American Horror Story: Asylum -- The End. **No Spoilers**

Last night's season finale gives me mixed feelings. The last three episodes were packed tight with story. It makes me reflect on the entire season. What was so important in the first half of the season that they had to pack so much information in the last 3 episodes?
Did the writers/showrunners not know how they were going to end this episodic adventure? I would love a redo of the entire season because the last three episodes could have been 5 episodes. Or maybe they should have extended the season in order to let those episodes breathe a bit. 
The finale felt like an epilogue of a book/story I hadn't finished yet. 
However, I did mostly enjoy it, especially the next to last scene with Lana. That character is inspiring. Her strength and foresight and ambition makes me want to be a better woman. 
I will soon re watch season 1 and do a comparison of the two seasons, deciding which is better.
Overall, this season of American Horror Story gets 4 stars. And, I'm very excited for the next installment. 

Side note: Tomorrow I launch my new website! www.whynotmindy.com 
Get ready to change your bookmarks to my new site.  

The Following: Is it worth your time?

The Following premiered last night on Fox. And, it was, a faintly reminiscent story we've all seen or read by someone like James Patterson. I won't totally hate on the show, yet. I'll give leeway to the "pilot syndrome" aka, the pilot can suck but the show gets good.
I will say I loved to see a serial killer escape from jail while Patsy Cline serenaded us. My overall liking stopped there. The show comes across a bit heavy handed with Edgar Allan Poe being the romantic manifesto for the oh so attractive serial killer. Wrought with typical dialogue and typical characters, The Following left me feeling, bored. Will I tune in next week? Yes, I want to have faith in what could be a Se7en like story brought to me every week. I WANT that to happen. But, if the next two episodes are slathering on the cliche dialogue and characters, then I'm out. Not even Kevin Bacon could make me suffer a season of that B.S.

New TV show tonight: The Following!

The Following premieres tonight on Fox at 9/8 pm. It's Kevin Bacon chasing a serial killer. Who's not in for that?
Watch the teaser before the episode airs tonight!

Revenge got some more Revenge, but do I care?

Trying to bring the New Year in with a Revenge-riffic episode, Emily and Co. just managed to deliver more of the same. There was one happy development of allies, but, of course, who can really be allies with Emily? I beg of the network, the show runner, the writers; please get rid of the whole Jack side story. It's lame. It's boring. And it offers nothing to the semi-descent show. In fact, it is weighing down what good is left. Season 1 was so on point and easy to follow. Now, everything and everyone is so convoluted that it's becoming easier to shrug my shoulders and just not care. Someone needs to check this Hampton ship before some one wrecks it. That's all I have to say about that.

Revenge coming back tonight: Please be good.

This 2nd season of Revenge has been a little lackluster, at least compared to season 1. I'm desperately wanting the second half of this season to kick it up a bit.
Tonight's episode needs to pass my test in order to stay on my 'must watch now' list.
Stay tuned for my thoughts. And tune in tonight to ABC @ 8/9 pm.

Gossip Girl Series summed up in 10 words. No spoilers.

Gossip Girl is over. No more "Hey Upper East Siders" ringing through my ears. 
I am sad to see it go. The show brought a lot of laughs and of course, Blair Waldorf, who still ranks as one of my favorite TV characters. The series finale was good. The show hit the right notes and made just enough fun of itself to be self aware. I applaud that. I, however, do not applaud a touted "2 hour finale" only to be duped by a 1 hour retrospective. Boo CW. Shame on you for getting me all excited and then delivering only an hour. That's the worst kind of tease.
All in all, here is my 10 word summation of the series Gossip Girl:
"That was a lot of work just for a girl." - mindy bledsoe
You guys can quote me on that.
I do look forward to the complete series to be released in a shiny bright box and re watching the whole thing with the knowledge of the real Gossip Girl. 
I wonder if the books have the same Gossip Girl as the TV show? And I wonder what new TV show will be my Gossip Girl replacement.
Ah well, au revoir Upper East Side. I know I love you. XOXO

 

Dexter, Homeland, Gossip Girl...Oh My! (No spoilers Here)

Dexter's finale ended with a literal bang last night and I think most of us had our jaws hanging open. 
In what could possibly become a huge twist in the Dexter-universe, has my mind on overtime, trying to get inside of the writer's minds for what will be next. September is so far away. I hope Showtime's spring shows are as satisfying as Dexter has been.
Due to a series of unfortunate events, I haven't watched Homeland's finale yet. I will at some point today, but meanwhile, I will avoid the internet and any accidental spoilers. Yes, I said I will avoid accidental spoilers. I refuse to let a slippery mouth spill the deets on what will happen in the terrorist world/love triangle that Homeland is.

