'Downton Abbey' is Americanized

American TV critics and industry professionals liked 'Downton Abbey'. In fact, based on how well it did during awards season, I'd go as far as to say that they like liked it.

But did you know that what we saw on PBS was the Americanized version?

Because apparently American viewers can't deal with slightly slow plots, or historical terms. Because in America we're all about speed and stupidity.

This obviously isn't true, and it may not be the only reason 'Downton Abbey' got "Americanized".

Regardless, when 'Downton Abbey' aired in the US it was only six-hours long, as opposed to the eight hours that were aired in the UK. A lot of what was cut was related to the inheritance plot, because apparently "entail" is a concept that is too complicated for the average American (it's not like most of PBS' viewers are highly-educated or anything). Also, Americans don't own dictionaries (or computers, or have access to Wikipedia).

Not only did we get the dumbed down version, but we also got an intro, provided by the lovely Laura Linney. Her opener gave us a quick synopsis of the plot. When 'Downton Abbey' aired in the UK it did not have any kind of explanation; it just started, like almost every drama. I suppose I can't complain too much about that part though, because 'Downton Abbey' was presented as a Masterpiece Theatre Production, and they often have such introductions. Who can forget Alistair Cook or Russell Baker? Still, I'm not sure I need Linney to explain relatively basic concepts to me.

Also, 'entail' doesn't exist in the UK anymore, so it's not as though the Brits know way more than the average American. More likely than not, unless they're in their sixties, they won't have any more idea than we do.

According to the MailOnline, when 'Downton Abbey' is released on DVD, Americans will have the option of buying the British original. The biggest question is, why didn't we have the option of watching it that way on television?

Maybe we'll get Season 2 uncut, if we're lucky.

Chris Hastings provides more information about 'Downton Abbey' and PBS' decision HERE.

Rizzoli & Isles: the 2nd Season finale

"Burning Down the House" (S2Ep15) was the final episode of the second season of 'Rizzoli & Isles'. More often than not, 'R&I' is a light-hearted mystery romp. Sure, there have been occasional dark episodes, like this year's "Brown Eyed Girl", but those episodes have always been an oddity. Tonight's episode added one more to the collection.

The episode featured some regular guest starts; Jacqueline Bisset reprieved her role as Maura's mother, and Agent Dean (Billy Burke) returned as a love interest for Jane. 

"Burning Down the House" had an uneven tone. The episode tried to keep some of it's usual bantering humor, while dealing with extremely serious themes. This was problematic to say the least. The multiple storylines didn't help with the flow much either.

One side-story dealt with Jane and Agent Dean's romance and, I have to say, they really don't have great chemistry. Also, I'm sure there were plenty of moments that pleased Maura/Jane shippers (every time Jane and Dean had a second alone Jane cut it short to rush off and see Maura).

Another storyline briefly examined Maura's budding relationship with her mother. It seemed as though they were finally on their way to a true mother-daughter reconciliation (and just how true was brought to light at the end of the episode). Unfortunately, this was cut short because Maura's mother was seriously injured in a hit and run incident where Maura was the actual target.

And on to side-story number three: Maura was the target of said hit and run because of the arson fire/ mysterious firefighter death scenario that she was investigating. Because apparently Medical Examiners are really good at arson work, and know the inner workings of a space heater. Who knew?

Opps, I almost forgot side-story number four: Maura's biological father, Patty Doyle, who also happens to be a mobster, turned up in her mother's hospital room. He promised to protect Maura, and to tell her who her biological mother was, but instead they fought and he left.

Side-story number five: Except he didn't really leave, because when Maura gets back from seeing Jane she finds her biological father at her adoptive mother's bedside. Ostensibly because he is protecting her. But right after he leaves (for real this time) her mother wakes up and says that someone was telling her to hold on "for her daughter", and then asks Maura, "was it Patrick?". Which leads us to the first question that doesn't get answered (there have to be some, this is a finale!): is Maura's adoptive mother actually her biological mother? Did she have an affair with a mobster? And how will this impact the 'true' part of their mother-daughter reconciliation?

