I am not normally a fan of Lifetime Movies. I don’t know what it is, but I just normally cannot stomach the Network. I think the thing that bothers me most is that the same talent is used over and over and many of the movies have completely ridiculous premises. Usually I skim past the channel dangerously fast just to make sure that I don’t have to watch what is on. However, I have to admit I am somewhat curious about Amish Grace.

I remember the media storm that came from the Amish schoolhouse shooting and the affect that it had on the Amish community as a whole. That is a prime motivator in my wanting to see this film. Sadly many movies based on true stories like this are hastily done and it shows in the quality of the movie. The plots are often generic and the acting is rushed over in order to get the movie out. Hopefully, this will not be the case as it really is a story worth telling. More than anything though, I am interested to see how Lifetime handles the topic and whether or not it ends up being the first Lifetime movie that I can sit all the way through.

“AMISH GRACE” (World Television Premiere Airs Sunday, March 28th at 8:00 PM ET/ 5:00 PM PT on Lifetime Movie Network.

SYNOPSIS:
The peaceful Amish community of Nickel Mines is forever changed when a gunman senselessly takes the lives of five girls in a schoolhouse shooting before taking his own life.

What transpires afterward takes the community by storm, as the media descend on the town and criticize its Amish leaders for their notion of unconditional forgiveness of the shooter and their outreach of support to his widow, Amy Roberts (Tammy Blanchard). Devastated by her daughter’s death, Ida Graber (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) finds herself struggling with her community’s belief in the transcending power of forgiveness. Deeply conflicted and unable to forgive the gunman and his family, Ida is tempted to leave the only life she’s ever known before re-embracing her faith.

Check out the preview and let us know if you plan to watch!

Technorati Tags: Amish Community, Amish Grace, Lifetime Movie Network, Schoolhouse Shooting, Forgiveness, Movie, Drama, True Story, Murder, Suicide

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE GAY TO GET IT…

Season Three of Logo’s “The Big Gay Sketch Show” Premieres Tuesday, April 13th at 10/9c

Cameos by Rosie O’Donnell, Sharon Osbourne, Julianna Margulies, Rachel Dratch and More

NEW YORK, NY, March 3, 2010 – With only three sketch comedy troupes currently on television, “The Big Gay Sketch Show” continues to break the rules (and barriers) with laugh-out-loud antics, sassy celebrity impersonations and twisted sketches that will appeal to anyone who’s a little askew. The irreverent sketch comedy series from Executive Producer Rosie O’Donnell is back for a new season with returning cast members Paolo Andino, Colman Domingo, Julie Goldman, Stephen Guarino, Jonny McGovern, Kate McKinnon and Nicol Paone. “The Big Gay Sketch Show” premieres Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at 10/9c.

This season of “The Big Gay Sketch Show” returns with fan favorites “Fitzwilliam,” “Chocolate Puddin’,” and a hilarious spoof of Maya Angelou to name a few. Also joining the cast this season are guest appearances by Rosie O’Donnell, Sharon Osbourne, Isaac Mizrahi, Andy Cohen (“Watch What Happens Live!”), Bethenny Frankel (“The Real Housewives of New York City”), Julianna Margulies (“The Good Wife”), André Leon Talley and Rachel Dratch (“Saturday Night Live”). Season three is comprised of eight, 30 minute episodes.

Technorati Tags: LOGO, Big Gay Sketch Show, Season 3, Fitzwilliam, Rosie O’Donnell, Julianna Margulies, Rachel Dratch, Chocolate Puddin, Maya Angelou, Julie Goldman, Stephen Guarino, Jonny McGovern, Kate McKinnon, Comedy, Sketch Comedy

Rating: N/a
Studio: History Channel

Release Info:
Original Air Dates:
DVD Release Date: January 26, 2010
Online Availability: Amazon for $21.49

The History Channel puts out some of the most interesting shows on television. If you’re not into educational television you may be a bit hesitant to make the trip over to see what’s on THC, but I can assure you it’s well worth it. I was thrilled to find out that we would have a chance to work with the folks at THC reviewing their DVDs, because I love a lot of their shows. Often, I am stuck in the trap where I want to see something and I forget to DVR it so I miss it. Working with them gives me a chance to see numerous shows that I wanted to see and even more that I didn’t even know existed.

One of the shows that I didn’t know existed is Cowboys & Outlaws. This great show features six episodes in a two disc, bare bones set. The bare bones part is one of the only bad things about this set. The audio and video are basic, which you will see in their respective sections, but the worst thing is that there are no special features. The shows on their own though, make the set well worth watching. That being said, I should admit I do not know tons about cowboys and outlaws. In fact, I know very little. I know the basics that everyone seems to know, but I’m not exactly overly knowledgeable about cowboys or outlaws.

The layout of each show is going to be similar to what you’ve seen on other documentary/fact-style shows. The show offers some dramatizations for excitement purposes and to keep things lively and there are experts that include historians and ranchers that are able to fill in the blanks about the people being discussed. It makes for an interesting show and while I can’t say you will learn as much as I did, you will probably learn something that makes watching these episodes worthwhile. My other complaint is that there are only six episodes here. I would have loved to see a lot more, which was quite surprising to me. Being that I am not normally into cowboys I wasn’t expecting to want to keep watching this. I don’t know if THC has more episodes planned, but I hope they do and if so, I look forward to watching them.

The Cowboys & Outlaws Episode List
Pop culture has a way of skewing history for dramatic purposes. It’s more interesting to assume that Billy the Kid always led the Regulators, but that isn’t really the case. There are a lot of things from the decade of true Cowboys and Outlaws that were this way. Facts about Wyatt Earp, Billy the Kid, and even Tom Horn are unknown or ignored for the sake of creating a better story. This is probably what makes this series so interesting. The creators of it made their goal to offer a true glimpse at each man that they talk about. Learning the difference between the legend and the real man makes for an eye-opening experience in some cases.

The goal of The History Channel seemed to be to separate the fiction from the true facts that are known about each person or event that is spoken about. While the series is short, it is effective. There are two main objectives in each episode from what I can tell. The person is explored as is/are the event(s) that he is most known for in history. Another fun aspect is that the documentary-makers look at the technology and time period more than you might expect. You get to learn all about the formation of a city, the saloons, true cowboy behavior, and even some information about cattle ranching and chuck wagons.

