10/1/09 Survivor : SPOILER CAUTION!

Typically when a reality show contestant tells the camera, "I am running the show here...", that character is subsequently voted out on that episode. This is how the editors usually play it. But so far this season on Survivor: Samoa, Russell H has on EACH episode constantly told the home viewer that it is he who is pulling the strings and controlling everyone, and in a possible reality show first, perhaps actually is!

I really think Russell H is a "love him or hate him" type of guy to the home viewer. I think you know in which camp I lie. I've a co-worker that told me after episode one, "if this becomes 'The Russell Show', I will not watch for long." I know for fact that said co-worker is still onboard.

On Thursday's show, Russell once again started the manipulation to get fellow tribe mate, Ben, to stay in camp despite Ben's constant confrontations and in another tribe mate's words, "racism". Russell knows keeping a d-bag like this in camp creates the friction that Russell is thriving on and also deflects any attention from him. But Jaison, an African-American law student that is "aligned" with Russell, would have nothing to do with it. Russell proved to be a savvy Survivor player by not pushing the issue and in the end, changed his push for the young, blond Ashley to be voted off. He knew it was not a good time to tick off Jaison. But next week's previews indicate that our boy Russell might be conspiring to get Jaison to be the next to go. The way their tribe is playing (3 immunities lost in a row), there's no reason to think they WON'T be going to Tribal Counsel again.

As for the other tribe, I truly cannot think of more than two people that have made any lasting impression (the "other" Russell and "Shambo", the female Rambo).

So, if you're not watching, it's not too late. Hop on board next Thursday at 8:00 pm EST/7:00 Central ONLY ON CBS!

Grades

9/27 Curb your Enthusiasm: B+ very funny - glad Larry was able to get rid of his cancerous girlfriend...wow, that sounds harsh

9/27 Simpsons: B+ 21st season off to a good start. Though this is no longer a "must watch" show, it is still funny and better than a lot of so-called "comedies"

9/24 Grey's Anatomy: D seriously, I need to be done with this show. Every character - EVERY CHARACTER - is SO ANNOYING. This may be, perhaps, the last grade and review

9/24 Community: A- if you haven't seen it, watch it online

9/24 Survivor: A Russell H is an evil genius and the challenge where competitors are pulverizing each other is like a train wreck

Survivor...still one of the best shows on TV

Survivor: Samoa is the latest installment in the Survivor franchise and after just two episodes proves it is still one of the best shows on television. Thanks in big part to an oil-millionaire claiming to be a contestant solely to stir up controversy, this is a series not to be missed (Thursdays on CBS at 8:00 EST/7:00 Central).

Russell H (there are two contestants named Russell) is being hyped by Survivor and many Survivor devotees as the best villain ever. So far (after two episodes), I might have to agree. He is definitely right up there with Johnny Fairplay and Richard Hatch, though it will be difficult to surpass the latter as he was the original Survivor villain. But with fake stories about being a New Orleans fire fighter and surviving Hurricane Katrina (though his poor, fake dog did not make it), he may come close.

If you have not watched or gave up on Survivor long ago, I recommend getting back on board. This show always entertains.

Recommendations for this fall season thus far

Of the new shows this fall season that I've watched, these are my recommendations so far:

1) Flash Forward (Thursdays on ABC at 8:00 EST/7:00 Central) - this show will be very Lost-like in that it is very character driven and there will be much, much brain-power needed to keep everything straight.

2) Community (Thursdays on NBC at 9:30 EST/8:30 Central) - resides in the time slot after The Office until 30 Rock returns in October. This show made me laugh out loud, and laugh hard.

3) Modern Family (Wednesdays on ABC at 9:00 EST/8:00 Central) - set as a mockumentary (like The Office or Parks and Recreation) revolving around a "modern" family. I didn't have much interest or desire to watch, but I gave it a chance and was pleasantly surprised. Very funny!

4) Glee (Wednesdays on FOX at 8:00 EST / 7:00 Central) - a comedy/musical that actually premiered last winter. This show is cheesy, but very good. The music and stories are pretty good, but per usual, Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester steals the show.

more recommendations and show to AVOID to come soon...

Biggest Loser 9/22 Recap

SPOILER ALERT: The 9/22 episode of the 2-hour Biggest Loser (week 2) gave the 15 remaining contestants the option of no eliminations after the next weigh-in IF they can collectively lose 150 pounds. Generally week 2 is notorious for disappointment as the fatties' bodies adjust to their new diets and weight is harder to come off. The group won two challenges to help reduce the 150 to 115 and they easily made the weigh-in, losing in total, 155 pounds. No eliminations. Peace and harmony throughout the house.

Going forward recaps will be based on my interest and desire. I wanted to kick it off with an easy one like this.

Hook's TV Time up and running

Well, after a number of requests to start a blog to discuss TV, here it is. My hopes for this site are to provide updates every few days of television shows I've watched. I will be doing reviews, recommendations, and will gladly try to answer any questions.

I encourage feedback, review and recommendations from all of you, and any critiques or other things you'd like to see on the site.

Enjoy and share with anyone that you feel would enjoy!