The O.C. Chrismukkah Special

The O.C. Chrismukkah Special
Originally uploaded by duckydale.

First off, lets just say that when The O.C. created Chrismukkah last year I thought it was genius. When the O.C. revisited Chrismukkah this year I was worried it could not live up to last years holiday celebration, but I was way wrong.

I'm going to get right to it. THE O.C. MADE ME CRY. The O.C.. Who knew Chrismukkah could be so emotionally draining. Cry Moment #1: Ryan coaxes Kirsten out of the closet. That Kirsten finally had some emotional scenes and they broken my heart. Cry Moment #2: When Summer unveils her Chrismukkah miracle at Lindsay's house. I was a blubbering mess.

Chrismukkah lines of the night:

"Oy Humbug!" (The Cohen's)

"I for one am looking forward to dinner with my stepmom face down in her Christmas ham!" (Summer)

And the Chrismukkah inventions of the year go to?

- Seth for his "Color Coded Holiday Alert System" with a spectrum that ranges from Taupe to Putty to Charcoal to finally Kocheese.

- Lindsay's Yarmuclaus invention. Genius. I'm not half jewish but if I could get one of these, I would be!

Did I mention that The O.C. made me cry? On Chrismukkah no less.

Amazing Race 6 12.14.04

Amazing Race 6
Originally uploaded by duckydale.

Okay, did we not all see Jonathan actually shove Victoria just before stepping up to Phil's podium? Phil, is abuse part of the show now? REMOVE THIS FUCKER and his obviously physically and emotionally abused wife. How are they still in this game? I fucking hate them. All I want for Christmas is Jonathan gang raped by inmates.

That said... See ya Don and MJ. Nice knowing you, but this game is all about the kids this year. Kris and Jon are officially my favorites. They are working alone and loving each other and the experience, for that, they will probably lose this race. HA!

Okay, its one thing to be worried and concerned with being in a third world country but to say the things that whore Kendra said on television are just wrong. Girl, that big black thing next to your face is a boom mic, the thing with the lens in front of you is a camera. You're on television and making horribly racist and classist remarks for the world to see. Kiss your so called "modeling" career back to a Sears catalog. Cunt.

Bravo's "The Christmas Special Christmas Special"

Bravo's "The Christmas Special Christmas Special"
Originally uploaded by duckydale.

I was very skeptical about this special because it was being hosted by a Queer Eye, Carson. But, it actually turned out to be an incredibly well done retrospective of the history of the televised Christmas Special. From the early roots in family oriented variety specials to the golden era of the Christmas special, the 60's. There are clips and commentary and a study of the cultural impact secular and non-secular specials had on society.

Catch it if you can.

Desperate Housewives 12.12.04

Desperate Housewives
Originally uploaded by duckydale.

I've decided that I do like this show, but not as much as I had hoped. Since it has become the new phenom, the new "Sex and the City" for women in America, it has lessened somehow. I don't know if it is my perception of the show or if they did in fact dumb it down for women everywhere.

That in mind, parts of this show are just genius. Lynette stealing "The Practice" receptionist that is now a nanny. Apparently the recession hurt her too. I love Bree to the ends of the earth. She is the best comedic and out there performer on the show. When she sabotages her son's swimming future and throws piss all over Rex on the golf course, you see true signs of frustration and desperation mixed in with some incredibly psychotic behavior. That's how I like my women.

And um, Zach honey... you didn't kill your little sister if that's who was supposed to be in that damn toy chest. Hello adult female bones. A jigga what?

Survivor Finale

Survivor Finale
Originally uploaded by duckydale.

Eliza got the boot first, OH I WAS PISSED! That was until 10pm when they went live and I saw that pygmy bitch face, "I wear a onesy" swears on her son's name now has a MULLET! Genius. Honey, take that $100k and buy yourself a fucking flowbee, it cant be worse. She's a demented fucktard. I hate her and I am so glad that she lost.

Mullet. Classic.

The O.C. 12.09.04

The O.C.
Originally uploaded by duckydale.

Of course Lindsay is the daughter, she looks exactly like that Wheeler woman. Duh. Is it wrong for Ryan to be dating his adoptive Aunt? Lindsay is Seth's Aunt, Wow. Good thing he didn't like her, huh?

I was semi-disappointed with this week's OC because I thought this was the Chrismukkah episode. Sorry Jenn, I really thought this was the celebration of Chrismukkah. Next week, light that candle and trim that tree, there'll be a catfight for the holidays!

Speaking of catfights, Zach knocking out Cohen was hysterical. Then he apologizes, this show is brilliant!

Apprentice 12.09.04

Apprentice 12.09.04
Originally uploaded by duckydale.

