sherri's blog

I'm counting down the days until the premiere of the new season of American Gladiators. The show will have 2 new Gladiators making their debut and it's none other than Evan Dollard and Monica Carlson, the champs from last season. Evan will now be known as Rocket, which given his speed is definitely appropriately. Monica was given the name of Jet which I'm assuming is because she was so quick out of the gate, which enabled her to crush her opponents.

The new season will open on Monday, May 12th with a 2 hour premiere. All sunsequent episodes of American Gladiators will settle into the shows Monday night prime time slot of 8:00p.m. on NBC. The show which will run for 90 minutes promises to be bigger and better than before. It's said that their will be seven new events, a taller Wall and a newly redesigned Eliminator.

I personally can't wait for the new season to begin. When the show first aired in January of 2008, I pretty much scoffed at it. After viewing several episodes (when there was nothing elses on worth watching) however, I was hooked. While I enjoyed all the fast packed action my favorite part of the show is when the competitors hit the bullseye in the Assault event and sent the Gladiators catapulting into the water. That was great.

If you're looking for a show that's fast paced and shows true grit, determination and fierce competitiveness than be sure to watch American Gladiators.

The Discovery Channel is the reigning king of the hill when it comes to non-fiction tv shows. Their non-fiction shows such as Mythbusters, Deadliest Catch, Dirtiest Jobs and Cash Cab to name just a few, are not only entertaining but educational as well. 

If you haven't experienced Discovery Channel in a while my questions to you are, Why Not? and What Are You Wating For? With the wide diversity in their programming line-up there is sure to be a "gotcha" show (you know, those shows that when you watch them for the first time, so pique your interest that you can't wait for the next episode. That's why I call them "gotcha's") for even the most discriminating home viewer. There is definitely something for every age group.

The shows that I previously listed are my personal "gotcha" favorites. The characters or rather hosts (although some of these hosts truly are characters) of these shows are what gives them that extra something in addition to the shows footage. You know, that extra special zing that makes you want to tune in each week.

So if you find yourself with some time on your hands then why not give the Discovery Channel a chance to open you eyes, expand your knowledge and help you rediscover the world around you. I'm pretty sure you won't be disappointed. 

While I don't watch too many movies on Cinemax ( I personally prefer Starz as they have a greater movie selection) I decided to watch a movie the channel was airing called "The Marine",mainly because I had never seen it before. After watching it, I can definitely say that had I been the one  to bankroll this movie I would either be asking for my money back or hoping that I could get a major tax break for lost revenue (if any) on this (quite probable) box-office bomb.

The story line was so thin that had it been ice, it would have been unsafe to skate on. The acting and dialogue left a lot to be desired. I can't believe that any movie studio, individual or group of individuals with money to burn actually thought this movie would be a smash hit. The only thing worth watching in this movie was all the explosions that took place and that's only if you're into that stuff.

A quick plot synopsis is that a soldier is discharged from the Marines, though not willingly. Gets fired from a security job. He and his wife decide to get away from it all for awhile. While at a gas station they cross paths with a group of diamond thieves who knock him out, take his car, kidnap his wife and blow up the gas station all in a matter of minutes. Guess you can figure out where the story line goes from here as it's so predictable.

This movie was sooo.. boring that I probably could have just watched the first and last ten minutes and taken a nap in between without missing a beat. Don't get me wrong, I like action movies, but this one was definitely no where near on the same par as a Steven Segal or Chuck Norris movie. This movie, at least in my opinion, should have either been left in the film can or never even been made.

Lifetime Movie Network yesterday aired back to back showings of the movie "You Belong to Me" which starred actress Shannon Elizabeth as Alex Wilson, a woman who is being stalked by an angry spirit. 

While I am only familiar with Shannon Elizabeth because of her time as a competitor on this seasons Dancing With the Stars I thought I would give her movie a look see. The movie was desribed as a mystery/suspense movie. Being an avid mystery/crime & suspense buff with regard to movies I was extremely disappointed with this movie. It was so predictable that even a 5 year old could have figured out who the angry stalker spirit was going to be after maybe the first 15 minutes or quite possibly less. I wasn't really timing it.  

