Friday, September 24, 2010

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It’s that time of year again. No, not time for early Christmas shopping. No, not back to school time. No, not time to buy Halloween candy. No, no, no.

It’s time for the new fall season of television. It’s that time of year when you’re inundated by slick ads both on tv and the internet showing stars of the newest tv offerings and those old favorites.

I had been waiting for months for the season premiere of Vampire Diaries and I was not disappointed. I watched the first episode last year because I was going through vampire withdrawals. New Moon wasn’t set to hit theatres until November and True Blood’s season had just ended. Honestly, I didn’t expect Vampire Diaries to be anything to write home about, and I wasn’t advertising the fact that I was watching teenage vampires on the CW. After all, I am closer to 40 than to 20. But I got sucked in and haven’t been disappointed in an episode yet. In fact, there hasn't been one single episode where my jaw hasn't dropped open in surprise. For me, that's saying something. And… almost everyone I know is watching this show too. This year, I don’t care who knows I’m watching teenage vampires on the CW.

I also have been waiting for the return of Parenthood. There’s something about this show that perfectly captures the generational differences and family dynamics, or maybe just my family’s dynamics. Watching this last year with my son, he could easily relate to the young generation and viewed Craig T Nelson’s patriarch as a caricature of my father. That was a bit eye-opening. Then there are the adult siblings. I won’t reveal which of the four characters I most relate to (though those of you who know me won’t have a problem with that at all), but I can see myself, my sister and my two brothers in each of the main roles.

Then there are the NEW shows...
The ones you get all excited about before having seen so much as the opening credits. This year I am really excited, for some reason, about Hawaii Five-O. Maybe it’s simply nostalgia because I remember my father watching the original all those years ago, or maybe it’s because of the current cast. I can’t say enough nice things about Scott Caan. I adored him on Entourage this last season and I’m really anxious to see him in a bigger role.

I can’t be the only one excited about this fall season. So tell me, what are you most excited about seeing? An old favorite? Or something new

28 comments:

  1. I have a cup that says, 'Team Edward'. I need one that says, 'Team Damon'. Totally hooked on the Vampire Diaries as well. Same deal as yourself. True Blood had finished and I had seen Eclipse too many times to admit to and was looking for something else paranormal to watch.
    In Aust we've just started season two. It doesn't dissapoint. Love it!

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  2. I'm excited about Glee and Dancing with the Stars (my total guilty pleasure)!

    I love music and dancing....not that I can do either very well outside of my shower or car,lol!

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  3. LOL, Tamara ~ I would SO buy a cup that said "Team Damon". Isn't it funny though, we all love Edward and Damon, but I'm guessing that Edward would be more in the Stefan camp. ;)

    Did you see, btw, that Entertainment Weekly had a "Sexy Beast" contest, bracketed like a basketball tournament? Well, Damon beat out the other 63 competitors (final round was Damon and Edward)
    http://popwatch.ew.com/2010/08/26/sexy-beast-winner-cover/

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  4. Marquita ~ I have heard such great things about Glee, but I've never seen it. And since I have NO rhythm, Dancing with the Stars has never made my list of have to watch shows. ;)

    I do hope you have wonderful Fall viewing, however. :)

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  5. Thanks for the fall previews, Lydia. I live in a zoo and can't watch TV when it's actually on. But if someone recommends a show, I will eventually watch the DVD when it comes out.

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  6. Oh, Lydia! I love this topic so much! TV is a HUGE part of my life. I don't understand people who live by Hulu alone...it just doesn't make sense to me! What do they do for company and background noise when they're alone? What do they do when they have insomnia and just want to learn about Jack Lalane's Power Juicer at 3am in the morning???

    Anyhoo, YES! I am SOOO excited about the fall lineup. Vampire Diaries is number one in my book. OMG! I can't get enough of it. Though I haven't watched last night's episode, so thanks for not posting any spoilers.

    Returning shows I'm excited about? Brothers & Sisters, Glee, The Office, 30 Rock, How I Met Your Mother, New Adventures of Old Christine, Modern Family, Cupcake Wars...I'm sure I'm missing something, but those are the first to come to mind.

    I'm also very excited for the new shows Raising Hope and Running Wilde. But I just looked at ABC's new show lineup and I fear I'm going to need a second DVR because they all look amazing!

    EXCELLENT topic :)

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  7. I watch Vampire Diaries as well, and caught the new one. But, what do you think about the possible addition of warewolves ;). I love Glee, one of my favorites. I watched the Defenders last night and I think I will give it another shot. Hmmm, otherwise, for me it is the new reality shows such as Top Chef: Just Desserts. I am sure there are more, but can't think of them at the moment.

