TOM TV finds LIFE

And finally - Top of Mind TV catches up with "Life" on DVR. I didn't watch this during the week 'cuz I was giving some love to ABC, but check out tonight's q&a to find out whether or not I made the right decision....

Credits & Logline:
From Rand Ravich ("The Astronaut's Wife"), Far Shariat ("Confessions of a Dangerous Mind"), and David Semel, who directed the pilot of NBC's "Heroes," "Life" is a new drama about a detective who is given a second chance. Damian Lewis ("Band of Brothers") stars as complex, offbeat Detective Charlie Crews, who returns to the force after years in prison, thanks to close friend and attorney Constance Griffiths (Brooke Langton), after serving time in prison for a crime he didn't commit.

Overall - what did you think of the season premiere?
Nothing short of spectacular. It was so many different things - funny, dramatic, over-the-top, quiet and introspective. I've never been this bowled over in one short episode.

What was your favorite quote?
The writing in this show is absolutely brilliant - there were so many quotes that stood out to me - so, so, wonderful. Here are a few standouts...

• Philosophical: "The man who killed your son is out there. Right Now. Inside this same moment that we are in. Now that means something."


• Childlike: "That man didn't kill him and you know it. He had all his fingers and he seemed really sad."


• Humorous: "Why does the Universe make fun of us all?" "Maybe it's insecure."


• Insightful: "You don't have to understand HERE to be HERE."

What was the happiest moment?
When you knew that the dog would be ok in the opening scene.

What was the most interesting moment?
The way that Charlie 'connected' with the kid when no one else could by making him laugh and then tell everything he knows.

At the end of this episode, who were your favorite and least favorite characters?
Charlie Crews was hands-down my favorite character - so undeniably unique, quirky and insightful. Just a delight. I didn't really have a least favorite - I mean Brooke Langton was as beautiful as always as Constance and Sarah Shahi was powerful and charismatic as Dani. And the brief appearances of Ted take over the screen as only Adam Arkin can.

Overall Grade: A

Final Note - I am now convinced that Rand Ravich is a SUPER-GENIUS. Hands-down my favorite of the season thus far - and I highly doubt anything can knock it out of the top spot.

TOM TV uses math every day!

Next up for Top of Mind TV is the Season Permiere of "Numb3rs" - another Naked fav...

Overall - what did you think of the season premiere?
Loved it - although unfortunately I called the "triple" in the first 10 minutes.

What was your favorite quote of the episode?
"I know math is full of absolutes. Unfortunately, the rest of life isn't." Ain't it the truth.

What was the happiest moment?
The moment "The Biscuit" entered stage right. HOORAY for Emmy-winner Peter MacNichol - I was so bummed when he took a hiatus last season to be on "24".

What was the most interesting moment?
The moment Val Kilmer walked on the scene. :) Val has such an amazing presence, he fills the screen and his voice sticks in your head for hours afterwards. Absolutely brilliant.

What was the most unbelievable moment?
"It sounds like a new chapter in the mathmatical analysis of friendship" - the whole "Trust Metric" theory was a little more out there than usual.

What was the most notable difference from last season?
Actually, I kept getting distracted by what must be the work of new designers. Charlie (David Krumholtz) was scruffy, had grown out his hair in messy curls, and actually wore just a T-Shirt in one scene - all totally out of character. And Megan (Diane Farr) wearing a hot pink, strapless hipster top over jeans? What? Both were very, very wierd in light of what we know of these characters. By the way - they both still looked great, and I don't really mind the changes, they are just a little abrupt. It'd be better if they did more of an evolution of the characters.

At the end of this episode, who were your favorite and least favorite characters?
Pretty much loved all of them, but this is NOT new. It's a fantastic cast and although this isn't the kind of show that's going to change the world, it certainly does make my world a little better for about an hour a week.

Overall Grade: A-

Moonlight on the Mind. That is, Top of Mind TV.

