Oscar Predictions

You may or may not know that I have a huge obsession with Oscar season (or awards season...however you prefer to refer to the glorious period of time between the announcement of the Golden Globe nominees and the Oscar broadcast). In previous years, I have abstained from predicting the nominees for awards. I prefer to wait until the nominees are announced and then I predict the winners. However, I've decided that I've seen enough "award-bait" movies to boldly predict the Oscar nominees in certain categories (read: the categories that people actually care about. I'll be damned if I can predict the nominees for Best Sound Mixing). I wanted to write this note now, because next week there will be a plethora of predictions from the mainstream media. I wanted to get mine out there before it looks like I just copied these choices from Entertainment Weekly or something. There are a few disclaimers:

1. I am predicting who I think will be nominated, not who should be nominated. Big difference. These awards can get surprisingly political, so if your favorite movie or performance isn't on my list, it's not to say that it isn't deserving of an award. I'm just saying it probably won't get nominated by the Academy. 

2. I haven't seen every movie released this year. Wow, can you believe it? Granted, almost every movie released this year won't be nominated (that may come as a shock to all of The Love Guru fans out there), but there's also a chance that I haven't seen a movie that gets nominated. 

3. The nominees are listed alphabetically by last name. As much as I like to rank things, I'll save that for my winner predictions.

4. Here's how I'll format this note. For each category, I will list my predictions. Then I'll give a bit of analysis to explain my predictions a little bit more thoroughly. Finally, I will offer my "Fingers Crossed" selection. This will be someone that I doubt will get nominated, but I secretly hope does get nominated. 

Sound good? Here we go. I'll work up to the big categories.

Best Supporting Actress

Amy Adams, Doubt
Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Viola Davis, Doubt
Marisa Tomei, The Wrestler
Kate Winslet, The Reader 

Well, I think this category is one of the bigger wild card categories. Granted, I didn't take any risks with my list, but I wouldn't be surprised if there is a shocking nomination come January 22nd. However, I think this category is more famous for surprising winners (Tilda Swinton, Marcia Gay Harden, etc). There is a bit of internet chatter saying that Kate Winslet could get nominated for The Reader in the lead category. Since nomination rules are different for the Oscars, this is a definite possibility. However, I really think that most members will cast their ballot with Winslet in the supporting category for The Reader. She's long overdue for an Oscar, and I think it'll be easier for most voters to place her here for The Reader and in the lead category for Revolutionary Road. Since an actress can only be nominated in each category once, I don't think many voters will want to debate Revolutionary Road vs. The Reader for lead actress. 

I feel like Amy Adams is the one with the highest potential for a snub, which is a shame because I thought she gave the best performance in Doubt. A few weeks ago, Marisa Tomei would have been the long shot, but she seems to be gaining momentum. Viola Davis and Penelope Cruz have been the front runners for a long time, so I think they're the safest bets for a nomination next Thursday. 

"Fingers Crossed." My fingers are crossed for Rosemarie DeWitt in Rachel Getting Married. I think she gave an exceptional and believable performance as the burdened sister in that film. 

Best Supporting Actor

Josh Brolin, Milk
Robert Downey Jr., Tropic Thunder
Philip Seymour Hoffman, Doubt
Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Dev Patel, Slumdog Millionaire

Supporting Actor/Actress is notorious for nominating younger actors. I think that will help Dev Patel slip into the running. The widespread support for Slumdog Millionaire doesn't hurt either. I really have a suspicion that Ralph Fiennes could slip into the mix somewhere. I think he could take Robert Downey Jr.'s spot or Patel's spot. However, Robert Downey Jr. has been having an amazing year so I suspect the Academy will honor him with a nomination. Hoffman, Ledger, and Brolin seem like safe bets, so it's the remaining two spots that are in contention right now. 

"Fingers Crossed." I really would love to see James Franco nominated here. I think he gave a beautiful, compassionate performance in Milk and it's a shame that understated performances seem to go unrecognized (the reason I'm afraid Amy Adams will get snubbed). 