A well written and produced script for a worthwhile and memorable mystery movie should have the viewer constanly revising their educated guess about who the villian is until the very end. Multiple twists, turns and the unexpected are what mystery buffs crave when watching a mystery movie. Who among us (mystery buffs) doesn't like to think we have the deductive reasoning of Sherlock Holmes when it comes to solving crime in either movies or books. 

You might want to give this movie a pass if you're a die hard mystery fan. I'm wishing now that I did. Truth be told however there was nothing else worth watching on tv at the time and that's how I came to be watching "You Belong to Me". Next time I'm faced with this predicament I think I'll just read a mystery book.

Oh yeah! The acting, if you can call it that was so blase and wooden that it did nothing to enhance the movie or give any credibility or realism to any of the characters. I've seen a sleeping dog show more facial expression than any of the actors did.

Stop. Wait. Go back. That's what I was yelling as I caught the tail end of a commercial announcing the premiere of The Next Food Network Star. After all the challenge shows this is probably my next favorite show produced by the Food Network.

Season 4 which is set to premiere June 1, will have restaurateur and chef extraordinaire, Bobby Flay judging the competition along with Food Network executives Bob Tuschman and Susie Fogelson. The competition should prove to be fierce as a good portion of the competitiors are already accomplished chefs and are either former or current owners of their own restaurants.

The first night is always the most challenging for me as I like to pick my favorites, you know the competitors who have what it takes. A serious contender, at least in my book needs to have creativity, confidence, charisma and determination to come out on top. Mind you I have not always been spot on with my selections, except in season 2 when I picked Guy Fieri. His show Guy's Big Bite continues to be one of my favorites. Perhaps this season I'll be fortunate to once again pick the winner, if not I'll still have picked up some remarkable recipes to add to my own food menu.

Being a big fan of the Food Network and the majority of it's shows I was quite surprised to find myself tuning in (quite by accident) and enjoying another cooking show on a totally diffrent channel. I am after all a self procalimed Food Network snob when it comes to cooking shows so I was surprised that I actually set my recorder so as not to miss an episode of Top Chef which airs on the Bravo Network.

My new favorite show, Top Chef as those of you who watch it know has jealousy, bickering, huge egos, whining and when and if possible some good old fashioned back stabbing. Sounds like the plots in a soap opera doesn't it. Who new a cooking show could offer up so much more entertainment than just recipes. I am just fascinated and completely taken with this show. The competition is always fierce and the chefs must constantly be on their toes and always bring their A-game to the table if they want to have any chance at winning the competition.

I have already earmarked several of the competing chefs recipes to try in my own kitchen. Hopefully my dishes will look and taste as appetizing as theirs.

With regard to the hosts & judges ( Tom Colicchio-chef, Padma-food expert, Gail-food writer & Ted-writer) I feel that they neither add nor detract from the show. I understand that they are needed as it is a competiton, but I think any accomplished food writer or creative chef could easily take any one their places. The competitors, with their unique personalities and creativeness are what really make the show not only worth watching but the success that it is.

Rumor has it, well according to an article in TV Guide, that the long running crime/mystery show CSI will be losing one of their original cast members at the end of the season. Gary Dourdan who plays the sexy and occasionally troubled CSI crew member Warrick Brown will be turning in his gun, vest, badge and evidence kit in the season finale episode in May.

Whether it's because of creative differences or personal issues I think the show will suffer somewhat for the absence of Mr.Dourdan. His portrayl of Warrick Brown's various strengths, weaknesses and his battle with his inner demons helped to give his character credibility. Warrick was also the perfect love interest for Catherine. I mean you could practically feel the sexual current generated between the two. It's too bad now that fans of the show will never really get to see if the writers could have come up with a really credible script that might have had both Catherine and Warrick setting up house.

Once again with regard to Mr. Dourdan, I hope other networks see the potential(ratings increase) for either giving him his own show or writing him into one of their existing ones. I can definitely see him breathing some new life into any one of the Law and Order series. He could quite possibly be a sexy new lawyer or investigator whose dark and secret past has for whatever reason thrown him into this new environment.

