Showing posts with label recap. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recap. Show all posts

Monday, August 6, 2012

True Blood: Everybody Wants to Rule the World

Three episodes left... Some subplots wrapped up, some development and connections with other plots... I wish True Blood was year round....


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Let me start by saying thank LILITH some of the smaller, annoying, horrible, subplots are getting wrapped up and or tied into something bigger. I have been getting so tired of some of the minor plots this season, I feel like some started too late to develop (hate group), some should have been skipped all together (Terry and Patrick) and more time spent on things that matter (Authority, Sookie's parents)


I can't believe we only have three episodes left. Way too much time has been wasted on an ifrite and Terry and Patrick chasing the fire demon while I crave more development in other areas... and I am still pissed Roman was killed.

One great thing about Terry killing Patrick (besides the ghost coming and removing the curse after calling on the ifrit to take Patrick....) was this one liner from the usuall annoyingly timid Arlene...


Haters Gonna Hate....

The Obama masked hate group trying to kill 'supes' had potential as a subplot, but was brought in a bit late, so I am glad it is wrapping up also. Thank goodness because Luna and Sam have a more serious problem now don't they? Poor Emma-wolf-pup.


Vampire Gay Love....

Of course Russell Edgington is the vampire providing 'V' to JD and the wolf pack. No surprise. What's more interesting is the budding love between Steve Newlin (who I love so much more as a gay vampire than I ever did as a straight bible thumping human, especially with his dance moves!) and Russell... is he the next Talbot? The puppy gift (Luna's daughter Emma) seems to indicate a blossoming vampire love and I want it to continue past this season... please?!


Steve Quote:

I've never had a pet. My father was allergic to everything but God.

Authority Life....

Now the main plots. True Blood factories have been bombed, as per Bill Compton's great idea last episode. Eric is keen to escape and devises a plan with Bill to get Salome's blood which is needed to escape since even Molly no longer has security clearance out of the Authority's building. Bill seems lost and confused, but agrees to get Salome's blood.


Molly Quote:

The locks are DNA specific


Later Eric tricks his 'sister' Nora and silvers her while Bill seduces (ok, not really, she is pretty willing) in the bedroom. During their 'encounter' Bill hallucinates and sees Sookie, who he bites, thus getting Salome's blood, which would allow him and Eric to escape. He also sees Lilith and seems to be going cray in a very strange sex scene between the two.


Later, Eric and Molly meet up with a silver injected Nora ready to leave. Just then Bill arrives and they are ready to escape, except the doors open and there stands Salome with security and it becomes clear Bill is not wanting to escape. Somehow he has gone from the most mainstream, calm, level-headed, neutral vampire leader to ... CRAY! Who knows where this will lead, but I do like that Eric and Bill have seemingly swapped their positions in moral standings...

It is strange seeing Eric acting more sane and "good" than the usual suspect Bill. Me likey!

Sookie seeks answers....
Meanwhile, back in Bon Temps Sookie is trying to find out who this 'Warlow' vampire is that killed her parents. She recruits Lafayette to help talk to ghosts and try to figure out more about her parents death.


Before we continue, I have to say, I LOVE LAFAYETTE. Last season he kind of strayed from his usual awesome character, but he is back in full force and I love it!


Lafayette Quotes:

I ain't Gmail for dead bitches. Creepy spirit thing, why you in Sookie bathroom? Dead folk, why y’all gotta be so cryptic? It ain’t cute!


Anyways, Gran tells Lafayette the answers under the bed... now why Sookie has't seen this memory box under the bed before now baffles me, I mean, you'd think after cleaning up blood and such in that house, she MAY have swept under the bed at least once in the past few years.... non? Anyhow, a newspaper article about her parents shows that Ex-Sheriff Bud Dearborne was the "cop on the scene" of the murders... surprised? no!


Dragon Slayer...

I predicted bringing ex-sheriff Bud back had one purpose, he was the dragon. Well, I was close, that crazy lady "Sweetie" was the dragon. Sookie goes to talk to Bud about her parents murders, Bud admits it was suspicious but they didn't know about 'supes' (vampires) back then. Sookie tries mind reading and 'Sweetie" the gf comes in to knock her out before she figures out they are the hate group leaders - which wasn't what she was even looking into... but it ties in nicely.

Oh, side note, Hoyt was taken by a 'familiar face' last episode - obviously Bud Dearborne, so he is in the pig farm, where they also take Sookie to be eaten by pigs... so here lies Hoty and Sookie, whose fairy magic isn't working by the way!



Bon Temps Police Force...
Back at the police station, Jess is put into custody.


Jason Quote:

Don't let her out of your sight, I don't care if she is sleeping or taking a dump



Luna and Sam shift into flies on the wall and listen in as Andy feeling like the "worst Sheriff ever" watches the hate group videos and recognizes bud Dearbornes boots. HEY! Not such a bad sheriff after all eh? (Well he and Jason DID just beat up a prisoner for info, but whatever!)Jason and him rush off to Dearborne's house, Luna and Sam also go to handle the situation. What I loved about the big scene was that we had a pig at the pig farm turn into naked Sam Merlotte who fought off the redneck hate group members. Then we had naked Luna take care of the "dragon" who, by the way hates 'supes' because her man left her for a shifter at a square dance competition...


Luna Quote:

This is for my daughter you human trash


Jason and Sheriff show up, arrests are made, Hoyt's saved, Sookie's saved, all is well in the world... right?


Other bits:

Tara and Pam have a bit of banter, Pam is worried about Eric, Tara is trying to stock pile True Blood now that the factories are being blown up, and lastly there is a new sheriff in town who will run Fangtasia and orders vamps to grab humans to eat.... um... Pam is not impressed. I had to check IMDB on this actor and he has two episodes quoted, so hoping he is gone before finale. I don't want a new sheriff in town... sheesh! Let Pam run stuff until Eric is back - he will be back.. right? right!



Pam quote:

Whatever comes up next, we keep our heads down and our tits up and the True Blood flowing.

I want more Pam - always, her and Lafayette have my most fave one-liners always.



Oh and Sookie asks Lafayette "Other than getting possessed by a mexican demon. How you been? You heard from Tara?

Lafayette replies, "I text her about 50 times and this all she wrote…


ha ha love it!


Alcide left town, flashbacked to his childhood and his daddy and in the end shows up at his daddy's place. Unresolved issues clearly!




Did I miss anything? What did you think of the episode? I am really excited for finale and hope to see some big bangs plot wise....

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Masterchef - Top 6 Compete (Part 2)

We are down to (back at) 7 home cooks competing with the return of Josh from "Top 6 Compete (Part 1)" last night


Mystery Box: Giant live prawns (much to the squealing of homecooks)


Three dishes are chosen to be tasted by judges:

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A record 5th time, Becky is called up and judges sample her grilled prawns with salsa verde and saffron rice. It is plated beautifully and her "spanish" approach works. Judges compliment her technique and flavours.


Christine is next. I was worried about her being blind trying to catch and prepare the prawns. She made Spot Prawns with pineapple broth. She had cilantro which was an ingredient the judges had mentioned they would use if they were cooking. Judges call it a "home run" with great flavour.

Lastly they choose to taste David Martinez' Spot Prawn Ceviche. He sauteed the bits in a cold sauce. Judges call it a complex dish that is rarely seen from home cooks. They compliment the visuals as well as preparation and balance of flavours.


The winner: David!


Quite shocking given he has not been performing too well lately. Finally, he wins a mystery box challenge and with that comes rewards....


Elimination Test:


David gets to choose which of the three ingredients he and the other cooks will use today. (No immunity it seems, but he gets an advantage)

1. BACON

2. CORN

3. BEETS


Twist: The dish must be a dessert. As per a modern trend, incorporating non-traditional foods in desserts.


His advantage: 3 examples of how to use the ingredient in desserts. As well as 5 minutes in the pantry solo to prepare.


He uses these advantages and chooses to make a rice pudding and asks a few questions. He then, forgets rice. His main ingredient!!! Uh-oh!


He scrambles and asks other contestents if they have rice. Becky has it, and actually does give it to him.


David - Corn and Milk based Rice Pudding with carmel. Joe calls it unedible and disgusting.


Becky - Popcorn Panna Cotta. Joe likes the opposing textures and flavours. All the judges enjoy her dessert.


Christine - Corn & Coconut Pudding. Judges feel it is more complex than it seems and very tastey.


Monti - Corn Souffle. Corn milk and pastry cream infused with lavendar. it sounds fancy and the judges say it is delicious and well done.


Felix - Corn Profiteroles. Graham says visually it looks like cat poo, it is dense not airy and he doesn't like it. Joe has similar sentiments saying it is disappointing.


Frank - Corn Budino with chocolate. Judges seem to enjoy.


Josh - Corn Creme Brulee. Visually it is not pleasing or appetizing, but flavour wise judges

Bottom Three:

Josh & Felix & David


Felix is sent home.


Love in The Wild Finale...

I fell behind with this show but watched the last three episodes back to back this week and was pretty happy with the finale....


