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Modern Family – Season 3, Episode 9: Punkin Chunkin

So we might not have gotten a Halloween episode from the Pritchetts and Dunphy’s this year, but we were treated to a great Thanksgiving episode this week. Phil and Claire are reunited with Kenneth (guest star Josh Gad), their former neighbor who looks up to Phil. He dropped out of college to start a company with a friend of his, that turned out to be very profitable. His secret to success? He always asks himself “what would Phil Dunphy do?” Luke asks his dad, if Kenneth became a “kajillionaire” by asking WWPD, why aren’t the Dunphy’s rich? Why isn’t Phil doing what Phil would do?  This causes Phil to realize that Claire is holding back his dreams.

At the park, Cam and Mitch are chatting with a couple when Cam starts a story about “chunkin punkins.” He tells the dragged-out story with drama and flair, and it doesn’t result in the reaction he wanted. Mitch tells Cam he should “stick to stories that actually happened” which sets off an argument over whether Cam actually slingshotted a pumpkin across an entire football field that landed in the sunroof of a car.

Manny has created a centerpiece for Thanksgiving, which Gloria says she loves. Jay, on the other hand, wants to tell Manny that it isn’t his best work. The two of them argue over what is better for him, to be built up, or to be given realistic advice.

As you can see, all three families have a story about some members “crushing the dreams” of the others. When the families get together for Thanksgiving, they separate themselves into the “dreamers and the Pritchetts.” To settle the debate, everyone goes to a football field to see if Cam can actually “chunk the punkin.” After the first try is unsuccessful, the Pritchetts feel bad that it didn’t work. They don’t want to be viewed as the dream crushers. The second time works better, and the third one soars all the way across the field.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Favorite quotes below the jump:Read More »Modern Family – Season 3, Episode 9: Punkin Chunkin

ABC Modern Family – ‘Punpkin Chunkin’ Preview

Are you watching America’s best family comedy, Modern Family? If not, why not start with tonight’s Thanksgiving themed episode –“Punkin Chunkin.” When an old neighborhood kid returns to town as a hugely successful internet billionaire, it gets Phil thinking of what could have been. Jay… Read More »ABC Modern Family – ‘Punpkin Chunkin’ Preview

Dancing With the Stars, Week 10 Recap – Freestylin’

It’s the finals, you guys! The quest for the mirrorball trophy is almost over. I’m usually so stressed out by this night that I record the show and watch it later. But, since I’m writing this blog, I put my big girl pants on and watched every second as it happened. Here we go!

After getting some advice on attitude from Carrie Ann, Ricki and Derek performed a sassy cha cha. Judging by Ricki’s phenomenal body transformation, this show is a great workout program. She sizzled in a short, sparkly red dress. Len declared it a dance deserving of the final, even though it lacked fluidity. Bruno called it fantastic, but agreed with Len on the fluidity issue. Carrie Ann said Ricki was living the dance. Triple 9s gave the pair a 27.

Rob returned from last week’s stellar performance to waltz with Cheryl. Bruno was pleased to see Rob follow his advice, and declared the dance fluid and glowing, despite some footwork mistakes. Carrie Ann said he’s like the male version of Cinderella, and he made it to the ball! Len felt it was simply beautiful. Another set of triple 9s from the judges gave the couple a 27.

Read More »Dancing With the Stars, Week 10 Recap – Freestylin’

ABC Hallmark Movie “Mitch Albom’s Have A Little Faith” Has Powerhouse Cast

It’s been a long time since ABC had a regular series of Sunday Night Movies that actually meant anything. But I think this upcoming Hallmark movie is the exception. It has a powerhouse cast including Laurence Fishburne, Bradley Whitford, Anika Noni Rose, and Martin Landau… Read More »ABC Hallmark Movie “Mitch Albom’s Have A Little Faith” Has Powerhouse Cast

Episode 1.8: Treachery

Spoilers!

For some reason I didn’t enjoy this episode as much as I have the others. The glaring looks and the dramatic orchestrations were just getting on my nerves. I also kept wondering how I was going to write about two people who have switched identities without confusing people. Revenge is not making my job easy.

On the other hand, my husband thinks I didn’t like it as much because I didn’t have to yell at the TV this week. He could be right about that one. Episode 8 was pretty slow paced compared to the others we’ve seen; I guess I can accept that since it was definitely prepping us for something more.