Okay, I admit that I was totally looking forward to Moonlight based on the Joel Silver pedigree. I mean come on - this is the creative genius that brought us "The Matrix", "V for Vendetta" and "Lethal Weapon." What's not to love??? So for this evening's Top of Mind TV, let's take a look and see how it measured up to expectations:

Credits & Logline: Mick St. John (Alex O'Loughlin) is an immortal private investigator from Los Angeles who defies the traditional blood-sucking norms of his vampire tendencies by using his wit and powerful supernatural abilities to help the living. In a life-altering twist of fate, Mick was "bitten" 60 years ago by his new bride, the seductive Coraline (Shannon Sossamon). Forever 30 years of age, Mick's as handsome and charismatic as the day he was "turned," and fills his infinite days protecting the living.

Overall, what did you think of the premiere?

A whole hour of vampires and damsels in distress... and all I can do is yawn. YAAAWWWNNN.

What was the most annoying moment?

Pretty much every time the "telling" started. Can anyone explain to me why the writers felt the audience was so stupid they had to have everything explained to them? Geeezzzz - I call this "LCD" writing, or writing to the "Lowest Common Denominator". To put it in context, I think "Moonlight" is the John Grisham novel of primetime drama.

What was your favorite quote from this episode?

"We're all Vampires. Every one of us." Yeah, this drivel was about as good as it got. How about "You don't have to be a Vampire to get a taste for blood" (?) *sigh*

What was the sweetest moment?

To be honest, there were no moments in this show that touched me - so either I have no emotional core, or this whole thing was totally off the mark. You be the judge.

What was the creepiest moment?

At the top of the hour I thought this would be a pretty important question - I mean, it IS a Vampire story, right? Not one. Seriously - not a single creepy second in the whole thing. Not a twitch. This should be the part where I clairify that I AM actually a huge fan of Vampire stories - "Blade", "Vampires", "Angel", "Buffy" - I love 'em and the creepy, crawlies that go with them. Just not this one.

Was there any redeemable moments?

His eyes - the Vampire eyes were great!!

Unfortunately, that was it. :(

Overall Grade: D+

I am reminded that "Dungeons & Dragons" also holds a Silver credit.

Big Shots are Top of Mind

In the Ivy household, this nighttime soap has been known and anticipated as the "cute boy" show. I mean really - Michael "You'll always be Vaughn to me" Vartan and Dylan McDermott in the same show? Add to that Christopher Titus (Titus, Yes Dear) and Joshua Malina (Spots Night, West Wing)... and that's GOTTA be something to look forward to!! From the Top of Mind series, check out the q&a below to see if it was worth the wait:

Credits & Logline: The lines between boardroom and bedroom blur in Big Shots, the story of four friends who are at the top of their game... until the women in their lives enter the room. From Director Charles McDougal and Executive Producer Jon Harmon Feldman.

Overall, what did you think of the premiere?
Very mixed - I should have absolutely loved this... but I found it to be so all over the place, and way too over-the-top. It was tough to be completely into this... but there were many, many redeemable moments. Mostly the storyline with James and the cheating wife.

What was the most annoying moment?
So remember a long, long time ago (yesterday) when I thought the transvestite storyline on Dirty Sexy Money was hilarious? Yeah. That was then, this is now. A cliched plotline about getting caught with a trany is completely different than the future Senator who just can't seem to say goodbye to one.

What was your favorite quote from this episode?
"I'm sure all your dream candidates have perfect resumes, perfect lives, and have succeeded at everything they've ever tried to do." Ain't it the truth.

What was the sweetest moment?
"I never liked you, you know? Even when I said I did..." doesn't sound like the intro to a completely adorable moment, but when James finds out he's been made CEO and gets support from an unexpected direction - it's really pretty darn wonderful.

What was the creepiest moment?
The promo on ABC7 for the show... "They're calling it Desperate Housewives for Men". UGH. Not that I have anything against the wives, mind you. I just don't think we need any affirmative action in the primetime soap space.

What was the most refreshing moment?
Duncan Collingsworth (Dylan) might be a total cad - but he's a total wuss when it comes to his daughter. And the best part? I believed it. Good writing or good acting, time will tell.

Overall Grade: B

TOM TV's takin it to The Reaper

Silent Bob brings us a new freaky tale to follow (that's Executive Producer Kevin Smith to normal people who were never seduced by Clerks). Here's my take in the latest q&a from Top of Mind TV:

Logline: A slacker becomes a reluctant bounty hunter for the devil after his soul is accidentally sold to Satan by his parents, and he tracks down evil escapees to return them to hell.

