This week's "The Bachelor" ended, for a change, with the least dramatic rose ceremony of all time -- and ousted contestant Corrie Adamson, 23, agrees. "When we lined up for that rose ceremony, I knew I was going home," she says. "At the end of the day, I just wasn't the girl for Jake." Here's what Corrie had to say about how declaring her virginity affected Jake's decision, her plans for Valentine's Day, and who she thinks will win the final rose.

Video: See this week's episode | Also: Last Night on TV

 

On whether her virginity got her kicked off the show: "In Jake's head, maybe he associated [my virginity] with me being young and not having life experiences. That decision has nothing to do with my age. If I was Jake's age and I was single, I'd still be a virgin. It's not because I haven't had opportunities."

 

On her feelings for Jake: "I felt like Jake and I had just one date -- so my feelings for him weren't extremely developed. He’s a really nice guy ... but to each his own. He's not the guy for me."

 

On Vienna: "Vienna has a big personality. Some people felt like she could be mean -- I don't think she's mean-spirited; I just think she's young and doesn't think before she speaks. She talked bad about a lot of the girls in the beginning. But overall, she's a lot of fun."

 

On Jake's attraction to Vienna: "I think she probably makes him feel young and makes him feel like a man. I think he likes that -- who wouldn't?"

 

On Jake's style, given her work as a wardrobe consultant: "His pants were just like a quarter of an inch too short."

 

On her plans for Valentine's Day: "I wish I could say I had [plans], but I'm going to be on the road for Valentine's Day."

 

On Jake's favorites: "I think he had a really deep connection with Ali and Vienna. Tenley's a really great girl, and he'd be lucky to have her. I love Gia to death -- she was one of my good friends while I was there -- but I don't see her and Jake together at all. When I left, I didn't see him with anyone long term, in all honestly."

 

On why she knew she was going home: "We'd talked about the fantasy suite, and I wasn't willing to do that. I knew that was important to Jake, to get that alone time. Because our relationship was underdeveloped, compared to the other girls, that would have put me even farther behind. I just knew he knew I wasn't going to be where he needed me to be."

 

On who she thinks Jake will choose: "Vienna. I won't be surprised to see that. I will be surprised if they last."

 

It's the end of an era.
Yeah, John and Marlena have been gone for months and old stalwarts like Vivian Alamain returning to Salem to find they hardly recognize anyone. (Melanie? Mia? Who are these people?) But "Days of Our Lives" as we know it will never be the same.

Yesterday, actress Frances Reid, the actress who played Horton clan matriarch Alice Horton -- she of the homemade donuts and family Christmas rituals -- for more than 40 years, died at 95.

Despite the occasional flashback that made it feel otherwise, the ailing actress, who'd also done stints on "As The World Turns" and classic TV shows like "Wagon Train," has not made an appearance on air since 2007.

But they had plenty of archival footage to draw from -- and no doubt will when they do the requisite tribute. After all, Reid had been with the soap -- which has had its fair share of death knell rumors of late -- since it began in 1965. She earned a Lifetime Achievement Daytime Emmy for her turn as Alice Horton in 2004.

"Days" and "Biggest Loser" star Alison Sweeny, who plays the conniving Sami Brady, tweeted a farewell to the actress earlier today. "I'm so sad to hear the news about Frances Reid," Sweeney tweeted. "She was a truly talented actress & and we are all lucky & proud to have known her. RIP."

Gran, you will be missed.







 

Fun fact: Peter Engel, the man who gave us such landmark television as "Saved By the Bell" and "California Dreams," is to primetime network comedies what former "Funhouse" host J.D. Roth has become to reality shows. In his years since developing Saturday morning sitcoms about the whitest kids you know, Engel has overseen more adult-targeted laugh-alongs like "Last Comic Standing." And now he will be producing FOX's upcoming sketch-comedy series, "Naked but Funny." Which would actually be more amusing if he titled it "Naked Butt Funny."

And while that very network has hosted its share of vignette-oriented programming, including "The Ben Stiller Show" and Jennifer Aniston's long-forgotten big break "The Edge," it's been a while since they've greenlit anything close to the level of consistent hilarity of the following five. (Editor's note: "SNL" was disqualified from eligibility for this piece as a result of exponentially more unfunny seasons that superlative ones.) (Disclaimer regarding Editor's note: I am the editor. And the walrus.)


