Rachael Carpani stars in Against the Wall

Rachael Carpani takes the lead role in the new Lifetime drama series Against The Wall. She is best known for her role in the Australian TV show McLeod’s Daughters where she played the farm girl with big dreams, Jodi Fountain. After moving to the US, Rachael has had recurring roles in The Glades, but this will be her first lead role on American television. She will play Abby Kowalski, a young Chicago detective who comes from a family of cops. Tensions rise when she lands a job in Internal Affairs, and finds herself in conflict with her colleagues including her family. Treat Williams and Kathy Baker play her parents in this new Lifetime original series that will air on July 31 at 10PM ET/PT.

Chef Forgione Is The Next Iron Chef

Chef Marc Forgione wins The Next Iron Chef after beating Chef Marco Canora in the Ultimate Thanksgiving Feast. Both served similar dishes, but one bordered on saltiness while the other on sweetness. It was a very close fight according to the judges where Forgione emerged as the winner. Which reminds me, did they display the scores? I somehow missed it if they did. I really thought and dreaded that Chef Canora is going to win what with Chef Forgione not serving a turkey dish for Thanksgiving. This actually is a relief given that I’m serving Cornish hens this Thanksgiving. I never liked turkey. It is too bland for my liking. I digress. I’m pretty sure Chef Canora cooks exceptional dishes, which I vow to try very soon at his restaurant Hearth. The thing that made him off-putting is his constant whining, and rather scheming personality, which I did not expect to see from an accomplished chef. Marc Forgione, on the other hand, is a class act. He may look like a brute fashioning a Mohawk that reminded me of Puck from Glee, but the man is rather soft-spoken. One can tell that this man has breeding.

At any case, it was an enjoyable finale. The only thing I would do without is the so-called Chairman, the supposed nephew of Chairman Kaga who adds nothing but annoyance to the show. At least Vanna White had to do some walking, and pushing of buttons, but Mark Dacascos just says “Chef”. It is such a waste of airtime. He doesn’t even take a bite from a yellow bell pepper, but bites into an apple instead. What a shame! Not that Takeshi Kaga does much, but at least he sometimes provides a bit of comic relief. Do we really need the Chairman to say “Chef” every time a dish is presented? Maybe a life-size cardboard picture of Mark Dacascos would suffice.

Laura Prepon to play Nikki Heat on Castle

01/03/11 Update: I just watched the Nikki Heat episode of Castle, and I am now a fan of Laura Prepon. She did a terrific job playing the quirky actress Natalie Rhodes. I cannot wait to see more of her. By the way, the earlier reports of Castle and Beckett flying to Los Angeles has not materialized. I'm not sure if they completely scratched the idea or if it is in an episode that is yet to air. At any case, I hope they bring back Laura Prepon on the show.

11/01/10: I heard that Laura Prepon is going to play Natalie Gray Rhodes the actress picked for the role of Nikki Heat in the film adaptation of Heat Wave. She will be appearing on an episode of Castle set to air early next year. From what I’ve read, Castle and Beckett are to fly to Los Angeles where Kate Beckett is to finally meet the actress playing her. After which, Natalie Gray Rhodes will fly to New York, and shadow both Beckett and Castle as they try to solve the murder of a millionaire matchmaker. This means Beckett will now have two people shadowing her. Now, that can be problematic. The question now is who will play Jameson Rook?

Actually, I’m also interested to know your thoughts about the choice? Do you think Laura Prepon would make a good Nikki Heat? It seems like Kate Beckett is hotter than the actress who is to play her. This is rarely the case. I have yet to think of a movie whose real life counterpart is more good-looking than the actor. Maybe I watch too many Lifetime movies. Although, I do remember that Gary Shandling played the Hollywood version of Fox Mulder in the X-Files episode The Lazarus Bowl, but that was more like a joke. Anyway, I still have high hopes on Laura Prepon. I know Nathan Fillion thinks that there will be some flirting between Richard Castle and Natalie Gray Rhodes. That is something to look forward to, and how Beckett will react to all of these could also be fun. I’m glad that the writers always give us more reasons to watch Castle.

