Let’s just pretend there hasn’t been a cessation in posting around here, okay? Let’s pretend that the post below this one was written yesterday! And the one before that? DAY BEFORE! Let’s just all keep in mind that I’ve now been officially blogging for six years. SIX YEARS. As you can see by a glimpse of my dashboard above, I’ve written a lot of entries in those six years. (And I’ve captured a lot of spam, evidently.) So…enough entries that we can forget about the past few days…right? Good. Let’s move on to what’s important. NEW TELEVISION I’M WATCHING!

These are shows I’ve picked up this new year. Either because they’ve just started or because I’m just now getting on the bandwagon. Either way – new shows! And my long-awaited verdict of those new shows. It’s your lucky day.

Life Unexpected I started watching this show when Maureen Ryan compared it to Gilmore Girls. Three episodes in and I really like it. In the same way I liked Gilmore Girls. There’s wit, humor, but also emotion and angst. I struggled a little with how fashionable Lux is (REALLY? She’s from a foster home? Her and her best friend (another foster kid) look like they belong on the cover of Seventeen!) but I struggle with that on a lot of TV shows…it’s one of my things that I like to bitch about. Ask my family. But, aside from her appearance not fitting her backstory, I really like this show. If you’re look for a good family drama? Check it out.

Caprica I have a hard time with movies and TV shows with dark settings. I mean literally dark…lots of grays and little sunshine. That was my number one complaint about Battlestar Galactica…while I loved the stories and characters…the setting depressed me. Caprica offers a much different setting and as a prequel to the BSG series, I gave it a try for the excellent storytelling. So far? I’m very intrigued. It feels like it’s got great potential and I really like most of the characters currently. Especially Lacy who I fell in love with on Kyle XY. I’m not 100% convinced I’ll stick with it, but for now? Since I’m not watching American Idol or the Olympics? It’s a nice show to watch when my other shows aren’t new this week.

United States of Tara I know this show is not new, but MrZ started watching it over the holidays and he finally got me hooked. I had NO desire to watch it as I really didn’t like Weeds and I feared it would be another Screwed Up Family on cable television that I would have an impossible time relating to. While I enjoy a lot of the other characters on Weeds, my hatred of Nancy Botwin kept me from enjoying the show and I finally gave up on it. So…I was hesitant to join Tara and her family. BUT IT’S SO DIFFERENT. Firstly? John Corbett. Who I will forever love as the DJ in Northern Exposure, no matter how many other projects he participates in. He may be creeping into the Best Husbands On TV Club (along with Coach Taylor and Joe Dubois) as he supports Tara in her life with dissociative identity disorder but without meds. I love the entire family. Not to mention the excellent treatment of a storyline involving her gay son and his high school crush. I just love the entire first season and would love to know when the second starts.

Deep End I started watching this strictly for Tina Majorino and I haven’t been disappointed. It’s a cute show. Not at the top of my list, by any means, but a good filler on my schedule when my other shows are on WINTER BREAKS. (What is up with that?) I’m not sure if I’m attached enough to be heartbroken if it doesn’t get renewed, but I do enjoy it currently. It hasn’t gotten me invested yet in any of the characters…it’s just a cute drama to watch when I’m bored or can’t sleep (which has been a lot lately). I could see it becoming more, but for now? Eh. I like it but I’m not telling everyone else to start watching it. So…verdict still out.

What about you? Any new shows you’re watching I should know about?

I wrote earlier this season about shows I was trying out. I thought I’d revisit the topic and let you know what I was watching now, shows I’m not watching, and what I’m looking forward to in the second half of the TV Season. (Also, if you’re struggling to keep up with what’s coming back or what is new? Here are two resources: TV Addict’s January Calendar and my favorite critic’s Winter TV Preview.) There are a lot of shows listed below. But I still feel like I’m missing stuff, so I may add more if you bring up stuff in the comments I forgot about.

New Shows I Haven’t Given Up On Yet

• The Good Wife I really enjoy the individual stories every week as well as the greater Wife Of Cheating Politician arc.
• Modern Family I hope this shows stays on forever.
• Cougar Town This show is probably more female humor, but it cracks me up EVERY WEEK.
• Glee Of course.
• Flash Forward Although I fear for the longevity of this show. It’s high cost but the ratings aren’t great.
• V I think I missed the mid-season finale though…so maybe I’m not as hooked as I thought.
• NCIS: Los Angeles Love this for the same reason I love the original: It doesn’t take itself too seriously.
• Community I’m not 100% hooked on this show yet, but I feel loyal to Joel McHale so I’m sticking with it.

