Survivor Week 8- Circle of Life and Death

Spoiler Alert...Below are the results and a few thoughts from last night's Survivor: Redemption Island. So before reading any further, watch the ep, name your tribe after a stuffed animal, then read what I have to say.

Redemption Island is over...and Redemption Island is back. Matt makes his way back to the camp from Redemption Island...and then Boston Rob sends him right back where he came from. After Matt got back to camp and the two tribes merged, it was like all that had changed just made everything the same.

Boston Rob is controlling this game right now. Why would Matt ever tell him what his masterful plan to eliminate Rob was? You think that wouldn't give Rob a reason to eliminate you? Crazy. Well God has a plan for Matt. And it seems like it is to get ousted from Survivor, because there's no way he makes it all the way back to camp again, right?

I love that Phillip has made it to the merge, because he now has two things that are really in his favor.

1) He is so annoying to the other contestants.

2) He is not good at any of the challenges.

Both of these characteristics should help him get to the end. No one will want to eliminate a guy that can't win an immunity challenge. Did you see how difficult it was for him to balance on that log? Comical. And everyone is going to want to bring him to the end, because he won't receive any finale votes. At the end of the day I could care less if Phillip wins the whole thing, but if he makes it through the entire season, that will make my viewing experience that much better. That's what I'm here for. Let's go Agent Phil!

Fantasy Results

Slay or be Slayed

Matt- Duel Win (10), Merge (8), Votes (-24)= -6
Grant- W8 (29), Merge (8), Votes (-20)= 17
Ashley- W8 (29), Merge (8)= 37
Natalie- W8 (29), Im (20), Merge (8)= 57
Week 8= 113 Total= 433

Fuchsia Federal Agents

Boston Rob- W8 (29), Merge (8)= 37
Andrea- W8 (29), Merge (8)= 37
Phillip- W8 (29), Merge (8)= 37
Kristina
Week 8= 111 Total= 355

My Orbitz Account

Mike- W8 (29), Merge (8)= 37
Steve- W8 (29), Votes (-4), Merge (8)= 33
Stephanie
David- W8 (29), Merge (8)= 37
Week 8= 107 Total= 351

Montecito Lancers

Russell
Ralph- W8 (29), Merge (8), Idol Misuse (-10)= 27
Krista
Sarita- Duel Loss (-10)= -10
Julie- W8 (29), Merge (8)= 37
Week 8= 54 Total= 222




Free Agents
Francesca

Justified 209 Review- Brother Keepering

Mags- "You pick the devil you run with."

While the overarching story of Carol and Black Pike versus Mags and the Bennetts came to a close, "Brother's Keeper" had so much more going on it, that the momentous meeting between Carol, Mags, and Boyd seems like an afterthought at this point.

That meeting of the minds was indeed fantastic though, as Mags outwit Carol and the fine people of black pike out of a ton more money than anyone could have ever thought. Because Mags knew all along that she had the upper hand, she continued to be calm, cool, and collected.

As always, Margo Martindale played the scene masterfully.

So that is probably it for our new friend Carol Johnson, as she heads off to the next mountain with her tail between her legs. Luckily, she did get a big smooch out of Raylan Givens, even if that was all the U.S. Marshal would give her.

To read the rest of my review of last night's Justified, which some critics are calling the best episode of 2011, head over to TV Fanatic.

Justified 209 - "Brother's Keeper"
Review
Recap
Quotes

The Borgias 101-102 Review- A Monkey That Bites You

Pope Alexander- "Oh what would Rome be without a good plot?"

That just about explains what The Borgias is going to be about. Constant plotting against the Pope, and then his ability to fight back against all those that oppose him.

There was all you could ask for in the two hour premiere in terms of corruption and deceit. If you saw any of the promotion for the show, you could not have been surprised.

When you market a series as "the original crime family," you are going to get what we saw tonight; buying your way into the Papacy, killing off those that would rather you not be in power, and plenty of sexual transgressions for good measure.

Sometimes these cable two hour premieres can act like a made for TV movie that just continues on the next week, but although "The Poisoned Chalice" and "The Assassin" weren't technically split up into two parts, they felt like two separate pieces of work.

To read the rest of my review of last night's series premiere of The Borgias, head over to TV Fanatic.

