Foxy Monday ~ House and Fringe

House ~ The Down Low

Ethan Embry guest starred this week as a drug dealer who has all sorts of stuff wrong with him, but refuses to share useful information. Scratch that, he’s an undercover cop who doesn’t want to blow his cover or mess up the big bust they have planned. Anyone else feel bad for Eddie, Mickie’s drug dealer friend? Sure he’s probably killed dozens of people and he’s a criminal and all, but he was totally there for Mickie. I felt bad for him too, until about 10 minutes ago when I realized that the actor played Donnie Pfaster on The X-Files, who abducted and tried to rape/murder Scully TWICE. Sympathy officially gone. Sorry. Oh yeah, and Mickie totally dies, which is pretty rare on House. Sorry, dude.

Most importantly, we had some pretty hot House/Wilson action this week. Wilson tried to ask a neighbor out on a date, only to find out that their entire building thinks that House and Wilson are a gay couple. House decides to mess with Wilson by reinforcing this idea (why hello giant Chorus Line poster and Evita listening parties). House then decides that he wants to sleep with this girl too and is planning to pull the whole backrub turns into a front-rub, “I’ve never felt this way about a woman before”, routine. Then, in a moment that will live forever in Hilson infamy, Wilson proposes to House in a restaurant. And they lived happily ever after. Wait, no . . . neither one of them gets the girl (although House tries to put in a good word for Wilson with the girl during his confession/semi-apology).


Fringe ~ Unearthed

Okay, apparently we were warned ahead of time in commercials or something that this episode was actually a first season reject, but Courtney and I (plus a whole lot of other viewers) totally missed that heads up and had a mini-heart attack when Charlie popped up part way through the episode. Not only did Charlie die in the beginning of the season, but Olivia shot Shape Shifter Charlie right between the eyes during “Momentum Deferred”. After a few minutes of trying to remember what the heck happened before the Winter break we were quite confident that this was an old episode. Astrid’s first season hair (which we prefer) reinforced this a few moments later.

Besides all of that confusion, this was a perfectly okay episode. Nothing particularly spectacular, with the exception of some Olivia/Peter stuff brought up by possessed girl. We can see why it was left off the schedule. I wish they had just put it on the first season DVD as a bonus instead of confusing the hell out of us though!

Regardless, here is your Observer sighting (looking how clear Michael Ceveris is! A sure sign of being shot in NYC) and your glyph.

Castle ~ A Rose for Everafter

It amazes me how Castle is able to keep improving with every single episode. This week Alyssa Milano guest starred as Castle’s college sweetheart, aka “the one that got away”. I seriously don’t think that she’s aged a bit since the ‘90s, and it’s really starting to freak me out. Anyway, we really enjoyed her performance and was only filled with mild annoyance at her kiss with Castle (versus the full blown rage we were expecting), so good for her! We thoroughly enjoyed Lanie’s constant prodding at Becket to get her to admit that she was jealous of Kyra (Milano) because she is totes in love with Castle and everyone knows it. Becket wouldn’t budge. That bouquet to the face at the end of the episode sides with Lanie (and the rest of us) on that one.

Best moments:

• Castle having Alexis duct tape him to a chair so that he could figure out how Nikki Heat would escape. Answer: trash can and some helpful garbage.

• Ryan and Esposito discussing which Jonas brother was coolest.

• When Becket had here “ah hah!” moment and Castle came bursting out of the elevator with the same realization.

• Cliché though it might be, you gotta love a deliberate bouquet toss.

Next week we’re finally getting back to Becket’s mother’s murder case, and it looks intense. Can’t wait!

Chuck Versus The Angel de la Muerte

This episode was “muy awesome” as Devon would say. Seeing Captain Awesome getting mixed up in the spy world was a ton of fun.

“Is there anything your brother-in-law can't do?” ~ Sarah

It was great to get to see him and Ellie both get some more action (and I’m not just talking about that closest flashback). Now if only Ellie would ease up on the Chuck-nagging a little bit. We love Ellie, we really do, but it’s starting to get a wee bit tiresome.

