Gab Bonesso has worked as a "Pop Culture Correspondent" for both radio and television. Her work has been featured on KDKA, WTZN, WXDX, WDVE and Comcast on Demand. She is a weekly columnist for AOL where she combines her love of pop culture and her nostalgia for childhood. She is the advice columnist for STRONGBOX magazine and she is the "Trend Correspondent" for AEOTV.
How about that episode of Community last night? Perfection or what? I won't go over every single second of brilliance with you, but... The Dark Timeline (Timeline #5) was the funniest thing I have ever watched on American television. (Side note: I have never watched any other form of television BUT American.)
You can watch last night's episode of Community along with the first three episodes from Season Three on NBC.com .
Moving on... There are a bunch of brand new sitcoms this season that are getting a lot of hype. I've made a condensed list of the top ten new shows being forced down our gullet by the MSMM (main stream media monsters) and which ones are worth your time and which ones are not.
Starting with... 1.) NBC's UP ALL NIGHT starring: Will Arnett, Christina Applegate and Maya Rudolph.
So far... I am very unimpressed. Maya Rudolph is horrible on this show. Arnett and Applegate are acting well, but the writing leaves a lot to be desired. Honestly, when confronted with the choice of watching Up All Night or ABC's The Middle (which I find to be getting worse each season) I choose The Middle. Patricia Heaton (while a psychotic Republican who hates stem-cell research and once made a horrible joke about Michael J. Fox) is a TV veteran. She can work with shitty dialogue and not seem like an asshole. GAB'S FINAL VERDICT: Don't watch it. It's not worth 30 minutes of your life.
2.) ABC'sLAST MAN STANDINGstarring Tim Allen and Nancy Travis.
So far... LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT! Okay. I will admit that I am completely biased when it comes to Tim Allen. I was a HUGE Home Improvement nut. Honestly, Tim Allen is one of my favorite comedians of all time. I don't know what it is about him but I could watch him read a phonebook. For real. Love that guy! Plus, I am also a huge Nancy Travis fan. Although I will admit that her plastic surgery is preventing her from great face mugging that she used to do back in the late 80's early 90's. (Nancy Travis side note: Wipe your glasses, she's the GD mom from the Three Men a Little Baby movies! Among other great comedies from my childhood). GAB'S FINAL VERDICT: WATCH IT. LOVE IT. THANK ME LATER. Honestly, this is the perfect show to go between The Middle and Modern Family on Wednesday nights. Do you hear me ABC? THIS IS YOUR WEDNESDAY LINEUP. At least until Cougar Town returns (single tear and a fist raise for Abed Nadir from Community).
3.) FOX's THE X FACTORstarring: Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul
Crap, crap, crappitty, crap, CRAP. GAB'S FINAL VERDICT: I would prefer you to eat a cyanide tablet rather than watch this show. FACT!
4.) FOX'sTHE NEW GIRL starring: Ms. Zooey Deschanel
This is easily my favorite new show of the season. Zooey D. is gracing us with her movie/rock star presence on the small screen and it's fabulous. She is so freaking funny and unique and cute and dark and nuts. I love her. I love the show. I love the cast. The only bad part is that the writing is very convoluted and sloppy at times. The storyline doesn't always progress in a coherent manner, but they are only three episodes into their first season. Let's give them time to work out the writing kinks before we get too critical, deal? GAB'S FINAL VERDICT: Watch the show. It's quirky, unique and it breaks away from the typical ideas of how a woman should be funny.
5.) NBC'S version of FOX's NEW GIRL called:SHITNEY starring Shitney Cummings and some okay looking guy.
It is literally the worst show that I have ever watched in my entire life. And I watched Saved by the Bell the college years, okay?!!! I watched the Hogan Family. I watched mother-f'ing BLOSSOM, okay? I know bad television and SHITNEY isn't even bad-fun to watch. Okay? It's SHIT. Utter, total SHIT. GAB'S FINAL VERDICT: SHITNEY moves the women comedy movement back to the whore house. If you like this show then you and I have NOTHING in common. Oh, and I put a curse on YOU.