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Yanina and Ken won. thank goodness because they were the first couple to get serious from day one.

I was rooting for Summer and Chase, but NOT Ben and Michelle (Sorry, I liked Jen!)>


Basically the top three competed and third place wasn't eliminated. THEN in the final three's next competition, who ever came in first would choose their competitor.

Although Yanina and Ken were better friends with Chase and Summer, they chose to compete in the final competition with Ben and Michelle, which was a smart move as they were a newerf couple and less competitive.


Then men used walkie-talkies to radio the girls directions to find different items, which they then brought back to the men and put together a tandem bicycle and rode to town.

In the end they won the trip around the world and I am pretty thrilled about it - they deserve it.

In the after credits we learned all three final couples are still together. - yay!

Monday, July 23, 2012

Master Chef - Returning Home Chef is...

The last 8 homechefs sent home return for a chance to win an apronand return to the competition. The mystery box challenege had each returning player choosing an ingredient they loved and that may throw off the others.

There was chocolate, pork, cream, portobello mushrooms, pomegranate, and other random ingredients.

*Spoilers ahead*


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I really thought Stacey, who left most recently, would be the returning cook, but it came down to Ryan, the cocky unemployed young lad and Josh, the obvious favoured cook from day one.


Next up was a fruit flan. The two prepared then the remaining homechefs still in the competition judged, based on technique, flavour, but not knowing who's was who's.


Josh went for more exotic fruits, while Ryan stuckw ith traditional berries. The "judges" spoke about crust, filling, knife work on the berries, flavour and in the end the exotic fruits from Josh won.

While I didn't think Ryan was the better cook, I thought he made the show more entertaining so I was rooting for him secretly. Josh, who is the better cook, especially with a dessert task, won and is back in Masterchef competition.




So do you think this returning home chef will last or be sent packing again soon? Is this game rigged? Who is your fave to win now?

True Blood Times 2

I was at Comic-Con last Sunday and missed blogging about True Blood. But, I did watch it, in fact, only a day after seeing the True Blood panel at SDCC and seeing, in the flesh, most of the cast. What therefore shocked me most, was the death of Roman last week. My roomie at SDCC didn't believe it was real because we had just seen Christopher Meloni front and center at the True Blood panel... how could he be dead now? It wasn't until we saw the preview for this week when they talked about Roman's death, that it really set in for us.... sadly!


There was some greatness both last week and this, as well as some *yawn* needless scenes... but I want to review both episodes in this post, so I apologie for the length, I will try not to ramble and sticj to the recap and my thoughts on what we saw.


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Last Week:


First, stuff I hate... Terry's storyline... wah wah wah... the sups-hate-gang... and swooping up Hoyt to join their hate club... *eye roll* which also leads to Luna and Sam's story, which I don't care much for, until tonight's episode, but we will get to that....

I liked the bus slaughter, poor Doug, and Lafayette and his momma bantering back & forth.


I loved Bill fake-glamouring Sookie, which in reality was telling her it is over and move on. Time for Sookie to have some good ol' fairy self reflection away from the men that dominate her life. I also liked Eric's glamouring of Alcide, taking it so far as to make Sookie kind of repulsive... sadly, Sookie returns his memories a bit too soon.

Also Tara and Jessica continued fighting, until Pam broke it up. Alcide decided to try for Pack Leader and was seconded by a new hottie werewolf.

Of course the biggest shocker was the death of Roman. I still can't believe it. I mean not even 24 hours before I watched this, we listened to Christopher Meloni on the True Blood Comic-Con stage talking about the show... gah!



This Week:


I really loved tonight's episode. I mean I loved loved the high vampires moments after Eric and Bill say "we are vampires, it's vampire blood, we'll be fine" bahahahaha - epic!

Eric piggy backing Bill? I mean really?



I mean... seeing them high and wandering through New Orleans was just as hilarious as when Steve Newlin came to Jessica's frat boy party doing his lil' shimmy dance.


Then of course interupting the private wedding karaoke party to feast, but not before Russell duet's with the bride...



Of course, my favourite, Allan Hyde returned in a guest appearence as Godric. I love Godric, I wish he could be featured every episode. I am interested to see where this Lillith blood acid-like trip, and Lillith appearence, will take us. Eric will need to do as Godric asks and help his sister Nora.


Of course before all this, we learn, as we suspected Salomne and Nora worked together to save and bring back Russell Edginton, who is not the crazed, angry, insane leader he once was... thoughs till very entertaining... let's see where this goes.


Ok, there were other things in this episode... We have Alcide with new girl "training" slash making out- bow chicka wow wow, and Joe Manganiello was wearing his bandana, which is so hot! Meanwhile, current alpha/pack leader (JD) is pushing 'V' to the wolves and even offers it to baby Emma! WTF? he claims there is a human/vampire war brewing and they need to prove their loyalty to vamps to survive the war... hmm... Russell again?


Andy visits former Sherriff Dearborn who doesn't seem to want to help much and is too busyw ith some female friend while his wife is away... not sure why he was brought back ,maybe he is "Dragon" the leader of the hate group shooting "supes"?? Speaking of the hate group...


Sam smells out the masks at the shop and sniffs out one of the perps from the attacks, meanwhile Hoyt seems to fit in well with the hate group which is "more about love than hate" meh, not too interested in this story line (yet) I have a feeling they will go for Jessica, then I will start to care!


Pam has discovered a hair crimper and looks fab as she sits on her throne at Fangtasia watching Tara pole dance. She even looks proud when Tara tells off her momma who is "a preachers wife now" and disowns Vamp-Tara.... Comic-Con panel said at least 3 new relationships coming this season, not including random hook-ups - I predict some lesbo-lovin between Tara and maker Pam?!?! non?!?!


Lafayette goes to Don to settle unresolved issues of Jesus. He sees Jesus' head and Don stitches up Lafayette mouth and is ready to kill him and feed his brain juice to his unborn child or some crazy shit like that...??? Well, Marla, the pregnant lady stabs Don to death then comes st Lafayette, but only to unstitch his mouth - phew!


The Ifrite comes and laughs at Terry. Terry gets mad and nearly shoots himself, but is talked down. Meanwhile Arlene watches her wedding video, which was cute and Crystal came in and basically said Terry may not be crazy, there are crazier things that they have all witnessed (aka this is True Blood, anything that sounds compeltely eff'd up - is probably true and happening!) Seriously Arlene, you were in love with the murderer in season 1 - - expect this shit!


Jason is feeling down about the news vamps killed his parents, and while Jessica tries to prove all vamps aren't the same, she kisses him with fresh man-blood still on her lips from some hottie she is sucking upstairs. This sends Jason off the deep end and he shoots her in the head while security team of Bill's comes to her rescue.


Sookie, still super boring this season (though she *is* pregnant in real life) learns she is part human and her fairy powers are not infinite, she can run out... and be normal, which sounds pretty awesome to her, so she tries to use up her power at the end of the show.


Did I miss anything? Probably... but Lillith is there and I am curious to see whot his goes, I am already confused by what the heck she stands for and if you bekieve in her literally or not and how the influences if you feed off of humans or not... they all swing back and forth... *sigh*




What did you think?

Friday, July 20, 2012

MasterChef Top 8 and Top 7 Episode recaps

I am catching up on my shows after being away... Here is two in one Masterchef recap.... Top 8 and Top 7 up next...


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Task - They are in the desert, the judges arrive on horseback.


Frank (Red) - Becky, Josh, Felix.

Monti (Blue) - Stacey, David, Christine.

Then Chef Ramsay had Monti and Frank swap teams... they were not happy.

So now Monti is Red with Becky, Josh, Felix while Frank is blue with Stacvey, David, Christine.

They have 90 minutes to prepare meals for 101 cowboys - first team to 51 points wins.

Monti and Red team discuss - Rib Eye Steak with mashed sweet potatoes and spicy green beans. Some fear peeling and mashing will be too time consuming. Despite team disagreements, they move forward with Monti's idea.

Frank is accepting teams ideas and they decide with NY Strip with garlic mash, corn on the cobb and Stacey's BBQ sweet, smokey, hot sauce.

16 oz delicious steaks ready to go. Red team is doing the dry rub while Frank takes control on blue and is pre-searing steaks. Monti assigns Becky to man the grill while she cuts veggies a point judges realize.

Christine is grilling corn, but the husks catch fire and her team mates aren't much help... I mean, she is blind... an amazing cook, but needs a little help with some things obviously.

Meanwhile red team has overcooked some steaks, they only get 105 to serve 101 so Monti is in a prediciment. Yet blue team is stacking steaks causing juices to leak and cooking to continue.

101 cowboys and cowgirls eat and rate the meals.

5 minutes into service red team is out of sweet potatoe mash.

Meanwhile blue is serving overcooked steaks.


In the end it is 36-51 with blue winning.


Back in kitchen it is pressure test and the Blue team is told to go into the wine room and pick one name to NOT participate in pressure test.