At the end of the episode, the detectives decide to set a trap to figure out which firefighter set the arson fire, and murdered his colleague. Maura makes a big fuss in front of the firefighters about collecting data at the burnt building. She's followed by the guilty firefighter, but luckily she is wire-tapped, and has numerous people backing her up...including Frost, Korsak, Jane, Agent Dean, and (unknown to everyone involved) her biological father. It's lucky that Patty Doyle is there, because the law enforcement would have been too late, the firefighter almost shots Maura, but Doyle takes him out just in time. Of course, this means that when the police do enter the room they're faced by a wanted mobster holding a gun. Someone fires at him, and he fires back. He refuses to put the gun down. He gets shot in the shoulder (definitely not a fatal wound), but then fires again and Jane steps up and shoots him in the chest. He falls backwards, potentially fatally wounded. Jane seems shocks at what she has done, but Maura responds instantly, rushing to her father's aid. Jane finally reacts and runs over, yelling Maura's name. She tries to bunch up a coat as a pillow for Patty's head, but Maura swats her away. The look that Maura and Jane exchange shows that Maura is deeply hurt by the fact that her best friend shot her father. And then the credits roll.

So, the questions for next season:
1. Does Patty Doyle survive? this one could go either way
2. Does Maura's mother survive? i think probably yes
3. Is Maura's adoptive mother really her biological mother? i'm guessing yes
4. Will Agent Dean stick around? please no, if there has to be a guy I'd prefer the far-away one who's in Afghanistan, anyone closer ruins the chemistry that Maura and Jane have (regardless of how you choose to interpret that chemistry)
4. How long will it take Maura to forgive Jane? not too long (they won't want to alienate viewers)

Dean: Maybe I'll be gone in Season 3. Or at least I'll get a hair cut.

What do you think?

The LA Complex (coming soon?)

Jewel Staite has a new show! And it may, possibly, hopefully soon, be coming to a TV near you.

'The LA Complex' is a show by Canadians, starring Canadians, but it's not set in Canada. Instead, as the title suggests, it's set in LA. It's all about Canadians who move to LA to help their acting careers. Since this really happens, and is a topic that hasn't been explored before, I have high hopes that the show will be good.

Plus, you know, it has Jewel Staite in it.

The LA Complex has a release date in Canada: January 10th on MuchMusic and CTV. So far there's no set air date for the U.S.

Deschanel and Boreanaz talk babies (pre-pregnancy)

This is fun to watch in the context of the current season:

Why I love 'HIMYM' (hint: slap bet)

Why I love the slap bet episodes of 'How I Met Your Mother':  Because my friends and I may give each other a lot of crap, but we’d never actively slap each other on the face. For fun. At least, I don’t think we would. (Let’s not try it).

In all honesty, the parts of ‘HIMYM’ that I like the least are the ‘realistic’ parts.

Robin having a crappy job, and then having to move around the world for a job that seemed better, only to find out it was even crappier…did anyone enjoy that?

Ted pursuing Robin endlessly, while we’re forced to watch, despite the fact that we knew all along that their relationship would fail because after all she’s not the mother…that’s no fun.

Robin and Barney finally, finally getting together, only to realize that they’re not right for each other, causing a break-up filled with emotional pain, causing them to enter into other relationships, causing them to cheat on their new significant others with each other, leading Robin to reject Barney, leading to a potential reunification via baby, leading to a devastating reveal about baby…really, really not fun.

Also, evidently I like Robin (or maybe just Cobie Smulders) way too much, since the parts that annoy me the most are those where she’s put in bad situations.

Anyway, my point (if I ever get there!) is that the slap bet episodes of ‘HIMYM’ are some of the strongest aspects of the show. They’re completely ridiculous, of course, but in the context of the characters they’re somehow believable. Plus, watching people slap each other is just funny. Don’t judge me, you know it’s true.