6.) FX's American Horror Story starring: Jessica Lange and Dylan McDermott
Okay. Well, it was created by Ryan Murphy of Nip/Tuck and GLEE fame. It's basically the Nip/Tuck and Glee version of every horror story and theme that has already existed in literature and film. With that said, it's virtually montages of familiar images thrown together in a that Chris Nolan "Inception" style of filming where every choice in the script is left to the audience's interpretation. I despise that style of filmmaking and I'm not too crazy about it in television format either... Umm. I kind of think that Ryan Murphy may be Satan himself. I know that is a harsh statement, but I believe it to be true. GAB'S FINAL VERDICT: Look, if you are going to watch a show about horror than who better to create it than the Devil himself. Sure it's shot in a style that I hate, but who doesn't like recycled themes that they already adore?!!! I vote that you should watch if for no other reason than Jessica Lange and her genius acting ability.
7.) ABC's Suburgatory starring Jeremy Sisto
It makes me miss Cougar Town. GAB'S FINAL VERDICT: Eh. I mean it's something to watch while waiting for Modern Family to start, but honestly, I'd rather read a book. NOT WORTH YOUR TIME!
8.) NBC's Prime Suspect starring: Maria Bello
I'm not going to lie. I have not watched one, single episode yet. My mother has DVR'd them all, but I have yet to sit down and watch it. I'm not much of a cop drama show watcher (unless it's about serial killers like in Criminal Minds). Anyway, my mother Starr is an expert on cop dramas. She's watched every one in existence. She swears by this show. I am going to take a day and catch up on all the episodes, but in the meantime, here is my mother's verdict... MOM'S FINAL VERDICT: Watch the show, jagoff! It makes up for that Whitney WHORE!
9.) CBS's Unforgettable starring: Poppy Montgomery and Dylan Walsh
Once again, I'm not a big fan of cop shows. Here is another verdict delivered by my mother rather than me. MOM'S FINAL VERDICT: I thought I would hate it because I don't like that Poppy girl. However, it's really interesting because she plays a detective with a medical disorder in which she can't forget ANYTHING she sees, reads, smells or touches. It's quite fascinating. In fact, she reminds me of you baby and your great memory. Mommy's little baby could have been a detective but she decided to become a comedian, actress and writer instead. Oh well. Mama loves her baby and her Unforgettable.
10.) FOOD NETWORK'S SWEET GENIUS starring: Ron Ben-Israel
Okay. This show ONLY appeals to people who love watching the Food Network like myself and my mother. This show is basically the pastry version of Food Network's CHOPPED (which is my FAVORITE cooking show in existence). Therefore, this show by default is AWESOME. Any crazy cooking challenge that pushes chefs to the next level is beyond intriguing for me to watch. GAB'S FINAL VERDICT: If you love CHOPPED then you will also love Sweet Genius. WATCH IT!
Thanks for joining me today on GAB POP LABEL!
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Oh my God! Did you watch the Emmys last night? Weren't the gowns, like, amazing?!!!
(cue: puke sounds)
Sorry. I had to sit the Emmys out last night.
Why?
Oh, because NBC's Community was SNUBBED. It was not nominated for Best Comedy Series nor Best Supporting Actor/Actress nor Best Actor/Actress nor ANYTHING. The only award it was nominated for and won was a technical award for the stop-action work done in the episode: Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas for which it definitely deserved.
I don't know when people are going to wake up and realize that Community is hands down the best show on television and I LOVE Modern Family. Like, crazy love. Like, I have breaks with reality and truly believe that I am related to the Dunphys. Okay? So take my word for it: Community is the best show on television. It's by far the smartest comedy. Period. Including the premium cable channels. I would put Community against Entourage, Weeds AND Bored to Death. So there!
Okay... Let's stop complaining about meaningless awards and focus on this upcoming season.