What was the most annoying moment?
Nothing specific, although the whole episode started slow and took awhile to get rolling... and that was pretty damn annoying. Sam (Bret Harrison) was a total wuss - UGH!

What was your favorite quote from this episode?
"Just tell the Devil to Eat It" was a great one - but frankly, the marketing was fantastic "with buzz from... you KNOW."

What was the sweetest moment?
When Sam opens the present from Andi (Missy Peregrym), it is a completely adorable moment - with a fantastic punch line followup by Satan (Ray Wise).

What was the creepiest moment?
If by 'creepiest' you mean 'funniest' - I'd have to apologize before I say the Zamboni Scene. Eeeewwww.

At the end of the episode, who were your favorite/least favorite characters?
Forgive me for saying so, but I definitely loved Satan (HA!)... but of course, that's only because he's played by Ray Wise. You may know Ray from, uh - everything. Current and recent favs like "24", "West Wing", "Burn Notice", "CSI" and classics like "Twin Peaks", "LA Law" and "RoboCop". The ultimate working actor. :) Least favorite? The 'buddy' Bert played by Tyler Labine. Snoooozzzzeeee.

Overall Grade: B+

It's Dirty. It's Sexy. But they didn't give TOM TV any money for watching.

Alright - so it's time that we give ABC some love on Top of Mind TV, so next up - Dirty Sexy Money!

Credits and Logline: Directed by Peter Horton and David Petrarca.
Power, privilege and family money are a volatile cocktail thrust on an idealistic lawyer when he inherits the job of tending to the legal (and sometimes illegal) needs of the absurdly wealthy Darlings of New York City.

What was the most unbelievable moment?
When Trip offers Nick the job plus an extra 5MM a year, and to close the deal makes a little speech along the lines of "Because, I miss your Dad. I miss having him by my side telling me which was is up. And, I trust ya." Really? This is the line that convinces Nick everything will be okay?

What was the most annoying moment?
Every time I had to look at Peter Krause's hair. Who thought this was a good idea?

What was the most ridiculous moment?
The Dan Rathers cameo. I'm supposed to buy Dan grilling Patrick about joining the Senate? Wow - Billy Baldwin on the Senate. I'm feeling queasy.

What was the most enjoyable moment?
Right after - when Billy's character sneaks out to calm down a slightly hysterical transvestite/girlfriend. WTF? Yeah - I loved it.

What was your favorite quote?
Acutally, I thought there were pretty great lines in this episode, including - "No, you do it - he's your girlfriend." and "I know she's not a hooker, but is she more of a man than you are?"

At the end of this episode, who were your favorite and least favorite characters?
Not really sure. I found much of the cast interesting (who doesn't love Donald Sutherland?), but didn't really connect with any of them yet. And I'm not sure I really get where they are going with this other than a bunch of pretty people running around being spoiled. But I love the pretty people as much as the next gal, so it could be fun anyway. Oh yeah - and the "someone killed my Dad and I'll make them pay!" storyline. Big mystery there - I'll give you three guesses as to who killed him (and the first two don't count).

But I'll watch episode two to find out where they're going with this.

Overall Grade: B

TOM TV's Got the Bionic Blahs

Okay, I really couldn't decide if I was looking forward to this one or not - and frankly, I've probably had a little too much TV this week... but read on for the Top of Mind thoughts on this classic remix...

Overall - what did you think of the season premiere?
There's only one word for it - "Blah"

What was the most interesting moment?
Great car crash - really nice CG work pulling these shots together. And the first look at Jaimie's (Michelle Ryan) healing legs was kinda cool. But unfortunately, the VFX were downhill from here. They were WAAY too in love with the target overlays.

What was the most annoying moment?
Will Anthros (Chris Bowers) mind-numbing speech along the lines of “The world’s farther along than anyone would like to admit.” Blah, bla, bla, blah, blah - I could actually HEAR the Peanuts characters in my head. WhatEVER.

What totally captured or lost your interest?
What I reckon was supposed to be a intriguing moment at the end... random dude on a snow filled mountaintop... "I haven't seen the moon in a thousand and twenty four days." Ummm... why do I care? No reason? Okay, NEXT.

(NOTE - The husband just reminded me that he was actually the guy from the prison. Huh. Still don't care.)

