The Finder

So I saw the backdoor pilot of The Finder on Bones just like everyone else. I totally forgot about it because one is never sure if shows like this will get picked up or not in the end - that is the entire point of the backdoor pilots. I would've streamed the proper pilot episode online but saw it on a television unit anyway, thanks to FOX Asia. 

• Pity Saffron Burrows didn't make it past the backdoor pilot. Oh well - her accent there was ridiculous: the woman's already English, there's no need for her (of all people) to put on such a hick English accent.
• The sight of Jaime Murray as the crazy monokini-wearing drug lord was hilariously ridiculous. Her character's name also not easy to say. She should be a recurring guest star or something.
• They added two more ladies to the show to balance out Michael Clarke Duncan and that other guy. Not sure how the young parolee fits into the scheme of things, but we'll wait and see.

I suppose if you like The Mentalist or some other quirky-character driven show (like say, House), you might want to give this a shot. I like it enough to keep watching if it's on TV, but I won't bother streaming it or what. 

[VIDEO] Juggling Kristen Schaal

Kirsten Schaal is back yet again for another funny video playing the new Sony Xperia Play! This time she's shooting goals in Pro Evolution Soccer 2012, while juggling on the couch. Check out this short and humorous video below:

The Sony Xperia Play is a gaming oriented smartphone that features a 1Ghz Snapdragon Processor, Android operating system, and intuitive touchpad with buttons. This makes playing games like Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 a breeze, all the while being able to text your friends, or even browse Facebook.

I don't know if those really are her actual, (very) hirsute legs juggling the ball like a boss, but it still cracked me up all the same.

A proper NCIS:LA/H50 crossover! Yay!

Finally, a sweeps stunt I could live with - a PROPER NCIS: LA/Hawaii Five-0 crossover! Not the "Kensi-on-Hawaii-Five-0-for-3-minutes" crossover bullshit from last year.

According to this, it starts with Callen and Sam appearing on Hawaii Five-0 one night, and McGarrett and Danny on NCIS: LA the following night. Since it has been established on that previous episode that McGarrett knew Sam from way back when (during the SEAL days?), this is the only "in" that we know of.

Now I'm wondering whether H50 will crossover with Gibbs and co at some point in the future since they supposedly exist in the same universe together... Stiva, anyone?

Martha not renewed

Is anyone that surprised The Martha Stewart Show is not getting renewed?

I personally haven't seen the show for ages, so it's just as well.

Besides, doing things from scratch is NOT on most people's minds, okay. I like watching it, but only in the aspirational sense. Learnt some things over the years, but that's just about it. 

Related articles

• 'The Martha Stewart Show' Canceled By Hallmark (tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com)
• Why The Martha Stewart Show Had to Go (ideas.time.com)

Alton Brown at Google

It's been around awhile, but while there are repeats running, why not catch up on some Authors@Google events. Finally saw Alton Brown's recent trip to the Google campus for his Good Eats: The Later Years book tour. Those Googlers sure have some interesting questions. 

Which reminds me, I only have the first Good Eats book - I got to add the others on the "to buy" list at some point.

The Closer leak... who could it be?

Just saw the winter finale of The Closer. Not a bad episode. Don't really remember how the FBI have a claim to the (literally) shot-calling rich guy that Fritz arrested. I probably should've seen that coming - that a) she wouldn't be so dumb to go by herself, and b) but also not with her team or at least Raydor (who seems to be on her side and also looking into the leak situation).

If you've been watching, you would know that Chief Johnson has a new nemesis this season in the form of skeezy lawyer Goldman, who's taking her down at first for the death of the gangbanger from the previous season to (now) the grey area confessions that we've all seen over the years in a federal suit.

I like how The Closer is going out with a bang, not with a whimper. Viewers are hit with the "leak in the division" and the "retribution" plot twists to keep us watching and speculating as to how it will all pan out. The long hiatus until NEXT summer for the last 6 episodes will kill fans (not literally, but you know what I mean) who are dying to find out who the leak is. When that happens and we watch the entire season again, it would probably make more sense then.