Monti says she is cooking regardless, she suggests Felix. Josh disagrees and says he did everything. Becky agrees everyone did everything. So Josh wants him, Becky wants her, Felix agrees with Monti that she (Felix) should be, in the end, no one can decide.


back in the kitchen cheg asks the chef to step forward, after hesitation, Felix steps forward, much to Becky and Josh's annoyance.


The test:

6 eggs, they must make one perfect of each egg: sunny side fried egg, soft boiled egg, poached egg, a 3 egg omlette. That means NO ROOM for error!!!


Josh, Becky, Monti head to their station ready to go. Monti calls eggs "big time bitches" needing to be timed to the second. She is right!


It;s an intense few minutes as they all cook and judges ask which egg they are most worried about, I am not a good cook and eggs even stress me out. My husband does most of the cooking - thankfully ;)

In the end, none of them do entirely well.... but Monti is safe first and then between Josh and Becky it is Josh that is sent home.

**Top 7 Compete**

Paula Dean arrives to do mystery box: A whole chicken, green tomatoes, collard greens, grits, blackberries, hot sauce, pepper jelly, bacon, cream cheese, and spices.

She wants them to put some "south in their mouth"

She also had letters and photos for each the homechefs from their families.

Time starts ticking and they are cooking like mad. In only 60 minutes it is interesting to see what they decide to try and make.


Results:

Three to taste:

-Becky - Oven Roasted Chicken with fried green tomatoes, biscuits and gravy with fried okra. - Paula loved it. The judges complimented her also.

-Frank - Chicken Roulade, pepper shutney and spicey potatoes. - Paula loves that he chose the dark meat which has most of the falvour, she thinks it is delicious but starts to choke after from spices. The judges compliment his technique.

-David - Pan Roasted Chicken with red pepper grits and shoestring onions. - Judges enjoy its flavour and Paula gives Ramsay crap for calling grits bland (he said David took a usually bland food and made it tastey ha ha) I agree, I hate grits, husband and kiddo love them though!


Winner of Mystery Box Challenge:
Frank.


His advantage in next competition: He doesn't choose food, the judges have chosen Japanese food. (Sushi Platter) Frank's advantage is that he has immunity AND choose the pairs. (Yes, they will work in pairs for this competition)

They must make an exact replica - California roll, tuna sushi, yellow sushi, and many others....


One member of the losing team will be sent home. The pairs are:


-Becky & David

-Felix & Monti

-Christine & Stacey


60 minutes begins... however, the pair must not cook at same time and will switchw hen judges yell switch.


The pairs seem to communicate well at first, they need to tell each other what to do. David and Becky struggle the most, especially when Becky comes in and re does half of David's work.


In the end Christine and Stacey had the worst dish and Stavey goes home.



Big Brother Spoilers...

I have live feeds, so I promise to blog spoilers as often as possible.

If you didn't follow my blog last summer for BB13, I will post show/known Big Brother info here, then any spoilers/un-aired/live feed info below the cut so it is hidden if you don't want to know it.

If you do... click 'MORE' to read more....

First - aired info:


Willie was first HoH and nominated Frank and Kara. Veto was not used. Kara went home... Frank won HoH

Now the un-aired/spoilers:


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-Looks like Frank will nominate Willie and Shane or Jojo (as of right now)

-Coaches Comp may happen today, winner can save one of their own players *OR* trade one of their players.


I hope Brit wins and saves Willie. I just want Willie to stick around. He is fun drama.




here are my thoughts on the cast thus far:


-Ashley - stoner? She always seems high, I hope/think it's an act.

-Willie - I love him. I loved Russell too... it's a Hantz thing (minus Brandon ha!)

-Frank - I did like him, not as much now.

-JoJo - She is interesting. I like that she aligned with Willie and Shane.

-Shane - He is kind of dull, but cute. Again, I like Willie so as long as they are teamed together I like him.

-Jenn - I am glad to see a non-Barbie-bimbo casted, I like her uniqueness, not sure on her game play yet.

-Joe - annoying. I don't like him at all.

-Danielle - don't know her well yet, her and Kara were kind of one.

-Ian - I liked, but he is proving to be pretty creepy... still it is endearing.

-Wil - so pretty. I am not entirely sure how I like him yet.


Coaches:

-Brit - still don't like her, but I do hate her less.

-Janelle - still love her

-Boogie - I used to like him, but he is kind of a cocky dbag

-Dan - still love him, but wish he could catcha break.


Friday, July 6, 2012

Master Chef - 12 and 11 compete

Two in one this week for recaps because.... well, I have been busy ha ha!

12 compete

We start with a food truck challenge. The amount of money earned goes to charity and the team with the MOST money wins. First up choosing teams...

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Stacey chooses Tali, Frank, Becky for her team

Then she chooses two teams...

Monti, David, Anna, Tonya

Leaving Christine, Felix, Mike, Josh as the last team

Then, Stacey chooses team colours which depicts what food type they will have.

Red - Mexican (Stacey's team)
Blue - Indian (Christine's team) who chooses Josh as team captain
Yellow - American (Monti's team) who chooses Anna as team captain

Each team plans and prepares a dish. Red team Stacey pushes for a vegetarian dish in addition to meat. Finally after They aim for taco's with side dish and guacamole... that would be delicious! After Ramsay lectures they ditch the veggie option.

Yellow team fights about side dish, fries versus chips. David and Monti hate each other. They aim for a burger with chips. Sounds plain jane. They do have two different mini burgers and chips in the end... Ramsay lectures and they decide to just do one, though with two minutes to go they have zero ON THE GRILL... oh boy!

Blue decides on some chicken tikka masala, Mike doesn't know what it is and they worry about time to prep but go for it. Sounds interesting.

If I had to pick one it would be the Mexican. But I love Guacamole!

Yellow - raw burgers after not starting to cook until 2 minutes before opening. David was on grill. After a slow start they get going.

Blue - seems to be doing best according to the judges, it has best flavour and is best deal

Red - Stacey goes to the skate park to recruit more people, tacos are an easy sell, though many would have liked to see fish tacos.

Results

Red team wins.

$154 difference between yellow and blue.

Yellow team loses.

Pressure Test

Tortellini.

Joe shows them the correct way to make it. They watch carefully.

60 minutes to prepare 10 perfect tortellini with a cheese and meat filling in a broth.

Monti - is confident though she hasn't made tortellini, she makes pasta a lot.
Anna - is using a mixer not her hands.
David - is using steel surface not wooden board and has fat fingers.
Tanya - has not made a lot of pasta and is very nervous.

Joe says pasta should be done first so it has time to rest after. Gordon says you want to make sure you time it all right.

David is the first one safe, despite his fat fingers he did a great job. Monty was also safe.

Between Anna and Tanya, it is close, but Anna heads home today.

*** Top 11 compete next... I typed it all up but it did not save... it was mystery box and they made rabbit. Becky was best and picked a fryer for her elimination round and a pizza stone for everyone else. Very few made pizza and in the end Mike and Tanya went home, despite crappy performance for David (also in bottom 3) and Tali (not in bottom three.



Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Master Chef - 13 compete

Another night of Masterchef....

The epiosde kicks off with a mystery box challenge, my favourite.


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Inside:
-corn
-watermelon
-t-bone steak
-cabbage
-peach
-sour craem
-spices

Total is under $20 at Walmart - obviously a sponsored mystery box challenge.

60 minutes to make dish valued $40+ at fine dining resturant.

Becky is planning a dessert, big risk. Cowboy Mike is excited, this is his kind of meal. Tali is struggling as usual. Everyone says they are happy with their dishes.

Judges watch and taste throughout the task and decide who are stand out dishes.

1. Frank
- grilled t bone steak with corn, slaw and cream sauce

2. Tanya
- Tarragon t-bone steak with braised cabbage and pureed corn

3. Becky
- Caramalized Peach with peached and cream puree

Then judges chose the best... Tanya
Elimination Test:

Tanya can choose between the following judges favourite desserts.

Joe - Tiramisu
Graham - Strawberry Shortcake
Gordon - Triffle

Tanya is safe and doesn't have to cook. She also gets to choose who makes which dessert (4 per dessert)

Judges will pick the worst from each dessert as the bottom three.

Tiramisu - Anna, Frank, David, Felix
Strawberry Shortcake - Scott, Mike, Tali, Christine
Triffle - Becky, Monti, Stacey, Joshua

60 minutes begins

Homecooks grab materials and start to prepare desserts.

Monti somehow sets fire to her trifle while in a frantic panic. She is running around asking for lady fingers and flour. I don't think most od them knew what a trifle was.

The judges discuss each homecook and their strategy and results so far. It is down to the wire with most cooks finishing just in time.

Tiramisu

Felix - adds nuts and Joe is not impressed. Felix starts to cry. Graham comments on the visuals lacking and doesn't seem to enjoy the flavour either. Gordon says it is way too sweet, looks as sad as she does "is a mess" he calls it her worst performance on masterchef causing more tears from Felix.

