Recap: 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' - 'Reunion Pt. 3'
It's Kim's turn on the reunion that seemingly will never end
"The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills"
We have finally reached the end of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" three-part reunion, which feels a bit like having gotten through a particularly tedious government studies class or a "Nightline" marathon. But the good news is that we finally get to see Kim post-rehab, Dana (before she's shuffled off into the reality TV sunset, I'm sure) and all the many men of the show (all three of them). And really, isn't that enough?
Watch: Chaos breaks out in 'Cruise Ship Disaster: Inside the Concordia'
Survivors' footage drives the special about the recent maritime disaster
The Costa Concordia
If it all seemed a bit like the sinking of the Titanic when it was happening, the capsizing of the Costa Concordia off the coast of Italy is now revealed to be, at least through survivors' footage, possibly just as scary. In "Cruise Ship Disaster: Inside the Concordia" (world premiere special airs Sun. Feb. 19 at 10 p.m. on Discovery), exclusive footage shows Captain Francsesco Schettino speaking by phone on the bridge, seemingly oblivious to the emergency situation unraveling for his 4,200 passengers and crew. An officer is heard shouting, "What shall we do?" while someone else cries "General emergency!" and yet the order to abandon ship still isn't given. Instead, Schettino is heard asking for "tug boats." Hard to believe? Watch a snippet of the special below.
Recap: Is Courtney getting kicked off 'The Bachelor'?
The girls are ready to mutiny against the model, but is Ben ready to hear it?
"The Bachelor"
Ben and the girls are off to Belize, and Ben is so excited! I'm less excited because Courtney is still on the show. This girl practically defines the word simpering, and with the baby voice, the lip sucking and the general childishness, I can't quite wrap my head around the idea that Ben has an interest in this manipulative, catty airhead. Each week that passes that doesn't result in her getting the boot just convinces me that Ben is 1) stupid 2) completely superficial and/or 3) an insecure little boy who's looking for someone as close to simple minded as possible so he can feel better about himself. In any case, I'm beginning to think that any of the girls who seem the least bit funny, smart or bubbly will really be better off getting kicked off the show at this point. Increasingly, it seems like dodging a bullet.
Recap: 'The Voice' - 'The Blind Auditions, Pt. 3'
It's time for the latest batch of contestants to be tested
"The Voice"
It's time for another two-hour shot of blind auditions. What we don't know? Whether Cee-Lo will bust out the cat again. We can only hope.
Recap: 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta' - 'Make It Rain Down in Africa'
Marlo brings the crazy to the girls' adventures in South Africa
"The Real Housewives of Atlanta"
Part of me is thrilled that the ladies are on a trip that will take them on a safari, because I have my fingers crossed that Marlo will be run over by a wild rhino or maybe eaten by a rampaging lion. Really, I don't care how she expires, as I would just like Marlo to be silenced in a permanent way. Does that seem harsh? You'd only think that before you've seen this episode of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta." Afterwards, you might want to start a Kickstarter drive to hire an assassin. Maybe she's just playing up her hatefulness in the hopes it will get her a permanent gig on the show, but I think Sheree or maybe Cynthia might kill her before she can sign a contract.
Reality TV Roundup: Was Whitney really up for 'X Factor'?
It's been a busy week, so get all your reality news here, now
"X Factor"
Welcome to Reality TV Roundup -- a quick look at some of the reality TV-centric stories that have recently popped up across the fine, old Interwebs. Click away, my couch potato friends. But before you do...
SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT! SPOILER ALERT! One more time: SPOILER ALERT. If you watch "The X Factor," "Survivor," "Top Chef," "Project Runway" or any other competition shows, the latest elimination for each show is probably revealed in the text below. The hope is that, if you missed this week's program and would rather clear out your DVR than watch the episode, you can get a quick hit here. But don't come crying to me if you find out something you didn't want to know. You've been warned. Also note: lots of non-competition reality info lurks below, too.
COMPETITION REALITY SHOWS
THE VOICE
The blind auditions are underway and we learn that the judges have a soft spot for clapping.
Judge Adam Levine starts a record label with a "Glee" star. It's a match made in television!
THE BACHELOR
Wondering why Casey S. was shown the door on "The Bachelor" when Wesley wasn't on "The Bachelorette"? Chris Harrison reveals why.
Dumped bachelorette Jennifer reveals that, now that she's watching the show, she hates Courtney even more.
Blakeley, Casey S. and Jamie just aren't all that to Ben. But dammit, Courtney's STILL around.
THE X FACTOR
It seems the late Whitney Houston had plans to judge the show, though Simon Cowell will only say he was meeting her on Monday.
Simon Cowell says Beyonce, Mariah and Elton won't be judging next season - but he has a few people he would like to fill in the available slots.
We have our own ideas about which stars should be filling in Nicole and Paula's chairs, however.
