mean girls and frat bullies; teen boys obsessed with sex; new kids trying to fit in; parents looking to drink the summer away; kids looking for new starts (one is recovering from a serious illness and another from topless internet photos); and of course, a few romantic hookups… in cars.

Nothing like a few friendly pranks between camps…

Sounds like the traditional and clichéd summer camp, right?

Well that’s Camp.

Not Summer Camp.

USA’s Summer Camp is not a drama, or a comedy, but a reality competition.   Sixteen strangers (plus a camp director/host) gather at a remote and abandoned summer camp (but don’t worry, it’s not Friday the 13^th-ish abandoned) to relive some of their fondest camp moments… as an adult.

Divided into two camps, boys versus girls, the two battle head to head in different and typical summer camp challenges known as the “color wars” (women are red and men yellow).  The losing team has to banish two of its members to the opposing camp, where that group will decide who gets to stay and who exits the game.  Each week, the camps elect a new “camp counselor,” or team leader, who is safe from eviction and single-handedly responsible for the camp’s two nominations for banishment… if they lose.  Needless to say, being camp counselor is not an ideal position for the team that comes out on bottom.

The men think they’ve got this competition in the bag…

As with most reality competitions, the group of contestants range from one end of the spectrum to the other.  We have a pageant queen, a firefighter, a female bodybuilder, a hunter, a soldier, a cowboy (who also happens to be a virgin), a Broadway performer, a self-proclaimed mean girl, and a model.  The show has also slapped stereotypes on a few of the contestants, such as: the sci-fi nerd, the geek, the smart @$$, the class clown, the flirt, and the country girl.  So far, I think I like the sci-fi nerd and the geek more than anyone…

Besides the fact that the teams are staying in the nicest summer camp cabins I’ve ever seen (equipped with the traditional bunk beds, but also with really nice “sitting” areas), the camp life does seem a bit like “real” summer camp—they eat in a gigantic mess hall; they have to trek through the park to use the restrooms and shower; and they gather for fun group activities around the lake, pool, and recreation room.

But bottom line, this is a competition.  A competition worth $250,000.  Everyone is there to relive camp life… party, hook up, and enjoy themselves… but really; they will do anything to win that money.

If I had to choose between NBC’s Camp and USA’s Summer Camp, I honestly don’t know which direction I’d go.  They’re both “okay.”  Neither is one to write home about.  Besides the constant adult themes, I’d say Camp is more family oriented…  and if the contestants’ vocabulary and actions weren’t as raunchy as they are, I’d say Summer Camp is good summer fun… so I don’t know.

Personally, I won’t be upset if I miss either of them.  But also knowing me, I’ll catch more episodes of both.

However, just because I’m watching them, doesn’t mean either show is the best on TV this summer.  So far that goes to Ray Donovan.

How about you?  Did you catch NBC’s Camp or USA’s Summer Camp?  Which do you prefer and why?  Have any fun summer camp memories to share?  I’d love to hear from you!

Television’s Summer Standouts

The summer shows have started, some of them anyway.  We still have The Bridge (FX) set to premiere this week, a few shows about camp life (Camp, an upcoming NBC dramedy, and Summer Camp, a new USA reality series), and The Vineyard (ABC Family) later this month… but out of the series that have already aired, which ones do you consider to be summer standouts?

Crossing Lines (NBC)

Devious Maids (Lifetime)

Graceland (USA)

King & Maxwell (TNT)

Mistresses (ABC)

Motive (ABC)

Ray Donovan (Showtime)

Siberia (NBC)

Under the Dome (CBS)

Whodunnit? (ABC)

For me, Siberia, Ray Donovan, and Whodunnit? are my summer standouts.