Each episode is in the 45 minutes long range. There is plenty of information provided here, including things you would think you might not want to know. For example, one of the episodes talks about how an infestation of maggots helped slow an infection that one of the cowboys had. Despite the fact that it sounds kind of gross, it is handled in a way that makes it tolerable and even educational. Of course, we don’t have the same medical issues as we once had so this might not be necessary knowledge at this point, but it’s still interesting.

The episodes in the Cowboys & Outlaws set include:

“The Real Lonesome Dove”: The novel of the same name was inspired by a dangerous, long, yet exciting cattle drive to Fort Sumner, New Mexico, run by Charles Goodnight and Oliver Loving.

“The Real McCoy”: Abilene, Kansas offers a new way to transport cattle via railroad, and it is all thanks to Joseph G. McCoy.

“The Real Billy the Kid”: Plenty of exaggerations exist about known killer and outlaw, Billy the Kid. In this episode, you’ll find out what exactly is true and what is pure fiction.

“The Real Wyatt Earp”: Wyatt Earp is one of the most famous lawmen of the old west. Known for his part in the OK Corral showdown, this episode examines just how much of a cold blooded killer Earp really was.

“Range War”: Home on the range never was quite as dangerous as when the homesteaders and the cattle barons went head to head.

“Frontier Hitman”: He was a detective that turned bad. Tom Horn’s name was infamous with death. If he wanted you dead, he would be, but what isn’t known about this ferocious killer from the Wild Wild West?

I should also mention that this set is hosted by Kenny Rogers. Rogers could make any set fun and he certainly added his charm to this Cowboys & Outlaws set.

Storyline/Plot: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Replayability: 5 out of 5 stars

Audio/Visual:
The video here is standard DVD quality for television. The colors are adequate, the blacks are fine, and the detail is good but not overly impressive. The video won’t win any awards, but it certainly gets the job done. I did not notice any glaring issues like noise, dirt, or compression errors, which is good. This is more or less your standard basic quality for a show on cable these days.

Like the video, you have your basic Dolby Stereo track. It’s not meant to wow you, but you will be able to hear everything with ease. The sound effects are pretty basic, the music sounds decent in most spots, and the dialogue is always easy to hear. If you’re expecting Blu-ray you will be let down, but if you come in with a normal expectation of what you will find you should not have any problems with this mix.

Visual: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Audio: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Bonus Features:
There is not so much as a single special feature available here. This is probably one of the few bad things about this set. It would have been nice to see something added, but nothing is here.

Bonus Features: 0 out of 5 stars

Bottom Line:
Cowboys & Outlaws was incredibly interesting, though I have to admit, I am not overly familiar with the subject matter. If you are a fanatic when it comes to the cowboys and outlaws this information might be comprised of things you’ve seen and heard before. When it comes to me, a lot of it was new. I love the way the information was presented and I thoroughly enjoyed each of the six episodes. If you’re new to the Cowboys & Outlaws scene you should definitely pick this up. If it’s old hat for you, then you might want to rent it or catch it on television first to make sure you’re not just repeating things you already know. In any case, for me, this comes highly recommended.

Overall Rating: 3.3 out of 5 stars

Technorati Tags: TV Box Set Review, The History Channel, Cowboys & Outlaws, History, Westerns, True Story, Lonesome Dove, Billy the Kid, television, DVD Review

Before you read this we need to get some things straight. Spartacus: Blood and Sand is a Raimi (as in Sam) and Tapert (as in Rob) production that is now (as of tonight) airing on Starz. The show depicts the life of Spartacus, a Thracian soldier that defected from the Romans only to watch his wife be dragged into slavery and end up as a gladiator for the men that he despised. This part of the show is as accurate as it gets. The rest is and will be debatable. That being said, no one promised a History lesson. This is the type of show that Xena would have been if other networks would have had the balls to let Raimi and Tapert do their thing. Kudos to Starz for allowing that to happen.

Now, onto the good stuff. If you do not like nudity (full frontal for boys and girls), violence (blood flies everywhere in a pretty array of red goodness), and homoerotic references then you should stop reading and make an effort not to watch this show. Before the first two minutes is over blood is flying. Before the first 30 minutes you see female bush and we’re talking full on. This is the second sex scene, by the way, we only mention it because the first doesn’t produce any bush in which to point out. So if you’re shy or don’t believe in looking at naughty parts you might not want to watch, or even keep reading for that matter. If you don’t go on we will most certainly understand. We love it, but that doesn’t mean you will.

That being said, it’s time to get down to the show!

12:00 – Spartacus is shown, though at first there is no obvious mention of who he is. Spartacus is not even his real name, though we never learn what it might be. He’s locked up, shackled to a wall and outside you can hear a crowd cheering. The ceiling boards rumble and he looks up. Fear fills his face and when they pan to the Colosseum it’s obvious why he is afraid. In the Colosseum the seats are filled and two men are sword-fighting. The hungry crowd looks on and it’s clear that Blood and Sand is not going to waste a minute of time. The first slash of flying blood occurs two minutes into the first episode and sets the stage for what is going to be a lovely series in more ways than one.

12:03 – Glaber, a Roman military man speaks to the men of Thrice. He wants to put aside the differences of the two groups, though naturally the men of Thrace are not very trusting towards him. However, Glaber points out that a big fight is heading their way from the barbarians and they have a choice. They can fight with Rome by pledging their allegiance or they can suffer. Spartacus does not agree that aligning with Rome is the right thing to do. He wants to know that the barbarians will end up dead as a result of the alliance. Glaber agrees that all of the barbarians will die.

12:04 – Sura prays to the Gods to bless her husband’s (Spartacus) sword. He makes it clear that he doesn’t have to fight, even though he said he would, but she knows that he must. He informs her that they march at first light and they go to bed to celebrate what could be their last night together.

12:06 – Sura is seen looking devastated, waiting on a hill as Spartacus approaches from behind. She says she wants him to stay, having changed her mind. She says that the Gods came to her. She saw him bowing before a Serpent. If he goes to war he will face great and unfortunate things. However, he reminds her that he pledged his blood and honor. Still, nothing will stop him from returning home to her. Before he leaves, she begs him to kill all of the barbarians.

