I never bothered with the book for that very reason. I figured watching the show would require a lot less effort/committment for the same reward - if you can call it that.

i found the finale a little over the top but a good conclusion. I think my favourites were Rosie and Hector's Dad (cant remember his name and cant be bothered googling)

I found the slap a very worth-while watch. Especially the middle third or so.
It is not nearly as high-brow as it hopes/assumes it is though. 

I know/think that in Australia  if a game show episode doesn't  air the contestants don't receive their prizes. I seem to remember  hearing complaints from contestants  years ago after "the weakest link" got the can before their eps aired.
If that is the case in the US I feel very, very sorry for the people who drank…

I agree. I dont see how it works as a season opener, especially for a second season.  If it tied to a future plot line by introducing characters or concepts I could understand its use mid-season. I like when shows have "one-shot" episodes but they need to work to further some aspect of the show rather than just…

Don't for get the liberal use of exclamation points in all article headings!!! It makes everything exciting!!!

I had this same conversation the other day. My friend and I are both more excited for Game of Thrones than Mad Men. I think it is more about Game of Thrones being more fresh an experience, and also more traditionally compelling - what with the sex and violence.
Having said that, I am very excited to have Mad Men back…

I for one would love to see the edit of this season where Sophie was tyrant running the tribe and a huge threat in challenges. Tyrant might be a stretch but by all account she was pulling the strings and was the real strategist behind her tribe.
It's just a pity that egoist like Coach, and to a lesser extent Albert…

Was that the class with a guest lecture by Tim Kring?

I think the only way Sophie can win (provided she makes it to the jury vote) is by highlighting the hypocrisy/blasphemy that has defined the others playing style. Judging by the looks on the jury's faces tonight they aren't buying any of the religious justification -not even mormon-mum Dawn.

Yeah exactly, the producers/editors seem to make a big deal about it but unless someone is being particularly catty or out of line the other artists don't react to it

I get the impression that the the artists have more input into the crits than is actually shown. For the most part we only see it when someone is being a bitch or somewhat controversial - complete with facial reactions from the other artists to the effect of "I cant believe they butted in and said that". There have…

Agreed, though I have a sneaking suspicion that if I went back and watched season 1 again I wouldn't think it nearly as good as I remember.

delicious, delicious families.

Agreed. I followed the logic behind the reviewer's comparison of Mario Kart 7 to Mario Kart DS - rather than the more recent Mario Kart Wii - but he lost me with the MW3 comparison.

Only if you eat a bowl of live mice, or something.

I too have stuck with Weeds but bailed on Dexter early this season. Id put forward that even though Weeds has gone off the deep end, it has at least done so in a mostly entertaining way, unlike Dexter.

Does it bother anyone else the way Whitney emphasizes "me" when telling Cochran "You disgust ME"?