Michael Who?

"That's what she said." Ughh. Never in my life have I longed to hear that quote more than I have since April 28, 2011.

Now, try to hold back your tears (unless they are tears of laughter) because NBC's hit comedy, The Office, returned last fall and, surprisingly, it couldn't be any more funny.

If you are an avid watcher like myself, you know that the seventh season ended with the departure of Michael Scott (played by Steve Carell) from Dunder Mifflin. As I was watching Michael say his last goodbyes to his co-workers, tears were flooding my eyes and streaming down my face; I was the definition of an emotional wreck.

However, the show must go on. I was devastated to see the end of Michael Scott and all his glory, but I was more curious as to how the show's writers were planning on moving the storyline along and keeping up the amount of laughter. I can honestly say that although I had my doubts and worries before the eighth season of The Office premiered, I currently enjoy this season and have an equal amount of laughing moments as I did while watching prior seasons.

"This new season found all cast members stepping up to the plate to prove that the show wasn’t really just 'The Michael Scott Show,'" said Chrissy Wilson of Uinterview. The show is trying to remind us "of the family feel of this group of misfits, even without Carell."

While almost everything in the paper company is changing, life in Scranton has continued on even though Michael is in Colorado with his just-as-comedic fiancé, Holly (played by Amy Ryan). The show just needed to make a few adjustments to its script, considering most of the episodes' dialogue would revolve around Michael and his awkward tendencies.

WARNING: For this post, I will be doing something different. (Don't panic! Not too much is changing.) Since there has not been a new episode of The Office in the past couple of weeks, I will do an overall review/summary of the comedy's newest season.

This season kicked off with the addition of a few new characters, such as the new CEO of Dunder Mifflin/Sabre, Robert California (played by James Spader), and the announcement of two pregnancies: Pam (played by Jenna Fischer) had baby no. 2 with her husband (and co-worker) Jim Halpert (played by John Krasinski) and Angela Martin-Lipton (played by Angela Kinsey) gave birth to her son with her "state senator" husband, who viewers have only seen once or twice.

The fact that I question their relationship forces me to conclude that Angela probably faked the wedding and married one of her million cats. Anyway, there is slight speculation that Dwight Schrute (played by Rainn Wilson) is possibly the father of Angela's child anyway. The final "shocker" of the season (thus far) is that Andy Bernard (play by Ed Helms) became Regional Manager of the Scranton office, the position formally held by Michael Scott.

In my opinion, Andy is the closest in "social ineptitude" to Michael, causing the writers' choice to be the most logical. He even brings the office together in the board room for Toby (played by Paul Lieberstein) to give a presentation about bullying - even though Andy's recent encounter is the center of the meeting's reasoning. I definitely see the "Michael Scott" tendencies ingrained in Andy.

The office jokes about how to handle a confrontation with teenage girls. (Video: NBC)

Just imagining Andy Bernard being assaulted by a group of middle-school girls makes me giggle. Despite the fact that he attempted to be Pam's "hero," his gesture backfired and caused him to be the laughing-stock of the day.

REVIEW TIME!

I will rate The Office on a scale based on the series' characters. I'm almost positive there would be a unanimous agreement that Toby is the lowest rating parameter since he is the boring wet blanket in most episodes; Michael is the highest rating boundary because, hands down, he is the reason behind the show's success and comedy (before his depressing departure).

In relation to the scale I created, The Office will earn a "Jim-rating" because true fans have stayed by his side through thick and thin and he always knows exactly what to say or do in any situation. Plus, he's not too hard on the eyes.

Those who have tuned into the show for the past seven years will not be the first to change the channel now that Prison Mike, Michael Scarn, Michael Klump, Date Mike, Classy Santa (or whatever you refer to him as) has left the building. Michael Scott will forever be remembered in our hearts and will always leave us satisfied and grinning even though it is really hard...that's what she said!...sorry, I became too distracted to finish my sentence.

So, if you are entertained by office confessionals, childish pranks and consistent ridicule, The Office can be watched Thursday nights at 8 p.m. on NBC.

*The first picture was found on Amazon.

The Return of Don Draper

Stills from the opening title sequence of Mad Men. (Photo: The Boston Globe)

Pour yourself a glass of bourbon and light a Lucky Strike because the fashion, drama, history and Jon Hamm (sigh) have returned to the air and boy have I missed them dearly. Eighteen months is much too long.

