Category Archives: House Of Cards

Top Ten TV Shows Of 2014

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The entertainment one can find on the television is truly better than ever before and the choice has never been wider. To take full advantage of the incredible content on offer, you may want to consider subscribing to premium TV channels like HBO and Showtime to view some of the award-winning programming that you would otherwise miss out on. For more information, see here – https://www.eatel.com/residential/television/premium-channels.

 

10. “Gotham”

I didn’t have much faith in FOX putting together a good Batman prequel. Boy was I wrong. The show follows a new recruit, James Gordon, who is paired with veteran Harvey Bullock, to solve the city’s biggest murder case: Thomas and Martha Wayne. We see the evolution of villains Catwoman, Poison Ivy, and the Penguin, among others. Ben McKenzie shines in the lead role, while Jada Pinkett Smith is at her best as Fish Mooney. Solid series.

 

9. “The Goldbergs”

This sophomore comedy has gotten even better this season. The story centers around, well, The Goldbergs. The show is a throwback to everything you loved/hated about the 80’s. The clothes, the pop culture, the music..especially the music. The creator of the show models each episode after a real occurrence with his own dysfunctional family. The highlight of the show has to be Wendi Mclendon-Covey’s portrayal as the smother, Beverly Goldberg. Give this woman an Emmy dammit!

 

8. “The Good Wife”

Few shows age and have a resurgence, as “The Good Wife” did last season. The show took a complete 180 plot wise, and infused life back into the drama series. That came with a price, however. Josh Charles’ character was killed off in a courtroom shooting. Gulp. It was truly shocking that this plot twist didn’t leak before hand. Fans of the show were stunned, but it led to some incredible performances from Julianna Marguiles and Christine Baranski. One of the best casts on television.

 

7. “Parenthood”

Craig T. Nelson, Peter Krause, Lauren Graham, and Monica Potter lead an all-star cast, telling the story of the Braverman clan. It’s your quintessential family drama with story lines we can all relate to, but the cast just brings it to a whole new level. Whoever did the casting for this show deserves a nice pat on the back.

 

6. “House Of Cards”

Shocked this isn’t number one? Heh. Anyway, Season 2 of this Maryland filmed drama slipped a bit I thought from the inaugural season. It was still sleek, but a few of the plot lines felt forced and silly. It did, however, provide one of the biggest OMG WTF moments in TV history. I’m looking at you, Miss Barnes. Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright still give commanding lead performance. They’re both ruthless, and sometimes slimy, but you still root for them. F.U.

 

5. “True Detective”

One of the true gems to come out of HBO in the last decade or so. Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson give insanely good performances. The writing = impeccable. Alright, alright, alright.

 

 

4. “Happy Valley”

I was surprised I liked this BBC One import as much as I did. The show follows a strong-willed police sergeant, still coming to terms with her daughters suicide. She spots her daughters ex-boyfriend, and father to her grandson, on the street in her town and becomes obsessed with finding him. What she uncovers may just kill her. The characters are real and complex, while the writing is simply breathtaking at times.

 

3. “The Walking Dead”

This year was one of the best for Rick and company. Rick grew some balls finally, but Carl is still..annoying as hell. However, the writing has improved dramatically since last season. This isn’t just a show about zombies, it’s about survival. Survival of the fittest. “Beth I hear you calling..”

 

 

2. “VEEP”

Another show that has improved dramatically since its previous season. Julia Louis Dreyfus is superb as Selina Meyer. There’s a scene where she finds out she’s becoming POTUS..and it is quite possibly one of the funniest scenes in a comedy ever.

 

1. “Orange Is The New Black”

Season 2 of “Orange Is The New Black” delved into the pasts of the inmates much more. That’s my favorite part of the show by the way. The show also introduced a new villain this season. She could be annoying at times, but she got hers in the end. Or did she? The writers seemed to find their stride this season..let’s hope Season 3 is even better!

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2014: A Recap

 

 

Here’s a recap of what was 2014 in Baltimore

 

Comings and Goings:

 

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Megan Pringle returned to local TV, landing at WBAL. Kai Jackson announced that he will also be returning to TV, this time at FOX 45.

Marianne Banister, Rick Boone, Brandi Proctor, Joce Sterman, Don Scott, Jenn Marino, Mary Anne Perry said goodbye.