Slap Bet Episodes (in order of appearance):

as an added bonus, a lot of these episodes also have Robin Sparkles, my other favorite part of 'HIMYM', but that's a story for another day

“Slap Bet” (S2Ep9)

“Stuff” (S2Ep16)

“Slapsgiving” (S3Ep9)

“Slapsgiving 2: Revenge of the Slap” (S5Ep9)

“Disaster Averted” (S7Ep9)

All of ‘HIMYM’ is currently on Netflix Instant, so go and watch some slapping!

What to Watch on Netflix Instant: 'My Boys'

I planned on giving this post the title 'Why 'My Boys' Should Be Your Boys', or something else that seemed sort of clever. But then I realized that would make this post next to impossible to find online. Also, it may not be as clever as I  initially thought. Regardless, you all should be watching 'My Boys'. And, luckily, the complete series is available on Netflix Instant.

When I recently hung out with a large group of friends, I realized that lots of the things we were talking about directly related to plot points from the marathon of 'My Boys' that I had just seen. When real-life imitates television writing you know those writers were headed in the right direction.

'My Boys' ran for four season (49 episodes) on TBS, but it was in no way a hit show. It's ratings fluctuated as wildly as its time slot. I vaguely remember watching it when it first came out (in 2006) and deciding that it was "okay, but not great". I think I only watched one or two episodes before I moved on to things I liked more. But now that I've seen every single episode, I can honestly say that it is worth watching. You just need to get past the first season, which is particularly weak in parts, but necessary to watch to understand the characters.

The show centers around P.J., a sportswriters for the Cubs (it's set in Chicago!). She's the linchpin in a group of friends that also consist of her college guy friend (Brendan), her brother (Andy), her work friend (Mike), her new colleague (Bobby), and her awkward friend (Kenny). That's right, there's a ratio of 1 woman to 5 men in this show, although P.J.'s friend Stephanie does make an occasional appearance.

P.J. and her guy friends get together at least once a week to play poker, and they discuss various (often hilarious) aspects of their lives. They also hang out away from the poker table, going to bars, eating dinner, and just generally doing life-outside-of-work stuff. The show is so perfect because watching it can easily remind you of your own friends. There's nothing wildly improbable, though sometimes their adventures are a little absurd.

 'My Boys' presents P.J. as a woman who has lots of successful male friendships, has a good job, and understands sports. Quick, try to name the last time a character like that was on TV!

Tricky, isn't it? Now, go watch 'My Boys' on Netflix Instant.

'Rizzoli and Isles', Lesbian Subtext, and TNT Ratings

 'Rizzoli and Isles' (airing Monday nights 10/9C on TNT) is full of lesbian subtext. There's no way around it, you watch an episode and it's just there. I watched a single episode with my mother, with no conversations about what the show entailed ahead of time, and by the time we were halfway through she had already asked me if Jane and Maura were together.

And the answer is no, no they're not. And they probably never will be. The characters are both straight women--Janet Tamaro (the creater) has said this, Sasha Alexander and Angie Harmon have said this, and Tess Gerritsen (who wrote the books upon which the characters are based) has said this. But, despite the fact that the characters are (apparently, definitively, 100%)  straight, the show is full of lesbian subtext. And some of it is so obvious it's maintext (if you don't believe me watch the most recent episode, "Seventeen Ain't So Sweet"-S2Ep14).

There is no way that all of that is accidental; everyone involved with the show knows about its large lesbian following. Janet Tamaro has commented on it in interviews, and Sasha Alexander acknowledged the Lesbian 'Rizzoli and Isles' Drinking Game on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' (see the clip below).  I imagine that in the writers room they have fun throwing in situations where Maura and Jane could be construed as being a couple, and I imagine Sasha Alexander and Angie Harmon occasionally throw a few meaningful glances in amongst their acting for the same reason.

