Month: February 2010

Survivor: Heroes Vs. Villains Episode 2

The heroes were the first ones to have to face Jeff in Survivor: Heroes Vs. Villains Episode 1, and they opted to vote out Sugar, their weakest link.

Boston Rob continues to get tired of his tribe, which seems content just sitting there in the rain and suffering. He’s on the buffoon tribe again, although that ended up going quite well in All Stars. Courtney hopes he doesn’t drop dead in the next few days because otherwise she’ll have to depend on these fools, thereby killing them all.

Randy doesn’t get why they keep redoing the shelter, seeing as it keeps getting worse each time they tear it down.

Rupert would like to get rid of Stephenie because he does not trust her. She considers him to be annoying, and thinks he may just be trying to get rid of her.

Rob decides to walk away from his tribe, fed up with this whole shelter building debacle. Eventually, he collapses. Jerri discovers him, and he asks for help. Medical comes in to take a look at him and give him some water. They say he looks worse than he is. His realization during all this is that he needs to stop trying to be the good guy, and instead be the villain like everybody expects.

For the challenge, each tribe must collect crates and use them to build a staircase spelling out their tribe name. They are playing for immunity and a tarp, rope, and nails. Villains sit out Courtney and Randy. Because this runs in pairs, the heroes sit out Rupert. JT and Cirie start out for the heroes; Danielle and Boston Rob start off for the villains. Heroes are the first to return. The villains were doing a good job at first but slowed down. Candice and Tom go next for the heroes, followed by Tyson and Sandra for the villains. Colby and Stephenie head out next for the heroes. Jerri and Coach are about to get lapped by the heroes. James and Amanda go fourth for the heroes, followed by Russell and Parvati. JT and Tom go back out for the heroes, followed by Rob and Tyson. James and Colby grab their final crate, giving the heroes the edge heading into the puzzle. Russell and Coach return with their final crate. Boston Rob takes control of his tribe, while JT assumes the leadership role for his tribe. The heroes quickly become a lost cause once again. With much effort and hopes that nobody gets crushed, villains win immunity and reward. James snaps at his tribe because they were not listening to JT.

James continues his anger back at camp. Not clear how this is doing him any favors.

Boston Rob’s becoming the hero, which Russell views as a challenge. His response is to chase after a chicken and catch it.

James’ newfound philosophy is that Stephenie is bad luck because her tribe (the first time) lost everybody but her.

Tom’s hope is that Cirie and Candice will join him, Colby, and Stephenie to take control of the game. A good plan for both sides. What about Amanda? Well, the plan is to get rid of her first.

Candice feels like she’s on the bottom regardless of which way she goes.

Cirie says that she’s not really tight with Amanda. They may have made it to the end, but Amanda chose Parvati instead, costing her a million dollars.

At tribal council, an argument breaks out. More of the same nonsense from earlier.

Votes
Stephenie
Amanda
Stephenie
Amanda
Stephenie
Amanda
Stephenie
Stephenie

With 5 votes, Stephenie has been voted out of the tribe, if you can call it that. Episode 2, and these guys are already falling apart.

Stay tuned to dingoRUE for another live recap of Survivor: Heroes Vs. Villains Episode 3, which airs Thursday at 8/7c on CBS.

American Idol Season 9 Top 24

The first 7 out of the top 24 were revealed in American Idol Season 9 Episode 11. Tonight we find out the remaining 17.

Janell Wheeler is the next person to join the top 24.

Tyler Grady, the guy from the 60s or the 70s or one of those decades that had questionable hygiene, is the next to advance.

Lacey Brown was cut at this point last year after a sing off, but this time she has made it.

Ashley Rodriguez, Alex Lambert, and Joe Munoz (who?) also make it through.

Crystal Bowersox also joins the top 24.

With all those reveals, some bad news has to be on the way.

Katie Stevens is not where that news starts, however, as she has made it to the next round.

