EXCLUSIVE: Hunter Parrish Shows His Butt Again in the Weeds Season Finale

I know there's a lot of Idol Thoughts readers who are big Hunter Parrish fans, so this one's for you!

Well, he waited until the end of the season, but Weeds and Spring Awakening star Hunter Parrish decided to show us his ass again in the Weeds season finale. The show doesn't air until next week, but here's a preview. Enjoy!

I haven't watched the episode yet (this pic was sent to me by an anonymous Idol Thoughts reader), but I'll let you know what I think once I have.

UPDATE: The episode is awesome! Seriously -- you must watch.

(This pic is NSFW)

Weeds Cutie Hunter Parrish to Appear in Spring Awakening on Broadway

Weeds cutie Hunter Parrish is coming to Broadway.

Can he sing? Who cares? Look at his body!

Parrish, who plays Silas Botwin on the Showtime hit, will star as Melchior in the Tony Award winning hit starting in August.

Though I can't find any photos of the part of his anatomy he'll be showing at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre (those of you who have seen the show know which part I'm talking about), here are a few other photos of the lovely young man.

Enjoy!

Year End: Ten Best Non-Reality TV Shows of 2007

I would've imagined I'd have tons of options when considering my ten favorite non-reality shows of the year, but when I sat down to make this list, the well was surprisingly dry. Even some of the shows I included (Weeds, Grey's Anatomy) didn't have perfect seasons, but when looked at in the bigger picture, they still made the cut.

Here's my list...

1. Friday Night Lights
2. Brothers & Sisters
3. Mad Men
4. Damages
5. Lost
6. Weeds
7. Desperate Housewives
8. House
9. The Office
10. Grey's Anatomy

What was your favorite TV show in 2007? Leave a comment and let me know!

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Celebrity Crush: Weeds' Justin Kirk

He can do drama...he can do comedy...and he looks mighty fine doing both. Yep, I love Justin Kirk!

Most people know him for his hysterical work on the Showtime comedy Weeds, where he is pitch-perfect as stoner Uncle Andy. But don't forget, he picked up an Emmy nomination for his heartbreaking performance in the HBO mini-series Angels in America, playing AIDS-stricken Prior Walters. He also charmed on the late TV show Jack & Jill, and the film Flannel Pajamas.

Enjoy the pics of the delectable Mr. Kirk!

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TV Thoughts on Weeds (9/24): Nancy is in the Clear

I got a lot of flack for posing the question "Has Weeds jumped the shark?" last week, and I am now ready to admit that yes, I may have been a bit premature in posing that question. This week's episode, while not reaching the height of the first couple showings of the season, seemed to be getting our beloved Nancy back on track.

Of course, it wouldn't be Weeds if Nancy wasn't making a few questionable decisions, and she continued to do so in this episode. While it was awesome to watch her get her debt to Marvin erased by negotiating with the "Mexicans," was it really necessary for her to celebrate that triumph by screwing her creepy boss? I'd much prefer she resuscitate her flirtation with Conrad -- those two are hot!

My favorite moment of the episode, though, was when Nancy watched the drug dealer walk to her car and retrieve the trunk of heroin. The look on Mary Louise Parker's face, of both relief and sexual attraction, totally illustrates what a genius she is.

Mary Kate Olsen didn't have much to do in this episode, but I found her banter with Shane about the tenants of Christianity quite amusing. I also enjoyed mini-lesbian Isabelle stealing Shane's dream girl out from under his nose, as well as Andy's foray into the world of porn catering.

All in all, I have to admit I was foolish to underestimate Jenji Kohan and company. After all, this show is so entertainingly, ridiculously off-the-wall, I think the shark may have been jumped before the first episode ever even aired!

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TV Thoughts on Weeds: Has the Show Jumped the Shark?

Last week's episode of Weeds was just teetering on the edge of utter ridiculousness. This week, the show may have fallen off that edge.

This was easily the weakest episode of the season thus far, taking the Nancy/U-Turn storyline to places that were just totally absurd. Knocking over Conrad's plants? Helping him train for a run? I mean, come on.

Luckily, just as it seemed that character and storyline were going to take over the show for good, U-Turn met his untimely end, at the hands of not-so-gentle-giant Marvin, no less. Good riddance, I say!

As for the rest of the show, is it just me, or has Nancy officially crossed the line into being a bad parent? The way she completely ignored Shane during this episode was almost painful to watch. Not only is the kid's dad dead, his mom is a drug dealer who has no time for him. How are we supposed to root for Nancy when she treats her child this way?

