It’s been two years since Spartacus: Blood and Sand left it’s indelible mark on cable television. The smartly written, blood and gore soaked series titillated audiences in a way probably not seen since the Roman times the series is set in. This adults-only drama is part comic-book gore and part-backstabbing-thriller/drama. But it’s been two long years for fans to see what happens to Spartacus next. Sure, we had the very amazing and tantelizing prequel, Gods of the Arena, but after the Blood and Sand blood-bath finale, it’s time to find out what happens next.

Lisa and I were invited to the red carpet screening of the first episode of Spartacus: Vengeance and mixed and mingled with fans and Hollywood alumns who all craved a little of the arena blood.

Of course, most fans know why the long wait. Lead, Andy Whitfield, whose performance as Spartacus was as legendary as the man himself, sadly was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and later succumb to the disease.  Robert Tapert, one of the Executive Producers, explained before the screening that Andy made sure that the cast and crew knew how much he wanted the series to go on once he realized he could not perform. The touching part of the screening was the final part of the episode contains a tribute to Andy, which, I’ll admit, made me a bit teary eyed.

Liam McIntyre at Premire of Spartacus: Vengeance 1/18/12 Photo credit: / WENN

The event, held at the Archlight Theater on Sunset, was a lot of fun. Costumes from the series and props were on display and free popcorn/soda provided for guests. The red carpet was full of fans and photographers waiting to catch a glimpse of the stars (who film in New Zeland, so it was fun to see them in LA). Including our new Spartacus, Liam McIntyre.

I’ll admit, I wasn’t quite ready to let go of Andy as Spartacus. After all, he was the actor portraying the character that I held my breath for, that I cheered for, that I wanted to see get his vengeance. But, as we watched the first episode, my fears were quickly dispersed. Liam brings the quiet rage that we had come to love from Spartacus.

I won’t spoil the episode, you can watch it for yourself on Jan 27th on Starz, but I will say that Spartacus is back with all of it’s bloody glory. There were quite a few surprises and some very “ewwwww” turn your head moments. I have to give props to the writers making the story fit seamlessly with the first series. It’s like we never left.

If you need to catch up before the new series, Spartacus: Blood and Sand is available on Netflix Instant currently. Just remember it is as violent as ancient Rome was, with strong language and nudity.

When I got Season 8 of OTH on DVD I couldn’t wait to dig into the extra bonus features. That’s one of the most rewarding things about buying TV on DVD. The DVD set didn’t disappoint with 2 hours of all-new featurettes, 2 episode commentaries, deleted scenes and gag reel.

One of my favorite parts of any TV show I love is the gag reel. It shows the actors at their funniest. Apparently from S8 gag reel you can tell that the cast of OTH are a bunch of pranksters! The commentaries are great too, especially episode 11, which details how they did the storm scenes and give you a real sense of working on a TV show. Stuff like how they got this kind of scene:

One Tree Hill – S8 ‘Stop!’ by thewbdotcom

For fans of One Tree Hill, the Eighth Season will definitely be one to own! Includes all 22 episodes on 5 discs plus all-new featurettes, commentaries, deleted scenes and gag reel http://bit.ly/w2DhRu!

Want to catch up quickly? You buy the download of Season 8 on UltraViolet HERE

I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote One Tree Hill Season Eight on DVD.

One of the most impressive parts of One Tree Hill (to me at least) has been the music. So it was delightful when I heard that no only was “I Don’t Wanna Be” coming back in the 8th season as the theme song for the show, but that it would be covered by a variety of artists. The actual original version by Gavin Degraw only played 3 times in Season 8. I thought it was an innovative choice and gave viewers a really fun reason to watch through the credits every time. Artists like Andy Grammer, Amiee Mann, Laura Izibor, Tegan and Sara, Tyrone Wells, Ben Rector, and Missy Higgins all took a crack at their own interpretation of the song.

I really enjoyed the variety of artists that redid the theme, but I have to admit I have a fondness for the original by Gavin. Especially after the adorableness of Jamie and Gavin singing the theme together.

If you’re a fan of the show, what version of the theme did you like? Who do you think should cover the theme in Season 9?