After all, lets be honest, if they show wasn't acquiring a lesbian following it wouldn't be doing half as well. It's just not that good. The writing isn't any more brilliant than half a dozen other crime shows on the air right now (and no where near as good as 'Castle' or 'Bones'), but it has something those shows don't have. Two incredibly attractive female leads. My guess is that at the very least the executives at TNT try to continue to appeal to their lesbian following--the infamous speed dating promo suggests that's the case.

And if TNT wasn't aware of the true importance of their lesbian viewers before this week's episode, maybe they will be now.  Neither #RizzoliandIsles nor #RandI trended during the most recent episode, but you know what did trend? #gayzzoli. Hopefully TNT, and 'Rizzoli and Isles', will take a hint and keep up the subtext.

Sasha Alexander talks about how gay her show is, plus the drinking game:
TNT's speed dating promo:

I found the great screen shot at RizzleGirls

Just a little something to brighten your day...

HERE

(really, it's for 'Castle' fans)

Screen Actors Guild Nominations Announced!

Let's take a look at the TV nominations...
Who was nominated for a SAG award? Which shows are doing the best? And which networks have the most nominations? (Scroll down to see a list of all nominees)

'Modern Family' has the most nominations (5 total), but of those five, two pairs of them are competing against each other, so the most awards the show could win would be three. '30 Rock' also has the chance to win three awards...we'll just have to wait and see whether having actors from the same show competing against each other in the same category splits the vote.

NBC is the network with the most nominated actors/shows (a total of 6), followed closely by ABC (5) and HBO (5). However, all of ABC's nominations are for 'Modern Family', and 60% of HBO's nominations are for Stunt Ensemble Performances, while NBC has nominations for both '30 Rock' and 'The Office'. CBS has only three nominations, as does Showtime. The fourth network, FOX, has the fewest nominations: 1. And that one nod is for 'Glee', a show which frankly does not deserve a win.

Outstanding Performance By A Female Actor In A Drama Series
Kathy Bates for 'Harry's Law' (NBC)
Glenn Close for 'Damages' (FX)
Jessica Lange for 'American Horror Story' (FX)
Julianna Margules for 'The Good Wife' (CBS)
Kyra Sedgwick for 'The Closer' (TNT)


Outstanding Performance By A Female Actor In A Comedy Series
Julie Bowen for 'Modern Family' (ABC)
Edie Falco for 'Nurse Jackie' (Showtime)
Tina Fey for '30 Rock' (NBC)
Sofia Vergara for 'Modern Family' (ABC)
Betty White for 'Hot In Cleveland' (TV Land)

Outstanding Performance By A Male Actor In A Drama Series
Patrick J. Adams for 'Suits' (USA)
Steve Buscemi for 'Boardwalk Empire' (HBO)
Kyle Chandler for 'Friday Night Lights' (DirecTV/The 101 Network)
Bryan Cranston for 'Breaking Bad' (AMC)
Michael C. Hall for 'Dexter' (Showtime)


Outstanding Performance By A Male Actor In A Comedy Series
Alec Baldwin for '30 Rock' (NBC)
Ty Burrell for 'Modern Family' (ABC)
Steve Carell for 'The Office' (NBC)
Jon Cryer for 'Two and a Half Men' (CBS)
Eric Stonestreet for 'Modern Family' (ABC)


Outstanding Performance By An Ensemble In A Drama Series
'Boardwalk Empire' (HBO)

'Breaking Bad' (AMC)
'Dexter' (Showtime)
'Game of Thrones' (HBO)
'The Good Wife' (CBS)


Outstanding Performance By An Ensemble In A Comedy Series
'30 Rock' (NBC)
'The Big Bang Theory' (CBS)
'Glee' (FOX)
'Modern Family' (ABC)
'The Office' (NBC)


Outstanding Performance By A Stunt Ensemble In A Television Series
'Dexter' (HBO)
'Game of Thrones' (HBO)
'Southland' (TNT)
'Spartacus' (STARZ)
'True Blood' (HBO)