"MONTY PYTHON'S FLYING CIRCUS"

The original, the inspirational and the incomparable. John Cleese, Eric Idle and co. are the Beatles of British humor. And have not only left their footprint on likeminded sketch shows, but other influential, intellectual comedies like "The Simpsons." Only question is, which one of them is Ringo?


"MR. SHOW"

Lucidly purposefully and knowingly discombobulated with stoner logic, Bob Odenkirk and David Cross created something both comfortingly unpretenious and subversively brilliant for the post-slacker generation.


"THE STATE"

Before Gen-X matured into "Mr. Show," there was MTV's iconic ensemble series, finally released on DVD in 2008. Ideally suited for bit-sized viral consumption, "The State" (which was the genesis for future cult-faves like "Reno 911!" and "Stella") was deliriously inspired by pop-culture randomness at times (see the above clip), but also hilariously spiteful toward the way their generation was being culturally typecast (click here).


"SCTV"

I love "Chicken Lady Phone Sex" and other classic "Kids in the Hall" skits as much as the next Jewish guy from Long Island, but if there's one Canadian laugh troupe landing on this hallowed list, it has to be "SCTV." The Canucks' answer to "SNL" wasn't always at its sharpest, but its elite cast of improv greats (John Candy, Catherine O'Hara, Eugene Levy, Joe Flaherty, Andrea Martin et al) woud become the doofy '80s comedy-film template for Judd Apatow's current cadre of upstarts. And if you're wondering what Mike Judge was watching when he started dreaming up "Beavis and Butt-Head," look no further than the above clip.


"CHAPPELLE'S SHOW"

Chappelle's Show
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Dave Chappelle's already-legendary Comedy Central gig was easily the most provocative outlet for racial humor on sketch comedy since "SNL" guest host Richard Pryor warned Chevy Chase he was a "dead honky." And while the one-time standup was unfairly derided for his courageous decision to escape the conflicting expecations of his celebrity and ending his eponymous show in its prime, he can be satisfied in knowing that, unlike "SNL," his show never sacrificed its dual standard of vitality and hilarity.
 

Already planning your summer trip down the "Shore"? Better start saving those pennies -- because now, according to TMZ.com, you too can rent the very same party pad the cast of MTV's "Jersey Shore" wrecked on the show.

But it'll cost you. The six-bedroom, three-bathroom house in Seaside Heights, NJ, will rent for $3,500 a night until the off-season ends in May. But this summer, thanks to its newfound "celebrity home" status, the going rate has risen to a whopping $6,500! That's almost as much as "The Real World" suite at the Palms in Las Vegas (which is some $10K a night).

And for that real "Jersey Shore" flavor, the house will come complete with the duck phone, sofas, beds and artwork that MTV brought in for the show. But the owner smartly points out that it has received a thorough cleaning since the cast left. So you'll have a fresh canvas when you party down the shore like real guidos and guidettes!

May we suggest disinfecting the hot tub before you get your groove on? I mean, see the photo above. That is all.

 

 

By Bret Federigan

Special to MSN TV

 

I don't know about you, but these audition episodes grew tiresome, um, about a week ago. Enough of the circus sideshow acts, gimmicky costumes and all the many contestants with ambitions of becoming the next William Hung. I just want to see some good singing.

 

More: Most lovable "Idol" rejects | See what Simon says | Peep the contestants

 

For those of you who have desired to see more of hopefuls who'll end up making their mark in Hollywood next week, Wednesday night's episode of "American Idol," a fast-paced rundown of "the best of the rest," must have come as a relief. Finally, we got a broader look at some of this preseason's better talents, some of whom will likely battle for spots in the top 24. There were quite a few gems, though it's clear the show is still waiting for next week to unveil its full roster of prime-time players.

 

"Idol" guest judges: Who made the grade?

 

Next week's Hollywood episodes are sure to be must-watch affairs. It's when the competition really begins and when the competitors start to crumble under the pressure. And not that I need to remind you, but it will be viewers' first glance at new judge Ellen DeGeneres.

