About Siege:
‘Siege’ is coming! It’s all been leading up to this universe shattering four issue limited series from the superstar team of Brian Michael Bendis and Olivier Coipel! Following the events of Dark Reign: The List, Norman Osborn sets his sights set on Asgard and nothing will stop him from completing his mission. But what does he want? How do Loki and Thor figure in? And just how does this relate to the inner strife between the Cabal? Marvel’s greatest heroes unite against the deadliest threat they’ve ever faced, but even they have no idea what’s coming next. It’s time for the most jaw dropping comic book event of the decade begins in December with Siege: The Cabal and continues in January’s Siege #1!

TNT and Warner Bros. Domestic TV Distribution have reached a deal of a reported $2.2 to $2.3 million per episode for the crime procedural. The show, starring Simon Baker as a Patrick Jane, a consultant with a California Bureau of Investigation, currently airs on Thursdays at 10PM on CBS.

You can expect to see the show weekly on TNT starting in the Fall of 2011, with a bigger launch in 2012.

USA Network has answered the question with “White Collar.” The budding bromance between Neil Caffrey (Matthew Bomer) and Peter Burke (Tim DeKay) continued last week in Episode 2, “Threads.” Unlike most sitcoms and dramedies, where a few episodes are dedicated to poking fun of male-on-male friend relationships, “White Collar” has centered its entire show on Neil and Peter’s offbeat and often-cutesy tug-of-war.

In “Threads,” Neil throws Peter an assist by helping Peter impress Elizabeth (Tiffani Thiessen), Peter’s wife. Instead of taking the glory in finding an excellent party location for an FBI sting, Neil decides to tell Peter’s wife, who is planning the event, that Peter found the location. By doing so, Neil proves that having a wingman is not just necessary in dating, but also in sustaining a healthy marriage. Later on, Neil helps to “dress up” Peter as a tough-guy bodyguard. The scene was reminiscent of seeing a wife help her husband get dressed, by fixing his tie for his first day of work. You can join me in two quick finger snaps if you thought the scene was adorable.

But don’t be fooled into thinking that these two forces will always be on the same page when it comes to matters of the heart — or their bromance. Both Neil and Peter have no remorse in using the other to achieve their end game. When Neil needs to check out the tape of Kate’s last prison visit for a secret message, he asks Peter to do him a solid and get him the tape. Of course, nothing comes without a price when dealing with the law. Peter responds, “Help me wrap up this case and I’ll see what I can do about that tape.” Peter is left thinking that Neil wants to see the tape as a simple heartfelt memento, but he isn’t above getting his price paid first. Whatever happened to “bros before hoes?” Thankfully, neither of their secret desires has been maliciously aimed at hurting the other.

The bromance between Neil and Peter isn’t the only thing grabbing a laugh on “White Collar.” The villains are laughable too. When Ghovat (Carlo Rota of “24“), Episode 2’s criminal, is trying to escape with the spoils of white-collar war, he says, “Please don’t try anything. I have five bars and free long distance; I can be far away and still cause you pain.” And, I bet you thought Verizon was doing a good thing by having that large network? Back to T-Mobile!

In White Collar Episode 3, “Book of Hours,” the disappearance of a precious bible creates an interesting union when a New York Mafia kingpin enlists the help of Peter and the FBI in tracking down his beloved artifact. But while rooting out the thief, Neal finds himself in a tango with a sexy female villain and must decide where his loyalty truly lies.

Episode 3 premieres this Friday at 10/9C.

In this video, Kristinie Stone, Producer of the X-Men Motion Comic, takes us on a tour of Continuity Studios - introducing us to everyone involved in the creation of Marvel’s first motion comic.

Neal Adams’ Continuity Studios’ website states, “It’s not animation. Not a film. Not a comic book…but the best of all three. It’s the comic book…walking and talking. What is the future of comics? It’s both comic “books” and motion comics.”

Showtime has answered fans’ Dexter fascination with both iPhone apps and recently released Dexter web series. What’s next? An ongoing comic book? Broadway Plays? A theatrical release?

So far, Dexter will continue on through season 5. But like all good character-driven-TV shows, at some point Dexter must come to an end. Maybe that ending won’t be season 5. Maybe, it will be Dexter Season 6 or 7. But, the show will eventually end. If the end doesn’t bring out the big serial killer reveal (and subsequent jail time or death penalty), Dexter will either die or find a way to put his Dark Passenger to rest. Fans will no doubt continue to look for longevity in their beloved serial killer. Sex and the City was able to go to film, could Dexter be Showtime’s first move to the big screen? Although I’d be all for Dexter going to film, sometimes the best heroes need to die to create an even larger legacy.

