TV Geek Out 118: The Office, "Casual Friday" and "Cafe Disco"

All is not copacetic as Ryan, Pam, and Michael return to Dunder Mifflin after the acquisition of The Michael Scott Paper Company. There aren’t enough customers to go around now that Pam has been promoted to salesperson, and if that weren’t enough, nobody seems to understand the necessary boundaries concerning the sartorial appropriateness of Casual Friday. Then, in order to instill some positive morale, Michael creates Café Disco, and of course, hijinks ensue. Join Heather, Dana, and Perry as they discuss Andy’s mad dancing skills, Kelly’s clothing decisions, and Jam’s plans to elope. Check it all out here.

TV Geek Out 117: Mad Men Season 3 Wrap-Up

And so it is. The end of Mad Men’s third season brought the dissolution of the Draper marriage, and the formation of a new business venture that might allow Don/Dick to bring some balance back to his self-image. Join TV Geek Out Geeks Perry, Dana, and Heather as they unpack a season that featured such standout episodes as "My Old Kentucky Home," "Shut the Door. Have a Seat," and the infamous "Guy Walks Into an Advertising Agency." Check out our review of the whole spectacular season here.

TV Geek Out 116: Mad Men, "Shut the Door. Have a Seat"

Well, after 12 episodes filled with death, change, and the dissolution of the Draper marriage, Mad Men’s third-season finale gave us something unexpected -- tons of fun. Don masterminds a plan to take control of his work life again, and enlists some unexpected help from one of the Brits, as well as from a former Sterling Cooper employee. Heather, Perry, and Dana geek out something fierce over this highly quotable episode that radically changes the Mad Men universe. Check out all the fun here.

TV Geek Out 115: The Office, "Heavy Competition" and "Broke"

The outstanding story arc involving the Michael Scott Paper Company came to an end with the episodes “Heavy Competition” and “Broke.” We figured there was no way the upstart business could stand up to heavy-hitter like Dunder Mifflin, but nobody expected Michael to be able to play hardball in the boardroom this effectively. Listen in as the TVGO geeks analyze how the end of Michael Scott’s dream provided The Office with some of the richest creative rewards of season five. Check it all out here.

TV Geek Out 114: Mad Men, "The Grown Ups" - Part 2

The second-to-last episode of Mad Men's amazing third season -- in which the characters absorbed the shock of the Kennedy assassination in a variety of ways -- had TV Geek Out geeks Perry, Heather, and Dana talking so much that we had to present the conversation as two separate podcasts. Check out part two of TVGO's epic discussion of "The Grown Ups" here.

TV Geek Out 113: Mad Men, "The Grown Ups" - Part 1

Well, Matthew Weiner and company have been leading up to this for three seasons! President Kennedy dies in Dallas, and the reverberations alter the country as a whole, as well as the characters of Mad Men. Pete comes to a decision about his future with Sterling Cooper, Betty becomes even more disassociated from a life she no longer wants, and Sterling’s daughter’s wedding -- scheduled for the next day -- turns into an utter mess that can be salvaged only by Roger’s silver tongue. Join TV Geek Out geeks Heather, Perry, and Dana for part one of an epic conversation about this monumental episode of Mad Men, and stay tuned for part two, coming soon! Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 112: The Office, "The Dream Team" and "Michael Scott Paper Company"

These two episodes bookended the debut of Parks and Recreation, and putting "Dream Team" and "Michael Scott Paper Company" around that freshman show seemed particularly cruel because it set the bar way too high for Amy Poehler’s show. Listen in as Perry, Dana, and Heather savor the triumphant return of Ryan, laugh at Jim’s continued inability to impress Charles Minor, and celebrate Jenna Fischer’s continued excellence. Check it all out here.

TV Geek Out 111: Emmys 2009 Chat

The TV Geek Out crew chats about this year's Emmy broadcast in this belated awards wrap-up. Who deserved their golden statuettes and who was wrongfully honored? How did the geeks think funnyman Neil Patrick Harris fared as a first-time host? What was the one win TVGO geek Dana needed (and got!) during the whole evening's awards? Heather, Perry, and Dana rail against the injustices and laud the rightful winners -- and even discuss some of the fall's new shows -- here.

TV Geek Out 110: Mad Men, "The Gypsy and the Hobo"

Who would have thought that the episode of Mad Men where Betty finally confronts Don about his past would have been a superior episode even without their epic face-off? But that’s what happened with "The Gypsy and the Hobo," thanks to an outstanding storyline for Roger Sterling that involved a drunken dinner with an old flame, as well as an exquisitely written phone conversation between him and Joan. And that’s not even taking into consideration Joan’s discovery that she’ll soon be a war bride! Listen in as TV Geek Out geeks Perry, Heather, and Dana heap praise on John Slattery, admire Joan’s ability to club her husband with a vase like he was a baby seal, and appreciate the magnificent subtlety of Jon Hamm. Check it all out here.

TV Geek Out 109: Mad Men, "The Color Blue"

Perception was the overriding theme in "The Color Blue." Kinsey feels like Peggy steals all the credit for his hard work, Mr. and Mrs. Pryce have very different reactions to living in New York City, and Betty’s universe explodes when she discovers the little box full of Don’t big secrets. Listen as TV Geek Out geeks Perry, Dana, and Heather talk about their perceptions of this first-rate episode here.

TV Geek Out 108: Mad Men, "Wee Small Hours"

Turns out the Wee Small Hours bring about trouble for many of Mad Men’s characters. The honeymoon between Connie and Don comes to a screaming halt because Don doesn’t deliver the moon, Betty nearly embarrasses herself over Henry, and -- most noteworthy -- Sal is fired because he stands up for himself. Listen in as TV Geek Out geeks Heather, Perry, and Dana wonder about Sal’s future, savor the ineptitude of Harry Crane, and comment on the depth of Don’s current hate for Roger Sterling. Check it all out here.