 

Let's get right to the lists:

 

The Good

• Jessica Furney, who had auditioned unsuccessfully in Season 8, returned this time around with a new look, a slimmer figure and a secret plan to impress Simon: perform a song that the Brit had actually co-written back in the day. Who knew surly Simon was so talented? Needless to say, it worked like a charm. Simon responded by quipping that it was a "beautiful song." And with that, the first singer of the night snagged a golden ticket.
• Remember Tatiana Del Toro and her every over-the-top sigh and fist-clenching gesture from last season? Well, this year Amanda Shechtman just might give Tatiana a run for her money. That's right, acty-schmacty Amanda reacted so melodramatically to every single piece of feedback from the judges that Simon couldn't resist playing with the young thespian-turned-singer. When it was time for him to reveal his vote, he took quite the pregnant pause and proceeded to mime various states of distress with his face and hands before, of course, voting her along. Looks like Amanda's not the only one who likes to milk her camera time, huh?
• Lacey Brown, a returnee from the Season 8 auditions, marched right back into the fire and delivered a precious, countrified version of "Over the Rainbow." It sounded like spun sugar. Now, about that Kate Gosselin-inspired haircut …
• Michael Lynche showed off some serious soul with his version of "Unchained Melody." Kara called him a "singing teddy bear." This gentle giant could be a sleeper.
• Didi Benami dedicated her performance to the memory of her late best friend. And, goodness, it was one of the most stylish auditions I've heard this season. Her jazzed-up rendition of "Hey Jude" was just plain cool. (Dare I say she sounded a bit like Megan Joy Corkrey?) Randy liked it, although Simon could only give it a very "small yes."
• Aaron Kelly had the chutzpah to attempt "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus. And it was good. Very, very good. He's a shy 16-year-old with a voice that sounds like a bigger, fuller Billy Gilman. "He's adorable," said Kara. "I love everything about you," added Randy. I have a feeling this Aaron kid's going to be a hit with many "Idol" households. Keep an eye out, Archie fans. Here comes another one.
• Hope Johnson is pure country. Her rendition of "I Hope You Dance" had the judges smiling and nodding to one another. Not only does Hope have a very marketable look, but her voice, though husky, has a hopeful tone. "I like you. You're cute," remarked Simon. I'm rootin' for this one.
• Also advancing were Lee DeWyze, Crystal Bowersox, Rachel Hubbard, Thaddeus Johnson and Genesis Moore.

The Bad

• Give Stephanie Fisher some credit for being persistent. This was her seventh (count 'em) audition attempt, and this time around she was hoping to impress her idol Victoria Beckham. Unfortunately, her version of "Fever" didn't win the judges over. Simon called it "terrible" and said she had a "horrible voice." Poor ol' Posh Spice had to get out of her chair to give the girl a hug.
• Kimberly Bishop turned up a very "naughty" version of "I Kissed a Girl." I thought it was just tuneless -- more like a spoken performance than anything else.
• Poor, monotone Shaddaii Harris stomped all over her version of "Fallin'" by Alicia Keys. It was the worst performance of the night. "Honey, that even wasn't the melody," declared Kara.

The Man Flower

• Adrian Chandtchi is a 17-year-old swimming aficionado who loves his 6 foot 8 inch frame. He actually calls himself a "man flower." When he began to sing an Elvis tune, however, in the audition, I swear you'd think he was a "boy flower." This was a classic case of "voice doesn't match the body." The more Adrian showed off his treble voice, the more Randy just kept bellowing in laughter. Kara offered, "Adrian, there's a small schoolboy trapped inside of you." To which the ever quick Simon added, "Either that or you've eaten one."

Get ready for Hollywood, folks. But before then, let us know what you thought about this episode.

 

Sound Off: "American Idol" message boards

 

 

 

The judges may not have seen it coming, and he may not have been planted by actual "American Idol" producers, but the appearance of "Bikini Boy" at the culmination of last night's episode was as pre-arranged as Kara DioGuardi's Bikini Girl-besting striptease during Season 8's finale.

The man behind the two-piece man-kini has since outed himself as Ty Hemmerling, an intern at a Denver radio station known for being the victim of "Howard Stern Show"-like belittlement.

In an interview with a local Denver blog, Hemmerling pulls the curtain back on how producers knowingly let him pass through preliminary stages, despite his occupation as a merry media prankster, leading to his humiliating audition and predictably prompt dismissal.

But it didn't take a highly observant and remarkably intelligent-yet-handsome TV critic like myself (pardon me while I pause to bow) to spot a set-up immediately. Between the obvious comedic tie-in with the aforementioned Bikini Girl, absence of any other prevailing charisma or talent, and conspicuous presence as the final remaining contestant for the day, it was an admirable but unconvincing attempt at contriving morning headlines.

Uh, not that it worked or anything...

 

It goes without saying that the only thing on TV I love more than "White Collar" is Travel Channel's "Chowdown Countdown," and the latter has unfortunately expired its finite run. And while I lamented the fairly blatant product placement in last week's "Collar" installment, it was still a ferociously fun, edge-of-your-seat 60 minutes (or 44 in DVR time).

