Pretty Little Liars Recap: Papa Don’t Preach

It’s time for the annual “Father/Daughter Dance,” and like any significant event in Rosewood, the occasion brings out the drama in the girls lives. It was a less than pleasant evening for Aria and Spencer, one of whom is dealing with a controlling father, and the other a lying one. Hanna’s father couldn’t make it because of business, so he claimed, and Emily is the only one who had a heart-warming interaction with her dad, only to find out he would be going back to Afghanistan for six months.

After finding out her father couldn’t make it, Hanna reluctantly agrees to go with Ashley to the dance; however, things begin to sour when Hanna finds out her mom is in cahoots with Detective Wilden to find out who sent the police report which could lead to the destruction of many lives. Ashley is desperate for answers, but Hanna refuses to offer any. The two argue throughout the majority of the episode, and after Ashley demands Hanna’s phone, Hanna “I’ll throw this pen drive in the blender to keep you from getting your hands on it” Marin, throws her phone in the sink to keep her mother from getting a hold of it, and storms out. Hanna tells the girls and Mona her mother is looking for answers, so they devise a plan to keep Ashley off the trail. Aria tells Ashley she sent the “photoshopped” police report because Hanna is shoplifting again, and she wanted to set her straight. Not surprisingly, Ashley doesn’t buy the lie, and tells Ella they need to get the police involved in the search for A to protect their daughters.

Emily reunites with her dad in this episode, after not seeing him for a few months. Her father immediately notices something is wrong, and Emily tells him about her argument with Maya, and how Maya is presumed to be a runaway. The two go to the bus station in search of answers, and a talk with an attendant working the night Maya ran away leads to a startling discovery.  Apparently, Maya bought a ticket to San Francisco, but about an hour after she bought the ticket the worker saw her talking to someone in a dark-colored car, and a minute later both were gone, but the attendant didn’t see who was in the car or where they went. This new information means Maya is no longer a runaway but a “missing girl” as the Rosewood Observer’s headline reads.  It’s an eerie call back to Alison’s missing girl headline in the pilot.

Spencer and Melissa finally get to have their overdue talk this week, and it leaves Spencer feeling uneasy, as most things seem to.  Melissa has been confiding in Garret ever since Ian’s death, and now she’s worried she may have divulged too much. Melissa had been sending Alison texts threatening her and warning her to stay away from Ian, and this is the reason the number Jonah found for the girls traced back to the law firm Melissa interned for the year Alison disappeared. The girls still believe Melissa is either A or is involved in A’s plan, but Spencer doesn’t think so.

Melissa isn’t the only family member Spencer is having trouble with. Peter is desperately trying to make up with Spencer following the bombshell of Jason’s paternity. Spencer seems willing to give him a chance, but that doesn’t stop Spencer’s “Nancy Drew” tendencies. She sneaks into Peter’s office, and finds a check stub written out to cash in the amount of $15,000, which was written around the time Alison disappeared. When Spencer let’s Peter in on her little discovery, the two go back and search his office where they find his gun is missing. Melissa may have something to do with the missing gun, since she saw Spencer in their dad’s office snooping around, and she was the only one home at the time it presumably went missing, although she claimed she fell asleep in the barn.  Spencer also discovers a folder filled with pictures of Alison, so Peter tells her he hired a private investigator to look into her disappearance, and this is the person his $15,000 went to. He hired the PI because he believed Melissa might have had something to do with the disappearance due to the threats she was sending Ali’s way.

Aria is still reeling from Ezra’s decision to accept the job in New Orleans, so her relationship with Byron is as icy as ever. Byron is trying to recreate the days of when Aria was his “little girl,” and Aria tries to make him realize she’s not a little girl anymore. Mike ends up being a voice of reason for Byron, telling him he should ask Aria why she felt she had to keep her relationship with Ezra a secret. It looks like Mike’s breaking and entering days are over.

After all the father-daughter drama was played out, Aria received a call from Jonah informing her he traced another number sending texts to Alison’s phone. The girls find themselves in a town called Brook Haven where they stumble upon an unusual shop named “Vail’s Doll Hospital” adorned with mutilated dolls hanging in the window display.

The episode ends with Aria putting on the red coat belonging to Alison, or rather Vivian Darkbloom, and an unknown young man approaches her calling her Vivian.

There are only two more episodes until A’s identity is revealed, so start kicking your theories into over drive. Director Norman Buckley recently tweeted the biggest clue to A’s identity is in the season one episode, “Salt Meets Wound.” You can bet PLL fans went crazy with the news, and it looks as though Ezra is moving up the suspect list.

Do you think Melissa is the one who swiped the gun? What connection could the young man have to Vivian? Are Ashley and Ella in serious danger since they are relentless in their search for answers?

Sound off in the comments section, and tune in next Monday to an all new episode of Pretty Little Liars.

 

Monica Maldonado is a journalism and fashion merchandising student at the University of North Texas, and a member of Phi Kappa Phi.  When she’s not running around campus trying to find her next story, you can find her attached to her laptop, feeding her addiction to pop culture and fashion.