New Shows That Haven’t Started That I’m Going To Check Out

• Human Target: I kinda like cheesy action TV
• The Deep End: Mac from Veronica Mars and Fiero from Wicked? Of course I’ll be there.

Shows I Once Enjoyed But Have Stopped Watching

• CSI Unlike NCIS, this show takes itself too seriously and I finally got annoyed.
• Desperate Housewives Eh.
• Ugly Betty Eh. Eh.
• Heroes This one pissed me off the same way Lost did, but never redeemed itself as Lost now has.
• Vampire Diaries I only stopped watching this because I’ve decided I want to read the books.

Shows I Just Can’t Get Into No Matter How Much I Tried Because You and/or The Critics Told Me To

• Mad Men
• The Office
• 30 Rock
• Parks and Recreation
• White Collar

Shows I’m Still Watching Past Their First Season Because I Love Them So

• Castle I can not get over how much I love this show.
• House Although it is losing it’s appeal for me a bit…I do still love it.
• Bones Another show I hope stays on FOREVER.
• NCIS One of my favorite ensemble casts on television.
• The Closer It took me awhile to accept Brenda’s accent, but I love her character too much now to notice.
• Psych Man…it is unhealthy how much this show typically cracks me up.
• Mentalist This show might be losing the appeal too, not sure if I’ll still watch it next season or not.
• Lost Redeemed itself completely last season and can not WAIT for the final season to start next month.
• 24 I give this show a try every year but I haven’t made it through a full season since season 3 I think.
• Friday Night Lights The only reason I wish I had DirectTV
• Burn Notice Another show that is good because it doesn’t take itself too seriously. And has a female lead I adore.
• Ghost Whisperer I have no idea why I still watch this show but I CANT MAKE MYSELF STOP. Even after her husband came back in another man’s body and they NEVER seem to address that.
• Medium I love that nothing has changed about this show even after it switched channels.
• Numb3rs This show is about to end which will make me sad because I’ve been loyal to it’s incredibly cheesy and unbelievable foundation since it started.
• How I Met Your Mother Looking forward to the 100th musical episode!
• Fringe Another show I love but I fear may cost too much to make to keep going with low ratings.
• Chuck Can’t wait to see how this season is different with Chuck’s new arsenal of knowledge.
• Criminal Minds Another show I may not watch next season because it’s losing it’s edge to me.
• Leverage LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this show. LOVE!
• Supernatural This season has been outstanding and can’t wait to see how it all works out.
• Dollhouse I stopped watching this weekly since it got it’s death sentence because I’d rather watch it on DVD without breaks since I know there won’t be a third season (sob).
• Greek Not sure what’s going to happen to this show once most of the main characters graduate in May, but I’ll enjoy seeing how the end of the year plays out.

So…what about you? What are YOU watching/loving/hating?

So, I’ve been watching a lot of TV the last few weeks while new shows premier and I thought I should write an entry about my first impressions so far of this TV season. Because, you know, TV has been my best friend these last few weeks as I’m stuck in bed unable to eat or move without screaming in agony.

Who am I trying to kid? I’d be watching the same amount of TV even if my gums weren’t swollen and full of painful wisdom teeth. I’d just not be able to ask my family to bring me the occasional pudding. Or pain pill. Or beer. Sometimes all of the above.

Here are some of the NEW shows I’ve tried and my thoughts about them so far. I’ll revisit this entry at a later date and let you know if I’m still watching any of these:

Melrose Place
Okay. I will admit I started watching this solely for Max from Greek. I have a giant crush on that character and lucky for me? He’s almost the exact same character on this show. Unfortunately? The show is not really my cup of tea. I’ll record it every week in case I get desperate, but if anything better fills that slot on one of my four tuners? It will be replaced. I will say this though…Ashley Simpson? Is an AWFUL actress. Whereas Katie Cassidy (formerly of Harper’s Island) is FANTASTIC. She’s the only reason I don’t just trash it all together…I love her character and especially her unrequited crush on Not-Max. I think she’s a great actress and when/if this show fails, I hope she finds a new home on my television. I’ve liked her in everything she’s done so far. Especially her stint as Ruby on Supernatural. Love her.

