What I’ll Be Watching: Sundays

I could not be more excited for Fall TV to return! In preparation, as I do every year, I have put together my schedule by day, time and channel just to make sure that both my Tivo and I will get the most out of the television viewing experience. This is my schedule for Sundays this fall (all times are Eastern):

8:00 PM on ABC – Once Upon a Time: I am really behind on this one and considering how busy Sundays are, I’m still not sure if I’ll try to catch up. I did really like the first half of the first season though so we’ll have to see. I’m a real sucker for fairy tales. (Premieres September 30th)

9:00 PM on ABC – Revenge: My favorite new show from last year. Cannot wait to see what kind of trouble those Hampton folks get into next. Who’s gone? Who’s coming back? And who is next on Emily’s list? (Premieres September 30th)

9:00 PM on AMC – The Walking Dead: The first part of the 2nd season was so slow that I almost didn’t come back after hiatus. So very glad that I did though. Shit got real, real fast! They’ve lost a lot of friends and enemies but that building behind them in the finale looks promising! And despite having the worst wife and kid left on the planet, I am still fully Team Rick. And Daryl. They should ride off together. (Premieres October 14th)

9:00 PM on Showtime – Dexter: I have loved this show since the beginning. Michael C. Hall is as close to perfection as it gets for serial killers I want to shirtless hug. I may even pick this one up to start recapping this year. It’s just too good not to talk about. Especially after watching the first two minutes of the premiere! HOLY CRAP!  (Premieres September 30th)

10:00 PM on ABC – 666 Park Ave.: I love the idea of this show. It looks spooky and mysterious and just a little bit campy. Plus it has One Tree Hill hottie Rob Buckly and LOST‘s beloved Terry O’Quinn. Not too shabby. (Premieres September 30th)

10:00 PM on Showtime – Homeland: A show that I have just recently started watching and LOVE!! The intensity is mind blowing! Really hope I am able to catch up in time for season 2! (Premieres September 30th)

Of course, this entire schedule gets thrown right out the window if either mine or my husband’s football team is playing on Sunday night. Go Broncos!

Check out these helpful links to create your own master TV schedule:

My friend Kate (@katelinnea on twitter) has put together an extremely useful spreadsheet. This is the one I used to make mine! Check out many other wonderful things on her blog.

TV Guide also has things illustrated rather well with their annual Day-by-Day Schedule and their Premiere Calendar

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What I’ll Be Watching: Thursdays

I could not be more excited for Fall TV to return! In preparation, as I do every year, I have put together my schedule by day, time and channel just to make sure that my Tivo and I will both get the most out of the television viewing experience. This is my schedule for Thursdays this fall (all times are Eastern):

8:00 PM on CBS – Big Bang Theory: An oldie but a goodie. Something my husband and I always enjoy sitting down to watch together. The constant nerd references are a huge plus. I think I jump up and down every single time a Whedon show is mentioned. (Premieres September 27th) (Please note that I will NOT be watching Two & a Half Men after BBT. Ever.)

8:00 PM on CW – The Vampire Diaries: Oh. My. God. Only my favorite show on television. I may have even tried to watch it while on my honeymoon. Season 4 is already looking to be one of the best yet. Not only do we get to see Elena try out her new fangs, but I am sure all 23 (YES! 23!) episodes will be full throttle, purely entertaining, angsty, fun! Be sure to come back to Wine Stained Life every Thursday after the show for my TVD recaps. (Premieres October 11th)

9:00 PM on ABC – Grey’s Anatomy: I want to say that Lexi’s death and Sloane’s imminent departure are turning me off of this show but then I would be lying. I have been with Grey’s for so long, through so many ridiculous story lines and so much heart ache, there is no way I can turn back now. Not when there’s still Mer & Der.  (Premieres September 27th)

9:00 PM on NBC – The Office: This upcoming season will be its last so even though I really don’t care much about it any longer, it would seem silly to leave Jim & Pam at this point. (Premieres September 20th)

