The Next Food Network Star: Q&A with Bob Tuschman and Dzintra Dzenis

Everyone wants to know all about the shush episode. And in a Q&A conference call with Bob Tuschman and Dzintra Dzenis, we hear all about this as well as lessons from Guy about starpower and the value of being yourself.

If you think you were shocked by Dzintra’s not too subtle hush of her teammate this week, imagine if you were the judges standing idly by. Aside from finding the “shh” incredibly rude, Bob said it was an unfortunate move for a contestant already on the fence anyway. What with three less than stellar performances, this action did not serve to further endear her to the judges.

And that’s a shame because in spite of her awkwardness in front of cameras, Bob believed that Dzintra had many great qualities to make her a star. She was interesting, quirky, with great culinary chops and sense of aesthetics. But unfortunately, some of her qualities she couldn’t change and they eventually did her in. And in spite of all of the other contestants who may have been rooting for her downfall, Bob insists that this had no effect on Dzintra’s standing in the competition. They were not taken into consideration. It was, he says, her own antics that sent her home.

But perhaps Dzintra could have benefited from a little more face time with guest judge Guy Fieri. Bob points to the previous winner as the model for what these contestants should do in the competition. BE YOURSELF. So many times contestants try to give the judges what the contestants think the judges would want. But such inauthenticity screams loudly and turns the judges away. Guy’s personality is bold, he makes no apologies. This is what the Next Food Network Star needs to be, comfortable in who they are and willing to share that with the world.

Dzintra Dzenis

Inopportune, it may have been, but if she had the chance Dzintra would do the ‘shush’ all over again. In fact, she’d do everything in the exact same way. Far from supposing that a different sequence of acts would take her further in the competition, Dzintra recognizes that differing acts could have played against her far sooner, getting her eliminated even earlier. So if she could go back and do it all over again, she’d change nothing.

And as for the ‘shush’ itself, Dzintra says she meant no harm. Caught up in the excitement and wanting desperately to be able to explain to the judges her contribution to the dish, her enthusiasm overflowed and led to the ‘shush.’ No harm was meant.

But though she wouldn’t change any of her decisions on the show, if she could go back, Dzintra wishes that she could show more of herself to the camera. This is perhaps one of her regrets. She speaks of the inability to shine every time she was on camera.. Here she makes a great reference to superheroes as she speaks about pulling on her Dzintra cape and being able to perform all the time. But she’s only human.

As for the positive things she took from the show, Dzintra says that the experience has helped her improve her culinary skills. It has given her an edge and polish to her cooking that she did not have before. She is stronger as a person and more daring in life as well as when it comes to experimenting with food. After all, you only get one life; it’s too short to hold back.

For more on The Next Food Network Star, click here.

Sundays at 9/8c on Food Network

Photographs courtesy of Food Network and Electric Artists.

The Next Food Network Star Review: Did She Really Just Do That???

In this week’s episode of The Next Food Network Star, contestants are given the red carpet treatment, Dzintra’s antics raises brows, and Paul’s snobbery almost gets the best of him.

This week’s Camera Challenge is all about inspiration. Because of course, the Next Food Network Star must be inspired by food and in turn must inspire millions of loyal viewers. And the inspiration this week is classic movie genres. Each contestant is given a genre (such as Mystery, Romance, Horror, and Comedy) that must be the inspiration for their dish. The contestants then have 30 seconds to present their dishes to the camera. DAS’s Foreign dish was uninspired, after all it’s not that hard to make tacos. Tom’s dish was called a disaster, although Serena’s Western pasta was called fabulous. The camera curse struck again as Brad, Aria, Paul, and Herb’s personalities suffered. Aarti seemed to have no such limitations as she won this challenge with both food and camera presentation that were called “flawless.”

For the Star challenge the contestants were taken to the red carpet where guest judge Guy Fieri (filling in for Bobby Flay) would test them on how they handle the spotlight. For the most part, the contestants handled themselves relatively well. Serena and Tom were friendly with the surrounding crowd. But then on the other hand…Paul was obnoxious; Brianna was a DIVA who strutted down the aisle as though it were her due. A sign of things to come for sure, as Brianna’s ‘me, me’ attitude blinds her when she later injures Serena. Charming.