TV Geek Out 107: Mad Men, "Souvenir"

With an episode of Mad Men this good, it’s La Dolce Vita indeed for the TVGO geeks. Listen in as Dana, Perry, and Heather examine why Betty and Don have to pretend to be different people in order to love each other, marvel at January Jones’ exquisite Italian accent, cheer the return of Joan, and try to figure out if Pete is in any way redeemable after forcing himself on his neighbor’s au pair. Check it all out here.

TV Geek Out 106: 30 Rock, "The Bubble"

The bubble of happiness bursts for the TV Geek Out gang with this episode of 30 Rock that brought an end to Jon Hamm’s triumphant 3-episode arc as the mesmerizingly handsome Dr. Drew. Listen in as we talk about Liz Lemon getting her heart broken yet again and discuss the hardball tactics Jack employs to win Tracy back to the show after our favorite unbalanced superstar finds out he’s too rich to keep working. Check it all out here.

TV Geek Out 105: Mad Men, "Seven Twenty Three"

Let TV Geek Out geeks Dana, Heather, and Perry give your brain a go-round like you’ve never had as they explain all the changes the come to the Mad Men Universe on July 23, 1963. What are we to make of Betty’s latest flirtation? Will Don buckle to threats from Cooper and Sterling that he really has to sign a contract? What’s the worst thing that can happen if you drive drunk, pick up hitchhikers, and take phenobarbital? Who the hell is Peggy in bed with now? All these questions -- and so many more -- will be answered as the TVGO crew goes deep into Seven Twenty-Three. Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 104: Fringe, "Ability"

In this key season-one episode, Fringe took an even bigger leap than usual into the far reaches of theoretical science with its first mention of the multiverse -- a concept that has since proven to be crucial to the show's narrative. Also introduced are the experimental drug Cortexiphan and the bizarre ZFT manifesto. The totally creepy and disgusting case of the week brought us the $2 bills of DOOM, filled with a deadly powder that closes all of one's orifices and haunts TVGO geek Heather's dreams. In addition, we got the return of the awesome Mr. Jones, last seen teleporting out of his maximum-security prison cell to Little Hill. Fresh from his fortnight spent in a decompression chamber, Jones did the unthinkable and turned himself in to the FBI, demanding to speak to Agent Dunham. His visit was filled with all kinds of villainous goodness, including "reconfiguring" Agent Harris' expensive watch, testing Olivia's abilities beyond the laws of science, and showing everyone that they'd better think twice before trying to fool him in the future -- all before seemingly growing deathly ill and then busting through a hospital wall like a nerdy, British Incredible Hulk. TVGO geeks Dana and Heather stare down some light bulbs and discuss all the exciting goings-on here.

TV Geek Out 103: Mad Men, "Guy Walks Into an Advertising Agency"

The British get cut down to size in this memorable episode of Mad Men. Yes, Guy walked into the advertising agency, but -- thanks to a careless driver and some traditional American farm equipment -- he’s not walking out. Inspired by the carnage, the TVGO geeks discuss the fallout from the bloodletting, Joan’s ability to handle an emergency at home as well as at the office, the glories of Pete yelling “DAMNIT!” and the powerful bonds men form when they go to the barbershop together. Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 102: Mad Men, "The Fog"

To paraphrase the lyrics of Laura Nyro, it turns out that when Gene’s gone there’ll be one Gene born to carry on. And as Betty delivers the new baby, she’s stuck in a drug-induced stupor -- hallucinating about Medgar Evers, her parents, and bloody mops. But she isn’t the only one in “The Fog” who seems to have lost her bearings: Sally is acting up at school, a drunken corrections officer turns Don into his father confessor, and both Pete and Peggy are unnerved by an intriguing Duck call. It was an episode chock-full of memorable moments, so light up a big fat stogie to celebrate the arrival of Gene Draper, and join us as we try to find our way through The Fog. Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 101: Mad Men, "The Arrangements"

**Now with improved audio! Thanks again for your patience with our technical difficulties.** Humps, Ho-Ho and jai alai, oh my! Despite the somber themes and events of "The Arrangements" -- which included a lot of contemplation about child-rearing and the surprisingly sudden death of Eugene Hoftstadt #2 -- the episode also held quite a bit of humor. This being Mad Men, most of the laughs were of the uncomfortable kind: Peggy's new living arrangements with the fun-loving, Joan-in-training Karen Ericson (played by Carnivàle and Undeclared's Carla Gallo!) probably won't end well, but hearing Peggy try to merely pronounce the word "fun" was highly entertaining. Sal's note-perfect rendition of the Bye Bye Birdie-aping Patio ad for his wife Kitty was equally funny and sad, as well as a little tense -- just how much does she realize about her husband now? The TV Geek Out Geeks ponder this, Betty's deep denial about her life and emotions, just how ethical it was for Sterling Cooper to take Ho-Ho's ambitious and deluded jai alai campaign, just how much therapy Sally will need in the future and much more. Sneak some ice cream with Grandpa Gene, then check out our discussion here.

TV Geek Out 100: The Office, "New Boss" and "Two Weeks"

For our triumphant 100th podcast here at the TV Geek Out, we present a conversation about the two episodes of The Office that introduced the Charles Minor storyline. Listen in as we discuss how Idris Elba breathed new life into the series, and how Charles showed us all a new side of Jim Halpert. Check it out here!