What was the most unbelievable moment?
Jaime and Chris had absolutely NO chemistry - no way do these two characters really care about each other. Really? This was the best casting (Eric Dawson and Coreen Mayrs) could do? And the second most unbelievable moment - well, actually every damn time Jaimie tried to fight. No grace whatsoever - and trust me, I have a deep and abiding love of great fight scenes. If I wasn't old and fat and a total wuss, I'd be a stunt woman.

Maybe Michelle could get some lessons from Jennifer Garner?

At the end of this episode, who were your favorite and least favorite characters?
Unfortunately, other than the fact that Miguel Ferrer (Crossing Jordan, Robocop) is part of the cast - I'm afraid they just didn't succeed in making me care about any of the characters. Jaimie looks entirely too much like the girl from Kyle XY, and no one else stood out in a positive way.

Overall Grade: C--

(when one minus just ISN'T enough)

TOM says - The Unit is nothing without Jonas!

There's just something about The Unit. In the first season we ended up watching it because we didn't have any conflicts in the timeslot and loved the themesong ("How to Find the Mother's Laugh"). But after about 3 or 4 episodes, we found we were hooked. Last season's finale was amazing, and this was a MUCH anticipated premiere - check out the Top of Mind below...

Overall - what did you think of the season premiere?
Loved it - the rhythm, the raw, gritty way that David Mamet weaves together the storylines. And I love the way it still feels like the team is on a mission. Love.

What was the most interesting moment?
The cliffhanger at the end - I admit, there's no WAY I'll miss next week.

What was the most annoying moment?
Really? Molly and Tiff are going to go to the evil Colonel's wife for help?? No way I buy that Molly is that stupid. It simply isn't possible.

What was the most unbelievable moment?
What??! They changed the themesong!!? Absolutely and without a doubt this was the most disappointing moment of the night - now it's some totally forgettable crap about 'secrets'. That song defined the show and stuck with me for hours afterwards. It defined the entire tone of the show. Unbelievable.

At the end of this episode, who were your favorite and least favorite characters?
Duh -who doesn't love Jonas? Dennis Haysbert is amazing - and don't you believe for a SECOND that Bob would have found Jonas in Panama unless he wanted to be found! Least favorite was a close race for most of the episode between Kim and the Colonel's evil wife (who I hate so much I won't even refer to her character by name). Kim redeemed herself somewhat at the end - so evil wifey it is!!

Any lingering questions?
Is Bob playing a game or what? I think he's too loyal to the Unit, but then again he's such a damn boyscout who can tell! ?

Overall Grade: A-

No Bones About It, it's TOM-TV

"Bones" is back on Fox - Double-HooRAY!!! I'm not saying that this show is going to change the world or anything... just that it makes me happy. Next up in the TOM TV (Top of Mind TV) series, here's what I thought of the premiere episode...

Overall - what did you think of the season premiere?
Mostly I kept trying to figure out if there were new writers - the dialogue was totally choppy and threw me out at many points. Something that I can't remember ever happening before with this show.

What was your favorite quote from this episode?
After Zack returns, he says that they sent him home because he was "unable to assimilate."

What was the most interesting moment?
Everything having to do with "the Search" for missing husband X was hilarious, especially the 'Picasso-esque' sketch of the husband.

What was the most annoying moment?
Some really, REALLY bad green screen work in the final scene with the lighting coming from multiple directions - did the show go through budget cuts or something?

At the end of this episode, who were your favorite and least favorite characters?
Honestly - the whole cast. Love, love, love the ensemble. It wouldn't work without any of them - and I'm so glad they brought back Zack, but it breaks my heart how he thinks there's something wrong with him.

Overall Grade: B+

TOM - "Journeyman" may be worth the trip

Okay - so I've been really torn on this one, but following the 'must watch all pilots' rule I didn't really have a choice. Time travel is tricky - it can be wonderful (Pastwatch) or so incredibly bad that it scars you for life (Killing Time). But again, must follow the rules...

Credits & Logline: Emmy Award-winning writer-producer Kevin Falls ("The West Wing") and Emmy Award-winning director-producer Alex Graves ("The West Wing") comes "Journeyman," where Dan Vasser, a newspaper reporter from San Francisco, finds himself tracking the life of Neal Gaines. For Dan, time changes everything.