Jersey Shore: The Shark Fight

“Take a walk, bro.”  The words, coming from the lips of Jenni’s boyfriend, Roger, should be enough to scare off anyone trying to mess with his girlfriend.  The tattooed bad boy shoves the man and gets himself kicked out of Karma.  The rest of the group goes home with Roger and Jenni.

At home, Jionni goes right upstairs to hug the porcelain goddess.  His girlfriend doesn’t seem to want to care for her man, instead, she knocks on the door and asks him to hurry up because she wants to have sex.  When Jionni cleans up, he goes straight to bed and falls asleep instantaneously.  Nicole is not happy.  She hasn’t seen Jionni in a week and she wants to smush.  How romantic.

Meanwhile, Jenni is changing her clothes, so Ron asks Roger to have a drink outside.  They are enjoying their drinks and chicken salad sandwiches (prepared by Mike).  Jenni yells for Roger to come upstairs, but he is enjoying himself and doesn’t really want to go to bed just yet.  Jenni gets mad and storms off.  On the patio, Deena and Sam are hanging out with Roger and Ron.  The boys are joking about how high maintenance women are and how much they complain.  Weirdly, Sam gives Ron a look but doesn’t say anything.

The next day, the guidos and guidettes are looking for something to do, other than go to the boardwalk.  Deena suggests they go to the docks and fish.  The eight of them are trying to catch their dinner so they don’t have to go grocery shopping.  Somehow, Jenni catches three crabs, but they manage to escape her net and are crawling around the boardwalk, looking for water.  Eventually, the crabs fall back in the water.  Mike isn’t having any luck, so he decides to catch some rays on the dock.  Vinny, seeing the way their roommate is isolating himself, catches a crab and sneakily puts it on Mike’s chest.  Typically, Mike does not respond well.

The meatballs, as always, manage to get themselves into some trouble.  They get a small raft and go out into the water, but neither of them is able to steer it very well.  They end up under a dock, manage to go backwards, in circles, and everywhere they don’t want to go.  The wind is pretty strong, blowing them further away.  Somehow, Ron manages to lay on the dock, reach the raft, and help pull them back up, but the girls are convinced he is going to tip them over.  At this point, the raft is approaching some sharp objects, so the roommates are yelling “Sharp!”  This confuses Deena, who thinks they are yelling, “Shark!” and freaks out.  They jump off the raft to swim to the docks.  Deena is too concerned about the “sharks” in the shallow water to stay in the raft, while Nicole is chasing her alcohol (which is floating away).  When they get out of the water, the group goes home, without dinner.

Deena and Nicole: Fishing Adventures

Deena, Pauly, and Vinny head off to work.  Danny tells Pauly his stalker, Vanessa, has been hanging around the store, but he is too scared to talk to her.  At home, Mike and Nicole are playing ladder golf.  They make a bet that the loser has to wear the bunny suit in public that night.  Nicole brutally loses.  Nicole announces the bunny suit’s name is Lola.  As the group goes to Karma, Nicole is wearing Lola, and she wears it all night, except for when she lets everyone else in the club wear the mask.  After leaving the club, Deena and Nicole want to go to the beach.  They hop the fence and are splashing in the water, which is illegal at this hour.  Busted.  Cops come over and remove them.  Deena thinks the cop is cute and tries to take him home with her.  Fail.

In the morning, Nicole is still drunk and Ron is quite hungover, so she convinces him that the best remedy is more alcohol.  They go to a bar on the boardwalk.  While they are there, Nicole excuses herself for a minute.  She returns with a mini motorcycle that Ron showed interest in a few days ago.

Mike, Jenni, and Pauly go to work.  Vanessa is there.  Jenni calls her outside and asks what the deal is.  Vanessa, wearing a trucker hat that says, “Pauly D,” and a shirt that says, “DJ Pauly D,” says she doesn’t know what Jenni is talking about.  Jenni asks her what is in her bag.  She answers it is a blanket, but won’t show Jenni.  Jenni suspects there is something wrapped in the blanket-something heavy or a chainsaw.

On the phone with Jionni, Nicole is arguing with him because she was just being herself.  Vinny, who overhears this, is saddened for his friend.  He takes Nicole to the boardwalk to have a good time, admitting his intentions with her are questionable because they are drunk.  On the way home, Nicole asks if they can cuddle and shower together that night.  Vinny agrees to cuddle.

There are only 3 episodes left.  Next week, there is a camping trip in store.

CL’s Entertainment Round Up

This week was a surprisingly busy one in the entertainment world. It was filled with possible new romances and tons of television news. It was a great time for the pop culture obsessed!

 
Fostering A Relationship?

The publicity tour for Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax may not be the only thing Taylor Swift and Zac Effron have recently started. The two visited Ellen this week, and were simply adorable. Swft even taught Effron how to play the guitar! Effron sat with his arm around Swift until they began a duet. Swift shrieked in pride once Effron proved he could strike E minor on his own. “Only a girlfriend would react that quickly,” remarked DeGeneres. To see the two songbirds together watch the video here. Tell us how do you feel about the possibility of Swiffron in the comments!