9:30 PM on NBC – Parks & Recreation: By far the funniest comedy in prime time. Amy Poehler is divine and Chris Pratt and Nick Offerman, with the rest of the incredible cast, continue to make me laugh until it hurts every single week. It’s also a comedy that can bring out the sap in me and I just love that. Something you should pick up now if you’re not already watching. (Premieres September 20th)

Check out these helpful links to create your own master TV schedule:

My friend Kate (@katelinnea on twitter) has put together an extremely useful spreadsheet. (This is what I used to create mine). Check out the many other wonderful things on her blog.

TV Guide also has things illustrated rather well with their annual Day-by-Day Schedule and their Premiere Calendar

Sometimes You Forget

I want to say that the day that my mom died was the worst day of my life.

But I can’t say that.

August 25, 2001. I was on a camping trip with a bunch of friends. Before we got to the mountains, my sister and I forced our BFF to go see NSYNC at the IMAX. It was awesome. Not so much for her but we really didn’t care. Once we got to the hills and out of cell phone range, we went hiking. Built a huge camp fire. Roasted marshmallows. Drank a ton of beer. Sang “Free Bird” along with a pretty terrible guitar player. We went to bed happy.

The day my mom died was pretty awesome for me.

The next morning we drank camp fire coffee. We had a blast while horse back riding. When my sister rolled up her sleeping bag we all found out that she had been sleeping on a snake all night. It was hilarious. Not for my sister. But the rest of us got a good laugh out of it. We were all pretty bummed to pack up and head home. It was Sunday. Monday was the first day of school for all of us college kids and back to work for the majority of us who had jobs as well. Sunday was supposed to be easy.

When we got home we found our driveway full of relatives’ vehicles. “How nice!” we thought. They must be helping mom and dad finish the basement. FINALLY.

That was not why all of my relatives were there.

My mother had died the night before. A heart attack. According to the coroner, a freak, strange occurrence for a woman of only 46. All of the wrong things happened at all of the wrong times. All while she was relaxing, watching a Broncos pre-season football game.

The following Wednesday, the 29th of August, 2001, we had our memorial. Thousands of people showed up. We all said our goodbyes. Mostly.

****************************************

 On Saturday (August 25, 2012) I was on my way to the Red Sox game in Boston. So excited to see my friends. So excited for our first baseline seats! The date scrolled across the Marquis at the station. I had forgotten what day it was. I sighed and didn’t mention it to my husband. We were on our way to have fun so I pushed it out of my mind.

On Wednesday I was busy  dream casting the movie for my favorite book of the summer when I had to double check my calendar. I had forgotten again what day it was.

****************************************

Sometimes, when I forget, I feel like I am forgetting her. That I might someday forget the sound of her voice. Or the way that she smelled. Or that she would tell me to stop being a baby right now and then give me a hug. Forgetting is the worst thing for me. It makes me feel like a terrible person. Like a terrible daughter. My mother is someone who should always be remembered. I try to remind myself that she would want me to live my life and never dwell on the things that I cannot change.

But I do hope to change the part that is trying to forget.

Retro Recaps: One Tree Hill – 2×23, 3×01, 3×02 & 3×03

We’re here!! We’re finally here!! Happy OTH Wednesday and happy Season 3 day! I am so excited to have finally made it to this point. Season 3 is my favorite for so many reasons. Can’t wait to jump in!

2×23 – “The Leavers Dance”

Overview: Season 2 comes to an explosive (literally) end as secrets are revealed and plans are made.