Siberia because it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen on television before.  And not in a good way.  By definition, the show might not fall under the classification of a standout, but it does stand out. Let’s just say it’s a scripted reality program (yeah, might as well call it a drama) with Blair Witch-like cinematography.  Yet, I keep watching…

Ray Donovan because Liev Schreiber is hot.  Ray is a family man; he’s a successful business man (he’s a Hollywood “fixer); he’s a man of few words; and most importantly, he’s not one to cross.  Seriously, hurt his family (either physically or verbally), and just see what happens.  This new Showtime series reminds me a lot of Scandal… meets The Sopranos.

And Whodunnit? because I can’t figure it out.  It may be a corny-murder-mystery-reality series, but I simply can’t figure it out.  I have my suspects… but “the killer” has already proven me wrong once.  Will he/she again?

Your turn… what are your Summer Standouts?  Or Stand Outs?  I’d love to hear from you!

Why It’s Worth a Watch Wednesday – Devious Maids, Devilishly Fun

The summer shows have started, some of them anyway.  And while we still have quite a few to premiere over the next few weeks, I did catch a new Lifetime original series that aired this past weekend: Devious Maids.

I almost missed this new series…  I hadn’t heard anything about it.  Luckily, as I watched the Lifetime original Jodi Arias story, I caught a commercial for Devious Maids just in time to set my DVR for the premiere.

The story begins with a wealthy wife confronting her husband and their maid for having an affair.  Having said her piece, the wife takes her husband back down to their lavish backyard party… while someone murders the maid upstairs.

A murder mystery.  Already, I’m intrigued.

Devious Maids follows a group of beautiful Hispanic housekeepers in Beverly Hills and the rich families they work for.  First, there’s Marisol (played by Ana Ortiz from Ugly Betty).  She’s new to the scene, but has a very good reason for being there…  Then there’s Rosie (J. Dania Ramirez from Heroes and Entourage).  She’s the sweet one, working diligently to bring her young son to America from Mexico.  Next, there’s Carmen (played by the beautiful Roselyn Sanchez from Without a Trace).  Carmen landed a maid-ship, working for a Latin recording artist… a lucky coincidence, since she has her own dreams and aspirations of signing a big record deal.  And finally there’s Zoila (Judy Reyes from Scrubs) and Valentina (Edy Ganem), a mother and daughter cleaning team… that is if the mother can remind the daughter that she’s there to dust and mop (and that the rich folk don’t date the help).

After watching the first hour, this new Lifetime original series reminded me of Desperate Housewives.  There are hot guys (Drew Van Acker—also known as Jason DiLaurentis from Pretty Little Liars, and  Matt Cedeno—Brandon Walker from Days of our Lives);  familiar faces (Susan Lucci—the Erica Kane from All My Children, Grant Show—from the “real” Melrose Place, Brett Cullen—Harold’s business partner from Person of Interest, Mariana Klaveno—Lorena from True Blood; Rebecca Wisocky—the seemingly untrustworthy Brenda from The Mentalist, Brianna Brown—the crazy Lisa from General Hospital; and Tom Irwin—from one of my old favorites… My So Called Life); plus, gossip, lust, and humor, with both laugh-out-loud moments and backhanded comments.

“You thought my maid had plastic surgery?” ~Taylor
“Poor people like to be pretty too!” ~Evelyn

Oh, and did I mention Devious Maids was created by Marc Cherry?  You know, the man responsible for Desperate Housewives?  No wonder I saw the similarities… even the music reminded me of our favorite ladies from Wisteria Lane.

I’ll admit; when I first saw the commercials for the new series, I rolled my eyes.  Just a little bit.  But you know me; I set my DVR to record it anyway.  And I’m really kind of glad I did… because Devious Maids is devilishly fun.

So for now, I’m awarding Devious Maids with the JFTV rating.  This dramedy is definitely a guilty pleasure.  And if you miss Desperate Housewives, this one might be just for you!

Did you watch Devious Maids?  Do you plan to?  I’d love to hear from you!

