According to Jim: Time to Say So Long
June 1, 2009 by Chandra
Tomorrow, June 2, brings the final two fresh episodes of ABC’s long-running sitcom According to Jim. I know that news will make many people insanely happy, but the comedy does have its fans who enjoyed the show during its eight-season run.
The swan song begins at 8pm ET with “Diamonds Are a Ghoul’s Best Friend.” Give it up for Jim, who at least has the common sense to buy his wife Cheryl a lovely diamond necklace for her birthday. The only problem, though, is that, ever cheap, he purchases the jewelry from some lowlife Andy knows and ends up being haunted by the ghost of the dead woman from whence the necklace came. Serves him right.
Following at 8:30pm is the actual series finale “Heaven Opposed to Hell,” which features very nice guest stars Dan Aykroyd, Erik Estrada, and Lee Majors, as well as the return of fan favorite and original regular cast member Kimberly Williams-Paisley.
Scrubs: ‘My Finale’ Guest Star Roll
May 6, 2009 by Chandra

If you hadn’t heard yet, tonight’s one-hour Scrubs finale, appropriately called “My Finale,” will feature an astounding 50-Plus past guest stars who have graced the series with their talent. Follow the jump to find out who they are:
Scrubs: ‘My Finale’ Preview - J.D. Says Goodbye
It’s time, Scrubs fans.
Whether tonight’s special two-part, one-hour episode from 8pm–9pm ET serves as just an eighth-season finale for the long-running ABC comedy or a series finale, there’s no doubt that the central event is central character J.D. bidding farewell to his Sacred Heart colleagues, as well as his position as a series regular. Zach Braff is indeed moving on.
During the episode called “My Finale,” which was written and directed by series creator Bill Lawrence, J.D. plans to say goodbye to Sacred Heart, but will his final day stand up to his fantasy of scoring a hug from Dr. Cox or learning the Janitor’s real name?
Meanwhile, when random furnishings from Elliot’s apartment turn up in J.D.’s place, it becomes clear that she finally plans to take their relationship to a whole new level. Good for him! He deserves it.
Just in case this is really the end, Scrubs has starred Zach Braff as J.D. Dorian, Sarah Chalke as Elliot Reid, Donald Faison as Chris Turk, John C. McGinley as Dr. Perry Cox, Judy Reyes as Carla Espinosa, Ken Jenkins as Dr. Bob Kelso, Neil Flynn as the Janitor, Robert Maschio as Todd Quinlan, Sam Lloyd as Ted Buckland, and Aloma Wright as Laverne Roberts from the very first episode, although the last three cast members are technically billed as guest stars instead of regulars.
‘Scrubs’ Season Nine in the Works?
April 28, 2009 by Chandra
If you believe a recent report at The Hollywood Reporter, a ninth season of the ABC sitcom Scrubs could indeed be on the way to becoming a reality.
Although series regular Zach Braff has long claimed Season Eight will be his last season as a regular, there’s also the issue of his co-stars Donald Faison, John C. McGinley, and Neil Flynn, who’ve all landed pilots, as well as series creator Bill Lawrence, currently working on his own pilot Cougar Town. Provided the potential new shows get pickups, the actors and Lawrence would be bound by contract to treat the forthcoming series as their first priority.
Staff complications aside, I can see why ABC would want to keep Scrubs around longer, especially if the network can lure current cast members back for either occasional or regular roles. But viewers have already been primed for the present season to be the last. How many more changes can fans be expected to take and still stick around? I’m guessing as many as needed for Scrubs to remain in production.
‘Monk’ Wraps It Up with Season Eight
USA Network has determined the future of Monk, one of television’s most enjoyable, unique, and memorable series ever. Tony Shalhoub and the rest of the stellar cast will end their fantastic run after the upcoming eighth season, which is set to premiere in the summer of 2009 with a 16-episode order.
Says network executive vice president Jeff Wachtel: “We want to build to a spectacular conclusion for this wonderful show. By many measures, Monk is the most successful series in the history of basic cable television — and it was certainly the original tentpole of our ‘character’ brand. Our fans have been extremely dedicated and season eight should prove to be a very satisfying reward.”
I certainly hope so. We all knew the good times had to end at some point, but I still feel bittersweet tears welling up already. At least it’s reassuring that the series will exit on a ratings and quality high. And then there’s always the near daily repeats and frequent Monkathons.
Comedy on TV Tonight: ‘Men in Trees’ Ends
June 11, 2008 by Chandra
Under One Roof
Moose Crossing: Winston gets a visit from an old friend and is shocked to learn the person is now a woman instead of a man.. [8pm EST/MyNetworkTV]
Men in Trees
Taking the Lead: As the First Annual Elmo Talent Show gets closer and closer, Jack is not too thrilled when Marin decides to spend part of her large book advance on a lavish treat for him, Jane becomes frustrated with Sam’s cheapness, Sara finds herself fantasizing about men other than Eric, and Patrick tries to hook up with Annie again. This is the last episode, so watch and enjoy if you’re a fan. [10pm EST/ABC/Series Finale]
Tyler Perry’s House of Payne
How Do You Spell… It’s All About Me: Jazmine wins a spelling bee, and Curtis has issues when he learns Ella has been secretly getting in shape with a personal trainer. [10pm EST/TBS]
Tyler Perry’s House of Payne
And… Cut!: Ella suddenly decides that nobody in the family can use electronic devices, and C.J. discovers that he’s adopted. [10:30pm EST/TBS]
Comedy on TV Tonight: CW and ‘Desperate Housewives’ Finales
May 18, 2008 by Chandra
Everybody Hates Chris
Everybody Hates Graduation: Seinfeld alum Jason Alexander directed this episode, the third-season finale, on which Chris learns the depressing news that he and his best friend Greg will be attending different high schools. [8pm EST/The CW]
Aliens in America
Raja Sixteen: I can’t believe this entertaining sitcom was canceled so quickly. But it was, making tonight’s episode both the first-season finale and the series finale. At least we end with a Raja-centric plot when the exchange student lucks out and hooks up with a Muslim girl named Sadika, leading to some typical competition from Justin, who hasn’t lucked out and hooked up with anyone … ever. Wonder Years veteran Fred Savage directed. [8:30pm EST/The CW]
Desperate Housewives
The Gun Song/Free: It’s a two-hour, double-episode fourth-season finale for the wicked (awesome) women of Wisteria Lane. While viewers will finally learn the big, bad secret(s) Katherine Mayfair has been hiding all season long, I’m more psyched to see what happens with devil child Kayla and the Scavos. The naughty little girl freaks me out and fascinates me at the same time. [9pm–11pm EST/ABC]
The Game
Baby Come Back: The second-season finale is bound to please fans as Derwin and Jerome come to blows over Melanie, Malik grows super serious about Robin Givens, and the new owner of the Sabers appears to have a thing for Jason’s wife Kelly. [9pm EST/The CW]
NOTE: Check the Comedy Calendar for more listings, including talk-show appearances by comedy entertainers.
Comedy on TV: Wednesday, May 14
May 14, 2008 by Chandra
‘Til Death
Swimming with Starks: Eddie is forced to learn how to swim when he plans a special anniversary trip for Joy. [8pm EST/Fox/Second-Season Finale]
Under One Roof
Oh Brother: The Dallas Cowboys’ Terrell Owens guest stars — why, I don’t know. [8pm EST/MyNetworkTV]
Back to You
Chuck and Kelly, Doin’ It Again: Get your mind out of the gutter — the “doin’ it” in the title isn’t what you think! (Although maybe if it was, Fox wouldn’t have canceled the darn show…) [8:30pm EST/Fox/Series Finale]
NOTE: Check the Comedy Calendar for more listings, including talk-show appearances by comedy entertainers.
Scene Stealer: Psych-otic Lassie on ‘Jericho’ Finale
March 27, 2008 by Chandra