For the second part of the Star challenge, contestants were put into teams of two to prepare three dishes. The first two dishes are solo dishes, while the third dish is a collaboration. The teams are Tom and DAS, Aria and Dzintra, Paul and Serena, Brad and Aarti, and Herb and Brianna. Paul hates that he is teamed with Serena and explains this in the most insulting way possible. He’s a classically trained chef while she is nothing but an at home chef. This explanation becomes even more annoying as he continues in this vein over the next half hour. And while I agree it is unfortunate Serena got stuck with him, such sentiments won’t help in the task at hand.

The chefs will be serving at an after party for singer Colbie Caillat. DAS and Tom seem to flourish together with an easy camaraderie, unfortunately their food does not fare as well; their collaboration dish is so bad that Caillat spit it out. Serena and Paul talk over each other in a presentation that was uncomfortable. In presenting to the judges, Dzintra shushes Aria. This shocks all the judges into silence. This warm feeling is continued in the tasting. Although Aria’s dish fares well, Dzintra’s and the collab dishes are called bad.

At the judging, self-dubbed “Team Sexy” Brianna and Herb win, while Dzintra and Paul find themselves in the bottom two. But in the end, Dzintra is sent home. She leaves quietly and, much to my chagrin, without any fuss.

So, the question is, once again: Which contestant will refuse to go?

Season 6, Episode 3: Grammy Award Celebration (originally aired June 20, 2010)

For more on The Next Food Network Star, click here.

Sundays at 9/8c on Food Network

Photographs courtesy of Food Network and Electric Artists.

Modern Family Review: An Irresistible Family

Of all the new shows that premiered this year, a few quickly became must-sees for me. ABC Network’s Modern Family is a comedy that stands out. Week after week, this family stole my heart and tickled my funny bone.

“Today’s Modern Family comes in all shapes and sizes. Just ask these three families,” states ABC Network’s website. Modern Family follows Jay (Ed O’Neill) who recently married a much younger and very attractive Colombian, Gloria (Sofia Vergara). Although Jay has a tough exterior, family is extremely important to him. Gloria is fiery and full of life…she seems to always have an “I’m Colombian” line. Manny (Rico Rodriguez), Gloria’s son from a previous relationship, is an old soul and not your typical preteen—he competes in fencing, cares about his appearance and writes love poems. Jay has two grown children—Claire (Julie Bowen) and Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson). Type-A personality Claire is married to Phil (Ty Burrell), the cool dad or so he thinks. They have three children—Haley (Sarah Hyland), a typical girly teen, brainy Alex (Ariel Winter) and Luke (Nolan Gould) who is often in his own little world. A serious and somewhat worrywart, Mitchell, who is an attorney, and his partner Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) have adopted an adorable Vietnamese baby girl, Lily. A jovial Cameron is Mitchell’s complete opposite. He has a flair for the dramatic, is a stay-at-home dad, plus singer, drummer and dresses up as Fizbo the clown.

For those Modern Family newbies, let me tell you why I love the show. Modern Family is comical! It is not just laugh out loud funny but so funny that your sides hurt from laughing so hard. The writing is crisp, quick-witted and at times sarcastic with some slapstick humor thrown in. I have to admit that even the promotional commercials crack me up.

The cast of Modern Family is amazing and portrays the perfect combination of loveable yet goofy characters. It is extremely difficult for me to pick a favorite character because I love them all!

Modern Family’s storylines are easy to relate to (dealing with parents, younger siblings, significant others, homework, etc.) and sometimes remind me of my own family. When Phil tried to teach Claire how to use the remote for the TV, it hit pretty close to home. Sorry, Mom.

The best way for me to introduce you to this family is through some of their hysterical lines and if you are already a fan, enjoy some lines from season one:

Jay: “I’m gonna teach him real chess, not the Colombian version. We actually use the pieces to play the game, not smuggle stuff out of the country.”

Gloria: “We’re very different. Jay’s from the city. He has big business. I come from a small village, very poor but very very beautiful. It’s the number one village in all Colombia for all the… (turns to Jay) what’s the word?”
Jay: “Murders.”
Gloria: “Yes, the murders.”

Manny: “If this so-called Santa Claus doesn’t bring me a burgundy dinner jacket, I’m going to have a big problem.”

Claire: “I’m a mom traveling with my kids. For me, this is not a vacation. It’s a business trip.”

Phil: “I’m the cool dad, that’s my thang. I’m hip, I surf the web, I text. LOL: laugh out loud, OMG: oh my god, WTF: why the face?”

Haley: “Why are you guys yelling at us? We were way upstairs. Just text me.”

Alex: “So if I’m supposed to act like an adult, is that act like adults I see in the world? Or the adults in my family? If it’s the ones in my family, then how hard could that be?”