Frank - Graham likes the look and taste

David - Gordon is not happy it is thick and heavy. Joe complains about the watery substance calling it gross.

Anna - I missed... I was on facebook LOL too lazy to rewind

Trifle

Josh - Joe says it tastes like a banana split, a bowl full of cream and bananas. Graham

Monti - Gordon mentions how half way through the challenge she had nothing and although it still lacks sponge, it tastes delicious.

Stacey - It looks beautiful, she calls it an Italian trifle.

Becky - Joe says it is gross and spits it out. He says she tried to show off and it bit her in the ass. Graham and Gordon agree.

Strawberry Shortcake

Christine - used other berries a berry shortcake

Tali - missing foam but has good flavour

Scott - didn't glaze strawberries

Mike - missed or wasn't shown?

Stand Out Dish

Stacey

Bottom Three

Becky
Felix
Scott

Going Home

Scott






What did you think of the mystery box dishes?

How about the Elimination Test?


Next Week:
Homecooks hit the road for a food truck challenge.

Love in the Wild

After a reminder of how last week new ladies arrived forming trios and then sending half the ladies home to go back to couples....

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Chase & Summer

Jesse & Ali even though he had slept with Tara, which is mostly common knowledge.
Ken is not impressed with Jesse. Jesse is keen to get with Ali but in the outdoor tent Ali tells him to back off when he tries to touch her leg. She even says "Can I go back and do the ceremony again" uh-oh

Michelle & Ben. Michelle is happy to have Ben without Jenny. They go under the covers to celebrate.

Jason & Vanessa, another new couple, laugh and seem to enjoy preparing for bed.

Yanina and Ken are still going strong.

The next morning is Challenge

Jenny MC Carthy compares relationships to coconuts. The adventure is to collect 55 coconuts and carry them to "town" and trade them for a horse which they will ride up a mountain to get a map which will lead them through the rest of teh adventure. Oh, they do get a wheelbarrow.... actually, pieces of a wheel barrow, to put together if they want.

Yanina & Ken - She wants to build a wheelbarrow, he doesn't - they just carry the barrow without wheels

Jenna & Ryan - they also decide to fill the barrow and carry it. It gets heavy, Jenna needs breaks ans Ryan drags it when she is too weak to pull her weight.

Summer & Chase - being strong they too decide to just load the barrow and carry it they leave 2nd place and while on the horse pass and take 1st place.

Vanessa & Jason
- take the time to build the wheel barrow. Jason likes that vanessa doesn't complain. They finish first and get the horse. Vanessa rides it, he leads their slow horse.

Michelle & Ben - also puts together the barrow and hop on the horse in 3rd place.

Ali & Jesse - arguring in last place trying to put together the barrow, then loading the barrow. Jesse wants all 55 in one trip. They keep falling out and Jesse wants Ali to pick them up - she won't. Jesse falls, the wheel barrow breaks and his plan to make it in one trip seems to be an epic fail. Somehow they manage to have 55 in their one load and head out on the horse... in last place.

They all get to the map. They need to now hike down the river and cross a waterfall by tight rope to find a new map behind the falls.

As Ali reads she shakes and cries... here we go again. Not sure Jesse can support her, unless she is willing to sleep with him.

Ken & Yanin go quickly across the ropes passing Summer and Chase. Jenna & Ryan are not far behind.

They all scream and Jenna is dramatic like Ali, but they are in harnesses... if they skip they fall a whole 1 foot. Speaking of Ali they are still in last place. Her "paralyzing fear of heights" means she can't be touched and so she has to tell Jesse to back off and not crowd her. It was quite amusing.

2nd waterfall - they go to a grotto to retrieve a 2nd map. At this point Yanina and Ken are in first, Chase and Summer right behind hop intot he water and swim through the falls. Summer you will recall from the first episode is an awesome swimmer. Yanina, however, sucks and Ken has to help save her from drowning. It is beautiful.

As others arrive, the top two couples are on their way up to a 3rd waterfall. Here they will hike up and use machete, bamboo and rope to cut down bananas.

While couple procede to chop bananas some struggle to get there. The two top couples somehow miss the trail to get supplies and hike up the mountain and realize they messed up. They have to hike back down.... meanwhile other couples are able to get ahead because of this mistake.

Back at the previous waterfall, Vanessa swims fast to get the map in the grotto however, she somehow loses the map from the container while swimming. Jason panics as they fall into last place.

Somehow the couples have a big mix up and here is how the end:

1. Jesse & Ali - Oasis (Ali isn't thrilled)
2. Ben and Michelle - Cabins
3. Jenna & Ryan - Cabins
4. Ken & Yanin - Cabins
5. Summer & Chase - Tent
6. Jason & Vanessa - Hell... just kidding, the horrible screen "tent" is gone, they get tents too

Off in the Oasis Jesse keeps pushing Ali for romantic time.

Summer & Chase agree they need to pay more attention to detail and decide not to dwell on the drop from first to almost last.

Lot's of mingling and chatting.

Choices:
Ladies choose first.

1. Ali can choose anyone from first place. Ken interupts and to bring up the fact that Jesse is sleazy and her decision to choose someone else could really mess up established relationships. Ali chooses Ben much to everyone's surprise.

This leaves Jesse to choose whoever he wants... He originally planned to request to be put into unmatched area but given happenings he asks Michelle to partner up.

2. Jenna keeps Ryan

3. Yanina keeps Ken - obviously

Jenny asks if Ken was nervous. He says he was worried Jesse with power would see him as a threat and try to break them up. Jesse barks back and they begin to argue. Ken tells Jesse to take it more seriously and not hurt those around him. Jesse calls Tara collateral damage in the game. He admits (under pressure) that they slept together but there wasn't a connection. Jesse and Ken have spat and Jenny, as a great host, pushes them to discuss it more. Ben tells them they both ahve points and to drop it.

4. Summer keeps Chase.

5. Jason and Vanessa are eliminated. They agree to see where their relationship goes.






So do you think there is love brewing?

I am not upset with the couple going home are you?

What about the battle between the two men?

Monday, June 25, 2012

Bachelorette - Prague

Tonight's episode we finally hear about Arie and Cassie (the producer) past relationship. Apparently it was brief and ten years ago and not a big deal... meh! We also saw an interesting rose ceremony and some romantic one on one dates....

More...

First one-on-one was with Arie.

We had the Cassie drama emerge. Emily was mad at Arie for not telling him. They had an off screen discussion and by dinner she forgave him and was making out with him non-stop again.

Arie tells Emily he loves her and she eats it up. She is so into him.

------------

John "Wolf" gets the next one-on-one date.

Emily seems to know a lot about Communism and John Lennon and graffiti... *shrugs*

They can't figure out their lock, foreshadowing of what's to come? They have never ever had any connection. I have no idea why she kept him after week one to be honest. The only reason I wantes him around was to discover WHY they call him "WOLF"

John admits he had his heart broken and Emily realizes it isn't lack of connection, but his guard being up - um, NO EMILY! You don't have a connection!


----------------

Group Date is Sean, Doug and Chris....

Sean runs through the streets of Prague and surprises Emily. She is grinning ear to ear. She seems so in love with him. I really do like them together. They have the "look" they make out and she apologizes for putting him on a group date, but he is ok with it and after their beers and one on one alone time tongue twisting then making out against a wall in an alley some more, he leaves feeling pretty happy.

---------------------

Group Date - horse drawn carriage pulls up to haul the men along. Squished. Under umbrella's. Lame already!

Doug gets some one-on-one time and is awkward. He is closed off, arms crossed, scared to touch her and very stand offish. He even says if they were to move on after this they would be "starting off" Doug wants to get to know her more, but she is already having more with others. She talks to him, ready to send him home and he doesn't realize it and kisses her. She thanks him them continues to send him home. He feels like an idiot, understandably.

He is a single dad and a decent guy. But it just wasn't there. Maybe he will come back as a bachelor?

Emily and Sean's one-on-one time is kissing and talking about the night before.

Chris gets some one-on-one time and he spends a lot of the time complaining and saying he won't dwell on it, as he dwells on it. THey share some kisses, but it isn't passionate like with Arie OR Sean. I have never seen what Em sees in Chris. She thinks he is so attractive and perfect. Meh.

With Doug gone she only has two men to choose from to give the rose. It isn't surprising when she gives it to Sean. Chris is bitter and mad, though he says he isn't.

-----------------

Jef and Emily get their one-on-one date. Theya re so cute. The odd couple. He doesn't look like her type, like Sean does. But they click so well. I loved their lil puppet dolls. They used them to talk about their feelings and Jef told Emily he was in love with her and it was so sweet..... She gets nervous after learning that Jef dumped a girl because his parents didn't approve - no pressure. They have an amazing time laying on a library floor talking about kids and life.

'I Want to Date You So Hard and Marry the F--- Out of You'

OMG best line ever! Jef is so different. I am torn between him and Sean. I don't want her with Arie. The Cassie thing isn't why, he is just slimey from what I hear.

Sean and her look the part, the whole package. But Jef, somethign about him is just so sweet and different. Time will tell.