A bunch of people then get rejected. I’m not sure who any of them are, though.

Angela Martin finally seems to have gotten her life on track in her third season of Idol, but she has not made the top 24.

Lilly Scott is the next girl to advance.

Paige Miles, Siobhan Magnus, Michelle Delamor, Jermaine Sellers, and John Park also join the top 24.

There are two girls left: Haeley Vaughn and Tori Kelly. Unlike years past, the silly finding out at the same time bit is gone, although we’ll probably still hear the inevitable but inaccurate claims of “if not for that other girl, the one who didn’t make it would have.” Tori has been cut, as Haeley Vaughn is the last girl to make the top.

For the boys, it comes down to Thaddeus Johnson and Andrew Garcia. Thaddeus has been cut. That puts Andrew Garcia in the top 24, which comes as no surprise following his Straight Up performance.

Top 12 Girls
Ashley Rodriguez
Crystal Bowersox
Didi Benami
Haeley Vaughn
Janell Wheeler
Katelyn Epperly
Katie Stevens
Lacey Brown
Lilly Scott
Michelle Delamor
Paige Miles
Siobhan Magnus

Top 12 Boys
Aaron Kelly
Alex Lambert
Andrew Garcia
Casey James
Jermaine Sellers
Joe Munoz
John Park
Lee DeWyze
Michael Lynche
Tim Urban
Todrick Hall
Tyler Grady

Stay tuned to dingoRUE for another live recap of American Idol 9 Episode 13, which airs Tuesday at 8/7c on Fox.

Lost Season 6 Episode 4

Sayid came back to life, so in Lost Season 6 Episode 3, the natural response to this was to try to kill him again.

Back in the real world, or what appears to be maybe possibly the real world, Locke is still handicapped.

On the island, however, he’s fully capable of doing as he pleases, such as catching Richard.

Returning to his desk job, his boss has discovered that he really didn’t go to a conference in Australia, so he’s fired.

John’s a candidate, or at least he was a candidate before his demise. Richard does not know what that’s all about. Seems Jacob has kept him in the dark.

Ben blames Locke for killing Jacob. I suppose that’s as reasonable an explanation as any.

Locke approaches a house with a record player blasting, and he finds a drunk Sawyer, who thought he was dead, mostly because he is. James doesn’t care whether he’s dead or whatever’s going on, as long as he’s got whiskey. He does notice a difference, though. This new Locke isn’t afraid. So who is he? He’s the person who can answer the most important question: why is he on this island?

Having just lost his job, Locke heads outside, where he’s unable to access his car because Hurley has parked too close to allow the ramp to lower. Well, that and the fact that he refuses to park in a handicapped spot. He’s new. He owns the company now. Perhaps he’s hiring then. Locke declines the offer to talk to his boss, but Hurley owns a temp agency, too.

Some kid is appearing at random throughout the jungle. Locke is the only one who can see him. Well, the drunk guy Sawyer can see him, too. After Locke chases him, he’s told that the rules say he can’t kill him. Richard’s got a warning for Sawyer: Locke wants everyone dead.

At the temp agency, Locke meets Rose, the supervisor there, who tells him he needs to be a little more realistic about his job prospects. He needs to get past his denial, like she did after she found out she had cancer.

The black smoke says he’s been trapped for a long time, but before he was trapped, he was a man.

Everybody who was on the beach will be heading to the temple, but first they must bury John Locke. Ben has positive things to say when remebering him. And he’s sorry he murdered him.

Locke has decided to give a call to Jack and take him up on his offer. Rather, he gives him a call and then hangs up, telling his fiancee Helen there are no miracles.

James climbs down a cliff in what he believes may be a suicide mission. Not far from it. So is this where the answers are? The writing is on the wall/ceiling.

Locke’s new job is at a school, where he meets Ben, a European history teacher.