Back to the Community

Community lovers rejoice! The cult comedy will be back on NBC March 15 at 8p.m. Fans of the show can now put their pitch forks down and go back to enjoying one of the best shows out there.

 Sarah Hyland’s Boyfriend Welcomed Into The Family

Do you ever wonder how star’s boyfriends deal with their girl’s onscreen beaus? Well, Sarah Hyland’s boyfriend actor Matt Prokop won’t have to. He’s set to star along side his real-life girlfriend, who plays Haley Dunphy on Modern Family, as her television boyfriend. The hit comedy has hired Prokop to play Haley’s newest love interest. I hope this relationship works well for the eldest Dunphy daughter, or else that will be an awkward episode for Hyland and Prokop.

Glee Cast Walking Down The Aisle?

All Gleeks out there were waiting for this week’s episode, “On My Way.” Glee star Lea Michele felt for her fans and decided to give them a little present. On Monday she tweeted “In anticipation of tomorrows very memorable episode.. We took this photo.. We call it GLEE-MAIDS..” In the tweet was a hysterical photo of the Glee girls as the Bridesmaids actresses—hot pink dresses and attitudes included.

This week also saw Dorothy’s ruby red slippers (talked about in the last Round Up) saved by Leonardo DiCaprio for the Academy Museum in Los Angeles, a second book announcement from Justin Bieber and tons of Oscar buzz. I can’t even wait to know what’ll happen next week. Check back next week for the Round Up!

Ariana Romero is a senior entertainment and fashion writing intern for College Lifestyles! She’s so excited for the Oscars this weekend–expect tons of news loyal CL readers! 

Video of the Week: Sophie Grace and Rosie Hit Red Carpet

With their amazing personalities, mega watt smiles, and pink tutus, how can we not LOVE Sophie Grace and Rosie!  For our video of the week, sit back, smile, and reflect on your ‘little girl’ dreams!

 

GG Recap: 5 OMG/UGH Moments in ‘Cross Rhodes’

*SPOILER ALERT*

This week’s episode of Gossip Girl entitled “Cross Rhodes” left me at a cross roads with the show. Yes, the show finally took the wheel and started dealing with all the issues that they have been dragging out and building up for an entire season. But instead of typical OMG! GG fashion, subpar scenes made up the most of the hour. The build up of the sexual tension between Dan and Blair was sealed with a few slimy kisses, but the character that Blair is becoming is totally undermining everything the show has tried shaping into. Another build up that should have came raining down bricks, instead ended slower than a floating feather.  The only piece of this week’s plot that served justice to the Upper East Side’s exciting twists and turns came from Chuck Bass’s seductive schemes. Overall, the episode did not meet it’s potential, and as much as most people hate to love the show, I’m starting to love to hate the show.

Check out the top 5 OMG! and UGH. moments:

1. 

   Photo Credit: TVRecap.Com

   Scarves and Schemes: The Bass(tard) is back with his sexy seductive schemes. He invites Dan over to walk the dog putting on a friendly face (as if Dan playing the knight in shining armor for his ex-girlfriend doesn’t matter). When Dan is distracted, Chuck sneakily switches Dan’s real manuscript with a plagiarized story. Here comes the sexy part. Chuck sends over a fabulous scarf to Dan’s book agent, Alexandra, and convinces her he needs to see her with it on (or off?). His seductive charm works flawlessly and Alexandra sends in Dan’s story (without reviewing it, of course) so the two can get some one-on-one hot and heavy time. Unfortunately for Alexandra, Chuck could care less about their time together and only has one goal in mind: sinking Dan’s career as payback for “stealing” Blair. Little does he know, Blair isn’t being stolen away…she is being swept away and her phone call to Chuck to leave Dan alone seals that. In proper OMG behavior, just as Chuck adheres to his princess’s wishes by sending Alexandra Dan’s real manuscript, Gossip Girl sends Chuck a real message of her own–proof that Dan was the one who sent the “Blair Loves Chuck” confession to GG. YAY Upper East Siders, does anyone see what I see? A hint of reason for Blair to potentially hate Dan and come running back to Chuck, restoring all that is right in the world. OMG! 
2. 

   Photo Credit: TVRecap.com

   RIP CeCe: Is it just me or wouldn’t the fact that your mother was deathly ill and receiving chemotherapy, and oh yeah, had a stroke and is dying all be granted with a little more tears and a little more… I don’t know EMOTION? I must say, I am a style stalker and totally love scenes that are focusing on designer studs, but in a moment of such intense dramatic tension, I must say the cameras focusing in on Lily’s heals instead of Lily’s emotional peals was a bit unrealistic and annoying. Not to mention, CeCe looked extremely good (and young) for struggling with cancer and undergoing chemo, and oh yeah dying. The show touches on so many real issues, and instead of really digging deep into them they barely sit on the surface. UGH.