The episode did a great job at easing some of the angst from the last two episodes. We got some good old fashioned spy stuff, Casey sporting another lovely mustache, some super hot dancing, and some nice Chuck/Sarah stuff via their conversations with Awesome and Ellie. I’m glad that they’re settling into being friends, hopefully things can be a little less awkward. Casey’s whole sub plot as the Angel of Death turned the Angel of Life was classic. Great stuff from Alec Baldwin this episode.

I swear I was about ready to punch the TV screen when the episode ended and implied that Awesome was dead. Luckily for our TV, but not so lucky for the suspense of the cliff hanger, NBC immediately revealed that he was ok in the scenes for next week. Phew! (But seriously, FAIL on your part, NBC).

No sign of the Buy More peeps this episode (the great budget reduction of season 3 can be blamed for this), but I didn’t miss them. It would have been awkward trying to squeeze them into this storyline. So far they’re keeping a good balance I think. Agreed?

How I Met Your Mother ~ Girls vs. Suits ***100th Episode!!!***

Thanks for a super solid 100th episode, HIMYM! There were a lot of great moments:

• TV’s Tim Gunn as Barney’s personal tailor.
•  Lilly trying to get Marshal to admit that the bartender was hotter than her and further reinforcing that she’s a little gay some times (“She's a goddess! Her legs go for miles. And that ass? I would wear that thing for a hat!”).
• Robin getting pissed because she wasn’t the hottest girl in the room and insisting that the bartending was benefiting circumstantial hotness.
•  A classic Barney scheme.

We came literally within inches of meeting the mother, but we know two things for sure: Rachel Bilson is not the mother, and that the mother is cooler than we could ever have imagined. Paints robots doing sports, makes her breakfast food sing broadway tunes (“Your mother's rendition of 'Memory,' as performed by an English muffin is, to this day, the most hauntingly beautiful thing I have ever heard.”), plays the base . . . basically she’s made of awesome.

That’s about it, right?

Oh wait, FREAKING MUSICAL NUMBER, Y’ALL!!! That’s right, we finally saw the much anticipated “Nothing Suits Me Like A Suit” and it was made of win, as we expected. Frankly, how could it not have been? Best moment: "I'm gonna stop you right there. It's the suits. Come on, Lily, get your head out of your ass."

Chuck is back!!!

Chuck Versus the Pink Slip; Chuck Versus the Three Words

The third season of Chuck premiered last night with a double dose of episodes, and will continue with the awesomeness tonight at its regularly scheduled 8pm timeslot. Did you forget about the sneaky Sunday showing? Quick, get thyself to hulu and catch up before tonight!

This season marks a new beginning for Chuck, with the Intersect 2.0 turning him a real spy . . . sometimes. He’s got all sorts of useful new tricks up his sleeves, if only he could access them properly! While we’re told over and over again that Chuck is too emotional and that is what is causing the Intersect to fail him, we know deep down that it’s his emotions that are the key. Threaten Sarah and Boom! Kung fu!

As per usual things are messy between Chuck and Sarah, but unexpectedly we find that it was Chuck who broke Sarah’s heart this time around! She was willing to give up everything and go on the run with him, but Chuck decided that he couldn’t go through with it – that he has to stay and try to be a real spy. Sarah mistakes his rejection for vanity and is angry at herself for allowing herself to fall in love with him. Chuck, in the meantime, was trying to be a better man because of her. All in all, epic fail of emotional miscommunication has left things icy between them, but it will thaw eventually.

“You’re a spy now, Chuck; you have to keep your emotions to yourself.” ~ Sarah

Best moment of the night: Depressed bearded Chuck wandering around the Buy More in a bathrobe, hat and sunglasses looking for a giant tub of cheese balls.

OH HELL NO moment of the night: Emmett (Tony Hale) getting himself shot in the head, dying to the tune of “Hold On” by Wilson Phillips. That’s one way to trim your show budget.

Blatant show of skin moment of the night: Sarah and Carina getting ready for the mission/engagement party. That little knife in Carina’s high heels was nifty!

Don’t forget to tune in tonight at 8 on NBC for an all new episode!!!!

