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Saturday, June 30, 2007

Grey’s Anatomy spinoff recasts main character

Photo: Audra McDonald

Addison Montgomery can’t even get her best friend to be faithful.

When the new Grey’s Anatomy spinoff premieres this fall, Montgomery’s best friend will have a new face: Broadway star Audra McDonald.

Last season, when viewers first met Addison’s best friend, she was played by Alias alum Merrin Dungey. But Dungey is being replaced, according to TV Guide.

Dungey didn’t score rave reviews with fans or execs, who thought she lacked chemistry with the show’s leading lady Kate Walsh.

I loved Dungey on the show Summerland, where she played Lori Loughlin’s best friend, but her character on Grey’s Anatomy was about as exciting as watching paint dry.

Perhaps McDonald will infuse some excitement into the role. I’m a huge fan of McDonald.

The four-time Tony winner has the voice of an angel. Perhaps she’ll teach Addison how to sing the blues.

Friday, June 29, 2007

Princess Diana tributes planned

TV Viewers are about to be inundated with programs about Princess Diana this weekend.

NBC is airing a Concert for Diana at 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 1, which would have been Princess Diana’s 46th birthday. The concert will feature Duran Duran and Elton John, two of her sons’ favorite musical acts. The special will pay tribute to Diana’s life.

Prior to the concert, at 7 p.m., Sunday, NBC is airing a replay of the Dateline interview with Princes William and Harry. I missed it the first time around, so I’m looking forward to seeing what they have to say.

Also, the Women’s Entertainment network is airing a show called Diana’s Dresses on Friday, June 29th at 8 p.m. followed by a two-hour video portrait called Diana: Queen of Hearts July 1st at 12 p.m.

It’s hard to believe that come August, Diana will have been dead 10 years. Her life was short, but it’s clear her mark on the world still remains today.

Jason Dohring to play a vampire on CBS

It’s not a stretch to picture Jason Dohring playing a brooding vampire. His stint as Veronica Mars’s troubled boyfriend has given him plenty of emo experience.


Dohring has just been cast in the new CBS drama Moonlight.

He’ll play Josef, an ancient vampire who is a “mischievous hedge-fund trader,” according to The Hollywood Reporter. Dohring replaced 60-year-old Rade Serbedzija, who played the character in the pilot presentation.

Moonlight is the story of a private-detective vampire named Mick. Hmmm….a private detective who is a vampire? That sounds a lot like my beloved Angel.

Honestly, I hadn’t planned on watching Moonlight, until I heard that Dohring was joining the show. Sealing the deal is the news that former Angel co-creator David Greenwalt is one of the Moonlight show runners. OK, I’m in!

Longtime readers know my affection or the too-soon cancelled Angel. I often wondered if it would have garnered more ratings and respect had it aired on one of the big four networks, instead of The WB. I guess we’ll see how CBS viewers take to a show about vampires, assuming that the show is good.

Kudos to CBS for trying something new this season, instead of their typical procedural crime dramas. And kudos to casting for landing Dohring.

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Friday Night Lights on DVD

This just in: The first season of Friday Night Lights will be released on DVD August 28.


The best part is the price. They’ve made it affordable at $29.98, according to TV Shows on DVD.

All 22 episodes are included in the DVD set, as well as extras such as deleted scenes on each of the five discs and a behind-the-lights featurette.


A mere $30 bucks for 14 hours of Kyle Chandler? This may be the best buy of the season.

A look at The Next Best Thing

Commentary with a Co-Ed
by Ashley Gouveia

The summer season doesn’t only produce high temperatures, it also creates a ridiculous amount of reality TV. If you want to watch a show that is just about competition then check out The Next Best Thing on ABC.

Three judges try to find the best celebrity impersonator in the country, and we, the viewers, get to help. I don’t know about you, but I love celebrity impersonators. Especially the really good ones. So when I tuned in last night for the semi-finals, I was generally pleased with what I saw.

Twelve contestants took the stage and tried to impress the judges and the audience with their acts. At the end of the night, five were chosen to move on to the finals.

I already have my favorites. My absolute favorite of the night, and probably of the competition, is Donny Edwards aka Elvis Presley. As a huge Elvis fan, I was so impressed with his impersonation of the King. His rendition of ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ was so spot on, I could have closed my eyes and thought I was listening to the real Elvis. He had his moves down, too. Donny is definitely a front runner.

Another one of my faves was the Lucille Ball impersonator. She had the mannerisms of Lucy, and she looks so much like her. That’s what I found was missing from some of the other contestants. The mannerisms or voices were good, but they looked absolutely nothing like the celebrity. Or they had the look but nothing else.

For example, the Bono impersonator. This guy could have been his twin, but when he tried to sing, it didn’t work. He didn’t choose a great U2 song to perform, but his Bonoisms were great.
Someone who wasn’t great was the Material Girl herself, Madonna. This woman may have looked somewhat like her, but the voice was nowhere near the real thing. So I wasn’t shocked when Bono and Madonna got the boot.

When I heard someone was going to impersonate Celine Dion I said “Uh-oh!”. It’s so hard to try to copy Celine because her voice is so powerful. I feared the worst, but the woman wasn’t a terrible singer. She just didn’t sound like Celine. So that got her out the door at the end of the night.

The Nest Best Thing is a fun hour of good reality TV. It kept me entertained to the point where I too felt like Ann Margaret when faux Elvis performed. I’m definitely tuning in for the rest of the semi-finals when it returns on Wednesday.


Commentary with a co-ed is a weekly column new each Wednesday. Comments are welcome!

Men in Trees returns tonight

If you missed last season’s fun drama Men In Trees, then you can catch it from the beginning starting tonight.


The pilot episode is airing on ABC tonight at 10 p.m. ET.

ABC is planning on airing the reruns for the rest of the summer. Good for them. I know reruns have gone the way of the 8-track-tape, but frankly, I think it gives viewers a chance to discover shows they missed during the fall. And if you missed this one, you missed one of the best new shows of last season.

I fell in love with Men in Trees after the first few episodes. It’s funny. It’s quirky. It stars John Amos and Anne Heche. It’s shot in beautiful Vancouver. And did I mention the hot guy? Yeah, there’s one of those, too.

John Stamos’ bizarre TV appearance

It pains me to write this, as I have been a John Stamos fan since he played Blackie on General Hospital back in the ‘80s. But, here it is.