Cameron: “I can’t pressure Mitchell. But I really, really, really just want him to get a job so I can go back to being a stay-at-home dad/trophy wife.”

Mitchell: “I am loose. I’m fun. Remember breakfast for dinner last week? My idea.”

Season one has ended and I’m already missing my other family—Modern Family! Remember “families are like fudge—mostly sweet with a few nuts (Anonymous).” Can’t wait to catch up with them this fall.

Wednesdays at 9/8c on ABC

For more television reviews, click here.

Photographs courtesy of ABC, Mario Perez, and Adam Taylor.

The Bachelorette Review: That’s Never Coming Off

What does “guard and protect your heart” even mean?**

I’m pretty sure that’s something fathers and older brothers say to daughters and sisters at their chastity balls or something. If Kasey said it one more time this episode I was going to jump in the TV and rip his Kermit voice box out. OK, maybe not something that extreme, but whaaaaaaaaat is going on with him?

Kasey: Slow down crazy, slow down. I’m fairly certain that if there was a sassy gay friend in the bachelor pad, this whole tattoo situation could have been avoided. Who gets a tattoo for someone they haven’t even kissed? Or for someone that might not like him at all? Who sings impromptu songs in the middle of awkward dates? Who needs subtitles under everything he is saying? The answer to all of these is of course, Kasey. Has he trademarked the phrase “guard and protect her heart”? Does he know that that isn’t a normal thing to say? I was cringing too much from second hand embarrassment to catch this the first time around, but that tat is very Bachelorette-specific… not just some life motto on love on something. He put 11 diamonds on the shield (that is guarding and protecting a heart, duh) to represent his “brothers” in the top 11. WTF? I’m sure there was even more sentimental crap attached to that terrible tat but I couldn’t look. I couldn’t look at Kasey at all this week, and unfortunately being cute seems to be his only asset. I can’t listen to him (like, actually can’t understand him) and I can’t contextualize anything he is saying (like, impromptu serenades?). I don’t know why Ali didn’t just kick him off during the museum date from hell. Then I also don’t know why she ended up giving him a rose at the end of it all. I can’t decide if Frank did Ali a favor or a disservice by taking her away at the cocktail party before Kasey had an opportunity to show her the new tattoo. Maybe a favor, because then she didn’t have to deal with the monstrosity on his wrist and have to sit through the accompanying song that I’m sure he just came up with, but then a serious disservice because now crazy Kasey is still around, and probs wouldn’t have been if Ali knew about the psycho tat. Woof.

Roberto: On the completely opposite end of the spectrum right now we have Rico Suave. I love Roberto. Can’t say anything bad about him, and it was pure brilliance to sing right to Ali and her ragamuffin extensions during The Lion King audition. A few items of note during that whole performance though: 1. Was Ali chewing gum during the show? 2. She should not have been in charge of her own hair and makeup for the show. I hope the editing just made it look like she was getting ready herself, like in What Not to Wear, but appearances tell me otherwise. 3. That harness looked like a big ol diaper on Robe Robe Robertoooo (say like “Alejandro”. This will work. I will make it work.)

Kirk: Is he kind of a loser? Like a nice, cute dorky one? He is a borderline ginger and is just throwing me off. He runs a fine line for me between super cute and super cheesy. It was very nice to tuck Ali in when she was feeling like hell on the group date, but then seemed like he was a Jersey Shore cast member saying really insightful things when he was all “do you know how into you I am.” Blah. Next week it looks like he reveals some kind of weird/sketchy history? TBD.

Frank: Could not be more in love with you. I melted when he was kissing Ali in the rain and said that he wanted what she had. Illness wise. Probably not hair wise. He does seem like he is getting a little cray cray with the jealousy by constantly fixating on Ali with the other guys. Dude, you signed up for this show, shouldn’t you know the drill by now?

Chris L: Too cute. I’ve decided that he kind of looks like the beast from Beauty  and the Beast after the transformation. Or before. But in a good way. Anyway, Ali was sick gross face for their one on one date, which also happened to be on his birthday. But he was a good sport about it and brought her flowers and soup in her suite and they lounged in her nest until she was well enough to not wash her hair but emerge from the hotel and go to dinner to eat their weight in lobster. You know they are both from Massachusetts, right? Ali also allowed Chris to call his dad on his birthday because she knows how close he is to his family. Weird and nice? Then Ali had one more surprise for Chris on the roof: this season’s first glimpse of black people in the choir accompanying Joshua Radin in a private concert! OK, this part was legit cute. I don’t know if Ali even knew who was up there and seemed genuinely excited, Chris had his rose cutely tucked in his big jacket, and they danced. Then they kissed. Did it look like a bad kiss to anyone else? Maybe his fangs were in the way. Still wicked pulling for Chris.