Glee
If you follow me on Twitter you know I love this show. Every week it just makes me happy. It is why I watch TV. This week I was in huge pain Wednesday night. Sobbing my eyes out and my face covered in icepacks. But Glee? Made me laugh. I’ll definitely agree it’s not for everyone…especially if you have a low tolerance for random musical numbers in your entertainment. But I love Mr. Shuster with all of my heart and last week’s episode where Kurt came out to his Dad? Fantastic. MrZ and I laughed our asses off at the football play “Ring on It” – just good, cheery TV. And Jane Lynch as the militant cheerleading coach? Priceless.

Vampire Diaries
Of course I’m watching it. How could I not at least try it? And I kinda like it. I wish that Ian Somerhalder’s character was the nice guy because he’s too pretty to hate…but it’s just an entertaining show. Another one that will get booted if too many conflicts arise, but for now? It’s entertaining enough. My only hope is that eventually let Elena in on the Vampire world. The constant “Oh no! Will she find out the truth?” drama will get annoying really quickly. Have you read the books? Did any of the humans know about the vampires in the books?

The Beautiful Life
Yes…I tried it. It had Corbin Bleu, I was too curious to see the Disney Vet on a “grown-up” show to pass it up. Yes…I hated it and the CW made a good move in canceling it already. So. Terribly. Bad.

Community
I love it. Of course…Joel McHale is one of the many celebrities I’m blindly loyal to. I will watch and try my best to ADORE anything and everything he does. (See also: Ellen DeGeneres, Angelina Jolie and Selena Gomez.) Danny Pudi as Abed is actually my favorite character on the show, most consistently making my laugh out loud in both of the episodes I’ve seen. Seeing him ask Jeff for his shirt this week? Perfect. The show makes me laugh out loud and the only other sitcom that’s done that since Friends is How I Met Your Mother, so I’m pleased to add it to my lineup.

NCIS: Los Angeles
I like it just fine. I prefer the NCIS franchise to the CSI franchise because I feel like it doesn’t try so hard to be realistic. I feel like NCIS knows it’s not at all equal to reality and therefore plays around with the humor a bit. The Los Angeles version seems a bit more serious than the original, but it’s still lighthearted enough that I can let myself like the characters and get into the mystery without shaking my head at the ridiculousness of it like I do with CSI. Plus, I love LL Cool J in it. He’s great. And also hot. I’ve heard my critics say that if you like the original, you’ll like the Los Angeles version…and I agree.

The Good Wife
I actually don’t like Julianna Margulies that much. I liked her okay as nurse Hathoway on ER but she always rubs me wrong in interviews. However, I thought the premise of the show was unique and I wanted to give it a try. After the pilot I can definitely say I’m pleased. Her character is one I feel like I can really get behind and I enjoy watching her simply juggle her family life and her career…I feel like that alone is enough to make it a good show and I think the writers know that too. The political drama and marital strife are almost ancillary so far, at least in the pilot. I think as long as they don’t weigh the balance too heavy on that part of the story? I’ll stick with it.

Modern Family
LOVED THIS SHOW. I totally cracked my ass UP at it and hated it when I realized it was only half an hour. I’m thrilled to add this to Community to my sitcom list. I miss watching sitcoms and am happy to add more to my DVR. I didn’t realize the premise that the three families were actually all related until the very end of the pilot but that makes it even better. So cute and so far seems to handle the whole Gay Couple Adopting thing very well. I love the personalities of the two men especially with Cameron being the obvious more flamboyant of the two but Mitchell being the one with The Speech that Cameron was almost rolling his eyes at. Cracked me up!!! And the angels/fairies on the wall above the crib? Priceless. And then Phil as the “Cool” (but totally NOT) Dad? Perfect casting choice. He played that well. I really hope that show does well.

Cougar Town
I watched this only because it was on after Modern Family, but I actually laughed a bit at it. The verdict is still out whether or not I’ll keep watching it…again, it depends on how full my schedule gets, but it’s a cute show. We’ll see in the middle of the season if it is still on my lineup.

Flash Forward
I really got into this pilot. I’m hoping it isn’t like many of these other serial dramas that get you hooked and then you never actually get to solve the mystery because it gets canceled. I’m hoping since they flashed to a point later in the season that we can at least have that mystery solved. It’s an interesting concept and I’m definitely hooked on it after the pilot. My only complaint is that Joseph Fiennes seems a little over-the-top with his expressions. Almost like I sometimes feel like he’s on a skit about a cheesy drama as opposed to on an actual drama. That might get annoying if I don’t get used to it. So far though? I like it.