One Tree Hill – Season 8 on DVD & UltraViolet by thewbdotcom

Missed season 8′s opening theme song mash-ups? Order Season 8 of One Tree Hillnow! Check out One Tree Hill Season 8 on UltraViolet, too!

I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote One Tree Hill Season Eight on DVD.

Pretty Little Liars returns on January 2nd and I can’t wait. I just mainlined the entire series in anticipation! I can’t wait to see what happened, especially after those creepy dolls… will we see Dr. Sullivan again.. will we get closer to knowing who A. is? What did A have on Dr. Sullivan?

I’m expecting for the girls to get in even hotter water than before. After all, they keep driving away those close to them. Though after Hanna getting run over by a car, Ian getting pushed off a bell tower and Dr. Sullivan being kidnapped (???) who can blame them?

Hopefully, we see Mike getting better (that storyline was just weird). I’d also love to see some more of Alison’s mom (wasn’t she awesome).

And, of course, I can’t wait to see who A really is. If it’s not Alison it’s someone who studied closely under her bitch-ness. Which is the only part of the whole story that I find incredible… even out of the grave Alison has an incredible hold over the group. Reminds me why I’m glad I was homeschooled.

I’d also really love to see Lucas again and he’d better be super happy.

And, of course, hopefully the games continue.

Whatever happens, I can’t wait. Pretty Little Liars returns Jan 2nd on ABC Family at 8/7c. Find out more at the show’s website: http://abcfamily.go.com/shows/pretty-little-liars/

Missed some of the nail-biting suspense from last season? Make sure to get all caught up here: http://bit.ly/tupDF8

I have been hired by Warner Bros WBWord division to raise awareness for ‘Pretty Little Liars.’

The Walking Dead marathon beginning with the series Pilot, “Days Gone Bye” at 11AM | 10C and culminating with the Season 2 Midseason Finale, “Pretty Much Dead Already” at (when else?) Midnight | 11C.

The Walking Dead returns with all-new episodes Sun., Feb. 12 at 9/8c on AMC.

In a show all about secrets one of the biggest is who is A? While there’s been a million spoilers and speculation I’m still flummoxed. I have had my theories about it being an adult (like Melissa) or even one of the four girls (how twisted would that be?) or even something ridiculous like Ezra Fitz (come on, he fell in love pretty fast with a teenager).  Of course, the true identity of A. is revealed in the novels, but I’m not sure the show will take the same road (knowing that everyone whose read the books will already know).

More of the mystery will be revealed soon as Pretty Little Liars returns on Jan 2nd at 8/7 on ABC Family! Can’t wait!

Who do YOU think A is?

Missed some of the (manicured) nail-biting suspense from last season? Make sure to get all caught up here: http://bit.ly/tupDF8

I have been hired by Warner Bros WBWord division to raise awareness for ‘Pretty Little Liars.

Join Tabz, Garrett, Nick and Allie as they discuss the episode “The Train Job” from Firefly and our newbies reactions to it.

Send your own feedback for “Bushwhacked” to betweenthelinesstudios@gmail.com.

Theme song: “Gotta Fly” by Marian Call
Intro/Credits: Dan Putnam (Mal from Firefly Between the Lines)

Next episode: “Bushwhacked” with our newbies.

Join our FB Fan Group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/135778716512955/

Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id463783705

One Tree Hill – ‘I Love the Way You Love Me’ by thewbdotcom

It was an episode that was a long time coming. After 8 years on TV, Brooke finally got the guy. The characters have pretty much paired off over the years, but Brook remained married to her career,until the Season 8 episode “The Other Half of Me.” Since the show wasn’t entirely sure it’d be picked up for a full season, this episode could have served as the finale and, appropriately so it’s chock-full of call backs to the rest of the seasons.

Weddings have always been a big deal in my family. A beautiful wedding, complete with a dress and chock full of family and friends has always been featured in my fantasies. I think more important than how Brooke’s wedding look was the truth behind it – never settle for less than what you deserve. While her friends all married, Brooke held out. She met her true love, Julian, as an adult (not in high school like the other characters). Since I just turned 30, I love this message.
Some of my favorite moments included when Julian’s dad stepped in for the Father/daughter dance. Especially after all the family problems Brooke has had. I also loved the best man/maid of honor’s speeches. Those “family” and togetherness moments have to be the best part of any wedding.