Best Actress

Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married
Sally Hawkins, Happy-Go-Lucky
Meryl Streep, Doubt
Kristin Scott Thomas, I've Loved You So Long
Kate Winslet, Revolutionary Road

Well, I'm betting against the big guns here. Angelina Jolie could very well be nominated for her role in The Changeling, but I think the odds are stacked against her. It's not a very critically acclaimed film, and I think the Academy's love for Clint Eastwood will be bestowed upon Gran Torino instead of The Changeling. I'm also betting against Cate Blanchett, who received a nomination for the sequel to Elizabeth last year (what the fuck, right?). You would think that Benjamin Button would be able to carry her here. Instead, I'm going with Sally Hawkins and Kristin Scott Thomas. I just have a feeling, based on the weighted voting system the Academy uses, that they'll receive higher preferential rankings from voters. Melissa Leo could also sneak in, but I think her film is almost too small. Hathaway, Streep, and Winslet are pretty secure in their nominations here.

"Fingers Crossed." Well, I actually feel pretty good about the five ladies I have selected. I haven't seen the movie Wendy and Lucy, but I think that once I do I'll be rooting for Michelle Williams. Unfortunately, I won't get to see that movie until after the nominations are announced. 

Best Actor

Clint Eastwood, Gran Torino
Frank Langella, Frost/Nixon
Sean Penn, Milk
Brad Pitt, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler 

I had a lot of trouble with the final slot in this category. Rourke, Langella, and Penn are surefire bets here. I also had a really easy time putting Eastwood's name here. He's slipped in before (Million Dollar Baby) and I think his movie is picking up steam at just the right time. The conflict was between Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Richard Jenkins for the final spot. Jenkins, who is a beloved veteran, was apparently great in The Visitor. However, I feel like like this category is already a bit on the elderly side since Penn is a previous winner, Langella and Eastwood are "beloved veterans," and Rourke is having a huge comeback. So, I ruled out Jenkins. DiCaprio is younger than Pitt, but I think that the Academy is going to show a bit more love to Benjamin Button. That means history will probably repeat itself. Kate and Leo have starred in two movies together, and both times Kate gets nommed and Leo gets snubbed. I could be wrong, but something about this prediction feels so right. 

"Fingers Crossed." Again, I feel like the best performances of the year are on this list. It would be fun if Robert Downey Jr. snuck in for Iron Man, but I don't see that happening. 

Best Picture

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button     
The Dark Knight 
Frost/Nixon
Milk
Slumdog Millionaire

Honestly, I would be very surprised if this line-up gets disturbed. All five of these films were nominated by the PGA and the DGA, which are the strongest precursors for this category. People are saying that The Dark Knight is a longshot here, but I disagree. I actually could see Frost/Nixon or Milk getting snubbed before The Dark Knight. It was just too huge to ignore. That's what she said.

Also, I was going to do Best Director as a category, but it's about as predictable as the Best Picture category. Where's the fun in that? The acting categories are where the action is this year. 

"Fingers Crossed." I would die a happy man if Wall-E snuck into the final five. That movie was glorious, but probably won't get nominated. The weighted voting system makes it an actual possibility, but I think it's not going to happen. 

What are your thoughts? Am I stupid? Do you agree? I'd love to know!

-XOXO, C

Summer Movie Preview Pt. 3

Opening July 11

Hellboy II: The Golden Army

Starring: Ron Perlman, Selma Blair

I know you're wondering why I'm doing this one (C says:  I'm not.  I see previews for this movie like four times a day), but I thoroughly enjoyed the first Hellboy.  I'll admit it.  And if I can admit that I liked Hellboy, then Hayden Christensen can admit that the only reason he played Anakin in Star Wars was by going down on George Lucas.  Unnecessary comparison?  I think not (C says:  What?  You didn't see him challenge his acting skills by starring in Virgin Territory opposite Mischa Barton?  By the way, who would ever buy into a movie called "Virgin Territory" starring Mischa Barton?  Irony).  Pre-rating: B+

Journey to the Center of the Earth

Starring: Brendan Frasier, Josh Hutcherson

The title speaks for itself.  And I really only put this on here because Brendan is one of many vying to be my husband one day (C says: Ugh you can have him).  Call me creepy, but give Josh

