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« Ghost Whisperer
Episode Recap: "The Underneath" (Season Premiere)
I'm not the official TV Guide blogger for Moonlight, but I just wanted to start off tonight's Ghost Whisperer post by saying how much I enjoyed watching both shows back-to-back. Ghost Whisperer + Moonlight = Freaky Friday on CBS, and I think they're a perfect supernatural fit.
Now then, on with the show!
Welcome to The Underneath?
At (last) season's end, I felt that Melinda's return from death would alter her connection to the afterlife, making it more malevolent than she's prepared to deal with. Now, at (this) season's beginning, my initial feelings concerning the crossroads on which Mel stands, is that Grandview is turning into a similar place to Buffy the Vampire Slayer's Hellmouth. Not quite as... Hellmouth-y, but the similarities between "the underneath" getting ready to burst at any time in Grandview, and Sunnydale's Hellmouth hurling all varieties of demons and vampires from underground can't be denied. The difference seems to be that Grandview may be a kinder, gentler wellspring of supernatural underground energy... or will it?
Although this episode started the season off in a much darker and more suspenseful place than we're accustomed to, we still experienced a sentimental crossing over in the end, and yes, I did cry. Along with the increase in thrills and chills this season, I think that Ghost Whisperer will manage to keep its feet in the light with heartwarming touches of redemption and closure between the living and the dead, which is good, because that's what makes the show different than a lot of other supernaturally-fueled TV series out there. Don't get me wrong, I definitely like dark. Dark is good... but I've also grown to love Ghost Whisperer's balance with dark and light, and I'm glad the show hasn't lost the light... at least, not yet.
On with the questions. Do you think that Gabriel will return? Yep, Gabriel's coming back. Do you think that the guy in the records department may be Mel's brother? (I still don't think Gabriel is her brother). What are your theories and questions on what's in store for the coming season?
Cast and Characters This Episode
An enthusiastic welcome to Jay Mohr as series regular Professor Payne! I speak for just about all of us when I say that it's great to finally see his name in the permanent cast credits. I could link to about (what?) 98.9% of the blog entries here in which we all comment about how much more we enjoy the show when graced with Mr. Mohr's presence. My favorite Payne quote of this episode: "Wow, you're even haunted in your x-rays... that's hardcore!" Anyone else want to add your favorite Payne moments of the evening?
I was surprised that David Hasselhoff didn't play Melinda's father tonight, because we heard his voice and saw his hair in the season finale. However, I really wasn't disappointed, because I adore Martin Donovan, and would enjoy seeing more of him during the season as Melinda continues to connect the dots to the mystery that has become her life. (Or is it her life that's become a mystery)? I think you know what I mean.
Another recognizable face is that cute redhead who seems to be getting a lot of TV work these days, Jayma Mays, aka Ugly Betty's Charlie, aka... uh... Charlie from Heroes (seriously!), and soon to be Elsita in Pushing Daisies.
Of course, I have to mention the brilliant Anne Archer as Mel's mother Beth, who... turns out, isn't a people person (dead or alive), the way her daughter is. After watching Beth fumble around with her gift, it's evident that Mel's gift transcends relating to ghosts... even though she was always a "freak," she's great with people, and along with her abilities to connect with the dead, connecting with the living is equally as important.
Finally, regarding characters and cast this season premiere, I felt that there wasn't enough of Jim and Delia, but when we did see them with Mel, their chemistry and interaction was as effortless and tangible as ever. Isn't it a relief to watch Mel relate to Delia without the big haunted secret?
Anyone want to comment on wardrobe and/or cleavage count? The only thing that made my eyes bug out a bit was that frilly nightgown... do real women wear those to bed? Otherwise, my boob-radar wasn't on red alert nearly as often as it has been in past episodes, nor was my "fashion-don't" meter. Jim's shoulders were looking goooood in that tank top, though. 
Ghosties, it's good to be back.
Do you feel like watching more Ghost Whisperer before next Friday? Check out our Ghost Whisperer videos.
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Sep 29, 2007 12:54 AM
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I thought this episode was better than the finale last year by 100%. And better than quite a few of last year's shows.
I don't want to let my friends down here and not have a nitpick or two! So the first one I can think of is that I'm wondering if Melinda is a professional thief or lock-picker or what? How did she get back into the records room at night? Hmmmmmm? For someone who has only lived in Grandview for a few years, she has an almighty good access to just about anywhere she wants to go at any time. For instance last year when she monopolized the high school. Sheesh, I hated those storylines.
But this one was really okay, in my book.
And I'd also like to say that while I've been one to criticize her clothing choices, she was dressed appropriately in every scene tonight. I enjoyed that. But I did have to laugh at that nightgown. I don't personally know any women that sleep in nighties like that....EVER. But she has to appease the male fans here, and that's okay, too.
