"Psych"-ic Powers

Talk about a lethal one-two punch! The USA network goes for the knockout combination on Friday nights with the sophomore detective series Psych following the multi-award-winning show, Monk.

James Roday stars as Shawn Spencer, a truly gifted private investigator, but not in the way he proclaims. He has incredible powers of observation and detective skills, due in large part to the training given to him over the years by his cop pop Henry (played by Corbin Bernsen). However, instead of being just another policeman or P.I., Shawn promotes himself as a "psychic detective," much to the chagrin of his best friend and partner, Gus (Dule Hill), who maintains his day job as a pharmaceutical sales rep just in case things don't work out.

In tonight's premiere, Shawn and Gus go undercover as contestants for an American Idol-type show, with the snarky judge (Tim Curry) under attack. This is a perfect set-up for Roday and Hill, who routinely riff at the end of each episode in "Psych-Outs" — musical numbers or comedy gags that run as the credits roll.

Tune in Fridays at 10PM. I have a feeling you'll like what you see.

Photo courtesy of usanetwork.com

The Marvelous Mr.Monk

How appropriate on Friday the 13th that Monk returns for its sixth season premiere. After all, the "defective detective" has more phobias and OCD issues than all of Freud's patients combined!

Starting off with the fabulous Tony Shalhoub in the title role, Monk is top notch on every level. Shalhoub imbues his alter ego with plenty of tics and idiosyncrasies, but doesn't make a caricature of his character. He embraces Monk's inner freak and allows us to enjoy the certain spectacle to follow. The supporting cast is spectacular. Traylor Howard as Monk's beleaguered assistant Natalie is truly underrated. She provides the balance in Monk's world, which is not an easy task. Jason Gray-Stanford, as Lt. Randy Disher, is the perfect foil for Monk. Where the former cop has investigative skills off the charts, one has to wonder sometimes how Randy ever got a badge. Last, but certainly not least, Ted Levine, as Capt. Leland Stottlemeyer, holds it all together. He appreciates Monk's abilities, but no so much that he'll overlook Monk's myriad issues to reinstate his pal to the San Francisco PD.

One of the best elements of this show over the years has been its amazing guest stars and the premiere is no exception. Caustic comedienne Sarah Silverman returns as Marci Maven, the stalker who has now set her sights on Monk. The clashing of Monk's meticulousness and Marci's madness promises to be a highlight in the entire series' run.

For those who haven't been immersed into the world of Monk, there's no time like the present. Not only is it great television, it also shows that maybe your issues aren't quite so bad after all.

Photo courtesy of usanetwork.com

Funny Girls

Whether they're sassy or sweet, brainy or (almost) brain-dead, these wonderful women deserve every laugh they get, as well as a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series:

Jenna Fischer, The Office (NBC)
Elizabeth Perkins, Weeds (SHO)
Jaime Pressly, My Name Is Earl (NBC)
Nicollette Sheridan, Desperate Housewives (ABC)
Vanessa Williams, Ugly Betty (ABC)

Possible Alternates: Conchata Ferrell, Two and a Half Men (CBS) and Ashley Jensen, Extras (HBO)

Jenna Fischer triumphed as the romance-challenged receptionist who finally got Cupid's message from her co-worker. Elizabeth Perkins tested the boundaries as the cancer-surviving City Councilwoman who went off the deep end in pursuit of her mission. Jaime Pressly delighted as the ditzy ex-wife who managed to corral her current and former hubbies into helping her out of jams. Nicollette Sheridan raised the roof as the ribald realtor who moved in on her friend's former spouse. Vanessa Williams strutted her stuff as the vampy fashion editor who used any means necessary to get ahead. Conchata Ferrell wiped the floor as the hysterical housekeeper who really was the boss. Ashley Jensen nailed it as the socially awkward actress who was more interested in finding a man than in her next role.

Women of Substance

As the saying goes, "A woman's work is never done," which is true in real life and reel life. For these ladies are the team players of their shows. They provide depth, heart and complexities that enrich every episode in which they appear and should earn them a nod for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series:

Katherine Heigl, Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
Elizabeth Mitchell, Lost (ABC)
Sandra Oh, Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
CCH Pounder, The Shield (FX)
Chandra Wilson, Grey's Anatomy (ABC)

Possible Alternates: Andrea Roth, Rescue Me (FX) and Aida Turturro, The Sopranos (HBO)

Katherine Heigl killed as the surgical intern whose heart was cut out with the death of her fiance. Elizabeth Mitchell mesmerized as the fertility specialist whose true purpose on the island remained a mystery. Sandra Oh stunned as the future heart surgeon whose fear of commitment cost her the man she loved. CCH Pounder dominated as the top cop whose job forced her to choose between what's right and what's just. Chandra Wilson awed as the resilient resident whose emotions sometimes interfered with ability to perform her duties. Andrea Roth sizzled as the ex-wife whose explosive relationship with her former spouse burned out of control. Aida Turturro wowed as the Mafia wife/sister whose own self-interests didn't always mesh with those of "the family."

Still Waters Run Deep

The nominees for the 2006-2007 Emmy Awards have yet to be announced, but the voters should check off Corey Reynolds of The Closer for next year.

In the first two seasons of the TNT drama, Reynolds has portrayed Det. Sgt. David Gabriel as the calm influence among the hot-tempered members of the LAPD Priority Homicide Division. It has been Gabriel to whom Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson (Kyra Sedgwick) turns when she needs help or someone to rely on.

However, in this third season, Gabriel isn't blindly following orders or keeping the peace. In fact, he's been the one to cause ripples in the PHD's squad room. In the installment, "Grave Doubt," Gabriel not only argues with his female boss, but he physically tries to prevent her from questioning a suspect he feels should be set free. Afterwards, it is quite evident that the camaraderie and trust between Gabriel and Chief Johnson has been damaged. While this turn of events was disturbing, it's nothing compared to what was to come.