 Hutcherson a few more years and he could go on my list too (C says:  You're creepy).  However, this movie will probably suck as much as Paris Hilton on the weekends.  Pre-rating: B-

(C says: Thanks to celebritycomsmeticsurgery.blogspot.com for the flattering image)

Meet Dave

Starring: Eddie Murphy

This movie will be a bigger disaster than the Chernobyl nuclear crisis.  Pre-rating: C-

Opening July 18

The Dark Knight

Starring:  Christian Bale, Heath Ledger (C says: Tear), Maggie Gyllenhall, Morgan Freeman, Aaron Eckhart, Michael Caine, and Gary Oldman

Just look at the list of superstars.  It doesn't get much better.  The sequel to the hugely successful Batman Begins will push Ledger even farther into Hollywood legend.  Also, with a supporting cast like this one, you can be thankful that the producers wised up and replaced Katie Holmes with Gyllenhall (C says: Well apparently Katie Holmes turned down the role because of "scheduling conflicts."  I guess you can't film a movie while aliens are giving religious guidance to your closeted husband.  Although, I do have to compliment Tom.  As soon as the crazy rumors started, they replaced the gay rumors.  Well done.  It's better that society thinks your batshit crazy as opposed to thinking you have refined tastes and dress well).  Aren't you proud I didn't crack any Heath jokes?  I just didn't want to overdose you with negativity...Oops.  Pre-rating: A

Mamma Mia

Starring:  Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard, and Amanda Seyfried

This will definitely be the gayest movie of the summer (C says: I AM SO EXCITED AND SO GAY!!!!) unless you count Hancock for the title alone.  An adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, this is sure to be loads of fun, especially with the star power of Streep, Brosnan, and Firth.  Add Amanda Seyfried (best known for playing super stupid Karen in Mean Girls) and you've got a hit!  Pre-rating: A  (C says: More like A++++++++++++)

Thanks, A, for this great movie update.  On a personal note, J and C are both experiencing transitions in their lives, so once they get settled they'll continue providing amazing pop culture commentary for your enjoyment.  

Summer Movie Preview Pt. 2

Hey everyone,

Here is A's next installment in his summer movie preview.  Enjoy!

XOXO-J&C

Opening June 27

Wall-E

Starring:  Voice of Fred Willard, Sigourney Weaver, and a bunch of other people

Do I really need to say much?  If you haven't seen the trailer yet, do it now-www.apple.com/trailers.  I live and die by Apple Trailers.  Disney-Pixar hasn't let me down yet, so I'm anxiously awaiting the antics of this adorable robot on the big screen.  Will it be good?  Fuck yes, it will.  Pre-rating: A+.

Wanted

Starring:  James McAvoy, Morgan Freeman, and Angelina Jolie

The action-packed preview definitely looks promising, and Morgan Freeman is always good.  But will this be another Alexander for Angelina?  Does anyone even remember that overblown epic of disastrous proportions? (C says:  That's what you get for editing the gay sex scene out)  Regardless, the spy story, the actors, and the preview are all adding up.  Plus, James McAvoy is so hot right now.  Pre-rating: B+

Opening July 2

Hancock

Starring:  Will Smith, Jason Bateman, Charlize Theron

Well, lets disregard the recent rumors that Will Smith may be a Scientologist (C says: At least he doesn't have a child bride) and focus on the story- a superhero who sucks at being a hero.  Sounds original, right?  Throw in a comedic genius Jason Bateman and foxy Charlize Theron, and you may have two hours of cinematic gold. (C says:  If you get to call out Angelina for Alexander, then I get to call out Charlize for Aeon Flux, because at least Alexander still had gay overtones)  Pre-rating: B+

Pop Around the Planet-Skins

For this post, we turn to one of our international correspondents. L spend a significant amount of time abroad in Jolly Old England, and she has some stories to share. Here is her account of one of the best pop culture items that the Queen & Co. have to offer. Enjoy.

