Kiss Them Goodbye

I think this might be my first traditional blog post...traditional in the sense that it is, basically, just an outpouring of my thoughts and feelings at the present moment. May is always a difficult month for this entertainment enthusiast, as most television shows debut their season (and sometimes series) finales.

This year's finales were particularly difficult for me to handle, as I said goodbye to one of my favorite shows, Desperate Housewives, after eight seasons. Sure, some seasons were much, much better than others (yeah, that's right, seasons two and six sucked, but I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of them), and I thought the final episode was executed in a great way and said goodbye to these women in the best way possible. With that being said, and I'll preface this with a SPOILER alert in case anyone hasn't seen the series finale and is planning on watching it soon, I couldn't help but feel saddened when Edie Britt (Nicollette Sheridan) was noticeably absent from the montage of dead characters from seasons past as Susan (Teri Hatcher) took one final spin through Wisteria Lane. Believe me, I understand and am aware of her current court case against creator Marc Cherry, but Edie Britt was a vital member of the cast for five years and I thought it was a cheap shot to exclude her. I have no idea whether an invitation was extended to Sheridan or whether she refused, but it would have been nice to see her in the series finale.

Additionally, we bid adieu to two crucial members of the Grey's Anatomy family in their eighth season finale, Lexie Grey (Chyler Leigh) and Teddy Altman (Kim Raver). As is customary with Grey's Anatomy, there was a huge, suspenseful event that occurred in the episode before the finale (in this case, a plane crash), and the finale dealt with the repercussions of said event. As I was watching, I feared we might lose Mark Sloan (Eric Dane) like we lost Lexie Grey, but perhaps they are saving that for the premiere of season nine? I know the cast just completed contract negotiations for an additional two years, so perhaps season ten will be the end? They are certainly acting as though the gang is beginning to go their separate ways, so I have already started prepping myself for their big finale.

I want to take a moment to reflect upon the fifth season finale of The Big Bang Theory...I loved every minute. Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg) and Bernadette Rostenkowski (Melissa Rouch) finally tied the knot just moments before Howard departed on a space mission with NASA. The final scene in which Penny (Kaley Cuoco) and Leonard (Johnny Galecki), Amy (Mayim Bialik) and Sheldon (Jim Parsons), and Bernadette (Rauch) and Raj (Kunal Nayyar) were watching as the shuttle took off from the launching pad, as each couple held each other's hands, it was so emotional for a show like The Big Bang Theory and left me with chills when it was over. I cannot wait to see what's in store for the gang when season six premieres.

And what about Glee?! Oh, I balled during their Nationals episode and I know I'm going to have a heck of a time when they graduate! Beiste's (Dot Marie Jones) storyline has been so emotional (I'm so glad she finally left Cooter), as has Puck's (Mark Salling; oh, I hope he graduates!), and it makes me really appreciate the show even more. Season two was not the best, but season three has been a tremendous improvement...and that's because of one woman: WHOOPI. The Power of Ms. Goldberg. :) She's a legend. Yes, I know what you're thinking...I do, in fact, have her autograph...

Finally, I wanted to show y'all what I'm taking with me to have signed at the Star Trek convention out in Vegas in August. This is a First Contact mini poster previously signed by Sir Patrick Stewart, and I anticipate acquiring the signatures of everyone else on the poster while I'm out there. I can't wait!

Nick Jonas

After three years of wanting to add his autograph to my collection, I have FINALLY added the one and only Nick Jonas to the book! Now, y'know, Nick is probably best known for his guest appearances on this season of NBC's SMASH...wait, strike that...he was only a member of one of the most popular boy bands (BB) in the history of the music industry! The Jonas Brothers! I'm hot, you're cold... (in all fairness, however, I loved this season of SMASH and his rendition of "Haven't Met You Yet" was AMAZING)

I was an enormous fan of the Jonas Brothers when I was in high school (heck, I still am), and I listened to their sophomore album, A Little Bit Longer, literally every day as I drove to and from school. Tonight and Pushin' Me Away were my two favorites, and now Nick has grown by leaps and bounds to headline his own Broadway show! He will be appearing in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying through THIS Sunday (following leading men Dan Radcliffe and Darren Criss), and I cannot believe he was not rewarded with a Tony nomination for his awesome performance. Some things I will NEVER understand...and this is one of them.

Michael McKean

Today I received my photos back signed and dedicated from one of my favorite actors, Michael McKean, who is probably best known for his performance as Lenny on Laverne & Shirley, but I personally loved him as Adrien Van Voorhees in Primetime Glick, as Mr. Green in Clue: The Movie and as Larry Dittmeyer in The Brady Bunch Movie.

Michael has had an amazing career in the entertainment industry and is currently appearing in the Broadway production of Gore Vidal's The Best Man with Eric McCormack. I have been an enormous fan of Clue and The Brady Bunch Movie since first seeing them more than ten years ago, and they are still two of my favorite movies today. Both movies have so many quotable lines that I know by heart...should you wish to ever hear some, let me know. With these two photos added to the collection, I am even closer to filling my second book! Oh happy day!

...I would write more, but Finals week is keeping me quite busy...ahhh, only one more day until Summer Vacation, which means my Star Trek convention is getting close!

Eric McCormack

Today I received my photos back signed and dedicated incredibly fast from Will Truman himself, Eric McCormack. How fast? It only took ONE week!

Eric is currently starring in the Broadway production of The Best Man and is part of a stellar ensemble of talented actors, including Angela Lansbury, James Earl Jones, Michael McKean and John Larroquette. Now, you may be asking yourself...Andrew, have you written to the others? Why yes, yes I have...sort of. You may recall I received John Larroquette's autograph last year when he was appearing in How to Succeed with Daniel Radcliffe, so check him off the list. James Earl Jones was one of the first people I wrote when I began this hobby (I have a signed and dedicated photo of Darth Vader), so check him off as well. I have a signed playbill from Angela Lansbury when she was appearing in A Little Night Music with Catherine Zeta-Jones, but I think I may write her soon because I would love to add a signed 'Mrs. Potts' photo from Beauty and the Beast to the collection. And, finally, Michael McKean...LOVED him in Clue: The Movie and The Brady Bunch Movie, so I made sure to send him a request when I wrote Eric. Here's hoping I receive a response from him back soon as well.

Back to Eric. I loved Will & Grace and watched it frequently when it was airing new episodes on NBC. Karen (Megan Mullally) was my favorite, but they were a great foursome and I truly miss the smart writing of the show. Mother and I thoroughly enjoy watching Debra Messing on Monday nights on NBC's SMASH, so it is great to be able to keep tabs on her. The photos look great and I am thrilled to add his signature to my collection.