The Borgias 101 - "The Poisoned Chalice"
Review
Recap
Quotes

The Borgias 102 - "The Assassin"
Review
Recap
Quotes

Spring Poolies Watch- Reality and Others

With only two months left in the Poolies season, it's time to take another look at how things are shaking out before the final ballots are released on June 1st. Here's your chance to agree or disagree with the chairman in order to give whatever show or character tickled your fancy this year a shot at glory. Next up are the reality awards along with a few others, let's take a look around the pool...

The Battle of the Network Stars Award For Best Reality Competition Series

Definites
Big Brother, Top Chef, Survivor, American Idol, The Amazing Race, and The Sing Off. Nothing to see here folks. Keep moving.

In For Now
Bachelor Pad, Ultimate Catch, America’s Got Talent, and The Bachelor. Sometimes I think about switching this award to only five nominees, but then I think about getting rid of one of the six above and realize that is not possible. With The Voice and X-Factor on the way, it seems even less possible.

The Terry Fator Award For Best Male Reality Competition Contestant

Definites
Enzo (Big Brother), Hayden (Big Brother), Richard Blais (Top Chef All-Stars), Morgan (Top Chef Desserts), and Phil Sheppard (Survivor Redemption Island). Morgan’s hatred of Zac, who you’ll find on the most hated list in a bit, was ultimately what made him a definite.

In For Now
Kevin (Top Chef), Lane (Big Brother), Jesse Kovacs (Bachelor Pad), Zev and Justin (Amazing Race 18), and Paul McDonald (American Idol). Unlike with the scripted series, there is a lot of time left for reality contestants to make their moves. No one is safe, but these five are even less safe.

Outside Looking In
Fabio (Survivor Nicaragua), Mike Isabella (Top Chef All-Stars), Boston Rob (Survivor Redemption Island), Flight Time and Big Easy (Amazing Race 18), David Good (Bachelor Pad), and Jet and Cord (Amazing Race 18).

The Kellie Pickler Award For Best Female Reality Competition Contestant

Definites
Britney (Big Brother), Tara (Ultimate Catch), Brenda (Survivor Nicaragua), and Natalie (Bachelor Pad). If you watched Big Brother, you’re voting Britney number one. If you didn’t, you should watch one episode, so that you will have reason to vote her number one.

In For Now
Lauren Alaina (American Idol), Mallory (Amazing Race 18), Danielle (Top Chef Just Desserts), Amanda (Top Chef), Haley Reinhart (American Idol), and Ashley Underwood (Survivor Redemption Island). As always, this is a tough category to fill out, which causes me to think about adding judges and hosts to the category. Then I always nix that idea.

Outside Looking In
Monet (Big Brother), Kelly (Top Chef), Peyton (Bachelor Pad), Nat and Kat (Amazing Race 17), and Andrea Boehlke (Survivor Redemption Island). I don’t like any of these people.

The Crazy James Zinkand Award For the Reality Competition Contestant You Love to Hate

Definites
Rachel (Big Brother), Ragan (Big Brother), Zac (Top Chef Just Desserts), Jane (Survivor Nicaragua), and Gia (Bachelor Pad). The reality awards are worth it if only for this category. There are so many contestants that I can’t stand, but these five definitely took the cake over the course of the year for me.

In For Now
Alex (Top Chef), Wes (Bachelor Pad), NaOnka (Survivor Nicaragua), Ralph (Survivor Redemption Island), and Jacob Lusk (American Idol). Lots to hate on the most recent seasons of Survivor and American Idol. Give these guys time and they’ll make their way to the top.

Outside Looking In
James Durbin (American Idol), Naima Adedapo (American Idol), Brook and Claire (Amazing Race 17), Carla Hall (Top Chef All Stars), Margie and Luke (Amazing Race 18), and Holly (Survivor Nicaragua). And there were more! Keep the hate coming.

The Johnny Carson Award For Best Late Night Host

In For Now
Jimmy Fallon
Joel McHale
Conan O'Brien
Daniel Tosh
Steven Colbert

Outside Looking In
Jon Stewart
David Letterman
Jay Leno

The Chris Farley Award For Best Sketch Performer

In For Now
Bill Hader
Fred Armisen
Kenan Thompson
Kristen Wiig
Jason Sudeikus

Outside Looking In
Jay Pharoah
Bobby Moynihan
Andy Samberg

The Flintstones Award For Best Animated Series

In For Now
Family Guy
South Park
The Ricky Gervais Show
The Simpsons
Archer

Spring Poolies Watch- Action

With only two months left in the Poolies season, it's time to take another look at how things are shaking out before the final ballots are released on June 1st. Here's your chance to agree or disagree with the chairman in order to give whatever show or character tickled your fancy this year a shot at glory. Next up are the action awards, let's take a look around the pool...