3. Unmemorable Rhodes: As I  mentioned earlier, Gossip Girl has been building the Charlie Rhodes car crash for nearly two seasons. Everyone has been at the edge of their seats waiting for the manic train wreck, and waiting to see its messy aftermath. I must say I was more than disappointed. I was disgusted. The storyline had so much potential to be a fiasco, and instead the revelation was so simple, and so not meeting the Upper East Side ‘s dramatic edge. Serena frightens Ivy away with the threat to call the cops, sending dear old Ivy into the arms of our favorite manipulator, Georgina. Serena attempts to get to know the real Charlie, or Lola as she now goes by, with an offer to grab some good old Manhattan coffee, but Lola rejects and instead decides to spend her time getting to know Nate’s sleeping habits. Dear GG writers: if you’re going to set it on the stove for so long, you should have let it explode, not just turn it off. Years from now, when I look back on the Chivy/Chola dilemma, I won’t remember any of this. UGH.
4. 

   Photo Credit: TVRecap.com

   Dair to Care: I seriously dare someone to actually care about Dan and Blair. Their relationship is seriously unbelievable, and by that I mean literally. It is just not believable. I don’t get where Dan became this attractive love interest for Blair. Yes, he did so much for her. But the mutual feelings were never properly articulated throughout the seasons for me to develop an attachment to the characters as a couple. And then there was, oh yeah, that guy named Chuck. Hello!? Oh, and let’s not forget to mention she is married to someone who, up until the wedding day, she supposedly had true feelings for. Blair is beyond confused. She is being turned into a little bit of a sleeze. And all of a sudden, GG writers expect me to hop on to the Dair wagon by throwing in some romantic hand holding, sloppy lip locks, and deep revelations through mock plays of their lives? I think not. UGH.

5. S & B or BS?: Serena and Blair have had their fair share of frenemy moments, but up until yesterday I really thought their friendship was real. But Blair’s
   

   Photo Credit: TVRecap.com

   move to pawn all over Dan, whether Serena okays it or not, is not acceptable. It’s BS. There are no exceptions to the friend rule, especially when the friend is your best friend who is more like your sister than anything else (hello, they live together!). Whether Serena says she doesn’t want to be a road block between the two new lovebirds or not, Blair should realize Serena is still hurting. After all, it was just a week before that Blair was playing the BFF Cupid trying to get the two exes back together on the premise that Serena still had feelings for Dan. It’s enough that the guy you have feelings for rejects you (again), but the fact that the person he rejects you for is your best friend and your best friend (who happens to get every guy in town) wants him back…that’s just the epitome of shitty. Blair might have been the bratty Queen B, but now she’s a petty princess who apparently doesn’t care about any of the real relationships she has worked so hard to establish– especially the most important one, the one with herself. One in which she respects herself to not become the woman stuck between three different guys, the one where she doesn’t betray her best friend, and the one where doesn’t become relient on men but instead is happy relying on herself. UGH.

CL’s Entertainment Round Up!

A CL girl is a busy girl—even the interns. I usually use Friday’s to write for all of you, our wonderful readers. After compiling all the week’s juiciest Hollywood gossip and entertainment I get down to making a coherent article. This Friday was instead filled by hours of reporting for my news class and writing a surprisingly long story. The rest of the weekend I got to spend time with the great girls from the Zeta Omega chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta, who visited us at Alpha. But that doesn’t mean I forgot about my Weekly Roundup. Here’s Hollywood’s Weekly Roundup—the weekend included.

 

Happy Birthday Riri!

Today is Rihanna’s birthday. Let’s hope she finds love in a hopeful place this time around. The pop superstar is 24 today, and a certain ex of hers didn’t forget. Chris Brown tweeted at the birthday girl, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBYN!” Robyn Rihanna Fenton answered with a simple “Thanks!” It’s good to see that the two can be so amicable after such a difficult public break up.

Whitney Houston Goes Home

Loved ones gathered on Saturday in Newark, NJ to say goodbye to singer Whitney Houston. A private viewing for those especially close to Houston was held on Friday. Industry insiders like Oprah Winfrey, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys and Stevie Wonder all paid their respects to their friend.

 

Lindsay Lohan Back and Livelier Than Ever

When I searched IMDb for Lindsay Lohan’s most recent projects, Herbie Fully Loaded came up next to her name. Remember when LiLo actually did things? I miss those times. Well, she’s about to be directly back in the spot light—and live! The actress is set to host Saturday Night Live on March 3^rd with Jack White as the musical guest. With an iconic Debbie Downer sketch already under her belt, I’m excited to see her back on SNL.

 

We’re Not In The Smithsonian Anymore

Dorothy’s infamous ruby slippers from The Wizard Oz won’t be on display for much longer. The famous footwear will be pulled from their current spot in the Smithsonian, and prepared for conservation. The shoes will be back out for the “American Stories” display starting April 5^th.