XOXO-J&C

From William Shakespeare to J.K. Rowling, from Henry Purcell to the Beatles to the Spice Girls, the British have always been an unstoppable force in pop culture worldwide. I've been lucky enough to spend the last five months in the UK and witness the juggernaut firsthand. As a pop culture enthusiast, I admit that I was more excited about regular doses of Graham Norton than I was about Stonehenge. No offense, Stonehenge.

More than ever, the Brits are making their mark on the pop culture scene. You've probably already figured this out if you've scanned through your favorite radio stations to hear Leona Lewis on every. single. one. (C says: I would argue that she hasn't hit NPR yet, but to prove that I would actually have to listen to NPR and there's no way that's happening) The diva du jour was discovered on BBC's The X FActor, a talent competition where Simon Cowell judges in the Idol off-season. Sure they struck international gold with Leona, but one thing I've realized is that some cultural gold mines may not ever make it stateside. A prime example of this is my favo(u)rite television discovery over the course of my Britisn Invasion:

Skins follows a group of sixth-form students (the equivalent of high school seniors) as they balance school with getting high, having lots of sex, surviving some screwed up home lives, rehab, seducing psychology teachers, stalking, and creative cursing. It's everything you can't show on NBC, blatantly and unapologetically. Each episode follows a different character, offering a deeper look into that individual's context and perspective, while advancing the overall storyline. The pilot follows a day in the life of Tony Stonem, the cocky ringleader, as he pursues his two main objectives for the night: to get his drowsy, best friend Sid laid, and to sell three ounces of spliff (British for pot) to a group of posh private school girls. Throw in some prostitutes, a guy named Mad Twatter, Maxxie's "Big Gay Night Out," (C says:  This sounds promising) and finish it off by running a stolen car into a lake, and you've kicked off the best high-school series that could never air in the US.  (C says:  Good thing you added that qualifier, L, because we all know Buffy is the best high-school series that did air in the US)

Not that we aren't trying. Some US networks are supposedly in talks to bring the series to America. Now, as much as I'd love to see these kids on my television again, the FCC would NEVER let the show's content anywhere near network TV. British censorship is practically non-existent compared to US standards. Not only are there f-bombs every five seconds in the average episode of Skins, but you get full-frontal nudity in the series' opening scene (and that's only the beginning). Since the series couldn't air in its original form on network TV, an Americanized version would have to go one of three ways:

1. Censor all the objectionable content and air it on network. This would never work, because the majority of any given episode would end up on the cutting room floor. (C says: We all know how lame Sex and the City is on TBS)

2. Re-write and re-cast the show with American actors; follow general story lines but show less of the naughty stuff and use more clever innuendo. While this is a possibility, it would infuriate fans of the original series, and the re-make probably wouldn't go very far. (Remember when they tried this with "Coupling" a few years ago?) The raw energy of the show would be completely gone, and important story lines would have to be cut. A watered-down Skins is no Skins at all.

3. Air the original on a network like HBO or Showtime. this is probably the best option of the three. While the series would reach a smaller audience, it would at least allow that audience to experience Skins as it was intended.

Of course, the pOp/Ed blog does not endorse the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, (C says: Unless it's music, movies, or TV) but if you wanted to try and possibly find the entire series at sidereel.com, I suppose we can't really stop you.

If nothing else, please enjoy this photo of Mitch Hewer, the actor who plays Maxxie on the show, as seen in Cosmo UK.

(C says:  This is an A+ effort from L, but I have to say that she really only had to post this picture and she would have earned the grade.  If there's as much skin in the show as there is in this picture, I know I'm interested)

Summer Movie Preview

Here at pOp/Ed blog, we value the contributions of other members who we deem witty enough, sassy enough, and educated enough to comment on pop culture. Today's contribution will come from our friend A, who has written a very entertaining commentary on some of the movies that are coming out this summer. Don't worry though,we'll still offer their sassy reparté. Without further ado, here's A.