Sources: Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic on Dream Wave Casting
Laura Prepon to guest star on ‘Castle’ as ‘Nikki Heat’ actress
‘Castle’: Stana Katic not concerned about Beckett meeting ‘Nikki Heat’

A Mondo Disappointment on Project Runway

Honestly, a few minutes ago the title of this post was a Mondo win on Project Runway. Imagine my shock when Gretchen was announced the winner. Well, it wasn’t much of a shock following the debate from the four judges that preceded the announcement. Obviously, Nina Garcia and Michael Kors’ opinions have much more weight than Heidi’s and a guest judge. Still congratulations are in order for Gretchen Jones for winning Project Runway.

As for Mondo, you will always be a winner to me. I would have given you a big kiss if only you didn’t have HIV. But seriously, who would have thought that the aloof, strange-looking guy who appeared to be depressed on the first episode of Season 8 would blossom into an adorable, quirky, and extremely talented designer? Mondo you’ve come a long way, and you have inspired me to wear bold prints. That is a leap for someone who tends to wear neutral-colored clothes. I prefer to wear clothes that blend in with NYC buildings. So many times, people smoking outside bars have leaned on me, because I just blend in with the concrete. I kid. But truly, I would wear those crazy pants you put on the runway to the office. I have yet to mismatch prints. My rehabilitation to wear bold clothing is a twelve-step process, but at least I have taken the first step.

Here's a recap of Mondo Guerra's designs on Project Runway.

Castle and Beckett Holding Hands

What do you make out of Beckett touching Castle’s knee, and Castle holding Beckett’s hand in the episode 3XK? The first thing that came to my mind (and actually it has been stuck in my mind since Monday) is the Patti Austin song “Say You Love Me”. It goes like this…

Don’t you know that I want to be more than just your friend?
Holding hands is fine, but I’ve got better things on my mind
You know it could happen if you’d only see me in a different light
Maybe when we finally get together, you will see that I was right.


Say you love me

Well actually, Castle said “I love you” to Beckett in the episode Anatomy of the Murder. I know. I know. He was just reading a suspect’s love letter to her girlfriend, but it did make for an awkward moment that made both of them conscious. The Castle and Beckett holding hands scene was fodder to fans like myself.  Although, I do sometimes wonder how long they can keep dancing around the fire. To tell you the truth, I don’t mind if they don’t get together until the very last season of the show, which I hope won’t be anytime soon. We can infer from the 11 million viewers who watched 3XK, and its 2.9 rating for adults aged 18 to 49 that Castle is doing something right despite the prolonged anticipation of Castle and Beckett getting together. I didn’t think the day would come when Castle will drive CSI: Miami out of its Monday at 10pm time slot, but it did. Okay, that’s a lot of hubris. From what I’ve read, the move was to open up the slot for Hawaii Five-0, which Castle beat last Monday. Hooray!

I digress. Back to the point of how long can Castle sustain the anticipation. I probably am not imaginative enough to think of ways for the show to become interesting once Castle and Beckett are officially committed to each other. Let’s give this a thought for a minute. If they become a couple then the flirting would surely stop. Also, there will be very little cause for jealousy, and if one cheats on another then it becomes a serious matter that will take the fun out of the show. I guess the best way to distract fans is a well-grounded case, sensible storyline, and sizzling moments between Castle and Beckett that would keep viewers coming back for more. As far as I am concerned, they are on track so far.

Is Stana Katic pregnant?

According to the Entertainment Weekly columnist Michael Ausiello, Stana Katic is not pregnant.

