But it certainly seems like we've seen the last of Vaughn. Although I'm always suspicious when there's an actual funeral. Whenever a show works that hard to convince viewers someone is dead, often they are still alive. Will Vaughn, in a classic soap opera move, return played by a new actor? Look at how many people have played Roman on "Days of Our Lives" over the years?
I am glad the series leaped forward four months because there's only so much we could take of Jennifer Garner hiding her pregnancy behind coats, purses and moving trains. What's next? Sydney always arriving at APO carrying a bunch of groceries? Could Vaughn's untimely demise combined with the launch of a brand new mythology (prophet five) mean the death of the show? The easy answer is yes. But after watching the first two episodes of "Lost," I know to never, ever under estimate J.J. Abrams.
What did you think of the season premiere of "Alias"? Talk about it on the TV Gal message board.
Where Have I Seen Them Before? Stacy was glad to see that Alona Tal who died as Meg on "Veronica Mars" returned the next night on "CSI" as the woman who had a one night stand with the famous actor. By the way, does anyone else think she might have been separated at birth from Poppy Montgomery?
Michael recognized Currie Graham was the man who interviewed Lynette on "Desperate Housewives." He was Lt. Bale on "NYPD Blue" and Nate on "Suddenly Susan."
Michelle caught Lindsay Price, Janet on "90210" and Jane on "Coupling," as Audrey on "Kitchen Confidential."
Mark and Marte caught Amy Acker, Fred on "Angel," as Andrea on "Supernatural." And for those of you wondering where Amy's been, I'm happy to report that she will also be on upcoming episodes of "Alias" as well.
Crazyeddie recognized Leighton Meester as Savannah on "Surface." Meester was Behrooz's doomed girlfriend Debbie last season on "24." She was also Justine on "Entourage," Carrie on "Veronica Mars" and Nicki on "Tarzan."
Ted (by the way, have you met him?) was the first to recognize Silas Weir Mitchell as Donny on "My Name is Earl." Michell just played Haywire, Michael's crazy cellmate on "Prison Break." Jordan also caught him on "CSI" as Willie the thief who copied hotel key cards to break into rooms.
In an upsetting turn of events, way too many of you recognized Steven W. Bailey, the bar owner on "Grey's Anatomy," was the big, fat, obnoxious fiance on "My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance." That can only mean one thing -- you actually watched "My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiance."
Quotes of the Week "We're not breaking out of a Jamba Juice gentlemen." Michael to his fellow inmates on "Prison Break."
"The thing that makes a fantasy great is the possibility that it might come true. And when you lose that possibility, it just kind of sucks." Catherine to Warrick on "CSI." Thanks to everyone who submitted the most popular quote of the week.
"All you people ever think about is how to get into somebody's pants. You're nasty." Dr. Bailey on "Grey's Anatomy."
"This is Neptune. Nothing happens accidentally." Veronica after the bus accident on "Veronica Mars."
"It's a wonderful performance dad. You're a regular Brad Garrett." Michael to George on "Arrested Development."
"Are you him?" Desmond to Locke on "Lost."
"There are some other things I might not know about the airport, like how to get there." Bright to Amy on "Everwood."
"Who is that man and why is his head about to explode?" Kelly to Alan on "Boston Legal." Thanks to Diane for the quote.
"Reverend, if you don't back me up I will go non-denominational so quick it will make your head spin." Bree to the Reverend on "Desperate Housewives." Thanks to Rob for the quote.
"That'll be perfect. You'll live right across the hall. Just like Ross and Rachel." Holly to Vince on "What I Like About You." Thanks to Jeff for the quote.
Highlights of the Week Ahead
All times listed are Eastern Time for Oct. 3 to 9 I'm not going to lie to you. I was nervous that the second episode of "How I Met Your Mother" (Monday, CBS, 8:30 p.m.) wouldn't be as funny and sweet as the pilot. But it was and Neil Patrick Harris is this year's Jason Bateman. I'm more convinced than ever it will be the next "Friends."
The riot continues on "Prison Break" (Monday, FOX, 9 p.m.). While I liked the plot developments (the doctor in danger, the hit out against Lincoln, the guard finding out about Michael's escape plan), but the actual riot went on for too long and it's not even over yet. I do have to commend the show for continuing to have unpredictable plot developments. Things aren't progressing as I would have thought. And a good thing too since the show has already been picked up for a full season.