Stamos recently appeared on an Australian morning talk show to promote ER. During the appearance, Stamos was, well, not himself. He was miffed about a newspaper report the prior day claiming he had appeared on another talk show with bleary eyes, slurring words and an unkempt appearance.


Stamos defended himself, claiming jet lag was to blame, since he had also been in Greece, Egypt and Tokyo.

During the show, he took a joking jab at the host’s wardrobe choice, used a prop for an obscene gesture, and exhibited other odd behavior.


Uncle Jesse would not have approved.

Stamos later apologized for the appearance, once again blaming jet lag. The rest of the Australian publicity tour was cancelled.

I’m not sure what exactly happened down under. For years, Stamos has been a consummate professional and a fun interview. I still enjoy him.

You can watch the video here at You Tube or just hit play on the video below.


Rescue Me shocking death controversy

For weeks I’ve wanted to tell you about last night’s shocking death of Rescue Me’s chief Jerry Reilly. But I didn’t want to spoil you. (You’re welcome.)


Now that you’ve seen the episode, I know you’re as shocked and saddened as I am. Let me put it this way. In the infamous words of Isaiah Washington, “I’m mad as hell.”

Jerry was the heart of the house and a father figure to many of the guys. Why kill him? I suppose suicide makes sense for his character because he felt that without a future in the department, he had nothing. But, this was Jerry, who we’ve loved from the beginning.

I’m mad. I’m sad. And I’m putting Rescue Me on notice! (Yeah, I’m sure their worried.)

Making this story even sadder is actor Jack McGee’s comments to TV Guide about his character’s death. McGee told the publication that he was devastated that his character was killed and blamed it on a unknown rift between him and Denis Leary. McGee said he and Leary were once friends, but that recently Leary did not speak to him off camera. McGee went on to say that he was upset that Leary didn’t tell him about the chief’s death personally.

Leary responded that he doesn’t handle personnel matters. He also went on to say that when someone passes on Rescue Me that they usually come back as a ghost.

Let’s hope that’s the case for the chief. If not, thank you Mr. McGee for giving us one of television’s most real characters. You will be missed.
UPDATE: To see more on this story including an interview with McGee and comments from Rescue Me honcho Peter Tolan, click here.

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Why pull Friday Night Lights from the summer schedule?

NBC has angered a lot of Friday Night Lights fans, if my e-mail box is any indication.

The network began the summer running reruns of the critically acclaimed show on Sundays, in an effort to grab the folks who didn’t watch it in the fall, but then stopped airing it, just as new fans were finding the show.

Soon after Ben Silverman took over the reigns at the network, the show was pulled, supposedly until August. NBC said it wants to promote the show prior to the start of the new season to garner interest, instead of showing all the reruns now.

That seems to make sense, considering the reruns weren’t getting huge ratings. (Around 3 million for the last airing, if I recall correctly.) But, I’m a big believer that quality shows that sometimes get lost in the busy fall schedules can work in the summer, when there is usually nothing on the tube but brainless reality shows.

I’m not sure if NBC did the right thing or doomed the show.

Most of you have interpreted this move to mean that Silverman doesn’t love Friday Night Lights. I wouldn’t go that far. But, I hope that FNL doesn’t get lost, once again, amongst the new crop of fall shows.

Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip coming to DVD

Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip will air its series finale this Thursday at 10 p.m. on NBC, but die-hard fans soon will be able to watch the show whenever they want on DVD.

Season one of the show will be released on October 16, according to TV Shows on DVD. It will retail for $59.98.

The DVD set will include all 22 episodes from the first season, as well as a behind-the-scenes featurette and episode commentaries by creator Aaron Sorkin and director Thomas Schlamme.

Frankly, I think it will be worth the price of the DVD to hear what Sorkin has to say about this show, considering much of it seems to reflect his real-life history. (Studio 60 characters Matt and Danny both have substance-abuse problems, and the character of Harriet Hayes, a devout Christian, is allegedly based on actress Kristin Chenowith, who dated Sorkin for a brief time.)

As for the final airing of the show tomorrow night, I’m sad to see it end. Sorkin’s brand of television has always been a little too smart for the average television viewer. His characters often delve into political and social issues within the context of the show to shine the spotlight on current issues. One of the most memorable episodes of Studio 60 told the story of the displaced musicians from New Orleans trying to find work around the holidays.

I’m hoping the finale ends happily. I want Jordan to make it, Tom’s brother to be rescued and for viewers to finally understand why Matt and Danny were fired and if Jack did keep his word. That’s a lot to tackle in one hour, but I have no doubt that Sorkin is up to the task.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Dean Cain wants to play for the NBA

Former TV Superman and Hollywood hunk Dean Cain wants to be a professional basketball player. To achieve his goal, he’s entered a video of himself showcasing his impressive hoop skills in the Miller Lite Go Pro Challenge.

The contest allows NBA wannabes to strut their skills on the court for three minutes. Then, online viewers can vote for their favorite videos/players once a day until July 9. Fans will decide who gets the final roster spot, and that athlete will get the chance to go pro.

The winner will attend the NBA Development League Pre-Draft Camp beginning July 28.

In the video, Cain rocks his three-point jumper and does a remarkable reverse move.

Before Cain became a TV star, he played professional football for the Buffalo Bills for one season, but was injured and gave up his career in favor of acting.

If you’d like to see the former Superman on the basketball court, go vote for his video. As he’s always been a TV crush of mine, I think you know which video I’ll be voting for!

Isaiah Washington sits down with Larry King

Recently fired Grey’s Anatomy star Isaiah Washington wants his side of the story heard, and he’s going on Larry King Live to do it.

Washington is scheduled to chat with King this Monday at 9 p.m. ET on CNN, according to the CNN Web site.

Last week, it was reported that Washington was considering a lawsuit against ABC. He also told the Houston Chronicle that the wrong guy was fired, suggesting that cast mate T.R. Knight was the one who had caused problems on the set.

Washington was involved in a scuffle last season with cast member Patrick Dempsey and also uttered a gay slur at Knight on set. Washington then used the “F” word again during a press conference at the Golden Globes, when he said that he had not used that word against Knight.

Frankly, I think we’ve heard Washington’s side of this. He went to rehab, did a PSA that appeased some in the gay community, and he believed that all had been forgiven.