Sandy got screwed! There is no way in hell Jen deserves to be there over Sandy. Sure, if you want to ensure Kelly's win, go for it... pick Jen.

With that in mind, this season's finale is not as exciting. And how on god's green earth are they going to milk 3 hours out of the finale if we are already well into the final task?

Survivor 12.09.04

Survivor 12.09.04
Originally uploaded by duckydale.

First can we just focus our attention on the picture to the right of Julie? What's up Chula? Seriously with that do-rag, it's Survivor, not Fight Club Jules.

How on earth is it possible that Twila is still in this game. She seriously reminds me of a cross between Wendy The Retard and a Hedgehog. For real, if she won that rewards challenge and got to go to the Volcano - bitch would be sleepin' with the lava.

Chris you're a cock.

Eliza, girl WIN THIS THANG!

Without a Trace 12.09.04

Without a Trace 10.28.04
Originally uploaded by duckydale.

"Malone Vs. Malone" / Kramer Vs. Kramer on 'roids. Hello! Jack, it's called anger management, look into it. That cunt of an ex-wife went waaaaay too far bringing up personal issues from his childhood including his Mother's suicide, his possible attempted suicide and such. It was soooo not right. At one point I thought for sure he was going to pass out, he couldn't concentrate, he was blurry eyed and flush... then WHAMMO! Chair through window! Merry Christmas "Without A Trace."

I'm still new to this show but I;ve been trying to catch up with the TNT reruns every monday night at 11pm and the occassional rerun on Friday or Saturday that CBS oft pulls out. It's incredibly good and I am addicted.

With that in mind, damn that Martin is an understanding man. Your girl is down in the dumps because her ex is having his divorce hearing in your office and you're still sweet on and to her. Nice guy.

And, I love how they took like 5 hours to decorate that tree. Some little kid went missing and died because they had to put up the tree. That is my kind of office!

Lost 12.08.04

Lost
Originally uploaded by duckydale.

Oh god is "Lost" good watchins! I appreciate Matthew Fox and his welling of the eyes abilities. I appreciate Kate's waaaay believable meltdown. I appreciate Hurley coming in 17th place in a backgammon competition. I appreciate Locke's ability to predict the weather. I appreciate the unwillingness of the survivors to accept Locke as a collections manager for a box company. I appreciate Ethan's crazy ass as his stomping foot. I appreciate hanging a "VH1 has-been" from a cliff.

Wait, Thanksgiving was two weeks ago.

There were some powerhouse moments tonight. Locke's disgust with his own character judgement was humbling. Kate's ability to track and her telling the truth to Jack, it finally revealed a trust and outward emotion on both of their parts.

But hands down, the heavy of the episode was Jack's flashback's. I guess we now know what Jack did to make his mother blame him for his father's state. Matthew Fox deserves an Emmy for his performance on this show. He is incredibly subtle with his emotional outlet, but when it matters, the man pulls the range. When his father has him in the office trying to convince him to sign off on the death report, there are tears just sitting in his eyes, he never lets them drop, they just hang as he listens to his father justify his drunken actions. To top that, when Jack learns that the dead patient was preggers and his father knew it, Jack is so disgusted that he has to rat his father out. It breaks his heart and ours to watch. It was an intense moment.

The flashbacks on this show really are the best parts. I am in love with the whole survivor bit, but finding out about who these people are is where my affections lie.

If I were a straight man, Kate honey, we'd be throwing down. I loves her. Her breakdown over Charlie's possible death was intense and gut wrenching. My friend Jenn and I were talking this morning about how it really seemed like it was real. She was "in the moment" as they say and it was incredible.

Now we have a "Lost" hiatus for a couple weeks. With luck new viewers will catch up and with even more luck, those viewers will carry over to "Alias" when it premiere's in January. That's Hot!

Degrassi TNG: "Time Stands Still Pt. 1"

Degrassi TNG: "Time Stands Still Pt. 1"
Originally uploaded by duckydale.

As The N's tagline screams:

"Degrassi, It Goes There"

Um yeah it does. Degrassi goes Columbine on our asses with a two part episode called "Time Stands Still." Part One revolves around psycho abuser Rick's dire need for friendship and acceptance at Degrassi Community School. Last season he put his girlfriend and once regular cast member Teri in a coma because he was an abusive cock. This season he is back at Degrassi with a set of steel balls as he is picked on and ridiculed daily. He's been pushed around, spit on, pranked on, and even beat up for returning to Degrassi after what he did to Teri. Yet, he remains to "show everyone I've changed."

Yeah, he hasn't changed, in fact he came back to Degrassi in hopes of creating enemies so he can have some good ole target practice.

