Favorite TV Shows and Reviews

Summary: The HBO series that tells the story of inmates in a state of the art maximum security prison.

My Thoughts: Oz is not for the faint of heart, while it is quite graphic it is a captivating series that permanently changes your view of prison life. Don't get to attached to characters as they face the constant threat of death, some stick around longer than others but as the focus isn't so much on individuals but the story of what inmates go through on a day to day basis, any character can die at any time. Despite this a select few stand out and make a lasting impression on the viewers, and you do get attached to some and pick favorites. I think it's cool how one week to the next you just never know who's going to die and who will survive.

Memorable Episodes:

-The First Episode: Sets the tone for the series.

-The Riot: At the end of the first season the riot takes place, one of the best episodes ever.

-Season 4 "You Bet your Life": I don't want to spoil it but it's simply shocking.

-All of Season 6- It was the final season, and all bets are off.

Recommend to: Fans of "gritty" crime and dramatic television. I should warn you though, it is a rather graphic show in just about every way so be advised.

Quantum Leap (1989-1993) Sci/Fi Drama

Summary: Scientist Sam Beckett "Leaps" into people throughout his own lifetime trying to change people's lives for the better.

My Thoughts: As a fan of time travel storys I quickly got into this one, it's smart, dramatic, and even comedic at times giving it a well rounded feel. Quantum Leap was the series that changed the perception of Sci/Fi tv forever.

Memorable Episodes:

- "Genesis": The pilot, is what started it all.

- "What Price Gloria?": Sam's first leap into a woman, rather comedic.

- "The Leap Home" Parts 1 & 2: You get to see Sam with his family and get more insight on the character's backround.

- "Black on White on Fire": Powerful television, the way more shows should be.

- "Heart of a Champion": I couldn't neglect mentioning the wrestling episode. Plus it has an appearance by wrestling legend Terry Funk.

- "The Leap Back": Al and Sam switch places, Sam goes home!

- "Mirror Image": The final episode, great story, and a conclusion that really gets to you.

- I could go on and on, every episode is worth seeing!

Recommend to: Everyone, there's something for all viewers.

The Sopranos (1999-Current) Crime/Drama

Summary: The story of mafia kingpin Tony Soprano, his family, and those who work under him.

My Thoughts: I'm gonna skip all the praise as it seems this show is universally loved. I like Tony, but most of the other characters are likeable (which is odd considering the subject) and the story never fails to disappoint.

Memorable Episodes:

- I really can't pinpoint specific episodes, at least without spoiling them so I'll just say if you get the chance check it out for yourself, it really picks up near the end of the 2nd season.

Recommend to: Those into Crime/Mafia related shows, while it's a good show easily offended viewers and kids shouldn't watch due to language, violence, and sexual situations.

Spin City (1996-2002) Comedy

Summary: Follows the day to day lives of New York City's bumbling Mayor and his staff.

My Thoughts: Who'd have thought what appeared to be a political comedy could be funny? I actually stopped watching when Michael J. Fox, who portrayed Deputy Mayor Mike Flaherty (the show's true star) left in 2000. His exit and the loss/adding of other supporting characters were the reasons I tuned out. Also the Mayor Winston character along with those of Stuart (the office jerk), Paul (the resident moron), and Carter (the black homosexual crusader) were all good but it just wasn't the same after Michael's departure. I did try to keep watching, but it was just awful, the Mike Flaherty character was the glue that held the show together. They added Charlie Sheen, who is actually in a favorite film of mine, Platoon, but it wasn't the same and Heather Locklear's character (who was there near the end of Fox's run) didn't help the show much either, because without the star there to carry her she became annoying. I don't mean to say she's a bad actress (even though I've never really seen/liked her other work) but it ruined the show's dynamic. Despite the fact I feel the show should have ended when Michael J. Fox left, I had to put it on my favorites list, if only for what I lovingly refer to as the "M.J.F. Years".

Memorable Episodes:

- "Meet Tommy Dugan": Woody Harrelson (one of the most underated character actors in the business) play Tommy Dugan, a School Janitor who wins the "Mayor For a Day" contest for children with hilarious results.

- "The Competition": Mike and the gang try to beat City Council in a Thanksgiving contest to see who can feed more of the homeless, and it's a chaoitic race with high stakes. And in a Funny side plot, James (the typical naive country boy) tries to dump his girlfriend from back home.