I’m waiting for the rest of the Grey’s cast to start talking. I’d like to see what Dempsey and the rest of the cast have to say. Perhaps they’ll call in on Larry King Live? That would be more interesting than any episode of Grey’s Anatomy.

Veronica Mars season 3 DVDs

Yes, Veronica Mars fans, I know your hearts are still breaking over the cancellation of this under-appreciated show. Perhaps this will ease the pain a little.

The season three DVD set is scheduled for release on Oct. 23, according to TV Shows on DVD.

The six-DVD set will have some fun extra features, including commentaries with creator Rob Thomas, a gag reel, and a Making-Of feature for the CW pitch presentation with Veronica in the FBI.

Start saving your cash. The retail price is $59.99.

I was hoping we’d get some cast commentaries on this one with Kristen Bell and Jason Dohring. But, I guess we’ll take what we can get. As Mars fans know, the extras have always been skimpy on the DVD sets. At least we’re getting a gag reel this time.

Monday, June 25, 2007

Rosie won’t replace Bob Barker on The Price is Right

Rosie O’Donnell will not replace Bob Barker as the new host of The Price is Right.


In her video blog over the weekend, Rosie answered fans’ questions about The Price is Right gig.

“It ain’t gonna happen,” she said. “If they were able to do it in New York, it would be a different story.”

O’Donnell said she didn’t want to uproot her family and move cross country. She wanted to tape four shows in one day, limiting her time in California each week, but The Price is Right folks said no, O’Donnell said in the answer section of her blog.

With O’Donnell out, who do you think would be a good host?

Many of you suggested Ryan Seacrest, George Hamilton and John O’Hurley. I think O’Hurley would be a hoot. He’s funny, debonair, and up for anything, as he proved on Dancing With the Stars.

American Idol announces audition cities and dates

American Idol wannabes, you have more than a month to get that singing voice in shape to impress Paula, Randy and Simon.


The schedule for auditions for American Idol’s seventh season was released today.


Here is the list, according to TV Guide:

July 30: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego
August 6: Texas Stadium, Dallas
August 10: Qwest Center, Omaha, Neb.
August 14: Atlanta, Ga. (site TBA)
August 18: North Charleston (S.C.) Coliseum
August 22: American Airlines Arena, Miami, Fla.
August 27: Wachovia Center, Philadelphia

Contestants must be age 16 to 28, as of July 28.

I’d also like to request that contestants actually be able to sing.

Saturday, June 23, 2007

George Clooney defeats John Krasinski in hoops

The Office star John Krasinski has game, but apparently not enough to take down movie star George Clooney.

On the set of the upcoming film, Leatherheads, Clooney and Krasinski took their skills to the basketball court, Clooney told Entertainment Weekly.

Krasinski trash-talked Clooney into a friendly game, with a $1,000 wager as the prize, Clooney said. In the end, Krasinski lost the cash and his pride, Clooney said.

Here’s what Clooney had to say about his basketball rival. (This excerpt is taken from an interview with Clooney and Brad Pitt from Entertainment Weekly.)



Interviewer: Hey, as long as we're on the subject of working with the young folk, what's going on with your football movie, Leatherheads?
CLOONEY: I wrapped Friday.
PITT: You're kidding me.
CLOONEY: No. I've been in North Carolina for the last four and a half months playing football with a bunch of 21-year-olds. I'll never do that again. [Laughs]
PITT: [In a mock mothering tone] It's okay. You don't have to.
Interviewer: That John Krasinski guy doesn't look that tough.
CLOONEY: You know, he's a good kid. I love him, but the fun part is that he talked s---. [To Pitt] I've got this kid John Krasinski in my movie. He's on The Office — really good actor. The first day on the set he's like, ''I play basketball'' and I was like, ''I play a little too.'' And he looks at me and goes, ''I'll kick your ass.'' And I was like, All right, whatever. And he's like, ''Okay, let's make it $1,000 then.'' So for the entire shoot we've been talking about this bet. We haven't played. The whole shoot. And Friday we played.
PITT: Oh, boy.
CLOONEY: And I beat him 11-8! [Laughter] I was wiping my forehead with $100 bills going, ''Whooo, is it hot in here?'' Certain things just bring you joy.
PITT: And one is staving off old age.
CLOONEY: Oh, man, you are right.

Friday, June 22, 2007

Isaiah Washington fires back at Grey’s Anatomy; says wrong guy was fired

Recently fired Grey’s Anatomy star Isaiah Washington is considering a lawsuit against ABC, according to TV Guide.

Washington’s contract wasn’t renewed for next season, after an on-set squabble with cast mate Patrick Dempsey, in which Washington uttered a gay slur toward co-worker T.R. Knight.

In an interview with the Houston Chronicle, Washington suggested that Knight was the one who created a negative workplace environment and used the incident as leverage for a pay raise, TV Guide reported.

“They fired the wrong guy,” Washington told the Houston Chronicle.

“My livelihood, my honor, my dignity and my name have been so challenged," Washington said. "Believing the cast... were like family; believing I had the freedom to express myself with family and that we could resolve our issues; and trusting ABC was going to take care of me."

I have a feeling this story is a long way from over.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

CBS daytime goes online

CBS daytime lovers, your lives just got easier. Beginning today, CBS is offering full episodes of The Young and the Restless, As the World Turns and Guiding Light online for viewers to watch.


The episodes will be available for streaming each day at 6 p.m. ET at CBS.com, immediately following the West Coast’s airing. Episodes will remain at CBS.com for one week.

Kudos to CBS for helping out frustrated fans. It’s a move that could pay off in a ratings boost. Often, fans miss an episode, or several, due to faulty VCR tapes, vacations, or preemptions for local news. Then, it becomes easy to stop watching the show. CBS apparently is trying to make it a little harder to stop watching. Good for them.

Those of you hoping to watch your shows during your lunch hour, I won’t tell your bosses! (That is unless you work for Victor Newman.) Enjoy.

Daytime Emmys disappointing

Commentary with a Co-Ed
by Ashley Gouveia


Friday night was one I had been waiting for all year. The Daytime Emmys is the night when all the daytime divas, male and female, get together and honor the best. This is my favorite awards show, because besides being a huge primetime TV junkie, I am also a daytime addict. I am a girl who grew up watching and hearing about Bo and Hope and Luke and Laura. The Emmys was the show I could always count on to be fun and entertaining.