The Sopranos Award For Best Action Series

Definites
Justified, Chuck, Dexter, Terriers, Sons of Anarchy, The Walking Dead, and Boardwalk Empire. As we get closer to the end of the judging period, less spots will be available. These guys all are going to have a spot, so that puts three more up for grabs.

In For Now
Hawaii Five-0, The Mentalist, and Spartacus. What the first two shows lack in serialization, they make up for in good characters and in the case of Hawaii Five-0…fantastic scenery. Spartacus was only six episodes long this time around, but it improved greatly in quality from its first run. With some new show beginning in April, none of these guys are safe.

Outside Looking In
True Blood, Human Target, The Event, Sherlock, Nikita, Persons Unknown, The Chicago Code, V, and No Ordinary Family. Oh how the mighty has fallen. Just last year, True Blood finished in sixth place and received a fifth place vote from yours truly. Now the only reason I still have it on the list is in case other voters find that it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was this past summer.

The Frank Pembleton Award For Best Lead Character in an Action Series

Definites
Raylan Givens (Justified), Jackson Teller (Sons of Anarchy), Morgan Grimes (Chuck), Chuck Bartowski (Chuck), and Britt Pollack (Terriers). We are not as top heavy in this category, as I worried to even label Chuck and Britt as definitely in. Although Sons was off its game this past season, that is no slight to Jackson, who I have grown even more fond of after watching a whole bunch of Undeclared as of late.

In For Now
Patrick Jane (The Mentalist), Sherlock Holmes (Sherlock), Hank Dolworth (Terriers), Steve McGarrett (Hawaii Five-0), and Dexter Morgan (Dexter). For all of the rave reviews Scott Caan received early in Hawaii Five-0’s run, it really has been Alex O’Loughlin’s Steve McGarrett that has made that show so watchable in its first season. Sherlock didn’t have much screen time, but what it did was showcase the creativity of Sherlock, which puts him in mix here.

Outside Looking In
Nucky Thompson (Boardwalk Empire), Danny Williams (Hawaii Five-0), Eric Northman (True Blood), Christopher Chance (Human Target), Rick Grimes (Walking Dead), and Jimmy Darmody (Boardwalk Empire). The Boardwalk cast was too large, and Buscemi too dull at times to warrant any of them a nomination at this point. Similarly, six episodes and not much characterization makes it a slim chance of Rick Grimes getting a nod.

The Desmond Hume Award For Best Supporting Character in an Action Series

Definites
Boyd Crowder (Justified), John Casey (Chuck), Opie Winston (Sons of Anarchy), Dickie Bennett (Justified), Gannicus (Spartacus). Those first three do not even need to be talked about. Dickie Bennett, on the other hand, has been a joyful addition to the Justified crew. Although his voice sometimes reminds me of Daniel Faraday, he act so extremely different that it’s been fantastic so far. And one of the main problems with the first season of Spartacus, other than bad acting and writing of course, was that there weren’t any likable characters. Gannicus changed that this year.

In For Now
Auggie Anderson (Covert Affairs), Kimbal Cho (The Mentalist), Joey Quinn (Dexter), Jimmy O’Phelan (Sons of Anarchy), and Devon Woodcomb (Chuck). Slim pickings down at the end of this category. If anyone shows much promise to start the season in some of the new shows, look for them to easily slide ride in.

Outside Looking In
Guerero (Human Target), Billy Blackham (Persons Unknown), Art Mullen (Justified), Al Capone (Boardwalk Empire), Jeff Barnes (Chuck), Crixus (Spartacus), and Alexei Volkoff (Chuck). A couple of these guys, most notably Jeff Barnes and Art Mullen, suffer from the fact that I’d rather not nominate three characters from a single show. Then there is the case of Al Capone, who I may have loved mostly because he was AL CAPONE. I did enjoy him, but again he was the product of lack of screen time.