Also, tonight is Gossip Girl's 2 hour series finale, in which the identity of Gossip Girl will be revealed. I'm sure some of you are wondering how in the hell can I group Gossip Girl into the same post as such prestigious shows as Homeland and Dexter. Well, I say to you, just because I love Filet Mignon doesn't mean I don't frequent Taco Bell.
I have spent a week avoiding teasers, trailers, clips, and actual spoilers to the end of Gossip Girl, that my anticipation has grown just because I had to work so hard to avoid it.
Today will be an epic ending day as I ponder Dexter and Deb, watch Homeland, and then finally know after 6 years, who in the hell is Gossip Girl. I'm still rooting for Kristen Bell (she voices the character) and I do hope she's bitchier than Blair with a hangover after once again being dumped by Chuck. Fingers crossed. You know I love you. XOXO.

Christmas comes and TV shows go

Christmas is approaching which means our beloved TV shows either end or take a hiatus. This makes my heart swell with a sadness that probably isn't rational, but I pay no mind to that cause I love my TV shows and my TV characters. I invite these characters into my heart and home and then poof, they are gone, sleeping in the TV box, waiting for the next season or awaiting their proper burial. Homeland and Dexter each have 1 episode left. Last nights episodes were EPIC to say the least. I can hardly contain my imagination as it wishes and hopes for the last episodes to satisfy my needs well enough to tide me over till next September. 

SPOILERS AHEAD FOR DEXTER AND HOMELAND. BEWARE. 

Question for those watching : AHS

Warning! Spoilers below. If you are not completely caught up with American Horror Story Asylum, then you may want to stop reading and go watch cartoons.
If you are watching American Horror Story Asylum, then I have one question: what happened after the school kids and teacher nun found the amputated girl climbing the steps?
I'm sorry to miss lead, cause I'm gonna ask more questions.
How can that story line be completely abandoned? We are 3, 4 episodes past that and there has been ABSOLUTELY NO MENTION of the 'created monster'. Poor story telling? Or is this juggernaut that brings down the nazi, demon run Briarcliff?
Moving on from the obvious story holes, I will say I loved the crazy Santa, he actually scared me. I say take his story and make a movie. Then, of course, release it on Christmas Day. When was the last time you saw a movie on Christmas about a serial killer dressed as Santa that murders only during the holidays? Sounds like some naughty fun to me.
Last question: I'd love to hear from you guys, is American Horror Story Asylum good scary fun or a tangled piece of story telling that brings in the obvious scary with Demons, Nazis, and aliens?

Sneaking into TV world 2013. Check out some shows to look forward to!

As 2012 comes to an end I look forward to 2013 TV. Here are some new shows and returning shows to look forward to. *This is just a preliminary list, as the days pass and 2013 gets closer, the list will surely lengthen*

Girls - Season 2 - Showtime - January 13
I was enthralled with season 1 and have high hopes for season 2. Plus, Lena Dunham (creator, writer, actress) is brillant at only 26. Check out the trailer for season 2.

The Following - Fox - January 21 (New Show)
I'm a sucker for anything serial killer. I'll watch it all, good or bad. After watching the trailer for The Following, I'm guessing this show will fall right in the middle. And I'm okay with that. Plus, Kevin Bacon. Watch the trailer :)

Deception - NBC - January 7 (New Show)
I'm not really fawning over this show, but I'm curious. I'll watch the first couple of episodes to see if it has any lasting potential. 

Bates Motel - A&E - Spring Premiere TBA (New Show)
I've VERY excited for this show. It's like a prequel to Psycho, in the sense that Norman is a child and his mommy buys a motel. I'm so in. Watch these quick teasers below.

Cougar Town - Season 4 - TBS - January 8  
Cougar Town fans were excited when TBS swooped in and kept this series alive. Farewell ABC. Cougar Town doesn't need you. Watch the video below to see how the cast announced the network switch and premiere date. Clever. Wonderful. Pour me some wine. 

Community - Season 4 - NBC - February 7  ( In my heart it's October 19. )
NBC screwed this show around so much and for that I'll always have a black whole in my heart reserved for those NBC powers that be. First they fire the show runner and creator Dan Harmon from his own show, then they decide to just not air season 4 in the fall. I guess we are lucky to be getting these upcoming 13 episodes as opposed to none. Community is brilliant and self aware. Now, watch Troy and Abed talk about the strange switch-a-roo of premiere dates.

