With the 3rd series of Doctor Who underway, Gridlocked airs Monday night on the CBC, Canadian Who interest is climbing, and The Toronto Star used the opportunity to grab a brief interview with the Doctor’s latest companion.

There is not one day he does not walk on that set absolutely beaming … whether they are stringing him up, or blowing him up, or whatever. I mean, complete glee … It’s infectious, really.

I love how she talks about Tennant’s enthusiasm, because it translates so well to the screen.

You don’t have to worry about spoilers the article completely focuses on Freema and her experiences as the newest companion, and though I adored Rose, and loved the chemistry between Piper and Tennant, I like Freema’s Martha Jones very much, and think she and the Doctor are a good match.

How about you folk?

This post was Authored by TD, Our Resident Authority on all things BBC

It looks like my favorite Doctor’s schedule is filling up quickly next year, not only is he shooting his third series of Doctor Who (at least that’s what it says in the article!) he’s being approached to play Hamlet next summer with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

The original article can be found here at DailyMail

For starters, Tennant has spoken in the past of his desire to play Hamlet.

Plus he has worked with Boyd before (he cast Tennant as Romeo in Romeo And Juliet six years ago). And he evidently enjoys being part of the RSC, having acted in six plays for them.

This would be cool, I do like seeing my fave actors do other things, but I also hope it doesn’t interfere with his time-traveling too much.

This post was Authored by TD, Our Resident Authority on all things BBC

TV Squad posted a similar story to the ones that IGN has been running about the new Friday nights, but this sneaks in not only a look at the scheduling grid (veiwed here) but a small bit of information on when the final episodes of Harvey Birdman:Attorney At Law air:

Look for the final two episodes of Harvey Birdman July 15 and 22

To me, this is sad news. I really loved that show. I just love seeing Hannah-Barbarah cartoon characters portrayed in strange manors. I remember one of the early episodes having Fred Flintstone being a mab boss, Tony Soprano-style. And then there was one that had Boo Boo as an insane maniac who liked to put bombs in picnic baskets. I am really going to miss this show.

What do you guys think? Sad to see it go? Not sad? I’ve listed some of my favorite moments of the show. So why not take the time and discuss some of our favorite moments of a dying show.

This post was Authored by Josh Kelhoffer, Our Resident Authority on all things Adult Swim

One of the most shocking developments of Grey’s last season was the hookup of George and Izzie. Many were angry and surprised that this happened. I was surprised, but their hookup didn’t seem to come out of left field for me unlike some of the other characters (Burke and Cristina). I always wanted to see George and Izzy together because they have a fun flirty friendship. And as they say, it’s very easy for friendship to turn into love. But I understand why so many fans were angry about this new development because George and Callie are really cute. The only real question for me at the season finale was who George is going to pick. And it appears that the future is still out in the open.

Kristen from E! responds to a question asking if George and Callie are going to be together next season.

That is the question! I’m hearing this is proving quite a difficult puzzle for Shonda Rhimes, who is fully aware of the fan backlash over last season’s George and Izzie (Katherine Heigl) hookup and has been doing quite a few rewrites. I’m also told that in real life, T.R. Knight is secretly pulling for a hookup with Izzie, just because he’s insanely close friends with her and they get along so well.

So fans, what do you think about George and Izzy? Should he stay with Callie or be with Izzy? Which relationship do you like best?

This post was Authored by Angela Riley, Our Resident Authority on all things Grey’s Anatomy

The excitement continues to mount in what is shaping up to be another monumental season of Entourage. Here’s what happened in this week’s episode, according to HBO.com:

Billy submits Medellin to Cannes, but Eric thinks the film still needs major editing. Vince gets in over his head while hanging at a Malibu beach house. Drama rekindles a romance with a ’90s party girl, and brings Turtle along as his wingman.

Now this episode may very well become one of my favourite ever, and it’s probably because of the connections to my favourite Season 2 episode, “The Sundance Kids”. We’ve got Drama on a quest to get with the one woman he missed out on in the 90’s, Donna Devaney, a MILF to rival Stifler’s mom, played to perfection by Lisa Rinna.

The unexpected turn of events (in more than one sense) with Rinna’s character choosing Turtle over Drama had me cheering. Turtle’s been overdue in the booty department, and what better than his very own Mrs. Robinson! Not to mention a Turtle/Drama storyline hasn’t been this hysterical since they crossed swords in the aforementioned Sundance episode. At the same time, we’ve got Eric trying to sell Medellin to Harvey (who they ditched back at Sundance to do Aquaman) to take away final cut from Billy Walsh, and Billy entering Medellin in Cannes.