Random Observations:

• Ellie seemed kinda off right from the start, didn’t she?
• “We’re gonna be a family again.” Ugh. Dan. Don’t speak about things you know nothing about. Ass.
• I still cannot believe Dan tried to blame Nathan for Deb’s problems. Go Deb. Get away from your dick of a husband.
• Brooke in her cheerleading uniform reminds me part of why season 2 is so difficult: No basketball!
• I KNEW it had to be a dream between Lucas & Brooke. It was too easy otherwise. Lucas’ cold shower is pretty freaking hilarious though.
• I effing LOVE Nathan’s face when Brooke accuses he and Peyton of foreplay. Darling. Hilarious.
• I always forget how intense this fight between Dan and Whitey is. Yikes.
• GREAT timing Lucas. Tell her right before she leaves for the summer? Nice job buddy. And I am SO sure that is why he kept the Peyton stuff. Yeah right.
• Poor Peyton. Now she gets a bomb dropped on her as well.
• You have NO idea how badly I wanted Dan to die in this fire. I actually cheered. It was so exciting.
• “Hi.” *SOBBING*

Best Bit: Haley! Haley is at the front door! For Nathan! In Tree Hill!!!!!!

Ugh! Moment: “We’re not brothers. We’re not even friends.” I hate it when Lucas & Nathan are fighting!!! I understand why Lucas did what he did but he shouldn’t have lied to Nathan. Nathan already has serious trust issues.

Fave Quote: Brooke: “Phantom feelings. Like, when you lose a leg and try to scratch it. Lucas was my gangrene infected amputated limb.”

Biggest Question: Is “WATCHMEWATCHU” on Peyton’s IM Creepy Derek already?

On My iPod: “The Good Kind” by The Wreckers & “Wires” by Athlete

3×01 – “Like You Like An Arsonist”

Overview: It’s time to find out what happened with the fire and how everyone in Tree Hill spent their summer vacation.

Random Observations:

• I absolutely love how they set everyone up as the possible arsonist. It was a real mystery that was so fun to try and figure out.
• They’re holding hands!! NALEY FEELS!!! SO MANY!!!!!
• Damn it. Dan made it out alive. What a bummer.
• Oh God!! Poor Nathan!! He’s so angry and hurt. At least they’re talking?
• What a huge thing for Peyton to find out. World rocking even.
• Nathan and Haley keep having the most difficult interactions and it’s so painful but I can’t help but just feel thankful that they’re in the same room again.
• “Pretty angry huh?” I love the “pain stain.” But what happened to the clown?
• S1 NALEY FLASHBACK! OUCH!
• Brooke is awesome to invite Haley to move in. “I got room for you but not a lot of pity. You did what you did.”
• Anybody else totally think Nathan’s letter was from Haley? Or hoped that it was? Especially after she didn’t sign the annulment papers!!!
• Dan is kind of scary. And I don’t doubt any of his threats.
• This is probably one of my favorite Codas of the entire series. So beautifully done. And a GREAT surprise at the end. Nathan has his ring around his neck. *SOB*

Best Bit & Ugh! Moment: How can a moment feel so good and hurt so bad at the same time? The hardest part was thinking for one second while they were kissing that everything was just going to be okay.  “Always and forever. That’s what sucks Haley. I still do love you. I always will. I just can’t trust you.”

Fave Quote: Peyton (voiceover): “At this moment there are 6,470,818,671 people in the world. Some are running scared. Some are coming home. Some tell lies to make it through the day. Others are just now facing the truth. Some are evil men, at war with good. And some are good, struggling with evil. Six billion people in the world. Six billion souls. And sometimes…all you need is one.”

Biggest Question: Where did Haley spend her summer? Where did she live? She wasn’t at the apartment. Did she go back on tour?

On My iPod: “Feeling a Moment” by Feeder & “Street Map” by Athlete

3×02 – “From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea”

Overview: It’s time for the end of summer party but not everyone is in the mood.