Who wrote all that stuff, and why are the names crossed out? They’re not all crossed out. Jack, Sayid, Sun or Jin, John, and James’ names have not been crossed out (well, Locke’s name is crossed out now). They’re candidates to take over Jacob’s job to protect the island.

That leaves him with three choices. Do nothing and see if his name gets crossed out. Take over the job as protector, protecting the island from nothing. Or just go and get the hell off the island. He’ll take the third one.

Stay tuned to dingoRUE for another recap of Lost Season 6 Episode 5 Lighthouse, which airs Tuesday at 9/8c on ABC.

American Idol Season 9 Episode 11

American Idol Season 9 Episode 10 brought us the second part of Hollywood week. Tonight is the conclusion of Hollywood week, and we will find out some of the top 24.

The contestants are divided into three groups and sent into different rooms. Well, this has the potential to be drawn out like a Biggest Loser weigh in.

After his performance, Jermaine Sellers turns around to the band and says “That wasn’t actually right.” Okay, that was necessary why?

Crystal Bowersox shows off her guitar and harmonica playing skills.

Alex Lambert gives the ukulele one more shot, singing I’m Yours by Jason Mraz. Big Mike Lynche and Todrick Hall also sing that song.

Thaddeus Johnson’s mother has been with him from the beginning, often far too loud. He sings Man in the Mirror, the song that paved the way for Kris Allen’s success (that Kara incorrectly said was the wrong choice).

Mary Powers had an emotional round 1, followed by being overly bossy in round 2. Round 3 finally lets her put the drama behind.

Bryan Walker gets a wink from Simon, which I’m going to take as a positive thing.

Shelby Dressell struggled to remember her words during rehearsal, like she did during her first audition, but she pulled it off when it came time to perform in front of the judges.

Aaron Kelly, however, forgot his words in his final performance. After taking some time to compose himself, though, he recovers.

Janell Wheeler has been struggling with her voice this week, but it doesn’t seem to impact her. What the judges do pick apart is the song choice.

Room 1 goes first, meaning they have made it. Included in this group are Lilly Scott, Siobhan Magnus, Tyler Grady, Thaddeus Johnson, Michael Lynche, and Katie Stevens.

Room 2 goes next. They haven’t made it. This room includes Hope Johnson, Bryan Walker, Mary Powers, Charity Vance, Christian Spear, and Lloyd Thomas.

That leaves room 3 in the clear. Randy realizes he sounds like a broken record by now, saying that this year is the best group ever. This room includes Aaron Kelly, Janell Wheeler, Ashley Rodriguez, John Park, Angela Martin, Jessica Furney, and Shelby Dressel.

On previous seasons, we found out the top 24 on Wednesday night, but this year it’s been split to include a partial reveal tonight. Why is anybody’s speculation.

Instead of the awkward elevator ride, this year they will receive the news at the Kodak Theatre.

Michael Lynche is warned that they’re not sure whether he believes he can actually do this, but he is the first person to join the top 24 by a unanimous vote.

Didi Benami is still as emotional as she was when we first saw her. She gets the first spot for the girls.

After a lengthy routine in which Ellen makes her wait while telling her it’s wrong to make her wait, Katelyn Epperly is told she has made it.

Shelby Dressel is the first person to be cut. Simon says that was the wrong decision.

Casey James will hopefully be keeping his clothes on for the final judging. He’s going through to the next round.

Despite having forgotten his words in both the second and third performances in Hollywood, Aaron Kelly joins the top 24.

Lee DeWyze is told he needs to be more confident in himself, but he makes it to through.

Todrick Hall just gets one word: yes.

Jessica Furney has been cut. After hearing that, she starts begging. This isn’t going to do her any favors. They’ve already made up their minds. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot for next year, too.

Stay tuned to dingoRUE for another live recap of American Idol 9 Episode 12, which airs Wednesday at 8/7c on Fox.

The Vampire Diaries Season 2

The Vampire Diaries followed The WB strategy to a T: a supernatural show with a beautiful cast from creator Kevin Williamson (Dawson’s Creek, Scream). Somehow, it took the network three years to arrive at the conclusion that this might be a good idea.

