Magic is here in Australia... In the form of Once Upon A Time!

Magic has finally arrived on Australian TV. No thanks to you, channel 7, for taking your sweet time!

Although I've been watching Once Upon A Time season two online, I will also be tuning in to watch it on channel 7. I'm quite impressed with seven playing two eps a week (on Tuesday and Thursday) starting next week as it means we'll catch up to the US at some point.

I love season 2 of Once. It is bigger and better than the first and with some awesome new characters. In the season 2 premiere 'Broken' we see Emma reunited with her parents as she declares she might need a glass of wine or "several bottles" to get over the fact that Snow White and Prince Charming are indeed her parents.

We also meet Mulan who declares to recently awakened Aurora that she's a woman, not merely a girl like Aurora points out. I think Aurora has a point though when she says Mulan is in love with Prince Phillip!

There are also some new creatures in the episode. Wraiths are clearly simliar to dementors! Even Ginnifer Goodwin tweeted during the US airing of the episode that she refers to them as dementors. Point being though, they are soul suckers and, although one wasn't successful in sucking Regina's soul out like Gold had hoped, it did result in Emma and Mary Margaret being whisked away to fairytale land through Jefferson's hat!

But never fear - Charming will find them. He will always find them. Well, here's hoping anyway!

After 'Snowing' (Snow and Charming) my favourite Once couple is 'Rumbelle' (Rumplestiltskin and Belle). They were simply gorgeous in tonight's premiere. Despite Rumple being hostile with her and sending her running out of his shop, there clearly are some strong feelings that remain between these two. And how beautiful did Belle look once Rumple had given her some clothes? The man has good taste, I say he's a keeper!

I loved that Henry didn't want Regina to be killed. After all she's done, he understands that it'd be wrong for them to kill her (but how tempting is the thought, seriously?!). And I laughed pretty hard at Snow's reaction to Henry calling Charming "grandpa". Gold! Ginnifer is a brilliant actress and proved it in that scene especially.

Line of the episode? "We were cursed!" The new best excuse for a one night stand and maybe even a replacement for Friends' classic "We were on a break!" even?

Bring on the rest of season 2, right?! I just hope Emma and Snow can get back soon...

Redfern Now and A Moody Christmas - ABC1 gems.

I'd wanted to check out Redfern Now after seeing a promo for it after Rake. I wasn't sure whether I'd like it but it had a great cast and was set in Sydney's Redfern, so I watched it to see. Verdict? I love it!

Each week the series tells the story of a family in inner-city Redfern, a suburb known for its Aboriginal population which carries with it a bad reputation for violence and crime.

I love that the series shows the good as well as the bad. It also has a great Aussie cast. The first ep starred Leah Purcell, Shari Sebbens (of The Sapphires) was in last night's ep and next week's ep features Deborah Mailman.

Then there's A Moody Christmas, also on ABC1 and featuring a great Aussie cast. I missed episode 2 but after watching episode 1, I will definitely catch up on iView. Jane Harber (of Offspring), Rachel Gordon, Patrick Brammall and Ian Meadows were the standouts for me - all terrific actors.

I loved that it was centered around a regular Aussie family at Christmas time. The storyline was one which I, and I'm sure many other Australians, could relate to. It's a unique idea for a show and I applaud its writers and creators.

Aussie drama seems to be on somewhat of a production frenzy at the moment. There are so many new shows I really can't keep track of them all. It's very rare that the amount of Aussie-made shows I'm watching on TV outweighs the American, but right now I reckon it's pretty close - about 40/60 in favour of US shows.

Good work, Australia. The more local content the better, I say!

On my to-watch list tonight:

8:30pm Tomorrow, When The War Began on channel 10.
Then I'm going to watch The Five-Year Engagement on DVD - borrowed it off a friend, haven't yet seen it.

Please, until next time, do yourself a favour and watch some Aussie drama. You will not regret it!

House... Of Lies.

I started watching two shows recently. House and House of Lies.

I'm watching the first one because I've been meaning to for a while now (I used to watch it on TV when it first aired until it started clashing with something) and also because I want to see Jennifer Morrison in a role different to Emma Swan (the character I'm loving her as in Once Upon A Time right now).