However, this year I was a little disappointed. The parts of the show that I loved were taken out and replaced. For instance, what happened to the music videos that they use to put together for the nominees for Outstanding Drama? They replaced them with videos of fans talking about why they love the show. It was bad enough that General Hospital wasn’t nominated and now they took my favorite part of the show. I hope they fix that next year.

I think my favorite part of the show was after 31 years Laura Webber Baldwin Spencer, a.k.a. Genie Francis, finally got her Emmy. Yay, Laura!! Come on, the woman started on General Hospital when she was 14, not to mention a daytime icon. It’s about time! Unfortunately, her counterpart Anthony Geary didn’t take home the award for Lead Actor. I demand a recount!

Another loss that I was really surprised about was The View’s. I was so sure that this was going to be the year that the ladies took it home. The addition of Rosie O’Donnell to the panel was the best thing that the show has done. I have never watched more episodes of The View then when Rosie was on. Like Ellen DeGeneres said in her acceptance speech, Rosie added so much to the show. She was hysterical. I laughed out loud every morning watching her.

Hopefully next year the Daytime Emmys will bring back the fun with the music vids and lay off the awkward backstage interviews. The actors always seem uncomfortable answering some not so interesting questions from a nervous interviewer. Poor Lisa Rinna.

My Hits and Misses of the night:

HITS:
-Genie Francis and Anthony Geary present an award together

-Ric Hearst wins for Best Supporting Actor ( I love to hate GH’s Ric Lansing.)

-Bob Barker Palooza! (I’m going to miss Bob, Plinko won’t be the same without him!)

MISSES:
-Julie Berman losing for Best Younger Actress in a Drama Series

-Tyra and Elmo (Did they even rehearse?)

-Kim Zimmer losing for Lead Actress in a Drama Series (Her portrayal with Reva’s breast cancer deserved an Emmy!)

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

The Office cast soon to be immortalized in bobbleheads

NBC announced that it is producing bobblehead collectibles of the entire cast of The Office at the request of fans, according to Variety.


Fans were introduced to the Dwight Schrute bobblehead in the Valentine’s Day episode of season two. NBC tapped in to the popularity of the toy and has been selling them at its online store. It has been a popular seller for the site, according to Variety.

Now, bobblehead Jim, Pam, Michael and the rest of The Office gang will be immortalized in bobbleheads. No date has been announced yet as to when the merchandise will be available.

In addition to the bobbleheads, fans will have a chance to purchase replica Dundie Awards, too. Dundie Awards were given to The Office workers for categories such as whitest sneaker and hottest worker in a hilarious episode.
I’m off to polish my sneakers.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Dwight Schrute isn’t spinning off into his own show

Rainn Wilson isn’t leaving The Office for his own show, despite what you’ve heard.


Wilson’s reps denied the rumor that he was leaving The Office for “The Dwight Show,” according to scoop master Kristin Veitch at E!Online.


So, it appears the assistant to the regional manager isn’t getting promoted any time soon. Someone alert Jim Halpert.

Veronica Mars fans turn efforts to charity

Veronica Mars fans are a motivated bunch. After the initial campaign of flooding the CW with Mars candy bars and marshmallows to try and bring the show back from cancellation, the fans are now turning their attention to a charity campaign for Invisible Children.

An episode of Veronica Mars featured a story about a child soldier in Africa, and fans have jumped on board to raise money for the Invisible Children fund by selling t-shirts.

Five dollars of every t-shirt sold goes to the cause. Check out the t-shirt designs here.

For more information on the Invisible Children fund, visit this Web site.

Meanwhile, here’s some information about the charity from our favorite blonde detective and the boys.

Win free DVDs of The 4400

You know how I love free stuff, especially when it’s related to television. So, I feel compelled to let you know that my blogging pal Joe at I Am A TV Junkie is giving away the season three DVD set of The 4400.

The deadline is June 21, so hurry for your chance to win.

Monday, June 18, 2007

"Heroes” continues online in comic form

Photo credit: NBC

Are you missing Hiro, Peter, and the rest of the Heroes? Don’t fret.

NBC has launched an online continuation of the Heroes series, where it left off, in comic form. (Oops, that’s “graphic novel” to all my comic-loving friends.) See, I learned something from The O.C.’s Seth Cohen other than Chrismakkuh.

The Heroes online graphic novel offers a new chapter each week during the summer. This week, “The History of the Haitian” is featured. Hmm, I always wondered about that Haitian.

For those of you who love comic books, er, graphic novels, you may enjoy this one.

Saturday, June 16, 2007

TV’s Best Dads

Television dads usually fit in two categories: perfect, advice-doling successful professionals or lazy, buffoons at the mercy of their more perfect wives and families. The best ones, however, usually combine elements from both categories.

Let’s face it, no one’s perfect, and television’s best dads often don’t get it right either, (therein lies the humor.) But the beauty is that they keep trying to guide their children with the wisdom of their mistakes and the knowledge that supposedly, father knows best.

In honor of Father’s Day, I turn the spotlight on some of my favorite fathers of the small screen. Any of these worthy men could claim the title of Television’s Best Dad.

Cliff Huxtable, The Cosby Show – Every kid in the ‘80s wanted Dr. Huxtable as a father. He was funny and fun-loving, stern without being preachy, and he wore those multi-colored sweaters that made him the best-dressed dad on the block. Whether he was teaching Theo to win back his girlfriend by singing the blues ("Justine! Justine!"), or conducting a funeral for Rudy’s pet goldfish, Lamont, in order to help her through the grief, Cliff always seemed to know how to fix any situation.

Mike Brady, The Brady Bunch – Mike was the perfect “dreamy” dad for girls who grew up in the ‘70s. He was a handsome architect, who was tough but understanding. Daughter Marcia was so impressed with her stepfather that she nominated him for Father of the Year in a local newspaper contest. He won, of course. (Hey, he should have, considering he was raising six children on one salary and still had time to offer advice on everything from boyfriends to sibling rivalry to education.) No doubt, Mike was a groovy dad, and he had the plaid pants to prove it.

