Great News for "Burn Notice"

The sophomore season of USA network's "Burn Notice" has gotten off to a great start, according to Variety:

Returning with fresh second-season episodes, the spy drama tallied nearly 2.5 million viewers in the key demo, according to live same-day Nielsen data that doesn't factor in DVR numbers. The number's up 4% over last summer's second-campaign premiere, which drew the series' previous high.

The spy show starring Jeffrey Donovan was a surprise hit for USA in the summer of 2007 and continues to pull in strong numbers. I've seen about half of season 1 and enjoyed most of the episodes. The show takes place in Miami which adds to the cool factor; throw in Bruce Campbell as the comic relief and you get yourself a pretty decent program. If you are interested in an above average, hip action show give a try, but there are better shows readily available on DVD out there.

"Lost" - Season 5 Premiere

Last night the fifth season of Lost premiered averaging about 12 million viewers, and as seemingly always several questions were answered while more were brought up. Rather than spend time trying to explain the episode (besides, better sites do that: Lostpedia). I will give my brief review of the first episode and a quick outlook for the rest of season 5.

Since Lost has such an expansive cast and multiple storylines, it is sometimes easy to forget plot points of the past four seasons. But I feel the first episode got off to a good start trying to explain the biggest question from last season, how did the island just disappear? The show has focused more heavily on the science fiction element over the past couple of seasons so I wasn’t too surprised when the time travel topic was broached. Once Ben spun that wheel and “moved” the island, it set off an infinite loop of time jumping for those left on the island. It appears the only solution is to have the Oceanic 6 return to the island, which undoubtedly will not be that simple and will be the main arc of the this season’s plot.

Once an end date was set for the series, after season 7, I think the writers were able to develop a more focused outline for the show. The show continues to capture my interest and I have no doubt it will maintain the standards it has set for itself. Lost is the most original and captivating show currently on television and I can’t wait to see what’s next.

2009 Golden Globes

The 66th Golden Globe awards were handed out last night in Beverly Hills. Like many others I tuned in before the ceremony started to see all the celebs file in. I was again, as always, pretty disappointed with this portion of the night. It basically entails each celebrity having to answer the same mundane questions which the majority of them hate having to respond to. The one who took it best in stride was Steve Carell a true class act. Now let's get on to the good stuff:

Golden Globe Award for Best Actor - Television Series Drama
Winner: Gabriel Byrne "In Treatment"

I caught about half of this expansive series on HBO and I must say Byrne likely had double the screen time (and work) then any of the other nominees. The series ran every night Monday through Friday for 9 weeks and cranked out 43 episodes.

Golden Globe Award for Best Actress - Television Series Drama
Winner: Anna Paquin "True Blood"

One of the weaker categories but Paquin has been acting since she was 9 (she also won an Oscar for her performance in "The Piano"). "True Blood" was definitely one of the more different shows on this year and Paquin made it work.

Golden Globe Award for Best Actor - Television Series Musical or Comedy
Winner: Alec Baldwin "30 Rock"

Having Baldwin take home the honor is a bit disappointing (I wanted Carell), but he definitely has landed a perfect role in the later half of his lengthy career. He provides a great balance of charm and sarcasm in "30 Rock" and works well with the entire cast.

Golden Globe Award for Best Actress - Television Series Musical or Comedy
Winner: Tina Fey "30 Rock"

What more can be said about Fey? Not only is she the creator and one of the writers, but she is an equally talented comedic actor. I just hope that "30 Rock" can maintain its creative pulse for a few more seasons.

Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Winner: Paul Giamatti "John Adams"

Golden Globe Award for Best Actress - Miniseries or Television Film
Winner: Laura Linney "John Adams"

Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor - Series, Miniseries or Television Film
Winner: Tom Wilkinson "John Adams"

Not too surprised that "John Adams" swept all three acting awards within the miniseries/tv film category. Giamatti, Linney and Wilkinson all had to recreate historical figures without any basis to work from. The series brought to light an impressive life from the country's second president (Giamatti) and his close relationship with his wife (Linney) and Benjamin Franklin (Wilkinson).

Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress - Series, Miniseries or Television Film
Winner: Laura Dern "Recount"

When I started watching "Recount" I wasn't expecting too much and was throughly impressed. The entire cast was phenomenal, but Dern definitely stood apart playing the role of Katherine Harris.

Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series - Drama
Winner: "Mad Men"

I have only seen the first season of the show, but "Mad Men" is more than deserving of this award. In a rather weak year for television dramas, the show about the ad execs in Manhattan is one of the most fresh and compelling shows on TV.

Golden Globe Award for Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy
Winner: "30 Rock"

As long as the clever writing and superb acting continue, "30 Rock" will undoubtedly be a nominee in this category for years to come.