I am thoroughly enjoying House. Hugh Laurie is outstanding and I love Morrison as Dr. Allison Cameron. I also love Jesse Spencer as Dr. Robert Chase. I really like the idea of Chase and Cameron as a couple, but after watching 1x12 and seeing House and Cameron go and see Monster Trucks together, I kinda think they would make an alright couple! Twelve episodes in and I already ship one character with two people. So me.

House of Lies finally started on Aussie TV on Monday night. It was meant to air on Channel 10 a while back but they changed their minds about airing it and only now decided to show it on OneHD at 9:30pm. This is good because I really enjoy the series after the double episode this week. Kristen Bell is a favourite of mine and Aussie actor, Josh Lawson, is great in the series too. I also enjoyed Cat Deeley's guest role, very funny. But it's bad because it clashed with the first 15 minutes of Castle and clashed with Scandal too. I decided to tape Castle (I've already seen all the episodes of season 6 so far online anyway) and I'm watching Scandal online now (channel 7 is a little far behind, anyway).

Both these shows not only share a word in their name but they also share an important quality I look for when watching a TV series. They both have quality casts. This is the number one reason I watch a show - that I like the people who are going to bring the characters to life. That's not to say that I wouldn't watch a new show if I didn't know any of the actors in it, it just means that I'm more likely to watch a show when I do know who's in it.

I can't wait to watch all 8 seasons of House and the rest of House of Lies as it airs on Australian TV.

On my to-watch list tonight:

Sadly only more season 1 House episodes and,

8:30pm A Moody Christmas on ABC1

Watching too much TV will give you square eyes - biggest myth ever, my eyes are round.

I'm watching [insert movie/show] just because [insert actor] is in it.

I don't know about you, but I'm a sucker for watching movies or shows just because an actor I love is in them.

It could be the worst movie, yet I will sit through it just to see what the particular actor is like in it. Although, the movies aren't always bad. I've discovered some really good ones by doing this. And shows, too.

My latest show I've started watching from episode one, because of a particular actor (but truth be told I used to watch this show ages ago but stopped because it started clashing with something, most likely Australian) is House!

I'm watching it for Jennifer Morrison but also for Jesse Spencer and Hugh Laurie. Watched the pilot ep yesterday and loved it. Jennifer looks great as a brunette. And I was surprised to see Robin Tunney from The Mentalist in it (that's another show I need to watch from the beginning, I'm so behind but love it!).

I also finally watched Surviving Christmas yesterday. It's one of my mum's favourite Christmas movies and she constantly watches it. I had no idea Jennifer Morrison played Ben Affleck's love interest in it! It's a really good movie.

Other movies I've watched because of actors include Winter Passing (for Zooey Deschanel), which is actually a great movie - a friend spotted it while we were at JB Hi-Fi for $8 and it turned out to be a good buy for me. Yes Man is another one (for Zooey Deschanel and Sasha Alexander) again, great film. Also, My Sister's Keeper (for Emily Deschanel), good but very sad.

There are so many more, too. I don't regret it because I love seeing actors I love in other, earlier roles. Whether it be a good film/show or a bad one, it's always good to see them in something different and 9 times out of 10 I can see why it is I love them as an actor - versatility.

Some movies/shows I have recently put on my to-buy list for this very reason:

Warrior (Jennifer Morrison and Joel Edgerton).
Dawson's Creek (Sasha Alexander and Jennifer Morrison, among others).
Miracle on 34th Street (Jennifer Morrison and because it's a beautiful Christmas film).
Bringing Ashley Home (Jennifer Morrison).
Thor (Josh Dallas and Chris Hemsworth - and because Zachary Levi is in the upcoming sequel).
Hawaii Five-0 (Because I love this show and also, Josh Dallas guested in it).
Something Borrowed (Ginnifer Goodwin).
Walk The Line (Ginnifer Morrison).
Mona Lisa Smile (Ginnifer Morrison).
Win A Date With Ted Hamilton! (Ginnifer Goodwin).
Women's Murder Club (Angie Harmon).

Whoa! Long list, right? I think I'll start with the cheapest and oldest films first!

My to-watch list for today:

Grey's Anatomy 9x04 (online) at 12pm.
More season 1 of House tonight.
2x03 and 2x04 of Once Upon A Time (I started re-watching season 2 yesterday)
Friday night TV sucks pretty bad here in Australia! Especially without Friday night footy!

Until next time, I bet you can't watch more TV than me! (Well, maybe...)

For some magical viewing, watch Once Upon A Time!