In this episode, Rick is on an academic game show with Emma, Toby and Jimmy. After Rick wins the sudden death competition, our resident scumbags Spinner and Jay along with my new favorite Alex pull a "Carrie" White on nation television. Yellow paint and feathers drop from the ceiling slimming Rick for the world to see. Humiliation and shock rock Degrassi.

Rick goes home and pulls out a wooden box from a shelf. He slowly opens it and revealed is a shiny pistol. Fade to Black.

It was shocking and powerful. Subtle and non exploitative. I don't know who will die, but at least one character is killed and others wounded.

I think Jimmy will die. Look at the picture to the right. Its hardcore. How many US teen drama's do you know that have tackled this topic? None. Degrassi continues to accentuate every nuance of high school life including the reality of humiliation, lonliness and abandonment.

Watch your ass Emma Nelson, that gun is pointed in your direction after your "I felt sorry for you Rick. I pitied you, get a clue" comment. Giiiirrrrrrlllll.

Amazing Race 6 12.07.04

Amazing Race 6
Originally uploaded by duckydale.

The Amazing Race is always just that... "Amazing" but last night's left me with something desired. I'm not sure if it was the decapitation of Jonathan or wishing Adam would just get it over with and try to blow Bolo? Something was amiss.

Kendra (of Freddy &...) needs some serious Flo damage control. She is slowly turning into a whiny bitch on par with Flo and Jessica Simpson rolled into one. Its unreal how stupid, needy, and obnoxious she really is. Wow.

Hands down my new favorites are the BB4 Nathan lookalike Jon and his "I kicked Adam's ass" girlfriend Kris. They rock!

A Charlie Brown Christmas

A Charlie Brown Christmas
Originally uploaded by duckydale.

Hands down this is the most heartwarmingly sentimental Christmas special from my youth. It reminds me of snowy nights in Liverpool with me sitting next to the radiator trying to stay beyond toasty warm with only the glow of the Xmas tree and the flicker of Charlie Brown illuminating the streaks on the my tear soaked face.

Vince Guaraldi's soundtrack is the one and only must have holiday cd because it brings you back to every moment of this Peanuts special and my childhood.

Jon and I sat down, lights dimmed, candles lit, decorations a twinkle and a cup of tea in our hands under a blanket at 8pm last night on ABC. A holiday must!

The second the music starts, I just feel all safe and happy because Xmas is coming. It nostalgic these Peanuts characters, but they hold up today. The animation is great, the voices, the singing and the silliness are just better than anything someone could come up with today. Charles Schultz was a genius.

I leave you with this:

"And there were in the same country shepherds, abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them! And they were sore afraid ... And the angel said unto them, "Fear not! For, behold, I bring you tidings o great joy, which shall be to all my people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ, the Lord."


"And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace, and good will toward men."


"That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown." - Linus Van Pelt

Arrested Development 12.05.04

Arrested Development 11.14.04
Originally uploaded by duckydale.

A couple moments will never leave my brain:

- Gob with Gary "The Poof" on his lap rocking back and forth. Sick scene.
- Pop Pop in a spider hole like Saddam.
- Buster walking into his father's funeral wearing a Army uniform that was made for this once stripper brother Gob. It was all short, tight, and slutty. I almost pissed myself.

This show continues to impress me. It gets funnier and more dispicable with each episode. The fact that there is supposed to be a magicians magazine called "Poof" alone, is funny. The fact that Michael thinks Gob is referring to the new gay employee Gary when he says: "Michael, have you seen the new "Poof" is god damned brilliant.

Did you see? Arrested Dev won the BIG in 04 award for Big Family of 04. They deserve all awards.

Survivor 12.02.04

Survivor
Originally uploaded by duckydale.

"If I could just hold Twila underwater for two minutes, that would make me feel better" - Ami

Aint that the truth sista. I hate that little troll and totally forgot that she swore on her son's name. She is the Kebbler Devil.

I just cant believe that Ami is out. It makes me sick. She deserved to win. I curse the mole woman Kebbler Devil and her peg leg dyke friend.

Eliza, takes this shit home! Win it.

Party of Five - Intervention

Party of Five - Intervention
Originally uploaded by duckydale.

So I just watched my VHS copy (bought, not taped) of the Party of Five "Intervention" episode. It was still shrink-wrapped and packed away.

With the resurgance of Po5 stars these days, I had to bust it out.

Like a little girl, I was crying my eyes out within minutes. I forgot how gut wrenching and brutal this episode was. I remember thinking this was hands down the best hour of scripted television ever made when it originally aired in 1997. 1997, fuck where did the time go? It was the third season, I looked it up, 3rd season of 6. Wow. How far they came in 3 years.

And you know what, in 2004 it still holds as one of the best hours ever produced on television.