-"River Runs Through Me": Mike accidentally consumes peyote while visiting Native Americans, right before he is to take the office's drug test (which he instituted) and he must go to great lengths to pass.

Recommend to: Just about any fan of good comedy.

Beavis and Butthead (1993-1997) Comedy

Summary: The show follows the various misadventures of two idiotic teenagers.

My Thoughts: It wasn't intellectual comedy, but it sure was funny, Beavis and Butthead never fails to make me laugh whenever I watch it. Even though crude humor seems to be running rampant these days they were the true masters of the art form.

Memorable Episodes:

- Beavis as Cornholio: Beavis' exploits as his alter ego are always great, like when he becomes a poetry sensation or is thought to be an illegal alien and is deported to Mexico.

- Medical Mishaps: When Butthead is choking, or Beavis is suffering a nose bleed/getting his finger sawed off, hillarity ensues.

- "Prank Call": A specific episode that is one of my top picks for funniest episode where the boys find the name Harry Sac is the phone book and decide to prank call him, over and over again.

- Beavis and Butthead Review Hulk Hogan's "Real American" Music Video: Beavis and Butthead's riffing on music videos during the interludes is some of the funniest stuff on the show, and in the episode "Killing Time" they reviewed the greatest song/video ever and seemed to like it!

Recommend to: Teens and younger adults, anyone older might deem it immature.

South Park (1997-Current) Comedy

Summary: Follows the exploits (mainly the four stars Cartman, Stan, Kenny, and Kyle) of the wacky South Park Colorado residents.

My Thoughts: Funny, just hysterical. It gets away with saying, and doing more than I thought even cable could. It's brilliant in that it combines outrageous plots, with relevent social commentary.

Memorable Episodes:

- "Cartman Gets An Anal Probe": The Pilot that sets up right off the bat what the show is going to be like. Plus, the plot involving my favorite character, Cartman having an Anal Probe (hence the title) and denying it, despite the obvious clues it took place, is fantastic.

- "Weight Gain 4000": Feautures more Cartman goodness, and spawning the immortal line "BEEFCAKE!!! BEEFCAKE!" plus the side plot of the boys' teacher, Mr. Garrison trying to kill Kathy Lee Gifford is quite funny as well.

- "Terrance & Phillip in Not Without My Anus": This needs a little explaining, at the time the show really started to get popular, and South Park merchandise was everywhere. The previous season ended with a Cliffhanger, just who was Cartman's father, and the world would have to wait almost two months for the next season, and the answer. The rapidly growing fanbase anxiously tuned in April 1st 1998 for the answer. The episode opened with a recap of what went down the previous season, then as they seemed ready to FINALLY tell the world the answer to the question they had been waiting for... The announcer told them that would have to wait TWO MORE WEEKS! The show was on April 1st, meaning one thing, April fools day! What proceded to air was a funny show revolving around the characters Terrance and Phillip, the Canadian comedy duo the boys of South Park love. It done as parody of a "Made For TV Movie" in which Terrance must save his daughter from terrorists. Despite being quite good, fans were livid at the joke, so much so that this episode hasn't been run since. On a South Park special, the creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker actually played some of the messages they got as a result, and I must say, they were awful mad, giving this episode more comdedic value.

- "Scott Tenorman Must Die": The episodes revolve around Cartman's attempts to get revenge on a teenager, Scott Tenorman who sold him some hair, from a certain region of the body, that Cartman thought would make him mature if he had. Once he realized that buying that product was not the same as growing his own, Cartman set out to get his money back. When he's tricked again, he, being Cartman (a vindictive, and evil little kid) begins his quest for vengence, but constantly being outsmarted by the older Tenorman. Besides being one of my favorite episodes, you really see how screwed up Cartman is (just wait until you see how this one ends).

- "Towlie": This marks the debut of one of my favorite supporting characters, Towlie! Some may not find this as funny as other episodes, but for some reason I really like it.

- "Osama Bin Laden Has Farty Pants": This aired in November of 2001, a few months removed from September 11th. As you may remember, televison took a more serious turn, as many felt it wasn't appropriate to laugh after what took place. This episode was the first to really let the public know it was time to make fun of Osama. I thought it was what the public needed, plus who better to lampoon him than Cartman?