But during last night's "Vital Signs," our favorite suit-and-tie FBI duo veered into a confusing and at time bizarre one-ep arc involving fraudulent charities, menacing medical clinicians and elaborately staged mockups of third-world emergency rooms. Yet Neal only even uttered the word "Kate" (in reference of course to his elusive girlfriend) on a single occasion, during a drugged-up confessional between he and Peter that further reinforced their "we get it" rapport. And as for nefarious government agent Fowler, as played the always-terrific Noah Emmerich, his presence wasn't even felt calcuating in the wings.

Now, Emmerich is most likely contracted as a special guest star for a limited number if episodes (truly to "Collar" what Heather Locklear was to "Melrose Place"), and thus they've had to carefully script the season to weave in and around the relating subplot. And presumably, neither Emmerich nor the show's creators counted on this kind of immediate, rapt attention. You could also make the case that "Vital Signs" was a valuable bit of character development, further integrating Willie Garson and Tiffani Thiessen into the the show's nuclear crime-fighting family.

That being said, there's no denying that the emerging narrative thread surrounding Fowler, Kate, Neal and a mysterious music box has done more for the breakthrough action-drama's continued watchability than the many satellite charms that initially lured us in.

I still love you, Matthew Bomer and friends, but let's have more internal-affairs intrigue and less loopy, tangential storylines going forward, eh?
 

By Vinnie Penn
Special to MSN TV

 

Half an hour into the much-anticipated season premiere of the final season of ABC's "Lost," I was sporting the same expression as Jack: confused. Jack's jaw was on the floor for a good 45 minutes, like all of ours, really, a few episodes into season one.

 

Also: Last Night on TV | Related: Q&A: Michael Emerson

 

Hell, I was even confused during the recap (effectively narrated by Emmy-winner Michael Emerson), by the absence of Michael, his son Walt, Shannon and Boone, and even Mr. Eko and Ana Lucia. But the cast has become so sprawling there had to be some casualties in the recap. Besides, Boone showed up midway through hour one, where Oceanic flight 815 was either taking off all over again on September 22, 2004, and safely riding out the turbulence, or we were witnessing an alternate version of the original flight. Or ... I dunno ... William Shatner was on-board but unseen, staring out at some creature on the wing. Yes, Rod Serling woulda been proud of the 6th season premiere (the glimpse of the statue on the ocean floor screamed "Twilight Zone" and got my phone ringing off the hook; dare I say "Lost" causes almost as many phone calls as "American Idol" on voting night).

 

As for Ian Somerhalder's return as Boone, it was utterly and completely eclipsed by the return of the black smoke in what was easily the most exciting scene of hour one, followed immediately by the most ingenius: The black smoke was revealed to have a human form. Plus, it was the perfect actor (character?).

 

Now, let me take a moment to cop to something many of you will disagree with but that some may have been waiting for someone else to say first: I was not a fan of the time travel element introduced last season. It felt like filler, like time-buying, like life was good for the cast and crew filming in Hawaii. It also only succeeded in further convoluting an already convoluted storyline. And if the time travel element is utilized to provide closure to the series, as the end of hour one suggested, then I, for one, will be disappointed. A simple reset? That'd be no different than Bobby Ewing coming out of a season-long shower on "Dallas." Seriously.

 

Hour two begat at least one new location for the gang: Baggage claim. It was about as exciting as baggage claim, too, while on the island side -- as the back and forth is indeed back-- new characters were introduced, which is pretty much the LAST thing I wanted, or the show needs. If the show ever scores another Best Drama Emmy win, this time they're going to have to open the back doors at the Shrine Auditorium to fit all these folks on stage.

 

As for the new characters, the poor man's Jet Li, who drew his own blood and offered it into a mystical pond dotted by hourglasses, played out about as ridiculously as it was to just write that sentence. And "Lost" lost a major character at the end of the scene. Except for the fact that it didn't.

 

Jet Li's beatnik translator is equally laughable, and the entire kingdom thing veered dangerously close to jumping the shark territory. But, thankfully, an hour after the black smoke took a human form it returned to essentially introduce itself, while eulogizing its vessel to boot. The "smoke's" declaration of "I want to go home" was intense, a line uttered by probably every character on the series over the course of its run, yet never with such relevance to the storyline. It is a fantastic worm on a hook we've all loved for six years. I just hope it doesn't catch a shark.