12:08 – Spartacus and the rest of the men journey out to fight their war. They battle through snow, rain, and dark of night. The blood splashes mightily on both sides of the war. Spartacus appears to be a leader of the Thracian Army. He is seen killing many of the enemy, as are the other Thracian soldiers, but at no times are the Romans to be seen.

12:10 – The Romans arrive on horseback and wait till a man’s head is cut off before they begin to tow the line. Glaber seems pleased that the war is going so well, especially since the Romans are doing nothing to fight it.

12:11 – Spartacus watches as his fellow Thracian’s freeze in the cold, sharing meager amounts of gruel while the Roman Army stays warm in tents, eating good meals. It becomes apparent that they are doing all the work and getting the worst treatment. Spartacus shows he is a man of honor, but doesn’t back down from a fight when one of the men start talking about his wife.

12:14 – The Romans show up informing the men that one of them need to go on a tactical scouting report (sans rations). Spartacus and his fighting buddy shake hands, though his new friend is certain that they are going to die. Spartacus does not seem too sure as of yet.

12:15 – The tent of Glaber is invaded by his wife, Ilithyia. He informs her that she is not supposed to be in his chambers, but he doesn’t make her leave. He wants to know if her father, the Senator Albinius, knew she was in Thrace, but she points out that he is paying more attention to the Senate and none to her. Ilithyia doesn’t seem to realize that a war is going on, either that or she doesn’t care. The conversation ends up taking second place to the sex romp that soon ensues and all is forgotten between them.

12:18 – Spartacus and his warring friend go on their tactile check to find the barbarian Army retreating. Its apparent that the Army is going west, which means they will attack Spartacus’ village along with the other Thracian villages. When the Romans find out what is going on, they dismiss Spartacus, regardless of the fact that the women and children of all of the villages remain unprotected. Meanwhile, Ilithyia is more worried about Glaber catching the Greeks and becoming a hero of Rome, leaving the villages to fend for themselves.

12:21 – Spartacus sits sharpening his sword when the trumpets are sounded. The call has come and it’s time to get moving. They learn that they are marching East towards the Greeks and not West towards their homes. When Spartacus speaks to Glaber, refusing to follow his orders, they are warned to fall into formation as they will be heading East, not West. Spartacus refuses. He points out that he did not agree to march on Greece and he will go home to protect his village. Glaber attempts to raise his sword and instead falls from his horse when Spartacus grabs the reigns. A fight between the two groups rage and a final spear is thrown by Spartacus which slices the last fleeing soldier through the neck. Glaber, the only surviving Roman in the bunch is left on the ground in the mud, and the men of Thrace head towards their homelands.

12:25 – Sura is picking fruit when in the fog she sees men approaching. They are barbarians and the fear is evident in her eyes. One jumps on top of her and she gives a good fight, grabbing the sword from one and ducking in time to miss a sword flying at her. The sword, from Spartacus, hits his intended mark and a battle rages with the two and the barbarians. The last blade struck goes into the back of one of the barbarians as Sura saves her man. Unfortunately, the village does not fare as well. The two watch the fires and hear the screams from a far off distance. Spartacus tells her that they must leave. Now.

12:27 – Spartacus is sure that they have not been followed. Sura doesn’t seem to care about that, clearly devastated at what has happened. He agrees that he never should have left, but she reminds him that he gave his word. Sura assesses a wound on his back, worried that he might be in pain. She asks if the village is gone and he replies that they can move South. The barbarians will not go that far so the two will be better off. She asks if the Romans will cause trouble, but he points out that they are heading East, so they represent little problems either. Despite her pain, she realizes that he did all he could and she’s proud of him for it. She shows him so by a night of hot, raunchy sex in a multitude of positions.

12:32 – A new dawn is breaking and Sura and Spartacus are together. That would be fine but Glaber is there, as well. Spartacus is smashed in the face and beaten as he lay naked. His wife, also naked, is drug away. Glaber condemns her to slavery and Spartacus is made to suffer a similar fate, as well. When he wakes up he is shackled in the dank cellar of a ship, with the Thracian men that also deserted Rome to protect their families. Here he is told that they are headed to Capua. Spartacus is told to forget his wife if the Romans have her, but there is no way that he cannot do that.

12:34 – Glaber and Ilithyia reunite. She informs him that her father, Senator Albinius, is not pleased with him and though she is glad he’s home, she doesn’t think he will be glad and that could be a problem. Glaber is not worried though because he has a plan to get on his good side and it appears that his new slaves will have something to do with it. Thracian blood will fall at the games and the Romans will be thrilled when it happens.

12:36 – An orgy occurs at the baths during a party by the Senator. People enjoy food, treats, and a man crawling around with a mask that has a dildo on his forehead. The Senator addresses the crowd as Batiatus announces the gladiators from Carthage and Gaul. He is well aware that as he only has two gladiators he doesn’t have much luck. His wife, Lucretia is on hand to lick his wounds, though she doesn’t seem to do much else at this point. Two other men come in, including Glaber and offers a series of men, gladiators to fight for sport. Apparently the Thracian soldiers, Spartacus included, will be beheaded at the games for punishment for abandoning the Roman Army.

12:42 – The Thracian soldiers watch the dancing and debauchery around them. Everywhere they look they see men fighting, women making out, and one gladiator pointing his sword at Spartacus. It appears to be a challenge that he may have a problem with because Spartacus does not look interested in backing down. All of these things leave his mind when soldiers come to unhook him and he is carried out towards the main stage where he can see his brother in arms fighting. After a mere two blows, the Thracian’s throat is cut and Spartacus stands to be next.

12:45 – Spartacus looks behind him to see a series of other bloody men. He seems to be the last in the group to head into the arena. He steps out into the ring with just a sword, like all of the others before him. The executioner seems thrilled to get a shot at Spartacus. However, he’s not the only one there to get a shot. Instead, a series of other soldiers are sent out to humiliate him and make sure that he ends up dead. The crowd is not thrilled though the Senator allows it to happen anyway.