While watching last night’s episode of Castle, He’s Dead, She’s Dead, I noticed a bump on her otherwise incredibly flat belly. Her sporting loose-fitting outfits, and shots that seem to hide her belly were enough for me to become intrigued. So, I searched, and found that other fans have also noticed the bump. In fact, they have been talking about it since the season premiere. If not for the one comment from a fan on Facebook, I would have been convinced that the actress who plays Detective Kate Beckett on Castle is indeed preggers. The fan argues that the episode would have been shot back in July, and Stana attended the Creative Arts’ Emmy Awards in August with no trace of the bump. See Exhibit A and Exhibit B. So, I guess the beautiful actress who as one fan commented is glowing must have been just bloated on those shots. No need to be embarrassed it happens to the best of us, which reminds me that it is time to hit the gym, and do abs exercises lest my officemates think I’m pregnant. Those mushroom and Swiss Angus burgers I have been sniffing like a construction worker is starting to show.

Still not convinced? Then Watch Castle every Monday night on ABC at 10pm ET.

Buy Mad Men Season 3 DVD

Mad Men Season 3 DVDs was released on March 23, 2010. Buy a copy now! This season has one of the most memorable episodes. Who could forget that lawn mower scene in the “Guy Walks Into an Advertising Agency”? That was gruesomely brilliant! I also loved the season finale “Shut the Door, Have a Seat”. Watching the last scene made me feel like it was Christmas, and hooray Joan is back! They should promote her to VP of Operations.

Guess what? Major SPOILER ALERT if you haven't seen the Season 4 finale.  They just made Joan Holloway Director of Agency Operations.  Her conversation with Peggy made me laugh out loud.  Joan says, "...if they poured champagne, it must've been while I was pushing the mail cart".  Hilarious! Can't wait for Season 4 to go out on DVD.  Well, you don't have to wait for the DVD release to watch the Season 4 Mad Men Finale entitled "Tomorrowland".  <--Watch it here.

Mad Men Barbie Dolls

Mad Men Barbie Dolls…somehow that doesn’t sound right, but from what I read on ABC News Mattel is going to launch Don Draper, Betty Draper, Joan Holloway, and Roger Sterling dolls this July. I’m sure Denny Crane will be first in line for the Joan and Betty dolls, but who’s going to buy Roger? Anyhow, this seems to be a good move for all parties involved, and I’m very happy that this show has become so popular that the characters merit their own dolls.

You might also want to read Mad Men Episode Summaries

Naked Heat Castle’s 2nd Nikki Heat Book

Richard Castle’s second Nikki Heat book entitled Naked Heat will be released in September 28, 2010. If you remember, in the episode A Rose for Everafter, Richard Castle was strapped on a chair and gagged with duct tape as an experiment for his second Nikki Heat novel where the heroine suffers the same fate.  Also, in Overkill Castle has already written parts of the book where he introduced a new character whom he calls Detective Schlemming.  Hmmm...who might that be? Hehe! Not sure if he's keeping him on the book though, since Alexis told him to scratch out that character from the book.  There's only one way to find out.  Pre-order Naked Heat now! Be the first ones to get a copy of the book.

If you are a true Castle fan, you should have already bought Heat Wave, the very first Nikki Heat novel.  It is a good read, quite entertaining, so don't just skip to Chapter 10!

By the way, the paperback version of Heat Wave is set to hit the shelves on July 27. If you haven’t bought one, buy a copy now.

Castle Returns on Jan 11, 2010

Castle fans! It’s not yet over until the fat lady sings. True, the fate of the TV show Castle remains in a bubble. It would probably stay there until the Upfront in May. But let’s not dwell on dreary news, and look at what they have in store for us in the New Year. It looks like there are four episodes left before Season 2 ends, and the first that will be aired in 2010 is the episode “A Rose for Everafter”. This is slated to air on January 11, 2010. From what I’ve gathered the case will involve Rick Castle’s ex-girlfriend Kyra Blaine played by Alyssa Milano. There should be a lot of tension, and jealousy between Detective Kate Beckett and Richard Castle in this episode. Yay! They are starting the year just right! Looking forward to this new episode. Hope the ratings picks up as well.

Castle airs Mondays on ABC 10pm ET 9pm CT Missed an episode? Watch Castle online.