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Sep 29, 2007 2:14 AM
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Two things I can't believe Jeannine didn't mention:
1) Jim's hair. Since it's only been "a few days" since the season finale, should he have such a different 'do? I can't believe it wasn't mentioned.... it was hard for me to pay attention to what he was saying in any scene he was in.
2) Payne's "speech," which he was only rehearsing, regarding how he felt when Melinda almost died. Pretty important stuff, people!!
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Sep 29, 2007 8:55 AM
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So who is the young guy in the records room? Have we seen him before? Maybe the actor just looks familiar to me. I think a little Mohr goes a long way but the fact that his character is so enthusiastic about Melinda's gift is kinda fun. I just hope having him on doesn't push Jim to the back of the storylines--I miss seeing David Conrad.
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Sep 29, 2007 12:10 PM
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I liked last night's episode. I am thrilled that Jay Mohr is part of the cast this year.
I have to admit I had a big "awwww" moment when Payne made that speech. At first I thought Mel was there with him and when I saw she wasn't, I felt bad for him. NOT that I want anything to occur between them, but it would have been sweet for her to know how much he cares about her.
I noticed Jim's hair right off the bat. I looked at him and thought something's different. I am a little surprised the hair/makeup department didn't instruct him not to cut it. I guess because a "few days" have passed, it's possible he got a haircut in that time.
I also took note of Mel's outfits and saw that she stayed pretty covered up. I don't really count the nightgown because she wasn't running around town in it.
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Sep 29, 2007 12:17 PM
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LOL waggy3015 re the nightgown. Last year she would have been.
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Sep 29, 2007 1:33 PM
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As to whether "real" women wear frilly nightgowns to bed -- if I had a husband that looked like David Conrad I sure as heck would!
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Sep 29, 2007 2:01 PM
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What's up with Professor Payne stumbling out his feelings to her when he thought Melinda was dead?! Is he in love with her? Can't say that I like that angle very much!
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Sep 29, 2007 2:21 PM
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>>Two things I can't believe Jeannine didn't mention:
1) Jim's hair. Since it's only been "a few days" since the season finale, should he have such a different 'do? I can't believe it wasn't mentioned.... it was hard for me to pay attention to what he was saying in any scene he was in.
2) Payne's "speech," which he was only rehearsing, regarding how he felt when Melinda almost died. Pretty important stuff, people!!
Posted by Jena
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Hehehe... hey now, I want to leave SOME of the details open for YOU all to bring into the discussion first! -JRB
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Sep 29, 2007 2:43 PM
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Liz985, if David Conrad was my husband there wouldn't be time for the nightgown, frilly or not.![]<img border=](http://community.tvguide.com/images/emoticons/devil.gif) ">
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Sep 29, 2007 3:04 PM
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>>Liz985, if David Conrad was my husband there wouldn't be time for the nightgown, frilly or not.">
Posted by Pinkie
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ROFL! 
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Sep 29, 2007 3:15 PM
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This is my first time ever leaving a comment. So be gentle. I love the show, but have to tape it and watch later so the my little boy doesn't see stuff that will scare him.
When Payne was talking at the restraunt I thought he was talking to his dead wife before Melinda showed up. I must of missed something if he was talking about Melinda.
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Sep 29, 2007 3:25 PM
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Thanks, Jeannine. Glad to provide a laugh now and then.
Stay At Home Mom~It was my feeling from that scene that he was indeed talking to Melinda. Granted, it was a quick slightly confusing scene, and maybe we are to wonder about it, but I think from his demeanor when Melinda returned that he was meaning it for Melinda. I guess we'll have to see if he does it more often.
Though I want Payne to stay with the show, I also don't want him to take over the show because of aforementioned crush on David Conrad.
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Sep 29, 2007 3:35 PM
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Pinkie, I was also going to suggest dispensing with the nightgown all together, but the mere thought of no nightgown, David Conrad, well...<sigh>. Is this a family blog?
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Sep 29, 2007 9:15 PM
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I was very happy to see Jay Mohr's name at the beginning with all the regular's. He definitely adds a very comedic part to the show. I also think he was talking about Melinda with his feelings...come on, guys...we all know he's had a thing for her since the get-go. I just started watching season 2 on dvd and from the first time they met, he's liked her. I don't think they'll ever get together, but I do think it will create a chasm for melinda and jim. I don't think him and jim will get along very well.
I also think we'll be seeing a lot more of Melinda's mom this season...they do such great casting on this show. I've always liked her in her role. There will come a point where Melinda is outnumbered and she will need the help of her mother. I think her mom is right about Grandview...that's why she doesn't live there anymore. I'm afraid Melinda will find out the hard way.
Also, very surprised no one mentioned the blogger guy who visited professor payne in his office and downloaded the melinda file onto a memory card and took it with him. I don't know if this is right or not, but I think that professor payne has been documenting everything that melinda has come to him with and wrote down every experience that she's told him about. So now there'll be another person in Grandview who knows melinda's secret...the secret is getting out.
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Sep 29, 2007 10:34 PM
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