The Samantha Marquez Award For Best Female Character in an Action Series

Definites
Sarah Walker (Chuck), Deb Morgan (Dexter), Katie Nichols (Terriers), Teresa Lisbon (The Mentalist), and Ames (Human Target). Is there really a chance that Sarah doesn’t win this award for the third straight year? Not much competition by the looks of it.

In For Now
Ava Crowder (Justified), Annie Walker (Covert Affairs), Tara Knowles (Sons of Anarchy), Jessica Hamby (True Blood), and Lumen Pierce (Dexter). Only half way through this season of Justified, I’m hesitant to put any of the ladies in the mix. Ava has been absent for most of the season, while Winona has been more prominent, but kind of the worst. The rest of these girls are nothing to write home about.

Outside Looking In
Mags Bennett (Justified), Ellie Bartowski (Chuck), Alex (Nikita), Winona Hawkins (Justified), and Kona Kalkua (Hawaii Five-0). I’m still torn on what to think of Margo Martindale’s Mags Bennett. I either really like her, or I think she’s a great character but I don’t like her. The latter being the way I feel about Gemma Teller of Sons of Anarchy.

The Teri Bauer Award For the Character You Love to Hate in an Action Series

Definites
Tara Thornton (True Blood), Erika Taylor (Persons Unknown), Tyler Evans (V), Nelson Van Alden (Boardwalk Empire), Ilsa Pucci (Human Target), and Moira (Persons Unknown). What’s funny is that I’ve only watched like two out of the ten episodes of V that have aired, but I know I am going to hate Tyler as much as ever, so he is definitely in. Erika and Moira from Persons Unknown made up one of my most hated combos of all time, so they are safe. And there were so many awful characters on True Blood this season, but Tara took the cake.

In For Now
Franklin Mott (True Blood), Angel Batista (Dexter), Liam O’Neill (Sons of Anarchy), and Miles Fiedler (Rubicon). Before he was the weird bad guy on The Cape, and after he was Audrey Raines’s husband on 24, he was a crazy terrible vampire on True Blood. The worst. I really don’t think Rubicon deserves any nominations, but they had so many detestable characters, that one of them should receive a nod.

Outside Looking In
Jesus Velasquez (True Blood), Maria Laguerta (Dexter), Lucy Danziger (Boardwalk Empire), Lucretia (Spartacus), Kale Ingram (Rubicon), and Oenomaus (Spartacus). Wow do I hate Lucy Lawless as Lucretia on Spartacus. How is she still on the outside? That may or may not change by the time June rolls around. The rest of these guys should be safe from a nom as we head down the final stretch.

The “Through the Looking Glass” Award For Best Action Episode of the Year

In For Now
Breaking Bad 313 – “Full Measure”
The Walking Dead 101 – “Days Gone By”
Justified 113 – “Bulletville”
Sherlock 101 – “A Study in Pink”
Terriers 113 – “Hail Mary”

Outside Looking In
Boardwalk Empire 112 – “A Return to Normalcy”
Chuck 413 – “Chuck Versus the Push Mix”
Sons of Anarchy 313 – “NS”
Dexter 508 – “Take It!”
Persons Unknown 112 – “And Then There Was One”
Spartacus 006 – “The Bitter End”

So many great Justified eps have occurred this season, that I’m having trouble picking one over last year’s finale at this point. As for the Walking Dead, I also have the finale “TS-19” in the mix. Plenty of more finales to go at this point.

American Idol Top 11: Part 2- Jamaican Me Crazy

Spoiler Alert...Below are the results and some thoughts on this week's episodes of American Idol. So before reading any further, watch the eps, light your piano on fire, then read what I have to say.

This is very belated, but I needed to get the fantasy scores up so here we go. I thought Elton John week was solid as a whole, definitely a lot better than Motown week. Of course there were the few that I couldn't stand, but there were also a few of the fantastic variety.

My boy Paul didn't have his best day, which was why I wasn't surprised when he ended up in the bottom three on Thursday. My new second favorite Haley, however, absolutely murdered it for the second week in a row. Her combination of growl and tenderness had me excited, and as Steven Tyler said, she "sings sexy."

The other two members of the bottom three, Naima and Thia, deserved to go. Really Naima? I have no problem with turning "I'm Still Standing" into a reggae tune, but you're going to start singing in a Jamaican accent? Not only was it awful, but I feel like it was kind offensive. And I can say that because I have two Jamaican friends. And after her performance in the semifinals, Thia has just been God awful and it was about time she got ousted.