Kristin Chenoweth wins an Emmy

Kristin Chenoweth just won an Emmy for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series! Congratulations Olive Snook!!! There should be a Pushing Daisies spin-off with her as the star. There really should be! Give me the phone, and let me call Bob Iger. Hahaha!

It would be a shame for any show not to let her sing for Kristin Chenoweth is truly gifted with a marvelous singing voice though her speaking voice is strangely cute. I know that she did not win an Emmy until the second season of Pushing Daisies, but I’d like to think that many episodes paved the road to her success. My preference includes the episodes where she sang. If I’m not mistaken, the very first Pushing Daisies episode where Kristin Chenoweth displayed her singing prowess was in the Pigeon episode where she and Aunt Vivian were at the backseat of an old station wagon singing…

I’m your only friend
I’m not your only friend
But I’m a little glowing friend
But really I’m not actually your friend
But I am

Blue canary in the outlet by the light switch
Who watches over you
Make a little birdhouse in your soul

Not to put too fine a point on it
Say I’m the only bee in your bonnet

Make a little birdhouse in your soul
Make a little birdhouse in your soul

Cathy Grosam Survived A Japanese Game Show

Hai…Majide! Call me shallow, but I truly find this show entertaining. For those of you who haven’t a clue about this reality show, I suggest you watch the I Survived A Japanese Game Show season premiere. Sadly, the season finale already aired last Wednesday (August 5). The good news is the contestant I was rooting for won! This almost never happens. I tend to jinx the ones I like. Thank goodness Cathy’s winning streak proved to be unbreakable. It would be hard to top what she had done in this season. Yes, she won the $250,000, but apart from that she won every reward.

It all started when the Green Tigers had to pick one member to crossover to the losing team – The Red Robots. Cathy, the oldest contestant on the show, is a 36 year-old soccer mom. Her team thought her to be the weakest player, and decided that she move to the other team. What do you know? She proved them dead wrong! Cathy seemed to have mastered the art of playing silly Japanese games. Note to self, add Japanese game show puzzle maker to list of dream jobs.

Cathy’s luck rubbed on to The Red Robots until the time came when there were more Red Robots than Green Tigers, and so another player must move to another team. During that time, tension was brewing among The Red Robots as two of its members have become annoyingly intimate. Cathy appeared more relieved to have rejoined her old team. Guess what happened to the losing Green Tigers when Cathy returned? Yes, you guessed it. They started winning again. Unbelievable! I want whatever luck potion she drunk. Nah! Give the woman credit. She played every game exceptionally well! She is the master noodle swordsman who can block every ping-pong ball from entering the well, and the best big foot carrot soccer player I’ve ever seen. Hahaha! Congratulations Cathy Grosam! You truly are the deserving winner.

Pushing Daisies is Coming Back on ABC

The pie maker once again puts his talent into good use, and this time he resurrects the TV show Pushing Daisies that ABC axed sometime in December. So, don’t waste time. Watch the last three episodes of this wonderfully written show before the pie maker touches it for a second time. We all know what that means. It is going to stay dead forever. The first of the three episodes airs Saturday May 30 at 10/9c.

January 24, 2010 - Ok, so the show is not coming back, but it did leave us with very good memories. Hold on to those with these Pushing Daisies episode summaries.

June 3 - If you're like me, and missed last Saturday's episode, don't despair. You could watch the Pushing Daisies episode "Water & Power" on ABCs Web site.

June 2 - Here's a less far-fetched idea. How about a Pushing Daisies spin-off that stars Olive Snook? I think, though I cannot believe, that the reason why the show was unpopular is that majority of viewers are not too receptive to stories that are both funny, and fantastic. Note that I included funny given the cult following of The X-Files, and the popularity of Lost and Fringe, but I digress.

The fate of Pushing Daisies is reminiscent of Wonderfalls, which was a critically acclaimed series that never gained ground. A show about Olive Snook -- a singing waitress, pie maker, jockey and private detective is just too interesting and adorable to be forgotten. It might have a better chance of succeeding. It did make me wonder why it took them too long before they showed more of Olive. If I remember correctly, we didn't see much of her until the second season. Anyhow, one could always dream.