Howard Cunningham, Happy Days – Known simply as Mr. C to the ever-present motley crew of guests at the Cunningham house, Howard was a father figure to not only Joanie and Richie, but Ralph, Potsie and Fonzie, too. Mr. C was a hard-working father of the ‘50s, who ran his hardware store and expected the pot roast to be on the table for dinner when he got home. That didn’t make him any less likeable. Mr. C gave good advice to his children and their friends in such a jovial manner that even tough-guy Fonz looked to him as a solid role model. (For the record, I’m pretty sure Mr. C cautioned him against jumping the shark.)

Homer Simpson, The Simpsons – Clearly, Homer isn’t the smartest dad on television. But, just because he put the “D’oh” in dolt, doesn’t mean he doesn’t make an effort in loving his kids. What other TV father would choose to jump a ravine the size of The Grand Canyon on a skateboard, just to show Bart how potentially dangerous and ridiculous the stunt was? Sure, Homer forgets to pick his kids up from after-school activities sometimes, but at the end of the day, the Simpson kids know they’re loved. The simple fact that Homer’s kids never seem to age automatically qualifies him as one of TV’s best dads. You try putting up with smart aleck adolescent Bart Simpson for 15 years.

Tim Taylor, Home Improvement – Tim “The Toolman” Taylor was a klutzy guy with a fetish for cars, power tools and needling his flannel-wearing assistant Al. Tim parented with humor, and it seemed to work. His three boys saw him as a friend and a father. Perhaps Tim’s best parenting quality is that he bucked the trend of former TV dads who always seemed to have all the answers. When Tim was stumped as to what to do in a situation, which was often, he sought help at his backyard fence. (“Hi-de-ho, neighbor” Dr. Wilson!) Tim showed fathers everywhere that it’s OK not to always know the right thing to do. Simply trying to figure things out was enough.

Jason Seaver, Growing Pains – The original Mr. Mom, Dr. Jason Seaver worked at home, so his wife could be a journalist. Jason had a tough job trying to juggle his psychiatry patients, while dealing with slacker son Mike (think Bart Simpson in human form) and the rest of his brood. Whether helping daughter Carol confront her weight issues, bailing Mike out of his latest scrape or parenting Ben and Chrissy, Jason never faltered as a father. Hmmm, on second thought, perhaps he was self-medicating.

Danny Tanner, Full House – This single dad had a “full house” of young girls to raise, after his wife was killed in a car accident. Danny was overwhelmed at the onset and was smart enough to get help, in the form of extended family Uncle Jesse and his best friend Joey. What evolved was a house full of love that fostered fun times, despite the tragic loss of a parent. Danny gave single fathers everywhere a good name.

Keith Mars, Veronica Mars – Every girl dreams of having a dad so cool he can banter by day and solve mysteries by night. Keith Mars was a detective and a sheriff, but I’m sure he’d want to be remembered for his most important role: father. Single-handedly guiding precocious daughter Veronica through her traumatic teen years was no easy feat. But, Keith gave Veronica respect, an ear to listen, a shoulder when she needed it, courage to make the right decisions, and forgiveness when she didn’t. The fact that he compromised his own morals and hid evidence to save her from being implicated in a crime earns Keith a spot on the best dad’s list. Plus, no one does sarcasm like Keith Mars.

Sandy Cohen, The O.C. His eyebrows were legendary and often a point of ridicule for his sons, but Sandy Cohen didn’t mind. His humor was one of his best parenting tools. Sandy set a fine example as a father. Despite his wealth, he wasn’t satisfied simply with writing a check to charity; He brought charity home, opening his house and his heart to abused teen Ryan. Sandy became the father Ryan always wanted. (And who could blame him?) Sandy ran a tight ship, but not one that made his boys afraid to call him no matter the situation. Whether he was surfing with the boys or schmearing a bagel while dispensing fatherly wisdom, Sandy ranks as one of the coolest dads ever on the tube.

Mitch Leery, Dawson’s Creek – In the ‘90s, Mitch Leery gave fathers everywhere a wake-up call. Not only did he have frank discussions about sex and relationships with his son, he taught Dawson to follow his dreams. The fact that Dawson could talk to his dad no matter the subject was refreshing. Mitch once gave Dawson a blow-by-blow tutorial on kissing to prepare the teen for his first smooch. (Mitch recommended Chapstick.) Dawson wasn’t the only person crying the night Mitch was killed in an auto accident. It was a blow for fathers everywhere.



For Tube Talk Girl's list of TV's Best Mom's click here.

Will Rosie replace Bob Barker on The Price is Right?

No, you didn’t misread the headline. At last night’s Daytime Emmy Awards, Bob Barker discussed the possibility that Rosie O’Donnell would be the next host of The Price is Right.

Barker said that he thought that O’Donnell and The Price is Right honchos are planning a meeting to discuss the idea.

O’Donnell is an avid fan of The Price is Right and even has her own full-sized Plinko board at home. She’s also no stranger to games and giveaways, both trademarks of her former talk show. O’Donnell loves giving audiences prizes so much that it became a daily practice during her stint on The View.

On Thursday, O’Donnell took out a full-page ad in Variety honoring Barker and inviting him to her Miami home to play Plinko.

As for Barker’s thoughts on Rosie replacing him, here’s what he had to say in the Emmy press room:

“So far as doing it, there's no doubt in my mind that she could do the show," he said. "Now, whether they want a lady host, I don't know. I've never heard that. As far as I know, they've only auditioned men. Although I do believe they're going to have a meeting with Rosie.”

So, what do you think? Is The Price is Right ready for a female host? Would that mean that the “models” would suddenly look like Josh Duhamel instead of Paris Hilton?

I think hosting a game show would be a nice change for O’Donnell. She alienated a lot of former fans this year, when she began espousing her political views on The View. On a game show, O’Donnell could once again tap into her fun side, without lecturing the nation about the horrors of war.


Frankly, I’ve missed “fun” Rosie. She always seems genuinely gleeful when playing games to help people win prizes, and her enthusiasm is contagious. So, perhaps Barker’s former show would be a perfect fit for her. That is, of course, if the price is right!

Friday, June 15, 2007

Scrubs’ Laverne returning as her twin

Photo credit: NBC

Remember sassy Laverne who kept the Scrubs gang in line for years and died tragically? Well, despite the fact that she took the dirt nap last season, her portrayer Aloma Wright is returning next year to play her “evil” twin.

I say “evil,” because according to Variety, “Shirley” is the antithesis of Laverne, when it comes to religious faith. Shirley is more in line with Dr. Cox’s distaste for religion, i.e. if there is a God, he has one warped sense of humor.