 

The Vow Promises Not To Disappoint

Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams have a romantic blockbuster on their hands. Last week, The Vow took in $11.6 million on Valentines Day, the highest gross a movie has ever made during the holiday mid-week. The record-breaking movie beat out former winner, 2005’s Hitch, which made 7.5 million on the romantic day.

Ariana Romero is a senior entertainment and fashion writing intern for College Lifestyles! She can’t wait to see what shenanigans go on in Hollywood this week. 

Jersey Shore 2/16/12: Who Ate The Cake?

In the living room, the Meatballs are being encouraged to make an apologetic gesture to Danny for their recent behavior while on the clock, so they make him a delicious cake with a nice message on it.  They cover the cake and leave it on the counter overnight.

In the morning, Ron and Sam wake up early for work, but Ron has to wake up Deena.  They eventually migrate to the kitchen and notice there is a considerable piece missing from the corner of the cake.  Questioning who it is, they decide it must have been Mike.  Deena has to take the cake to Danny anyways, and she feels really bad because their gift is missing a piece, but Danny appreciates the snack still.

At the house, Nicole calls the doctor’s office because her UTI is hurting and she is starting to wonder if there is something else wrong.  She schedules an appointment and brings Jenni along.  The doctor puts her on medication and tells her she can only have one drink during each sitting while on the antibiotics.

Back at the store, Danny gives Deena a break, so she decides to get a sleeve of henna tattoos done.  When she gets back to the store, Danny shares the cake with all of the coworkers.  He asks Deena if the cake has an unusual odor, so she smells a piece, falling for his trick, and he shoves the cake in her face.  Deena was a good sport about it.  Ron, Sam, and Deena finish their shift with no further drama.

In the evening, Mike, Jenni, and Nicole are scheduled to work, however Mike is the only one who shows up on time because the girls are still at the doctor’s office.  Not knowing where they are, Danny calls the house and speaks to Vinny, who fills in the boss.  When the girls do show up (about an hour late), they have doctor’s excuses, but that doesn’t cut it.  Danny makes them do extra work and lifting heavy boxes.  Near the register, Danny asks Mike if he really ate the cake, but Mike swears it wasn’t him.

At home, everyone else is having a good time when Pauly confesses something to Deena.  He said that after everyone went to bed, he smelled the cake from his room, tried to resist (but failed), and ate a few forkfuls of cake.  Deena laughs it off, as do the other roommates.  Mike and Deena run into each other and she tells him about her cake-eater theories making Mike mad that she was accusing him.  Scanning the area for eavesdroppers, Mike calls a friend, looking for The Unit.  The friend says The Unit is still away but should be returning the next day.  This pushes off Mike’s plans to ruin Nicole and Jionni’s relationship.  The group decides to spend the night dancing at Karma.

When they get there, Mike runs into Paula, who says her birthday is the next day.  Hearing this, Jenni buys a round of shots to celebrate.  Nicole takes one, despite her doctor’s orders.  She then decides not drinking is too hard for her, so she drinks…and drinks…and drinks.  When the club closes, Mike invites Paula over for the night.  In his confessional, he says she is his “main squeeze” and that he “can’t find anything wrong with her.”

The next day, Pauly and Vinny complete their typical GTL and go to lunch.  At the restaurant, Vinny misplaces the car keys, but with the help of an employee, they find the missing keys.

That night, the group decides to check out Jenks.  Deena calls Joey to invite him to go.  He agrees to meet them there.  Nicole says Jenks will be boring, so she chooses to stay home, Jenni is sleeping, and Mike is napping as well.  The only ones to go to Jenks are Vinny, Pauly, Sam, Ron, and Deena.  There, Ron gets extremely intoxicated (have you missed drunk Ron?) and Sam is loving every minute of it.  Isn’t it refreshing to see those two lovebirds in a healthy relationship?

At the house, Mike wakes up and is smoking on the party deck.  Nicole brings the mask to her bunny suit to be Paula, so Mike has a companion.  She asks him to go out with her, but he isn’t in the mood…to go out.  He is in the mood for Nicole though.  He tries creeping on her, saying they should hook up and “have fun.”  There’s a situation, huh?  Nicole is completely turned off by her roommate’s offer and leaves him alone.

Pauly gets home earlier than the others who went out, so he plays a joke on Deena (who is having Joey over for the night).  He takes all the dirty dishes from the kitchen and puts them on her bed.  When Deena gets home and sees them all, she asks Joey to wait in the living room while she cleans.  In the living room, Jenni and Nicole keep Joey company.  Nicole continuously says, “merp.”  When Deena is done, she and Joey go to her room to have sex.  Still in the living room, Nicole says she is bored and goes to watch Deena and Joey.

The next day, Mike calls The Unit.  The conversation is short and not much of anything important is said, but Mike wants it to be known that he is not a liar.  That night, Roger is coming to visit.  Jenni opens the door wearing a skimpy black dress with gold chains dangling on the sides and a small strip of fabric in the middle to connect the top and bottom halves.  She leaves little to the imagination, but Roger loves it.