What was the most annoying moment?
Not sure - but is it a bad sign when 45 seconds in the hubby says "Okay. I'm already annoyed." (?)

What was your favorite quote from this episode?
None. While I loved how all of the pieces fit together, no single line/scene/personality really stood out to me.

What was the sweetest moment?
The anniversary 'gift exchange' was touching - Dan and Katie have great chemistry. But the end scene REALLY got me - won't tell you in case you've got it on the DVR.

What was the creepiest moment?
Dan waking up in "Golden Gate Park" with a snail crawling up his arm.

What was the most refreshing moment?
The brothers actually look like brothers - have you ever noticed how casting agents usually screw up family members when they are plain ol' white guys?

This pilot was a bit all over the place - but it ended strong... I'll be watching to see where it goes.

Overall Grade: B-
Last 15 minutes: A!

TOM TV is holdin out for a HERO!

It's back - HIPHIPHEROOOOOO(es) on TOM TV.

It's official, I'm happy. Heroes is back. Yes, it's true. I'm a very simple girl, and the return of Heroes on NBC tonight fills me with joy. Here's some goodies about tonight's Season 2 Premiere Episode from the Top of Mind...

Credits & Logline:
From creator/writer Tim Kring (NBC's "Crossing Jordan") comes "Heroes," an epic drama that chronicles the lives of ordinary people who discover they possess extraordinary abilities. This episode - "Four Months Later."

Overall - what did you think of the season premiere?
Good. Very good. But not spectacular. I kept getting thrown every time they showed Nathan (Adrian Pasdar) with a totally fake overgrown beard.

What was your favorite quote from this episode?
"The only thing I have to do, is find me a drink."

What was the most interesting moment?
Noah (Jack Coleman) breaking his new "Boss's" finger. I also like the new 'international' flair - not overly original, but still it's great to expand the world to Japan, Ireland, the Dominican Republic, etc. At least it provides lots of great accents!

What was the most annoying moment?
The end. :)

What was the most ridiculous moment?
Noah and Claire sitting with the family at the dinner table - even that psycho mom couldn't possibly have bought it.

At the end of this episode, who were your favorite and least favorite characters?
Claire is definitely still a favorite, but newcomer Maya has promise.

Overall Grade: A-

"Don't Freak Out" It's Chuck from TOM TV

Next up on the Top of my Naked Mind (TOM TV) - IT'S "CHUCK"

Credits & Logline:
From executive producer, Josh Schwartz and executive producer-director McG comes a one-hour, action-comedy series about Chuck Bartowski -- a computer geek who is catapulted into a new career as the government's most vital secret agent.

Overall - did you like the premiere?
Absolutely - I found "Chuck Bartowski" to be incredibly endearing, which was refreshing because to be frank - I had found the marketing to be a little flat and had set the bar really low. I'm almost disappointed I like this so much (really? ANOTHER show on Monday night?)

What was your favorite quote from this episode?
"Don't puke on the C-4" - Major John Casey

What was the most interesting moment?
In the beginning of the episode, there is a great 'ode to Jackie Chan' scene with secret agent Bryce. Some really nice stunt work in this scene, props to the double! Also loved the rip-off from 'Bourne Ultimatum' and every Bond movie I ever loved) as they went speeding down the stairs backwards.

What was the most annoying moment?
Hmmm... I'm ashamed to say I didn't really have one.

What was the most ridiculous moment?
Anything involving "Captain Awesome" (the fact that Chuck diffused a bomb searching for porn I found TOTALLY believable!).

At the end of this episode, who were your favorite and least favorite characters?
Chuck is great, as mentioned before. And I was thrilled to see Adam Baldwin (a.k.a. "Jane" from Firefly), although I really can't handle the geeky hair. Yes, I know that Adam has over 60 films in his long pedigree - I just don't care. He'll always be "Jane" to me - and frankly, I'll watch anything with him in it. My least fav would have to be the sister, Ellie, played by Sarah Lancaster. But that is definitely a very, very pretty girl. Maybe she'll loosen up in later episodes.

Overall Grade: B+

Simply Survivor on TOM TV

Thank God for DVR - catching up on the premiere of Survivor this weekend as travel and moving offices last week made me miss a very enjoyable tube night on Thursday. HooRah for China - I'm lovin' having Jeff back...