Jonathan: Cry one more time. Forecast is for rainshowers out your tear ducts forever. See ya.

Chris N.: WHO ARE YOU? A spy? He winked at Ali after she gave him a rose and there was a collective, who the hell are you, from everyone on the planet. No exaggeration. Maybe he is a mole to find out what the guys are really doing behind closed doors. Icing each other? But I kind of doubt it because why would the producers keep this plot twist away from us for so long? I keep thinking Ali is just keeping him around as padding and an easily guy to ditch for each ceremony, but now I just don’t get it.

Rated R.: I’m so over you I don’t even care if you have 2 girlfriends back home. Thanks, InTouch.

So that does it for this Disney edition of the Bachelorette. Will Kermit reveal his tat in Iceland next week? Will Gaston’s true motives for Ali’s love be revealed? The end.

**Apologies that this post is so late and/or doesn’t make sense. It was written during/after I contracted the new version of the Swine flu that is hitting your immune system this summer. I have decided that I am its first victim.

Season 6, Episodes 4 (originally aired June 14, 2010)

For more on The Bachelorette, click here.

Mondays at 8/7c on ABC

Photographs courtesy of ABC.

Jonah Hex Review: This Hex Fails To Cast A Spell

Film adaptations of comic books have been present in the summer movie season for decades, with ubiquitous powerhouses like Superman, Batman, Spider-Man, X-Men and their pervasive remakes, reboots and sequels leading the pack. The transition from illustrated pages to live action reels has been tackled time and time again with these seminal offerings, the most successful of which have paved the way for the recent trend of more obscure graphic novels being given the Hollywood treatment and appearing at a theater near you. For every newer blockbuster franchise like Iron Man, nearly a dozen underground dwellers fly closer to the radar (if not completely underneath it). Ghost World, A History of Violence, V for Vendetta, Sin City, Watchmen and April’s Kick-Ass are examples of acceptable mainstream film conversions of graphic novels with a more niche, cult appeal.

The latest installment in this increasingly abundant canon is the metaphysical, often anachronistic western Jonah Hex, finally making its appearance at box offices nationwide after a highly publicized production struggle. After screenwriting team Neveldine/Taylor ditched directorial duty and stuck to taking credit for the schizophrenic script, the problems plaguing Jonah Hex began to metastasize. Numerous re-shoots and frenzied editing tweaks only fueled widespread rumors that Hex was facing serious trouble as the June 18 release date loomed nearer.

Roping in respected actors Josh Brolin as the titular outlaw gunslinger with supernatural abilities and John Malkovich as his slithering nemesis initially gave potential fanboys a reason to hope for another successful comic book adaptation worthy of multiple trips to the theater and a reserved place in their DVD collections. However, the last-minute decision to shoot for a PG-13 rating evidently resulted in discarding heaps of footage on the cutting room floor, with only halfhearted scraps of what was once a promising premise remaining. Clocking in at a mere 81 minutes (including credits – wow), the meager remnants of Jonah Hex have been frantically stitched together with, apparently, the same metaphorical duct tape responsible for the 2007 Nic Cage disappointment Ghost Rider. The final outcome attempts to present itself as a legitimate summer movie, but the incredibly slipshod execution prevents any good intentions the filmmakers may have had from shining through the palpable inanity.

A bona fide mess from the start, Jonah Hex opens with a needless prologue complete with mildly explanatory voice-over from a brusque-sounding Brolin as (who else?) Jonah Hex, an ex-Confederate soldier with his sights set on revenge. Deemed a traitor during his duty in the Civil War when he kills his best friend and fellow soldier Jeb Turnbull, Jeb’s maniacal father Quentin (a paycheck-collecting Malkovich) forces Jonah to helplessly watch his family burn to death in their own home as his way of avenging the murder of his son. Turnbull also sears Jonah’s right cheek to a disfiguring degree, making it difficult for Jonah to swill whiskey with the masculine panache he strives to maintain throughout the film, be it with the gruff delivery of obligatory one-liners or maintaining his allure to bordello babe Lilah (Megan Fox, corseted to an unholy degree – I suspect an inability to breathe may be partly responsible for her wooden line delivery). Now a nomadic bounty hunter with warrants on his own head, Jonah Hex roams from one tumbleweed town to the next retrieving fugitives until he learns his archenemy Quentin Turnbull is still alive and plotting the destruction of the nation’s capital during the centennial celebration. Or something like that.