I know I'm not the first person to speculate about this on the Interwebs, but here's a summary of what I've read:

• Most to gain: Pope and Taylor, particularly Taylor as his career has gotten a little stagnant since she came in. Pope - to solidify his post as Chief of Police. But that's too easy and obvious, even as per Occam's Razor.
• Left field guesses: Fritz, Buzz and Gabriel - Fritz, in order to protect her as her husband; Buzz and Gabriel from their discomfort about the way she got those confessions over the years. 
• Rest of the squad (Tao, Sanchez, et al) - not likely, but you never know..

I'm not sure if anyone else had put this forward, but these would be my hats in that ring:

• Flovenza: Based on what they would do for a little more money on the side...
• Raydor: I know she's being all nice and supportive towards Brenda and all, but wouldn't it ruin Major Crimes, the spinoff?

Then there's the matter of how the show would end - if she survived the federal lawsuit, would she quit or retire to take care of her sick father (as she had mentioned already having plans to go back to Atlanta if that were to happen)? I don't know.

I hope that my mind is blown when they finally expose the leak, or I would be seriously disappointed that we've been kept in suspense for so many months for such a shitty payoff.

Theories in the comments section please, and thank you :)

Daniel Radcliffe on SNL? HOLY COW!

Daniel Radcliffe is hosting SNL! Holy shit!

It's already borderline creepy that I have a thing for the guy even though he's younger than yours truly (not that  much okay, 5 years is nothing compared to other celebrity age gaps). Him doing SNL after Potter is not a bad move to make... I'm pretty sure there has been Potter-related SNL sketches that I'm forgetting about.

While I usually don't sit through entire episodes of SNL (it depends on who's hosting) and would read the recaps afterwards, but I'll find a way to watch this one after January 14th. 

I'm hoping for at least ONE Potter joke in there somewhere, or I would be a little disappointed. Or a "surprise" appearance from one of the Potter castmates. I don't know. One can only guess. 

*Makes note in calendar*

Related articles

• Daniel Radcliffe to host 'SNL' (insidetv.ew.com)

Originals the Webseries (TRAILER)

[From the inbox] 

From a writer of “The Office” comes “Originals,” a new web series about two young, wannabe television producers who are struggling to think of an original comedy show concept. Created by Anthony Farrell (The Office) and Brett Heard (Fresh Baked) and sponsored by McDonald’s Canada, the mini-sitcom is fresh and definitely original.

Here's the trailer...

I can understand the struggle to come up with an original comedy sitcom concept - Why do you think there are so many crime busting shows on TV?

If there's one thing I know now is that Canada has McCafe. And the bespectacled guy sorta kinda reminds me of Michael Rosenbaum whenever he's not on Smallville.

New episodes are available every Tuesday and Thursday through December on the “Originals” Facebook Page: http://facebook.com/OriginalsTheSeries

Coldplay at The X Factor 2011 Live Final

I don't always remember to watch every single time Coldplay performs on TV (made much easier thanks to YouTube), but I try to when I remember. Once you've seen the first few, you pretty much have seen them all. And they've hit most of the major places on both sides of the Atlantic to plug their album - talk shows (Letterman, Kimmel...), SNL, Colbert Report, The Jonathan Ross Show, etc etc. Take your pick.

Here's a video of them doing both current singles (Paradise and Charlie Brown) from Mylo Xyloto on The X-Factor (UK)'s finale show. What I found mind blowing was all the lights in the audience blinking along to the music. 

Reminders to self:

1. At least learn the lyrics to Charlie Brown before I attempt to sing along like a maniac.
2. Bring HUGE garbage bag to collect as many of those paper butterflies as I possibly can next time I see them on tour.