12:47 – The signal is given and the fight begins. Spartacus falls to his feet when someone trips him. He is stabbed but does not give up. Blood splashes from his mouth as a shield hits him in the face and then as he is crushed in the back of the head, more blood flows. The crowd is enraged. Still, Spartacus does not give up. He hears his wife’s voice telling him to kill them all and he does just that. He kills the executioner first and then slices the arm off another, turning him to make sure one of the other men cut off his head. He continues dismembering the four men in the pit until each one of them is dead. The crowd goes wild as a result. Glaber is not pleased nor is the Senator. The crowd wants him to live and be free, but Glaber does not agree. However, the Senator doesn’t believe killing is the right thing to do, especially with the crowd so vocal about their interest in Spartacus.

12:51 – The Senator informs the people that Spartacus has proven himself in the arena so they will allow him to live. Of course, he leaves out the part about his freedom.

Next Episode: Spartacus is taking to a school of training to become a Gladiator.

Technorati Tags: Spartacus, Blood and Sand, Starz, Television Show, Live Blog, History, Gladiator, Blood, Sex, Violence, Lucy Lawless, Andy Whitfield

This weekend Spartacus: Blood and Sand comes to Starz for it’s first episode. We will be live blogging during the first episode and probably all of the others in the season if they end up being as good as they look. If you have Comcast, Charter or DirectTV and already have Starz you can catch the first episode now using the On Demand service. You can also catch the first episode online (or order Starz if you don’t have it) at Starz.com.

It should be noted that this series will be filled with sex and violence. That being said, if you’re a fan of historical/period pieces, Ancient Rome, Lucy Lawless, and gratuitous television experiences this should be perfect for you! So, all that being said…will you be watching this weekend?

Description of the series:
Betrayed by the Romans. Forced into slavery. Reborn as a Gladiator. The classic tale of the Republic’s most infamous rebel comes alive in the graphic and visceral new series, Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Torn from his homeland and the woman he loves, Spartacus is condemned to the brutal world of the arena where blood and death are primetime entertainment. But not all battles are fought upon the sands. Treachery, corruption, and the allure of sensual pleasures will constantly test Spartacus. To survive, he must become more than a man. More than a gladiator. He must become a legend.

Technorati Tags: Lucy Lawless, Spartacus, Starz, Blood and Sand, Television, Live Blogging, Trailer, Video, Friday, Cable, History, Ancient Rome

This season of Big Love is shaping up to be as fabulous as previous seasons. Rather than just watching and salivating over it, like we normally do, we decided we should share the love and blog along with the show. That way we can share our thoughts and parts of the show with people that don’t get to watch it…or want to know what we think. So, without further ado, here is the basis (and our thoughts) for Episode two of Season four, “The Greater Good.”

12:00 AM – Recap for the prior episode. Topics touched upon include Alby’s gay encounter while “bird” watching, Bill and his troubles with Nicky (and everyone else), and Margene and her struggles maintaining her job and family time.

12:02 AM – The new Big Love opening song plays. I have to say, in comparison to the catchier previous tune, I am not fond of this one. It’s a little too acid-induced for me, I think. What do you think?

12:04 AM – The UEB trial continues. Alby’s boyfriend (the trustee) and Bill get railroaded by the political religious men that want to see the polygamous compound turned out. Bill tunes it out in thought. Alby and his mom, Adaleen sit with a very dead Roman, waiting to send him out to his funeral.

12:06 AM – A news report talks about how Roman died alone and how the sect has no known successor as Roman did not leave one.

12:07 AM – Bill opens a box full of files that has something in them that are going to change his life (or so it looks). The files are put aside when Nicky starts screaming on the phone with JJ about him not giving her the vaccinations for their daughter to get in school.

12:08 AM – Bill and the family sit down to a meal. He talks about the wannabe senator that wants to take down the compound. Bill considers running against him just to make sure that he does not win. Bill fears that if he does win, then their family will suffer, as well as all other polygamists in compounds or not. Bill claims he had a revelation from heavenly father. Meanwhile, the only one that agrees is Nicky. However, she thinks it’s that Bill should be the next prophet not the next senator. The whole ordeal causes Bill to leave the table.

12:11 AM – Scott is fixing up the apartment when Sarah walks in. Neither of them understand her family. Scott decides they should get married now, at a justice of the peace, and avoid finding a church since neither of them believe in church anyway. Sarah agrees.

12:12 AM – The sister wives bicker about Costco and paper towels, avoiding Bill’s new revelation. Barb doesn’t want to talk about prophet-hood and Margene only seems to care about being exposed, because she doesn’t want to lose her job. Nicky is only concerned with Bill becoming prophet, claiming that it’s the destiny for the family. Barb isn’t quite convinced.

12:14 AM – Bill and Margene are in bed, but even while having sex she is more worried about him running for politics and changing their lives. She was so ridiculous about it (while they were having sex) that he finishes and attempts to go to bed as not to have to hear her any longer.

12:16 AM – Nicky weeds through the trash and tells Barb how much Margene really makes selling her stuff on the home shopping channel. It all makes sense why Margene doesn’t want to lose her job. Barb informs Nicky that Ray is leaving town and it’s finally over…well, it would be if Nicky didn’t go to see Ray…one last time. She informs him that his presence, close by, means a lot. Ray is not thrilled to be moving, since she ruined his life. Ray and Nicky argue, because she has feelings for him, too. It’s too late for her now though, it seems, and he slams the door in her face.

12:19 AM – Heather is back in town and Sarah shows up tearfully to apologize for being selfish. Sarah informs her that she’s getting married at the City Hall and Heather congratulates her and gives her the food she orders. Sarah demands that Heather is her witness at the wedding. She threatens to sit in the drive-thru line until Heather agrees to come to the wedding.

12:21 AM – The casino is hopping with business and Barb is in the office working on something. Barb always appears that she has a stick up her butt when she talks to the Indians that also run the casino. Maybe it’s just me, but it seems that she’s not fond of them and they certainly aren’t fond of her.

12:22 AM – Nicky is distraught when Bill is with her and he thinks she’s upset about JJ. He has no idea that she’s really upset about Ray. She has a fit when she finds out that JJ is coming to dinner, but it’s likely it has little to do with JJ.