Shirley is a single, alcoholic woman who shuns religion, according to the trade. Hmmm…does anyone else think she and Dr. Cox are going to be Best Friends Forever?

The twin plot device is a move right out of the daytime drama playbook, but I don’t care. As long as it gets Wright back on our screens, I’m in.

Scrubs fans were stunned and in need of therapy last season when the curmudgeonly Laverne died as a result of a car accident. (OK, so maybe it was just me in need of therapy, but fans were still outraged.)

Show creator Bill Lawrence had thought Scrubs would end last year and had decided to “shake things up” by killing a cast regular. As it turns out, Scrubs was resuscitated for one more season. Lawrence then did right by Wright and asked her to come back as Laverne’s twin.

I know what Laverne would say: "Thank God!" And she's not alone.

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Former 90210 star Jennie Garth to do Dancing with the Stars

Former Beverly Hills 90210 star Jennie Garth (Kelly) has signed on for next season’s Dancing with the Stars, at the suggestion of her former cast mate and this year’s Dancing contestant Ian Ziering, according to InTouch magazine.

That Steve Sanders always did have a way with persuasion.

Garth and her other former cast mates, including Tori Spelling and Jason Priestley, were in the audience this year to cheer on Ziering. Perhaps she got the itch to do a little dancing herself.

Ziering made it to the semi-finals, but ultimately lost the prize to Olympian Apolo Anton Ohno.

Rumors persist that Spelling is also joining the show, but nothing has been confirmed.

Boston Legal cuts cast

The law firm of Crane, Poole and Schmidt is going to be a little less crowded next season on Boston Legal.

Four actors have been let go from the show, according to TV Guide. Mark Valley, Julie Bowen, Rene Auberjonois, and Constance Zimmer will not return. Excuse me while I take a moment to say, “This is bull, Schmidt!”

Paul has been the calm in the crazy storm of Crane, Poole and Schmidt. Brad and Denise were fun to watch. And Claire gave some new life to the show. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised though. Valley’s Brad has had little to do in all his years of service at the firm. I never truly understood why he couldn’t score a leading story. And Denise became a former shell of herself this past year.

So, if Brad, Denise, Paul and Claire are out, who’s in? Night Court’s John Larroquette and Dirt’s Tara Summers, says TV Guide’s Michael Ausiello.

I’m not sure why these cast shake-ups consistently happen on David E. Kelley shows. I remember The Practice dropping most of its main actors to be replaced with people we didn’t know, or care to. I just hoped it wouldn’t happen again.

Meanwhile, Jerry i.e. “Hands” has been upgraded to a series regular. (Cue Jerry and his hop/squeal mannerism.)

One Tree Hill season finale wraps up storylines

Commentary with a Co-Ed
by Ashley Gouveia

The season four finale of One Tree Hill was the end of an era. When this show returns mid-season, it will have jumped four years into the future.

Thankfully, the people behind the show realized that the college years of TV dramas are not that successful: Dawson’s Creek, Buffy, Saved by the Bell. (Hey, it was good in high school. I still love Zack Morris!) Those shows all lacked their original likeability during the college years. One Tree Hill ended its high school years on a happy note and got me a little teary in the process.

When the show began, it picked up where it left off last week: Karen flat lining and Haley going into labor. One thing that this show is known for is its awesome music. The first five-minute montage was accompanied by the great song ‘Lightning Crashes’ by Live. While it was playing, we saw the birth of Nathan and Haley’s son, James Lucas Scott. We also got a reunion between Karen and Keith in the great beyond. How much do I miss Uncle Keith? The show just isn’t the same without him.

At the end of act one, Dan turned himself in, and Karen recuperated. The whole episode was less about the drama and more about saying goodbye. It really felt like a series finale to me. The gang was moving on, and last night was their last all together. Dan tried to take the easy way out and attempted to hang himself in his cell. The bed sheet ripped, and Papa Scott realized he’s going to have to live with his guilt.

There were no pregnancy cliffhangers or limos falling off bridges, but it was still a good finale. I’m anxious to see where everyone is in four years. Will Peyton and Lucas still be together? How is parenthood going to affect Nathan and Haley? Is Brooke going to be with Chase (please, no?) I guess we just have to wait and see.

Here are my favorite moments of the night:

-Karen and Keith reunion

-The Tree Hill girls dancing to The Spice Girls. (So old school and so funny!)

-Karen’s speech to Dan in prison. (Great scene!)

-Lucas/Brooke book scene: “Brooke Davis is going to change the world someday.” (Aww!)

-Mouth/Brooke kiss. (Yay, that’s been four years in the making!)

“Love triangles are so high school.”-Brooke

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Lil’ Bush animated series premieres tonight

Photo credit: Comedy Central


Before George W. Bush was president, he was a third grader, and it's that premise that Comedy Central is basing its newest show.

The network’s newest animated comedy, Lil’ Bush, debuts tonight at 10:30 p.m. ET.

Along with Lil’ Bush, his pals Lil’ Condi, Lil’ Rummy (voiced by Iggy Pop), Lil’ Cheney, and Lil’ Jeb act as a bunch of “precocious prepubescents, terrorizing the White House and solving the world's problems before bedtime.”

Lil’ Bush takes on schoolyard rivals Lil’ Kim Jong II and becomes a cheerleader with Tony Blair.

If political humor is your laugh medicine, then Lil’ Bush may be for you.

Check out this clip for a preview.

Watch the Aquaman pilot for free

Remember that hot guy from Smallville known as the Green Arrow?

Well, before actor Justin Hartley put on those green tights and picked up his bow and arrow, he was Aquaman.

Hartley shot the Aquaman pilot for the WB/CW, but the network didn’t pick it up. I’m not sure why, because I loved it. Oh, wait, that’s probably it. If I like a show, it’s usually the kiss of death.

The pilot episode has been at iTunes since last summer, where it became an instant hit and was the most downloaded video for one week, according to Entertainment Weekly. Now, a year later, Aquaman still won’t sink to its watery grave, as thousands are still watching, now for free.

You can now check out the pilot for free at In2TV and make your own judgment.

If networks are passing over shows this good, the system is flawed. Yeah, I know. That’s not news. But, honestly, as a TV fan it’s interesting to me to see the kinds of shows that don’t get invited to the party.