I hope these 6 shows tease you enough to be excited about 2013. Stay tuned for the more up to date list of new shows and returning shows. Happy week!
Also, check out my Etsy Store for some Christmas shopping!

American Horror Story, I am now on board.

I've been hard on American Horror Story Asylum. I freely admit it. I had my head set that this "season" should connect with "season 1." 
Perhaps if I had started Asylum with an open mind, my disappointment wouldn't have been so high. 
Something happen last night during the latest episode, I found myself enjoying the show. AND, I almost got scared. 
American Horror Story has been renewed for a third "season." I keep using quotes on the word season because I'm still unsure how this show fits into the norm of serialized shows. 
There I go again trying to box up this show into something tidy. It just isn't. It's doing something new and I accept that now. After letting go of my preconceived notions of HOW I thought the show should run its course, I realized I was on the wrong course. 
Week to week I've bitched about the show, but I sure was filled with anticipation for each episode. 
Maybe it was last nights episode that turned me upside down, spanked my bottom, and yelled "This is the track, get on or get gone."
So, I'm on. Full out on board. 
As far as Season 3 is concerned, Jessica Lange has already committed. No other words just yet on the other actors. I'm curious to where and when the next installment takes place. 
I said before that Ryan Murphy is excellent at Season 1s. That's what he's doing, is it not? I think he found the way to be awesome at the same show every year; keep the title, the theme, but change the story. Sophomore slump avoided. Bravo Ryan. Bravo.

Something got trapped in an American Asylum. It might of been my brain.

American Horror Story Asylum. That's the proper title for this, miniseries, season, chapter? I don't know what to properly call it, probably cause this new format of storytelling, is in fact, new.? Yes, I add a question mark because, well...the picture below shows my face as I watched last nights episode.

That's my confused face. I'll also have a neck cramp. Notice the extreme head tilt? It's like my brain is forcing my head to one side or the other in hopes of understanding.
Now, if you haven't seen last year's American Horror Story, then stop reading, cause I may give spoilers. If you don't care or don't plan to watch, then please continue reading.
Number 1. There are returning characters. Or is it just returning actors? I don't really know yet. Cause this season they speak like they live in Boston. And because it is 50 years earlier, the characters act different. This blonde girl; confused.
Number 2. Aliens? Really? You're opening with Aliens? Wait Stop. I'm sorry. You actually open with Maroon 5 front man Adam Levine sexing up his new bride in haunted houses. Demented, but I kinda liked it. Back to the aliens. Yes. Aliens. I just got all "WHAT THE FUCK?!" in the first 10 minutes and the WTF moment kinda did a tale spin down into that stupid asylum. 
Number 3. The more I write about it, the more I know, I did not like this beginning. I'm still open for answers and connections, but I don't have that same feeling I did when I watch last year's first episode. 
Were my expectations too high, you may ask? No. BECAUSE I never watched a promo. I avoided trailers, teasers, interviews. I wanted this new story to unfold without cliff notes. Also, I wasn't too excited knowing that this chapter, season, part II, was taking place in an asylum. Seemed a bit too obvious for a show about haunted houses and dead people that appear alive.
Deep down I still believe that in a few more episodes (maybe 5) the puzzle pieces will fit together and my furrowed brow will turn into raised eyebrows and widened eyes. 
But, like Taco Bell at 2 am, I'm cautious. 
Aliens? REally? 
You got some explain' to do Mr. Murphy!
 

It's Baaaccckk!

The day have finally arrived. 
       American Horror Story starts tonight!

I've been spending a solid two months avoiding all promos or trailers or sneak peeks or 'watch the first five minutes' crap.  All in anticipation of tonight's episode. I want to be surprised. I want to be scared. I want to be dazzled. No pressure Ryan Murphy, but this second season better not suck. I understand it must be hard to live up to such an impressive season 1, but do your fans a favor and keep on the edge of our couches snuggling every pillow for comfort and security. 

Usually, when I'm excited about a show I put a link to a promo or just post it myself. Not this time folks.  Lets sit down, open minded, with no predisposed "understandings" and just let storytelling work.