When Dexter does meet his eventual end, then I hope that the ending will be a decisive one. After “The L Word” finale, I just can’t bear to watch another open-ended ending.

Preview next week’s episode:

About Dexter Season 4 Episode 7: Slack Tide:
Dexter finds himself enjoying a brief moment of tranquility. He’s finally managed to strike a balance between work, family… and other pursuits. But he’s keenly aware that times like these aren’t meant to last. When Miami Metro discovers a string of murders connected to a prominent photographer, Dexter sees an opportunity for a clean kill. However, his plans seem to be thwarted every step of the way. Quinn has taken a renewed interest in Dexter’s nightlife. Dexter’s plans to keep Astor and Cody distracted with new activities soon backfire. Even Harry disapproves of Dexter’s choice of pastime, urging him instead to focus his efforts on the Trinity Killer. Meanwhile, Debra returns to work, frustrated to find everyone treating her with kid gloves. She decides to concentrate on her pursuit of the Trinity Killer as well as delving into her father’s checkered past - investigations which Dexter fears might lead her to danger - or worse, the truth.

DC dug in its heels and exposed us to ‘Blackest Night’, a solid universe-wide event, not entitled ‘Crisis’. Brilliantly handled by Johns and Reis, the event focuses not on the Holy Trinity of Superman/Batman/ Wonder Woman (who have separate off-shoot minis related to the title), but instead focuses on the Flash, the Atom, Mera (of Aquaman lore), Firestorm, and of course, the Green Lantern. A sort of housecleaning event as well, ‘Night’ has cleaned the clocks of Hawkman and Hawkgirl, the substitute Aquaman, Tempest, the newest Hawk (of Hawk and Dove), Firestorm’s girlfriend, Gehenna, and recently the JSA’s Damage. I will miss some of these characters (my friends are well aware of my obsession with all things avian); while other characters… good riddance.

Now finally we learn of Nekron, the central villain of this title and how he fits into the larger mythology of our ‘gone and back again’ heroes (Flash, Superman, etc). Call me morbid, but I just can’t wait to see who gets their lights permanently turned off in the remaining four chapters of ‘Blackest Night.’

Not to be outpaced, Marvel dove into mutant-land and found a villain complex enough to head their newest X-themed crossover, Necrosha. Selene, the immortal, self-proclaimed goddess with the power to drain life-forces, has corrupted the ubiquitous techno-organic (T.O.) virus and used it to revive former allies and enemies of mutants in her quest for immortality. Selene has her sights on the former mutant haven, Genosha, where she plans on reviving the decimated mutant population for her own purposes.

So here again, we have zombies, of the suped-up techno-magicky kind, doing damage on members of the New Mutants (yeah, their back!), X-Force, and X-Men. Oh, Warlock! Why did you return only to have your head ripped off by your former friend, Doug Ramsey? Kudos goes to the writers who somehow made Ramsey’s super “language-translator” power cool.

Time to crawl under the covers, kiddies, to read your comics old school with a flashlight in hand. That way, you have a weapon and a shield when the creepiest of the creepy return to the pages of your favorite titles.

With the winter holidays close at hand, might we lose Frosty or Rudolph as well? Ravenous Reindeer and Killer Frosty?

Oh happy days!

The movie did some great per theater numbers, grossing over $500k this past weekend in NY, LA, Boston, and Philadelphia. Now Apparition is opening Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day wider on November 13 to additional cities including Seattle, San Francisco, San Diego, Chicago, Detroit, Dallas, Atlanta, Houston, and more.

The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day is the much-anticipated sequel to the indie cult classic, The Boondock Saints. The film is the continuation of writer/director Troy Duffy’s tough, stylized cutting edge saga of the MacManus brothers (Norman Reedus, Sean Patrick Flanery). The two have been in deep hiding with their father, Il Duce (Billy Connolly), in the quiet valleys of Ireland, far removed from their former vigilante lives. When word comes that a beloved priest has been killed by sinister forces from deep within the mob, the brothers return to Boston to mount a violent and bloody crusade to bring justice to those responsible. With a new partner in crime (Clifton Collins Jr., Star Trek) and a sexy FBI operative (Julie Benz, TV’s “Dexter”) hot on their trail…the Saints are back!