Random Observations:

• The infamous list of boys on the door. This list gets a lot of play over the next few years. Peyton’s face when Brooke points out her dad and Dan on the list is PRICELESS.
• Nathan is ANGRY. And so hot playing basketball. It’s like early S1 Nathan all over again.
• Larry is kind of a great dad. Glad that we’re getting to see more of him. Peyton’s situation totally sucks though. Poor thing.
• Have I said yet how great it is to have Haley back? “How about never o’clock, or maybe quarter after stab out my eyes… either one would be good by me!”
• Karen is the CUTEST. And I have really missed her and Lucas’ sweet mother son time. What, What!
• Real time Naley time!! Their first chat in MONTHS. It’s not sweet but it’s words! Right? And arm porn. Mmmm…..
• Peyton’s “music to slit your wrists to” soundtrack is kind of funny. Sad. But also funny.
• “Well at least she won’t drown naked.” BAHAHAHA. Haley is the best.
• Lucas’s speech to Brooke on the beach is pretty sweet. “I’m the guy for you.” How could she say no to that?
• Peyton confronts Ellie about drugs and Dan has a revelation. Shit is getting REAL!

Best Bit & Ugh! Moment: One and the same again. Nathan and Haley finally have a heart to heart but everything is left up in the air. JUST MAKE UP ALREADY!

Fave Quote: Larry (to Peyton): “I understand you’re upset, but don’t be slamming doors and stomping your little chicken ass around this house when I’m talking to you.”

Biggest Question: Come on. Brooke really redecorated the entire apartment while Haley was sleeping?  Sure.

On My iPod: “Move Along” by The All-American Rejects, “Sugar We’re Going Down” by Fall Out Boy &”When The Stars Go Blue” by Bethany Joy Lenz and Tyler Hilton

3×03 – “First Day on a Brand New Planet”

Overview: It’s the first day of their senior year and it brings with it all kinds of surprises.

Random Observations:

• The roof of Karen’s Café. The brick. The predictions. It’s ok if I cry, right?
• Surprise #1! Dan is going after Whitey’s coaching job. Again. God he sucks.
• Surprise #2! Ellie has cancer and that’s why she was buying drugs.  Not sure telling Lucas to tell Peyton is the best way to go about it though.
• Nathan & Peyton time is always special. “Really, the only thing I missed was skipping algebra and making out in my car. As much as I loathed kissing you, algebra was worse.”
• Is Whitey the greatest or what? Calling Haley Avril Lavigne, setting up the Naley detention. The first one is a wash but the 2^nd one is AWESOME! Nathan speaks to her and then almost cracks a smile at her. HEAVEN.
• If some lying druggy bitch was in my room when I got home, I’d have had the same reaction as Peyton. That was rude.
• You know what else is special? Nathan & Karen time. We never get enough of it. “Faith is believing when there’s nothing else you can do. But she’s here now. What are you gonna do about it?”
• Surprise #3! Karen comes to Whitey’s defense as coach of the Ravens and they WIN!
• Surprise #4! It was Lucas who saved Dan from the fire. Sure wish he wouldn’t have done that.
• The scene of Haley working on her predictions brings SO MANY finale feelings. My heart!

Best Bit: He puts his hand. On her back. In front of everyone. Can’t. Breathe.

Ugh! Moment: Nathan says the “D” word to Haley. NOOOOO!!!!!

Fave Quote: Brooke: “Sometimes people play hard to get because they need to know the other person’s feelings are real.”

Biggest Question: What is the exact reason all of those bitches are being such slunts to Haley? Because of the tour? Because of Nathan? They suck.

On My iPod: “Always Love” by Nada Surf & “This Is For Keeps” by The Spill Canvas

 

What I’ll Be Watching: Wednesdays

I could not be more excited for Fall TV to return! In preparation, as I do every year, I have put together my schedule by day, time and channel just to make sure that both my Tivo and I will get the most out of the television viewing experience. This is my schedule for Wednesdays this fall (all times are Eastern):

8:00 PM on CW – Arrow: (New Show!) Probably the most anticipated  new drama for me this season. And not just because of star Stephen Amell’s delicious abs. There will be action and mystery and with news of The Huntress, possibly even a love interest? My friend Erin will be recapping the show for OffColorTV.com and I can’t wait to read!