AMERICAN IDOL
Brace yourselves. It's group night! Read this recap for more.
Nigel Lythgoe talks about fading ratings, "The Voice" and why people who aren't prepared for Hollywood Week are just plain stupid.
Adam Lambert says it's just a rumor that he's going to formally step into Freddie Mercury's shoes to front Queen.
TOP CHEF
Bev is back, but Ed is packing his knives to go. Nooo!
The show will be back for a tenth season, of course.
The First Lady guest judged a new "Top Chef" spin-off. Go figure.
PROJECT RUNWAY ALL STARS
Even though Austin had the ugliest look and Kara's was the most boring, Rami somehow gets the boot.
THE BIGGEST LOSER
Adrian is the latest cast-off on the show and admits he made excuses on a season that's all about "no excuses."
NON-COMPETITION REALITY TV SHOWS
THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF BEVERLY HILLS
Expletives, feuds, jealousy and suicide -- it's part two of the "RHoBH" reunion!
THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY
The girls are back -- but they're boring, at least for now.
THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA
You know things are bad when NeNe is the voice of reason. Watch out for Marlo!
MISC.
Jeffrey Fraza, a fighter on 2005 reality show "The Contender," is hit and killed by a commuter train.
"Survivor" winner Richard Hatch can't catch a break from the law.
Watch: 'The 9/11 Tapes: Chaos in the Sky' as alternative Valentine's weekend programming
Bypass drippy rom-coms and take a more serious turn
"The 9/11 Tapes: Chaos in the Sky"
Not everyone wants to celebrate Valentine's Day weekend, and especially not with fluffy rom-coms. Instead, consider something completely different -- a closer look at a tragic chapter in recent history. "The 9/11 Tapes: Chaos in the Sky" (Sun. Feb. 12 at 9 pm. on Discovery). The show pulls from hundreds of hours of audio recordings to tell the story of 9/11 through the voices of air traffic controllers, military commanders and even those on the hijacked planes.
No, it won't be as cute and cuddly as some lightweight romance, but singletons might just feel a little less sorry for themselves about not getting a box of chocolates from a special someone after watching this.
Recap: 'The Vampire Diaries' - 'Dangerous Liaisons'
It seems like a lovely evening - until Esther reveals her secret plan to Elena
"The Vampire Diaries"
Initially, this episode seems like it could be a light, frothy fantasy, a welcome respite from some of the dark drama of previous episodes. With pretty much everyone in town invited to Esther's elegant ball, it seems that life in Mystic Falls is finally going to become downright civilized. Klaus and his siblings are now defanged, the Salvatores don't have to worry about getting killed, and it seems pretty certain that Klaus isn't going to be creating any more hybrids from Elena's blood supply as long as his mom is on watch. But this is "The Vampire Diaries," so we'd best not get too attached to this happy scenario. With every promising twist we can always predict one thing -- more trouble ahead.
Recap: 'Project Runway' - 'Fashion Face Off'
The designers are up against one another - and one feels really ripped off
"Project Runway"
Anthony has been auf'ed, so I suspect the workroom is going to be a little less fun this week. I guess it could be argued that another goofy challenge could be good for some laughs, but mostly those are just worthy of an eye roll (pick a muse! And make them strip in Central Park!). But even if the runway lacks for fun, I do foresee tension, backbiting and cattiness. How fashion-forward!
Angela addresses the designers with a bunch of bags. Yes, this is about the most useful Angela will ever be -- as a decorative coathook. Each designer picks a bag, and inside they find a season printed on a luggage tag. Their challenge? To create a sportswear look for a weekend getaway. But wait, it's four seasons and eight designers. It's a fashion face-off!
'Fat Chef' is more serious than the crass title would suggest
The latest weight loss show looks beyond the kitchen
"Fat Chef"
When I heard the title "Fat Chef" (Thurs. 10 p.m. ET, Food Network) at first I thought it might be the latest addition to Adult Swim's programming block or something new from Seth MacFarlane. When I realized it was a reality show, I assumed it was going to involve the usual weight loss TV tropes -- humiliating Spandex workout gear, teary-eyed confessions, weird challenges and possibly an angry trainer who screams a lot. "Fat Chef" hits some of those marks (you can only color so far outside of the lines with a reality TV show), but to its credit, it doesn't live up to its cheesy title.
About This Blog
Liane Bonin Starr is an author, screenwriter, radio producer, former senior writer for EW.com and unrepentant shoe collector who spent four years covering the fashion industry to rationalize her problem. Her byline has appeared in The Los Angeles Times, Entertainment Weekly, Daily Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Flaunt and a lot of other publications that went out of business before she got paid. Her last book was called "a scandalously catty, guilty pleasure" by the late, great Jane magazine, which sounds about right to her. Expect more of the same from Starr Raving.
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