What we end up with is potentially a win/win situation, no matter what the boys choose: Billy has managed to get Medellin into Cannes, and Eric has managed to get an offer of $25 mil from Harvey. Then there’s the Vince storyline, when his new gal pal brings him to Dennis Hopper’s house. I could almost feel Vince’s excitement at being starstruck at meeting Hopper, and the tension when he thinks he’s lost big bucks betting on soccer to keep up appearances alongside the big boys. Aside from the story lines, another theme emerged, whether intentional or not.

As you may recall, the first episode of this season paid tribute to the Apocalypse Now documentary, Hearts of Darkness. Then in this episode, we get one of the stars of Apocalypse Now, Dennis Hopper, making a cameo.

One other connection to Apocalypse Now that may have gone unnoticed was Donna Devaney’s rubenesque friend, Marjorie, played by Colleen Camp, otherwise known as Playmate Miss May in Coppola’s Vietnam War epic. Overall, this episode is a work of art, successfully layering several storylines into a stellar half hour of television.

This post was Authored by Melissa, Our Resident Authority on all things Entourage

Wednesday night on HBO, two Big Love specials were shown. They originally aired on June 25th. Big Love, Big Secrets is a behind the scenes show that includes interviews with the cast and crew, as well interviews from actual members of plural-marriage families.

It was very interesting hearing a comment on Big Love from actual polygamists. They seem to have a problem with the depiction of sex in the marriage, as “sex is only for procreation”, but otherwise seem to enjoy the show. The special is enjoyable, as a fan of the show. It was also really interesting hearing the actor’s take on their characters. If you missed it, I would recommend it when it re-runs.

The second special, Big Love, Family Go Figure, was different.
This special was more of a short documentary on polygamy using Big Love as a backdrop. It had much of the same interviewees, but was different in tone.

This one was less interesting. It was very heavy on the dark side of polygamy, where as the first one was more even. I’d recommend skipping it if you were expecting something relevant to the series.

Re-Runs:
July 7 & 10th on HBO2
July 12th & 17th on HBO

Has anyone else seen them? What did you think?

This post was Authored by Larry Latouf, Our Resident Authority on all things Big Love

What would a show about a young superstar be without real life celebrity cameos, and Entourage has had an abundance of Hollywood stars sharing screen time with Vincent Chase and Co. The gratuitous use of cameos is an art form on this show, really adding to the overall feeling that this could be a real star’s life. So far this season, Anthony Michael Hall had the boys thrown out of the Continental Hyatt House, and Vinnie bet on a soccer game at Dennis Hopper’s house. And who could forget Mandy Moore not only as Aquagirl, but also Vince’s girlfriend for a while, too.

By far, one of my favourite cameos has been Bob Saget in Season 2, Episode 5, entitled “Neighbours”. In it, Sagat completely sheds the Danny Tanner/America’s Funniest Home Videos persona as Vince’s recently divorced, pot smoking, prostitute indulging neighbour, letting his crassness shine through as in his standup comedy. A frequent visitor to Vince’s other neighbour Staci’s house, Saget’s the one who breaks the news to Vinnie that Staci’s in fact a madam, and the girls that Turtle and Drama have just hooked up with are prostitutes.

Of all the stars that have made an appearance at the parties, premieres, or just in passing on Entourage, who’s been your favourite? And if you could pick any celebrity, who would you like to see on an upcoming episode? Keeping with the recurring theme of 80s stars popping up, I think a cameo by Matt Dillon could lead to some killer chuckles, perhaps as a rival of Johnny Drama (pitting these real life brothers against one another would be an interesting turn).

This post was Authored by Melissa, Our Resident Authority on all things Entourage

Girls take center stage tonight for Canadian Idol and prove that the view must be truly golden from the bottom. With no desire to bring it to the level the boys did, the majority of the girls instead seemed to fight over who could be the worst. Poor song choices and out of key lyrics not only brought harsh criticism, it also left one of the judges speechless. For what I am sure is the first time in Canadian Idol history, Zack could do nothing more than shake his head.