If you remember from two weeks ago, “Real” Emily is in the picture, she has just killed Frank, and seeks out our Emily. As always – total drama.

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Dancing With the Stars, Week 9 Results Show – Um…Awkward!

Last night we found out that Rob and Cheryl, Ricki and Derek, and J.R. and Karina will be dancing in the finals next week. That means, of course, that Hope and Maks were eliminated from the competition. The audience’s votes saved J.R. from his low… Read More »Dancing With the Stars, Week 9 Results Show – Um…Awkward!

Dancing With the Stars Week 9 Recap – Was That a Parade Float?

Week 9 brings us to the semifinals! I was so stressed about this show that I could barely watch. True story. Each couple had to perform three (yes, three!) dances.

Hope and Maks began the evening with a paso doble to Miley Cyrus’ “Can’t Be Tamed.” Hope battled some serious shoulder pain in rehearsals, but seemed to thrive on the adversity. The judges agreed that she was successful in displaying the right attitude for the dance, but were not as pleased with her technical performance. Triple 7s gave the pair a 21.

Next, it was J.R. and Karina’s turn for the paso doble. We saw J.R. twist his ankle during rehearsals (major ouch), and it definitely affected the dance. Bruno and Carrie Ann noticed that his injury had a negative impact on his posture, and Len called him more “Zero” than “Zorro.” Insert sad face here. Judges’ scores of 8, 7, 8 gave the couple a total of 23.

Rob and Cheryl arrived on the dance floor shaking maracas on a horrifying parade float. Yikes. Thankfully, things improved as they began their samba. Rob did a great job of shaking his hips during the energetic routine. Despite his last name, I like Rob more and more every week. Unanimous praise from the judges translated into scores of 10 (wow), 9, 9 for a 28, which is Rob’s highest of the competition.

Ricki and Derek brightened up the ballroom in canary yellow costumes they donned to samba to “Jump in the Line (Shake, Senora)” by Harry Belafonte. It was a fun and rousing dance. Len said Ricki took a giant step towards the finals, and Bruno and Carrie Ann loved it all. Perfect 10s from the judges gave them a 30!

We were treated to a stunning Argentine tango by a group of the professional dancers. The lifts were incredibly daring. I’m pretty sure I watched with one eye closed.

Hope and Maks returned to the dance floor to perform their Argentine tango to “Whatever Lola Wants.” Maks was on his best behavior with the judges, but this time Hope seemed to be the slightly disgruntled one. The three judges agreed that this performance was better than their first, and gave them triple 8s for a 24, and a total of 45 for the night.

J.R. came back with a freshly taped ankle to dance the Argentine tango with Karina. He was obviously frustrated that his injury was hampering his ability, but he pushed aside the pain to deliver a solid routine. The judges awarded them triple 9s for a score of 27, which brought them to a total of 50 for the evening.

Next to tango were Rob and Cheryl. Their sexy dance delighted the crowd and the judges. Rob is certainly finishing strong. Triple 9s gave them a 27 for this dance and a total of 55.

Ricki and Derek didn’t disappoint the judges with their Argentine tango. Len thought it was really good, and Carrie Ann declared that Ricki’s new core strength has given her the “pop.” I thought this was a term reserved for HGTV. Hmm. Scores of 9, 10, 10 totaled 29 and brought the pair an overall 59.

The final event of the evening’s competition was a cha cha relay to “I Like How It Feels,” by Enrique Iglesias. Each couple performed a portion of the song, just like a relay race. The judges awarded Hope and Maks 4 points, for a total of 49. J.R. and Karina scored 6 points, which brought them to a total of 56. Eight points were given to Ricki and Derek, which gave them a total of 67. Rob and Cheryl were the top scorers of the relay, earning 10 points and boosting their total for the night to 65. Kind of surprising, but yay Rob!

Whew, what a night. There was an inordinate amount of math involved in writing this post…what a novel way to use my business degree. I’m hoping the audience’s votes ensure J.R. a much-deserved place in the finals. We’ll find out tonight! Who do you think is going home?

Video highlights from the episode are below the jump:

Read More »Dancing With the Stars Week 9 Recap – Was That a Parade Float?

Dancing With The Stars – Week Eight – Someone Must Go

Editor: Once again, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome back guest author Brittany. The Final 4 is revealed…. Last night the stars were on double duty- two dances, two scores… and the best points possible out of 60. So who was sent home packing? The show… Read More »Dancing With The Stars – Week Eight – Someone Must Go