12:23 AM – Barb is going out to talk to Sarah about getting married. Nicky points out how sad and lonely she will be if she choose the wrong church to have her wedding in. Barb brings Sarah her wedding dress in hopes that she will wear it. Sarah tells her mom that she’s not going to get sealed in her daddy’s church. Barb wants Sarah to be sealed by Bill regardless of their beliefs and Sarah considers it, but it seems to be more to shut her mom up.

12:25 AM – Bill talks to his sister-in-law and her husband about running for politics. They are pretty sure that isn’t a good idea, regardless of the polygamy thing…or Barb’s excommunication thing.

12:27 AM – The family sits down for dinner with JJ. JJ comments about how his daughter loves Barb and the order she hands to the family. Nicky causes JJ’s wife to have some form of a fake attack when she brings up his arrest. It’s clear that Nicky and JJ have some issues. Nicky seems less than pleased when JJ gives his daughter a big picture of Roman. JJ asks about the family going to the funeral and Bill informs him that they will not be attending. Nicky mentions that she will not be going either.

12:29 AM – Margene freaks out when talking to Barb and points out that JJ has no fingernails! Meanwhile, JJ makes some threats to Nicky about Alby and Kansas City. Sarah tells Ben that he needs to come to the wedding tomorrow, too. Meanwhile, Heather and Ben voice their opposition to the idea of the wedding occurring the way that it’s going to occur. Ben threatens to leave when Sarah pours wine at the table.

12:31 AM – Carolyn gets upset with Nicky after finding out that they won’t be attending Roman’s funeral and that Nicky didn’t tell her when the funeral was. She is upset that no one listens to Bill. Nicky admits that she is unsure of her religion and Carolyn admits that she isn’t sure of things either. Nicky insists that Bill needs to become prophet to fix things. She tells him how she remembers the light around him. She insists that if Bill doesn’t take the throne then JJ will try and take it. Nicky swears that if Bill doesn’t become prophet then she doesn’t know about the future of their marriage. Bill storms out claiming their marriage may not mean as much as he thought.

12:34 AM – Joey and family sneak into their old home. He tells Wanda there is work to be done and that things are all about to unfold.

12:35 AM – Adaleen and Nicky’s sister shows up at Nicky’s shocked that she will not be showing up at Roman’s funeral. Adaleen wants to know why Nicky is shaming her by not showing up at her father’s funeral. She states that she doesn’t believe that Roman was the real prophet. Adaleen wants her to mourn her father, not the prophet, but Nicky doesn’t buy it. Adaleen claims that Nicky will die with a heart of stone if she doesn’t show up. They leave, much to Nicky’s dismay.

12:37 AM – Margene and Bill are driving to the casino and they talk about her job. He asks how much she makes and though she doesn’t want to tell him, she soon admits that she will make over 100k for the year. He wants her to sign over her money to the common pot. Meanwhile, she wants a money manager.

12:38 AM – Dean is leading an Alignment Meeting. A boy is talking about how he loves men. Dean talks about how that is a choice and how it can be avoided. Alby shows up as the meeting goes on and Dean looks him in the eye spouting his crap about saving his relationship to his father in heaven. It seems though, that Alby is smitten with Dean. In fact, he’s so smitten that they make out in front of the building!

12:40 AM – Bill and Barb attend a religious meeting attempting to get back into the church. They are told they have to attend the church meetings more regularly. Bill is no longer a priesthood holder so he is told that he cannot act as one. Unfortunately, it’s a big lie, but one they feel has to be done for the greater good. Barb hates the idea and how they will have to hide the truth of their family even more than they already do.

12:42 AM – Joey shows up at Bill’s church. It’s obvious that he wants something, but in any case is happy to state that he is at peace since Roman is gone. Bill talks about his plans for Senate, but Joey tells him that he is the one meant to be the prophet. He gives Bill the calling from their grandfather. Joey fights for the idea that Bill becomes the prophet. He tells him he doesn’t need to build a church because he has one waiting for him. Joey leaves but Bill keeps the calling and will likely read it before the night is over.

12:45 AM – While Joey is gone, JJ visits Wanda. JJ makes a mention of how Joey was at the big house and he knows that Roman was murdered by Joey. He knows that’s why the two went to Arizona and are only back now since it’s been found out that Roman died. Wanda doesn’t have much to say, deciding to beat her rugs instead. She doesn’t say a thing until he reminds her of the precious thing of hers that he has.

12:47 AM – Barb catches Heather and Sarah talking about the wedding and it becomes clear that the wedding is today. Sarah is not in Barb’s dress and it’s clear how hurt that Barb is as a result of the whole thing. She begs Sarah not to do it this way. She says it’s not a real marriage if it’s not done in a church. Done the way they are doing it, is just a government contract. Sarah says she’s doing it her way. Barb leaves in tears.

12:49 AM – Margene wants to talk to Nicky about Bill getting into office. Nicky admits that she is as scared as Margene is, though it’s likely that it’s for different reasons. They talk about him being prophet and Margene asks if Nicky is even still in love with Bill. Nicky admits that she doesn’t know anymore.

12:50 AM – Sarah, Scott, Ben, and Heather sit in a car discussing whether or not they are going to get married. Scott wants to stick to the plan. Heather worries about getting back to the dorm on time. Scott prepares to leave and Sarah gets out for more fries.

12:51 AM – Don makes Bill some political hats, but Bill talks about the doubts that the whole family currently has because of everything. Bill seems so certain, but he states that none of the other family agrees. Bill admits he doesn’t feel the peace one should during a testimony. Next thing you know, he’s sitting with the calling.

12:52 AM – Sarah comes to talk to Bill. She talks about how she found the strength in her father and chose not to get married as a result. She talks about how they became polygamists against her will and how she doesn’t want to hide her feelings. She states that she is going to get married and hopes that she has his blessing. She doesn’t wait to find out.

12:54 AM – Roman’s funeral and a bunch of singing, crying mormans take center stage. It’s clear that Alby doesn’t want to be there. Nicky seems to share the same zeal for being there and it’s clear she’s only there for her daughter. Roman is dropped into the ground and the lights dim.