The result? The Vampire Diaries is now the #1 rated show on the network. Perhaps this will mean an end to this whole 90s remakes strategy that’s clearly not working. Or perhaps they’ll try again and relaunch The Heights, complete with a remake of “How Do You Talk to an Angel?”

Considering its ratings success, it comes as no surprise that Vampire Diaries has been picked up for a second season.

The Bachelor Season 14 Episode 7

Ali decided in The Bachelor Season 14 Episode 6 that she would say yes if Jake asked her to marry her. Not long after this declaration, she showed up at his door with a puppy dog face, telling him that she had to make a choice between him and her job at Facebook. He told her about 10 times that this was her decision to make based on what was best for her, but she refused to make a decision until he told her whether she was going home or not. Quite possibly in order to get her to make a decision before the entire two hours of the episode were used on this drama, he told her that she was not in danger, and he wanted her to say. With that finally out of the way, she left anyway.

Gia gets the first date. Jake is worried that something’s holding her back. They take a boat to Gros Islet, one of the local towns in Saint Lucia, which leads them to both start thinking about travelling the world together. She’d like to tell him she loves him (and vice versa) by the end of the date. That night, they go to Smuggler’s Cove and have dinner on the beach. She’s surprised by how deep he is, apparently. While they’re rocking in a hammock and drinking champagne, he pulls out the fantasy suite card, which she happily accepts. They hop into a candlelit bathtub with rose pedals. Although she keeps saying the “L” word in her confessional, she’s still afraid to actually say it to him.

Tenley meets Jake next at Rodney Bay in Gros Islet. Since she said she hasn’t really seen his passion yet, he takes her flying. Well, a pilot takes them both flying anyway. The chopper lands in a rain forest for a picnic. Tenley says she’s fallen in love with Jake. Some of the way. Like Gia and Jake, she’d also like to travel. I just hope nobody is having a drinking game relating to mentions of an ex or a previous marriage. That said, Tenley claims that the past has passed, and she tells Jake she’s falling in love. After dinner, Jake breaks out the inevitable card, and she accepts the offer, making Jake the second guy she’s spent the night with.

Vienna gets the final date. He wants to get back to her fun, light, “almost immature” side. They board the ship used in Pirates of the Carribean. Vienna says that she’s never been in love. Jake’s concern with Vienna is that he’s not sure whether he is more than just physically attracted to her. Dinner somehow leads to the type of rings she’d like, so she picks the princess cut of course. He warns her, however, that there are two others that he could also see being his wife. Despite her fear, she’s gotta say that she’s fallen in love with him, leaving Gia as the last woman standing who has not shared how she feels. She, too, accepts the fantasy suite card, and she’s planned for this, bringing lingerie along with her.

Jake gets a call from Ali. She knows that she made the wrong choice. Oh shoot me. Since he was forced to put what he felt for her aside, he’s further along with the other three. Despite the obscenely misleading (aka typical) editing, he does not tell her to get on a plane. Instead, he says he does not think it’s a good idea.

On her video message before the rose ceremony, Gia tells Jake she’s falling in love.

Roses
Tenley
Vienna

Gia has been eliminated. Her baggage got more in the way than Tenley’s did. She realizes that she’s been a little slow and not as able to open up as maybe she should have been, and she does not think he made the wrong decision, although she did expect to get a rose.

Stay tuned to dingoRUE for another live recap of The Bachelor Season 14 Episode 8, where the women tell all, which airs Monday at 8/7c on ABC.

The Amazing Race 16 Episode 1

Last season, Meghan & Cheyne were the winners. Well, at least it wasn’t the bickering brothers. 11 new teams make up The Amazing Race 16 cast, including Jeff & Jordan from Big Brother. I just hope they’re less boring a couple than they were in BB. And also Caite, the infamous Miss Teen South Carolina, who probably can’t even find the US on the map, let alone the other countries in the world she’s going to.