It's no big secret that the summer months are the biggest months for the movie industry. All the biggest blockbusters come out during the summer-but they're not your Oscar worthy blockbusters. No. Leave those heavy substantial movies for the spring (C says: Or the winter. That's usually when studios like to dump their Oscar bait). (j says: Interesting. I usually dump my jailbait around that time too.) Summer is for the huge, loud, in-your-face-funny, action packed, sexy, big screen loving movies. Like Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. WARNING: SPOILER ALERT. Now, before I begin my preview of the upcoming money-makers, I just have to say that if the new Indiana Jones movie has anything to say about this summer at the movies, then we're in for a second-rate summer. Full of aliens. And everyone will know how to solve everything. "Oh, we're surrounded by millions of killer ants. Wait, I know! Have the old crazy guy hold out the crystal ALIEN skull. They'll be scared for sure!!" (C says: I find it very difficult to believe that you found that scene to be the most ridiculous thing about the movie. Apparently surviving a nuclear blast in a fridge is a more normal occurrence for our friend, A) SPOILER OVER. But I digress. Let's talk about the big HULKS of the summer. And I'm not referring to the remake of the remake that just opened. Let's not go there.

Opening June 20th:

Get Smart

Starring: Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, Alan Arkin, and Dwayne Johnson.

Five things: 1. I have loved Steve Carell ever since the Daily Show (C says: I'm guessing somebody didn't watch Evan Almighty). 2. Anne Hathaway made me question being gay once. Once. (j says: unfortunately she was less successful with Jake Gyllenhaal in Brokeback) 3. Alan Arkin is old. 4. Dwayne Johnson=The Rock. Same Person. Same awesome? (j says: If you mean 0% awesome, then probably) 5. Action, comedy, and romance-the Trifecta. In conclusion, this WILL be good. Pre-rating: A- (C says: This rating is a bit optimistic for my tastes, just because it features someone who was in a sequel to The Mummy. However, I do want this movie to succeed) (j says: I'm personally just hoping the movie ends up being alternating scenes between The Office and the Devil Wears Prada)

The Love Guru

Starring: Mike Myers, Jessica Alba, Ben Kingsley, and Justin Timberlake

Let's set the stage: Mike Myers wearing a ridiculous costume, speaking in a funny voice, and making fun of dwarves. Does this sound familiar? Although the Austin Powers franchise has seemingly died out, it doesn't look like Myers' familiar take on the cooky characters that he plays has. (j says: also his shameless self-promotion seems intact as well. Three words: American Idol Skits. One reaction: BARF) Myers made me laugh in Austin Powers, but will that transfer? Well, kids, let's only hope that Justin Timberlake can save the movie with his superior acting skills. And in case he doesn't work out, Jessica Alba's tits will probably steal the show. Pre-rating: B (C says: If it were up to me, I would give this movie a pre-rating of a "D." The Cat in the Hat+Jessica Alba's inability to star in a decent movie--and I don't count her role in Sin City as a starring one+Justin Timberlake "acting"+the complete mockery of Indian culture+the incredibly lame and shameless plugging on the American Idol finale=a complete mess. We'll see how things go...) (j says: gotta side with C on this one. Jessica Alba's eye may've been the murder, but my eyes were the ones threating violence during that movie. And JT, bless his music, just doesn't quite make my Black Snake moan on the silver screen. )

BLOGGER'S NOTE: This image isn't actually from The Love Guru, but it was one of the first images to come up when we searched for a picture. We assumed it would be more entertaining than anything in the movie, so we choose it.

Well, that's all from A for now. Stay tuned every week this summer when he'll offer his thoughts on the weekend's releases. Here's hoping that this summer ride isn't one that we'll have to fasten our seatbelts for. XOXO-J&C

The Best Song You're Not Listening To

As a fledgling member of the blogosphere, we at pOp/Ed understand that we have a social responsibility to educate; to leave the world better than the way we found it. That's why we're introducing a regular segment called The Best Song You're Not Listening To. Here, we fully intend to use our nonexistent sway to convince you that you're musical taste is not only wrong, but completely unoriginal. We will then reprogram you to enjoy some lesser known, but no less amazing songs. Except miracles.