The only other top performers of the week were Lauren Alaina (hop on the train) and Casey Abrams. It was inevitable that Casey was going to come back with a good performance after being saved, but Lauren's was a bit of a surprise.

Pia and Scotty's shticks are getting old. Jacob is just the absolute worst. As soon as he opens his mouth I want to slap him. Durbin basically just performed instead of singing, and Stefano...the more screen time he gets, the less I like him.

I liked the changing of gears during the results show, as they had the contestants sing in duets or groups. It's a lot better than the terrible filler they usually play during those moments. Let us see these people sing more so we can better judge how good they are. Thank you.

Fantasy Scores

Peaches

(2) Casey Abrams- Safe (11)= 11
(11) James Durbin- Safe (11)= 11
(14) Scotty McCreery- Safe (11)= 11
(23) TaTynisa Wilson
Top 11= 33 Total= 112

#hoponthelaurenalainatrain

(1) Lauren Alaina- Safe (11)= 11
(12) Lauren Turner
(13) Stephano Langone- Safe (11)= 11
(24) Naima Adedapo- Bottom 3 (-6), Eliminated (-12)= -18
Top 11= 4 Total= 71

Missing Didi

(4) Clint Gamboa
(9) Thia Megia- Bottom 3 (-6), Eliminated (-12)= -18
(16) Jacob Lusk- Safe (11)= 11
(21) Rachel Zevita
Top 11= -7 Total= 40

Paula's Incoherence

(5) Paul McDonald- Bottom 3 (-6), Safe (11)= 5
(8) Robbie Rosen
(17) Kendra Chantelle
(20) Jovany Barreto
Top 11= 5 Total= 34

Preacher With a Satan Tattoo

(6) Julie Zorilla
(7) Pia Toscano- Safe (11)= 11
(3*) Tim Halperin
(10*) Jordan Dorsey
Top 11= 11 Total= 31

* acquired from Tyson via trade

Thia Megia #cangetit

(18*) Haley Reinhart- Safe (11)= 11
(19*) Ashton Jones
(15) Karen Rodriguez
(22) Brett Loewenstern
Top 11= 11 Total= 27

*acquired from Larry via trade

Spring Poolies Watch- Comedy

With only two months left in the Poolies season, it's time to take another look at how things are shaking out before the final ballots are released on June 1st. Here's your chance to agree or disagree with the chairman in order to give whatever show or character tickled your fancy this year a shot at glory. Next up are the comedy awards, let's take a look around the pool...

The Seinfeld Award For Best Comedy Series

Definites
Community, The Office, Modern Family, Parks and Recreation, It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia, 30 Rock, and The League. Pretty great core group of seven shows right there. With no Curb Your Enthusiasm on during this year's voting season, a lot of awards are up for grabs.

In For Now
Perfect Couples, Eastbound and Down, and Sonny With a Chance. What is NBC thinking? I'm fine with bringing The Paul Reiser Show into the Thursday lineup, but why are you putting it in for Perfect Couples over Outsourced? Are people actually watching Outsourced? It is still terrible right? Eastbound and Down and Sonny are hanging on by a thread. The former because of a down season and only six episodes, and the latter because it hasn't been on in forever because of Demi's forced hiatus.

Outside Looking In
Cougar Town, Bored to Death, Traffic Light, Rules of Engagement, Family Guy, and Mr. Sunshine. At the end of the day, none of these shows are cracking that top seven so it hardly matters, but we shall see how the end of the season plays out for these bubble series.

The Cory Matthews Award For Best Lead Character in a Comedy Series

Definites
Michael Scott (The Office), Phil Dunphy (Modern Family), Chris Henkel (Big Lake), and Jeff Winger (Community). Big Lake? That's what you may be asking yourself, but Chris Parnell got the job done on that slightly terrible Comedy Central comedy.

In For Now
Here's where things get tough. None of these guys definitely deserve a nod, and there are so many that may deserve one. Dwight Schrute (The Office), Andre Nowzik (The League), Dennis Reynolds (Always Sunny), Kenny Powers (Eastbound), Jack Donaghy (30 Rock), and Cam Tucker (Modern Family). Again, it's tough to leave discern between some of the guys on The League and Always Sunny, but Charlie definitely had a down season and Andre kinda proved himself to be one step ahead of the others to garner a nod.