While Jonah’s crusty cowboy stoicism keeps the film’s homage to Clint Eastwood’s Man With No Name intact, the introduction of his ability to awaken the deceased (anyone else miss Pushing Daisies?) begins to throw the unwieldy aspect of mysticism into the already tenuous plot. It is here where de-facto director Jimmy Hayward officially loses control, and any semblance of cohesion is wholly abandoned. Most scenes don’t provide any kind of real exposition or underlying connection to each other, and some, in fact, don’t even seem to belong in the movie. Certain characters and events exist without any explanation or clear purpose (Wes Bentley’s cameo and a fight scene suspiciously similar to one in December’s Sherlock Holmes come to mind) and the few scenes that do make sense actually seem to be repeated throughout the movie as though the director didn’t know any other way to get his point across.

While the underlying premise of Jonah Hex seems intriguing enough for me to check out the graphic novels, the disjointed presentation of the movie was so jarring in its incompetence, I can’t for the life of me understand how three people are listed in the credits as editors. While at one point I’m sure Warner Bros. had envisioned a sleek, sexy supernatural western action flick raking in the dough, I have a feeling all those included in the making of Jonah Hex are now sweeping their involvement under the rug as we speak.

Photo by Frank Masi & Warner Bros. Picture– © ª &DC Comics.

Merlin Review: Don’t Forget About Morgana

After two weeks of frolicking with romantic storylines, it’s time to get back to the serious stuff with magic threatening the very existence of Camelot (does that sound dramatic enough for you?).

That creepy little child Mordred leads fellow magician Alvarr to Morgana’s chambers because he knows she will help them fight Uther. This time the magicians need the Crystal of Neahtid – its powers are largely unknown, but put in the hands of the right sorcerer, it can be used as a powerful weapon. The crystal was confiscated by Uther when he banned magic, and it is being kept locked underneath the castle. Morgana agrees to help Alvarr and Mordred by stealing the crystal for them.

Merlin quickly figures out what’s going on because he can hear Mordred telepathically whenever he’s near. He follows Morgana around and his worst fears are confirmed – the lovely lady is turning against her own King and caretaker.

Merlin decides to ask the Dragon for advice because he needs more answers about the crystal. The dragon isn’t really of much help to Merlin. He warns of an “evil alliance” between Mordred and Morgana which will bring Arthur’s downfall. The Dragon is also becoming extremely restless and wants Merlin to fulfill the promise he made at the beginning of the season: to free him from his chains. But Merlin isn’t quite ready to do so.

Still not certain what to do, Merlin relays to Gaius everything he knows about Morgana, Alvarr and the crystal. Gaius comes up with a clever story to lead Uther to Alvarr, but Morgana panics and runs to warn her newfound friend about the oncoming army. Arthur and his valiant knights destroy the campsite and take Alvarr back to Camelot where he is sentenced to death. Mordred once again escapes unscathed.

Morgana can’t handle the injustice anymore and she goes on a rampage against Uther. She calls him an “arrogant fool” and declares, “You will go to hell.” Tell us how you really feel, Morgana. Then in the dead of the night, Morgana goes down to the dungeons and slips the guards a sleeping potion so Alvarr can escape unseen. Her plan works and Alvarr runs off, but without the crystal. Uther is furious when he finds out his prisoner has escaped, and while he strongly suspects Morgana’s involvement, he has no proof.

After Arthur and his men had captured Alvarr, they took back the Crystal of Neahtid. Merlin couldn’t resist the appeal of the crystal and he holds it in the palm of his hand where he finds out that one of the crystal’s powers is showing the future. Let’s just say the future doesn’t look too bright for Camelot. Merlin catches glimpses of an angry dragon, his own tear-stained face, and Camelot up in flames within the crystal. With only two episodes left in the season, it’s about time things started getting dramatic!

Season 2, Episode 11: The Witch’s Quickening (aired June 18, 2010)

For more on Merlin, click here.

Fridays at 10/9c on Syfy

Photographs courtesy of NBC Universal and SyFy.