June 1 - Hello, is it Olive Snook you're looking for? You betcha! Pushing Daisies' May 30 episode "Window Dressed to Kill" focused on my favorite character on the show -- Olive Snook! Yebah! Yes, yes, she did sing a Lionel Richie song. He who I'm not a fan of, I just want to make that very clear, but that was one laugh-out-loud moment. Any scene where Kristin Chenoweth sings is a sure winner! Which leads me to ask, has there ever been a TV show that made it to Broadway? How about a Pushing Daisies Musical? Another question would be can the other characters sing? Well, as long as Kristin Chenoweth is there then I'm game! Haha! One episode down. Two more to go. Bitter sweet!

Please renew the TV Show Castle

January 10, 2011 - In case you haven't heard, ABC renewed Castle for another season. Yay! Thank you loyal fans, Castle will have a Season 4. Castle was one of ABC's early pick-ups for the next season, joining the ranks of Modern Family, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, The Middle, and Cougar Town. No more waiting for the May upfronts this year. What a relief! The worry-wart that I am had begun to worry after learning that Hawaii Five-0 has gained traction, and had several times outpaced Castle in its ratings and viewership. ABC appears to be happy with the TV series with it arguably taking the lead over some key demos. Castle's storyline and dialogue continue to improve with every episode. As always, I hope fellow fans would continue to advocate the show to extinguish any chance of it losing over the competition.

November 17, 2010 - Castle is getting better and better overall, but I still worry about its ratings. Though I wouldn’t say that it ousted CSI: Miami from its Monday 10pm time slot, it does make one wonder if Castle had a hand on it. Unfortunately, Hawaii Five-0, the show that replaced Castle’s toughest competitor is slowly gaining ground beating Castle yesterday with 10.3 million viewers and a 2.8 rating on adults aged 18 to 49. Castle remained on its 2.5 rating, and lost viewers to end the night with less than 10 million viewers. Fortunately, ABC still seems to be pleased with the show, sending a press release praising Castle for holding ground in adults 18 to 49, and overtaking Hawaii Five-0 in all key women demos not to mention a gradual increase in key Men demographics. Hopefully, Castle’s ratings will improve or at the very least remain flat. Bloggers do much as you can to promote the show, and try to reach those who watch shows of a similar type, but haven’t discovered Castle.

March 30, 2010 - This just in. It gives me absolute joy to inform you that Castle has been renewed for a third season! Need I say anything more? But if you want details read ABC Renews Castle for a Third Season. I guess I won't be adding much to this post in a while. Season 3 here we come! All you fans better continue watching Castle. There are still a few episodes left of Season 2.

February 25, 2010 - There is still no official news about Castle's renewal.  Part of its fate rests on how Flash Forward and V do in their return this March. In the meantime, you can pre-order Naked Heat now. It is due to be released on September 28, 2010.

January 28, 2010 – ABC hasn’t officially renewed Castle for a third season, but there is a lot to be hopeful about. It started the year right with surprisingly good ratings, and its performance continued to improve with the previous three episodes that went on air. I’d like to think that it is because of this that ABC ordered two more episodes for this season such that season two will culminate with 24 episodes. Although some might argue that the cancellation of Ugly Betty had a hand on this. Anyway, two of these will guest star Dana Delany, and one of them will air on a special night taking advantage of Desperate Housewives as its strong lead-in. Before Nathan Fillion became Richard Castle he played Dana Delany’s second husband Dr. Adam Mayfair in Desperate Housewives. Ms. Delany will play Special Agent Jordan Shaw in two episodes of Castle. Do I sense a new love interest for Castle that would arouse jealousy from Beckett? I hope so. This would not be the first time that the show will have a known actor for a guest star. In the first episode of 2010 called “A Rose for Ever After”, Alyssa Milano took the role of Richard Castle’s ex-girlfriend Kyra Blaine. Also, in the upcoming episode “Suicide Squeeze”, former New York Yankees manager Joe Torre will have a cameo role. So it seems that ABC finds value in the show enough to invest on having celebrities as guest stars. In addition, a second Nikki Heat novel is slated to hit the shelves on September. These things surely suggest a renewal, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Please continue to watch every Monday night, and become advocates of the series. If you missed an episode you could watch Castle here.