I’m surprised some savvy movie producer hasn’t realized the potential and turned Aquaman into a full-fledged feature film. Hint. Hint.

If you watch the pilot episode, Smallville fans will hear a familiar voice that isn’t Hartley’s. Actress Annette O’Toole who plays Martha Kent on Smallville is doing the voice of Aquaman’s mom.

Enjoy the show. It’s worth a peek.

Jericho returns to CBS

I just received a press release from CBS that’s going to make Jericho fans do the happy dance.


Jericho is returning to CBS July 6 at 9 p.m. ET. with a rebroadcast of the pilot episode. Then, each Friday at 9 p.m. ET for the remainder of the summer, the network will rebroadcast episodes from the first season.

CBS brought back the show, after its initial cancellation as a result of an impassioned fan campaign that sent tons of nuts to the network.

For those of you not familiar with the show, Jericho is a drama about how residents of a small, peaceful, Kansas town band together in the wake of a nuclear explosion.

On July 13, a special “Return to Jericho” at 8 p.m. ET will recap the first 11 episodes. Then at 9 p.m. ET, episode 12, which launched Jericho’s spring return, will air.

The remaining summer broadcasts will consist of episodes 13–22, in which tensions continue to escalate between Jericho and the neighboring town of New Bern as they battle the Kansas winter, dwindling resource, and the uncertainty of a new world. The citizens of Jericho must then find a way to unite against these hardships, working together to preserve their community and their way of life as they prepare for an all out battle for survival in the season finale.

Hmm…sounds just like the plight of the Jericho fans trying to save their show. Well, done, folks. Well done!

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Rescue Me returns Wednesday with new season

It feels like months since we last saw dysfunctional firefighter Tommy Gavin passed out on the sofa in a house burning down around him. Oh yeah, it has been months!

The much-anticipated hit summer drama Rescue Me returns tomorrow at 10 p.m. on FX.

I, for one, am glad the wait is over. I’m so weary of the reality-judging shows that clog the summer TV schedule that I could set fire to my television. (It’s OK. My TV, Beulah, is 12-years-old and the color fades in and out, so it wouldn’t be a great loss. Don’t worry. No TVs were actually harmed during this rant.)


As for the new season of Rescue Me, I’ve already given you my glowing review. To say that the show is hotter than ever, would be an understatement. I can honestly tell you that the ending of each episode is such a cliffhanger, that you’ll be wishing you could fast-forward through time.

Those of you tired of all the mindless reality crap inundating the summer schedule, please watch Rescue Me. It’s not just dudes in fire suits. It’s without a doubt the best show of the summer.

Smallville casting scoop

Spoiler hounds, this just in.

Spoiler phobes, avert your eyes! Avert your eyes!

Apparently, Clark Kent has a cousin, and she’s coming to Smallville this season, according to scoop diva Kristin Veitch at E!Online.

Comic book fans are no strangers to Supergirl, but fans that only know Clark Kent through television and movies, may be in for a shock. Supergirl, aka Kara, has all of Clark’s abilities, and one that he doesn’t yet. Yep, she’s faster than the red eye when it comes to flying.

The real kicker here is that Kara is slated to be a love interest for — wait for it — Jimmy Olsen. So, what does that mean for Jimmy's current squeeze, my beloved Chloe?

Were Chloe’s green tears fatal in the finale? Nah, I don’t believe it for a minute. A more likely scenario is that Chloe and Jimmy break up, or that Kara becomes the third leg of a brewing love triangle.

Of course, the Smallville writers could come to their senses and have Clark and Chloe try dating again. We all know that Chloe has been his “super” girl all along.

Monday, June 11, 2007

Days of Our Lives now available at iTunes

Remember the days when you cursed your VCR tape/TiVo for screwing up and you missed an episode of Days of Our Lives? Those days are over.

Sony Pictures Television announced Monday that episodes of Days of Our Lives are now available for purchase and download at iTunes.

Stefano DiMera is behind this. I just know it. (Hey, if he can rise from the dead more than once and build a complete replica of Salem on a deserted island, he can certainly upload the adventures of the Salem residents to iTunes.)

Beginning June 11, each day’s episode of the daytime drama will be available for purchase the day following the broadcast.


To watch John, Marlena, Bo, Hope and the rest of the Salem gang, it will cost you $1.99 an episode, or return watchers can purchase a multi-pass for 20 episodes for $9.99.

Someone had better check Stefano’s bank account. I fear that Sony won’t be getting a dime of this cash, if he’s behind this.

Friday, June 08, 2007

Jericho fans inspire Veronica Mars fans to send chocolate to the CW

CW network executives, I hope you like chocolate.

Plenty of it is coming your way soon, as part of a fan campaign to save Veronica Mars.


Taking a page from the Jericho fans' strategy book, Mars fans are resorting to food as the latest treat to sway the minds of CW network honchos. (Last year, they launched a skywriting plane to fly over the network offices in California.) The food idea worked for Jericho fans recently, so the Mars mission is to achieve the same goal.

The fans of Jericho went “nuts,” literally, after CBS cancelled the show and bombarded the network with tens of thousands of pounds of nuts. The stunt worked, and CBS announced earlier this week that the show would return for at least seven more episodes, possibly more.

Now, fans of Veronica Mars are hoping their food campaign will do the same. Fans of the show are sending chocolate Mars bars to the CW, to try and convince the network to give the show another chance. The campaign motto is: "Veronica Mars: More Addictive Than Chocolate! Satisfy our craving for Season 3!"

I pray this campaign works. Now, I’m off to buy my Mars bar. Please do the same, won’t you?

You can buy online, if they don’t sell Mars bars where you live anymore. (The U.S. version of the Mars bar is now called Snickers Almond.)

For more information on the campaign, how to get free shipping, and where to mail your chocolate, please visit this site: http://www.saveveronicamars.tv/


The Office drinking video

If Michael Scott were your boss, you’d probably need to drink, too.

That’s why this video at You Tube made me chuckle in delight that someone took the time to edit together some of the best the drinking scenes from The Office, set to the perfect song: Brad Paisley’s Alcohol. (Paisley is a fellow native West Virginian, and I’ve always loved this humorous ditty. Now, with Jim Halpert starring in this video, I love it all the more!)