A Krampus Carol by Anthony Bourdain

Apparently this little short did not make it on the No Reservations holiday special, which in the past would mean that we, the hoi polloi, would never see it unless it's a DVD extra or something like that. Thanks to the interwebs, it will be there until kingdom come. I won't be the first to say that it is a little creepy. Watch at your peril.

Apart from that, saw the rest of the holiday special. Worth watching, there's even a Samantha Brown (who I don't watch as she's too bubbly for my liking) appearance towards the end.

"Little Bad Guy" featuring Rubik's Cube

I've never solved a Rubik's Cube, like ever. It is not something I pick up to play with for any reason. I don't even understand why was it a hot thing back in its day. But I will give props to people who do it with ease. That said, here's a Funny or Die video featuring a Rubik's Cube, which I thought was stupid hilarious. Enjoy!

Detectives Tanner and McGloin have gotten themselves into big trouble with a little package. Will they be able to foil a puzzling scheme by their arch nemesis Little Bad Guy? “Little Bad Guy” by Funny or Die features the world famous Rubik's Cube, the world's top-selling puzzle game. Check out the video below:

Think you have what it takes to solve the Rubik’s Cube? join the Rubik’s community on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/YouCanDoTheRubiksCube

Kristen Schaal plays the Sony Xperia PLAY

While I don't hate Kristen Schaal, but I can't call myself a huge fan either. But I didn't know she has geek cred..

Kristen Schaal is back again to show you the new Sony Xperia PLAY! Last time she asked you to create a Minecraft shrine, and now she's here to show you Lady Cop Kristen, and thinks she can face off against Major League Gamer, Tsquared. Kristen also attempts to be a Sniper, which doesn't end so smoothly.. you'll just have to watch the videos to find out!

The Sony Xperia PLAY is a smartphone that offers a 1Ghz SnapDragon processor and gaming keypad optimized for all of your mobile gaming needs. Play Battlefield: Bad Company 2, 9mm, or any of the other 150+ games available on the go, from the tips of your thumbs. Check out the official Xperia PLAY site for more information: http://bit.ly/gZNmlE

Prime Suspect cancelled? :(

NBC is such a fickle-minded mistress - after only 8 aired episodes, production on Prime Suspect has come to a halt after a 13 (14?) episode season. They say this is a precursor to cancellation. 

If that does happen, I am sad to see it go. I didn't hate it or anything. Damn Americans that refuse to watch it.

PS. For the record, I have nothing against the hat.

Related articles

• NBC Halts Production on 'Prime Suspect'; No Return In Sight (screenrant.com)

Lisa Kudrow in Web Therapy

I've heard of Web Therapy, but I simply don't have the time or the internet speed to watch it (seriously - the internet's been so crappy in this part of the world...). But I love the show's premise - a therapist with limited patience for other people's problems? 

But I did manage to watch the above episode just this once. Quite funny.

Anyhow, if you're not already watching this, you should give it a try.

The NCIS:LA-Hawaii Five-0 crossover? Underwhelming

When I first heard about the NCIS:LA and Hawaii Five-0 crossing paths in an episode of Hawaii Five-0 a few months ago, I thought it should be pretty interesting - as in, it's pretty common for different shows by the same creator to cross into each other's worlds all the time, like the CSI franchises, the David E. Kelley courtroom dramas, as well as perhaps the Law & Order series. But two totally different shows created by different people crossing over like this? REALLY?!

It just turns out that it was just Daniela Ruah's character on NCIS: LA, Kensi Blye making the appearance for her lip reading skills. She was probably on screen for three minutes top, while she was lip reading the video of the meeting between the late Governor Jameson, the deceased elder McGarrett and Wo Fat. It was a "blink and you'll miss it" kind of thing. I thought she would be around longer than she did, that's all. I would call it anything else BUT a "crossover" in the conventional TV terms.

At least the episode "confirms" that Steve knows Sam Hanna in the Navy SEALs - perhaps to set up another "crossover" in the future? 