This morning while watching Good Morning America I hit the info button on my remote to see who and what would be happening on the show and whether or not it was worth recording. Here's what I noticed. When you read the description you notice that everything is repeated. The show description usually goes something like this: Reese Witherspoon and Emeril Lagasse. Actress Reese Witherspoon and Chef Emeril Lagasse.

Why does whoever writes the description copy feel it's necessary to be so redundant. Surely the home viewer is quite capable of understaning a simple combination of the two descriptions. I mean if the show is having a singer, a chef and an actress on at the same time then just give one description that's short, simple and to the point.  Example: Actress Reese Witherspoon, Chef Emeril Lagasse and Singer George Michael.

Lest you think I am singling out Good Morning America, I'm not. I'm just using them as an example. The majority of morning shows use the same format. Now I don't know if the information presented about the show is written by those who provide my tv programming service or the networks themselves and I don't really care. I am of the opinion with regard to this pet peeve of mine that less is definitely better. 

The contestants on Dancing With The Stars came out fighting(figuratively speaking) last night. They shook, shimmied, rattled and rolled for all they were worth during their routine in order to garner favorable reviews with the judges and hopefully entice the home viewers to call in and cast their vote for them.

With just several weeks remaining the competition has really heated up as the stars struggle to keep up. At the end of the competition last night Kristi Yamaguchi who has consistently held first place tumbled to second. I felt that she gave an excellent performance with both her waltz and hip-hop style cha-cha. The judges namely Len clearly felt differently as his score is what caused her to topple fron first to second place. 

Jason Taylor on the other hand managed to inch his way to top with his quick step and paso doble. While I thought Jason gave an excellent performance last night, I think he and Edyta might have chosen different music for their paso doble. The Monday night footbal music did nothing to enhance the dance routine as far as I'm concerned.

Shannon Elizabeth managed to turn in a very credible tango last night but her second dance, which I can't even recall because it was so unremarkable was just a dance. While she is trying to display proper form during her routines to gain praise from the judges her body language and positioning still come across as very rigid and wooden. 

Marissa Jo Winokur on the other hand is just such a pleasure to watch. She has come a long way since the first dance. The dramatic improvement in her line, form and attention to detail let's the home viewer know that she is in it to win. Also her enthusiasm is just so infectious that you can't help but to cheer her on as she tries to claim the coveted disco ball as her own.

Christian, whom I didn't much care for in the beginning has definitely come a long way since the first night.I actually find myself cheering him on and hoping he make it to the finals. His samba last night, I feel would have garnered him a high score had he not injured his arm. 

Finally Mario proved once again that some dances are meant for him and others are not. His foxtrot was nothing to write home about while his mamba(very sexy) proved that he could still be a contender.

After last night's performances I still think that Kristi Yamaguchi, when all is said and done will walk away with the trophy. 

Will he or won't he?. That's the question I'm asking myself with regard to whether or not Joe will stray from the life he shares with Allison.

This season, as fans of the hit tv show Medium know, finds Joe entering into business with venture capitalist Meghan Doyle(portrayed by the lovely and talented Kelly Preston). While on the surface it appears they are focused solely on getting a patent on Joe's solar based invention, you can't help but notice the underlying currents of sexual attraction between the two partners. It's so obvious given Joe's change in demeanor when he and Allison are together.

With all that Joe has gone through, between the shooting at his workplace, the loss of his job and his inability to adequately provide for his family(at least in his eyes) may cause him to reevaluate his relationship with Allison. The subtle flirtations from Meghan and the either concious or unconcious reciprocation from Joe doesn't help matters either. Remember that it was Meghan who believed in Joe's invention and shared his enthusiasm. Allison on the other hand gave little if any support to Joe's vision for his solar invention which he felt would be very marketable and enable him to form his own company and provide more than adequately for his family. He has, alebit grudingly at times always been Allision's staunchest supporter with regard to her psychic abilities, and her involvement with D.A.'s office which necessitated her leaving home at all hours .

Allison I suspect already has an inkling (you think! she is psychic after all ) about how the current turn of events will affect her family. I'm wondering if Allison will confront Meghan about her(possible) desire for more than a working relationship with Joe. The next couple of episodes should prove to be very interesting.

I myself am betting on Allision to do what it takes to hang on to her husband and keep her somewhat chaotic life intact.