Eastwick
Okay…I tried to record this by the HD channel froze up that night…so I tried to watch it online and the show kept freezing up 17 minutes in. The first 17 minutes seemed okay…anyone else finish it? Should I try to watch it again online?

Next Up…My Thoughts the Returning shows like House and Bones

I recently wrote about how sometimes I suck at apologies. I came to the conclusion that if I have to add the, “but…” to my apology to defend my actions, then I’m probably not sorry. If I truly am sorry? Then I should leave that part out, no matter how much my pride wants to put it in there.

Well…I’m glad to see I have celebrity company in this trend. It seems as though a certain A-list celebrity is also kinda crappy at apologies. I know I don’t usually talk about these type of things but having discussed my own crappy apologies recently, I had to dissect this one in the same vein. Because Kanye’s apology makes all of my crappy ones look sincere and modest. And I’ve made some pretty crappy apologies, so that’s hard to do.

In case you’ve been hiding under a rock, I’ll tell you my version of the VMAs and the Kanye West incident from last night. I was watching them live, waiting for the new New Moon trailer as I’m a wee too obsessed with the upcoming flick. I was trying to also work so I pushed Mute after Taylor Swift got her award. I twittered that I was happy for her as I’ve seen her in concert, and then didn’t glance back at the TV until a few moments later and I saw Kayne on stage with an upset looking Ms. Swift. I’ve mentioned my need for an embarrassment pillow before so I called LilZ in there and said, “Hey. I think Kanye just interrupted Taylor’s speech. Watch this for me and tell me what happens.” I rewound the recording and left the room. When I returned LilZ gave me the run down and I opted to at least listen to it while covering my eyes.

I couldn’t believe it. I was torn for feeling bad for Taylor Swift and for Beyoncé, both uncomfortable for two entirely different reasons.

So…drama, drama, drama. Fast-forward to this morning when news got out accompanied with Kanye’s official (and all-caps) apology from his blog:

I’M SOOOOO SORRY TO TAYLOR SWIFT AND HER FANS AND HER MOM. I SPOKE TO HER MOTHER RIGHT AFTER AND SHE SAID THE SAME THING MY MOTHER WOULD’VE SAID. SHE IS VERY TALENTED! I LIKE THE LYRICS ABOUT BEING A CHEERLEADER AND SHE’S IN THE BLEACHERS! …………………… I’M IN THE WRONG FOR GOING ON STAGE AND TAKING AWAY FROM HER MOMENT!…………….. BEYONCE’S VIDEO WAS THE BEST OF THIS DECADE!!!! I’M SORRY TO MY FANS IF I LET YOU GUYS DOWN!!!! I’M SORRY TO MY FRIENDS AT MTV. I WILL APOLOGIZE TO TAYLOR 2MRW. WELCOME TO THE REAL WORLD!!!! EVERYBODY WANNA BOOOOO ME BUT I’M A FAN OF REAL POP CULTURE!!! NO DISRESPECT BUT WE WATCHIN’ THE SHOW AT THE CRIB RIGHT NOW CAUSE … WELL YOU KNOW!!!! I’M STILL HAPPY FOR TAYLOR!!!! BOOOYAAAWWWW!!!! YOU ARE VERY VERY TALENTED!!! I GAVE MY AWARDS TO OUTKAST WHEN THEY DESERVED IT OVER ME… THAT’S WHAT IT IS!!!!!!! I’M NOT CRAZY YALL, I’M JUST REAL. SORRY FOR THAT!!! I REALLY FEEL BAD FOR TAYLOR AND I’M SINCERELY SORRY!!! MUCH RESPECT!!!!!

Did you read it? Seriously. READ IT. The first few lines aren’t that bad:

I’M SOOOOO SORRY TO TAYLOR SWIFT AND HER FANS AND HER MOM. I SPOKE TO HER MOTHER RIGHT AFTER AND SHE SAID THE SAME THING MY MOTHER WOULD’VE SAID. SHE IS VERY TALENTED! I LIKE THE LYRICS ABOUT BEING A CHEERLEADER AND SHE’S IN THE BLEACHERS! …………………… I’M IN THE WRONG FOR GOING ON STAGE AND TAKING AWAY FROM HER MOMENT!