TV Geek Out 99: Mad Men, "My Old Kentucky Home"

Even by Mad Men's high standards, "My Old Kentucky Home" is one of the show's thematically richest episodes. The fall of the Roman Empire, the Roaring Twenties and the end of the world are all applied to the end of '50s and early '60s innocence, which is drawing ever nearer in Mad Men's world. We get more clues as to who will thrive as the '60s unfold (Peggy, who can still come up with a great concept while stoned) and who will be left behind (Roger, whose blackface rendition of the show's namesake song was show-stopping in all the wrong ways). On a lighter note, the season's all-singing, all-dancing edict continued with Joan's lovely rendition of Cole Porter's "C'Est Magnifique," which helped detract from her husband's ineptitude as a surgeon and spouse, and Pete and Trudy's ambitious Charleston number at Roger's party, which showed that Pete can dance and climb the ladder at the same time. And who could forget the impromptu, marijuana-fueled Tigertones reunion back at Sterling Cooper? This scene featured TV Geek Out Heather's current crush Miles Fisher as Paul's drug dealer friend Jeff; his American Psycho-themed video for his cover of David Byrne's "This Must Be the Place" further shows off his singing and affinity for preppy scum (he also has a free EP available on his website). The Geek Out Geeks enjoy some heavily symbolic old-fashioneds as we discuss all this and more here.

TV Geek Out 98: Fringe, "The No-Brainer" and "The Transformation"

In preparation for the new season, the TV Geek Out geeks get back to their coverage of Fringe with this discussion of two season-one episodes, "The No-Brainer" and "The Transformation." Computer programs liquifying people's brains! Terror in the skies as a man transforms into a hideous monster! In the words of Dr. Walter Bishop, "An experiment -- how exhilarating!" TVGO geeks Dana and Heather show Fringe a little tough love but mostly geek out over all the gory, labyrinthine details here.

TV Geek Out 97: True Blood, "Shake and Fingerpop"

The TV Geek Out geeks get back to covering the bloody good fun of True Blood's second season with this discussion of its fourth episode, "Shake and Fingerpop." It's Tara's birthday, and there's no one in Bon Temps to celebrate with... until Maryann conjures up another of her wild parties and the claws really come out. Meanwhile, across town, Lafeyette gets a rejuvenating late-night visit from bad-boy vamp Eric. At the Light of Day camp, Jason is punked, has a heated biblical debate, impresses the reverend with his shooting skills, and takes a bath in some hot ribs. In other events, Bill, Sookie, and Jessica fly to Dallas and Sook narrowly avoids abduction, but it turns out to be a teachable moment, as Jessica gets her first glamouring lesson. All this and the introduction of fellow telepath Barry the bellhop! Make the pre-medicated choice to crack open some doll-size bottles of booze and dig in to the hot vamp-on-vamp action here.

TV Geek Out 96: Mad Men, "Love Among the Ruins"

After season three's bustling premiere, "Love Among the Ruins" felt a little too subtle and slow at first, but the TV Geek Out geeks dug deep for the brilliantly constructed themes within it. Real versus fake, old versus new, young versus old and children versus parents were just a few of the running motifs, from Penn Station to Madison Square Garden, from "Bye Bye Birdie" to the maypole dance that closed the episode. However, it was Peggy's story that fascinated us most -- she's always growing and learning, even if it's that she needs to "leave some tools in her toolbox" when it comes to selling diet soda, or that she doesn't always have to pick the wrong boys. Take a bite out of someone else's burger and listen to our discussion here.

TV Geek Out 95: Mad Men, "Out of Town"

Mad Men's season three premiere "Out of Town" may have been the series' most action-packed season opener yet: things happened, from its grim flashback revealing the origins of Dick Whitman's first name to the rivalry between Sterling Cooper's new heads of accounts, Pete and Ken. Other things almost happened, like Sal's and Don's interrupted flings. Layers, disguises and uniforms were also major themes of the episode, along with life at the agency under British rule -- and even the new characters' names, John Hooker and Mr. Pryce (played by the amazing Jared Harris), were rife with symbolism. Here's to another season of Mad Men to analyze endlessly! Come do the Pete Campbell dance of glee with us while the TV Geek Out geeks dissect it all here.

TV Geek Out 94: True Blood, "Scratches"

Who's been makin' those scratches? Looks like it's a creepy, Minotaur-like monster with bull horns and giant claws! Things really got rolling with "Scratches," packing in an epic Bill/Sookie fight, the aforementioned monster attack, the destructions of Pam's favorite pumps and a little person doctor to supernatural beings in quick succession. That's not even mentioning Lafayette's rescue from Fangtasia, the beginning of Jason and Sarah's inevitable affair or yet another of Maryann's parties (this time featuring ultra-creepy black eyes on some of the revelers)! Best of all, however, had to be the blossoming romance between Jessica and Hoyt. Dana and Heather geek out about young love and True Blood's other delights here.

TV Geek Out 93: Mad Men Season 3 Preview

It's back! It's really, actually, finally back! The TV Geek Out Geeks can barely contain their excitement that Mad Men is returning for season 3. We discuss where we left off with our favorite dysfunctional Sterling Cooper employees and their families: Will Don and Betty Draper be able to make their marriage work with a baby on the way (come to think of it, will they ever be true to themselves, much less each other)? Will Joan get a job more suited to her talents at SC? When will Sal come out of the closet? What about Pete and Peggy? And what DOES Roger Sterling do all day? We still don't have a clue, but we can't wait to find out. Check out our questions and theories here.

TV Geek Out 92: True Blood, "Keep This Party Going"

True Blood's second episode of the season keeps the party going, packing in plot developments left and right. Eric takes much of the limelight, asking tough questions like, "Is there blood in my hair?" and, "It's the new me... you like?" He also questions Lafayette about a certain "pussylover" associate of his and suffers the consequences of being a messy eater. Lafayette later manages a disgusting breakout from the Fangtasia dungeon, only to have a hilarious standoff with the dimwitted Ginger, leaving him with a bullet in his leg. Is his only way out death... or is UN-death an option? Meanwhile, a new bromance ensues when Jason and the Lukinator meet cute on the bus to Jesus camp -- but there's quickly trouble in paradise when Stackhouse becomes the Newlins' golden boy. Back in Bon Temps, Sookie and Jessica's bonding session leads to Sook getting completely fucked... and not by Bill! All this, a trip to Forever 21, and a sexed up dance-fest at Merlotte's give TV Geek Out Geeks Heather and Dana plenty to talk about, even if Jesus didn't ask them out today.