Honestly, I'm normally against change. Seriously. Don't even think about handing me a freaking nickel. I'll kick you. Anyway, I generally hate the addition of new cast members to an already existing cast that I adore. I've been tense all summer about the way they left the plot line with Pierce (Chevy Chase) because his character's development last season was by far my favorite. When I initially heard that they were adding a new cast member I was quite pissed. However, the minute that I found out that it was John Goodman I was beyond thrilled. He's a TV veteran (Roseanne), he's a Cohen Brothers favorite (Big Lebowski, Raising Arizona, etc...) and he's been in a bunch of other movies. He's easily one of my favorite performers who work in film. I am very excited about his addition to the cast.
Other Season Three Spoilers (provided by: TVGuide.com per their interview with creator: Dan Harmon)) -
Regarding Pierce's role in Season Three -
TVGuide.com: First things first, though, you have to deal with last year's cliff-hanger. Will we see Pierce (Chevy Chase) back in good standing with the group?
Harmon:We definitely need to resolve that conflict, and we're going to focus on that in the first episode of the third season. [Pierce] is going to continue to be a part of the show, and I want to learn more about his character and continue to play games with the audience that allow them to answer that question of, "Why would anybody ever hang out with this guy?" And I want people to have those questions about everybody [in the group]. ... I want to delve more into the characters' lives and psychology in a way that I'm hoping will be surprising to people.
Regarding the rest of the cast of Community -
TVGuide.com: So what sort of plans have you made for the characters?
Harmon:Well, Britta (Gillian Jacobs) is going to choose a major in the beginning of the season. It's been a long time coming. She's finally going to commit to a chosen vocation and she'll be trying to prove herself throughout the year. I want to see with Abed (Danny Pudi) more of the things that make it difficult to be him. We've seen lots of him being a superhero in his disconnection, and I want to see what the price of that disconnection is sometimes in stories that challenge him more. For Shirley (Yvette Nicole Brown), I want her character to evolve a bit now that she's gotten back together with her husband. She's going to need to find her volition. She's going to need to move forward, and like Britta, decide what it is that she wants to do with her life. Pierce needs to atone with Jeff (Joel McHale), and I want this to be the season that we meet Jeff's father if possible. Annie (Alison Brie) is going to have a rival that will bring the worst out in her and cause her to have to do with battle with some of her profound weaknesses. And a couple of the characters will be cohabitating in different combinations that will move the show forward I think.
Harmon:Troy is going to be pursuing his talent for plumbing. He's going to finally have surrendered to that, but he's going to be torn between that and another occupation that will want him more badly and want to exploit his talents in a different way. Troy's going to have probably the most heroic journey of all in an epic sense, because he's sort of the chosen figure who has this gift. He's going to be torn between two worlds that Greendale's campus is affected by profoundly.
Regarding Ken Jeong (Chang) -
TVGuide.com: And what's Chang (Ken Jeong) up to this season?
Harmon:I wanted him in a position of authority. I thought that would be very funny. So there's going to be a whole story to his occupying that role. Chang is going to be a security guard, and his story is going to be the story of a man's rise to power.
Blog sites have rumored that Annie and Abed might get together this season.
Community | Speaking of stolen kisses, fans of this acclaimed NBC comedy are curious as to what will come of the season finale clinch shared by Annie and — of all people — Abed. Noting that “nothing happens on this show that doesn’t have weight to it,” series boss Dan Harmon previews, “It’s more about how Annie was affected by that kiss,” seeing as Abed was technically channeling Han Solo at the time. “We know that Annie has a [bad boy] ‘type,’ and Abed accidentally stumbled into it,” says Harmon. “But it remains to be seen whether Abed was ‘there’ for it.”
Finally -
Regardless of spoilers, regardless of new cast members, regardless of ZERO acting nominations from the Emmys... Community is it's own entity. It is the only show on television that takes the art of situation comedy and tears it apart piece by piece and in turn defines a generation through pop culture references and honest emotion.