May 19 - Castle has been renewed for a second season! Yey!!! Case Closed! I guess until the next ABC Upfront. See below for some old news. Now, that's an oxymoron. Haha!

May 13 - Castle's season finale had 10.6 million viewers. Does this call for a celebration? Still not sure! Argh! Anyhow, only 6 more days to go. Castle has got to return. I wonder if the cliffhanger is a hint that it's getting renewed. It has been awhile that I've watched a show with a major cliffhanger. Also, yey to the love triangle. Sprinkles is back. Hehe! Castle's got competition. Hope they bring back Twinkie too! Now, there's a love square. Ahek.

May 8 - Update! There is a God!!! And he too is not a Bob Saget fan! LOL ABC is pulling Surviving Suburbia from next Monday's line-up, which means Castle, which is airing its season finale on May 11 will come right after Dancing with the Stars. This new move only shows that ABC is trying to save Castle as Dancing with the Stars is known to boost the next show's ratings, while Surviving Suburbia has the opposite effect. According to a study, at a 5% level of significance, it was found that ABC viewers slept before 10pm on Monday nights ever since Surviving Suburbia aired. Hehehe! Of course, I'm only kidding, but I truly believe that this new development would give Castle a fighting chance.

However, let's not be complacent. Let's continue to Save Castle! <--Click the link and ask ABC NOT to cancel the show. Come on fans! We can save Castle. I think we can! I think we can! Entertainment Weekly already launched its own Save Castle Campaign where fans are asked to post a Castle-related question. They will choose the best ones, ask Nathan Fillion, and post the answers on Monday morning. Calling all Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic fans. Please help!

Look ABC! Entertainment Weekly, USAToday and even The New York Times are trying to save the show. USAToday launched a poll of what shows people want renewed, and Castle ranked #4 across all shows, and #1 for ABC. The New York Times' article TV Networks Frustrated By Lengthy Ratings Delay linked to EW's save Castle campaign. I hope the Nielsen "server issues" would be providential for Castle.

Ok, ok. I might be jumping the gun here. I'm no longer jumping the gun, I'm already aiming it. I have read the TV show Castle is in danger of being canceled due to poor ratings. It comes to me as a surprise really given the growing trend in mass appeal for light-themed movies as brought about by the recession. I thought the same trend would exist in television. During these times, people are expected to turn to forms of entertainment that would help them escape the gloom brought about by an economic downturn. Truth of the matter is, I just want to bring back the 80s teased hair, oversized shoulder pads and all. LOL I was only using the economy, because it sounds more profound. Hehehe! Seriously, the shows back then appear to cater to escapists. Take Remington Steele, Magnum P.I., Moonlighting among others. Anyhow, I could only attribute the poor ratings to tough competition as Castle has the same time slot as the popular CBS TV show CSI: Miami. Having said that, I truly believe that ABC should give it another chance, and people who do not watch CSI: Miami should start watching Castle. Hehehe!

I am getting tired of my favorite shows getting axed, so I thought if fans such as myself start their support early then this show might have a better chance of surviving. Prevention is the best cure. If you want the show renewed then do the flashdance. Kidding! Here is how. Please send your message via ABC.com. Click on this link-->Please renew Castle! and write on the feedback form why ABC should renew Castle for the next season. Make sure you write in a cordial manner. I don't believe ranting messages would help. Based on a post on IMDB you could call 1-818-460-7477, Press 1, then Press 2 and leave your message of support for the show. You could also send a snail mail to ABC INC, 500 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank, CA 91521-4551. If there is already an official petition going on please let me know so I could join it too!