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  8. LOL, Jerrica -- I'm one of those who watches TV shows online or via Netflix. I can't understand those people who actually LIKE constant background noise from the TV. LOL

    Most of my fave shows are done until November and December, so I'm trying to find some suitable replacements. I enjoyed Hawaii Five O (Scott Caan was adorable), but a couple others I've tried haven't really gotten me intrigued. I may have to just -- gasp! -- write instead! LOL

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  9. LOL, Donna! That's too funny! Most days I have TBS playing my favorite sitcom reruns in the background. I'm not a big fan of silence and, oddly enough, music distracts me. lol.

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  10. Clarissa ~ Anytime you want suggestions, let me know. I usually have an opinion about everything. ;)

    Jerrica ~ No spoilers from last night - but watch it already! How are we supposed to talk about Vampire Diaries if you haven't watched it yet???

    I can SO see you being a Gleek. That doesn't surprise me in the least. ;) But the new shows you listed didn't get the best reviews so far - let me know if the tv reveiewers are wrong.

    OH - and I totally agree about background music, the most distracting thing in the world to me. I think it messes with the area of my mind that writes.

    Amy ~ How could you even ask what I, of all people, think about the edition of werewolves? I have three books (soon to be four) on the shelves with wolfish heroes. I LOVE the idea of wolves on Vampire Diaries. Uncle Mason is adorable!

    Donna ~ What are you watching that won't be back until November or December? And wasn't Scott Caan adorable. His character is by far my most favorite on the show. He's hilarious!

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  11. I'm not a huge TV watcher, but I usually have a couple of shows I follow. I've also never been a fan of vampires until now. I recently rented the first season of Vampire Diaries, and I'm madly in love with Damon. I'm caught up on this season and I can't wait for more. (Uncle Mason is adorable! Love those curls and blue eyes!)

    I also rented Glee and love that show too. I haven't watched this season yet, but I'll get caught up.

    As far as old favorites go, Dexter premiers this Sunday and I can't wait. Every year I think, "Oh, it can't possibly be any better than last season" but I've always been wrong. There was a shocking ending to last season, so I'm anxious to see what they're going to do with it now.

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  12. I have to say I love my NCIS and NCIS:LA.
    I've dropped all the CSI's but NY.

    The only sitcom I watch is Big Bang Theory.

    I'm picking up more shows on cable like White Collar, Burn Notice, Rozzli and Isles. Eureka is a good show too. But they are all off the 'normal' show schedule. So right now I'm stuck with regular cable. More time for writing I guess.

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  13. Samantha ~ So glad to know I'm not the only one who adores Uncle Mason! (I know I'm not the only one who adores Damon.)
    I never got in to Dexter for some reason, but I have friends who are obsessed with the show.

    Beth ~ I don't know why I never got into the crime/cop shows... maybe it's my aversion to authority figures. ;) And of the cable shows you mentioned, I've only heard of Burn Notice.

    A couple weeks ago, I was at a neighborhood pool and ended up talking to a couple who said they were addicted to BBC's Being Human (vamp/were/ghost series.) I set my DVR to catch it, because you can never have too many vamp/were shows out there (especially when they have those lovely English accents) - and I caught the very end of the season. It looks good, pretty gritty though. So I'll have to see if I can find the season somewhere else.

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  14. I probably should add that this blog was written by and comments made by the Jodie 1/2 of Lydia Dare. I just realized I said I have an aversion to authority figures and don't want Tammy to get blamed for that.

    That's all me! Find an authority figure, and I'm sure I'll have an aversion to them. ;) (I don't like ANYONE telling me what to do.) LOL

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  15. I promise I'll watch as SOON as we get back from Montreal on Sunday!!! I can't wait! And I'll let you know about the other new shows too.

    P.S. I'm with you on the authority figure thing. My parents had a hell of time with me. LOL!

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  16. Omg I feel so all alone. I don't get the chance to watch much TV but even if I did I'd much rather watch a movie. With three boys (two of them teenagers), they overtake the TV. Not to mention we're an entire family of gamers. So instead of watching TV we're all playing Halo 3 or the new Counter Strike. And then of course all my kids friends have to come over because omg my kids have a mom who plays games and kicks their a-err butts and they always swear "Next time I'll get you my pretty!" LOL. It's so much fun but yeah the TV for its intended purpose does not get used much if at all. My two-year-old however has a TV set just to Nick Jr. Blue's Clue's is my background noise everyday lol.

    I may have to check out this Vampire Diaries just to see what all the buzz is about but if and when I get any free time from being a mom, you can beat your pretty butt I'm blowing stuff up LOL! There just nothing quite like granading my husband. It's so much to hear him say "I can't believe you just killed me!" *insert evil laugh here* "That's for not taking out garbage tonight dude!"