Look. I have respect for any dancer who is brave enough to audition for Fox's So You Think You Can Dance. So please understand that when I use the word "loser" it is to distinguish from the winner while being mildly provocative. I'm only using the term as a clarification. Okay? No hurt feelings. SYTYCD is my favorite reality competition show. I have been watching it from the beginning. I feel confident that I could win a trivia contest about the show. I'm not trying to be a jerk, I'm just trying to make a point.
Anyway, I want to highlight the ten best dancers from all seasons (in my opinion) who did not place first. Often times, I find that America does not choose my favorite dancer nor the dancer whom I believe to be the best technically.
Normally, I would tell you that the following list is in no particular order but in this case that would be a lie. I am beginning with number one and yes, this is my number one choice. I can't believe that he was not the winner during his season (Season Two). I truly believe that he is the best contestant the show has ever had AND has grown to become one of the shows best choreographers. Yes. I'm talking about...
#1: TRAVIS WALL
Travis Wall was runner up to Benji Schwimmer on Season 2 of SYTYCD. Travis, a contemporary dancer from Virginia Beach, is still the only white boy to successfully pull off Krump (sorry Billy Bell, but it's true). Travis Wall performed a contemporary piece choreographed by Mia Michaels which won the show an Emmy. In my opinion, Travis had the best "center" of any contestant on the show.
The dance I've chosen to highlight Travis was a Top 6 group number choreographed by Mia Michaels. In this piece you can clearly see that Travis' technical ability outshines that of everyone else in the group. If you're not sure which one is Travis, he's the one that is front and center with the blond faux-hawk.
#2: ALLISON HOLKER
Honestly, if I had to guess, I would say that Travis Wall would pick Allison Holker as the best dancer from SYTYCD. They appeared on Season Two together and I remember the night that Allison was prematurely voted off of the show. Poor Travis. He cried like a baby. I think he even stomped like a toddler. It was pretty hilarious. Well, I mean, except for the part where Allison was voted off of the show. Allison is incredible. She dances the way that Meryl Streep acts. She puts every inch of her soul into her movement and expression.
The piece that I am choosing to highlight Allison is actually not from Season Two, but rather from last year when she appeared as an All Star for Season Seven. This is a Sonya Tayeh piece. Allison is beyond incredible as was her partner: Alex Wong.
Billy Bell is an interesting lad. Technically, he was on both Seasons Six and Seven. During Season Six, he only managed to appear in the very first episode because he became ill with mono. As a contestant on Season Seven, the judges were unbelievably hard on him and seemed to prefer the Disney cookie-cutter performers like Kent and Lauren (who I totally love, but let's get for real. Billy Bell went to Juliard and like, Kent and Lauren didn't).
Anyway, Billy has unique, original movement unlike anyone else on the show. I mean, truly unique. He reminds me of the actor from the movie Dead Poet's Society: Robert Sean Leonard. Like the character in Dead Poet's Society, I could totally see Billy playing Puck in Midsummer's Night Dream (you totally thought that I was going to type: Like the character in Dead Poet's Society, I could totally see Billy Bell blowing his brains out, right? That's what you thought I was going to type? You sick freaks!)
Like I was saying, this kid is the best. The dance that I have chosen to highlight Billy is an obvious choice if you're a fan of the show, but regardless, it shows a lot of the reasons why he's so special.
Donyelle is also from Season Two. What can I say? That was a great season! Anyway, Donyelle specialized in this hybrid form of dance. It was a mix of contemporary, jazz, african, broadway and hip-hop. She was extremely versatile and she had a real understanding of musicality.
I feel like occasionally she was over shadowed by her partner, Season Two winner Benji Schwimmer, but overall America loved her as did the judges.
The piece I've chosen for Donyelle is one example of her overshadowing Benji.
#5: KAYLA RADOMSKI
During her season, Season Five, Kayla was the top front runner. Nigel sang her praises the entire season and then, out of nowhere, Jeanine Mason did her solo during the Top Four performance and won American over with the greatest pirouette I have ever seen in my life. Poor Kayla. She ended up placing fourth (after Ryan Kaprzak: who was adorable but not a "better" dancer than Kayla).