8:00 PM & 8:30 PM on NBC – Animal Practice & Guys with Kids: (New Shows!) Honestly, not two comedies I am hugely looking for to but the Olympic advertisements seemed to have worked for my husband. One thing these shows do have going for them is their casting. I love Justin Kirk (Weeds) and Zach Cregger (Friends with Benefits) and am a long time fan of the adorable Jesse Bradford (Bring it On). Hopefully they don’t totally suck! (AP Premieres 9/26 and GWK Premieres 9/12)

9:00 PM on ABC – Modern Family: This comedy didn’t have it’s best season last year but there is no way I’m giving up yet. It still makes me laugh out loud every week. And with a new baby on the way the fun can only increase. Right? (Premieres September 26th) (Please note that I will NOT be watching The Neighbors which airs directly after Modern Family)

9:00 PM on CW – Supernatural: (New Night!) DEAN!!!! You guys!! He is stuck in Purgatory and Cas seems to have left him and it’s dark and OMG what on earth is Sam doing?? I am so excited for season 8!!!!!!! In case you can’t tell, SPN is one of my all time favorites. Ever. I will never grow tired of the Winchesters. Looking forward to more laughs, more inside jokes and probably a lot of sobbing once this gem comes back to me.  This year I will be recapping Supernatural for TheTelevixen.com! Please follow @thetelevixen on Twitter & come find me on the blog every week after the show!  (Premieres October 3rd)

10:00 PM on ABC – Nashville: (New Show!) I really don’t know much about this country music themed drama except for the fact that Connie Britton is in it and I would follow Mrs. Coach anywhere. (Premieres October 10th)

10:00 PM on NBC – Chicago Fire: (New Show!) Two words: Taylor. Kinney. And he’ll be dirty and sweaty and doing heroic type things. Of course that’s not the only reason I’ll be watching. Just the most important one. (Premieres October 10th)

X-Factor on Fox: I had every intention of watching this show and only for Britney Spears but it doesn’t look like it’s going to work out. At least after the CW premieres it won’t. Sorry Britney but Winchesters always come first! (Premieres September 12th)

Check out these helpful links to create your own master TV schedule:

My friend Kate (@katelinnea on twitter) has put together an extremely useful spreadsheet. This is the one I used to make mine! Check out the many other wonderful things on her blog.

TV Guide also has things illustrated rather well with their annual Day-by-Day Schedule and their Premiere Calendar

Thoughts on the 5th Season of True Blood

Finally! A full season of True Blood that I didn’t mostly loathe from start to finish. It wasn’t perfect by any means and so very effing weird, but at least it was entertaining.

***SEASON FINALE SPOILERS AHEAD***

At the beginning of the season when Sookie and Lafayette had Pam turn Tara into a vampire, I thought for sure I would have to quit this show. Tara has been my least favorite character since at least season 2 when she first started crying ALL THE TIME. Turns out, it wasn’t the worst thing. I loved that she seemed to gain a bit of her smart mouth back and I loved her sexy Fangtasia costumes. Mostly though, I loved her relationship and interactions with Pam. I may even be ok with them continuing their love affair. Leave it to Pam to make a character tolerable again. That woman can do no wrong. Pam’s interactions with Eric were flawless as always and actually quite moving at times. They have always had one of my favorite relationships.

Speaking of Eric, is it me or does he just get hotter and more fun every year? I have been the lone member of the Team Bill & Sookie club for so long but I feel that this season’s Eric & Sookie moments finally have me on the switch. He can be sweet and funny under his facade of dark and sexy and I’m a bit mad at myself for taking so long to come around. I actually cheered out loud when I found out that he wasn’t doing the Authority’s bidding. Can’t wait to see what happens with them next season.

Another favorite? Jason Stackhouse. Sexy, adorable, dumb as a box of rocks. I loved him and Jessica together and am sorry that his new anti-vampire stance may keep them from hooking up again in the future. He’s gonna need to get over that. He and Jessica saying goodbye to Hoyt after Jessica had glamoured them out of his memory was truly heart breaking. Must admit, the tears were flowing. Is that the last we’ll see of Mr. Fortenberry?