Okay, you know I like the storyline of the chasm between Rory and Lorelai. But how long do we think it can go on for? I don't want the show to get into a holding pattern. And I still can't believe that Emily and Richard aren't more upset about Rory dropping out of Yale. This week on "Gilmore Girls" (Tuesday, WB, 8 p.m.) mother and daughter are both godmothers to Sookie's baby. Let's hope we get to see more of Lane now that she's back in Stars Hollow.
Well it didn't take me long to come up with favorites and least favorites on "The Amazing Race" (Tuesday, CBS, 9 p.m.). The sons on the Paolo family are so appalling awful to their parents and what's worse is that their parents take it. I wonder if the boys will be mortified when they see themselves on TV or still think they are in the right. I say "Go Gaghan family."
So we could be really angry with "Close to Home" (Tuesday, CBS, 10 p.m.) for replacing "Judging Amy," but even though the show is so melodramatic, I still kind of liked it. And believe me, Jennifer Finnigan isn't nearly as annoying here as she was in "Committed." Actually, I really liked her. Plus, Christian Kane, Lindsay on "Angel," plays her husband so how can I not tell you to at least give the show a chance. Three and a half stars.
I again want to humbly apologize for ever, ever doubting "Lost" (Wednesday, ABC, 9 p.m.) because the first two episodes have been outstanding. The show hasn't jumped the shark, instead it shot the shark. I love the way the show continues to play with time. Even the time on the island is now pliable. The last hour was spent getting Jack, Kate and Locke to exactly where we last left them yet it was still a gripping, heart-racing episode. Look for Katey Sagal to guest star this week.
Most unfortunately the WB didn't send me "Related" (Wednesday, WB, 9 p.m.) in time for me to review it. So check out this show about four siblings from Marta Kaufman (the woman behind "Friends") and we'll talk about it next week. Wait, what am I talking about? The show airs opposite "Lost" and "Veronica Mars." No worries. I'll watch it and let you know what I think next week.
I seriously need to have a little
tete-a-tete with the network executives. Because there is no need, do you hear me no need, for Thursday at 8 p.m. to be this stressful. Even if you have enough dvrs, vcrs and TVs -- no one should have to try to watch six shows at once. That makes "Joey" my first victim of Thursday night. I can't quite pinpoint it, but "Joey" has that "this is a bad sitcom" vibe. You know when you buy a skirt and you think eventually I'll find something to go with this and you never do and it simply hangs in your closet? I kind of think "Joey" is like that -- it simply is never going to work. It's more like "Good Morning, Miami" than "Friends." It occurred to me that maybe the premise has been wrong all along. Maybe Joey should be married with children instead of still trying to still live the single life 11 years after we first met him. What do you think the problem with "Joey" (Thursday, NBC, 8 p.m.) is? Talk about it on the TV Gal message boards.
I loved Suzanne Martin's short-lived WB series "Maybe It's Me." That's why I'm full of hope for "Hot Properties" (Friday, ABC, 9 p.m.) Right now the show is a little strained with too many obvious jokes. But Martin has a knack for smart humor (she was also a writer on "Frasier") and Gail O'Grady, Nicole Sullivan and Evan Handler are among my favorite actors. So I think the show could get much better and I'm willing to give it a chance. For now three stars.
There really aren't words for how happy I was to see that C.J. and Danny eventually get married and have a baby on "The West Wing" (Sunday, NBC, 8 p.m.). So happy that I had to remind myself that, you know, Danny and C.J. aren't real people. But they are still killing me with this Josh and Donna thing. By the way, for those of you who tuned out of the drama, now is the time to tune back in. The election is such good times.
Do you think the man is Betty's basement is the guy who ran the
Vanity Fair photo shoot? Just a thought. Looks like we're off and running with a brand new mystery of "Desperate Housewives" (Sunday, ABC, 9 p.m.). I'm just glad Mary Alice is still around to help us sort all of this out.
That's all for today. I'll be back next week with review of "Freddie." I also have thoughts "Grey's Anatomy," check in on "ER," "Will & Grace" and "Threshold." Have a question, seen a familiar face, have an inside scoop or want to nominate a quote of the week? Write me at amytvgal@zap2it.com by clicking on my byline at the top of my column.