 

When the group gets to Karma, fights are breaking out everywhere (not between anyone on the show).  A guy is messing with Jenni, touching her and trying to get her to come spend time with her.  Roger calmly asks the guy to back off, but the stranger does not and punches Roger in the side of the head.

How do you think Roger is going to handle the situation?  Is The Unit finally going to tell Jionni the “truth?”

 

GG Recap: Crazy, Cupid, Love’s Arrow Missed Fans’ Hearts

Like many Gossip Girl fans, I’ve been dedicated to the show since day 1 when it first premiered back in 2007. I took a backseat as I watched the Constance and St. Jude drama unfold from Serena’s affair with Nate, to Queen B’s deflowering by Chuck, to (fill in the blank)’s drug problem. As the gossip spun out of control, I scooted closer and closer to the passenger’s seat with every part of me wanting to take the wheel and hit the breaks on some issues, and accelerate on others. The show was exhilarating, new, risky.

Then came all the roadblocks of getting into college, which in retrospect was kind of a waste of everyone’s time since now our Upper East Siders are all much too successful and well off to earn an education. I mean who would need one after becoming published authors, editor-in-chiefs, successful bloggers and business owners, or a real-life princess?! Then all the cute relationships fell apart, and what did most GG fans want? For them to be put back together. It is understandable that it couldn’t happen after just one season or maybe even two. But, seriously? We’re on season 5.

Back in high school, reviewing this show would be my dream. Today, not so much. The show, to put it nicely, is lackluster. The storylines that are of any interest are sadly those of flat characters who come in and out of the plot—cue the Charlies. The only theme GG writers are showing us is that after years of developing our dynamic Upper East siders, no one really changes or grows. If anything at all, they get dumber. Not just in personality, but in actions. Serena backstabs Blair, Blair backstabs Serena. Blair and Chuck aren’t together. Dan is lonely boy, except a jerkier version. Back to the Basst with his reckless rollercoaster. Nate is still oblivious and chasing after a love that is interested in something more than him. You see where I’m going with this? For a popular television show, Gossip Girl is a broken record machine, and at this point I’m way past taking a backseat, the passenger seat, or even wanting to take the wheel. I’m just ready to jump out. Get it together GG writers. We love the drama, but growth among the characters is necessary for a successful, appealing plot.  For once, Georgina put it best: “This party is so 2007 anyway.”

OMG! or UGH.

1. Michelle Trachtenberg’s (Georgina) Fake-ting
   • Wow. Michelle did a hell of a lot better job acting as Harriet The Spy than she did in yesterday’s episode of GG. What was going on, honestly? From her pathetic attempts to look interested in her schemes to the terrible confrontation with Charlie and lastly to her BIG reveal to Dan, I was definitely disappointed. Michelle’s fake acting was seriously hard to watch or listen to. UGH.
   

   PHOTO CREDIT: GIOVANNI RUFINO/Warner Brothers

2. Princess Problems 101
   • I guess being a princess in a fake marriage isn’t as bad as GG writers cut it out to be. After spending a few episodes hyping up Blair’s loveless lair lockdown, she returns to Manhattan without any of the evil Grimaldis (including her not so charming prince hubby) and instead bring a royal minder to make sure she is obeying her royal wedding vows. I’m almost positive that the reason Prince Louis went through with the wedding was to save himself from any blows to his image by keeping the lovely lady on his arm, so GG writers need to connect the dots a little better next time. UGH.
3. Operation Derena
   • Something about Blair playing Cupid made me laugh. She seemed to sincerely want the best for her besties, and watching her and my fav Dorota double up to see it happen was amusing. Blair’s “high school sweetheart” couple was my favorite touch; only because it was so evident that they were paid actors. Hey, it’s the thought that counts… right? OMG!
4. 7 Seconds in Hell…or Heaven?
   • Dan kisses Blair, Blair kisses back?! Make up your mind B. And in Chuck’s room?! Whatever happened to the classy sophisticated Blair? What were her intentions behind the laundry list of charming chores Dan has done for her followed by a foolish, “If you’re that guy with Serena how could she not love you?” And again, “What would really make you happy Dan?” Is she honestly the only person blind enough to not see that Dan is madly, sadly in love with her? For Vampire Diary watchers, this is starting to be an Elena-takes-all twist. Blair is married to Louis, in love with Chuck, and likes Dan. I’ve always loved Blair, but she is disappointing me. Especially coming from the strong woman who didn’t want to be with the love of her life because she wanted to create a name for herself first (rather than be known as Chuck’s arm-candy). For a former Miss Independent, she really is a hot mess with her love triangle-turned-web. Not only is she now arm-candy to someone who has her trapped in a loveless marriage, she is also screwing over two good friends, and hurting the one person who I think she loves the most. UGH.
   