I’m waiting for the Grey’s Anatomy drinking video next. Those interns certainly like the liquor. And we can’t forget the Walker gang on Brothers and Sisters. Those siblings never met a cocktail they didn’t like. Meanwhile, enjoy The Office workers partaking in one of their favorite hobbies.

(Thanks to Kim for sending this my way!)

CBS revives Jericho, asks fans to stop sending nuts

Jericho fans, you win!

After sending tens-of-thousands-of-pounds of nuts (as a nod to the “nuts” line on the show) to CBS executives in protest of Jericho’s cancellation, CBS has agreed to bring the show back for at least seven more episodes, possibly more.

I’m so thrilled for the fans of this show. Fan campaigns like this rarely work. (R.I.P. Invasion, Everwood and Veronica Mars.) But, you guys did it. You made a difference!

Here is the official word from CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler to fans:


Wow!

Over the past few weeks you have put forth an impressive and probably unprecedented display of passion in support of a prime time television series. You got our attention; your emails and collective voice have been heard.

As a result, CBS has ordered seven episodes of “Jericho” for mid-season next year. In success, there is the potential for more. But, for there to be more “Jericho,” we will need more viewers.
A loyal and passionate community has clearly formed around the show. But that community needs to grow. It needs to grow on the CBS Television Network, as well as on the many digital platforms where we make the show available.

We will count on you to rally around the show, to recruit new viewers with the same grass-roots energy, intensity and volume you have displayed in recent weeks.

At this time, I cannot tell you the specific date or time period that “Jericho” will return to our schedule. However, in the interim, we are working on several initiatives to help introduce the show to new audiences. This includes re-broadcasting “Jericho” on CBS this summer, streaming episodes and clips from these episodes across the CBS Audience Network (online), releasing the first season DVD on September 25 and continuing the story of Jericho in the digital world until the new episodes return. We will let you know specifics when we have them so you can pass them on.

On behalf of everyone at CBS, thank you for expressing your support of “Jericho” in such an extraordinary manner. Your protest was creative, sustained and very thoughtful and respectful in tone. You made a difference.

Sincerely,
Nina Tassler
President, CBS Entertainment

P.S. Please stop sending us nuts

Isaiah Washington fired from Grey’s Anatomy, is it wrong?

Isaiah Washington won’t be back next season on Grey’s Anatomy, according to TV Guide.

The actor’s contract was not picked up, according to an ABC spokesperson.

I admit, I’m a shocked at this development. Bad behavior on the set of a TV show rarely results in an actor’s dismissal, especially when the actor is such a pivotal part of the drama.

Washington was involved in a behind-the-scenes squabble with Patrick Dempsey and apparently called cast mate T.R. Knight a “faggot” earlier this year. Then, at a press conference with the cast at the Golden Globes, Washington denied that he used the F word as a gay slur toward Knight. Washington then quickly went to “rehab” to work on his issues.

I’m always sad when an original cast member leaves a show that clicks so well. Sometimes, it can change the entire dynamic.

However, I’m not sure if Dr. Burke’s exit will make such an impact, though, as I’ve had plenty of mail from readers who, frankly, found it hard to buy his onscreen friendship with Knight’s character and the rest of the cast, after reading about all the behind-the-scenes tension.

Certainly, ABC has the right to fire/hire whomever they choose, especially if the actor is not representing the image they want. Don Imus learned that lesson first, when he was recently fired from CBS for an on-air racial slur.

So, what do you think? Will the absence of Preston Burke make you tune out of Grey’s Anatomy? Do you think ABC did the right thing? Will you miss Dr. Burke and his colorful scrub caps?

I’m sure "George O’Malley" won’t.

Thursday, June 07, 2007

One Tree Hill graduation

Commentary with a Co-Ed
by Ashley Gouveia

An episode right before a season finale is supposed to get viewers excited for the next week. For the first half hour of One Tree Hill last night, I wasn’t feeling the excitement I should have been. That was until everything shifted into high gear.

The first half hour with the Chase/Brooke storyline bored me. I’m not really a big fan of that pairing. The character of Brooke has been isolated from the rest of the pack this season. I hate that because I love her interaction with Haley, Lucas, Peyton and Mouth. Hopefully, we will see more of them all together in the finale.

The ‘Dan killed Keith’ story is finally coming to a head. Deb and Nathan both found out, and, shockingly, there was no bloodshed. I was expecting Deb to finish Dan off, but maybe they’re saving that for the finale. The scene with Nathan confronting his father was probably the best one of the night. Poor Nate, he still thought Papa Scott had some decency left in him. Nope, the man is evil. There’s no redeeming him. Will Dan make it to the police station to turn himself in? My guess is probably not.

Karen had her baby girl, which left her life hanging in the balance. She was in a coma as the kids took their walk, or in Bevin’s case, fall, across the stage at their graduation. Was I the only one who saw Haley going into labor right in the middle of her valedictorian speech? That was a great moment though. Nathan and Haley looking at each other was a great way to end the episode.

The last half hour left me anticipating the finale next week. I have really high hopes for it. Last season’s finale was my favorite, and I’m hoping this one can top it. In a One Tree Hill finale we can definitely expect lots of drama, great music and a bunch of cliffhangers. ‘Till next week.

My favorite moments of the night:

“Ow! What are you on drugs again!” -Lucas (So funny!)

“The day Keith died, you died.” -Nathan (Loved this scene. My favorite of the episode.)

Lucas and Haley flashback (Season one, the good ol’ days. I love when TV shows do this!)

“I’m sorry I have more. I just think I’m having my baby”-Haley (Now that’s a story to tell the kids one day!)

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Scott Foley getting married in Hawaii

Scott Foley, of renowned Felicity fame and also on The Unit, was scheduled to get married Tuesday in Hawaii to actress Marika Dominczyk, of Brothers and Sisters.

The couple has been in Hawaii for the past several days planning the nuptials with family and friends, according to E!Online.

Foley, 34, and Dominczyk, 26, have been dating for several years. The couple became engaged in November, when Foley popped the question, reportedly with a four-carat diamond sparkler.

This is the first marriage for Dominczyk and the second for Foley, who was previously wed to Jennifer Garner, who he met on the set of Felicity.

Although Felicity has been off the air for several years, I’m still crushing on Foley’s Noel Crane.

In honor of my inextinguishable crush, I offer this greeting: Best wishes, Scott, to you and your lovely bride!

Eat your heart out Felicity!

Copyright 2007 Tube Talk