So it looks like NBC changed the name of their new Chelsea Handler sitcom to “Are You There, Chelsea?” instead of the original book’s title, “Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea.” 

A) this quite clearly changes the meaning

B) it changes the meaning to make no sense

C) it sucks

I was already hesitant to watch this new show that is stealing airtime away from Community, but this may be the straw that broke the camel’s back. It hasn’t even aired yet and I already find it stupid. 

1. Remedial Chaos Theory (Community)

2. Face Off (Breaking Bad)

“I am the one who knocks.” - Walter White

3. (Homeland)
 

4. Duckling (Louie)

I especially liked the country singer that travels with Louie. I thought he was going to punch the guy the entire episode, but then his songs were genuinely good. 

5. (Cougar Town)

Before I get into the winter stuff, I should first mention how excellent Homeland (Fall 2011) has been. I watched all 12 episodes in a very short time period and I found it so engaging and exciting. I am already optimistic about the nominations for Claire Danes (Carrie), Damian Lewis (Brody), and the show overall at the upcoming Globes. Very well deserved nominations.

Also, I want to express my gratitude that all these year-end lists of “bests” and “musts” and “tops” have consistently been including both Community and Louie. It’s been a pleasure to re-live the second season of Louie by reading the write-ups and reviews on these 2011 lists. Duckling was quite the episode, and I can’t wait for another season of Louie already. (SIDENOTE: If you haven’t already, please purchase Louie’s latest stand-up off his website for 5 dollars. It’s worth much more.)

Things I am looking forward to for Winter 2012:

• The Bachelor! Whee! Perhaps I’ll cover it regularly again. It promises to be nothing short of nonsense. Chris Harrison, I’ve missed you.
• Jersey Shore returns. It hasn’t been long enough for me to really miss it, but that won’t stop me from watching every second.
• Two new shows in particular: Alcatraz (running on the pedigree of Lost) and Awake (man survives car accident, in one timeline his son is dead while in the other timeline his wife is dead, not sure which one is real). 

Things I am not looking forward to:

• Where is Cougar Town??? Where is Community??? Why are you torturing me?
• Apparently, Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea is worse than Whitney. I’m not sure my television can handle that. I watched 3 episodes of Whintey before giving up, and I kind of had my hopes up for “Vodka” since I’ve read the book and mostly liked it, but early reviews are not promising. HOPEFULLY this means it will get cancelled immediately and Cougar Town can save the day and take its time slot.
• American Idol just won’t die. It’s so unavoidable.

What’s on your upcoming TV schedules?

Cannot contain excitement for Survivor premiere and Big Brother finale tonight.

Also! The return to “All-Stars” to America’s Next Top Model! I say all-stars loosely because clearly Tyra just hand-picked the standout characters, and I have no problem with that.

As for scripted TV, I’m looking forward to Up All Night (starts tonight; glad to hear Maya Rudolph’s role has become more substancial), and possibly Free Agents. I’m still on the fence about whether this will actually be good. It sounds like a romance framed in an office setting, and the promos looked okay but not outstanding. I’m sort of hoping tomorrow’s critics reactions will help guide my decision, since clearly I already watch too much TV and probably don’t need any additions.