   PHOTO CREDIT: GIOVANNI RUFINO/Warner Brothers

5. Will The Real Rhodes Please Stand Up?
• SURPRISE! The “original” impostor Charlie Rhodes is back. The entire episode we’re kept guessing at what the reason for her risky return to the Upper East Side could possibly be. At the same time, the thought of a run in with Charlie-Ivy (Chivy) or Charlie-Lola (Chola) is exciting. And when we find out that they not only know each other, but that Nate spills the beans to Chola, it only creates more excitement to the Charlie Rhodes storyline. Now that real Charlie Rhodes knows she has an impostor, most people are guessing how the big reveal will go down. I, on the other hand, am going to take a wild guess and say Chola might like to hold on to the secret for safe keeping (or leverage) just a little longer. This is probably the only story-line that’s keeping me hooked! OMG!

Pretty Little Liars Recap: A Little Thing Called Blackmail

In this week’s episode, “CTRL: A,” Spencer struggles to come to terms with the bombshell known as Jason’s paternity, Caleb goes from swimming in hot water to boiling water, and the truth behind Holden’s nasty bruise is revealed.

Last week Spencer learned she has a half-brother in one Jason DiLaurentis, and she is avoiding her family at all costs by bunking with Aria. Spencer does want to talk to Jason though to find out what else he knows, and a trip to his office leads Spencer to see the peculiar scene of Jason talking to Maya by a fruit stand.  Anyone want to venture a guess on how those two know each other?  Jason tells Spencer he came across another one of Alison’s secret boxes, only this one didn’t contain a porcelain doll.  Instead, he found letters from Peter Hastings to Alison and Jason’s mother in the box, as well as three envelopes stuffed with cash totaling $15,000.  This leads Jason to conclude Alison knew the truth about Peter and her mother, so she blackmailed the Hastings patriarch.  Spencer ends up going home to confront her father, and he tells her he never gave Alison money for anything.  She believes him, but Jason doesn’t, and Spencer calls him out on wanting Peter to have been the one giving Alison money so he can stay angry with him.

The money might just come in handy now because the girls have to come up with $2,000.  Last week, the girls set up a

meeting with the mystery person behind the phone number in Ali’s coat.  So they go to the meeting, but only Aria does the face to face talking, and turns out Alison, or Vivian, was doing business with a guy named Jonah who worked for a cellular phone company.  Alison agreed to pay him $2,000 in exchange for information about an unknown number who kept texting her.  Jonah got the information but Alison never paid the money, and now he’s willing to sell Aria the information for the same price or higher.  As of now Spencer might be close to getting her hands on the money after she tells Jason Alison could have been blackmailing someone else, so she could get the $2,000 to pay for information on a person she was afraid of.

Aria has another meeting in this episode; only this one is with Holden.  After calling off their arrangement last week, Aria relents after Holden tells her he needs to get himself to a martial arts tournament because it’s a qualifying match.  Apparently, while Aria goes off to her rendezvous with Ezra, Holden’s been sparring in a gym somewhere.  Holden’s parents don’t approve so that’s why he remains so secretive about it.  Aria plans to meet up with Ezra to talk about his offered position as an associate dean at the New Orleans extension of Holis, but those plans may be ruined by a less than trusting Byron and an even more conniving A.  A leaves a note on Byron’s car listing the address of the restaurant Aria and Ezra are planning to meet up at.  However, Aria ends up cancelling her date with Ezra thanks to some information regarding Holden’s health.  Ella tells Aria Holden’s parents have been worried about him because he has a heart condition called abdominal aortic aneurysm.  Of course after hearing the news Aria sticks around to watch Holden fight to make sure he doesn’t get seriously hurt.  Would Ezria fans be furious with me if I said I really like the dynamic between Aria and Holden?

The most intense story line of the week may have been Caleb’s run in with the police.  Garret shows up at Rosewood High’s swim meet with a court order to have Caleb’s laptop taken away because apparently someone was hacking into school records and the trail led back to Caleb’s computer.  Hanna tells Caleb he needs to erase anything incriminating off his laptop, but when he tries to hack in from another computer he gets blocked.  Hanna has her trouble with Rosewood’s finest as well after the lead detective on Alison’s murder case, Detective Wilden, finds a security cam picture of Spencer, Emily, and Hanna outside the morgue.  Just as a refresher, pages of Alison’s autopsy report went missing, so the picture makes the girls look even guiltier.  Caleb ends up going down to the police station because he won’t get his laptop back unless he cooperates, but right before he’s taken in for interrogation he tells Hanna he needs her help.  While Caleb is getting grilled in an interrogation room, Hanna wracks her brain to remember the password to Caleb’s computer so she can erase the school records A planted on his laptop.  Of course like any great suspense scene, Hanna comes through at the last minute, and the files get deleted right before Detective Wilden’s and most importantly Garret’s eyes.

Emily had her share of problems this episode, but of the relationship kind.  After a distraught Maya tells Emily her parents found an old joint in one of Maya’s boxes, Emily swears she will do whatever it takes to prevent Maya from going back to True North.  That’s all well and good until Emily catches Maya lighting a not so old joint on Hanna’s porch.  Maya decides in order to make sure she doesn’t go back to True North she has to run away to San Francisco, and she asks Emily to go with her.  Emily refuses, but at the end of the episode she calls Maya to beg her to reconsider.