“Sing songs that matter and stop this Kareokee nonsense” where Zacks parting words as Canada is left to wonder what happened. Even the judges admitted tonight that they may have made a few mistakes with the top 11 girls

Sadly only two girls are truly safe, Carley Rae Jepsen, the sweet flirty girl from Mission BC stole my husbands heart with “Sweet Ones”. Kicking around on stage in a green mini and high heels that doubled her hight, she had the look, personality and voice to save the show and prove she is the one girl to beat. Mila Miller was the most improved improved tonight lifting her status from an ok performance last week to an all out love fest from the judges with “Tenderness”. Although I had no qualms with her singing I was slightly disappointed that she didn’t bust out in the end, but I don’t think it will hurt her tonight.

Montana Martin Iles, the spunky girl with an accent so thick I can barely understand her when she talks, was critiqued tonight for her lack of singing ability, but more than made up for it in showmanship. Singing, “Thanks for the Memories”, I only hope she can pull out of the punk rut and shines in other venues as well. The sadest moment of the show came second to last, my heart goes out to Annika Odegard. I thought her performance of “Super Duper Love” was amazing, but was critiqued by the judges as having no soul, and left her with a perma smile that you know will end in tears backstage.

Falling from grace as a front runner to truly last in the pack was Kahlila G
singing “I can’t help myself” . Painfully out of tune, she did try to fake
it with spirit, but it didn’t work. Martha Joy, Tara Oram and Naomi-Joy Blackhall followed up last weeks so so performances with unremarkable performances that could send any of them home. On an upside though, Naomi did look amazing!

The most painful performance is also the most truly depressing. Leaving me to wonder if she was called back to be a top 11 for geographical reasons and a cheap budget alone, Scarlett Burke butchered “Proud Mary” and takes home the honors of leaving Zack speachless.

Even John Brunton must admit while eating his humble pie, Scarlett is one Torontonian that truly deserves to go home.

This post was Authored by Girlydoll, Our Resident Authority on all things Canadian Idol

Well folks, it’s been announced, Catherine Tate who played the Runaway Bride, Donna, in the Christmas episode of the same name is returning in Series 4 as The Doctor’s Companion. I think this is great news, as there were some wonderful comedic moments between Tennant and Tate throughout the episode, and both bring an awesome sense of fun to their characterizations.

Tate had this to say “I had a blast last Christmas and look forward to traveling again through time and space with that nice man from Gallifrey

BBC.co.uk broke the news, and just for fun, we have another Tennant and Tate moment for you:

Series 4 is shaping up nicely, as long as there isn’t a regeneration for Tennant at the end of the Christmas Episode, I will be a happy camper.

This post was Authored by TD, Our Resident Authority on all things BBC

This week, Big Love steps up the complications for the Henrickson family. Allot happened this week. I’ve watched it twice, and I still don’t think I got everything.

The synopsis at HBO.com gives us:

This week, Bill’s anxieties over his upcoming testimony in Joey’s case are compounded by the presence of Rhonda, who threatens to blackmail Nicki into letting her stay with the Henricksons. Suspicious that Nicki and Bill orchestrated Rhonda’s disappearance, Roman sends a couple of Juniper Creek cops to the Henricksons with a warrant, but Don helps ferry the girl to safety.

Spoilers Below

There were so many events that seemed significant in this episode.

Uncle Eddie’s growing involvement, Adaleen destroying the tape, Adaleen banishing Nicki, Rhonda’s disappearance, Sara’s new boyfriend, Nicki’s revelation to the family about Roman, The slot machine deal, and Alby’s behavior

Nicki was great in this episode, back to the complexities that made her my favorite character. She so often finds herself in the middle, protecting her family and her father. This time, strangely, it was not Roman and Bill, but Roman and Rhonda playing her against each other. It was also good to see Margene continue her growth as she was the voice of logic in Nicki’s confused situation.

I really liked Wanda in this episode also. I’m glad she doesn’t go to jail, because her character has a lot of potential for fun in the series. This week, she shows that she’s not as clueless as everyone thinks she is, in her discussion with Bill on the phone, and her dealings with Lois. Wanda gets the best line of the episode with the matter-of-fact delivery of, “This is your mother’s. She was going to shoot the D.A.”.

The scenes between the wives were extra good, being that they weren’t the main focus of the episode. All the wives seem to be going through a change this season: Margene is growing up, Nicki is growing out of the compound, and Barb is refocusing her goal to ’save’ her children from plural marriage.

What did you enjoy about the episode?

This post was Authored by Larry Latouf, Our Resident Authority on all things Big Love

Looks like casting is well under way for the Christmas episode of Series 4 and Down Under Pop Princess Kylie Minogue is set to appear in the episode, titled Voyage of The Damned with David Tennant.