When Claudia makes that call to Bailey, lying and saying that Owen had fallen down the stairs and he's not moving, it is rip our heart out sad and Lacey Chabert was robbed of an Emmy for that performance. How you get a little kid to pull that performance off with such emotion is beyond me. From the second the scene starts til she ends it by saying "Shame on you" to Charlie, it makes you sick at how honest and sad it is.

Why Kaiser/Lippman didn't get nominated for an Emmy for this particular epsiode is also a myster, it by far is more superior than whatever else could have been on. What? Matlock? Murder She Wrote? What was on that could have been better than "The Intervention"? Didn't think so.

This brought something to mind though. On television today there is not one show that carries the drama and emotional weight of some of my favorites (all departed): Party of Five, My So Called Life, Once & Again, Felicity... Why is that? Are we not emotionally capable of handling melodrama today? Bring Melodrama back, I am a fan.

Project Runway

I'm so gay.

What is the power of a catwalk, why must it possess me so? I'm not talking fashion shows, but actual people walking in unison is white hot. When supermodel Heidi Klum hit her stride on that rooftop and the other models fell in line, my adrenaline levels went through the roof. I love it.

Anyhoo. This show was fun, I was so glad that the Mommie Dearest crossdresser won the challenge. His cornhusk dress was fun. Loves it!

Lost 12.01.04

Lost
Originally uploaded by duckydale.

The opening sequence with Claire and her nightmare was one of the best moments of this show so far. This episode by far went in a creepers direction more than any other.

By epsiodes end, when you realize that the psychic knew her plane was going down and this was the only way he could guaranty she raised that child alone, that shit was whack. Scary, insane.

As I told my friend's Donna and Tom this morning via email, this show was somehow creeping to the back of my mind and I was contemplating watching Rudolph on CBS because in some ways I was over it. I think it had lost its allure, but last night's episode sucked me right back in.

With that in mind, I do have to say that the fucking beast in the woods better come out again, and soon.

Speaking of beasts in the woods, um... Ethan, your Frenchie mother cries out for you in the night. Go home and leave Claire alone already.

Jon brought up the best point last night... When is it Hurley's turn at the flashback go round?

Where Art Thou Corey Parker?

Where Art Thou Corey Parker?
Originally uploaded by duckydale.

So, I had this period in my youth where my two favorite guys were nerds. One was as you all know, Jon Crier. The second was Corey Parker!

Who? If you just asked that, I hate you.

Corey Parker was Epstein in Biloxi Blues, the ultajew homo best friend of Eugene Jerome (Broderick). I just loved him in that film, he was Woody Allen in the army and he was adorable. Next came my favorite Corey Parker film, "How I Got Into College" which was just essential in my fundamental years. It was surrealist and absurd yet touching. Parker played Marlon Browne, a helpless daydreamer with sights on the cute and supple Lara Flynn Boyle. There's a great cameo by Nora Dunn and Phil Hartman pre-SNL fame, its just a fun movie. I loved him in that movie.

What brought this on? It was on STARZ this morning and I caught it. It's funny. Characters like Marlon Browne and Duckie Dale are necessary in film history as they represent our geek selves, the obsessive/eccentric selves we don't always project (unless you're on of the gifted ones). For a more late 90's version of this character see the over looked Keri Russell with huge hair and bad clothes comedy, "Eight Days a Week". The boy in that is emo adorable and it just warms your heart.

Oh, back to Corey Parker, I know he was in thirtysomething because I loved him in that, he and Hope were scandalous together. He did Will & Grace as well and was still as adorable as ever. By far, his best credit after "How I Got Into College" was the FOX comedy "Flying Blind" he was neurotic and in love with this model who later moves in with him. Said model was played by Tea Leoni who at the time was the hottest shit on earth, she was damn sexy. We need more Corey Parker in our lives.

Significant Others Season 2

Significant Others Season 2
Originally uploaded by duckydale.

In 4 days Santa comes to town, rather the ingenius unscripted comedy "Significant Others" premieres on Bravo. This is on par with "Arrested Development" in the brilliant but wrong department.

If you missed the first season, there is a marathon on this Saturday beginning at 3pm and the new season premieres Sunday night at 10pm.

Watch it.

Amazing Race 6 11.30.04

Amazing Race 6
Originally uploaded by duckydale.

For 5 hours those old geezers counted pots, pans, and swedish stuffed animals before heading on over to build an IKEA piece of furniture. I thought that was insane.

Until, those Morman sisters unrolled hay for over 8 hours. Are you fucking kidding me? That girl had the worst luck imaginable. I mean, bad, bad, Jonathan's blue hair BAD luck!

PS. I love IKEA!