The Hot 5

Here are some of the things that I have been enthralled with lately. I plan to post a few of these from time to time when something really gets on my mind grapes.  So let me know what you think, and what your Top 5 are?

The Walking Dead (AMC Sundays)

What a premiere.  I was hesitant to read the comic book because I wasn't a huge fan of zombies.  I still don't really see the fascination with zombies and zombie movies.  But I'm so glad I started the comic, it had such a great story and I was excited to see how they'd treat the television series.  Fortunately the producer of The Walking Dead, Frank Darabont, wanted to make sure that not only would he please the audience but that he would also please the creator of the source material: Robert Kirkman.  They capture the comic extremely well, as well as add a few elements that improve upon the story.  The premiere showed not only some shocking and graphic moments, but some really poignant and sad moments.  The zombie stuff: headshots, people getting killed, and guts is fun, but I think the success of this show will come down to the characters.  How the characters deal with this horrific situation, where there are basically no more rules left, that is going to be the crux of the story moreso than the zombie infestation.  Watch this show.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Undercovers [canceled])

I'm pretty sad that this show got cancelled, not surprised, but sad.  Gugu Mbatha-Raw is one of those women that you would instantly fall in love with the moment you lay your eyes on her.  She radiates off the screen.  I'm very sad I wont be seeing much of her soon.  Unfortunately due to weak ratings Undercovers was recently canceled.  Like I said, I'm not surprised.  The show was entertaining enough but the decision to go episodic instead of serialized really hurt it.  Despite this you can be sure that Gugu will appear my Top Celebrities later this year.

Fable III Collector's Edition (Xbox 360)

Even though I thoroughly enjoyed Fable III there are lot of issues with it.  Ridiculous frame rate issues, stupid interaction system and some boring side quests kept this game from being great.  The Collector's Edition, although it only comes with an extra DLC, playing cards, and a cool coin, is one of of my favorite Collector's Editions so far.  What makes it so great is the packaging.  It comes in what looks like an old book or a bible. It feels like leather and even has a cool clasp.  The book opens to reveal the game and then there's a false bottom where the aforementioned Collector's Edition stuff is hidden.  It's a bucket of win.

No Ordinary Family (ABC Tuesdays @8:00pm)

From the very first episode I was hooked.  I was a huge fan of Heroes and was disappointed that it went down the path it did. You know...got horrible and unwatchable.  This show looks like it is going to do the genre right.  It's a family show and deals with family problems, but now they have super powers.  Ever since the Commish I have been a huge fan of Michael Chiklis.  His run on The Shield was often times bone chilling.  It's a little awkward seeing him in a much lighter role, but it suits him.  Julie Benz, I fell in love with on Dexter.  It's great to see her play a confident woman instead of the often uncertain character on Dexter.  The way the powers are displayed is done really well.  The speed effects for the mother and the math effects for the son are nice touches.  The parents confide in two characters who add a lot to the show played by Romany Malco and Autumn Reeser.  The story continues to expand on the universe and evolve their powers.  I hope they can keep it interesting.

Nicki Minaj (Pink Friday drops November 19, 2010)

This woman is on fire.  I realize lately that I am growing older and I really dislike most artists these days (Drake, Rihanna) but Nicki Minaj is just fierce.  She had an auspicious start with me because the first time I heard her was when she used the line "asbestos."  But I started hearing more of her lines on the Cash Money album and started realizing her flow was pretty unique and catchy.  She is probably one of the hottest artists right now: appearing on a ton of tracks and releasing a few mixtapes.  Her album is dropping this week and I think it is going to be huge.