Missed the RSVP to the wedding? Here’s your special invitation with Season 8 of the One Tree Hill http://bit.ly/w2DhRu!

One Tree Hill DVD also comes with UltraViolet copy which means you can stream it any time on your mobile devices! Check it out here: http://bit.ly/rHfjEo
I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote One Tree Hill Season Eight on DVD.

As you all know, Smallville ended it’s ten year run earlier this year.  If there were to have been more Smallville, I think it should’ve been in the form of a spin-off.  I feel that Smallville ended the way it should.  We got the build up to Clark becoming Superman for ten years, and that’s where Smallville should have and did end.

I do however love the actors portraying these characters, and if they would’ve been willing to go on playing them there are a lot of ways the show could’ve continued.  There was a rumor for a while about a Metropolis movie after Smallville ended.  This would’ve been a good way to do a spin-off.  They could’ve had Smallville end, and made it into a Superman show called Metropolis.  You could have Lex Luthor, Lois Lane, Perry White, Jimmy Olsen, and even more of the comic book villains show up, because Clark would be Superman.  It could have been very much like the last few minutes of the finale.

I also would’ve been interested in a Justice League spin-off.  If they couldn’t get Tom Welling, then Superman wouldn’t have to be in the show, since we can’t have Batman anyway.  I would love to see Green Arrow, Black Canary, Aquaman, and Impulse in action more than we did on Smallville.  Chloe could’ve been in this spin-off as well, keeping her Watchtower position.

What do you think?  What would you have liked to see happen if Smallville continued?

Pretty Little Liars returns in January and it can’t come too soon. With all the twists and turns this show has taken, you’ll probably need a refresher course before the show comes back.

Reflecting on how far the show has come I really thought about The Season 2 opener, “It’s Alive.” It has to be one of my favorite episodes. Not only are our girls in trouble with the entire town (but being called liars may not be an entirely bad thing), but there’s enough dramatic moments in this episode to keep everyone on the edge of their seat. Where is Ian? What happened to the creeper’s dead body? What will Emily do about possibly moving to Texas?

Of course the biggest question is, can the girls tell their new friend and shrink the secret? The episode leaves you on a hopeless emotional rollercoaster that lasts through the whole season.

If you haven’t caught PLL, it’s time to start watching. Get all caught up before the return on January 2nd on ABC Family.

Can’t wait for the new season? Check out all of the cool content over at the show’s main page over at: http://abcfamily.go.com/shows/pretty-little-liars/
Missed some of the nail-biting suspense from last season? Make sure to get all caught up here: http://bit.ly/tupDF8

I have been hired by Warner Bros WBWord division to raise awareness for ‘Pretty Little Liars.’

In Tree Hill, NC, there is never a dull moment. Hope, heartbreak and a hurricane – all in one season! One Tree Hill’s Season 8 is packed with drama and ready for pre-order (http://bit.ly/w2DhRu)!”

One of my favorite relationships on the show is Haley and Nathan. They have such a sweet, realistic relationship (well as realistic as you can have on a nighttime soap). I especially love watching how their relationship has matured. For example, in Season 8′s episode Valentine’s Day is Over, Haley and Nathan worry that they are washed up because they don’t have any great Valentine’s Day plans. After (a lot) of crazy drama she winds up getting a diamond ring, a bed covered in rose petals and ho hos (and really, what girl doesn’t want that on Valentine’s Day?

Are you a fan of One Tree Hill? What was YOUR favorite relationship?

See for yourself by getting your own copy of Season 8!

Link to DVD: http://bit.ly/w2DhRu

Link to Ultra Violet: http://bit.ly/rHfjEo

I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote One Tree Hill Season Eight on DVD.

We all know that Smallville had it’s ups and downs through the ten years the show was on the air, but I feel that the writers made a really great series finale.  Actually thoughout the last couple of seasons they managed to pull things in from previous seasons and give the viewers who had been there from the beginning some payoff for sticking with the show.