12:56 AM – Bill and the wives are sitting around the table when Bill tells them a few things. He tells them that he has changed his mind about running for office. He plans to win his election, but when he does he plans to tell the truth about who he is. As polygamy is a misdemeanor he can still hold his office. He plans to hold office for four years to show the good side of polygamy. They just have to keep the secret of their family for a few more weeks. The second thing he has to tell them has to do with Sarah’s wedding…which is occurring in their backyard. Sarah and Scott are married by a justice of the peace in front of the whole family. It may not have been the way Barb and Bill planned, but at least the family was together.

Previews for Next Week – Bill is running for office and needs an endorsement. Barb wants to bridge the gap between the two worlds in the casino. Dean and Alby continue to butt….heads. JJ wants his daughter back in Juniper Creek. Sissy Spacek guest stars.

Technorati Tags: Big Love, Season Four, Episode Two, Live Blogging, The Greater Good, Bill Paxton, Chloe Sevigny, Ginnifer Goodwin, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Drama, HBO

truTV to Pay Tribute to Dominick Dunne with 13-Hour Marathon of Dominick Dunne’s Power, Privilege & Justice Friday, Aug. 28

truTV will pay tribute to Dominick Dunne, who passed away yesterday at the age of 83. The network will celebrate Dunne’s work with a 13-hour marathon of episodes of Dominick Dunne’s Power, Privilege & Justice, which has been an important part of the network’s primetime lineup since 2002. The marathon will begin Friday, Aug. 28, at 3 p.m. (ET).

“Dominick Dunne has been a valued and beloved contributor to truTV through the long-running series Dominick Dunne’s Power, Privilege and Justice,” said Marc Juris, executive vice president and general manager of truTV/IN SESSION. “He was a master storyteller who dug deeply into the legal details of notorious criminal cases, but always kept his eye on the human story behind the crimes. We will miss him dearly.”

In his long-running Power, Privilege & Justice, Dunne has examined what happens when crime and money create a deadly mixture. Among the high-profile stories covered in the series are the case of Erik and Lyle Menendez, who murdered their parents; the murders of Judge Vincent Sherry and his wife in Biloxi; the case of JT Lundy, who killed his horse for insurance money; and the disappearance and suspected murder of Brach’s candy heiress Helen Brach.

Dominick Dunne’s Power, Privilege & Justice premiered on truTV (then Court TV) on June 19, 2002, and is currently in its ninth season, which is scheduled to end Friday, Sept. 25. Over the course of its nine seasons on truTV, the series has averaged 1.2 million viewers.

The following is the schedule for truTV’s Friday, Aug. 28, marathon of Dominick Dunne’s Power, Privilege & Justice and the cases that are explored. At 10 p.m. (ET), truTV will premiere a new episode of the series.

3 p.m. – “Deadly Parlay” – Murder of Dallas socialite Doris Angleton.
4 p.m. – “Billionaire on the Run” – Case of New York real estate heir Robert Durst.
5 p.m. – “Burning Obsession” – Murder of pharmaceutical heir David Coffin Jr.
6 p.m. – “Brothers in Arms” – Case of brothers Lyle & Erik Menendez, who murdered their parents.
7 p.m. – “The von Bülow Affair” – Case of Claus von Bülow, accused, convicted and later acquitted of murdering his wife, Sunny.
8 p.m. – “Deadly Designs” – Murder of designer Gianni Versace by Andrew Cunanan.
9 p.m. – “Sinister Harvest” – Murder of California farming mogul Ray Yocum and his wife, Gayle.
10 p.m. – “Programmed for Murder” – Disappearance of Nina Reiser, wife of technology magnate Hans Reiser.
11 p.m. – “Evil Deeds” – Date-rape case of Max Factor heir Andrew Luster.
Midnight – “Deadly Designs” – Murder of designer Gianni Versace by Andrew Cunanan.
1a.m. – “Sinister Harvest” – Murder of California farming mogul Ray Yocum and his wife, Gayle.
2 a.m. – “Programmed for Murder” – Disappearance of Nina Reiser, wife of technology magnate Hans Reiser.
3 a.m. – “Evil Deeds” – Rape conviction of Max Factor heir Andrew Luster.

Technorati Tags: Dominick Dunne, Death, Tribute, Power and Privilege, truTV, Schedule, Marathon, Ray Yocum, Andrew Luster, Andrew Cunanan, Gianni Versace, Nine Reiser

TCM to Light up Summertime with Seventh Edition of Popular SUMMER UNDER THE STARS

Month-Long Celebration of Hollywood’s Brightest Stars Showcases a Different Actor or Actress Each Day 17 Stars Getting their First SUMMER UNDER THE STARS Marathons

Each August, movie fans come out of the sun and park themselves on the sofa for the latest edition of Turner Classic Movies’ (TCM) ultimate movie star showcase: SUMMER UNDER THE STARS. Returning for its seventh year, the festival dedicates each of its 31 days to one of Hollywood’s most enduring personalities. Assembled from the network’s library of more than 5,000 films, this one-of-a-kind festival is an opportunity for viewers to enjoy a varied selection from each star’s body of work, uncut and commercial free.

More than half of the month’s actors and actresses featured in this year’s SUMMER UNDER THE STARS are first-timers to the festival. The 17 memorable performers include six Oscar® winners: James Coburn (Aug. 4), Gloria Grahame (Aug. 13), Yul Brynner (Aug. 26), two-time winners Gene Hackman (Aug. 21) and Fredric March (Aug. 24), and honorary recipient Harold Lloyd (Aug. 5). Other stars getting their first showcases include James Mason (Aug. 2), Marion Davies (Aug. 3), Dirk Bogarde (Aug. 10), Red Skelton (Aug. 19), Miriam Hopkins (Aug. 20), Sterling Hayden (Aug. 22), Merle Oberon (Aug. 25), Ida Lupino (Aug. 27), Jean Arthur (Aug. 30) and Claire Bloom (Aug. 31).

This year’s SUMMER UNDER THE STARS also features 42 feature films making their premiere on TCM, nearly twice as many as last year. Movies making their first appearance on TCM during the festival include The Grapes of Wrath (1940), An Affair to Remember (1957), Les Miserables (1935), Mississippi Burning (1988) and Good Morning, Miss Dove (1955).