- "Fat Butt and Pancake Head": A more recent and bizzare episode that rips the over-exposed Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck a new one, while making a statement on what it takes to be a pop music sensation. It deals with Cartman putting makeup on his hand, and calling it Jennifer Lopez, and being discovered, and taking the place of the real J-Lo. None of this sits well with Miss Lopez, as she was dropped from her record label and her boyfriend, Ben Affleck falls for the damn hand! Also, Kyle is mad that Cartman insists that his hand really has a mind of it's own, because he is sure that as soon as he starts to believe him, Cartman would reveal it was just a far out plan to piss Kyle off. Seriously, this is one of the funniest shows in the entire run of the series, with a fantastic and hillarious ending.

Recommend to: Due to the content, this isn't for anyone under 17, or the easily offended.

Real World (1992-Current) Reality Show

Summary: Reality show that chronicles the lives of 7 strangers all living under one roof.

My Thoughts: Mostly, I hate reality shows, but they seem to pick interesting people and conflicting personalities for the Real World. My interest has wained in the past few seasons, (I did enjoy Las Vegas) but some great fights and drama have made it great, if not voyeristic television.

Memorable Episodes:

-Season 1 (New York)- Norman is pissed!: There was a fight between roomies Julie and Kevin, where Kevin allegedly threw a heavy metal candle holder at her. It wasn't caught on tape, but Julie seemed very shaken up, causing outrage amoung the rest of the group. Julie and Kevin had a pretty intense verbal showdown, (on the busy NYC streets no less) but for me, the highlight was the usually goofy and laid back Norman becoming enraged at Kevin's supposed actions. Norman looked like he was going to beat the crap out of ol' Kevin, and even got in his face. It's moments like these that make the show so fun to watch.

-Season 5 (Miami)- Don't Piss off Dan!: The classic fight that took place after Melissa opened Dan's mail, leading Dan to uncharacteristically explode in anger. Simply the greatest verbal spat ever broadcast.

-Season 7 (Seattle)- The Slap!: Most Real World fans know of the infamous slap that was delivered by Stephen to Irene, making this required viewing for those interested in the series.

Recommend to: Some people hate this type of show, but most in their late teens and twenty-somethings are the target demographic. Also, most reality TV fans may want to give this a look, as it was the original show of the genre.

Road Rules (1994-Current) Reality Show

Summary: A group of people travel in a Winnebago, doing various "Missions" for money and prizes.

My Thoughts: Basically spawned off the Real World, this show adds a competitive twist and promotes team work. The missions they have to complete have only gotten more outrageous as the series has progressed, which makes it worth viewing.

Memorable Episodes:

-The Fights!: Whenever there is a fight, no matter what season, they are pretty sweet. Compared to the Real World, Road Rules seems to have better, more vicious ones.

-Road Rules/Real World Challenges!: Whenever the shows cross over and compete, fans of each watch and cheer on their favorites.

Recommend to: The same people who like Real World.

Saved by the Bell (1989-1993) Comedy

Summary: Follows the kids of Bayside High, and their various adventures

My Thoughts: Cheesey? Corney? Yes. Addictive? You bet! No matter how dumb it can get, Saved by the Bell is always a fun show to watch. It's good, squeaky clean, and innocent television, something I rarely enjoy. SBTB is just a heart warming program that gives you a nice feeling watching it.

Memorable Episodes:

"Drinking and Driving": Zach gets drunk and crashes the car, and we all learn a valuable lesson.

"No Hope with Dope": Another lesson is learned when a famous actor come to Bayside to shoot an anti-drug commercial.

"Home for Christmas" Parts 1 and 2: Most shows have holiday episodes, and this two-parter is one of the most heart warming.

"The Fight": Slater and Zach resort to fisticuffs over a girl!

"Teen-Line": Zach's new dating advice hotline causes all sorts of havoc. This summarizes the type of show SBTB is.

"Snow White and the Seven Dorks": Bayside puts on a play based on Snow White, with Zach and Jessie as the leads. Slater is none too pleased when he learns Zach must kiss (his girlfriend) Jessie! After practicing for the play, the stars may be falling for each other when they finally do engage in a lip lock!

"Jessie's Song": Perhaps the most famous episode in the show's history, also known to people as "Jessie takes diet pills and freaks out!".

"The Time Capsule": Mostly a clip show, but it is a retrospective viewed by kids of the future.