You'll have my review tomorrow. :) 

TV, Movie, LIfe Quick Shots

The 4th is over and I haven't posted in approximately 14 years. I think there is much to cover.
TV QUICK SHOT
-  So You Think You Can Dance is gonna be a good season. Excited.
-  Mtv's Awkward. is back. Still loving it. 
-  True Blood is making me all anxious. 
-  Newsroom is Sorkin at his best. Never expected to like it. But I do. 
-  Guilty pleasures like The Glee Project and Pretty Little Liars are rocking as much as ever. No complaints. 
-  Big Brother. I miss you. I'm very excited for your return to my living room 3 times a week. (I have no idea how I'll find the time, but where there's a will there is a way.) Btw, anybody tried to watch the copy cat version on ABC, Glass House? hahahaha. 
-  Special mention to Bunheads. It's like having a spin off of Gilmore Girls, which in turn has been filling this missing hole in my heart. Thank you Amy Sherman-Palladino for bringing small town, quick wit, and fast dialogue back to me in a soapy heart filled explosion of happy. 


MOVIE QUICK SHOT
- The Amazing Spider-Man was in fact amazing. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable. And Andrew Garfield OWNS this new Spidey character. Go see it IMAX 3D, because it is pure entertainment. It's what everyone should expect when watching a 3D movie or an IMAX movie. 
-  Ted. Oh Ted. It only took 1 minute into the movie before I laughed loud enough to surely annoy a theater patron. I didn't care, cause my laughs were plentiful and hearty. Mark Wahlberg shines in his best intentional comedic role. Seth MacFarlane is genius in his feature directorial debut and as the teddy bear himself. Give this man an Oscar for funny.
- Avengers! It may have been a bit ago, but damn that was a fun movie. 
- Moonrise Kingdom. Wes Anderson doing what Wes does best. He exists in bubble of genius that cannot be touched or duplicated by others. If you have liked/loved any Wes Anderson film, you'll surely enjoy this one too.
- Prometheus. I really liked this movie. It kept me on edge and curious about everything as I tried to link it all to the Alien movies. I'm not a Sci-Fi fan, but this movie, like Alien, this is top notch.
- I took my husband to go see Rock of Ages.
He and I had both seen the show on Broadway and Loved it! It was one of the most fun and exciting theater experiences I have ever had. 
The movie....well, it sucked. It was boring. Julianne Hough should never sing in my ear range ever again. 
The movie had some happy moments, but mostly it was disjointed and boring. Go see the stage experience and leave this "movie" version to rot away into oblivion. 
Last time I was this disappointment was when I watched the remake of Fame or any Katherine Heigl movie.

I have yet to see Magic Mike. But patients. I will. It's filled with hot men dancing and taking their clothes off. I WILL SEE THAT. I'm just waiting for the the theater to be less full. I don't want too much hormonal estrogen floating around. 

LIFE QUICK SHOT
Rob is on the final days of color correction and audio mixing our latest Bledska Works Production, "I'm Sorry For..." The rough cut is due Monday the 9th for the Louisiana Film Prize. We are hoping to picked into the top 20. If so, the short will play at the Festival October 5-7. If we win, that would be 50k in our pocket. Fingers crossed and prayers launched. And that is our life right now. Smartly so, cause 50K can change a life. 
 

Girls, Veep, and LA Complex = fun

Okay, we need to talk about some new TV that's happening.

Let's start with Girls on HBO. It's frank, unnerving, laughable, and unflinchingly smart. Created, directed, written, and starring the adorably annoying Lena Durham (a 25 yr old phenom that gives all women hope to make it in Hollywood.) Girls chronicles 4 girls that are so completely different from Sex and the City that it is refreshing. If you got HBO, check it. It's worth it just to see something new.

Also on HBO, we have a new show called Veep. Starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus as the Vice President. Because I'm not as political or smart as I should be, some of the dialogue was lost on me. But, the show was great. I'm looking forward to this show. The banter hits such a perfect pitch that I sometimes wonder if the show was actually directed. It's so perfect. (Yes the show was directed.)
Here's a quote from the show that should sum it all up,

"Honey. What is plastics made of? You piss off plastics, you piss off oil. And you do not want to fuck with those guys cause they fuck in a very unpleasant fashion."


I laughed a lot at this political farce(?) and of course, Julia Louis-Dreyfus is exceptional as always. 


Now on to my trashy TV.
Premiering tonight on the CW is LA Complex. This show has every criteria to bring Mindy to squeals.
-hot people
-sex
-gay sex
-people trying to fulfill their dreams
-dancing
-acting
-singing
-stripping
-movie making
-and the last, a former Degrassi star. Welcome back to my TV Manny (real name Cassie Steele)
Check out the trailer:

Good Christian Bitches are everywhere but tonight they are on ABC!