Check out the discussion here!

TV Geek Out 91: 30 Rock, "Goodbye My Friend" and "The Funcooker"

It's been a pair of typically busy episodes on 30 Rock. Liz once again suffers from acute baby fever, leading her to contemplate adopting the baby of an expectant unwed teen who wants to become a music star, Jenna wants to be the center of attention on her birthday, and Tracy comes up with the best tagline of the season. Listen in as Perry, Dana, and Heather brave the Funcooker in order to talk about it all.

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 90: The Office, "Golden Ticket"

Inspired by the feel-good magic of Willy Wonka, Michael hides five 10%-off coupons in various boxes of paper, only to have the plan blow up in his face when each of them ends up with their biggest client. And while they might get 50% off their next order, TV Geek Out Geeks Dana, Heather, and Perry commit 110% to discussing the episode’s highpoints, such as Kevin’s dating life and the continued exasperation of David Wallace.

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 89: 2009 Emmy Nominations

Did any of you hear a chorus of happy whooping yesterday morning? That would be the TV Geek Out crew celebrating a rather fine list of Emmy nominees that included tons of shows and people we love including Michael Emerson, 30 Rock, Mad Men, and Kristin Chenowith. Listen in as Dana, Perry, and Heather offer predictions for what to expect on September 20 when the Academy announces the winners, and bitch about the continued Emmy recognition of Two and a Half Men.

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 88: True Blood, "Nothing But the Blood"

True Blood is back, and the TV Geeks are rejoicing! With a title like "Nothing But the Blood," it's no surprise that the season-two premiere was rife with bone-chilling gore and violence -- laced with plenty of laughs, of course. Blood was everywhere in the episode, from a cardboard-cut finger to the brutal evisceration and dismemberment of a not-so-beloved side character. Yet one of the most strangely disturbing appearances of the red stuff was in a steamy sex scene between Sookie and Bill... but what's the more troubling element, the blood-play or the inevitably stained white bedspread? The TV Geek Out Geeks tackle that question, ponder the cleaning secrets of the undead (and Vampire Bill in particular), and talk about all the new goings-on in the endearingly quirky Bon Temps!

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 87: The Office, "Blood Drive"

You would think that Michael falling madly in love with a woman at a blood drive might be the best thing about this episode of The Office, but the TV Geek Out crew have just as much interest in a rather revealing double date involving Pam, Jim, Phyllis, and Bob Vance (Vance Refrigeration). Perry, Heather and Dana break down their Seinfeldian/Curb Your Enthusiasm-inspired lunch, and analyze what a Dunder-Mifflin lonely-hearts party looks like.

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 86: 30 Rock, "Larry King"

An appearance by Tracy Jordan on Larry King sends financial markets around the world into a tailspin, and that’s just in the first few minutes of this episode. As New Yorkers prepare for the worst, Liz needs to recover some embarrassing cell-phone pictures, Elisa isn’t sure Jack can put her ahead of his work, and Don Geiss offers a timeless bit of advice. Listen along as the Dana, Perry, and Heather try to unpack all the funny.

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 85: Gossip Girl, "The Age of Dissonance"

Gossip Girl finally comes clean about its Edith Wharton worship! "The Age of Dissonance" used its allusions brilliantly, nodding to The Age of Innocence and Eyes Wide Shut and even including a cameo from New York Times drama critic Charles Isherwood. Blair is on the warpath, Nate gets to be just a normal dude, Serena and Vanessa are a surprisingly dynamic duo and Dan fiiiiinally sends Rachel packing. The only thing that keeps this episode from perfection is Chuck's still-kind-of-lame storyline of helping party girl/cipher Elle, but thankfully that plot is sent packing by the end of the show. The TV Geek Out Geeks even felt a little bit smarter after discussing this episode. Who would've thought?

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 84: Lost, "The Life and Death of Jeremy Bentham"

Well, it took them long enough, but the producers of Lost finally answer the question that has been burning away at us Losties since the end of last season -- How did Locke end up in the coffin?!?!?!? Since the answer turns out to be far more complicated than anyone, (well anyone other than Lindelof, Abrams, Lieber, and Cuse) could imagine, the geeks sit down for a lively discussion about the The Life and Death of Jeremy Bentham.

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 83: Fringe, "Bound"

Fringe got off to a slimy start with this first episode of 2009, which featured giant, spiky KILLER SLUGS that grew rapidly in victims' stomachs and then forced their way back up the digestive tract and out of their mouths. GROSS! They might have turned out to be super-sized versions of the common cold virus, but these single-cell creatures left their victims in need of more than a sick day. Adding to the ick factor was an unwanted spinal tap performed on Olivia while she was in captivity, but she quickly turned the tables and kicked some serious butt. All this and the reveal of a double agent in the FBI's midst! TV Geek Out Geeks Dana and Heather discuss all of this and the introduction of a sister and an adorable niece to Olivia Dunham's life.

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 82: ER Finale

ER’s ending brought a wave of nostalgia over TV Geek Perry, who tuned in for it even though he’d stopped watching the program before Uncle Joey or the Bend It Like Beckham actress joined the staff at County General. He, Dana, and Heather discuss how the show’s demise feels like the end of an era in more ways than one.