Cocktail Ceremony

Chris is stillupset he didn't get some one-on-one quality time with Emily and plans to talk to her tonight.

Emily talks with Chris about how the relationships were confirmed this week and that inthat the ones that were slower to progress were glaringly obviously not happening.

She doesn't want a cocktail party. Chris panics. As he should. John/Wold feels confident. I don't think either of them should stay (or even be there still) Chris seems to have a panic attack he is wandering in tears talking to himself.... he other men seem to be secretly pleased.

Rose Ceremony

Sean has a rose.

3 roses remain.

1 will go home.

She explains why there is no cocktail party, it's purpose is to have unanswered questions answered, but this week she has all her questions answered because this week they were all so open and honest about how they were feeling.

- Jef gets a rose.
- Arie gets a rose.

(It seems telling Em you love her is a good move at this stage in the game.. I mean, journey)

and finally..... Chris asks for some time to talk... of course. I am glad he did, he looked like he was about to pass out or shake out or something. John Wold seems upset. As he should be. Now what? Who was she going to pick? Does this change her mind?

Final rose goes to Chris.

Poor Wolfman... I guess we will NEVER know why John is called "wolf" (what a rip off)

She apologizes. Says other relationships have moevd at a faster pace. He says "right, right" but seems to be in a zone - he admits he is shocked and thought him opening up on the date really connected them.... "yea it sucks" he says. *shrugs* I don't even care - except that we don't know why he is called wolf... that upsets me!

So there ends another episode of Bachelorette... dum dee dum...



So what did you think?


These 4 will take Emily home to meet their family. I love the family visits. You get to see the cray behind the men ha ha

Hells Kitchen - 13 chefs compete - Part 2

After a brief recap of last week's part one 13 chefs compete, we get started back in Hell's Kitchen.

The drama with Robyn and Kimmie continues.

We are preparing for the first ever fashion show in Hell's Kitchen.



More...

The men are quickly distracted by hot models on the runway. The res team criticize the models lack of eating, being too skinny.

Raw scallops, over cooked scallops, the women mess up - well Tiffany messed up, but wouldn't admit it even though Barbie tried to tell her they were no good.

Blue seems to be a bit more on top of things getting some appies out.

The usual chaos ensues. The fashion show runs and Ramsay gets the teams prepped for once the runway ends and they start entrees. Barbie can't recall how many of each meat, Robyn knows then goes ghetto in the diary room - I seriously can't handle it. they either cast black women who are stereotypically ghetto-trash-talking, or they cast white trasy women to be ghetto-talking. WTF?

The men are once again distracted by the bikini clad women walking down the catwalk. There is a fire in a pan and some burned meat. Ramsay is less than thrilled - obvs.

The women run out of meat after overcooking and Robyn tries to send her team mates to the blue kitchen to swipe some. A few try, but chicken out. Robyn finally admits she doesn't have enough meat and wants some frmo blue. He tells her no she is a silly cow and makes her go ask this customer what she wants instead.

The women continue to mess up. Between cooking things wrong, or sending wrong things up it was just a mess. Tiffany won't take responsibility for the bad swordfish but finally the entrees all get out.

....

The Blue team fights over nominations as usual and they ended with Clemenza and Brian or Guy.... Guy....

Ramsay surveys the blue team and the majority seem to think Clemenza should go home.

They each say their piece as to why they shoudl stay, Clemenza is deffo mroepassionate and fights HARD to stay.... it pays off..

In the end, Clemenza gets sent back in line and Guy goes home. The red team cheers.




What do you think? Do you agree with who went home?

Masterchef - 14 compete

The chefs are fast asleep in their hotel rooms and come 3am they are woken up. By 4am they are at one of the top hotels working the early rush cooking all the room service breakfast orders. Crazy!

More...

They will be cooking:

oatmeal
fresh fruit salad
hand made panckcaes
eggs benedict
egg white omelette
2 eggs any style

Blue Team - Josh
Becky, Frankie, Anna, Monty, David, Tali

Red Team - Christine
Felix, Scott, Tanya, Mike, Stacey, Ryan
*Power to swap one member of her team for one of Josh's. She swaps Ryan for Becky. Smart move!

Team chooses an expediter to oversee plates.

Blue - Monty

Red - Felix

Breakfast is 7am. 90 minute prep time begins.

130 orders each. Satisfied customers will hang their team colour tag on the door. Whoever gets the least tags faces the pressure challenege.

Blue team is assigned stations. Red team decides together who does what.

Red Felix lays out the board for expediting,s he is a food runner and seems to be organized, however, in prep Ramsay is concerned they do not have enough hollindaise for benedict.
yelling.
Blue has scorched bacon and uncooked spinach and Monty is shouting at her team which makes Christine concerned that Felix is too quiet. Christine is blind so without verbal communication she is uncertain where her team is at.

7am - service begins.

Blue team has some yelling again/still with Monty and Josh. Both teams are squished into a small kitchen and the shouting and chaos stresses me out as a viewer!

Blue team is sending more food out than red, Christine tells Felix to speak up and get things going. Christine is upset Felix is doing everything herself with no communication, Chef Ramsay tells her the same thing. Everyone is clearly stressed out. I can relate, not that I have done this, I have worked in resturants for years though..... Although Monty is loud and annoying (shouting in 2 languages) they are working it.

Joe checks in with guests to see how they are doing. Blue seems to be doing well.

Red (as Ramsay warned) ran out of hollindaise. Felix tries to drizzle and save which makes Ramsay mad. Christine starts to be more vocal. She ensures everyone is doing what they should.

Blue has quality control issues as Ramsay discovers broken egg yolks, a hair, not enough fresh fruit, etc.

Where blue started strong, they are starting to crumble.

When the results come in

Red - 60%
Blue - 40%

Blue must face pressure test.

Pressure Test
Three are saved from Blue team: David, Frank, and Monty.

Josh is pissed. Ryan is alaso pissed.

The rest of the Blue team are cooking a dessert that terrifies chefs around the world.

Molten Lava Cake. (OMG I ate one last week at Joey's, the inside is so warm and gooey and delicious inside the cake!)

The 4 chefs prepare.

Ingredients: Flour, sugar, eggs, powdered sugar, chocolate, cinnamon and butter.

They get 4 attempts. Once they have one they think is good they bring it up as the one to be judged.

40 minutes begin.

Editing always has you guessing how it will go...

Tali finished first, Anna, then Josh, and finally Ryan with under 45 seconds to go pulls his from the oven.

He serves a flattened pile of goo. It has no form, it isn't done, it literally looks like a blog of goop.

But form isn't theonly way to rate the food, taste counts too.

Anna and Josh are pulled up first - "pure prefection"

Ryan and Tali are up for elimination. One tastes bad and one looked a mess.

Ramsay asks who ever knows they were the worst to step forward and pass over their apron. After a few moments, Ryan finally stepped forward and passed up his apron.

Ramsay tells him he didn't expect molten soup from Ryan.

and with that the cocky Ryan heads home. Tali is his buddy and probably the only one upset to see Ryan leave.



Were you shocked with who went home? How about how it went down?

What did you think of the team challenege?

I would have loved to eat some of those pressure test foods... mmmm....

Who are you rooting for now?

Sunday, June 24, 2012

True Blood - Whatever I Am, You Made Me

What an episode. We saw the return of shirtless Eric, learned more about Pam's past, Tara's secret was revealed and could it be? The return of fairies? I think so.... I don't want to spoil, so click below to read more....

More...

Lot's of plot development this episode and only a little wasted time on things like the sherrif's butt photo, Terry's storyline (he took off with his marine friend, Arlene is mad, that's it) and had a lot of great dialogue and action.

Where to start, Eric and Bill have convinced the Authority to let them go look for Edgington. The Guardian's fave Chancellor, Salome, seduces both Bill and Eric to determine they can be trusted. She also knows Eric and Nora are "siblings" which made me think maybe she was a secret Sanguinistas, but I am not sure. Nora, by the way admits to being a Sanguinistas while being tortured to save Eric and Bill and not reveal his true relationship with one of them.

We also learned that Steve Newlin (possibly changed at the comman of or by the Guardian, Roman) is replacing Nan Flanagan. I think they are on track with that idea given his publicity experience and his previous ties to Fellowship of the Sun prior to becoming a vampire.

I loved seeing Tina Majorino (Veronica Mars) guest star as an Authority employee. She gets Eric and Bill shirtless and harnessed into their death traps - harnesses that will stake their hearts if they mess up, tryt o remove the harness, or piss off the authority while away trying to bring in Russell Edgington.

Pam misses Eric and as she refelct upon their past, we learn how she was made and how Eric fist met Bill Compton.

Vampires were draining Pam's whores and so she asked Eric to assist her in ridding the pests. He did indeed command Lorena to take her newborn (Bill Compton) away and ensure he learned the ways - and fast. After that she owed Eric and paid him with an evening in bed. She asked him to change her and after essentially saying no - she slit her wrists forcing him to change her or watch her die. It showed a vulnerable side to the tough bad-ass Pam. I love her!