Good Christian Bitches, or GCB as the dumb studio regulated the title to, premieres tonight. (The studio is now trying to say that GCB stands for Good Christian Belles, but I'm not buying and neither should you.)
Am I excited? With a title like Good Christian Bitches, how could I NOT be excited? I have high hopes for this show. I know it will skate that fine line between deliciously soapy and disgustingly soapy. I'm hoping for the former. 
The show takes place in Dallas, where the hair is big, the egos are bigger, and feigning Christianity reigns supreme. 

Watch a promo for convincing if none of my words or the title have done so thus far. 
 My review will be posted sometime tomorrow. I expect you'll be waiting on baited breath?

 

TV catch up 101

Work's been plentiful, which is great, but it has kept me from my TV. I'm playing catch up slowly, but surely. 
So here are some general thoughts.

SMASH!  Wow. It LITERALLY is Glee for adults. Need I say more? NO. If you were ever slightly interested in Glee, then you should be watching Smash. 

Gossip Girl has started it's "winter hiatus" meaning I don't get any more GG until April. Ugh. Because with the return of Georgina Sparks and Dan's confessional love to Blair I CAN NOT get enough. 

Ringer has stepped over the line to "Deserves to Pick Up for Season 2."  It's become soapy awesome, not quite Revenge awesome, but still awesome.

Cougar Town is back!! I've been missing my cul-de-sac Florida crew oh so bad.
And my anticipation for the return of Community (March 15) has me squirming in my chair like a kid ready for recess.

Surprise laughs goes to Are you there, Chelsea? By God, this show really grew on me. It's finally landing a grove and the laughs are plentiful. 

There's still so much TV to watch. Must go now and enjoy a real day off. :) Cheers.

"Smash"ing into my Heaven.

Today started wonderfully. Puppies and Kitties and Husbands and Waffles. A nice clean 3 pages written. And then a flash hit me and I got all riled up. About what? About the mid season show debuting on Feb. 6 called Smash. 
I first learned of this show months and months back, but I had to keep my excitement at bay so I didn't explode in the time leading up to the premiere. But today, it hit me. Feb. 6 is right around the corner and I can start letting my excitement shower out from the heavens and sprinkle down upon all unsuspecting. 
Let me just say a few single word sentences that describe the show and my excitement.

Singing. Marilyn. Broadway. Drama. Anjelica. Dance. 
To clear it up: This TV show is about the making of a Broadway Musical about Marilyn Monroe. !!!!!!!!!!!


I literally think someone jumped into my heaven and brought it down to NBC and produced this upcoming Smash (Double entendre intended).

For those of you so anxious you can't sleep at night, you'll be happy to learn that you can watch the pilot episode at NBC.com.
I shall do so today. As soon as I hit my 10 pages written. (7 to go!)
For the purist that like to wait till the TV premiere, why don't you take a look at the trailer. Just for an extra excitement in your hum drum Thursday. 

One Tree Hill in my heart and forgetful mind.....

I've been perfectly honest about my addiction to One Tree Hill. I can't, I won't explain it. I just freaking love it. 
I haven't been paying attention to winter TV premiere dates and today I was surprised to see a promo for One Tree Hill which starts TOMORROW!!!!! WHAT?!  Today Dance Moms, tomorrow One Tree Hill!!!! It's like make Mindy happy week :)

If you don't watch the show, it's cool. I get it. I won't harp. BUT, if you do, YOU have got to see this final promo. 
I don't know who dies, but I guarantee I will be crying. Yes, One Tree Hill will make me cry. 

You can watch the crappy video below or ......

go HERE and watch the nicer, prettier version. I strongly recommend the latter. 

Dancing, bitching, & acrobating into my heart

Over the summer I became obsessed with the Lifetime reality show Dance Moms. The show is jaw dropping awesome, in the trashy reality show way. If anyone recalls, I named Dance Moms as my OMG Reality TV Moment  in my Summer TV Awards. Don't remember? Click here for a recap. 
Well the splendid has happened and Season 2 is premiering tonight on Lifetime. What's so glorious about this is that I haven't even seen a sneak peak or trailer. All footage I watch will be brand spanking new. And I'm so bloody excited about it. Its the small things in life, right?


So, if you love trashy reality TV or if there is a gay man living inside your head that laughs along at all outrageous moments committed by TV fame whores, then tune in tonight for an all new Dance Moms.
Lifetime....at some time, check your local listing.