What did you think of Holden’s revelation?  Is it what you expected?  Caleb is out of the woods for now, but A won’t stop until he’s out of their way.  What do you think A will attempt next? Is it good that the girls are letting more people into what is going on with A, or do you think it’s a mistake since everyone they let in ends up getting hurt?

Sound off in the comment section, and tune in next Monday for an all new episode of Pretty Little Liars.

 

Monica Maldonado is a journalism and fashion merchandising student at the University of North Texas, and a member of Phi Kappa Phi.  When she’s not running around campus trying to find her next story, you can find her attached to her laptop, feeding her addiction to pop culture and fashion.

Award Winning Actress Erica Hubbard Chats with CL!

Chicago native Erica Hubbard is one of the most versatile, educated, and charismatic entertainers of today’s generation. Perhaps you’ve seen her star in ABC Family’s hit show “Lincoln Heights” playing the lead role of Cassie Sutton for four seasons. Or see her weekly as the outgoing Kita Whitmore on BET’s “Let’s Stay Together.” Her resume speaks volumes having been in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Save the Last Dance, and A Cinderella Story. Erica proves that beauty and brains isn’t just a statement, she graduated college in just three years and has appeared in numerous magazines. Erica gave College Lifestyles the scoop on how to become a serious actress, what her day is like, and her fashion tips.

CL: You graduated from Columbia College in Chicago. How do you think pursuing a higher education has helped your career?

Pursuing a higher career and earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree has helped my career tremendously.  From attending a four-year college I have a learned behavior of being detailed oriented, keen on time management, and disciplined enough to finish any task at hand.  Attending Columbia College in Chicago has taught me professional skills that I didn’t have to learn on a job.  I love to seek different opportunities and going through college it becomes habitual to study and research so you are made aware of how to maneuver through any profession educationally.

CL: What activities were you involved in when you were in college?

I formed the first Film and Television Organization, I was in CCABJ (Columbia College Association of Broadcast Journalism), I also wrote for the Theater Department Newsletter as well as our Dormitory Newsletter and I was on CCEN (Columbia College Electronic Newsletter).  While I was in college I also had a paid internship at an advertising company and was in the work-aid program working in the Dean’s Office. Moreover, I hosted a children’s television show for a local network in Chicago. I do not like to sit idle. I love to work and stay busy!

CL: As an actress you attend red carpet events, appearances, and award shows. What are your tips to co-eds who want to look professional, stylish, and fashion forward?

I am not afraid to ask for constructive criticism before I attend any event.  I like to hire a team of working professionals in the entertainment industry who can advise on my hair, make-up, and wardrobe styling. I would suggest that everyone center themselves around the best and the brightest in their specific profession.  Choosing a professional-working mentor who works in your same occupation can also help guide you and propel your career.

CL: Have you always wanted to be an actress? Do you have a few tips for students who would like to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?

I have always wanted to be an actress since I was nine years old.  Acting has always been a true passion of mine!  A major tip for anyone who wants to pursue a career in the entertainment industry is to read books written about the profession. Some might include Respect for Acting (Uta Hagen), Audition (Michael Shurtleff) and No Acting Please (Eric Morris & Joan Hotchkis). Also, I recommend that the student take classes and train on stage in a play as well. Next, make sure you get a great agent, and when you have a list of great credits get a manager on your team.  Lastly, try to get in all three unions for actors: EQUITY, SAG and AFTRA.

CL: What is your typical day like on the set of “Let’s Stay Together”?

My typical day on the set of Let’s Stay Together consist of waking up for an early call-time in which we all usually begin our day around 6 am, we go to hair and make-up, get dressed in our wardrobe, we eat breakfast, we find-out if we have notes or need new sides (if the dialogue has been changed or more has been added), the cast runs lines together, then we go over our blocking (we learned in rehearsals the day before filming), some of us stand-in for our own lighting, then we tape, we break for lunch, then we get touched-up for hair and make-up, run more lines for our scenes, shoot some more coverage if not completed, then film other scenes, after we get our lighting done.  Then, depending on if we shot all our pages that day we usually wrap at night around 8 pm or later.  Predominately each day is a 13-hour day or more.

CL: What type of other roles do you hope to pursue in the future?

In the future I think I would be interested in all different types of genres and roles.  While in school, the Chairman of our Theater Department (Sheldon Patikin-from Second City and Steppenwolf in Chicago) trained and challenged us to take on a variety of roles. With the vast amount of body movements, vocal techniques, and stage skills we learned, I feel that I can portray anything from a lead in a romance story to an action hero.

 Contact Erica Hubbard on her website or follow her on Twitter

Amber Ferguson is a fashion/health intern at College Lifestyles (TM). She is a sophomore at Prince George’s Community College studying English. She’s obsessed with reality TV & loves traveling. Follow her on Twitter @Ms_AmberDawn.

« Previous Page — Next Page »