Outside Looking In
Vance (Perfect Couples), Charlie Kelly (Always Sunny), Jonathan Ames (Bored to Death), Justin Russo (Wizards), Mac (Always Sunny), Kevin McArthur (The League), Jay Pritchett (Modern Family), Tom Haverford (Parks and Rec), and Mike (Traffic Light). I could see a spot for almost any of these guys. At the very least, they deserve some recognition right here!

The Arthur Spooner Award For Best Supporting Character in a Comedy Series

Definites
Frank Reynolds (Always Sunny), Troy Barnes (Community), Taco McArthur (The League), Chris Traeger (Parks and Rec), Tracy Jordan (30 Rock), and Pierce Hawthorne (Community). I know my choice of five out of those six is going to be extremely difficult. Stacked category we have ourselves here.

In For Now
Luke Dunphy (Modern Family), Adam Rhodes (Rules of Engagement), Kevin Malone (The Office), and Ray Hueston (Bored to Death). The Modern Family's that have been great this season have highlighted Luke, those that weren't good...he was usually missing. Adam continues to be tearing it up as the punching bag for Patrick Warburton and David Spade on Rules. In a couple of months I probably will have forgotten how much I loved Ray on Bored, and Kevin seems to be making a comeback the second half of this Office season.

Outside Looking In
Andy Dwyer (Parks and Rec), Manny Delgado (Modern Family), Ryan Howard (The Office), George Christopher (Bored to Death), Abed Nadir (Community), Ben Wyatt (Parks and Rec), and Andy Bernard (The Office). A bunch of nominees from last year in the mix here, including the runner-up in Manny. Still some time to make a final run at some of those last few spots.

The Phoebe Buffay Award For Best Female Character in a Comedy Series

Definites
Sonny Munroe (Sonny With a Chance), Miley Stewart (Hannah Montana), Erin Hannon (The Office), Gloria Pritchett (Modern Family), Lilly Truscott (Hannah Montana), and Dee Reynolds (Always Sunny). Sonny is still my far and away number one choice. If you haven't seen Demi Lovato's performance on this show, you need to do so ASAP. Last year's winner, Erin, has continued to impress with small amounts of screen time this season.

In For Now
Jenna Maroney (30 Rock), Laurie Keller (Cougar Town), Leigh (Perfect Couples), and Annie Edison (Community). A couple of newcomers in the mix here with Laurie and Leigh. All of the females on Perfect Couples could vie for a spot, although there's really only room for one of them. Annie has been surprisingly absent from much of the recent Community episodes, so let's hope that changes soon.

Outside Looking In
Alex Russo (Wizards), April Ludgate (Parks and Rec), Holly Flax (The Office), Claire Dunphy (Modern Family), Britta Perry (Community), Amy (Perfect Couples), Lisa (Traffic Light), and Leslie Knope (Parks and Rec). Don't worry, I'm just giving Holly time to fester. Once a month or so passes, I'm sure her performance will take effect and she will steal a spot on the ballot just like she stole Michael Scott's heart. Alex Russo schtick kind of wore off on me throughout this season of Wizards. David Henrie stealing the show didn't help her out either.

The Lily Finnerty Award For the Character You Love to Hate in a Comedy Series

Definites
Gabe Lewis (The Office), Lydia Dunfree (Party Down), Josh Franklin (Big Lake), Beverly Lincoln (Episodes), Ben Parr (Mad Love), and Zora Lancaster (Sonny With a Chance). Gabe hasn't even been in The Office much as of late, and he still is the front runner for this award. If anyone other than me watched Episodes, I'm sure you would agree that Matt Lablanc and I aren't the only ones who hated Beverly. And what would a “love to hate” list be without the presence of Jason Biggs?

In For Now
Zeke Beakerman (Wizards), Stevie Janowski (Eastbound), Ellie Torres (Cougar Town), and Gabe Duncan (Good Luck Charlie). I find it harder and harder to type Zeke's name on this list when I think about how good that “smooch sesh” line was a few months back. Oh Stevie Janowski how you may have been one of the main reasons season two of Eastbound didn't live up to the first. Why did you go from loveable annoyance to utter disaster?