Did you like this episode? / Was it worth the wait?
Yes, but. I always find the first episode of the season a little blah, it's hard to care about all the obnoxious people until you know 'em better (and sometimes even then you're just watching to root for them to fail).

What was your favorite quote from this episode?
Every line from Jeff - it's like having an old friend back. :)

What was the most interesting moment?
I loved the Buddist "Welcome" scene in the opening minutes - the temple was incredibly beautiful, and you really got the feeling that you were getting a very special peek at something from another world.

What was the most annoying moment?
Courtney's incredible rudeness during the ceremony... and each of the dozens of times we were forced to stare at Ashley's behemothic boobs (ewww). BTW - I didn't find Leslie's exit from the ceremony rude or annoying, she had her reasons and wasn't opting out due to simple bitchiness.

What was the most ridiculous moment?
That Chicken thought that he was "in" - he was obviously driving every one crazy as he couldn't commit to anything, but like all those "First-Kicked" before him... he just didn't get it.

At the end of this episode, who were your favorite and least favorite characters?
Grave Digger James was my clear favorite, the strong silent type... and he was amazing on the challenge. Least favorites was a much tougher race, as the great majority of the cast was ridiculously annoying. There's Courtney - the pretentious and bitchy New York/Bostonian waitress, Ashley - the professional wrestler who's overly concerned with her 'fans' (WTF?), and Chicken - also known as Steve, a Chicken Farmer who we thankfully won't need to worry about any more cuz they gave him the boot. To say I don't care about these people would be overly kind.

Overall Grade: B-

Meteor Hits Napa! Web Analytics Set Back a Decade! Wine Saved!

Web analytics may not be for everyone in the high tech world, but those that are into it can really be passionate about it - check out this great review of SEMphonic's X Change Web Analytics conference in Napa, Ca. by Matt Nelson at ClickZ.

TOM TV: "Same 'ol Pretty" on Prison Break

As we start off the new season with a bang, I'll take a look at each premiere or pilot with six key questions - we call it "Top of Mind TV" or "TOM TV" for short. And to get us started... PRISON BREAK! Wanna join in, just send your answers to the same questions...

Did you like this episode? / Was it worth the wait?
Absolutely - been waiting all summmer for the return of Michael & Link.

What was your favorite quote from this episode?
T-bag comes through again - "Same 'ol pretty, just not good at makin friends"

What was the most sickening moment?
Plenty of these - but mostly Bellick in his underwear. EWWWWW.

What was the most thrilling moment?
Mahone's vicious end to the yard fight - DANG.

What was the sweetest moment?
Michael holding the crane and dreaming of sweet Sarah.

At the end of this episode, who were your favorite and least favorite characters?
Mahone earned favs for this episode based on the scene above, but T-bag was my
least favorite... or maybe the one you love to hate. He needs to come to a wicked,
wicked end.

Overall Grade: A-

Primetime is Breakin Out!!

Okay, as far as I'm concerned the Fall Primetime season is officially ON! Hooray for Prison Break - the countdown is running on their website, and the Season Premiere is on at 8. Afterwards, we'll check out the new series K'Ville - no real hopes up here, but who knows.

More to come later with a new series the hottie calls "Top of Mind TV".

Dollarprops for "Quarterlife"

Bucking the trend, producers Marshall Herskovitz and Edward Zwick are launching a new hourlong drama with tv production values on MySpace and the web - "Quarterlife". Starting in November, a 10-minute segment from each episode will be posted on Sundays and Thursdays, and a day later on their site, quarterlife.com, and a week later through other online distribution channels.

Can't wait to see this ambitious new undertaking from Marshall, who many of you know as the President of the Producer's Guild - read more about it on The New York Times site.

Best Website Ever

Ok - haven't written in quite a while, mostly because I'm a total slacker and have been busy making 'sticks'... but I just found a new fav... noonebelongsheremorethanyou.com.

Granted, I may have exaggerated a bit with the headline - and surely won't go to this all the time like 'Indexed' or 'Cute Overload' - but truly, this is creative thinking at it's best. I'd like to tell you all about it - but don't wanna give away the gimmick. Sorry. Really. Can't even show you a picture.

Check it out and let me know what you think!