The rest of the schedule for Summer Under the Stars is listed below:

Sunday, Aug. 16 – Elvis Presley
6 a.m. Viva Las Vegas (1964)
7:30 a.m. Spinout (1966)
9:15 a.m. Blue Hawaii (1961)
11 a.m. Girls! Girls! Girls! (1962)
1 p.m. Jailhouse Rock (1957)
2:45 p.m. Fun in Acapulco (1963)
4:30 p.m. Girl Happy (1965)
6:15 p.m. Clambake (1967)
8 p.m. It Happened at the World’s Fair (1963)
10 p.m. King Creole (1958)
12 a.m. G.I. Blues (1960)
2 a.m. Roustabout (1964)
4 a.m. The Trouble with Girls (1969)

Monday, Aug. 17 – Jennifer Jones
6 a.m. Madame Bovary (1949)
8 a.m. We Were Strangers (1949)
10 a.m. Ruby Gentry (1952)
11:30 a.m. Indiscretion of an American Wife (1954)
1 p.m. The Barretts of Wimpole Street (1956)
3 p.m. Since You Went Away (1944)
6 p.m. Love Letters (1945)
8 p.m. Portrait of Jennie (1948)
9:30 p.m. Carrie (1952)
11:45 p.m. Beat the Devil (1954)
1:30 a.m. Good Morning, Miss Dove (1955)
3:30 a.m. Duel in the Sun (1946)

Tuesday, Aug. 18 – John Wayne
6 a.m. Flying Leathernecks (1951)
8 a.m. The Wings of Eagles (1957)
10 a.m. 3 Godfathers (1948)
12 p.m. The Alamo (1960)
3:30 p.m. McLintock! (1963)
5:45 p.m. The Horse Soldiers (1959)
8 p.m. The Sons of Katie Elder (1965)
10:15 p.m. True Grit (1969)
12:30 a.m. The Green Berets (1968)
3 a.m. Three Faces West (1940)
4:30 a.m. Baby Face (1933)

Wednesday, Aug. 19 – Red Skelton
6 a.m. Having Wonderful Time (1938)
7:15 a.m. Ship Ahoy (1942)
9 a.m. I Dood It (1943)
10:45 a.m. Du Barry Was a Lady (1943)
12:30 p.m. The Show-Off (1946)
2 p.m. A Southern Yankee (1948)
3:45 p.m. Watch the Birdie (1950)
5 p.m. The Yellow Cab Man (1950)
6:30 p.m. Excuse My Dust (1951)
8 p.m. Whistling in the Dark (1941)
9:30 p.m. Whistling in Dixie (1942)
11 p.m. The Fuller Brush Man (1948)
12:45 a.m. Bathing Beauty (1944)
2:30 a.m. Whistling in Brooklyn (1943)
4 a.m. The Clown (1953)

Thursday, Aug. 20 – Miriam Hopkins
6 a.m. The Chase (1966)
8:15 a.m. The Richest Girl in the World (1934)
9:45 a.m. Wise Girl (1937)
11 a.m. Woman Chases Man (1937)
12:15 p.m. The Old Maid (1939)
2 p.m. Old Acquaintance (1943)
4 p.m. Virginia City (1940)
6 p.m. The Heiress (1949)
8 p.m. The Smiling Lieutenant (1931)
9:45 p.m. Trouble in Paradise (1932)
11:15 p.m. Design for Living (1933)
1 a.m. Barbary Coast (1935)
2:45 a.m. These Three (1936)
4:30 a.m. Lady with Red Hair (1940)

Friday, Aug. 21 – Gene Hackman
6 a.m. Mad Dog Coll (1961)
7:30 a.m. The Split (1968)
9:30 a.m. Bite the Bullet (1975)
12 p.m. Marooned (1969)
2:30 p.m. I Never Sang for My Father (1970)
4:30 p.m. Another Woman (1988)
6 p.m. Lilith (1964)
8 p.m. Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
10 p.m. The Conversation (1974)
12 a.m. Mississippi Burning (1988)
2:30 a.m. A Bridge Too Far (1977)

Saturday, Aug. 22 – Sterling Hayden
6 a.m. Battle Taxi (1955)
7:30 a.m. Terror in a Texas Town (1958)
9:15 a.m. Ten Days to Tulara (1958)
11 a.m. Five Steps to Danger (1957)
12:30 p.m. Dr. Strangelove (1963)
2:30 p.m. Zero Hour! (1957)
4 p.m. Johnny Guitar (1954)
6 p.m. The Last Command (1955)
8 p.m. The Asphalt Jungle (1950)
10 p.m. Manhandled (1949)
12 a.m. Crime of Passion (1957)
1:30 a.m. The Golden Hawk (1952)
3 a.m. The Iron Sheriff (1957)
4:30 a.m. Loving (1970)

Sunday, Aug. 23 – Angela Lansbury
6 a.m. The Harvey Girls (1946)
8 a.m. Tenth Avenue Angel (1948)
9:30 a.m. A Lawless Street (1955)
11 a.m. All Fall Down (1962)
1 p.m. The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
3:15 p.m. Private Screenings: Angela Lansbury (2006)
4:15 p.m. The Reluctant Debutante (1958)
6 p.m. Bedknobs and Broomsticks (1971)
8 p.m. Gaslight (1944)
10 p.m. Kind Lady (1951)
11:30 p.m. Death on the Nile (1978)
2 a.m. The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945)
4 a.m. Season of Passion (1959)

Monday, Aug. 24 – Fredric March
6 a.m. We Live Again (1934)
7:30 a.m. A Star is Born (1937)
9:30 a.m. There Goes My Heart (1938)
11 a.m. Mary of Scotland (1936)
1:30 p.m. One Foot in Heaven (1941)
3:30 p.m. Christopher Columbus (1949)
5:15 p.m. Bedtime Story (1942)
6:45 p.m. Nothing Sacred (1937)
8 p.m. Les Miserables (1935)
9:45 p.m. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1932)
11:45 p.m. Anna Karenina (1935)
1:30 a.m. Middle of the Night (1959)
3:30 a.m. Anthony Adverse (1936)