NineMSN.com.au has this to say:

Kylie Minogue will join the cast of cult science-fiction TV drama Doctor Who for a special Christmas episode, the BBC said.

Britain’s public-funded broadcaster said Minogue, 39, would play a “major lead role” alongside Dr Who actor David Tennant.

The hour-long episode, “Voyage of the Damned”, will start filming in Cardiff, Wales, in July.

Kylie has done TV work before with the Australian soap Neighbors, but can she go toe to toe with Tennant? Guess we won’t know til Christmas, but what do you folks think?

This post was Authored by TD, Our Resident Authority on all things BBC

Canadian Idol kicked it into gear and I have six words to say about it, “The boys are back in town!”

With only once exception I know viewers are going to have it rough tonight, who oh who is going to be sent home, and no matter who it is, there are going to be tears.

Liam Styles Chang started us off right tonight with “She’s So High”, and the talent soared behind him. Andrew Austin is a testament to what a boy can do with a crutch, singing “Sunday Morning”" he wowed the judges and is the first person ever to play an instrument in a performance show on Canadian Idol. Our “Balls to the wall Canadian rocker” as quoted by Zack, Dwight Deon picked a less known song tonight, Used To Be Alright” by I Mother Earth. This could have been a risky move as the judges speculate the less known titles have hurt votes in the past.

After three solid performance enters our only sure bet for bottom four, Clifton Murray. Last weeks poor performance was the best he could muster, singing “You Give Me Something”, the only thing he gave us tonight was a cracked note and the hope that he returns to the silver screen, because he can’t sing, at least on this stage.

Greg Neufeld gave an amazing performance of “Geek in the Pink”, but Brian Melo was a bit pitchy tonight with “Angels”, I fear with the lack of poor performances that he could land in the bottom four. Jaydee Bixby told us exactly where he came from tonight and made every girl swoon with “I Got a Woman”. And as I was thinking it, Sass was vocalizing it, this boy is Elvis reincarnated.

Another pick for my bottom four, Matt Rapley delivered a beautiful church worthy performance of “You Raise Me Up”, but the boy lacks any sense of showmanship on stage. Bringing the show home tonight is the boy with no eyes, Tyler Mullendore singing “Have a Little Faith in Me”.

So as I give myself finger cramps from voting tonight I can only hope that the girls bring their game tomorrow.

This post was Authored by Girlydoll, Our Resident Authority on all things Canadian Idol

After the disgusting tonguelashing by Canadian Idol Executive Producer John Brunton, I must admit that my enthusiasm for the show died a little that day. For those who have not read the extensively covered story, well at least in Ontario, TV Guide gives us his less than professional comments.

MSN.ca reports:

John Brunton is hopping mad, and he’s letting Canadian Idol viewers in Toronto know it.

Idol’s executive producer released a statement this afternoon, ripping lackluster Idol voters in Toronto for allowing three competitors from the city be eliminated last night.

When did community pride start winning out over talent? And when did it start becoming acceptable for the Executive Producers to start blasting viewers of the show for NOT doing what the show clearly is NOT about??

Not one of the bottom four do I disagree with going home, lets face it, they stank! I also have problems with his statement in some further regards, there are eight contestants from Ontario, only five are from Toronto specifically, and only TWO of them went home!

Maybe it’s true what my father said, the people who make all the money have others who do the work for them, including simple math.

This post was Authored by Girlydoll, Our Resident Authority on all things Canadian Idol

There is likely to be spoilers if you don’t already watch the show, so you have been warned!

According to Netscape News:Betty’s getting a new love interest, and it’s not anyone we have had the pleasure of meeting before. Apparently, his name is Gio, and he’s sounds like a nice working-class guy for Betty to spend some quality non-Mode time with — and I love Betty, and want to see her happy, but Henry was upgraded to a full-time character for the coming season! I honestly don’t care at this point how the “Charlie plus one” story line ends right now, but I don’t want another love triangle.

Now I know its unfair to judge a storyline before it hits the air, but the Betty-Henry-Charlie craziness was enough to almost kill any affection I had for Henry and Betty’s relationship in the first place. Occasionally triangles can bring some fun into a show, but only briefly — usually they are more of an annoyance, and show lazy writing.

Is anyone else sick of the “triangle tango” on Ugly Betty, or, for that matter, every TV show in history? I can safely say I am.