"Graduation": The gang says farewell to Bayside in the series' final episode.

Recommend to: Teens and younger kids will enjoy, but anybody who wants clean programming for all ages should watch.

Family Guy (1999-2002) Comedy

Summary: The antics of Rhode Island family, the Griffins

My Thoughts: Simply hilarious, the random off-the-wall pop culture referances and Stewie, the genius infant who wants to take over the world, are what made this show.

Memorable Episodes: Any episode mainly focusing on Stewie.

Recommend to: Those who like funny, but slightly crude comedy.

Da Ali G Show (2003-Current) Comedy

Summary: The Europeon phenomenon comes to the U.S, mixing wacky characters (all played by him) and interviews of up tight people who don't "get it".

My Thoughts: Ali is great as, but his character of Borat, a Kazastani tv reporter is one of the funniest stars I've ever seen on television.

Memorable Episodes: Just watch any episode, if only for Borat's segements.

Recommend to: People who like Tom Green, and those who like watching out of touch people completly miss the fact that his interviews aren't serious.

Dead Like Me (2003-Current) Comedy/Unique

Summary: 18 year old Georgia AKA George suddendly died, and now walks among the living as a Grim Reaper.

My Thoughts: I was curious when I tuned into the first episode, and was pleased with what I saw. George, not only being the same age, reminded me of myself. Her sarcastic attitude and wit are qualities I feel I too possess. The concept is a breath of fresh air, in a world over run by reality tv and REALLY tired sitcoms.

Memorable Episodes: The first season is just now rapping up, so I'd reccomend any of them as I have personally yet to not enjoy one.

Recommend to: Anyone really, considering the fact it's on Showtime, it's actaully pretty tame, with only mild language. Also, it's a good change of pace from all the crap currently stinking up television.

John Doe (2002-2003) Action/Mystery/Sci Fi

Summary: John Doe knows everything, except who he is, and uses his knowledge to help others.

My Thoughts: This show had a Quantum Leap quality to it, also mixing elements of detective shows and a Sci Fi aspect as well. I got hooked and never missed an episode, and was hyped for the season finale, which delivered a HUGE shock so what does Fox (who broadcasts the show) do? CANCEL IT RIGHT AFTER A GIANT CLIFFHANGER ENDING TO THE FIRST SEASON! Cliffhangers are supposed to be answered the NEXT season, Fox. I really hope that the network goes through with a TV movie to wrap the show as rumored. It pains me that a network I once enjoyed so much would cancel a show that did rather well in it's friday night slot, would cancel a unique gem, only to bring in played out ethnic comedys and pretentious teen dramas. I really enjoy Luis Guzman and all, but I want my F'N JOHN DOE! I'm so sorry, but as a Puerto Rican, I'm not even interested in his new show, that was probably trying to capitilize on the Latino market. And they added another ethnic comedy, "Wanda at Large" featuring the unfunny Wanda Sykes, wow I thought UPN was the network that did the "LOOK, A COMEDY ABOUT SASSY BLACK PEOPLE!". Those shows do nothing to break racial sterotypes on television, just feed into them, as if they were true. I'm not done YET though, they also brought in the teen garbage AKA "Rebellious youth vs Rich Kids" only calling it "The O.C.". Fox is probably hoping they can create another 90210 or something , but c'mon! Think OUTSIDE the box! John Doe was DIFFERENT, people WANT different! Considering Fox has an attention span of a five year old, most of their new stuff will be gone soon, only serving to piss me off, since they could've given John Doe some more time to develop. Sorry, about all that, but I do feel better now :)

Memorable Episodes: Since Fox screwed us all over, just watch any episode you can get your hands on.

Recommend to: Intellegent people, who wouldn't watch "Friends" (the scourge of modern television) if their life depended on it.

Reno 911! (2003-Current) Comedy/Satire

Summary: A parody of shows like "Cops"

My Thoughts: I honestly assumed it would suck, but I'll be damned if it wasn't the funniest thing currently on TV. All the cops have their own distinct personality, and the great acting and writing takes what could have been incredibly lame, and turn it into gold.

Memorable Episodes: Again, another show still in it's infancy but Officer Jim Dangle is one to watch. Any man who can pull of wearing Daisy Dukes 24-7, deserves some kudos.

Recommend to: Fans of satire and good comedy.