Tuesday, Aug. 25 – Merle Oberon
6 a.m. The Private Life of Henry VIII (1933)
7:45 a.m. Beloved Enemy (1936)
9:30 a.m. The Dark Angel (1935)
11:30 a.m. ‘Til We Meet Again (1940)
1:15 p.m. That Uncertain Feeling (1941)
2:45 p.m. Affectionately Yours (1941)
4:30 p.m. A Song to Remember (1945)
6:30 p.m. Berlin Express (1948)
8 p.m. The Lodger (1944)
9:30 p.m. The Scarlet Pimpernel (1935)
11:30 p.m. The Divorce of Lady X (1938)
1 a.m. The Lion Has Wings (1939)
2:30 a.m. Wuthering Heights (1939)
4:30 a.m. First Comes Courage (1943)

Wednesday, Aug. 26 – Yul Brynner
6 a.m. Solomon and Sheba (1959)
8:30 a.m. The Journey (1959)
11 a.m. Taras Bulba (1962)
1:30 p.m. Kings of the Sun (1963)
3:30 p.m. Triple Cross (1967)
6 p.m. Adios, Sabata (1971)
8 p.m. The King and I (1956)
10:30 p.m. The Magnificent Seven (1960)
12:45 a.m. Westworld (1973)
2:15 a.m. Futureworld (1976)
4:15 a.m. Flight from Ashiya (1965)

Thursday, Aug. 27 – Ida Lupino
6 a.m. The Gay Desperado (1936)
7:30 a.m. The Lady and the Mob (1939)
8:45 a.m. The Lone Wolf Spy Hunt (1939)
10 a.m. The Bigamist (1953)
11:30 a.m. Out of the Fog (1941)
1 p.m. On Dangerous Ground (1951)
2:30 p.m. Women’s Prison (1955)
4 p.m. The Big Knife (1955)
6 p.m. While the City Sleeps (1956)
8 p.m. They Drive by Night (1940)
10 p.m. The Hard Way (1942)
12 a.m. Ladies in Retirement (1941)
2 a.m. High Sierra (1941)
4 a.m. Junior Bonner (1972)

Friday, Aug. 28 – Frank Sinatra
6 a.m. Higher and Higher (1944)
8 a.m. Step Lively (1944)
9:30 a.m. The Kissing Bandit (1948)
11:30 a.m. Anchors Aweigh (1945)
2 p.m. On the Town (1949)
4 p.m. Take Me Out to the Ball Game (1949)
5:45 p.m. Never So Few (1959)
8 p.m. Some Came Running (1958)
10:30 p.m. High Society (1956)
12:30 a.m. The Tender Trap (1955)
2:30 a.m. Sergeants 3 (1962)
4:30 a.m. Suddenly (1954)

Saturday, Aug. 29 – Peter Sellers
6 a.m. Your Past is Showing (1957)
7:30 a.m. The Mouse that Roared (1959)
9 a.m. I’m All Right Jack (1960)
11 a.m. The Millionairess (1961)
12:30 p.m. Only Two Can Play (1962)
2:30 p.m. The Wrong Box (1966)
4:30 p.m. After the Fox (1966)
6:15 p.m. Murder by Death (1976)
8 p.m. Lolita (1962)
11 p.m. Waltz of the Toreadors (1962)
1 a.m. Two-Way Stretch (1961)
2:30 a.m. There’s a Girl in My Soup (1970)
4:15 a.m. The Party (1968)

Sunday, Aug. 30 – Jean Arthur
6 a.m. The Silver Horde (1933)
7:30 a.m. Public Hero No. 1 (1935)
9 a.m. Adventure in Manhattan (1936)
10:30 a.m. Whirlpool (1934)
11:45 a.m. Only Angels Have Wings (1939)
2 p.m. Shane (1953)
4 p.m. The Devil and Miss Jones (1941)
5:45 p.m. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
8 p.m. You Can’t Take it With You (1938)
10:15 p.m. The Ex-Mrs. Bradford (1936)
11:45 p.m. If You Could Only Cook (1935)
1 a.m. Too Many Husbands (1940)
2:30 a.m. The Impatient Years (1944)
4:30 a.m. Party Wire (1935)

Monday, Aug. 31 – Claire Bloom
6 a.m. The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm (1962)
8:30 a.m. The Outrage (1964)
10:30 a.m. The Brothers Karamazov (1958)
1 p.m. Alexander the Great (1956)
3:30 p.m. Richard III (1955)
6:15 p.m. The Man Between (1953)
8 p.m. The Spy Who Came in From the Cold (1965)
10 p.m. The Haunting (1963)
12 a.m. 80,000 Suspects (1963)
2 a.m. Clash of the Titans (1981)
4:15 a.m. A Severed Head (1971)

Technorati Tags: Turner Classic Movies, TCM, Summer Under the Stars, Claire Bloom, Jean Arthur, Peter Sellers, Movies, Classics, Clash of the Titans, Alexander the Great

With the economy continuing to struggle, the stakes are higher than ever for roughnecks working the oil rigs in Texas. These guys can’t afford to make any mistakes that might cost them their jobs or, even more importantly, their lives.

This year, the series will focus on three crews of roughnecks of Rig 28, who have a seemingly impossible job. Assembled by oilman Autry Stephens, they have only 50 days to try to save the lease on a very valuable piece of land before it expires. In that time they must drill four, back-breaking holes. In the words of pipe salesman Rooster McConaughey, “It’s never been done before.”

Technorati Tags: Ice Truckers, Oil Rig, Black Gold, Autry Stephens, Rooster McConaughey, TruTV, Cable, Season Two, Premiere, Texas

I don’t know about you, but I am sure going to miss Paula. She’s one of the main reasons I watched the show. Sure, the bad singing is amusing and the horrendous dancing can be even funnier, but it’s Paula acting like a space cadet that really draws the crowds. She sure made things interesting. I don’t know if I will be watching AI next season (I can’t stomach anymore Kara than I already have) but I do know that Paula will sorely be missed.

Technorati Tags: The Big Gay Sketch Show, American Idol, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Comedy, Simon Cowell, Reality Show, Singing Competition, Clip, Video