I'd heard so many good things about Once Upon A Time that I was certain I'd love it once it hit Australian screens. I wasn't wrong. I just didn't know how much I would love it. The answer is more than I could ever have imagined.

My biggest regret is waiting so long for it to air on Australian TV. I should have just watched it online. Wasn't going to make the same mistake with season 2. I've been live streaming it each week.

My favourite character from the first episode was Emma Swan - and still is to this day. I love how badass she is and how committed to her son Henry she has always been since reentering his life.

My favourite couple has always been Snow White and Prince Charming ("Snowing"), Josh Dallas is a new favourite actor of mine. I hadn't seen him in anything else before OUAT. And Ginnifer Goodwin is the main reason I started watching the show. I loved her in He's Just Not That Into You which is one of my favourite films of all time.

I also loved Emma and Sheriff Graham as a couple. I knew he was going to die before it happened, as I saw a spoiler online, but I was still so sad when it actually happened. I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of him though. Thank goodness for flashbacks and fairytale lands!

As much as I hate Regina, I love Lana Parrilla and Regina before a young snow blabbed her secret about her and Daniel. Lana's 'Evil Regals' are just brilliant and she is so talented. In 'The Stable Boy' episode of season 1 it was remarkable how she could go from good to evil in the space of a scene, while talking to young Snow. I can't wait to see more of Regina's past.

Can I just say how attractive the cast of Once Upon A Time is?! Guys and girls - they are all so beautiful! Especially the guys. It seems there is some kind of requirement regarding attractiveness when they cast everyone - not that I'm complaining, I love all the eye candy! Special mentions go to Josh Dallas (Charming), Eion Bailey (August) and Jamie Dornan (Sheriff Graham). And I have a huge girl crush on Jennifer Morrison, Ginnifer Goodwin and Meghan Ory (Ruby).

If you haven't seen it, you must check out this year's Paley Fest panel with the cast. It's included as the last special feature on Disc 6 of season 1 (the Australian version). Such a good interview. If I knew the youtube link I'd include it but I couldn't find a good one.

I also need to mention Robert Carlisle's performance as Rumpelstilstkin. The giggle, the hand waving, the general wickedness and the use of the word 'dearie' are all just perfect! Every time Rumple does that giggle of his, I just lose it. I have tried to imitate it, failing dismally. He's also great as Mr Gold too. Definitely one of my favourites in the show. I also love Rumple and Belle ("Rumbelle") as a couple. They are so sweet and I love that Emilie De Ravin kept her Aussie accent for the show, that's just great!

Before this post gets too long, I'll leave you with my To-Watch List for tonight:

1pm: Live streaming Private Practice 6x04
And because Wednesday TV isn't the best, I'll be watching either Glee season 1 on DVD or Rizzoli & Isles season 1 or 2 episodes on DVD.

Until next time, keep watching TV!

I love Bones a lot... Biggest understatement ever!

Bones being a late inclusion in Seven's Sunday line-up last week was a last minute change I welcomed. I didn't expect Seven to air the show's 8th season until Autumn next year so I was happy to hear it was back so soon.

Although I have been watching the show online each week, I will be recording the show on channel 7 as well (and most likely watching it too - after House Husbands).

Three words pretty much sum up the season 8 opener for me: washing-machine sex! They are the words I was frequently using over on twitter in the lead-up to the episode. I had everyone a bit confused but intrigued, nonetheless!

I loved everything about 8x01. Particularly Brennan and Booth's emotional reunion. I was kind of disappointed though that they cut out a line that was seen in a promo for the episode. It really was beautiful and delivered perfectly by Emily Deschanel. See the promo below, there is a youtube link. Let me know what you think. The line is "because you love me" and is said after Booth asks how she knew he would find her. I just love it. Brennan says it like she is without a doubt certain Booth loves her. I just adore how matter-of-factly she says it. These two are my ultimate OTP (one true pairing).

Emily is someone I look up to. I love that she is so passionate about the environment and about animals. She is a vegan and an avid supporter of the charity Mercy For Animals. I'm also a big fan of her sister, Zooey Deschanel (more about that will be in another blog, for certain!).

And I love David Boreanaz too. His twitter pictures taken during filming are great, although I often have trouble deciphering what his tweets actually mean! He has a peculiar-style of tweeting, that's for sure. I often find his tweets don't make sense, but y'know, they're great regardless. Patrick Dempsey is another actor whose tweets need a certain level of decoding. It's more to do with his grammar though (again, this will go in another blog!).