Top Ten Episodes of the Decade ~ Whedonverse

Well you didn’t honestly think we would make it all the way through our top episodes of our favorite shows without acknowledging anything from Joss Whedon’s universe, did you? We would never insult Joss like that! When it came down to it, we decided it would be most fair to recognize episodes from each series in their very own special list! I’m giving you fair warning now, this is going to be spoiler heavy and that includes pictures! And so we present, in no particular order:

The Shapusens’ Top Ten Episodes of the Decade: Whedonverse

(and yes, descriptions are lovingly donated by imdb.com once again)

Buffy the Vampire Slayer, "The Body" (season 5)

Buffy sees Joyce lying on the couch, calls 911 and unsuccessfully follows emergency procedures. When the paramedics arrive, they realize that Joyce is dead. Buffy calls Giles and goes to the school to tell Dawn. Along the day, the Scooby gang grieves the death of Joyce and sympathizes with Buffy.

Why it makes the cut: If this episode doesn’t make you cry, I’m about 99% sure you aren’t human. Anya’s monologue especially gets us every time. Of all the deaths throughout the series (and there were a lot of them) Joyce’s hit the hardest, perhaps because there was absolutely nothing mystical or magical to blame, and there was nothing that anyone could have done to prevent it.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer, "Once More With Feeling" (season 6)

Sunnydale is alive with the sound of music as a mysterious force causes everyone in town to burst into full musical numbers, revealing their innermost secrets as they do. But some townsfolk are dancing so much that they simply burst into flames, and it becomes clear that maybe living in a musical isn't so great after all.

Why it makes the cut: Take something we already love and then combine it with musical theatre and you’re pretty much guaranteed instant success in our eyes. The music is catchy, the lyrics are some of the most clever I have ever heard (“I think this line’s mostly filler.”), and it all works seamlessly to advance the plot of both the episode and the arch of the series.



Buffy the Vampire Slayer, "Conversations with Dead People" (season 7)

Buffy has a conversation with a vampire who once went to Sunnydale High, and learns something interesting about Spike. Joyce materializes to Dawn in the living room. The ghost of Cassie brings a message to Willow from beyond the grave. Meanwhile, Andrew and Jonathan have returned to Sunnydale on a mission to save the town.

Why it makes the cut: Our formal introduction to The First, by way of some creeptastic “ghost” interactions. Dawn’s encounter with Joyce is by far the most disturbing.

Angel, "Smile Time" (season 5)

Angel and the gang set out to foil an evil puppet show that is sucking the brain power of all the children who watch. During their fight, Angel is turned into a puppet himself and must rely upon his friends in order to reverse the spell which holds him at one foot tall.

Why it makes the cut: This episode was whimsical, cute, funny, and probably one of the most disturbing concepts of the whole series. The puppets draining the life force from children though the TV? Using the corpse of their creator as a puppet? Horrifying! Luckily puppet Angel is adorable, so it all balances out. Plus “Self Esteem is for Everybody” is damn catchy . . . and will be stuck in my head for the rest of the day . . .


Angel, "A Hole in the World" (season 5)

When an ancient sarcophagus arrives in the laboratory at Wolfram & Hart, Fred opens a small compartment and is infected by an ancient disease that slowly begins to kill her. As Angel and Spike travel across the world in order to help her, Wesley slowly begins to realize that there may be no stopping this disease.

Why it makes the cut: “Please, Wesley, why can’t I stay?” Joss might as well have just ripped out our hearts. Fred’s death was devastating to say the least, especially considering that she and Wesley had just finally gotten together.



Angel, "Not Fade Away" (season 5)

In the series finale, Angel reveals that his questionable moral behavior has been part of a bigger plan: to destroy The Circle of the Black Thorn and show the Senior Partners that the power of good can still make a difference. Wesley struggles with helping Illyria adapt to the world, scolding her for her attempts to take on Fred's form. As Gunn continues his quest of self-discovery, Lorne becomes more aware of the lack of happiness in the world. Harmony attempts to seduce Marcus Hamilton for information, Lindsey makes an important decision regarding his alliance, and Eve continues to deal with being mortal. As Spike comes closer to understanding the nature of heroism, Angel pays a visit to the one person he truly loves. On Angel's bidding, the gang goes out and spends each day as if it were their last.

Why it makes the cut: Heartbreaking, depressing, and uplifting all somehow manage to describe this episode. Some fans apparently had major issues with the fact that we didn’t get to see the final battle, but I think it was genius. This episode made it about the journey. In the end Angel and his crew were not fighting for a reward, or destiny, or prize, or because they had any real hope of succeeding. They fought because it was the right thing to do. “Let’s Go To Work!”