On a more positive note, I quite enjoyed Mary Kate Olsen's first appearance as Tara. A friend I was watching the show with couldn't stand her, but I found her quite believable as a pothead Christian, and found her chemistry with Silas to be palpable. I'm intrigued as to what kind of energy she'll bring to the show.

Here's hoping that U-Turn's demise means a return to form for one of the most subversive, hysterical shows on the tube.

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Predicting the Emmys: Best Comedy Series

I'm still giving my predictions for the 2007 Emmy Awards. Who was overlooked? Who should win? And who's gonna win?

BEST COMEDY SERIES
Entourage
The Office
30 Rock
Two and a Half Men
Ugly Betty

Overlooked:
Desperate Housewives
Weeds

Should Win: The Office

Will Win: Ugly Betty

Potential Spoiler: 30 Rock

Two and a Half Men doesn't stand a chance (I hope!) and Entourage didn't have it's strongest season last year, which makes this a three-way race between newbies Betty and Rock and last year's champ The Office. The folks from Dundler-Mifflin deserve to win again, in my opinion, but Betty has charmed so many I'm guessing the ABC dramedy will go home with the award (if for no other reason than to get Salma Hayek onstage to accept). If the voters think giving America Ferrera the Best Actress trophy is enough recognition, however, don't be surprised if 30 Rock sneaks into the winner's circle.

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TV Thoughts on Weeds: Nancy Goes Ghetto

Uh oh, Nancy. This is a dangerous path you're on.

This week on Weeds, our favorite suburban drug dealer found herself the driver in a drive-by shooting and with a case full of heroin in her garage. Meanwhile, her elder son has become a full fledged drug dealer, and her younger son is enrolled in a summer school that employs bizarre abortion scare tactics. Parent of the year, anyone?

A few highlights:

-Nancy's breakdown while scrubbing the blood out of the backseat at her car, happening while Uncle Andy sported a ridiculous wig. Mary Louise Parker and Justin Kirk are simply brilliant.

-WWVMD -- What would Vic Mackey (The Shield) do? Genius. But to follow it up with "That's it, no more cable." A masterpiece of irony. Love it.

-Matthew Modine in all his smarmy glory. He is perfect for the part.

-The fact that Nancy and Silas have never been closer since he started dealing drugs. The relationship Nancy has with her children is the most complicated parent/child dynamics on the tube.

-Marvin's "Hi Nancy," while in agony from having been shot in the ass. Jenji Kohan, how I love thee.

Can't wait 'til next week when we get our first glimpses of Mary Kate!

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Predicting the Emmys: Supporting Actress in a Comedy

For the next two weeks, I will be giving my predictions for the 2007 Emmy Awards. Who was overlooked? Who should win? And who's gonna win?

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY
Conchata Ferrell, Two and a Half Men
Jenna Fischer, The Office
Elizabeth Perkins, Weeds
Jaime Pressly, My Name Is Earl
Holland Taylor, Two and a Half Men
Vanessa Williams, Ugly Betty

Overlooked:
Becki Newton, Ugly Betty
Judy Reyes, Scrubs
Nicolette Sheridan, Desperate Housewives

Should Win: Elizabeth Perkins

Will Win: Vanessa Williams

Potential Spoiler: Holland Taylor

If you removed both of the Two and a Half Men ladies from the equation, I'd be happy seeing the award go to any of the four remaining contenders. The Emmys love classy old dames, though, so don't be surprised if former winner Taylor sneaks into the winners circle. Fischer is the heart and soul of The Office, but her work may be too subtle to compete with the comedians in this category. Perkins is nothing short of extraordinary on Weeds, and no one gets more laughs on Earl than Pressly, but I'm guessing voters will want to reward Williams for her hysterical work as the ultimate bitch Wilhemina on Ugly Betty. At least we know she'll be wearing something fabulous when she accepts the award!

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Weeds Returns Tonight

Don't forget to watch the season premiere of Weeds tonight at 10PM on Showtime -- and have the munchies ready, because this high is good!!

Click for my review of the season first four episodes: Season 3 of Weeds is the Chronic!

Review: Season 3 of Weeds Is The Chronic!

Showtime was kind enough to send me the first four episodes of the third season of Weeds, and let me tell you -- television doesn't get much better than this!