Tara escapes Lafayette and Sookie and nearly attacks a gal who is trying to change a flat tire. She gains some senses, apologizes and turns to Sam at Merlottes for help. After letting her binge on True Blood she collapses and he moves her into the walk-in drige leaving a sigh "do not enter out of service dangerous" on the door.


Despite trying to keep the vampire secret of Tara in the walk-in from Sookie, her mind reading skills break through his attempted distraction "boobs boobs boobs" and Sam accepts that Sookie made the decision to save Tara's life, and leave her the choice of what to do next.

The resturant runs normally, somewhat. Lafayette's masked evil side (Jesus haunting him? I want Jesus back he was hot! ) grabs bleach and pours it into the gumbo. Arlene is bitchy because Terry left and mad once she learned Tara is a vampire, and is nagging for the gumbo which sets off Lafayette's inner evil I suppose? Regardless he dumps the gumbo and seems legit concerned of losing control again. Then BAM Tara dreams of eating Arlene as Lafayette wakes Tara with some blood drink. She freaks.

I have hated Tara since day one, I just don't like her. She got interesting briefly when she smashed up that vamps head then again as a runaway kind of lesbian, with new hair style and such, but soon became an annoying bug-eyed character - again! But I have to say, this vampire Tara, she may have some depth - I am especially interested to learn how Pam and her bond - or don't. Especially with all this history on Pam and her maker, it may lead to something solid with Pam and Tara. We shall see.

Meanwhile, Deb's parents are looking for her and asking questions around town after getting the police on board to help track her whereabouts. Alcide comes to Merlotte's and asks Sookie what is going on. After trying to get rid of him, Tara wakes up and goes nuts as I mentioned above then she takes off. Sookie tells Alcide the truth, that Deb tried to kill her, Tara got in the way and was shot, then later turned, and that Sookie killed Deb.

Jessica, my favourite. She is trying on some clothes, gets snarky with the sales lady who is being a bitch, then is distractd by the most amazing smell. A man ordering 16 dresses for 16 sisters I believe he said. Cute. Accent. Then, Jessica falls out of the change room... "You smell awesome. What are you?" He takes off. She chases him to a field. Must be a fairy right? of course! Though fairies were kind of lame in past season, I hope they will return and have some purpose, or interesting story line this time. She then goes to romp with Jason, who isn't in the mood.

Jason not in the mood?

Earlier that day he bumped into an old teacher and we learn he had been with her, sounds like he lost his virginity to her. After reuniting, Jason realizes he has always filled the hole in his heart with sex and doesn't know how to do anything else. he expresses this to Jessica who covers her cleavage, offers to put on some sweat pants ansd just be a friend. Love it! I really want these two together. Yes, her and Hoyt had a thing - but he is off at Fangtasia dressed gotchic with eyeliner trying to pick up some new vamp. Not sure if he is a fangbanger or just posing.

In the end Tara tries to committ suicide via tanning bed, but it appears Pam will save her... sadly.

Lot's happened, lot's progressed. I am loving the direction this season is taking and can't wait for more.


QUOTES:

"You're too cute to be goo." - Authority Employee

"You smell awesome - what are you?" - Jessica

"Can I give you a hug without you thinking about my boobs?” -Sookie

"What are you looking at? Go back to dry humping each other and buying my overpriced drinks or get the f--k out!" —Pam

"Lorena, you procreated and he's protective. How sweet." —Eric

"I ain't had the best luck in that department. One died right next to me, one was married to a gay preacher. Crystal was a...let's not even go there. And right now I'm f--k buddies with the love of my best friend's life. Who's a teenage vampire. And that's just all kinds of messed up." —Jason

"Don't believe everything you read. The human Bible is little better than US Weekly." —Salome

"So which one is it? The Sheriff or the King? Both? Oh see now that's a sandwich I'd take a bite out of anytime." —Rosalyn

"Would you toss a newborn baby in a gutter? Abandoning a newborn vampire is no different. Becoming a maker is an eternal commitment." - Eric

"Let me walk the world with you, Mr. Northman, or watch me die." - Pam

“I was an innocent child, ‘til you taught me your style, Whatever I Am, You Made Me”
-Simone




I really liked this bit from a review I read:

But the tricky thing about innocence is that once you lose it, you can never get it back. And what steps in in its place tends to be of the malicious sort.

“I was an innocent child, ‘til you taught me your style,” coos Nina Simone as “Whatever I Am, You Made Me” draws to a close, and it’s a statement that has never been truer for the show. The revealing of Jason and Salome’s pasts speak most clearly to loss, but they’re not alone. In the eyes of Alcide, Sookie has lost her innocence; Hoyt dons a little guyliner and goes searching for trouble at Fangtasia, abandoning the character we’ve come to know; even Pam, normally so cold and stoic, is showing a softer side in her memories of Eric. At its core, “Whatever I Am, You Made Me” is an episode meant for development.


Check out this video recap from a friend of mine... She does a great G-rated review and compares parts of the episode to the books.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

SYTYCD Vegas Round....

Tonight was Vegas week, the best episode of the auditions, pre live show... what a show it was, I have done a complete recap after the cut...


All the music form tonight's episode is posted here.

181 dancers head to Vegas for finals week and to dance for the panel of judges who will determine this year's top dancers to compete in the live shows.

8 rounds to get through:
solos
hip hop
broadway
jazz
groups
ballroom
contemporary
final solos


The panel of judges tonight:
Mary Murphy
Debbie Allen
Lil' C
Adam Shankman
Tyce DiOrio
and of course Nigel Lythgoe

More...



First up.... Solo's:

Massive cuts planned if the solo's don't shine.

Hampton Williams (The Exorcist) - Dallas
He had the long standing O and strange moves. I love the way he has choppy, skeleton movements with such soft, soothing music. It brought me chills and many udges had tears in their eyes. Pure Passion but such a unique style, I wonder who it would translate in other styles.

After first 10 - they assessed....

Jennifer and Brianna were sent home. The rest stayed another round. (Including Hampton)

Janelle Isiss - Belly Dancer - Alabama

She had a very intricate costume and as the only belly dancer was sure to stand out. She is extrememly secxy and mixed traditional and contemporary moves into her belly dancing. Then male judges, even the gay ones loved her.

Rihanna's "Where have you been all my life" plays as we see more bits and pieces of dancing - we then learn 51 cuts were made, uncluding the martial arts cutie.

See all music here

First Round of Choreo - Hip Hop
Choreographers: Twitch & Comfort

I love seeing Comfort and Twitch again - they are amazing!

Besides the amount of hip hoppers, they all still pic it up pretty fast!
Hampton, Dragonhouse Crew - Andre, Boris, Sirus have not done other peoples choreo before.

Sadly, Hampton who has never been choreographed before tells the judges he can't do choreography and bows out of the competition.

Then one of the dragonhouse dancers bails, without saying goodbye.

Boris is sent home, that leaves only one from dragon house... Sirus.
He makes it through.

Praying Mantis and mommy Bree were also sent home. Both great dancers.

97 were remaining. Plus one more group of about 6 or 8... so just over 100 move on to day 2.

Day 2 - Broadway

Tyce is intense but a lot made it through. I love the idea of something crazy in the drinks and the characters going a lil' strange. It was a fun routine to watch.

The blonde ballroom gals perform in first group. They have been friends since they were 9 and are both hotties. They all move on from first performance group.

Alexa, who was cut last - last year performs... Adam tells her she is not bringing it and she needs to or she will be cut. She looks "dead" no emotion.... she is given another chance, but with warning.

23 more head home, mostly criticized for not bringing the character of broadway to the routine. Some upset, some angry, some bitter, some tears, some vows to never return (yuh-huh we shall see)

82 remain....

Jazz - Sonya Tayeh

Who doesn't love Sonya's choreo? She is amazing! Intense! But amazing!

Hip Hopper Shefiek gets upset and complains a lot. His partner Danielle, is the bacon loveer from Atlanta who has dreamed of dancing with Sonya but is being held back by her partner, grumpy Shefiek.

Also in this first group is the burlesque gal from Salt Lake City, Rachel.

After they perform Shefiek complains he messed up - Nigel gives him shit. He and Rachel are sent home. The rest stay. Shefiek swears and leaves in a grumpy state, walking barefoot downt he street saying he will n ever be back... Rachel fights to stay and surprisingly judges agree to let her dance for her life.

Many more are eliminated as Sonya's choreo proves too difficult for many dancers.

Danielle returns to partner with someone else and he kicks her in the head - he is sent home, she heads to the medic. They are concerned and take her away on a stretcher....

Emilia from NYC (the black and white scene gal) was up next along with dragonhouse Sirus who's partner is ballroom Lindsay Arnold.

Emilia is asked to dance for her life as the judges are split.

Lindsay makes it through.

Sirus is told to take contemporary classes, but he is through!

15 more are cut.

Dance for your life

Emilia and Rachel return.