The first test is to get to the airport using public transportation, something that, unlike the rest of the world, America is not known for. Everybody here drives cars. Or more specifically gas guzzling SUV’s. Only the first three teams to arrive at the airport will receive a ticket on the first flight. Everyone else will be leaving almost an hour later.

The first destination is Santiago, Chile.

One group goes to the bus stop, while another group heads to the train station. Among the train station group, some get on right away, while others will have to wait 20 minutes for the next one. Those people obviously are on the last plane. Now it’s just a question of whether the bus is faster than the train.

Steve & Allie and Joe & Heidi are from California, so I’m going to assume they know what they’re doing. Also on the train with them are Dan & Jordan and Brent & Caite. Then again, Carol & Brandy are from LA. On the bus with them are Monique & Shawne, Dana & Adrian, and Jeff & Jordan.

In either case, there are three spots for four couples. The bus group arrives first. Jordan asks for tickets to China. Really now? She’s not alone, though. The cowboys think they need to get money for Brazil.

First flight (via Dallas): Monique & Shawne, Dana & Adrian, Jeff & Jordan
Second flight (via Miami): Carol & Brandy, Joe & Heidi, Steve & Allie, Dan & Jordan, Brent & Caite, Jody & Shanon, Louie & Michael, Jet & Cord

Maintenance has decided to delay the first flight due to mechanical problems. They’ve been rebooked on the Miami flight. Now everybody is even. Well, that was pointless.

After landing in Santiago, they will travel by bus 60 miles to Valparaiso, known as the San Francisco of South America due to its funiculars used to travel its steep hills.

Jet & Cord are thrown off the bus. The driver’s not about to take their Brazilian money. Those who kept their American money were better off. The three teams that arrived at the airport last continue to bring up the rear and get the last bus: Louie & Michael, Jet & Cord, and Jody & Shannon.

The road block is cable walking. Teams must balance 120 feet above the ground and walk a cable the length of a football field. They picked a windy day to do this.

Road block (in order of arrival): Caite, Jordan, Joe, Allie, Dan, Brandy, Shawne, Adrian, Louie, Shannon, Cord

Most people struggle with this task but ultimately make it across in one attempt, including Dan, who just drags himself across after falling. Adrian, however, falls, and has to start over from the beginning. He reluctantly gets going again, but not until they’re in last place.

After the road block, they’re told they may only travel by funicular. Rather than trying to figure out what that is, Brent & Caite walk down. Jeff & Jordan at least ask people.

It’s time to paint the town known for its multi-colored homes. Teams must carry paint up a hill to the house that matches their paint color. This task has the potential to send them around in circles throughout the neighborhood. Steve decides to just start painting a random house. Dan drops a brush. Assuming it will be a penalty, they search, but they don’t find it.

The pit stop for this leg of the race is Palacio Baburizza, a 90 year old chalet.

Caite & Brent are the second team to arrive, but not having followed their clue to take the funicular, they have incurred a 30 minute penalty.

Likewise, Dan & Jordan are the fourth team to arrive, but they have incurred a 15 minute penalty due to losing a paint brush. Really?

First: Jordan & Jeff (win a trip to Vancouver)
Second: Monique & Shawne
Third: Jet & Cord
Fourth: Steve & Allie
Fifth: Joe & Heidi
Sixth: Carol & Brandy
Seventh: Brent & Caite
Eighth: Dan & Jordan
Ninth: Louie & Michael
Tenth: Jody & Shannon
Eliminated: Dana & Adrian

Having fallen off the road block a second time, Adrian & Dana get a visit from Phil. All the other teams have finished, and they have been eliminated from the race.

Stay tuned to dingoRUE for another live recap of The Amazing Race 16 Episode 2 When the Cow Kicked Me in the Head (Chile), which airs Sunday at 8/7c on CBS.