We wrapped our arms around, and welcomed: Joanna Campbell, Trang Do, Catherine Hawley, Karen Campbell, Marcus Washington, Rick Ritter, Adrienne Green, Mary McKenzie, Larry Collins, & Tracy Leong!

 

Maryland Based Productions Flourish

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“VEEP” and “House Of Cards” continue to dominate critics “Best Of” lists as well as Hollywood awards. “VEEP” was honored with several nominations at this years Emmy and SAG awards, taking home the Best Actress prize at both ceremonies for Julia Louis Dreyfus. Robin Wright shocked everyone by nabbing the Golden Globe for Best Drama Actress, while “Breaking Bad” swept the Series and Actor races.

“Philomena”, which filmed in Montgomery County, reaped Judi Dench a Golden Globe, SAG, and Oscar nomination. The film also nabbed a Best Picture nomination at the Globes and the Oscars.

Indie film “Sally Pacholok” shot in the area this year as well. That will be released in 2015.

 

“Zaching”

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On March 11th, Zach Lederer passed away at the age of 20. Zach was diagnosed with brain tumor at age 11.  It then returned when he was 17. Zach was an inspirational figure not just locally, but nationally. The picture of him making a strongman pose, later dubbed “Zaching”, went viral and inspired many fighting  cancer.

Here’s a gallery of local and national celebrities Zaching: http://on.fb.me/16ZpKVc

Donate to the Zaching Against Cancer Foundation: http://bit.ly/1zqGXNQ

 

“Star Spangled Spectacular”

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This year, Baltimore was in the national spotlight, celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Star Spangled Banner! The region was engulfed in red, white, and blue,  and fireworks too. Tall ships were brought in from all over, while the Blue Angels entertained thousands and shook many houses.

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The fun ended with a huge concert and fireworks display at Pier Six and Fort McHenry starring Smokey Robinson, Kenny Rogers, Train and Kristin Chenoweth among others. John Lithgow and Jordin Sparks hosted the event.

 

“Orioles Magic”

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When you think of 2014 in Baltimore, you think of Orioles Magic. The O’s went on to the win the AL East Division, making it all the way to the ALCS, where they fell to the Royals. Saying they were a very fun team to watch this year is an understatement. They brought magic back to this city. After every win, or after every rally, there was orange electricity in the air.

No longer are we a city that just bleeds purple.

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Golden Globe Nominations

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“House Of Cards” scored three nominations this morning for Best Drama Series, Lead Actor/Drama, and Lead Actress/Drama.

Julia Louis Dreyfus was nominated for Best Actress In A Comedy/Musical for “VEEP”

Edward Norton was nominated for Best Supporting Actor In A Motion Picture for his role in “Birdman.”

William H. Macy was nominated for Best Comedy/Musical Actor for his role in “Shameless.”

“The Wire” alumnus, Dominic West” received a nomination for Best Actor/Drama for his role in “The Affair.”

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“House Of Cards” and “VEEP” lead SAG Nominations

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Maryland filmed shows “House Of Cards” and “VEEP” led the TV categories in nominations for the SAG Awards this morning.

“House Of Cards” is nominated for Best Ensemble In A Drama Series. Stars Kevin Spacey & Robin Wright are also nominated for Lead Actor/Drama and Lead Actress/Drama respectively.

“VEEP” scored nominations for Best Ensemble In A Comedy Series, while Julia Louis Dreyfus was nominated for Lead Actress In A Comedy Series.

Baltimore native, Julie Bowen, received a nomination for being part of “Modern Family”, which is up for Best Ensemble In A Comedy Series.  She also received a solo nomination for Lead Actress In A Comedy Series.

On the film side, Edward Norton received two nominations: one for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Birdman”, and another nomination for the same film for Best Ensemble In A Motion Picture.

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NAACP Image Award Nominations

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A slew of local celebrities just scored NAACP Image Award nominations!

* “House Of Cards” scored a nomination for Best Drama Series

* Jada Pinkett Smith scored a Best Supporting Actress/Drama  nomination for “Gotham”

“The Wire” alumnus Wendell Pierce was nominated for Best Supporting Actor/Motion Picture for “Selma”

* “Homicide” alumnus Andre Braugher was nominated for Best Actor In A Comedy Series for “Brooklyn Nine Nine”

 

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