My mother loved Kayla's backstory. She was raised by a single-mother who relied on her parents to help raise Kayla. Kayla was really close with her Pap who was in the audience for every show. She was normal. She was poor. Yet, she could out-dance everyone else. Simply put, Kayla rocks.
The piece that I have chosen to highlight Kayla was also nominated for an Emmy. It is also choreographed by Mia Michaels. It's called: Addiction.
Jakob is so freakishly talented that I've surprised myself by not mentioning him sooner. Jakob, a contemporary dancer, seemed gifted at every style thrown at him. Including hip-hop AND ballroom. Most petite contemporary guys are terrible at ballroom. They have "spaghetti arms" (to quote Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing) and they usually don't seem masculine enough for their partner. Not Jakob. This guy was a dancer and an actor. He sold every routine he was in.
The piece I've chosen to highlight Mr. Karr is a dark contemporary piece choreographed by: Sonya Tayeh which shows his acting ability as well as his dancing ability.
#7: ADE OBAYOMI
By my seventh choice, it's pretty clear that I have a "thing" for contemporary dancers. Ade Obayomi delivered the best solos of anyone ever on SYTYCD. When the judges said "dance for your life", Ade did just that. He combines technique with funk and soul. He was the epitome of "for real". I love, love, love Ade. Obviously the judges love him too because they keep bringing him back to be an ALL STAR.
To best showcase Ade, it only seemed appropriate to show one of his solos from the show.
#8 CHELSEA HIGHTOWER
Simply put, Chelsea Hightower was the best ballroom dancer to ever appear on SYTYCD. FACT. She has gone on to be a featured dancer for Dancing With the Stars where she has earned an Emmy for her choreography.
As a contestant on SYTYCD, Chelsea was the most versatile of all the ballroom dancers ever to appear on the show. She was the only ballroom girl that I have ever seen NOT look like a jag when dancing hip-hop.
With that said, here is Chelsea with another piece choreographed by Mia Michaels. This is a dark contemporary piece starring Mark Kanemura. This was Chelsea's first piece of the season and she knocked it out of the park.
#9: ROBERT ROLDAN
Yes, he's a contemporary dancer. No, he's not from Season Two. He's from last season, Season Seven. Robert... Robert, Robert, Robert. The boy can dance. Like, he can REALLY dance. He points his toes and shiz. He's incredible. He's also incredibly gorgeous (as you may have noticed from the above picture). He has old movie caliber good looks. He's like a mix of William Holden and Cesar Romero rolled into a major league baseball player's body. Woo! I better stop or I'm going to need a cold shower. Mama loves her Robert Roldan!
The piece I've chosen for Robert was choreographed by Travis Wall and it's called "Fix You".
Courtney was easily the most underrated contestant ever on SYTYCD. Mia Michaels (both a judge and choreographer) was vicious to her with her critiques. Courtney worked professionally as a NY Knicks cheerleader and had to work harder than everyone else to prove that she was a serious dancer.
Clearly, despite Mia's negativity, Courtney managed to make it to the Top Four during her season (Season Four) and has been asked back to be an All Star. You can see Courtney on Shake It Up (Disney) and she's appeared on Fox's hit show: GLEE.
The piece that I've chosen to highlight Courtney was choreographed by Sonya Tayeh called "The Garden".
Okay. So there you have it. The Top Ten "Losers" from So You Think You Can Dance (in my humble opinion). I am a true fan of the show and I welcome feedback. Please share with me in the comment section any contestant that you feel that I may have overlooked. I know that I'm biased with the contemporary dancers, but often times they are the most versatile of the pack.
(Disclaimer: I realize I left out legends such as Danny Tidwell. However, while I feel Danny is technically brilliant he is not much of a performer. Alex Wong was another great contestant, but Alex was injured too early on in the season to really evaluate his overall performance.)
In the next issue of Gab Pop Label we'll be taking a sneak peak at the upcoming season of NBC's hit show:Community! Stay tuned!