This post was Authored by Beth, Our Resident Authority on all things Ugly Betty

Barely has the dust settled on Series 3 for the UK, than casting news about the fourth series begins to circulate. The BBC has made an announcement Here and here about Series 4: there will be yet another companion joining our stalwart Doctor, but Martha Jones will return after putting in some time at Torchwood.

Actress Freema Agyeman is to play Martha Jones in three episodes of spin-off show Torchwood. She said it was a chance to “expand” her character.
She will miss the first half of the fourth series of Doctor Who, but will then return to the BBC One programme.

The new companion will be revealed soon and will appear in the entire 13-week run, which begins filming this month.”

And while it hasn’t been officially confirmed that David Tennant is back, after this years notices and raves for the series, I think it’s a given that he will.

We can expect to find out who our new companion is in the short weeks ahead as cameras begin rolling on the Series 4 Christmas episode this month in Cardiff.

And of course David will be back with his colorful cons… won’t he?

This post was Authored by TD, Our Resident Authority on all things BBC

So here it is the last ep of the current series, and Christmas is TOO far away. The final episode in the Master arc which started with Utopia comes to a conclusion here with poignancy and a grandiose feel.

The episode feels epic!

Beyond here there be SPOILERS! You were warned.

It takes place one year after the cliffhanger we were left with last week with The Doctor at the mercy of The Master, Captain Jack captured and Martha Jones escaping.

We join Martha who has become a legend, walking the earth unnoticed by The Master or the ArchAngel system thanks to the perception filter, in search of a weapon to finally stop The Master.

Martha’s family is The Master’s house staff (and there’s the very overt suggestion that he beats his companion) Captain Jack is in chains in the Valiant’s belly, and The Doctor is kept around for The Master’s twisted amusement.

FANTASTIC!

After waiting a week for the episode, it totally paid off for me, and I loved it. We find out who the Tauglefein (sp?) really are (Oh boy), Jack dies (again), and Martha is earth’s savior.

I may not have thought Utopia was the best episode of the series, but when in context of this three ep arc, it’s so important! Russell T. Davis did a wonderful job, crafting out a carefully constructed story, which must be insanely difficult when you throw in time-travel and paradoxes!

As the story races to it’s climax, the story makes sure that each and every one of our three heroes gets their glory moment, and each one feels earned and in fact I was damn near joyous with each one!

One of the most poignant moments in the entire series arrives when The Doctor’s fear of being alone is exposed. You can tell he’s afraid of it, and that he really is so very lonely. And of course, Tennant makes you feel it.

Then for sheer geekdom, there’s the revelation about Captain Jack, and of course The Doctor’s cons for the episode, white with red trim, and a second red pair! I need this guy’s wardrobe!

Finally there’s the ending of the episode and the set up the Christmas episode this year…

It’s called The Voyage of The Damned, and a ship literally plows into the side of the TARDIS, and a flotation device lands on the floor of the TARDIS with a very familiar name emblazoned on it.

A perfect ending to the third series, both bittersweet and finally hopeful, I love this show.

*Sigh* Christmas is so far away
This post was Authored by TD, Our Resident Authority on all things BBC

Since moving out here a couple years ago, one of the great things I’ve found about living in Los Angeles is that just by going out and doing your normal business you can bump into celebrities. Renting a movie at Blockbuster I saw John Cho (Harold, from Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle), shopping at Trader Joe’s I saw Terry Quinn (Locke, from Lost) and I bumped into Dustin Hoffman at Arclight Cinemas (well, I think it was Dustin Hoffman…but it might have been Mini-me).

There are also many awesome events where you can go hear Hollywood types discuss their works. I’ve had the good fortune of going to Q&A sessions featuring Penny Marshall, Matt Groening, the cast of Prison Break and my all-time favorite, Paul Rubens, aka Pee Wee Herman. Yeah, meeting Pee Wee was great…but I couldn’t get to the bathroom fast enough to wash my hands after shaking his.

Today I had the good fortune of attending a Q&A, put on by Women in Film, with Leslie David Baker who plays Stanley on The Office. Although he mostly discussed his rise to fame and advice on making it in Hollywood, he did offer a few tidbits on The Office.

He talked about filming last season’s “Beach Games” episode where he had to don a “Sumo Suit” and wrestle with Jim. “It was like wearing a full body blood pressure cuff,” he said. “You put on the suit and they pump it up. It was hot and you couldn’t move. I ended up in the emergency room with sand in my eye and a scratched cornea”.