Let's start simple.
This weeks' Best Song You're Not Listening To is Robyn's Be Mine!! (first exclamation provided by Robyn, second added in giddy gay delight). You may know Robyn as a pre-Britney of sorts, pedaling amazing Max Martin creations like (Do You Know) What it Takes and Show Me Love, whetting our appetites for future creations like ...Baby One More Time, I Want It That Way and Since U Been Gone (ya this guy is probably the smartest man who's ever lived). But she was quickly swept aside for the girl with the platinum hair and the sales to match. No one heard much from her thereafter. Until suddenly I came across her iTunes page one fateful day in 2005 and noticed she had quietly released a self-titled album. After investigating the album I realized that Robyn was secretly releasing some of the catchiest, most shameless pop music in the post-Teenybop era.

Now, three years later, a slightly retinkered version of the album is finally seeing a proper stateside release. Which means now is the perfect time to find out what you've been missing. Start with Be Mine, a mournful little nugget wrapped in the sweetest sugary coating. "It's a good thing tears never show in the pouring rain / as if a good thing ever could make up for all the pain" Robyn coos over a skittering, relentlessly upbeat backtrack. And i'll be damned if here gentle "i just miss you, that's all" admission in during the song's spoken bridge isn't one of the sweetest, rawest displays in recent pop-music memory. So be smart, and download Be Mine! now. Video below.



If you like this, try: Handle Me, With Every Heart Beat and Konichiwa Bitches; all from Robyn's self-titled album.

Lemme know what y'all think.
~j

(C says: Good work, J. I don't have much to say here except that I wasn't listening to this song before you brought it to my attention, and I'm better off for having heard it. Brace yourself, because I have some hidden gems that I'll unearth in the upcoming weeks.)

Best TV of the '07-'08 Season

Hello fellow pop culture fans,

If you're anything like us, you must know that television these past few years has been the best it's been in a long while.  Scripts are better and more serious actors are committing to parts on the small screen.  This past year was an amazing year for several shows, and we would like to take this time to highlight some of those successes.  Now that the primary TV season has ended,  we will take the time to highlight three shows they loved this past year (a comedy, a drama, and a guilty pleasure) and hopefully you agree with us or you'll be motivated to start a new show.  Either way we win.

C's picks:

Comedy:  30 Rock

Well, knowing J's preferences, I'm going to start with the most controversial show between the two of us:  30 Rock.  I absolutely loved this season, whereas J cannot stand Tina Fey and refuses to acknowledge this show's greatness.  Maybe someday J will be able to look beyond this and watch the show, but I'm not holding my breath.

This show is great because it manages to crack jokes at every level.  There's the savvy political/topical humor, the overtly sexual jokes/slapstick comedy, and jokes that are sly and require a moment's thought to understand.  This is the first show since the late, great Arrested Development to tackle humor so effortlessly and with so many different styles.  What 30 Rock lacks in self-referentiality (this might not be a word), it makes up for in the boldness of its satire.  What other show lampoons trashy reality TV one week, and then references Amadeus a few weeks later?

Another great thing about 30 Rock is the fact that each supporting character is hilarious and unique, which gives the show new layers of depth.  Alec Baldwin does some of his best work as Jack (when he's not telling his young daughter that she's fat and worthless), Tina Fey's conservative and business-minded boss.  Tracy Jordan plays a stereotype while poking fun at the stereotypes that appear in show business, and the dude from Mariah Carey's Touch My Body music video is great as Kenneth (okay, I'm not that stupid.  His name is Jack McBrayer), the simple NBC page who does his best to stay true to himself, even if he is awkward and super religious.  My personal favorite is Jane Krakowski as Jenna, the self-involved faux-diva who thinks she is way more talented and attractive than she actually is.  She's the one who sees a positive pregnancy stick and thinks immediately, "Oh no!  Somebody's going to get more attention than me."  Perhaps that isn't as funny out of context, but if you watch the show you'll appreciate every little thing each character does.  