    Okay, so I promise to watch at least one episode. Perhaps it'll be more fun than blowing up my husband but then agian... =D

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  17. Jerrica ~ It is hard to raise a child when you have authority issues. You teach them to be wary, but you still want them to listen to you. Enjoy, welcome to my world. ;)

    Melissa ~ My son would love to come to your house. I've never seen someone nearly shake with anticipation over a video game, but all of September I'd get the update on the Halo Reach count down. "Just 5 more days, mom, until I'm really happy." I'm not sure which of us was happier for release day. ;)

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  18. Beth named some of the shows I totally forgot about and love, even if they do have authority figures - NCIS, NCIS LA, White Collar, and Rozzli and Isles. I also like Bones. Actually, there are certain authority figures I just love ;) By the way, I have caught a few of the Being Human shows. My husband records them.

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  19. Lydia,

    My son couldn't wait for Halo Reach either. We did the early release, but I refused to go pick it up at midnight on a school night.

    Melissa,
    On the way home from football practice the other day, my son was talking about his friend's social success at school. He said something about his friend knows how to talk to girls and then said, "You can't talk to them about video games all the time. They don't like that." So, I said, "Unless they are into video games too." You should have seen the smile on his face. I don't think it had ever occured to him that there might be a girl like that out there. :)

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  20. LOL at both comments. You can only imagine what our house was like waiting on this game if your son was like that Jodie. We had all scrounged up pennies out of the car to get this game LOL.

    And Samatha, there are a few but sadly still not enough. It's still a very male dominated area. I still get flack from guys in this game especially the older ones. "Girls don't play games and if they do they're not good." It's sad really how some of them feel so threatened.

    I did meet another fellow gamer girl not long ago and she was fourteen. My second oldest son was ecstatic and talked about her for days. But we haven't seen her online in quite some time. We need more gamer girls! But little by little we're trickling in. Tell your son to give it a year or so and we'll see more soon. I hope.

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  21. I'm totally hooked on THE VAMPIRE DIARIES. I love Damon too - he has the most gorgeous eyes ever! - but my heart belongs to Stefan. I prefer tortured heroes over bad boys...well, except for Sawyer from LOST, who IMHO is the best bad boy in TV history.

    I also love GLEE. And HAWAII FIVE-0 is terrific.

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  22. Lydia, the shows I was talking about are White Collar and Covert Affairs -- oh, and Leverage -- not sure when it will be back. Mmm, all of these are con men or spies, which are really just "legal" con men. LOL Let's not try to figure out what that says about me. Ahem. :)

    And I started watching Hawaii Five O because of Alex O'Loughlin, but Scott Caan with his wise-ass remarks stole my heart. LOL God I'm fickle!

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  23. Samantha ~ I fought the same battle. I am not going out a midnight on a school night to get a video game. Even if I did, it would be too late to play the darn thing.

    Melissa ~ This is so something girls of a certain age should know. If you're a gamer, you can meet a lot of boys. It reminds me of the lone boy that took HomeEc in high school to meet girls. ;)

    Jena ~ You are so right! Sawyer was an awesome bad boy! You couldn't help but love him. :)

    Donna ~ We won't look into your con men/spies, nor will we look into my love for bad boys. :)
    As far as Scott Caan's smart-ass remarks - I think more than bad boys - I love a guy with sarcasm. :) We are on the same page.

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  24. Lydia -- aren't sarcastic ones the best?! I think it goes well with the whole bad boy/con men thing. Sarcasm is SUCH a lovely accessory! LOL

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  25. Donna ~ OMG! It's the best accessory. :) My absolute favorite.

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  26. Sorry I'm so late to post! I'm a reality TV junkie, and I freely admit it, but there are two scripted shows I watch: Glee and Grey's Anatomy. Both of which, I might add, had fantastic season premieres this week. The summer felt oddly empty without these two shows hitting my screen each week.

    As to reality TV, I'm pleasantly surprised by this season's cast on Dancing With the Stars, which did not really excite me when I first read about them. I'm addicted to that show, because they get out there and try to do some things I only wish I could do. The new season of Survivor will have a very difficult time living up to the Heroes vs. Villains season, but so far it is turning out to be more interesting than I'd hoped. It doesn't hurt that I'm a huge Jimmy Johnson fan. I'm also looking forward to The Amazing Race. The travel and the crazy tasks always create for an interesting dynamic within the teams. Top Chef: Just Desserts is wreaking havoc on my sweet tooth though.

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  27. Hey Catherine! Better late than never. :) Hmm. A Jimmy Johnson fan in Dallas? LOL. That doesn't surprise me in the least. Actually, he's doing great so far. Nice, calm voice of reason.

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  28. I'm one of those oddball Dallasites (Dallasians? Dallasers? I don't know.) who actually HATES the Cowboys, but loves Jimmy Johnson. It isn't the Cowboys players fault that I hate them. Or the coaching staff, either. The owner is an idiot. Jimmy Johnson was the only coach since Jerry Jones bought the team who actually managed to coach the team himself, instead of Jerry doing it for him. But that's for another blog. LOL. Yeah, I think Jimmy is a bigger threat on Survivor than he's trying to make himself out to be. If he can get through a couple more eliminations, I think he'll be pretty well set in the game.

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