Firefly, "Out of Gas"

When Serenity's life support system fails, Mal orders the crew off the ship - but he stays behind.

Why it makes the cut: We got to see how all of the characters found their way to Serentity. The story telling took place in three timelines, all interwoven throughout the episode. Probably the smartest episode of the series. Wash’s mustache is just an added bonus.

Firefly, "Objects in Space"

The Alliance has placed a bounty on River Tam's head and a bounty Hunter named Jubal Early sets out to claim the bounty and tracks down the Serenity crew. Jubal sneaks on-board the Serenity while the crew is asleep to capture River and Simon and return them to the Alliance, so he can be paid for their capture and only River can stop him.

Why it makes the cut: What a great episode for Summer Glau. In the final episode of the series we really got a great look at River’s insanity, genius, and snazzy acrobatic moves. Hats off to Richard Brooks for a great performance as Jubal Early, the super disturbing bounty hunter.

Dollhouse, "Epitath One" (season 1, not aired in US)

In the future, the imprinting technology is rampant. A few people stumble on the Dollhouse.

Why it makes the cut: I hope the morons over at Fox are kicking themselves for not airing this episode. It was pure genius, far surpassing any episode in the first season, and second season (so far) for that matter. This episode provided a glimpse of what the future holds once imprinting technology begins destroying civilization, and it did not look good. If you haven’t seen this yet, we highly recommend tracking it down before the series finale (Epitaph Two: Return) later this month. Warning: crazy Topher will break your heart.


Dollhouse, "Belonging" (season 2)

The story of how Sierra came to the Dollhouse is revealed. And leads to a shocking outcome.

Why it makes the cut: This episode shows us how Sierra ended up in the Dollhouse, and it was beyond disturbing. We also start to see Topher grow a conscience, shedding further light on what leads to his condition in Epitaph One. Most importantly, we learn that the love between Sierra/Priya and Victor/Anthony goes way deeper than anticipated.

Top Ten Episodes of the Decade ~ Drama

Continuing with our tops from the oughts, here are our picks for top drama episodes from 2000 – 2009. As we did with the comedies, we’ve only picked one episode per show, which was incredibly difficult! Notice a few series that seem to be missing? Well, keep in mind that we still have one more super secret list on the way! So, without further ado, we present . . .

The Shapusens’ Top Ten Episodes of the Decade: Dramas

(episode descriptions once again stolen from imdb.com)


Alias, “Phase One” (season 2)

In this episode, the entire world of 'ALIAS' is turned upside down, beginning with the mysterious disappearance of Sloane that brings Anthony Geiger, the new head of SD-6 into Jack and Sydney's life. As the Bristows struggle to stay one step ahead of having their secret blown wide open by Geiger, Will and Francie make a startling discovery of their own as she prepares to open her new restaurant. After an airborne mission to recover something called a Server 47 dive, Sydney uncovers a crucial weakness, one that could bring down the entire Alliance. But to put her plan into action, she must tell Dixon the truth about everything when Jack is captured, and Dixon has to make the decision to reveal the security code... enabling the CIA to launch a world-wide offensive against all SD cells to bring down the Alliance for good.

Why it makes the cut: SD-6 is shut down, no more super secret double agent action for Sydney, the kiss, and the Francinator. All of this in the MIDDLE of the SECOND season? Very bold, Alias. Game changer.

Lost, “Pilot part 1 and 2” (season 1)

Forty-eight survivors of an airline flight originating from Australia, bound for the U.S., which crash-lands onto an unknown island 1000 miles off course, struggle to figure out a way to survive, why trying to find a way to be rescued.

Why it makes the cut: There were a lot of episodes in contention for this spot (Walkabout, Through the Looking Glass, Dead is Dead), but when it when all is said and done, we had to go back to the source. There’s no topping the episode that began this crazy journey.

Mad Men, “Shut the Door. Have a Seat” (season 3)

With another sale on the horizon, Sterling, Cooper, and Draper convince Lane Pryce to fire them and then join them as they start up a new advertising firm. At home, Betty follows through with her plans to divorce Don.