Remember to stop by the #watchwed hashtag in Twitter to discuss today’s review, or to mention any television programs that you’d like to see on Why It’s Worth a Watch Wednesday in the future.

A Recap of The WatchWed Review System:

GTV (Gourmet TV): Everything we want and more
MacTV (MacNCheese TV): Guilty pleasure. Not perfect, but is satisfies
GMacTV (Gourmet MacNCheese TV): A combination of fine wine and comfort food
JFTV (Junk food TV):It’s not great for us, but we’ll go back for seconds
TBPTV (Twice Baked Potato TV): Part gourmet and delicious, while absolutely horrible for our cholesterol
SSTV (Still Simmering TV): It has potential, but the jury is still out
NIV (NyQuil Induced Viewing): Perfect for that late night television sleep timer
LOTV (Liver&Onions TV): Do we really have to explain? Blech
Inedible TV: Exactly how it sounds…

Catch the End of a Few Cancelled TV Shows This Summer

A few weeks ago, I shared a complete list of all the cancelled television shows this season.  As usual, no program was safe.  Just ask CSI: NY—they were cancelled after nine seasons.

As usual, the freshman series saw the largest number of casualties.  Or as I like to call it, the “One & Done” category.

But here’s something new and refreshing… ABC, the CW, and NBC are all airing the previously unaired episodes of a few of their cancelled programs this summer.  NBC has done this once before with Jimmy Smits’ Outlaw.  And despite the fact the network had cancelled the legal drama early on, I was glad to watch the rest of the taped episodes… even if the first season didn’t have a “clean” ending.  It was better than nothing.

So, which TV shows are returning this summer, even if to only air the remaining episodes of their first and only season?

Friday Nights on the CW – Cult

Saturday Nights on NBC – Do No Harm

Saturday Nights on ABC – Zero Hour

Saturday Nights on ABC – 666 Park Avenue

Check your local listings… my DVR automatically picked up each of these shows’ episodes.

Are you excited about any of these series returning to wrap up the episodes they already taped?  Do you like the idea of networks airing the already taped, yet canned television series?  Do you think more should do this or should they just let the series die when they officially cancel them?  I’d love to hear from you!

Oh, and here’s some more good news…

Hannibal was renewed for a 13-episode second season to start airing later next year!  We may have to wait for the midseason replacements like this year (January – April premiere dates), but at least we’re getting more from Hugh Dancy and Mads Mikkelsen.

New to TV this Summer (2013) – Part 2

I can remember back when the summer months meant we couldn’t find anything new to watch on television… maybe a reality program here, or a two-hour made-for-TV-special there, but no new series.

But not anymore.

As the hot winds blow into our neighborhoods, so does a new television season.

This summer, the networks have a lineup of new programs to entertain us during the primetime hours.  Some of the series have promise, while others may flop—but, regardless, we’ll tune in to check them out!

Continuing with the Part One introduction, here are a few more premieres we can look forward to this summer…

*****

Whodunnit?

Ever want to attend one of those murder mystery dinner parties?  I have!

Whodunnit? is kind of like reality television’s version of these parties…

Thirteen “investigators” will gather and live inside a mansion, attempting to solve a “murder.”  The “investigators” will use real CSI technology and work up a “murder dossier” of sorts.  Each week, the contestants will describe what they think happened in detail and those furthest from the truth will be eliminated.

This setup reminds me of the older reality show, The Mole, that aired from 2001-2008.  Remember that one?

Needless to say, I will be tuning in and playing along…

Whodunnit? premieres June 23^rd on ABC.

*****

Crossing Lines

Get ready for summer’s new police procedural…

Crossing Lines follows a group of International Criminal Court (ICC) officers as they investigate cross-border criminals and their crimes.  Working to solve some of the “most notorious international crimes,” this series promises to be action packed.

And just look at the headliner… Donald Sutherland.  He doesn’t need any introductions, does he?  The new series also stars: William Fichtner (Prison Break), Tom Wlaschiha (Game of Thrones), Marc Lavoine, Richard Flood, Gabriella Pession, and Moon Daily.