Outside Looking In
Toby Flenderson (The Office), J.D. Lutz (30 Rock), Roman Cohen (Mr. Sunshine), Meredith Palmer (The Office), Travis Cobb (Cougar Town), and Adam (Traffic Light). Roman and all of his idiocy is climbing his way up the charts, while many on the outside suffer from lack of screen time. If there were more Toby or Lutz this season, I'm sure I would hate them just as much as those on the ballot right now.

The "The Dealership" Award For Best Comedy Episode of the Year

In For Now
Sonny With a Chance 210-211 - "Falling For the Falls"
The Office 711 - "Classy Christmas"
Community 214 - "Advanced Dungeons and Dragons"
The League 209 - "The Expert Witness"
30 Rock 504 - "Live Show"

Outside Looking In
Party Down 207 - "Company Picnic"
Hannah Montana 409 - "I'll Always Remember You"
Bored to Death 207 - "Escape From the Castle"
It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia 601 - "Mac Fights Gay Marriage"

The Office has had so many stand out eps this season ("Threat Level Midnight" and "Garage Sale" come to mind) that anything is still up in the air, while a great show like Parks and Recreation has yet to have a single episode stand out from the pack. Still plenty of finales to go before the ballot is set so this all could change.

Spring Poolies Watch- Drama

With only two months left in the Poolies season, it's time to take another look at how things are shaking out before the final ballots are released on June 1st. Here's your chance to agree or disagree with the chairman in order to give whatever show or character tickled your fancy this year a shot at glory. First up are the drama awards, let's take a look around the pool...

The Dynasty Award for Best Drama Series

Definites
Mad Men, Friday Night Lights, Treme, Lights Out, Parenthood, and Jonas. These shows won't need to be discussed before the final ballots come out in June. The only reason to bring up Treme is because it only aired a couple episodes of last season during this year's voting period. If the early part of season two is similar to what we saw in season one, I'm confident it makes the cut. Parenthood is really coming on as one of my favorites as of late, and although I continue to get made fun of for my love of all things Jonas, this series was great for so many reasons.

In For Now
Californication, Greek, Entourage, and 90210. This is where the discussion begins. Cali has had a bit of a down season in comparing it to last year, while Entourage definitely had an uptick in quality. Greek, in its final season, was good but unimpressive. And while I'm always a sucker for 90210, does its great female character hi-jinx make up for its complete lack of quality acting or writing?

Outside Looking In
Shameless, House, Glee, One Tree Hill, Men of a Certain Age, Gossip Girl, and Hellcats. I have heard from Jaydon that he is not enjoying House, which makes it easier to keep it out, but I'm not sure how others still feel about the old favorite. Shameless and Glee are the only other two that are worth mentioning, in that one I find interesting at times, and the other is a pop phenomenon. If Men of Age had more than six episodes it definitely would have been in the conversation.

The Dr. Doug Ross Award for Best Lead Character in a Drama Series

Definites
Don Draper (Mad Men), Greg House (House), Cappie Jones (Greek), Ari Gold (Entourage), Joe Lucas (Jonas), and Eric Taylor (Friday Night Lights). As we get closer to the actual ballot, the amount of definites has to increase. Although House the show has deteriorated into a series I let pile up on my hard drive, House the character is still fun to watch. The rest need no explanation.

In For Now
Hank Moody (Californication), Davis McAlary (Treme), Adam Braverman (Parenthood), and Patrick Leary (Lights Out). The two I am most concerned about are Davis and Patrick here. Davis, of course, because I haven't seen him in forever. He might come back later this month as a complete idiot, as many others found him during the first season. And Patrick, did he do enough to secure himself a spot on the ballot?

Outside Looking In
Antoine Batiste (Treme), Joe Tranelli (Men of a Certain Age), Julian Baker (One Tree Hill), Vincent Chase (Entourage), and Johnny Leary (Lights Out). Now that I'm looking at this list of those on the outside, I'm not sure there is much to worry about for the current nominees. Again, Ray Romano's Joe suffers from only six episodes of material. Also, who knows who might come out of the woodwork as a lead character in the start of Treme's second season?

The Noah Hunter Award for Best Supporting Character in a Drama Series

Definites
Roger Sterling (Mad Men), Scott Lavin (Entourage), Ornette Howard (Friday Night Lights), Chase Adams (One Tree Hill), and Buddy Garrity (Friday Night Lights). I had a tough time figuring out how all the FNL guys would shake out, but at the end of the day, Riggins, Saracen and the rest of the old crew didn't have enough screen time to warrant a nomination, so Buddy is the beneficiary.

