The Big Bang Theory – Recap & Review – The Beta Test Initiation

photo: cbs

The Big Bang Theory
The Beta Test Initiation

Original Air Date: Jan 26, 2012

Kym – TwoCents Reviewer
kym@thetwocentscorp.com

Sheldon Cooper presents “Fun With Flags”. Yes, Sheldon and Amy are filming the first episode of the 52 week podcast on vexillogy (which I admittedly had to check the spelling on), the study of flags. It would have the potential of being interesting to some, if Sheldon and Amy weren’t so wooden with their delivery. Although Amy does add a little fun when she draws a face on her little white flag and names it “Ferdinand”, to bring in the “younger viewers”, during take two – having been interrupted by Leonard walking through the shot. Sheldon’s flag trivia and filming sessions scattered throughout the episode keep the humor level high.

Leonard, looking spiffy, was actually on his way out for a date with Penny. That’s right, he did actually ask her out last week, and she did accept. Let’s see where this goes.

New DWTS Cast To Be Revealed Live On Good Morning America

This season’s spectacular new cast of celebrities for “Dancing with the Stars” will be announced live from the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28 exclusively during “Good Morning America” (7:00-9:00 a.m., ET) on ABC. The major announcement returns to “GMA” in a morning that will be packed with big surprises.

The stars, the drama, the glamour and the glitter are back on ABC! “Dancing with the Stars” returns for Season 14 on MONDAY, MARCH 19 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET) with a sensational two-hour season premiere, then on TUESDAY, MARCH 27, with the premiere of “Dancing with the Stars the Results Show” (9:00-10:01 p.m., ET).

American Idol – Recap & Review – Houston

photo: fox

American Idol
Houston

Original Air Date: Jan 26, 2012

Patricia Morris Buckley — Sr. Staff Writer
pmb@thetwocentscorp.com

This was the first time I’ve heard the producers admit that the mass auditions are one place (Houston) and the auditions in front of the judges are in another (Galveston). Now if they would just admit on air that these auditions take place months apart… but who am I kidding?

I’m just so happy that finally this season we met a singer who really has the potential to win. The great part is that loyal viewers have met her before. I remember five years ago a 16-year-old country girl named Baylie Brown came in and swept the judges away. She was already marked a favorite before Hollywood. But in the group number, she forgot her words and got the boot (that was back when they really enforced that rule, unlike last year when people made up the lyrics and still got through).

30 Rock – Recap & Review – The Ballad of Kenneth Parcell

photo: nbc

30 Rock
The Ballad of Kenneth Parcell

Original Air Date: Jan 26, 2012

Valentina D. – Senior Reviewer
valentina@thetwocentscorp.com

Jenna Maroney, possibly the biggest diva in showbiz, has always been difficult but if anyone could get through to her in spite of all her craziness, it’s Liz. They’ve been best friends ever since their early days in comedy and TGS is a show that they’ve created together. What happens when one of them is suddenly catapulted to fame, leaving the other in the dust?

Kenneth and his fellow pages receive some horrible news that puts their future in jeopardy, while it creates a mountain of problems for Jack. Is this the last we’ve seen of loyal NBC page Kenneth Parcell? Read on after the jump!

30 Rock – Recap & Review – Idiots Are People Three!

photo: nbc

30 Rock
Idiots Are People Three!

Original Air Date: Jan 26, 2012

Valentina D. – Senior Reviewer
valentina@thetwocentscorp.com

While watching the news from the comfort of his office, Jack is stunned when he hears someone say the network hasn’t done enough to apologize for Tracy’s homophobic comments. Why is he stunned? Because that someone is none other than his nemesis, Devon Banks, and he’s back to wreak even more havoc in Jack’s life.

Jack also causes some friction between Liz and her new boyfriend Criss, when she admits that he can’t accept that check because Jack is her boss and he’s always inserting himself in her business. Criss suspects the real reason is because Liz is embarrassed by him being jobless, which she doesn’t completely deny.

Find out the conclusion to last week’s episode, after the jump!

Parks and Recreation – Recap & Review – Bowling For Votes

photo: nbc

Parks and Recreation
Bowling For Votes

Original Air Date: Jan 26, 2012

Valentina D. – Senior Reviewer
valentina@thetwocentscorp.com

With her mayoral campaign in full swing, it’s time for Leslie and her camp to concentrate on seeking out and mingling with potential voters!

While conducting some campaign research with a focus group, the positive and usually cheerful Leslie encounters the unthinkable: someone out there just plain doesn’t like her. Is that even possible? Find out why after the jump!

Farewell…Robert Hegyes

hegyes

Robert Hegyes, Actor

Robert Hegyes, best known for playing Jewish Puerto Rican student Juan Epstein in “Welcome Back Kotter” has died. He was 60.

Hegyes and nearly all of the original cast members reunited last year at the TV Land Awards to recognize the show’s 35th anniversary. He followed his role on “Kotter” by playing Detective Manny Esposito on “Cagney and Lacey.” Hegyes was a graduate of Rowan University in southern New Jersey, where he returned on occasion to teach master classes in acting.

Hegyes leaves behind three siblings, two children and two step-children. You will be missed Epstein.

American Idol – Recap & Review – Aspen

photo: fox

American Idol
Aspen

Original Air Date: Jan 25, 2012

Patricia Morris Buckley — Sr. Staff Writer
pmb@thetwocentscorp.com

Up until now, I haven’t really heard any Idol contestant that’s made me want to watch how they do in Hollywood — the kind that you think has a great shot at the final 10.

I’m not totally sure I heard any singers that would make that list in Aspen, but for the first time, there were a few within spitting distance. And after two other cities with only one bad contestant shown, we got three in the Rocky Mountains. Guess the high altitude made the producers a little giggly.

Top Chef – Recap & Review – Block Party

photo: bravo

Top Chef
Block Party

Original Air Date: Jan 25, 2012

Ryan O – Two Cents Senior Reviewer
ryano@thetwocentscorp.com

You knew it would be hard to follow last week’s brilliant episode. This one isn’t bad but it doesn’t rise to the heights of last week.

We do get just a touch more of Charlize Theron but also a whole great big bunch of an Iron Chef. Plus, the cheftestants have to face-off in head-to-head match-ups.

SouthLAnd – Recap & Review – Underwater

photo: tnt

SouthLAnd
Underwater

Original Air Date: Jan 24, 2012

Anne – Associate Editor
anne@thetwocentscorp.com

In the aftermath of the shooting in the station, our friendly (and not so friendly) neighborhood cops are adapting to a new atmosphere complete with a new captain. There is no mention of Ferguson (Lou Diamond Phillips), but I don’t think he died, did he? I can’t imagine he would have only been in one episode. Tonight, Regina King (Lydia Adams) is also reunited with her 227 mother, Marla Gibbs and we have a very funny reference to the show.

Our theme for this episode seems to be how you handle different types of diversity. Do you lose your temper and lash out? Do you get depressed and wallow in self pity? Or do you gather your wits and move on with your day? It’s interesting to see how differently our characters handle their situations. We get to see and hear the theme song tonight too, which is awesome! I love how raw and gritty it is, it always puts me right in the mood.