If you’re a fan of the USA crime dramedy Psych, then you might know that series star Timothy Omundson — Head Detective Carlton Lassiter, whom central character Shawn Spencer affectionately calls Lassie, to the police officer’s great annoyance — has/had a small ongoing yet integral role on the recently canceled CBS drama Jericho.
Omundson’s plays yet another lawman on the post-apocalyptic series. Phil Constantino is a creepy and sinister character who serves as sheriff of the title Kansas town’s nearby rival, New Bern. In the series’ just ended second season, the new government has removed Constantino from his position as punishment for his prior involvement in targeting Jericho, and he’s not too happy about that demotion.
Psych fans can see another side of Lassie’s talented actor alter ego in the following clip from “Patriots and Tyrants,” Jericho’s March 25 series finale. Be prepared to get chilled (and you thought Lassie was bad).
NOTE: If you require closed captions, you can enable that feature on the video player by clicking the CC symbol on the top right-hand side.
Carpoolers: 1.13 ‘Take Your Daughter to Work Day’ Recap
March 9, 2008 by Chandra

Original Air Date: March 4, 2008
As much as it pains me to say it, “Take Your Daughter to Work Day,” almost certainly the series finale, gets my vote as perhaps the worst episode of Carpoolers. It’s too bad the sitcom had to go out with such a weak showing. Then again, saving the not-so-good for last means fans have a longer continuous string of previous well-done episodes to remember fondly.
As the title of the episode states, it’s Take Your Daughter to Work Day at AUBREY’s job, and he brings along his little girl MICHELLE (Guest Star China Anderson). Before he heads to his floor, GRACEN and LAIRD advise him that he’s a superhero in his daughter’s eyes. Therefore, when Aubrey and Michelle get upstairs and she begins talking incessantly about her friend whose father is a heart surgeon and how big his office must be, Aubrey is too embarrassed to let her know that he has no office, just a small and cluttered cubicle.
Instead of revealing the truth, Aubrey takes Michelle into the office of Vice President Mr. Latero (Guest Star Dave Foley), which is across from his cubicle, so she can take a picture to use in her school report. While they’re inside, Michelle notices a picture on the desk of the office’s actual occupant and his family, and like any normal kid, she asks who the people are.
Panicking, Aubrey immediately grabs the framed picture and drops it on the floor, where the glass shatters. He then cuts his hand trying to clean the mess up and hurry his daughter out of the room before his boss arrives. Shaking his wounded hand only causes the blood to splatter all over the white sofa, and when Mr. Latero arrives with his daughter and she sees the blood, she thinks it’s an emergency and releases the fire alarm.