Rachel - sticks to her burlesque routes but the judges do not wish to keep her. Debbie tells her that some see her as just sex and so taking the burlesque route only magnifies those feelings. She suggests she returns with more clothes and more dancing.

Emilia - Performed beautifully and Sonya was an easy yes. Nigel said no because he doesn't see how she can be so good now, but not bring it into other people's choreography. Everyone else says yes. She goes through and she promises to bring a different animal tomorrow and make everyone love her.

Group Routines - 10pm

They pick a piece of music at random and they have all night to practice and perform in the morning. They get to choose their own groups of 5-6 people.

This is always my favourite round because of all the drama that kicks in with lack of sleep and bubbling personalities. I am really upset we didn't get to see more drama from the night

Day 3 - Group Routines

Daniel (ballet dancer with an accent saying "belly dancer") Audrey, Danielle (who was injured the day before) only joined the group at midnight when she got back from the hospital. Some were more willing to add her than others.... Daniel doesn't want her in the group, to re-do the routine or to go to bed....

Judges think they are a hot mess. I agree. They weren't in synch, it was pretty bad! Nigel says they should all be sent home, yet, after the judges discuss, they decide Charlie and Danielle go home and the rest stay.

There are a lot more eliminations "epic fail" says Adam Shankman, "I'm sorry" they say "it's totally forgettable" says Debbie Allen to one group. A lot of dancers who make it through are still upset as their friends head home.

The Highschoolers were amazing, they "went to prom" and the one girl, Aubrey, dances with each man and it is stunning! They all go through!

There were a lot of great bits shown from various groups. I really would love to attend a live taping of group day - so fun!

dres, adrian,and alexa were in the next group. All have been in the finals in previous season being cut at the very end before live shows started. The routine was good, though there were a few criticisms. Tyce is no longer enamoured by Alexas beauty - he really puts her ont he spot asking what this all means to her, telling her to demand attention. Mary adds she needs to take them somewhere and show the fire. She is quiet, she says she has fire to show, but she is so blah, like even her voice is calm, quiet and emotionless until she starts crying.

They all make it through.

The celebrations continue with all the dancers at the pool.

Ballroom - Jason Gilkison
Cha Cha time... many dancers are noticably terrified!!

Sirus, with no formal training is pretty good. The last standing dragonhouse makes it through for dancing for your life...

Many more are cute with tears and good-byes.

Aubrey gets cut after an amazing group routine being compared to Mia Michaels. She takes it VERY rough. She complans she can't get through, she can't get work and now she is headed home.

Alexa makes it through, she brought her personality - finally!

Finally, Sirus dances for his life - as much camera time as this kid has got, I'd be surprised if he doesn't make it to the live show / Top 20 Especially with "The Excorsist" having quit.

Contemporary - Travis Wall

One hour to practice and we all know how intense Travis is... |technically I am looking for perfection... this is the last round" Dancers are exhausted and the routine is tough.

Nigel announces that they will not provide results until the end of the day. The dancing is beautiful, the choreo makes it amazing but so many dancers just embrace it and it's a pleasure to watch. The dancers compliment each other and at the end of the day Nigel calls a few dancers down to the stage.

Theya ll make it - some more have to re-dance the routine. Most of the re-do's do not make it.

Day 4

Joshua tries his new trick - a back flip, but he lands and doesn't get up. Medics take him away.

The solo's are amazing - out of this world. Still, there are a few that are let go despite being amazing dancers...

Trey, Dres, Adrian Lee, and some others are cut... sadly.

No girls were cut. I think this may have been because there were far more girls cut in a previous round and they wanted to keep it even.

regardless, the remaning dancers go part in a suite with balloons and snacks.



Season 9 will be exciting... next week we learn who makes it through to the Top 20.....


Check out all the music from tonight's episode here.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Masterchef - Top 15 compete

Another night of masterchef with one of the grossest mystery box challenges ever - ewwwww!


The top 15 enter to begin the mystery box challenge. The person with the best dish will get a "huge advantage" in the elimination challenege which will follow this mystery box challenege.

Inside the box was....


More...

... brain, balls, tongue, a lamb's head, hearts, livers, and more - gross!

90 minutes to create something gourmet... *gag*

Felix is excited because she says in asian cooking they eat everything. Most homecooks are not excited about this challenge though.

Watching then cook, prep, experiement makes me want to barf.

Cocky Ryan thinks Monty should go home next and he is winning it all.

The judges go around and the ideas teh homecooks have range from brilliant to disgusting. Considering the ingredients, I can't see how anything good could come from it, but there are some creative cooks there!

Judges inspect all the dishes and choose the Top 3 stand-outs.

They choose:
-Becky - Sweet Bread Duo - with chicken liver pate on buttered toast. A sampling as she called it and Ramsay calls it bold but delicious. Three different tehcniques, textures, flavours, a very well done appetizer.

-Ryan - Sweet breads with potato and shallot curry oil. He is cocky, the others are upset he was chosen. Judges say it is balanced and delicious.

-Christine - Panko fried sweetbreads with bok choy - judges say it is terrific and delicious.

The winner is: Ryan

Choices:

1 - Ahi Tuna
2 - Ham
3 - Crab

He can choose which ingredient everyone will cook with. He also doesn't have to cook and is safe from elimination.

He chooses crab.

He then chooses 7 to use fresh crab and 7 with canned crab.

WOW!

Canned - Becky, Monti, Felix, Stacey, Frank, Joshua
Fresh - Christine, Scott, Tali, Anna, Helene, Mike, David

60 minutes

Judges discuss what they would do with fresh or live crab. Ryan was very strategic in assigning the type of crab each cook got. Blind Christine cuts herself on the love crab but luckily it is a small cut.

Judges circulate to see what each homecook is doing. Reminding them to taste everything.

Time to taste...


Tali - Paprika buttered crab. "Looks like a horror movie" "Where is all the crab?" "We gave you a $60 crab and you did what with it?" They think he was stupid with it.

Joshua - Thai Crab Trio. "bold, spicy good"

Mike - Crab bisque. Fresh crab processed into canned taste.

Tanya - Thai green curry with crab.

Frank - Orecchiette puttanesca. He keeps making the same thing over and over. Too much crab, no balance "like hamburger helper"

Christine - Ceviche cocktail. Visually appealing, delicious, fresh, fragrant. Ramsay invites Ryan to conme try it, he says "it's really awesome" which was nice, because being so cocky I expectes what we have seen in past seasons "meh i could do better" attitude. I hate Ryan a little less, just a little.

Helene - Crab Soup - Joe is not happy, he says it tastes like canned crab.

Monti - Scotch Egg. Judges are impressed it actually tastes good. Ryan is not happy.

Judges debate and are impressed with what they did with canned crab.

Two spectacular dishes:
Josh and the winner.... Christine.

These two are team captains for next challenge.

Bottom four:
Frank, Tali, Mike, Helene

Josh notices 3/4 of the bottom 4 had fresh crab, how ridiculous is that?

Frank and Mike are sent back, leaving Helene and Tali for elimination risk.

Helene is sent home.... when asked who will win... she says "Frankie"




Next episode is team challenge, looks like an early 3am wake up call for breakfast roomservice at a busy hotel. Chaos ensues... of course... Can't Wait!

Hells Kitchen - 13 Chefs Compete

We continue from last night's elimination with two chefs at risk....

More...

Danielle is sent home. The girls are in tears. Tiffany, Kimmie and Robyn are happy, the rest are sad.

The men are arguing too - blaming Patrick for their poor service. Royce seems to lead the brigade. HE needs to go!

the next morning Chef Ramsay presents trends in the food business. Models come out to show the food trends....

1950s - crazy colourful dishes - layered jello mold jiggler and tv dinners.

1970s - fondue (I love fondue)

1990s - asian fusion

The men are all excited about the hot models ha!

The challenge:
Fashion Night in Hell's Kitchen. David Meister, Amanda Che, Ian Soltani are the three guest judges, all fashion designers.

Each team produces 1 appetizer and 2 entrees (1 seafood and 1 poultry)

David like spicy, healthy, swordfish, Ian likes colourful, heavily seasoned Amanda likes healthy, not fatty

30 minutes....

During preparation Blue discusses swordfish, mushrooms, lobster medallion while Red is led by Dana the perfectionist.

The usual Hells kitchen drama continues with the bossy chef, the idiot chef, the lazy chef and so on.

Appetizer
Justin - they say it isn't visually appealing the foam looks gross, it doesn't look elegant or sophisticated and is too much food for an appetizer. Taste - the foam is too sweet and the rest is a bit bland.

Dana - mango broth with crab meat. Soup isn't elegant, can be messy, it does have some flavour.

Red Wins

The judges are super specific and picky - uh oh!

Poultry

Patrick - describes the dish as "thins the mucus" ew! They don't like the blob of sauce, they say it tastes interesting but there is no kick in it. They like it, they don't love it.

Tiffany - has something "fried" on her dish, which is not healthy. It also looks disgusting and the fashion crowd would clearly hate it. It is delicious they like the salad but the rest is greasy.