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 81: The Office, "Lecture Circuit (Parts I and II)"

Special things tend to happen when Michael and Pam spend time together outside the confines of Dunder Mifflin’s cozy Scranton branch, and "Lecture Circuit" proved to be no exception. Heather, Perry, and Dana talk about the special two-part episode that featured helpful -- though prejudiced -- memorization techniques, something called “horse hunt.” and a stirring debate on if it’s better to watch TV or nap during work hours.

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 80: 30 Rock, "Generalissimo" and "St. Valentine's Day"

It’s finally here! It’s finally here! The collision of two TV Geek Out favorites!!! Mad Men’s Jon Hamm finally makes it onto 30 Rock, and Dana, Perry, and Heather are so geeked that they discuss his first two episodes. Listen in to find out why Alec Baldwin continues to be the man, how the McFlurry compares to the Blizzard, and if we’ll ever stop yelling “GIRL!” at each other.

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 79: Gossip Girl, "You've Got Yale" and "Carnal Knowledge"

"You've Got Yale" and "Carnal Knowledge" weren't among Gossip Girl's most stellar moments, and in fact spotlighted some of the show's biggest problems. Chuck's Uncle Jack was sent packing in the opera-tastic "Yale" when it seemed like he could have caused mischief for at least a few more episodes, while Dan and Serena broke up for the umpteenth time during "Carnal Knowledge" ... and the less said about Chuck's Eyes Wide Shut-like adventure with the mysterious party girl Elle, the better. TV Geeks Dana and Heather love Gossip Girl for its silly soapiness, but we couldn't quite get behind these episodes. However, we had a lot to say about them!

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 78: Oscars Chat

The Academy Awards are almost always a mixed bag, but for many a movie and TV geek, they're a must-see event. TV Geek Out Geeks Perry and Dana got together to discuss this year's Oscars telecast, which had a whole new crew of producers, who reimagined the show and recruited blockbuster leading man Hugh Jackman as the host, rather than the traditional comedian types of years past. Jackman wowed the audience with his singing and dancing skills, which, though well-known to Broadway fans, were a surprise to many viewers. Did all of these changes work? Was the show a success? Were the winners deserving of their golden statuettes? Dana and Perry hash it all out and suggest a comedy pairing that could take the Oscars by storm if the producers are smart enough to snag them for next year.

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 77: 30 Rock, "Retreat to Move Forward"

Sure Don Geist may have kept Jack waiting for his dream job, but that’s not going to stop our favorite Scheinhardt Wigs executive from making a big splash at the company’s annual “Retreat to Move Forward.” This episode meets with mixed reactions from TV Geeks Dana, Heather, and Perry, but how bad can any show be when Liz Lemon breaks out her flawless Sling Blade impression?

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 76: The Office, "Prince Family Paper" and "Stress Relief"

The TV Geek Out Geeks work overtime to talk two episodes of The Office. Starting off, a conversation about “Prince Family Paper” prompts an examination of Michael Scott’s moral failings, as well as a heated debate about Hilary Swank’s hotness. Then, geeks Heather, Perry, and Dana continue the water-cooler talk with a breakdown of “Stress Relief” -- the one-hour post-Super Bowl episode that features pyromanic Dwight, emotionally troubled Pam, and digital pirate Andy.

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 75: Fringe, "Safe"

With less than a month until Fringe returns (yay!), TV Geek Out Geeks Dana and Heather resume their coverage of the show's exciting first season. Picking up with "Safe," the last episode of 2008, they discuss the many new developments in this suspenseful cliffhanger installment. Broyles' "Just when you thought things couldn't get any weirder" exclamation should be the catchphrase for the show! In "Safe," we get bank robbers walking through vault walls -- with one getting stuck! -- in order to steal what turn out to be the components of a teleportation device/time machine! Also, the side effects of sharing consciousnesses are further revealed, when Olivia starts mistaking John Scott's memories for her own. The Geeks freak out over the return of Mr. Jones and let their geek flag fly with an explanation of the Fibonacci sequence.

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 74: Lost, "316"

The TV Geek Out Geeks take on a Lost episode sans Perry with their discussion of "316." Though the episode divided some fans, Heather and Dana were both giddy over its complexity and deepening of the show's mythology. A new Dharma station -- the Lamppost -- in L.A.! An awesome Dharma history lesson from Ms. Hawking! Ben at his snarkiest! The return of Capt. Frank Lapidus! The return of most of the Oceanic 6 to the island much sooner than expected! Numerous plot threads were left tantalizingly hanging, and the Geeks have an excellent time speculating over the events that were left out. They also take on some fans' complaints about the episode's emphasis on religion, discussing the show's depiction of the struggle between science and faith, as played out through its characters. They even play TV character matchmaker, suggesting the perfect brainy man for the scholarly Eloise... Any guesses?

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 73: Gossip Girl, "Gone With the Will"

As hinted by its title, "Gone With the Will" was a truly epic Gossip Girl episode. Long-lost siblings, sinister uncles, breakups, reunions, disastrous brunches -- "Gone With the Will" had them all and then some. In fact, it might have had almost too much going on, in keeping with the show's frustrating habit of burning through characters and plot twists before they've really had time to shine. However, this also means that TV Geek Out Geeks Dana and Heather had plenty to geek out about, from Chuck's literal and figurative lack of will power to Jenny's random rattail braids.

Check out our discussion here.