The Vampire Diaries Season 1 Episode 14

Stefan and Elena dug up the grimoire in The Vampire Diaries Season 1 Episode 13, and then promptly were forced to hand it over to Damon.

Elena’s in a room with Ben, who does that eye thing to try to control her. That doesn’t work. He’s just lucky Anna is right outside the door to stop her from leaving. When Elena gets locked in the bathroom, she finds Bonnie in the tub.

Stefan accepts blame for Damon losing Katherine, and he apologizes. Now that that’s out of the way, he needs to know what he knows about Damon. Damon’s response: he hopes she dies.

Bonnie’s still alive. They need a witch to break the spell and let the vampires out. Either she helps them, or Elena gets it.

Caroline wrote a speech for Matt. It’s a “you kissed me and I don’t want things to be weird” speech. Oh, one of those. She offers him an escape clause, but he passes on that.

Damon goes to see Bonnie’s grandmother, who tells him the spirits talk, and he is no friend to them. Now get off her porch. He tells her to step outside and say that. She’d be happy to, and she proves that he doesn’t want to mess with her.

Anna says that Damon’s the only idiot who wants to see Katherine again. She’s just after her mother.

Bonnie grabs a glass of water, which she uses to set Ben on fire. This is not sufficient to allow Elena to escape, though.

Jeremy invites Anna to a party in the woods by that old cemetery. Sounds fun.

Anna and Damon meet to discuss a deal. He needs a witch; she needs a spell book.

Stefan breaks into the hotel and shines fresh sunlight on Ben. Bonnie and Elena escape, and Stefan tells Ben to leave town or die.

To put an end to this, Bonnie’s grandmother agrees to open the tomb so that Damon gets his girlfriend, but the rest have to be destroyed with fire. Elena goes to Damon to tell him of the plan, and she takes off her necklace to prove her point. He trusts her without taking advantage of this.

Jeremy’s happy to see Anna when she shows up at the party that he’s not enjoying, but she is just there to say goodbye. She and her mom are moving away. When they kiss, her face starts to turn, so Ben knocks Jeremy out. Now Ben’s going to have to drag him because she wants him to meet her mother.

Bonnie and her grandmother Sheila open the tomb. Not wanting to be sealed inside, Damon grabs Elena for leverage. On the surface, Stefan runs into the still in town Ben and his pal Anna, who says that she’s going to get her mother, or Jeremy’s going to be a main course. Stefan lets Anna go in, and Bonnie’s grandmother lets her pass as well, knowing she’s not coming out.

Flamethrower in hand, Stefan teaches Ben why he should have listened when he warned him to get lost.

Sheila has a word of warning for Stefan. Go in, and you won’t come out. Opening the door didn’t remove the seal. It just opened the door. The seal keeps vampires from exiting. As a human, Elena can leave, but that leaves Anna, Katherine, and Damon screwed.

It’ll be Gilbert blood that brings Anna’s mother back to life. Elena will do. When Stefan hears Elena’s scream, he runs inside. Seeing that, Bonnie decides to lower the seal, with or without her grandmother’s help. The seal goes down, and Anna and her mother are the first ones out. Stefan goes back to try to talk some sense into Damon, who’s upset that he can’t find Katherine. At Elena’s request, Damon agrees to exit with his brother.

Jeremy pretends he doesn’t remember anything, but when he gets rid of his sister, his first action is to go online to search for vampires.

Damon confronts Anna, who knew Katherine wasn’t in there. Her mother has an answer for that. The guard was under her spell like everyone else and let her go. Last time Anna saw her was Chicago, 1983. Katherine knew where Damon was, but she didn’t care.

That spell took a lot out of Bonnie’s grandmother, and Bonnie discovers her not breathing on the couch.

Back in the tomb, the vampires commence their return to life.

Stay tuned to dingoRUE for another live recap of The Vampire Diaries Episode 15, which airs Thursday at 8/7c on The CW.