Blue wins

Seafood

Robyn - seabass with seasoning. They like the colour and the grape though it is a bit bland.

Guy - Swordfish with a lot of seasoning. They like the ingredients, plating and flavour. The don't like the sauce.

Blue and Red each get a vote, but the third vote means Blue wins

Kimmie is mad Robyn didn't add spice as instructed. The women are pissed, but the Blue team hasn't had a win yet have they? Of course this worsens the Red Teams arguing.

Blue gets money to shop in Malibu - new outfits, wine tasting, and a relaxing day. They have a personal shopper then go for wine tasting. They drink..... a lot.. their diary room talks later are hilarious.

Red gets to clean and set up a runway - it is not without bickering and argueing but they let loose at the end with some hilarious catwalks and poses. Tiffany and Robyn burp and laugh and snort and fart while the other ladies look over in disgust.

When the Blue team returns, hammered the red team gets upset again.

Both teams go to bed early, but Clemenza wakes up early and is loud trying to wake everyone else up...

Kimmie goes nuts and is using a punching bag outside. She is ready to kill Robyn, who was on "her side" but clearly isn't anymore.

Fashion Night begins....

Ramsay explains how the show will go and emphasizes the timing of food. Kimmie and Royce are chosen to help plate food and Ramsay warns that these customers are not easy to please.

Clemenza starts cooking scallops before the doors even open... I seriously don't even GET how people make such stupid mistakes.

Looks like Clemenza may be sent home right then and there, also looks like the red kitchen drames some of the blue kitchen and sets them up for failure....



TO BE CONTINUED.........





Monday, June 18, 2012

Masterchef - Top 16 Compete

at the largest military base the chefs are told that 201 marines will arrive to eat. They are doing a team challenge using portable kitchens, and so the show begins.....

More...

Entree from each team then they line up behind their favourite team's entree

Frank & David are team camptains...

Frank (Blue) - Felix, Scott, Stacey, Tally, Tonya, Mike, Christine.

David (Red)- Becky, Josh, Mike, Helene, Ryan, Anna, Monty.

Interesting men all chosen first, blind gal chosen last. Ah well - it is what it is.

The rules:
-One entree
-Must contain: one protein, one starch, one vegetable
-feed 201 marines
-2 hours

Frank sticks with his Italian roots and wants a pasta - Chambota?!!?

David chooses BBQ porkchops.

Judges fear the cooking during serving time with pork chops may be a problem, while they fear the pasta dish may be too unfamiliar to the marines.

Red struggles to get organized and start, while the Blue team is having a tough time on the grill throwing unseasoned veggies to dry out and burn.

The marines arrive and the red teams pork is undercooked, while the blue team seems ready to roll but is worried they do not have enough.

Red - BBQ porkchops, cheesey potatoes and cole slaw.
Blue - Grilled Chicken with pasta salad.

Christine is serving chicken breasts, which is awkward for her but I feel like the blue team is looking for a sympathy vote having the blind gal serve.

Red runs low on food that is cooked and ready - potatoes gone... so they are serving only cole slaw - uh oh!

Blue then runs low on pasta.

Judges look around and discover a raw pork chop. Red Team is in shit. Ramsay (as we know from Hells Kitchen) does NOT accept raw food! They do some preliminary votes and of course the editing shows us only about even.

Both teams keep pushing hard but Red team is still trying to get meat cooked and Becky and Monty step up to take over and get things happening as David stands unsure what to do. Blue is trying to finish the pasta so they have enough for everyone.

In the end the men are fed and it is time to vote. Ryan jokes the red women need to show their breasts - Monty is pissed.

The lines look fairly even so they do a count....

Red Team wins! By 16 votes!

Blue enters a pressure test, Red Team is safe.

Pressure Test

One gets a pass this round, the team captain chooses Felix to be safe because she had recommended chicken and macaroni. She wants to stay and cook, so he chooses Scott who wants to cook. Frank chooses Stacey and she takes the pass while bawling.

The test: apple pie

They will be judged on the filling, crust and overall technique.

Some are worried, some are confident.

The judges discuss the technique and details that must be paid attention to from pastry to apples to temperatures to flavouring.

Many chefs do not have their pies in with only 30 minutes to go....

-Frank - delicious, flaky crust, melt in your mouth apples
-Tanya - firm apples, odd flavour and texture
-Tali - good
-Felix - visually great,
-Mike - he put cheese on his, a strange move, additionally it was soggy with juices
-Scott - looks bad, but the taste is good. Bad pastry, good filling, so not the worst
-Christine - although she is feeling discouraged, Ramsay compliments her skill and tells her to stop feeling upset for herself and believe in herself more! She has a flaky crust, no soggy no liquid (he scrapes it so she can hear it) she is crying, and he lifts a beautiful wedge of pie that tastes amazing.

Tanya, Scott, Mike are bottom three.

Not surprisingly cheeseman Michael is sent home.



Tomorrow night there is more and some drama too.... can't wait!

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Authority Always Wins - True Blood

Recap time - what an episode, is it just me or this season already way better than last season?


Tara is a vampire - and she be craycray. Pam orders her to not bite Lafayette or Sookie and stay in the house, but that just seems to drive Tara even more insane, thrashing the house before being subdued and taken down to Eric's underground bed.



Pam doesn't have time to deal with Tara, but wants to get out of her dirty walmart sweat suit and back at the club reflects on her first encounter with Eric. I loved getting some history on Pam, she was a brothel madame and Eric saved her from a man with a knife in an alley. I hope we get more of this in the future episodes. I love Pam!



Back to Tara, she sleeps the day away but Lafayette almost stakes her. I am worried and curious to see how this plays out, because Tara HATES fangers.... and now she is one!




Sookie seeks some protection from vampires and at the store, the sales clerk is HILARE - I can't remember what he said about the silver mist but it was if a vampire rang the door bell what would happen - I need to find this quote.... needless to say, Tara got sprayed by it later before taing off into the night....

Bill and Eric taken to the authority along with "sister" Nora. They are tortured with UV lights and silver infused IV drips. We learn of the first vampire "Lilith" who was created by God, who was also a vampire. There are some vampire fundamentalists who believe this to be a literal translation and they are called Sanguanists or something like that - Sang = blood of course. These folks believe that humans were put on earth for vampires to eat. This doesn't fit with the "co-exsist" goal the authority is currently seeking.




Looks like politics and religion focus this season, along with power struggle (as always) not only in the vamp world but in the wolf world where Alcide refuses to become pack leader and Luna's daughter changes into a cute wolf pup after Luna kicks Sam out for suggesting Luna may want to address that her daughter COULD be wolf and not shifter.

Back to Eric and Bill, they are let go (we assume they will be) to get Russell Edgington who has escaped the cement tomb. The episode ends showing him feeding and slowly recovering. I read in an interview with Denis O'Hare that Russell Edgington will be a changed man when he returns, so i am interested to see how this will play out. Christopher Meloni is amazing too - can't wait to see more of his character development.





Steve is promoting vampires as god's creatures and still in the media. He arrives at Bill's house where Jessica is still having a kegger party - this once scene I had to replay over and over, I love love love this dance....



Where I hated Steve before, he is actually pretty hilarious now... you know, a vampire, gay, christian... I also loved that on the interview he came out as a vampire but pretended he loved a woman - like somehow Vampire acceptance is still easier than being gay?!?!

He offers Jessica money for Jason but she "doesnt sell" her friends, though she sure messes with him a bit Steve gets a "fang boner and a real boner" after she talks about how hard Jason's ass (and other parts) are.... ha ha it's awesome!

Jason tries to make ammends with Hoyt but fails.... Hoyt's momma is pleased with Jason, though acts like she is not until Hoyt can't hear...





Terry and Arlene are fighting because he is having strange dreams and attacking her. She goes to his army buddy Patrick to talk, Terry interupts and tells Patrick he knows one of their marine buddies who is still alive and may be associated with the strange fires that keep occuring. No idea - not interested.


More:

-Christopher Heyerdahl as Dieter Braun - not a huge stretch from Twilight is it ;) I met him in december in Orlando... squee!

-Debbie's car was found, her tooth is under Sookie's fridge, how long until they figure this out?


Some Quotes: **Will add more later**

Mr. Northman, you are taller than I expected - I get that a lot - BAHAHAHA Love it!

Stackhouse, i had sex! - Welcome to the club







Monday, June 11, 2012

Reality TV Update - Monday June 11, 2012

It's a busy night for reality tv, Bachelorette, Masterchef and Hells Kitchen.

I am watching everything and will update this post with some links to full recaps and some opinions of what went down on tv tonight.

Masterchef - I still need to watch.

Hells Kitchen - RECAP HERE. Maybe I am just too tired, but it wasn't that interesting an episode.

Bachelorette - WAS an interesting episode. I did a full recap here. But there were some surprises.


Tomorrow: Masterchef, Hells Kitchen, Love in the Wild.

Later this week: SYTYCD, ABDC, and more!