TV Geek Out 72: House, "Let Them Eat Cake" and "Joy to the World"

In a little early spring cleaning, Dana wraps up TV Geek Out's coverage of House episodes from 2008, with discussions of "Let Them Eat Cake" and "Joy to the World." While treating a sick fitness expert who secretly lost her weight thanks to a gastric bypass surgery, Kutner also drags Taub into his shady scheme involving selling medical advice and second opinions via the internet -- using House's name -- in "Let Them Eat Cake." House is no fool, though, and the two eventually get their just deserts. And in "Joy to the World," Cuddy's baby fever is finally rewarded with a prospective newborn adoptee... but only after the child's teenage mother dies from eclampsia after clandestinely delivering her baby and leaving it seemingly dead in an abandoned building. Sound especially bleak? Well then it must be the Christmas episode of House! On the lighter side of things, House confuses nice with evil again when he attempts to be genial with his patients (on a bet from Wilson, of course), convincing a devout young man that his financée has had an immaculate conception, rather than being unfaithful.

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 71: Dollhouse, "Ghost"

Joss Whedon's long-awaited new show, Dollhouse, hit the airwaves recently, and the TV Geek Out Geeks got together to hash out their thoughts on the series premiere, "Ghost." Does Eliza Dushku have enough range for the constantly changing, challenging role of Echo? Is the show too dark and creepy to lure any but the most devoted Whedon fans? Is the selling of the series being botched by the infamously short-sighted Fox network? The critical response has been mixed, and so were the Geeks' opinions.

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 70: Lost, "This Place Is Death"

Lost took a trip in time to Rousseau's late-'80s backstory, now with added Jin, in the ominously titled "This Place Is Death." The smoke monster also made a dramatic return, prompting the TV Geek Out Geeks to ponder the nature of Smokey, from its fascinating array of sounds to the way it moves, kills, and transforms people. Locke took a plunge into the "underworld," leaving Sawyer with only a rope to hold on to, and did some vital repair work on the donkey wheel of time, but not before sustaining a brutal compound fracture and having a nice chat with Ghost Christian... or was that Jacob? The big news was Charlotte's death, though, and the fascinating expositional ramblings that preceded it. The L.A. story wasn't half bad, either, with Ben giving Jack and Sun a talking-to and Ms. Hawking's relationship to Faraday being confirmed by Desmond. The Geeks shed some tears for Dr. C.S. Lewis, geek out over the awesomeness of Jeremy Davies, clamor for a map of the island, and much more.

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 69: 30 Rock, "Flu Shot"

Leave it to 30 Rock to find the funny side of rationed health care, hypocrisy and elitism with "Flu Shot." Liz wants to be liked by The Girlie Show's crew -- and for one brief, sneezing moment when she turns down the flu shot offered her, she is -- but not as much as she wants to go to St. Bartleby's to eat soft-serve ice cream on the beach while wearing dark socks. Meanwhile, Jack wants to take Elisa out on the town, but the fact that she works at night hinders those plans (but only for a moment). With the return of Dr. Spaceman, zombie-like flu-ridden coworkers, a fabulous montage of Jack and Elisa's night out and a very awkward dance courtesy of Liz Lemon, "Flu Shot" offered plenty of healthy discussion for the TV Geek Out Geeks.

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 68: The Office, "The Duel"

One of The Office's New Year's resolutions for 2009 must have been to finish off the pesky love triangle between Angela, Andy and Dwight. Mission accomplished with "The Duel," a battle between Angela's two lovers that begins ridiculously and ends with both men brokenhearted. Meanwhile, Michael goes to corporate to share his secrets about Scranton's success with David Wallace -- which he does in a totally Michael way, leaving Wallace bored, confused and eating a lot of pasta. The TV Geek Out Geeks were mixed on how much they liked "The Duel," but we all agreed that getting rid of the triangle cleared the way for more comic opportunities for the rest of the season.

Check our discussion here.

TV Geek Out 67: 24: Redemption

TV Geek Out geek Dana takes on the TV feature 24: Redemption in preparation for the addition of 24 to the podcast roster. Bridging the gap between the somewhat disappointing season six and the new seventh season, the 2-hour real-time extravaganza focuses on Jack Bauer's quest to protect a group of African orphans from a brutal warlord and his minions, who want to turn them into brainwashed child soldiers. An impending African coup and the inauguration of the first female U.S. president in D.C. are the backdrop for this exciting feature, which also stars the fantastic Robert Carlyle. In the spirit of 24's ever-ticking clock, the geeks time Dana's review, with only ten minutes to spare!

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 66: Lost, "The Little Prince"

In "The Little Prince," the island survivors continue to time-jump, experiencing what seems like the island's greatest hits on shuffle. Too convenient or a fun treat for long-time fans? For Charlotte, all that matters is that this temporal instability is giving her a life-threatening case of extreme jet lag, which also starts to affect Miles (and later Juliet), solidifying suspicions about the snarky ghost whisperer's origins. Sawyer gets emotional when he glimpses Kate helping Claire's baby, Aaron, into the world, and even grumpier when they get mysteriously shot at while canoeing. Back in L.A., the stories of the Oceanic Six start to converge, thanks to the master manipulations of Ben. But the most geek-out-worthy moment comes right at the end, when Rousseau and her crew of dashing Frenchmen appear and then fish the not-at-all-dead Jin out of the water. OMG, indeed! Is the show getting too soapy with the melodrama? Too sci-fi with the time travel? Is it impossible to please all of Lost's fans at once? The TV Geek Out geeks discuss these questions and many more.

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 65: 30 Rock, "Senor Macho Solo"

30 Rock returned from the holiday break with "Senor Macho Solo," bringing new celebrity guest star Salma Hayek along as Colleen Donaghy's nurse Elisa. Unlike some of this season's other stunt casting experiments, Hayek fit in with the rest of the cast immediately, much like she did on her Ugly Betty stint a few seasons ago. The episode's other cameo was Peter Dinklage, who was equally charming and cranky as the man Liz Lemon meets when her baby craziness teeters on the edge of plain old insanity. Funny, romantic, and soundtracked by the timeless songs of Janet Jopler, this was one of 30 Rock's best episodes this season. The TV Geek Out Geeks are aggressive with a nerdy vibe, and they're not afraid to show it.