Back to the episode - I'm really glad Brennan is back in the lab and working with the guys at the Jeffersonian! It really wouldn't be the same there without her. And yes, it's also good to see her and Booth getting steamy again! I really did love the scene towards the end with the washing machine - sexiness aside. I prefer Brennan as a brunette - the blonde wig just felt really unnatural.  I loved when she was drying her hair and Booth said "Bones is back!" Too cute, even for him.

I also loved the parts about Clark's binders. Angela and everyone else hated them and refused to include any of their findings in them, then Brennan comes back and loves them and asks why nobody has been using them - classic Brennan.

I can't wait for you all to see this Sunday's episode. And may I just say that there are some great guest stars coming up on the show. Including Danielle Panabaker, who I love (and her character is great!).

Until next time - adios!

My to watch-list for tonight:

1x04 and onwards of Once Upon A Time (bought season 1 yesterday as it was released here then).

8:30pm The second last episode of season 2 of Rake

9:30pm Lowdown

Then more Once Upon A Time most likely!

Bones 8x01 promo with unaired line.

Private Practice - Spoiler-free for Aussies

Right now I'm really loving Private Practice. I won't blog spoilers because I know how badly behind channel 7 are with airing season 6, but I will give you a little something to look forward to for when it does hit screens.

I saw an interview with Amy Brenneman on The View the other day. It has spoilers too I think, but I will place the link at the bottom of this blog in case you wanna watch it, anyway. I love Amy Brenneman.

Not only because she's tweeted at me a few times but also because of how passionate she is with things like politics, issues of human rights, gender equality and she is also pro-choice which is great. I didn't know until recently that she signed a list along with other people stating she has had an abortion.

I also didn't know that she had her colon removed! And that you can live without one if you have a small intestine. Wow.

I loved Judging Amy when I was younger and, for those who didn't know, Amy wrote and created the show, basing it on her mother's work in the US as one of the country's first ever female judges to graduate and practice. Although the character of Amy wasn't supposed to be her mother in any way. Just show her experiences.

I love Violet Turner in Private Practice. And I love Pete and Violet as well. In recent times, I sort of felt that they maybe aren't the best for each other but I have always loved their relationship with son, Lucas and the way in which they go about their jobs.

I have always loved Pete. For a while I wanted him to be with Addison more so than Violet, but that is for another blog (I shall do one on Kate Walsh and Addison Montgomery for sure!).

I have learnt so much from her and from Violet. I think I have learnt, most importantly, that anyone can make a difference in this world. I'm starting to learn that a lot more since studying teaching at uni, but I love that these characters and actors we love can also teach us things. It is amazing.

I just want to say, bottom line, Private Practice is well worth watching. Channel 7 will air season 6 next year by the looks of it. Which kinda sucks as there are bits of Private Practice which crossover with Grey's and since they are fast tracking that right now, we will most likely be almost finished watching season 9 before season 6 of PP starts. Well, that's 7 for you. Good with some things, bad with others.

I miss the days when Private Practice used to follow Grey's as well. Even in the states they don't do that anymore. Private Practice airs on Tuesday there and Grey's is on Thursdays. Which was weird, as I had no idea that one of the promos for PP referred to Mark's death in Grey's. Others seemed to get it though, must've been just me.

Before this post gets far too long, I must make my point - watch Private Practice!! Especially if you're a Grey's Anatomy watcher. They often crossover the two shows, even if it's just mentioning a character or if not, they have characters go from one show to the other. And you have to be watching both to get the full effects of the storyline.

I'll leave you with this.

Private Practice only gets better. And Shonda Rhimes, its creator is throwing everything she can at it, according to Brenneman, this season. Brenneman said in her The View appearance that it will depend on how the new shows do and how PP rates. I really do have all my fingers (and toes!) crossed for the cast and crew. It'd be a shame to see it go since it really is demonstrating some fantastic television of late. I'll watch it no matter what!

Currently watching:
Rewatching Private Practice season 2 (I'm near the end). Recently bought seasons 1 and 2 on DVD.
And watching the new season (6) online - livestreaming with the East Coast each week.

Ciao ciao and have a great weekend. Comments or whatever are most appreciated. Spam will be ignored.

Amy Brenneman on The View. Early Oct, 2012.