One story line that I was surprisingly into involved Sam and his shape shifter lady and the crazy ass holes trying to hunt them all down. The politics of it were slightly over handed but interesting just the same. It was nice to see Sam having a purpose for once.

I didn’t care at all for Terry’s smoke monster story line. I was so excited for Scott Foley to be on the show but feel that he was entirely wasted. Very glad that was all resolved before the end so that I won’t have to deal with it next season. Also, still not entirely sure how I feel about Andy and his new set of Faerie quadruplets. What the hell is that about? And I’d like to care more about Alcide and his situation but I just don’t. He needs to get back in Sookie’s bed. That was hot.

Oh Bill Compton. I hate this version of him. He’s annoying without being at all scary. And while I didn’t hate all of his fellow Lilith worshiping vamps, I am glad that they’re gone. The final battle in the Authority headquarters was a lot of fun. How effectual can he be without his lackeys though? And most importantly, is he going to look like a fruit roll-up for the duration of season 6?

Despite the fact that it has turned Jason anti-vamp again, really excited to see more of the story regarding the death of he and Sookie’s parents and the vampire that Sookie has been promised to. Will Eric be able to protect her? I always thought there had to be something ELSE involved in the death of their parents. So far, it has been really interesting. Hope they don’t eff that up.

What I’ll Be Watching: Tuesdays

I could not be more excited for Fall TV to return! In preparation, as I do every year, I have put together my schedule by day, time and channel just to make sure that my Tivo and I will both get the most out of the television viewing experience. Thank God for Tivo because that means I can watch one show while my trusty friend records the other for later enjoyment. This is my schedule for Tuesdays this fall (all times are Eastern):

8:00 PM on CW – Hart of Dixie: (New Night!) This show is my palette cleanser. I watch so many shows full of angst, shows I get so involved in! It’s nice to have a one hour reprieve from that. Something fun and easy and even a little bit fluffy. And I get to see Rachel Bilson and Scott Porter, favorites from other shows. Also, there’s Wilson Bethel’s abs. Lots of his abs. (Premieres October 2nd)

9:00PM on ABC – Happy Endings: I only picked up this show last year and am now kicking myself for not having watched it from the start. Easily one of the funniest shows on television. And do not miss Stephanie‘s hilarious recaps of the show on OffColorTV.com. (Premieres October 23rd)

9:30 PM on ABC – Don’t Trust the B**** in Apt. 23: How can you not enjoy watching James Van Der Beek parody himself as a total douche bag? Every time Dawson’s Creek is mentioned a unicorn is born. Krysten Ritter is also huge fun. Even when her Chloe is a total bitch. (Premieres October 23rd)

10:00 PM on NBC – Parenthood: This show was one of my summer marathons and worth every minute I spent crying. An absolute heart warming masterpiece. Check out my full write up here. Cannot wait to rejoin the Bravermans in the next chapter of their lives. (Premieres September 11th)

10:00 PM on FX – Sons of Anarchy: My husband started watching this show from the beginning and it remains one of his faves. It’s so good that I found myself sucked in as well. So many questions after last year’s finale! Did Tara make the right choice? Where is Opie? And most importantly, how often will Jax have his shirt off? (Premieres September 11th)

*Programming note: My husband and I usually watch Happy Endings and Sons of Anarchy together on Wednesday evenings before prime time starts and because of this I may have a chance to check out Emily Owens, M.D. on The CW. Hopefully it’s light and cute and even mildly entertaining.

Check out these helpful links to create your own master TV schedule:

My friend Kate (@katelinnea on twitter) has put together an extremely useful spreadsheet (this is what I used to make mine)! Check out many other wonderful things on her blog.

TV Guide also has things illustrated rather well with their annual Day-by-Day Schedule and their Premiere Calendar