Check out our discussion here.

TV Geek Out 64: The Office, "Moroccan Christmas"

A Moroccan Christmas isn't your grandmother's Christmas, but this Office holiday episode kept up the show's tradition of serving up the the laughs with an extra helping of awkwardness. What better time of year for Phyllis to reveal that Dwight and Angela have been carrying on behind Andy's oblivious, sitar-playing back? Why not have Toby grovel for a Princess Unicorn doll only to find out he paid double for a toy that was even better than what he wanted? And 'tis the season for Michael to try and force Meredith to hit rock bottom after almost immolating herself due to a little too much holiday cheer. Not all of the TV Geek Out Geeks loved "Moroccan Christmas," but we each had a One of Everything and settled in for a long winter's Office discussion.

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 63: Battlestar Galactica, "Sometimes a Great Notion"

Battlestar Galactica returned to television recently after a long rest in the middle of its fourth and final season. After the bleak cliffhanger fans were left with, it's no surprise that this first installment is a somber affair. "Sometimes a Great Notion" explores the reactions of the fleet to being robbed of their main (and for many only) source of hope for the future. Losing the will to live is a common response of many of the characters, including, but not limited to one very shocking suicide. However, despair and grief express themselves in many ways, and the reactions of Adama and Roslin are particularly disturbing as well. TV Geek Out's sole BSG geek, Dana, tackles a brief rundown of where things left off mid-season before jumping in and exploring this poignant episode.

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 62: Gossip Girl, "In the Realm of the Basses"

Gossip Girl returned from the holidays with "In the Realm of the Basses," one of the best episodes of season two, if only because it dispensed with insufferable hipster Aaron Rose. Even though that meant Serena reunited with the equally insufferable Dan, this episode had a lot going for it: Jenny is no longer 15 going on 35 and Ed Westwick and Leighton Meester got to show off their acting chops. Westwick's turn as a dead-eyed, pot and opium-smoking Chuck was believably creepy, while Meester handled Blair's divided loyalties between a society future and saving Chuck from himself with compassion and humor. TV Geek Out Geeks Dana and Heather geek out about the show's return, wonder if the storylines aren't better suited to characters in their late 20s or early 30s, and rejoice over Aaron Rose's departure.

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 61: Lost, "Jughead"

"Jughead" might have had a slightly slower pace than "Because You Left," but it still crammed in a bunch of brain-twisting revelations -- and not all of them happened on the island! We learn that Penny and Desmond have a conveniently and sentimentally named little boy, Charlie, and that Faraday left a girl in a "time coma" during his Oxford days. We also learn that the island circa 1954 is just as hostile and mysterious as it is half a century later -- and that Richard, in the words of Juliet, is "old." Just who is that mysterious blonde Other that Faraday seems to recognize? And was Widmore born on the island? So many puzzles, so little time, but the TV Geek Out Geeks loved every moment.

Check our discussion here.

TV Geek Out 60: Heroes, "Dual"

Just in time for the premiere of Heroes' new volume Fugitives comes TV Geek Out's discussion of the last episode of Villains, "Dual." With any luck, the Heroes team -- which now includes Smallville and Battlestar Galactica writer Mark Verheiden and Bryan Fuller, creator of our dearly beloved Pushing Daisies -- can keep up the momentum in Fugitives that they started with this episode. Betrayals, confrontations and explosions galore made this one of the most action-packed and plot-heavy Heroes episodes in some time. Dana and Heather praise what went right in "Dual," take note of the show's lingering problems and remain cautiously optimistic for volume four.

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 59: Heroes, "Our Father"

Heroes started to get back on the right track with "Our Father," taking Sylar back to the dark side and finally putting an end to the dull villainy of Arthur Petrelli. Masi Oka was thankfully given some real material to work with, and he knocked it out of the park; acting opposite Tamlyn Tomita, who played his dying mother, Oka brought a new and welcome depth to his character in the heartrending scene they shared. The TV Geek Out geeks complain just a little bit more about some of the pitfalls and missed opportunities of the "Villains" volume, but mostly give props to the stuff the show was starting to get right again. They also ponder the inconsistencies of some characters' powers (Parkman, we're looking at you) and consider the logistics of running into oneself in the past while time traveling.

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 58: Golden Globes Discussion

The Golden Globes might not be the latest awards show of note, but the TV Geek Out geeks got together to share their reactions to the winners, some of the fashions, and the most memorable, amusing, and just plain bizarre moments of the telecast. Were the original song nominees mostly a blast from 1986? Was Megan Fox purposely being a surreally difficult interviewee on the red carpet, or was she verging on being genuinely mentally unstable? Do the Globes even have any impact on Oscar results? The geeks pinpoint the exact moment of The Heigling and consider staging a cry-off, 'cause that was some Benjamin Button shit!

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 57: TV News Discussion

The TV Geek Out geeks cover some of the recent news from the TV world, including castings & firings, marriages & deaths, cancelations, ratings, gossip, and more! Find out what two television siblings have tied the knot in real life, what show Heather is intrigued by but just can't commit her DVR to, and just what got the geeks on an uncontrollable giggle tangent. Is A&E exploiting Patrick Swayze with his new series, The Beast? Was Gossip Girl's Rufus Humphrey the frontman for a hair-metal band in the '80s? Did reality TV show titles just hit a new low? Would Heroes be more fun if Pushing Daisies' Emerson Cod could lend the lackluster show his delightfully snarky insights? The geeks ponder these questions and others, and devolve into silliness for your listening pleasure.