Yes, Kanye. That was crappy. You are in the wrong. Taylor is talented and you hurt a lot of people with your actions. But then came his, “but…” Now…in his defense, he didn’t use the actual “I’m sorry, but…” phrasing, but the idea is the same.

…………….. BEYONCE’S VIDEO WAS THE BEST OF THIS DECADE!!!!

So, he’s sorry…but how could he NOT have done what he did? Beyoncé’s video was THE BEST! In truth? I love her video. While I liked Justin Timberlake’s version better (hee.) – hers was amazing. As was her performance last night. But really? Who honestly believes any of these awards shows always gets it right? Emmys? Oscars? VMAs? There are always write-ups the next day where people are talking about who should have won. But does anyone jump on state and announce it during the winner’s speech? It’s just so…weird. And then…his apology transforms from the “I’m sorry, but…” format into the, “This is what the REAL world is like…” format. Throwing in a bit of the, “You think it sucks for you…here’s how my life sucks worse and I handled it better” apology.

WELCOME TO THE REAL WORLD!!!! EVERYBODY WANNA BOOOOO ME BUT I’M A FAN OF REAL POP CULTURE!!! NO DISRESPECT BUT WE WATCHIN’ THE SHOW AT THE CRIB RIGHT NOW CAUSE … WELL YOU KNOW!!!! I’M STILL HAPPY FOR TAYLOR!!!! BOOOYAAAWWWW!!!! YOU ARE VERY VERY TALENTED!!! I GAVE MY AWARDS TO OUTKAST WHEN THEY DESERVED IT OVER ME… THAT’S WHAT IT IS!!!!!!! I’M NOT CRAZY YALL, I’M JUST REAL. SORRY FOR THAT!!! I REALLY FEEL BAD FOR TAYLOR AND I’M SINCERELY SORRY!!! MUCH RESPECT!!!!!

Man. I hate this kind of apology. I don’t hand this one out often, but I’m sure I have because I’m not perfect. I have received it a million times, however. The, “I’m sorry your feelings were hurt but that’s life, honey.” That apology makes me want to punch someone’s eyes out. And then, the end? The, “I’m sorry you didn’t like what I did to you but when I was in your shoes I did this…” type of apology. Another total winner.

All in all? The worst worded apology ever, I believe. Now, Kanye may truly be sorry. I have no idea. Lord knows I’ve been truly sorry for things before, but my pride has taken over and kept me from really sounding sincere. Maybe I should give him the benefit of the doubt and assume that’s what happened. But I just have to say, if you’re truly TRULY sorry? This is not how you phrase it. None of this. He should have stopped after the first section. And then maybe ended it with, “I’m a douche.” That would have seemed about right.

One of these days I’m going to master the art of the honest and sincere apology…but for now? I’ll just strive to be better at it than Kanye. It’s the baby steps, you see.

Did you watch Glee last night? It’s not for everyone. But for us? LilZ and I? It is a show made just for us. Last night’s episode made me SO HAPPY. From the hotness of Mr. Shuster to the hilarity of the brochures in the Guidance office. And I didn’t even mention the music! Or the celibacy club. They have a celibacy club!

And yes…I know the president was speaking at the exact same moment as Glee aired. Here’s the thing…I’ve been reading about healthcare reform for MONTHS. I am for it in many ways…many ways MORE than even President Obama is for it. I want a public OPTION. I can tell you why, I’ve read the stats, I’ve seen the reports. Last night’s speech? Was not for the converted. Or the choir. Or whatever group in whichever metaphor you want to choose. I wasn’t talking to me last night. I’m on his side. (Unless he takes the public option off the table, of course.) Why listen to something I already know and believe in when I could be watching Jane Lynch as the world’s most RUTHLESS cheerleading coach?

You know what else started this week? Ellen! Another show that simply consistently makes smile. She learned a dance routine with the top 10 from last season’s So You Think You Can Dance and it was so obvious that she loved every minute of it. And that made me love her because you know what? I would have totally loved it to. Ellen! Just like me! Except the whole celebrity/millionaire/gay thing. But other than that? JUST LIKE ME.

And now our first ever FALL installment of SYTYCD has started as well! Wednesday nights are going to just make me smile this year.

So…did you watch Glee? Are you a Gleek now?