Friday Night Lights Review: New Kids in Town

I got a very Wire-esque feeling while watching this week’s Friday Night Lights. Each season of The Wire managed to seamlessly introduce new characters to tell a different view of Baltimore life, especially some of the more poignant urban issues. There was always a core crew to focus on and keep things grounded. For FNL, that would be Coach and Principal Taylor. Then, we’d be introduced to new character whose viewpoints would add something new and different to the story. And this season, we have Luke, Vince, Becky and Jess.

We’ve already seen a glimpse of Jess’s home life, and how her father Virgil’s football past might play into this season, but we didn’t get much time to spend with her this week. Instead we got a harsh taste of Luke’s farm life, Vince’s dangerous one and more of Becky’s broken home.

It’s interesting because I’m still not a huge Becky fan. I think she acts a little spoiled and bratty, but the more I get to know her and see Tim Riggins in her, the more I like her. Her father came for a visit, one that nothing good could come from. Her parents are divorced, and knowing her mom is more than a little flighty, I knew her dad must be even less stable for her, and boy was I right. Like many children of divorced parents, Becky dreamed of the day her dad would come home and stay for good. Riggins overheard something very different. Papa actually had another family in Seattle that he never told baby about, which of course would break her heart. He begged Tim not to say anything, and instead bought her a puppy.

When said puppy is rejected by Mama, Becky goes on her typical tirade, claiming her the worst mother ever and leading her to idealize her father even more. Now at this point, the story is pretty typical. Children all over TV are condemning one parent when the other really should be taking heat. It’s usually a father who turns out to be a cheater, ruining his baby girl’s view forever. So this storyline wasn’t extremely exciting, but what I did like was how things started to click between why Riggins would care for this annoying girl. I remember Season1′s “I Think We Should Have Sex,” when Tim’s picture of his dad was changed forever. His older brother had always seen the things Tim never could because he was younger and shielded, and Tim believed that the truth was better than a lie. Though it may have hurt Becky to finally find out the truth about her dad, Tim did the right thing. He even got punched because of it. Still Papa ended up on the worse end of that fight.

By the end of the episode, Tim ends up in a empty field, looking at the for sale property with his new dog Skeeter. I’m not sure where all this is going, but it’s got to be a better idea than whatever crazy stuff Billy is getting into to help pay for the baby. He was propositioned for something shady by someone shady that’s for sure. At least Becky has to be happy that her old dog will be her new neighbor. You’re so gosh-darn sweet, Tim Riggins. How can you expect this girl to not fall in love with you?

Luke had something of tête-à-tête with his father. As a farmer’s son, Luke is expected to help when needed, and lately that’s a lot. The farm is going through tough times, and the family can’t afford the extra hands they need so Luke has to step up. How hard must it be for a young man to want nothing more than something bigger for himself only to have his love for and devotion to his family hold him back in a way. Luke tried to explain that by missing school he wouldn’t be able to attend practice, but his father couldn’t care less. It isn’t until Luke’s new friend Tinker comes by to help, that his father understood the magnitude of football in Luke’s life. Tinker tells his father that Luke is a great leader, and by helping Luke on the farm, he feels like he’s helping the team. It’s a sweet ending that’s spoiled when Luke’s leg gets crushed on the fences while trying to let out the cattle.

And Vince may have the most interesting storyline of the night, mostly because of how out of place it felt. I strongly appreciate having more minority characters on TV especially on a show as well written, directed and acted as this one. Yet I hate to see an African-American character play such a stereotypical role, the underprivileged kid on the wrong path who must be helped by “the Man,” but when it’s done honestly and smartly, it can be a powerful thing. Though this week touted that fine line for me, I believe FNL is on the right track. It started with an embarrassing search of Vince’s locker room locker in front of the entire team by the cops who’d gotten a tip that he was packing heat.

Coach has certainly never been put in quite this predicament in all his coaching years, and Kyle Chandler played his uneasiness well. Though the cops found nothing, Coach confronted Vince saying he needed to tell him if he did own a gun. Of course Vince denied it, but he painted a pretty convincing picture of why he would have a gun if he did. Later, Coach chats with Tami about how can he trust Vince when Vince doesn’t trust him. He semi-extends an olive branch when he named Vince quarterback, something a more cleaned up version of Vince’s mom explained to Coach was very important to Vince. But Coach always finds a way to reach out even in the most uncomfortable of situations and explains that even though Vince may need the gun for protection that it’s more important to be smart because who’d take care of his family if he went to jail. This doesn’t fall on deaf ears because Vince turns up at Coach’s later and hands him a paper bag. (I also love how we never see the gun the entire episode.)