On being a plus size actor – “For a man being large actually works for you. It’s not like women. There is a double standard in Hollywood…they want actresses with Big Rack and Narrow Back.”

On the cast of the office – “People are always asking for dirt on the cast but on our show we are very lucky…we all get along. I’ve been on shows where that is not the case.”

On the why The Office works – “A big part is the diversity of the cast. The appeal of the show, they look like people you work with. They look like people you know.”

And finally, when asked how it feels to be on a hit show, Baker replied, “Wonderful, wonderful. It feels fantastic!”

Stanley is an integral part of The Office’s success. Although occasionally animated (like during Pretzel day) his low-key reactions to Michael’s ignorant comments are always good for a laugh. One of my favorites was during the “Diversity Day” episode:

Michael: That would really, really have shown him up, wouldn’t it? If I’d brought in some burritos or some colored greens or some Pad Thai, love the Pad Thai…
Stanley: It’s collard greens.
Michael: What?
Stanley: It’s collard greens.
Michael: Uh, that doesn’t really make sense, cause you don’t call them “collard people”. That’s offensive.

This post was Authored by Joe Purcell, Our Resident Authority on all things The Office

IGN reports that Seth Green and his evil cyborg-creating scientist has nabbed the cast of Battlestar Galactica for one of their sketches.

“Penikett didn’t reveal what sort of sketch they would be appearing in on the stop-motion series, but it’s not difficult to guess a Galactica segment is coming on the show’s upcoming third season.”

I love how Robot Chicken is able to nab all these celebrity voices in such high doses. I’m sure in just two more seasons, maybe less, Chicken will have had more guest stars than The Simpsons’ entire run so far. Or maybe not.

I have yet to baptise myself into the Galactica universe, but thats besides the point. One can imagine this stint will be brief, but spectacular!

This post was Authored by Josh Kelhoffer, Our Resident Authority on all things Adult Swim

This May, viewers received a glimmer into what will be Grey’s new spinoff Private Practice. We met the characters that Addison Montgomery will be working with on the new show, but already there has been cast changes.

The LA Times Writes

“Private Practice” is getting a new fertility specialist, even though 21.2 million “Grey’s Anatomy” viewers already met her original incarnation.

ABC Studios, which produces “Grey’s” and its fall spin-off, confirmed Friday that four-time Tony winner Audra McDonald has been hired to play Dr. Naomi Bennett, Dr. Addison Montgomery’s best college pal.

I’m not very sure why the change occurred or if it’s going to help the show and it’s dynamic. I personally did not care for the preview episode at all. It seemed boring and did not have the same mixture of fun that Grey’s Anatomy has. I’ve spoken with numerous people who agreed that they will not be watching the show in the fall. Do you think that the new cast member is going to help Private Practice? Or did you like the pilot?

This post was Authored by Angela Riley, Our Resident Authority on all things Grey’s Anatomy

I gotta say I was impressed with some of the strategies employed in this week’s episode of Pirate Master. Our cute little show is growing up. Here are the impressive moves that I saw:

1 - Azmyth making Jay and Ben his officers – Azmyth explained it perfectly during this week’s episode. The captain and his officers are on the same crew for the expedition and if they win the expedition they keep there positions. By all accounts they should dominate the next expedition and remain in control. And by the way, the only remaining men are JD and Louie, funny how that works out.

2 - The captain and his officers not choosing Nessa for a Black Spot – This one is so obvious but no one in reality shows seems to pick up on things like this. Azmyth, Jay, and Ben all wanted Nessa off but they were also convinced that Nessa would place a high bid for the Royal Pardon. They did the smart thing and didn’t give her the black stop, which left the door open for Sean to get voted off.

3 - Helping other pirates win the bidding for the Royal Pardon when you have it – I’m going to give JD all of the credit for this even though he probably didn’t think it through as thoroughly as me. First of all, by doing this you can convince someone to put up more of there own money for the bidding. And who gets this extra money that they are putting up? You do. When JD was giving Nessa extra money to bid on the pardon, he knew (let’s hope he knew) that he’d be getting it back. This week Nessa didn’t even get the black spot but that’s fine. JD’s friend stays on the ship, he gets his loan back from Nessa, and he gets someone else’s money. Even better. On top of all that, you’re going to drive the price of the Royal Pardon up. This is just a sound strategy all of the way around.

What moves do all of you out there in TV land like?

This post was Authored by Matt Kjesbo, Our Resident Authority on all things Pirate Master