Hell's Kitchen - Season 8 Predictions

The eight iteration of Hell's Kitchen debuted on Wednesday night, surprisingly quick considering that season 7 finished up over the summer. Nevertheless, Gordon Ramsey is back again and if you've seen the show before there's really nothing new going on.

We do have a new maître d’ but no word on whether the old one, Jean Phillipe, simply got tired or his punishment was through. Some may grow tired of Chef Ramsey's antics, I find them riveting and I'm always excited to see which new contestants will challenge Ramsey.

I've enlisted my friend Meghan to give predictions on who we think will end up as the final 2 chefs competing for the grand prize at the season finale. I'll allow Meghan to give her choices and reasoning first:

Jillian
"She's proven herself to be a pretty strong cook, I know it was only one episode but she's fairly consistent."

Louis
"Because he looked normal."

My picks:

Nona
"She's feisty and Chef Ramsey usually wants someone who will stand up for themselves and can be molded in his image. She's a wildcard."

Rob
"He was under the radar in the first episode and it seemed like everyone else got spotlighted for doing something wrong. He's got experience and doesn't act like a fool."

Images courtesy of Fox Broadcasting Company

Game Changer

Today Netflix released their app for the iPhone. 

Subscribers can now watch streaming programming through the app will connected to the 3G network or a WiFi network.  Simply put this changes everything.  The quality is excellent and having the entire Instant Viewing library available is astonishing. 

NETFLIX... FTW!

New Show On Tap

I've fallen behind with my recent travels, but I am excited to start watching Rubicon which premiered a couple weeks ago on AMC before Mad Men.  It should come as no surprise that AMC is looking to go 3 for 3 with their original series after huge success was found with Mad Men and Breaking Bad.

The level of marketing put into the show has been rather unsettling.  I was intrigued from the beginning and could do without the constant reminders that the show is premiering this August ONLY ON AMC! 

As far as the plot goes, Wikipedia breaks it down like this, "the series centers around an intelligence analyst at a national think tank who discovers that he may be working with members of a secret society that manipulates world events on a grand scale."  After hearing that, I'm all in.  It makes me think of the Da Vinci Code + Tom Clancy 'Jack Ryan ' novels which may not be accurate, but has me sold.  The protagonist is played by James Badge Dale, who is capping off a great summer having already starring in the epic mini-series The Pacific.  I believe he is a quality actor just waiting to break out. 

AMC has staked a lot into this series and based on their track record I have to be excited.  Rubicon has the potential to be a hit, but must keep the suspense and thrilling aspect of the show it's key.  I'll report back once I've finished season 1.  Keep on watching.

Rescue Me, Season 2

Just finished season 2 of Rescue Me and I must say things did not end up like I thought they would. I really didn't see this coming. The two big plot points involved Tommy's son getting killed by a drunk driver and Lou getting hustled by a hooker and losing all his money.

While I feel bad for Tommy over losing his son, I felt more sympathy towards Lou. I suppose because Tommy isn't the most likable character and Lou seems to have a heart of gold.

I'm sure both of these events will loom large as we head towards season 3.

Izzy's rating after season 2: 6 out of 10

Two New Ones for Showtime

Via Variety.com

Showtime will premiere new series "Shameless" with William H. Macy and "Episodes" with Matt LeBlanc on back-to-back nights in January

"Shameless," which co-stars Emmy Rossum and is exec produced by John Wells and Paul Abbott, will launch Jan. 9 at 10 p.m. "Episodes," will bow Jan. 10 at 10:30 p.m., following the season-four premiere of "Californication."

Adapted from a long-running Blighty series, "Shameless" stars Macy as a heavy-drinking, working-class dad of six, the oldest of which is played by Rossum. "Episodes" will help illustrate the possibilities and perils of bringing a U.K. series to the U.S: LeBlanc plays a version of himself starring in an adaptation of a highbrow British show into an American sitcom.

I've heard the positive reviews in regards to the British original of "Shameless" but haven't really given it the opportunity it deserves. The fact that William H. Macy has signed on is a good sign. I feel he's an actor that can bring creditability to any production.

As far as the Matt LeBlanc show, sign me up! I always felt Joey was the funniest of the Friends' characters, despite the spin-off show and never really had a fair shot to try something else. I'm really interested to see how he does with this role.

Undoubtedly both will be given a fair shot and a great time slot. Let's see what happens in the new year.

Rescue Me, Season 2 - Part 1

Season 2 got off to a slow start.  We find Tommy now working at a different fire station, in Staten Island, where there tends to be no action and he can't handle it.  Meanwhile at the old house Tommy's replacement, Sully, has become a favorite of everyone at the station.  I don't think this will last much longer.  No way Tommy stays in Staten Island... and of course by the end of episode 4 Tommy has returned.

The majority of plot lines going on at the start of season 2 have me questioning what the main story arc will be for the season.  Undoubtedly it will involve Tommy and his family, but to what extent?  The relationship with Sheila seems to be running it's course and only a matter of time before another volatile fight breaks out between them.

Fingers crossed... again.


Izzy's rating after 4 episodes: 5 out of 10

Hiatus is official over

So I've been slacking... big time. And for good reason, every other person I know is getting married or having bachelor parties.

The summer TV season has officially started and we are already 1 episode into the third season of True Blood. But from now until August, new seasons of Entourage, Hung, Mad Men and Weeds will grace our television screens. And let's not forget my attempt to catch up on Rescue Me, that will also be continuing.

Look for updates, because they will be coming...