Not to be forgotten, Aimee Teegarden turned in great work as Julie struggled to deal with her broken heart, and the realization that Matt was really gone. (He called Grandma and Mom but not Julie.) Mindy also got some bad news when she was restricted to bed rest before the baby’s birth. Her medical bills then lead to her stripper friends planning a baby shower/lap dance fundraiser with the Riggins boys. And from the previews it looks like we’ll be seeing more of Jess, as she gets further stuck between Landry and Vince. This week, Landry finally let go of Tyra when she didn’t show up for some planned rendezvous. This part felt a little tacked on to the episode, which can happen when a character has “left,” but in the end, he gets a date with Jess with that Landry charm.

So what’d you think about this week’s episode? Who is your favorite newbie? And can you believe that Billy Riggins is going to be a dad, and the hottest guy in Dillon will soon be known as Uncle Tim? Until next week!

Season 4, Episode 7: In the Bag (aired June 18, 2010)

For more on Friday Night Lights, click here.

Fridays at 8/7c on NBC

Photographs courtesy of NBC Universal and Bill Records.

Toy Story 3 Review: We’ve Got a Friend in Pixar

It hardly seems possible that 15 years have passed since I eagerly asked my parents to take me to that new movie “that was made all on computers!” The movie was of course Toy Story by a little know production company called Pixar and little did we know at the time how revolutionary it would be. Since then, traditionally animated films have all but disappeared and Pixar has gone on to create what are arguably some of the best films of the past decade in any genre or format.

As a film-obsessed 12 year old, I adored the characters and story that unfolded amazingly in front of me in Toy Story and now at the ripe old age of 27 I see that very little has changed with the advent of Toy Story 3. Woody is still the honorable hero that I’d like to be, Buzz Lightyear is still as brash and powerful as I remember, and I still giggle with joy whenever the little green aliens murmur “the claaaawwww…”

Many things have changed for me over the past 15 years but these little things and character traits still strike a cord within me and I guess that’s what this movie is all about. Andy, like me, is all grown up and preparing to move away from home for college, which includes the inevitable packing process that leads to decisions about whether to throw things out or keep them as a special reminder of a time when the games you played in the backyard were the only things that mattered. And though Andy may seem lackadaisical about it, his precious toys are terrified and lonely. They haven’t been played with in years and are now dreading their fate of either being destined for the dumpster or stored in the attic collecting dust.

When Andy is finally pressed to make a decision by his mom it is good old Woody (Tom Hanks) who makes the cut to go along with Andy to college while the rest of the gang is tossed into a garbage sack meant for the attic. Well, a mishap occurs that leaves the sack out on the curb for the garbage man to pick up. Realizing the error, Woody leaps into action and although the toys manage to escape the garbage, they wind up instead in a donation box that takes them to Sunnyside Daycare.

Sunnyside Daycare seems like heaven at first. They are guaranteed to be loved and played with everyday and never have to worry about losing another owner who outgrows them. There is even a grandfatherly pink teddy bear (Ned Beatty) who smells of strawberries and welcomes them with open arms and a Ken doll voiced by Michael Keaton yet sounds nothing like Michael Keaton. What could be better? Well, Woody disagrees and is adamant about being there for Andy if he ever wants him again so he abandons his scorned friends and attempts to get home before Andy can move out without him in tow.

I don’t want to disclose everything in the plot beyond this point but it goes without saying that the daycare center isn’t all its cracked up to be. Anyone who’s ever seen a toddler play with toys knows what I’m talking about. Playtime gets ugly and before we know it Toy Story 3 turns into an epic prison escape film that will certainly delight and entrance kids of any age.

Despite everything that is fun about it though, the film actually goes to some dark places and at times I feared that we were about to witness the death of our favorite characters. No exaggeration. It gets pretty grim towards the end but don’t let that steer you away – things eventually brighten up again but I promise you won’t be unaffected.

As with all Pixar films Toy Story 3 looks amazing and although it doesn’t achieve the pure visual brilliance of recent films like Wall-E and Up, there is more than enough eye candy to keep even the most superficial viewer glued to their seats. I saw the film in 3D which was nice but definitely not essential viewing if you want to save a few dollars. The story and performances by the great voice talents of Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Don Rickles, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Timothy Dalton and many others are more than enough to make this worth your time on a summer day.