When we last left Nancy Botwin (Mary Louise Parker) and family, younger son Shane (Alexander Gould) had embarked on a road-trip with Uncle Andy's (Justin Kirk) crazy ex-girlfriend (Zoey Deschanel); DEA agent (and Nancy's husband) Peter (Martin Donovan) had been killed by a group of Armenians; Nancy and Conrad (Romany Malco) were in the process of being held up at gunpoint; and older son Silas (Hunter Parrish) had made off with Nancy's marijuana supply in an attempt to get in on the action, but was about to busted by Celia (Elizabeth Perkins).

That's quite a hole for creator Jenji Kohen to write herself out of.

But write herself out of it she does, and brilliantly.

I'm hesitant to reveal too many plot details of the first few episodes, out of fear of spoiling what is truly one of the most satisfying viewing experiences of the year, but trust me when I tell you Weeds is delivering some of the most inspired comedy and moving family dynamics on any television show on any network. The first two episodes of the season are so tightly paced and chock full of oh-my-god moments, they actually rival thrillers like 24 and Prison Break for edge-of-your-seat/what-is-going-to-happen suspense. Genius.

The performances are, as always, across the board fantastic. Parker is the heart and soul of the show, and she has never been more luminous or heartbreaking than she is in these first few episodes. She creates so many layers to Nancy, that you alternately find yourself laughing with and rooting for her, or cursing at her for the danger she is bringing to her family. Is Nancy a good mother? A good person? These questions don't have easy answers, and Parker never takes the easy way out in playing this very 3-dimensional character.

Emmy nominee Perkins is pitch-perfect as Celia, whether stumbling drunk down a street or realizing that she has perhaps permanently ostracized her family, and she has a moment at the end of the season's first episode that will literally make you gasp aloud. Kirk is ideally cast as Uncle Andy (even if the season's 3rd and 4th episodes find him making a somewhat random and unsatisfying trip to the army), while Kevin Nealon brings another dose of comedy to the proceedings (the scene in the first episode in the bathroom with Celia's estranged husband Doug is Weeds at its subversive, hysterical best). In fact, there is not a weak link in the entire cast, with Malco, Parrish, Gould, Tonye Patano (Heylia), and Renee Victor (Lupita) also making invaluable contributions .

Whether you've watched Weeds in the past, or are simply considering making a foray to the town of Agrestic, I can't recommend Season 3's first episodes strongly enough.

Bong hits, anyone?

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Photo Credit: Mark Seliger/Showtime

Emmy Nomination Top Ten Finalists Revealed

Theenvelope.com has revealed, rather scandalously, the top 10 finalists for the Best Drama and Comedy Series Emmy nominations. The top 5 nominees, which will be chosen using a formula that combines a juding panel with an academy wide "popular vote," will be revealed on July 19.

The finalists are:

Best Drama
Boston Legal
Dexter
Friday Night Lights
Grey's Anatomy
Heroes
House
Lost
Rome
The Sopranos
24

Best Comedy
Desperate Housewives
Entourage
Extras
My Name is Earl
The Office
Scrubs
30 Rock
Two and a Half Men
Ugly Betty
Weeds

Notable shows missing from these lists include Brothers & Sisters, Gilmore Girls, The Shield, Rescue Me, and The Wire.

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Summer TV Midterm Report Card

So, it's been about a month since the crowning of Jordin Sparks as the new American Idol signaled the end of the regular television season. Summer TV is always a mixed bag -- there are some unexpected gems, and also some high-profile stinkers. With that in mind, here's my midterm report on Summer TV.

Lovin' It

So You Think You Can Dance
Obviously. Love this show. Sometimes I think I love it even more than Idol (scandalous, I know). I haven't fallen for anyone quite as hard as I fell for Travis last season, but the overall talent pool is so deep that it's a blast to watch. Love, love, love it.

Rescue Me
There is nothing else like this show on television. Brutally funny, and then scarily moving, and then just scary, this show deals in extremes -- and I love it. If Denis Leary doesn't wind up with an Emmy nomination next month, something is seriously wrong with the television academy.

The Starter Wife
This show is the equivalent of a good beach read -- light, fluffy, and totally entertaining. Sure, it's a little ridiculous, but Debra Messing is luminous, and the hour flies by. How about making this into a weekly series next summer, USA?

The Closer
This show could so easily be CSI: Los Angeles, but Kyra Sedgwick totally saves it from the land of humdrum procedurals. She's brilliant! The cases this season so far have been strong, as well, particularly the season opener featuring Veronica Mars' Kyle Gassner. No wonder this show is breaking records -- it's freakin' good!

Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List
I'm not a huge fan of stand-up comedy, but this bitch makes me laugh and laugh and then laugh some more. She's hysterical! Last week's episode, in which Kathy's beloved father passed away, caught me off guard, but it handled the serious subject manner in a uniquely moving (and real) way. To be honest, I can't remember the last time I saw such honest emotion about the loss of a parent on any tv show. Just another dimension to the red-headed wonder.

Top Chef
The formula works -- and I'm hooked. The only thing wrong with this show is that I can't taste the food!

Good -- but not obsessed

Entourage
I love this show -- I love Vince, I love E, I love Ari...heck, I love them all. So why aren't I that into this season? The first episode's documentary feel was clever, but not particularly funny, and this past week's episode was also noticably missing in laughs. Here's hoping the boys get their mojo back soon.

Army Wives
Ok, this is a little white lie, because I am kind of obsessed with this show, I just don't think I should admit it. It's on Lifetime, people! But I'm three episodes in, now, and I can't stop watching. I'm lovin' Kim Delaney and the girl who plays Roxie, but I could do without Joan (the tortured soldier) and Catherine Bell (the victim of domestic abuse by her son). Still, I'm kinda hooked.

Making the Band 4
Watching Danity Kane's creation last season was pure pleasure -- so far, the boys are providing a little less excitement. But I trust P Diddy (and the fierce Lori Ann) to amp up the drama as the season goes on, so I'm stickin' with it.

Traveler
The premise is genius. The boys (especially the delectable Matthew Bomer) are gorgeous. So why aren't I obsessed? Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I know there is 0% chance of this show returning, making it a little hard to get invested. Still, watching cute boys run around is not a terrible way to spend an hour.

Still Watching and I Don't Know Why

On The Lot

This show had so much promise -- and is so painful to watch. What went wrong? Just about everything, quite frankly. The host is terrible, the judges are worthless, the contestants don't seem to have much talent, and the show is produced in an almost embarrasinly sloppy fashion. For some reason I'm still watching...but I don't know for how much longer.

Tivo'ed -- but haven't watched yet

John from Cincinnatti (the buzz is so bad, I'm not sure this one is gonna get watched)
The 4400 (I still have a couple of episodes from the end of last season to catch up on)
Heartland

Tivo'ed -- then deleted
(These are shows I had been looking forward to, but then lost interest in, and never got watched)

Pirate Master
The Flight of the Concords (watched the first episode -- just didn't get it)
Meadowlands
Armed & Dangerous

Still Looking Forward To...

Big Brother

Burn Notice

Hey Paula
Weeds
Saving Garce
Damages
Californication

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Summer TV - Premiere Info and More

With Idol season almost at an end, withdrawl is bound to set in. Luckily, there's a couple of shows I'm looking forward to watching (and blogging about) this summer that might help fill the void.

So You Think You Can Dance (Fox)
Premieres with an 85 minute episode on Thurs May 24, before settling into it's regular time slots of Wednesday 8-10 with results Thursdays at 9
**I can't wait for this show to come back!!!

On the Lot (Fox)
Premieres May 22 at 9pm, has a special episode at 9:25pm on May 24, and then settles into it's regular time slots of Mondays at 8-9pm and Tuesdays at 8-8:30pm (results).

Top Chef 3 (Bravo)
Premieres June 13 in it's regular time slot of Wednesdays at 10PM

Hell's Kitchen (Fox)
Premieres June 4 in it's regular time slot of Mondays at 9pm

Pirate Master (CBS)
Premieres May 31 in it's regular time slot of Thursdays at 8PM

Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List (Bravo)
Premieres June 5 in it's regular time slot of Tuesdays at 10PM

And I can't leave out the return of Big Brother (I can't help it -- it's my guiltiest pleasure!), which has yet to announce a premiere date.

I'm also excited about returning scripted fare:
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (May 24)
Rescue Me (June 14)
Entourage (season 4 begins June 17)
Weeds (August 13)
Big Love (June 11)
The Closer (June 18)
The 4400 (June 17)

And new drama series:
Hidden Palms (May 30)
The Starter Wife, starring Debra Messing (May 31)
John from Cincinatti, starring Rebecca DeMornay and cutie Austin Nichols (June 10)
Damages, starring Glenn Close (July 24)
Heartland, starring Treat Williams (June 18)
Saving Grace, starring Holly Hunter (July 18)

I'm also intrigued, but don't know much about, Showtime's Meadowlands (June 17) and Californication (August 13), HBO's Flight of the Concords (June 17), and USA's Burn Notice (June 28).

Should be an interesting summer!