Best moments:  It's a toss-up between Al Gore's cameo (Somewhere a whale is in trouble!), Jenna's audition video for Kenneth's Beijing application (He can lift almost 100 pounds), and anything involving Dennis, Tina Fey's slovenly ex-boyfriend (If it's a girl, we should name her Judy because I used to boff this chick named Judy and I would love to honor her).  Classic moments.  However, I think the single funniest moment occurred when Jack role-played Tracy's family in a twisted therapy session.  I can't even begin to describe how ridiculous that scene was.  Watch this show!       

Best Drama:

Well, I haven't seen the second season of Brothers and Sisters yet (which I suspect would take this honor had I seen it) and Buffy has been off the air for about four years now, so I'm going to have to give this award to Lost.  Heroes almost claimed the top spot, and in some ways I could see Desperate Housewives taking this honor, but the former wasn't quite as engaging as Lost and the latter is considered a comedy by the Emmy board and I will obey their laws.  

Lost managed to bounce back this season after about a season and a half of mediocrity.  I was so bored with the show in the third season that I stopped watching it.  However, a friend convinced me to watch the show this season and I couldn't have been more impressed.  Lost really managed to save itself by saying, "Yes.  They do get off the island.  However, you don't know how they did it and why only a few of them made it.  Furthermore, why does Jack want to go back?"  As a former fan, my faith was restored in the show and I felt like I was finally getting some answers to the hundreds of thousands of questions that the show had posed.  I supposed the fourth time is the charm, especially since the fourth season of Desperate Housewives was also exceptional.  Let's ignore the fact that the fourth season of The Office was a bit disappointing.  

Favorite moments:  Well, there were a ton of WTF moments.  I think the episode called "The Constant" was outstanding in its concept and the acting.  Desmond has always been one of my favorite characters and his emotional struggle to keep his hold on reality was both extremely poignant and mysterious, something Lost manages to combine really well.  I think the single most stunning moment was (SPOILER ALERT) when you realized that Sun's episode was both a flashforward and a flashback.  Jin was in flashback, and at the very end you realize that he is dead in Sun's flashforward and she gave her child the name Jin wanted.  It was emotional, surprising, and begged the question, "How does Jin die?"  Brilliant.  (END SPOILERS)

Guilty Pleasure:  Gossip Girl

As you may have guessed by the opening line at the top of our blog, we love this show (or at the  very least, we love trying to talk like Gossip Girl).  There's almost nothing better on  TV than high school drama unless that high school drama involves spoiled Upper East-Siders screwing and scheming in a rich, preppy setting.  In some ways the show is just a reheat of the OC, but when the writing is this snide, who cares.  Now, J and I both agree that this show lost some steam before the writer's strike, but it bounced back in a dramatic fashion (more on this later).  Each week I wondered how the show would manage to find new drama, and it always delivered.   Also, Chace Crawford is HOT!!! 

SPOILER ALERT:  Unlike 30 Rock, I can't discuss the plot without feeling like I might be ruining the experience of Gossip Girl for those who haven't seen the show.  Suffice to say, I wonder where the show will go next season.  The Georgina/Blair drama seems to have run dry for now, as has the Blair/Jenny storyline.  Suffice to say, most of the huge drama wrapped up nicely at the end of the season without a gripping cliffhanger.  The only real question in my mind is whether or not Dan and Serena will get back together, but that doesn't excuse a season finale that left me a little cold.  That being said, this show is still an amazing guilty pleasure and I have faith that the drama will continue in the fall.  Unless the CW goes down the tube.  Then I don't know what I'll do.   

Favorite Moment:  As I said earlier, the show lagged a little bit before the Writer's Strike.  However, once the strike was over the show recharged itself with the addition of Michelle Trachtenberg as Georgina, the cunning and manipulative friend from Serena's past.  The single greatest moment came at the end of the season, when Serena finally admitted what she had done.  That single sentence sent chills down my spine and I absolutely had to know what happened.  Although the resolution of that was a bit disappointing, the actual confession was the single best moment of the season, and perhaps one of the most dramatic moments in all of television this year.  Watch this show.  Save the CW.  Tyra will be happy.  

Well that's it from C.  Stay tuned for J's picks in the near future.

XOXO-J&C