But what makes all three Toy Story films special is what you’re able to project onto the films from your own life. The writers and directors seemed to have tapped into something special and rare with these characters that hits home for so many people in so many different ways. Personally, last week I found out that my parents have sold the home I grew up in and are now in the process of going through my old things in an effort to decide what to keep, what to throw away, and what to donate. I’ve spent probably hours with my mom on the phone listening to her describe old action figures, stuffed animals, and models that haven’t been touched in years yet meant so much to me all those years ago. These were the things that made up my childhood and I’m now faced with letting them go or letting them continue collecting dust in the event that I may need them again someday. Reality says I’ll probably never touch them again as they are just hunks of plastic but the memories associated with them are priceless and choosing to let go of that is a very profound and difficult choice. For some items I felt like a nutcase even thinking about it but after watching Andy in the film, I know I’m not the only sap who feels the same way and that maybe the connection we have to the material things of our childhood is universal.

Obviously, Toy Story 3 struck a nerve in me and I know I won’t be the only one. The people at Pixar who year after year make these truly wonderful and affecting films never cease to amaze me. They are seemingly tapped into our human psyche in a way that astounds me. Hell, their films might even be more effective than therapy. But they are also unbelievably entertaining to boot so really, what are you waiting for? Go see it.

Grade: A-

Photo by mfarrar & © Disney/Pixar.

Jone Dome vs. The World: World Cup Facebook Wars

Season 2 Episode 23: The World Cup Facebook War. (Live from Austin Grill) Join Ference and Double Edge as they recap a Facebook war about the Word Cup. It’s the Jone Dome vs. The World. (Available on iTunes)

Show Credits:

Written & hosted by: Ference and Double Edge
Produced & Edited by: Zuberi B. Williams
Venue: Austin Grill (Silver Spring, MD)
Intro: Wale (Chillin)

(If the show does not play using the link at the bottom of the page, you can download it: Download|Podcast Alley)

T. Dubb is a lover of the arts and enjoys drawing, listening to music, and watching movies in her spare time. Originally from Los Angeles, she currently resides in Davis, CA.

So You Think You Can Dance Review: It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s Stage

If there’s one thing to worry about So You Think You Can Dance this season, it most definitely isn’t the talent. I can’t remember a first round that was so evenly matched, for the most part, and so exciting. Thankfully, the judges aren’t dubbing it the “Best. Season. Ever” yet, though it surely might be after what I saw this week. Very few numbers completely captivated me, but the level of technical skill and comfort was so far from what I’m used to seeing on the first episode. So ranks be gone! At least for this first week, as surely people will start to pull away from the pack. And as the delectable Cat would say with that kangaroo lull of hers, pleeeeeease welcome your Top 11 dancers…

It didn’t get any better than Alex Wong, who danced a contemporary number choreographed by Sonya Tayeh. His entire performance, from movement to emotion, epitomized the reason I watch this show. It’s why I adore this show. Sonya, Alex and his All-star Allison created the perfect synergy of music, great dancing, technique and passion. The dancers were in perfect synchronization, and they brought me to tears, something reserved for only a handful of past dances. Yes, it was that good. Even Nigel said it was “mega light years ahead of everybody else.” Was it, as Mia proclaimed, the best dance ever performed on SYTYCD? Not so sure. I still believe Mia might hold that title herself.

And while I can’t disagree with Nigel’s statement in any way, everybody else still didn’t do too shabby. Kent partnered with Anya for a Tony & Melanie Cha-cha. The wide-eyed, sweet as sugar boy was so darn committed, and he’s so darn likeable. It’s like trying to look at a bird in the sky that’s flying in front of the sun. You know it’s there, but it’s hard to really see it. The ‘it’ in this case was Kent’s heavy legs and his inability to really lead. Still there were moments, like his ridiculously long pirouette, that show just how gifted he is.

I was actually surprised by my immediate connection to Kent. Last season, Billy Bell would have been the young, slightly naïve ingénue, though with a little less ‘aw shucks’ and ‘golly gee’ attitude. Yet, it seems Billy has matured since we last saw him and lost a little bit of his luster. (Or it could just be the awkward facial hair. I’m just saying…) He’s evidently a fantastic dancer, but this number didn’t excite me like I was hoping. I understand he got an extremely difficult and frenetic dance, a fast-paced Broadway number choreographed by Tyce. It was more raucous than emotional, and he had to go first, but for Broadway being all about storytelling, I got no character or feeling in his almost perfect movement. I also had high expectations as Footloose on Broadway was seriously part Cirque du Soleil during its grandest dance numbers. (And it’s got the Best Choreography Tony Nomination as proof.)

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