In the episode, "Ruby," the dedicated detective crosses the line and literally beats an admission from a man suspected of kidnapping an 8-year-old girl. It is with this performance that Reynolds achieves a truly amazing transformation. The mild-mannered, well-educated law officer morphs into a raging animal whose only thought is finding the girl. Even after the incident, his lack of remorse and subsequent attitude towards Brenda illustrates how nuanced and multi-layered Reynolds has made his alter ego.

So, this time next year, remember where Corey Reynolds was first touted.

Photo courtesy of tnt.tv

A Laugh Riot

Attention grabber. Scene stealer. Comic foil. These terms accurately describe the following performers who have viewers rolling in the aisles and deserve consideration as Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series:

Kevin Dillon, Entourage (HBO)
Jesse Tyler Ferguson, The Class (CBS)
Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your Mother (CBS)
Jeremy Piven, Entourage (HBO)
Michael Urie, Ugly Betty (ABC)

Possible Alternates: Jon Cryer, Two and a Half Men (CBS) and John Krasinski, The Office (NBC)

Kevin Dillon was uproarious as the D-List actor who hoped he finally moved up a couple of notches on the celebrity food chain. Jesse Tyler Ferguson made viewers bust a gut as the lovable loser who was the living embodiment of Murphy's Law. Neil Patrick Harris brought down the house as the self-absorbed playboy who secretly treasured his friends above all else. Last year's Emmy winner Jeremy Piven proved he's at the top of his game as the avaricious agent who harbored a soft spot for his favorite client. Michael Urie kept the audience in stitches as the sycophantic fashion assistant who was willing to do practically anything to please his boss. Jon Cryer provoked tears of joy as the twice-divorced dad who continued to sponge off his brother. John Krasinski tugged on everyone's heart strings as the office worker who wanted to mix business with pleasure.

Pillars of TV

They may not have the flashiest roles, the biggest paychecks or the recognition of the "stars" of their respective shows, but without these men, their TV shows would crumble. My picks for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series are:

Jack Coleman, Heroes (NBC)
Michael Imperioli, The Sopranos (HBO)
T.R. Knight, Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
Dominic Monaghan, Lost (ABC)
William Shatner, Boston Legal (ABC)

Possible Alternates: Dominic Chianese, The Sopranos (HBO) and Masi Oka, Heroes (NBC)

Jack Coleman kept everyone guessing as the "paper salesman" whose real agenda was top secret. Previous Emmy winner Michael Imperioli reached the high notes as the loyal nephew who gave everything he had to "the family." T.R. Knight (despite the off-screen drama) hit it out of the park as the intern who had several curve balls thrown at him and survived. Dominic Monaghan saved the day (and the show) as the ex-druggie musician who sacrificed everything for his fellow castaways. William Shatner shattered his image as the once top legal eagle who began to fall off his perch. Don't count out Dominic Chianese as the tough mob guy who went soft in the head. Masi Oka was the heart in the battle between good and evil.

Hot in the City

My status as a lifelong New York Yankees fan may be coloring my judgment, but the 8-hour miniseries, The Bronx is Burning, may be the hottest ticket on TV this summer.

Based on Jonathan Mahler’s best-selling book, Ladies and Gentleman, the Bronx Is Burning, ESPN delves into the illustrious history of the storied franchise during one of its most turbulent times. Set against the backdrop of the Son of Sam terror sweeping the city, the extended biopic focuses in on the 1977 season, detailing the conflicts on the field and in the clubhouse of baseball's most famous team in their quest to win the World Series.

Even if I didn't like baseball, I would still be compelled to tune in because of the stellar cast. Oliver Platt takes control as team owner "The Boss" George Steinbrenner; John Turturro portrays the team's most verbal and volatile manager Billy Martin and Daniel Sunjata of "Rescue Me" steps into the cleats of the polarizing player who would later be known as Mr. October, Reggie Jackson.

Although the 2007 team may not be igniting the way to another post-season bid, The Bronx is Burning looks to be an explosive television event not to be missed. Tune in for the first installment on Monday, July 9 at 10PM, with subsequent episodes on Tuesdays at 10PM.

For more accounts on the events surrounding the summer of 1977 in New York City, click here.

Hilarious Heroines

Lucille Ball, Jean Stapleton and Candice Bergen set the standards for TV comediennes and these women are worthy of joining them as Emmy nominees for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series:

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, The New Adventures of Old Christine (CBS)
America Ferrera, Ugly Betty (ABC)
Teri Hatcher, Desperate Housewives (ABC)
Felicity Huffman, Desperate Housewives (ABC)
Mary-Louise Parker, Weeds (SHO)

Possible Alternates: Tina Fey, 30 Rock (NBC) and Leah Remini, The King of Queens (CBS)

Last year's Emmy winner Julia Louis-Dreyfus had another stellar season as the divorcee trying to get back into the dating scene. America Ferrera inspired millions as the outcast with inner beauty and grace. Teri Hatcher showed that slapstick comedy is not dead as the klutzy suburbanite navigating a romantic minefield. Previous Emmy winner Felicity Huffman dazzled as a woman juggling work worries, her husband's ex-lover and their daughter and neighborhood nuttiness. Mary-Louise Parker lit up the screen as the weed-wielding widow plotting to avoid getting busted for pushing pot. Tina Fey tickled the audience as the head writer of a late-night TV sketch comedy series. Leah Remini reigned supreme in the final season of her long-running sitcom as the sarcastic spouse who really ruled the house.