Crossing Lines premieres June 23^rd on NBC.

*****

Under the Dome

What would happen if we were cut off from the world?  If we couldn’t leave our city or county lines?  If we were imprisoned by an impenetrable barrier?

Based on the science fiction novel by Stephen King, Under the Dome follows the residents of Chester’s Mill after they are cut off from the world by an impenetrable barrier—a dome of sorts.  As one can imagine, some panic, while some keep calmer heads and attempt an escape.  Will they uncover the truth in time to save their small town?

The new horror/mystery series stars: Mike Vogel (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre circa 2003), Rachelle Lefevre (the Twilight saga), Colin Ford (Supernatural), Natalie Martinez (Detroit 1-8-7 and CSI: NY), Dean Norris (Breaking Bad), Britt Robertson (The Secret Circle), Aisha Hinds (Detroit 1-8-7, True Blood, and Cult), and many other familiar faces in recurring roles (like Jeff Fahey from Lost).

Under the Dome premieres June 24^th on CBS. 

*****

Ray Donovan

ABC has Olivia Pope; Showtime now has Ray Donovan…

Ray Donovan (played by the adorable Liev Schreiber, from the Scream films, Salt, and other major motion pictures) “fixes” Hollywood’s problems.  He does the dirty work for the city’s celebrities and life seems great for Ray… until his father (Mickey Donovan, played by the great Jon Voight—no introduction necessary, right?) is released from prison.

The new drama series also stars: Paula Malcomson (Deadwood) as Abby Donovan, Ray’s wife and L.A. social climber; Steven Bauer (Scarface) as Avi, Ray’s right-hand man; Katherine Moenning (The L Word) as Lena, Ray’s assistant; Pooch Hall (Jumping the Broom) as Daryll, Ray’s half brother; Dash Mihok (Romeo + Juliet) as Bunchy Donovan, Ray’s troubled brother; Eddie Marsan (Mission: Impossible III) as Terry Donovan, Ray’s other brother; and Elliot Gould (Friends and the Ocean’s movies) as Ezra, a frequent client of Ray’s.

Ray Donovan premieres June 30^th on Showtime.

*****

The Bridge

If FX’s other original programs are any indicator, The Bridge should be very good…

The Bridge follows Detective Sonya Cross (Diane Kruger, from the National Treasure movies and Inglorious Basterds) from El Paso and Detective Marco Ruiz (Demian Bichir, A Better Life and Savages) from Chihuahua, Mexico as they investigate a serial killer operating both sides of the Texas/Mexico border.

The new police drama also stars: Annabeth Gish ( from some of my ‘80s favorites, like Shag, Mystic Pizza, Hiding Out, and most recently Pretty Little Liars), Ted Levine (Monk and The Silence of the Lambs), and Matthew Lillard (Scream).

The Bridge premieres July 10^th on FX.

*****

If I had to rank these in order of which one I’m most looking forward to, I’d put Whodunnit? at number one.  After all, I love trying to figure out murder mysteries!!  Ray Donovan and The Bridge probably tie for second, mainly because I absolutely love Showtime’s and FX’s original programs.  Because of Nip/Tuck and Justified, I have really high hopes for The Bridge; but Ray Donovan’s trailers have piqued my interest since the first time I saw them air months ago—so it’s a tie.  That leaves Under the Dome and Crossing Lines…  I think I’ll put Stephen King’s new TV series at number four with Crossing Lines in last place.  No offense, but I’ll blame this one on advertising.  I’ve seen ads for Under the Dome for months and only recently caught a quick ad for Crossing Lines.

Which of these new programs are you most looking forward to and why?  I’d love to hear from you!   

And for all the Zero Hour and 666 Park Avenue fans, ABC is currently airing the remaining episodes for both series on Saturday nights…