Why it makes the cut: Mad Men has a tendency to sometimes feel like you are waiting for something to happen, and waiting . . . and waiting . . . and then it smacks you in the face and says, “Oh, I’m sorry, were you looking for something? How about a completely new beginning?” It seems like the entire series so far has been leading us here. Plus Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce managed to get everyone we love into one hotel room of pure awesomeness.

House, “Three Stories” (season 2)

House's ex Stacy Warner asks him to treat her husband. House takes over a diagnostics class for a day and presents the class with three case studies of leg pain. As House tells his story and the class gradually fills up with listeners, the class learns a lot about how to be better doctors, and Chase, Foreman and Cameron learn some important details of House's past.

Why it makes the cut: Story telling at its very best. Cleverly written, brilliantly delivered, and bonus Carmen Electra. What more could you ask for?

Bones, “Aliens in the Spaceship” (season 2)

When Hodgins and Brennan are buried alive, it's a race against time and a kidnapper who doesn't negotiate.

Why it makes the cut: When Bones and Hodgins find themselves in mortal danger, emotions run high with everyone involved. This brought us somelovely Booth and Bones moments (that iconic image of him running across the sand to find her), Hodgins’ love for Angela was out on full display, and Zack got to be king of the lab and save the day (kind of). Episodes like this make us wish someone was moments from dying every week . . . but that would just be impractical, right?

Grey’s Anatomy, “Freedom” (season 4)

A surgical team battles the clock as they try to save a boy encased in cement, Karev's situation with an ever-disintegrating Ava brings back painful memories that interfere with his judgment, Derek and Meredith have one last chance at their clinical trial.

Why it makes the cut: House of candles (damn you for making us like Meredith!), Callie getting her kiss on with Hahn, and Bailey letting her geek flag fly with her calming Star Wars speech.

Fringe, “August” (season 2)

When a peculiar abduction occurs in Boston, the Fringe team uncovers details of the mysterious man known as The Observer. While the bizarre case takes center stage, Walter, Peter and Astrid hit the lab to analyze unusual evidence and deal with Walter’s insatiable appetite for a milkshake.

Why it makes the cut: This episode granted us our first intimate look into the most mysterious aspects of Fringe - the Observers. Didn't August just break your heart? Plus more Michael Ceveris is always a good thing.

Castle, “Vampire Weekend” (season 2)

As Halloween approaches, Castle and Beckett are called to a graveyard where the body of a young man sporting vampire fangs has been discovered with a wooden stake driven through his heart. Their investigation takes them deep into the heart of New York's underground vampire fetish community, where they learn that the motive for the victim's murder may be hiding within the pages of the graphic novel he was writing before his death.

Why it makes the cut: Richard Castle dressed up in a "space cowboy" (Malcom Reynolds) costume and being told by his daughter that it is so five years ago.

True Blood, “I Will Rise Up” (season 2)

Vampires and humans clean up in the aftermath of the explosion. Eric tricks Sookie into drinking some of his blood, much to Bill's dismay. As a result of the lapse in security, Godric's leadership falls under review but his response surprises everyone, especially Eric, who begs him not to go through with his plan. In Bon Temps, Maryann is out to find Sam Merlotte and complete the ritual sacrifice. She casts a spell on everyone in Sam's bar to get them to look for him. Lafayette and Tara's mother forcibly remove her from Sookie's house. Hoyt and Jessica get used to their situation and Hoyt decides it's time to introduce his true love to his vampire-hating mother.

Why it makes the cut: Whether you're a fan of Sookie/Bill or Sookie/Eric, there is no denying that the real romance of the series was between Godric and Eric. It's the roof top goodbye that lands this episode the top honor for the series, with some bonus Jessica/Hoyt/Hoyt's Mom action.

Veronica Mars, “Leave it to Beaver” (season 1)

In the shocking, action-packed first season finale, a determined Veronica must betray someone she cares deeply about in order to solve the mystery of who murdered her best friend Lilly, but what she discovers puts her life in serious danger. Meanwhile, Jake Kane asks Duncan if he really wants to know what happened on the night Lilly died, and Keith awaits the results of a paternity test.

Why it makes the cut: And that is how you close a season mystery, ladies and gentlemen. We're still reeling over Harry Hamlin being revealed as Lilly Kane's killer. Veronica locked in the refrigerator? Keith running through fire to rescue her? Perfection.