People agree, considering the season premiered on March 26 to “record showings among viewers and key demo groups,” said Michael O’Connell of The Hollywood Reporter. “The long-delayed return for Mad Men paid off in the numbers.”

Ok, I must admit I have a crush on Jon Hamm; he is almost as high on my list of “Celebrity Eye Candy” as George and Brad. Probably somewhere in between Ryan Reynolds and Bradley Cooper. I must also confess that I originally began watching this show because of Jon Hamm. He’s that good-looking.

Other factors that drew my attention five seasons ago to AMC’s Emmy-winning drama Mad Men was the writers’ attention to the fashion of the 60s and its unforgettable history. But we’ll cover those aspects after a brief (very concise for my writing) overview of the premiere.

On Sunday night’s season-opening episode of Mad Men, the drama already began to unravel and reform again. To jumpstart its fifth season, the show began with a glimpse of what the main characters have been up to since we saw them last season. Unfortunately, since this drama aired for a "quick" two-hours, I will not provide a play-by-play of the episode.

With his 40^th birthday approaching, Megan (played by Jessica Paré) decides to throw her new husband, Don (played by Jon Hamm), a surprise party. While the party is enjoyable and entertaining, the employees of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce, have much bigger issues to deal with beyond crying over a few grey hairs. Peggy (played by Elisabeth Moss) pitches the possible new ad campaign for Heinz beans to the company’s executives, but they quickly shoot it down, forcing her to spend her weekend reconstructing a more creative idea.

Meanwhile, Joan (played by Christina Hendricks) recently gave birth to a darling baby boy (I assume he is a ginger, maybe he’ll be blessed with the Weasleys’ good looks. Shout out to Harry Potter!); however, she is anxious to return to work immediately. At the office, Pete (played by Vincent Kartheiser) and Roger (played by John Slattery) have not resolved their altercation from last season, so they have tension the whole episode. Harry (played by Rich Sommer) embarrasses himself (not much of a shock) by stating raunchy comments about Megan’s performance at Don’s party. Remember, this is the most basic description I could have offered you, therefore, I found it unnecessary to provide a spoiler warning.

The episode begins and ends with scenes of African-Americans protesting and searching for jobs, reminding us of the time period this show reflects. (Side-note: while I am a huge TV fanatic, I actually find pleasure in school. I know. And as uncommon as it is, history is my favorite subject.)

I love watching Mad Men because, unlike others on the air, it reminds viewers of a drama-filled era. So many important moments in U.S. history took place during the 1960s: the Vietnam War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the assassination of the Kennedys and Martin Luther King, Jr., the controversial novel Silent Spring, the Woodstock festival and the Moon landing. It was one of the most tumultuous decades in our history, so naturally it is my favorite to discuss with others. The fifth season of Mad Men, specifically, revolves around the year 1965 and all its historical glory.

Please don’t think I’m a total nerd now that I have revealed school actually interests me. You should know that, in addition, I also thoroughly enjoy this show because of the costume designer's attention the mod trends of the 60s. The big patterns, plaid and bright colors make you want to jump up and “do the twist.” And with fashion icons such as Audrey and Sophia, who wouldn’t die for the perfect bouffant hairstyle?

Obviously, if I were to walk out of my apartment today dressed like Ginger from Gilligan’s Island, people would think I’ve either been in a coma for 50 years or I am on my way to a themed party. Either way, no one would take me seriously, and for good reason.

The fashionable cast of Mad Men posing for the camera: Robert Morse, Jared Harris, John Slattery, January Jones, Jon Hamm, Vincent Kartheiser, Elisabeth Moss, Christina Hendricks, Aaron Staton and Rich Sommer. (Photo: Huffington Post)

REVIEW TIME!

Ok, I’ve had difficulty deciding what my rating scale for this show should be because while the show is about the dramatic lives of an advertising agency, it also reflects an important, historical decade. With that said, I think it will reflect my interest in the show best if my scale is based on the fashion icons of the 1960s. Jackie O is the cut-off for the highest rating. No explanation necessary. And the lowest rating is depicted by Barney Fife (played by Don Knotts) because while he was a TV icon, his fashion sense was comical and not copied by many.