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 56: Lost, "The Lie"

Lost's fifth-season premiere continues with "The Lie," which focuses a little more on the events transpiring "3 years later." The lie the Oceanic 6 agreed upon has been eating away at Hurley, and it isn't helping any that he's got to deal with Weekend at Sayid's and a "ghost" visit from Ana Lucia -- not to mention the police. Ben visits the butcher's, Kate visits Sun, and Jack revives Sayid... But back on the lost-in-time island, things are getting even more perilous, with a surprise flaming arrow attack and blood-thirsty Brits who call the island theirs. Just when are they?? The TV Geek Out geeks discuss the logistics of Lost's time travel and what Ms. Hawking might have to do with it, geek out about Hot Pockets and I Heart Shih-Tzu T-shirts, and freak out about how creepy Ben is when he's clean, well-lit, and attempting to seem friendly.

Check out our discussion here.

TV Geek Out 55: Lost, "Because You Left"

If "Because You Left" is any indication of how the rest of what Lost's fifth season will be like, then hold onto your brain for dear life! This episode was thrilling and baffling, beginning with some truly mind-bending time travel and ending with a dream that was actually a memory. Confused? Well, so were most of the characters, with the exception of Daniel Faraday, whose knowledge of the rules of time travel was one of "Because You Left"'s few constants. Another constant: Wonderfully juicy bad things are happening on and off of the island. As Shotgun Willie sang, "You can't make a record if you ain't got nothin' to say," but the TV Geek Out geeks have plenty to geek out about here.

Check out our discussion here.

TV Geek Out 54: House, "Last Resort"

House gets a visit from character actor extraordinaire Zeljko Ivanek in Last Resort, but unfortunately for the patients and doctors at Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital, he greets them with the barrel of a gun. As a character so desperate to get a diagnosis for his mysterious ailment that he's willing to threaten the lives of others, Ivanek brings a heightened level of tension to a series whose focus is already life-or-death situations. But the episode's most shocking twist turns out to be a product of House's unethical, reckless lust for answers rather than anything their gun-wielding captor does. The TV Geek Out geeks discover that Perry is a sucker for a good hostage-crisis drama, question whether Dr. House has sunk to his lowest moral point yet, and marvel at the "pasty genius" of Zeljko Ivanek.

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 53: 30 Rock, "Christmas Special"

Yes, the 12 days of Christmas are long over, but there's always room for a little holiday spirit anytime of year, right? Especially when that spirit is as funny and touching as this episode of 30 Rock: Elaine Stritch was hilarious as usual as Jack's mother Colleen, Jenna sang, and Liz learned that she should stop being such a Cranky Sue about Christmas. TV Geek Out is the house with its holiday decorations still up in mid-January, but we don't mind a bit when it offers another chance to geek out about 30 Rock.

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 52: Lost, Season 4 Geek Out Review pt. 2

Are you as excited as we are for Lost's return?! Even though the TV Geek Out geeks only had time to rewatch the season 4 finale ("There's No Place Like Home") before geeking our hearts out about the season as a whole, we pooled our collective brain cells, focused on our constants, and managed to piece everything together. We also rave about season 4's brilliant structure and performances and shout out to some other works of art that share Lost's fondness for folding, spindling and mutilating the fabric of time. Perry, Dana and Heather turn the frozen donkey wheel and geek out about "Meet Kevin Johnson" to "There's No Place Like Home."

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 51: Lost, Season 4 Geek Out Review pt. 1

The TV Geek Out geeks prepped for what is sure to be another great season of Lost by putting our heads together to remember all of season four's amazing twists and turns. Even when we couldn't remember the finer details, talking about all the plot and character development got us geeked! This part of our pre-season 5 geek out covers the first half of season four, from "The Beginning of the End" to "Ji Yeon." Stay tuned for part two!

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 50: Fringe, "The Dreamscape"

Woo hoo! TV Geek Out's 50th episode finds Dana and Heather geeking out about yet another amazing episode of Fringe. Not only did "The Dreamscape" provide completely new chills and thrills -- who knew butterflies could be so terrifying? -- it also delivered plenty of suspense and plot development. Olivia's dip in the tank to purge her mind of John Scott's memories got her almost literally in over her head, and Peter's visit from an old flame was more unsettling than nostalgic. Heather and Dana lick some toads, then commence geeking out.

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 49: Pushing Daisies, "Robbing Hood" and "Comfort Food"

TV Geek Out geeks Dana and Heather have a twofer Pushing Daisies geek out! While "Robbing Hood" may not be the show's best episode, it still offered some great cameos (Shelley Berman as a yarn-balling millionaire and Jennifer Elise Cox as his gold-digging wife) and inspired moments (poor Ned in the millionaire's animal trophy room). "Comfort Food," however, might very well rank among Pushing Daisies' finest episodes. A cooking contest, some surprising dirty jokes. "Come and Sleep Hotel"? "Finger Lickin' Donut Holes"? Mercy! Oh, and Chuck's father comes back from the dead. Not to mention Olive's wistful rendition of "Eternal Flame" and a cameo from one of the most awesome character actors around, Patrick Fischler -- who last rocked TV Geek Out's world as Mad Men's horrible comedian Jimmy Barrett -- as the Waffle Nazi. That's right, Waffle Nazi. Dana and Heather geek out about it and come back for seconds.

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 48: Heroes, "The Eclipse, Part 2"

Without any further ado, TV Geek Out Geeks Dana and Heather take on the trials and tribulations of Heroes' heroes during what must be one of the longest eclipses ever.

Check it out here.

TV Geek Out 47: TV News Discussion

Happy 2009! In our first post of the new year, the TV Geek Out geeks discuss some of the top stories in the world of television. First and foremost is NBC's decision to have Jay Leno on every weeknight at 10 pm later this year, effectively trimming their prime-time programming schedule by five hours a week. Was this a good move for the network? For other networks? We hash it out, along with Golden Globes nominations, True Blood casting news, and more.

Check it out here.