The only consolation half the audience (at least) got was the few minutes of shirtless Alex O' Loughlin in the beginning and the end of the episode.

Related articles

• 'NCIS: LA,' 'Hawaii Five-0′ to have crossover episode (insidetv.ew.com)
• Alex O'Loughlin's Shirtless Boxing On 'Hawaii Five-0′ [PHOTOS] (socialitelife.com)

Matthew Gray Gubler and Aldo, F/W 2011/12

Walked past an Aldo store and I saw this (or some other picture) in the store window. I thought I was seeing things, so I had to look it up for myself. 

Took it from here

So it turns out that Matthew Gray Gubler (MGG) and British model Lily Donaldson are the faces of Aldo's Fall/Winter Collection for 2011/2012. I'm not one to like commercials, but I thought this one was pretty cute. It does help that the song used in this ad is pretty catchy, and I found out that it's called Can't Stop Thinking About It by The Dirtbombs. Cool song :)

I'm not a huge fan of Aldo or MGG per se, but I thought it was an interesting side of MGG outside of Criminal Minds (in case anyone was wondering why I'm talking about this here).

Cone Drone Episode 3 - Gym Rat

Was supposed to post this last week, but I forgot. Here it is!

Here's a hilarious Cone Drone video available on the Team Coco YouTube channel called "Gym Rat", where Conan sends the Cone Drone to the gym to work out on his behalf because he's too busy to do it himself.

But of course, you can't trust a drone to do a man's work, and the Drone gets into trouble at the gym. Find out how - click on the video below to watch. It's so ridiculous, you must watch it. 

Radiohead-vaganza!

I was so happy that Radiohead were scheduled to appear on Saturday Night Live and also my favourite of the Stewart/Colbert tag team (sorry, Stewart) on Comedy Central, The Colbert Report for an unprecedented hour long show in the latter's history. If there is a reason for a half-hour show to go an hour long, Radiohead  would be a pretty good reason. They can not be contained in 22 minutes. 

Personally, I can't tell the difference the extra drum set made in both appearances, but it was nice to see that the second drummer (Clive Deamer) in the SNL promo shots and also in the interview with Colbert.

Love the sign-off performance of The National Anthem and also the online-only performance of Codex (also my favourite track off The King of Limbs), which you must watch.

NCIS Video Game Trailer

First there's the CSI game, now there's an NCIS game. Check out the trailer...

Much as I like the show, but as I don't play video games to start with, chances of me playing this game is pretty slim. But it looks like you get to be someone from the show, so that's got to be fun, right?

House, Hawaii Five-O and The Mentalist - What Do They Have in Common This Fall?

I was just thinking this the other night (which I had to write down before I could go back to sleep again), and I just realised that several returning shows this fall start with the protagonist(s) being in jail, with the new teaser promos to show for it. 

Here's the fourth season teaser of The Mentalist, where Simon Baker's character Patrick Jane was arrested and is incarcerated for killing Red John (jury's still out on that) in last season's finale. I have no idea how he'll get out of it, seeing as Lisbon and the rest are still suspended (why?)...

In the second season teaser of Hawaii Five-O, Five-O was disbanded and went to heck with the arrests of Kono and McGarrett for (allegedly) killing the last governor, and Danno finally having the opportunity to leave the big island and have his family back in one fell swoop last season. There is footage of McGarrett in jail. Another LOST alum is back in Hawaii for this, but I have no idea how he'll be a part of getting the group back together.

And of course, House MD with House in jail early the next season for driving his car into Cuddy's house and endangering its occupants LAST season. I seriously have no idea how the team is going to function with House in jail and presumably can't do the teleconference calls they've been doing lately from the big house.

Another thing they all have in common is that the protagonists are also NOT AMERICAN: Hugh Laurie is (still) English; Simon Baker and Alex O' Loughlin are Australian.

What do these shows have against their non-American protagonists anyway? I'm kidding, but still.

If anyone else can think of any other shows in this vein, let me know.