Based on this scale, I will give AMC’s Mad Men a “Twiggy-rating.” While she is the world’s first supermodel from back in the day, she is still prominent today (appearing on the CW’s America’s Next Top Model) and is a reminder of how picturesque and luxurious life in the 60s could be for the rich few.

You can experience the drama and fashion for yourself on Sundays at 9 p.m. on AMC.

Can't. Stop. Laughing.

While I love my fair share of dramas, such as Smash, my true loyalties lie with comedies. I'm a sucker for the funny ones. And ABC's Happy Endings really makes me laugh out loud.

The sitcom returned to the air for its second season in September 2011. And while almost all the actors are new and unknown, they are already experts at grabbing the viewers' attention and making them laugh until they almost pee their pants. Was that too far? Sorry, it's the truth.

"One way the show has gotten attention is because of the edginess of the humor," said Henry Hanks of CNN.

See? Told you! I'm certain what keeps me hooked on this show are the ridiculously funny quotes. For instance, in last week's episode one of the main characters, Max, says to his friends, "'We are too inside the box. We gotta branch out. Talk about restaurants that maybe don’t exist. For example, where does Gollum eat?'" In what world is that statement normal? Middle-earth. That's about it.

For those of you new to the show, I'll fill you in on the necessities. The show revolves around the complicated lives of six friends and their tangled relationship web: Jane (played by Eliza Coupe) is the older sister of Alex (played by Elisha Cuthbert) and is married to Brad (played by Damon Wayans Jr.). Alex was engaged to Dave (played by Zachary Knighton) until she left him at the alter. Well, at least they are still friends and it isn't awkward anymore, right? Anyway, then there is Penny (played by Casey Wilson), who is an old friend of Alex's from their childhood, and Max (played by Adam Pally), who is one of Dave's friends from college.

In last week's episode, the time has come for the gang to celebrate Penny's 31st (excuse me) 29th birthday. According to the episode - I apologize in advance for the spoilers to come - Penny suffers from having the worst luck with birthday celebrations. A typical birthday party could consist of a punch in the face, a wild beast or a defibrillator.

Let's face it, no four-leafed clover can salvage what's become of Penny's birthday. As the quest for the perfect dinner location begins, each restaurant suggested is accompanied by an anecdote by altering characters explaining why they cannot ever show their face there again. Literally anything you can think of (anything) would be an offense that one of the six has committed in a public location. After multiple failed attempts to try new restaurants around town, the group decides to end the night at their typical hangout place: Rosalitas.

Ok, I know what you're thinking: six friends, one favorite restaurant, siblings...THIS SHOW IS JUST LIKE 'FRIENDS'! And if there was one thing I loved more than anything about growing up in the 90s it would be Friends. The sitcom opened my eyes to a whole new world of comedy beyond The Lion King's Timon and Pumba.

I won't go into too much detail, but both Happy Endings and Friends share similar concepts and characteristics. However, the former puts a modern-day twist on the types of characters and relationships between them. For example, instead of having the smooth-talking ladies man (Joey), Happy Endings offers a currently popular type of male: the gay best friend (Max). While Friends will always hold a special place in my heart, I think I'm drawn to Happy Endings because I actually understand the crude humor initially - that is most likely due to the fact that I am 10 years older and wiser.

The cast of Friends. (Photo: WB) The cast of Happy Endings. (Photo: ABC)

REVIEW TIME! (Cue cheering crowd noises.)

For this week's show, I will rate Happy Endings on a Friends-themed scale (for obvious reasons). Based on my personal bias, the scale will be from Ross to Chandler; Ross is the lowest rating because, well, he's pretty boring while Chandler is ranked highest because he has spot-on comedic moments and is great overall.

With this in mind, I will give Happy Endings a "Rachel-rating" because Rachel has hysterical one-liners and depicts the most relatable role, similar to each character in Happy Endings. I just imagine myself in their situations and I can't help laughing.

If you have 30 minutes to spare and love to laugh, then tune into ABC on Wednesday nights at 8:30 p.m. to watch Happy Endings. I recommend everyone watch at least one episode. You will be hooked (and possibly peeing in your pants).