In For Now
Dale Kettlewell (Greek), Noah Puckerman (Glee), Robert Chase (House), Alex (Parenthood), and Albert Lambreaux (Treme). The Big Chief will depend on what happens throughout April and May, as will Alex, depending on if Vince Howard's doppelganger comes back at all to Parenthood. Since I'm behind on House, Dr. Chase could be back to his old terrible self for all I know, but he was killing it to start so I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt.

Outside Looking In
James Wilson (House), Ed Romeo (Lights Out), Beaver Beudreaux (Greek), Billy Riggins (Friday Night Lights), Chuck Bass (Gossip Girl), Max Braverman (Parenthood), and Chuck Scolnik (One Tree Hill). After the first Ed Romeo episode of Lights Out, I was prepared to make him a definite. That was until they shipped him out after his second ep. Now the only thing keeping him alive is a surprise return in the finale. Anybody else from this group catching somebody's fancy?

The Veronica Mars Award for Best Female Character in a Drama Series

Definites
Macy Misa (Jonas), Sue Sylvester (Glee), Naomi Clark (90210), Peggy Olsen (Mad Men), Alex Dupre (One Tree Hill), and Stella Malone (Jonas). Now these aren't my six favorites in the category per say, in fact as of now, I'll be voting for two others ahead of this group, but these are the ones that have secured spots. There is a difference.

In For Now
Annie (Treme), Rebecca Logan (Greek), Santana Lopez (Glee), and Adrianna Tate Duncan (90210). Although Adrianna is going to receive my vote if she continues the way she has, 90210 can be so eratic with its characters, that I don't think she is definitely on the ballot. Treme continues to keep things up the air for Annie, and Santana hinges on how much screen time she gets.

Outside Looking In
Savannah Munroe (Hellcats), Ashleigh Howard (Greek), Brooke Davis (One Tree Hill), Becky Sproles (Friday Night Lights), Fiona Gallagher (Shameless), Brittany Pierce (Glee), and Blaire Waldorf (Gossip Girl). There really just are so many avenues to go here. As you notice, the two time defending champion Julie Taylor (Friday Night Lights) has yet to be mentioned. That is because she was the worst this season, and I'm afraid that if I give her a courtesy nomination, some idiot voters will give her the award for a second straight undeserved time.

The Marissa Cooper Award for the Character You Love to Hate in a Drama Series

Definites
Kurt Hummell (Glee), Tanya Skagle (Hung), Tami Taylor (Friday Night Lights), Turtle (Entourage), Erin Silver (90210), and Artie Abrams (Glee). Wow do I hate all of these people. It's rare to see an Entourage guy up here whose name is not Eric Murphy, but Turtle definitely outdid him this season. The thing about Glee and 90210 is that there are so many people I hate, that it's tough to decide between them all.

In For Now
Serena van der Woodson (Gossip Girl), Haddie Braverman (Parenthood), Quinn James (One Tree Hill), and Calvin Owens (Greek). While I may hate these four as much as the other six, for some reason I feel as if they may not deserve it as much as the others. Well that is except for Quinn, who absolutely deserves to be nominated for being terrible.

Outside Looking In
Julie Taylor (Friday Night Lights), Clay Evans (One Tree Hill), Dixon Wilson (90210), Will Schuester (Glee), Marcy Runkle (Californication), Ian Gallagher (Shameless), Camille Braverman (Parenthood), and Lisa Cuddy (House). This list could go on and on, and I won't even take into consideration those that I detest like Meredith Grey (Grey's Anatomy) and Kitty Walker (Brothers and Sisters) because their shows don't deserve nominations.

The "One Wedding and a Funeral" Award for Best Drama Episode of the Year

In For Now
Mad Men 407 - "The Suitcase"
Friday Night Lights 513 - "Always"
Treme 108 - "All on a Mardis Gras Day"
Jonas 213 - "Band of Brothers"
One Tree Hill 813 - "The Other Half of Me"

Outside Looking In
Parenthood 217 - "Do Not Sleep With Your Autistic Nephew's Therapist"
Greek 410 - "Legacy"
Entourage 710 - "Lose Yourself"

Surprisingly, I have found more stand out episodes in this than in action so far. I have a tough time keeping both the Parenthood and Greek ep off of the ballot.