*The first photo was found on IMDb.

All the World's a Stage

Cast in order left to right. Row 1: Brian d'Arcy James and Jaime Cepero; Row 2: Raza Jaffrey, Christian Borle, Debra Messing and Anjelica Huston; Row 3: Jack Davenport and Megan Hilty; Row 4: Katharine McPhee. (Photo: NBC)

Think Marilyn Monroe. Now throw a little piece of Broadway, Will & Grace, British accents, Chicago, American Idol and The Addams Family into the mix and you've produced the perfect blend of talent and history.

This week, I am providing my take on NBC's new hit show Smash, which debuted on January 6. Smash is a musical drama about the lives of people involved in creating a Broadway musical based on the life of Marilyn Monroe.

WARNING: THIS POST MAY REVEAL PLOT SPOILERS. READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.

"There is something in this show for all viewers," said Damian Holbrook of TVGuide.com.

"If you love theater, you'll love the show," said executive producer Neil Meron in an interview with TV Guide. "If you have no interest in theater...well, their lives are like everyone else's, so we'll be dealing with their parents, boyfriends, girlfriends, their families."

Steven Spielberg, producer, knows exactly what the viewers want to watch. And just as he had hoped, Smash was off to a strong start when the show premiered and it "delivered the biggest 10 p.m. rating of any drama this season," said James Hibberd of Entertainment Weekly.

I can't tell if I enjoy this show because of the stellar cast or if I secretly wish I could play the part of Marilyn Monroe on Broadway (I wish I weren't tone-deaf.). Either way, I keep watching week after week to see what new dramatic plot line comes next.

On Monday night, the season showed it's fifth episode, "Let's Be Bad." Let me begin by stating, if you are uncomfortable with sex in any way, shape or form this might not be the episode for you and this is where you should pause for intermission - see what I did there? Karen, played by Katharine McPhee, channels her inner Marilyn - which basically suggests she begins to have more sex appeal - after Ivy, played by Megan Hilty, condescends that Karen doesn't know what she "brings to the party."

Obviously, the subplots prove to be very important for the upcoming storylines: Frank, played by Brian d'Arcy James, is away for business while Julia, played by Debra Messing, gets to play around with former fling Michael (who is playing the part of Joe DiMaggio in the musical), played by Will Chase. Confused yet? Well, that's only the beginning of the story. Also while Dad is away, Leo (Frank and Julia's only child), gets arrested for smoking pot in Central Park, allowing the TV show to plug a controversial topic that will continue to haunt the main characters for at least a few future episodes.

To me, the most jaw-dropping moment would have to be the final scene when the camera pans to Leo watching Karen (his own mother) and Michael kiss on the sidewalk. DRAMAAA. However, I have to admit that I saw it coming.

My favorite part of the show, and most musicals for that matter, are the songs and the UH-mazing voices singing them. I get chills every time I hear Katharine McPhee sing Marilyn's rendition of "Happy birthday." I don't think she needs to work on her sex appeal while she sings this risqué number on Monday's episode.

Karen Cartwright (Katharine McPhee) is singing "Happy birthday" to teach Ivy Lynn (Megan Hilty) how Marilyn's bravado on the note should sound. (Video: Hulu)

I think that performance translates to: "Hey Ivy, put that in your pipe and smoke it." Or possibly: "Good luck being a better Marilyn knowing my voice is sexier than yours."

REVIEW TIME!

My rating scale for Smash will be based on the level of musical productions; the lowest rating being "high-school theater production" to the top rating of "Broadway" (of course). In my opinion, this new drama deserves an "off-Broadway" score - something probably around a typical seven or eight on a 10-point scale.

The show is off to a decent start, but what new program is perfect from the get-go? I think other critics should give the show a full season to work out its kinks before it can truly judge the program. The plot is compelling and the acting is impeccable (probably due to the rockstar cast), aside from less-than-entertaining Emory Cohen, who plays Leo. His acting makes mine look Oscar-worthy (shout out to Ms. Pearson: your eighth grade theater class taught me everything I know).

If you want to get a little taste of what Smash has to offer, you can tune in to NBC on Monday nights at 9 p.m. Trust me. You'll become addicted after the first mention of Marilyn the Musical and continue to watch all the way to the final curtain call.