All fingers point to Luann’s rival producer in the porn production business. Which would mean that Jax has added to his father-in-law’s blood toll count on “innocent” women killed both indirectly and directly by SAMCRO.

But could the killer have been Ethan Zobelle? I find it hard to believe that this secondary player has made such a bold move against SAMCRO alone. However, this would be the epitome of “the father’s sins passing onto the son.”

On the business side, this presses SAMCRO up against the wall when it comes to income. After the gun business fell apart, Jax thought that he could realize his birth father’s dream of legit money through porn. Unfortunately, that ship has sailed, and Jax is left wondering if he has failed his father’s dream or if his father’s dream will forever be just a dream.

Who will crack first in the SAMCRO Civil War? Only 5 episodes left on this season of “Sons of Anarchy.”

In Sons of Anarchy Seaon 2 Episode 9, “Fa Guan,” when SAMCRO’s adult film business becomes a hindrance to the club, Clay seizes the opportunity to revive the gun-running cartel. As Jax and Clay continue to clash over club activities, their relationship reaches a new level of antagonism.

Episode 9 is written by Dave Erickson & Stevie Long and directed by Paris Barclay.

We’ve been starving for a good Serena love interest all season. Carter stepped up to the plate and struck out. Hopefully, Trip can provide the sparks needed to bring Serena back to the forefront of drama. The Carter story felt like a needless and utterly forgettable shift toward this richer and juicier story arc. Not only would a Serena-Trip relationship be a political scandal, but also the romance may spark another rivalry between Nate and Serena.

Speaking of Nate Vanderbilt, he’s fallen to the sideline in season 3. However, Vanessa stills to be harboring repressed feelings for the Vanderbilt legacy. At the end of Episode 8, Vanessa was surprised and, dare I say, wooed by Nate’s sacrifice for Trip. Is she ready to dive back into more Grandfather drama? If there’s one thing we know about Vanessa, it is that she loves lost causes. So, expect Vanessa to take a ride on the Nate railroad at least one more time before the end of season 3.

Surprisingly, Chuck and Blair have continued to stay faithful. Outside of Blair’s childish antics, Chuck has stepped up as overwhelmingly mature person on Gossip Girl. He was finally able to revitalize the club Vanessa introduced him to in season 2. Also, he was the one who tried to unite the warring factions of van der Woodson and Waldorf. Personally, I’m all for the Blaire versus Serena feud.

About “Gossip Girl” Season 3 Episode 9, “They Shoot Humphreys, Don’t They”:
Not satisfied with just being Queen of Constance Billard, Jenny (Taylor Momsen) sets her sights on becoming the Queen of all the Upper East Side by landing the hottest escort for Cotillion. Nate (Chace Crawford) and Chuck (Ed Westwick) plot to help Serena (Blake Lively) and Blair (Leighton Meester) repair their damaged friendship. Dan (Penn Badgley) is upset when Olivia (guest star Hilary Duff) contemplates leaving school for a movie project. Jessica Szohr, Kelly Rutherford and Matthew Settle also star. Alison McLean directed the episode written by Amanda Lasher.

Okay, admittedly, after the first few episodes of Season 1, I wrote The Clone Wars off as a cheezy way to patch up the mistakes of the first three movies (which were really the last three, but you get my point).

However, a few months later I was channel surfing and discovered that the show I once shunned, had grown up. The slapstick Yoda jokes and Storm Trooper humor became secondary to a larger, more dark, adult themed show. The animation alone was a step above anything I’d seen on TV before, especially in an ongoing, serialized show. “Internally, we just keep getting better and better,” says Dave Filoni, supervising director of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. “There’s no way we could have done something like this in the first season. We just didn’t have the assets to populate a battle this big, but we’ve learned so much and we’re still learning. It’s pretty amazing to be able to do something so theatrical and ambitious.”

The Clone Wars is a refreshing and bold approach to TV animation. I can’t tell you tired I am of Flash cartoons, pseudo-Anime style shows, Ren & Stimpy Show animated humor and Adult Swim stop-motion. Yeah, I still tune in occasionally, but when shows like Avatar: The Last Airbender show up, which beg to be followed, I have to let my voice be heard. The Clone Wars may not hold a candle to Aang, but the show has proven that every show on the Cartoon Network does not have to suffer from lazy animation for the sake of cost-efficiency.

Season 2 Episode 5, “The Landing Point, promises to be the most cinematic episode yet. “George [Lucas] wanted ‘Landing at Point Rain’ to be as intense as any live-action movie about the assault on Omaha Beach,” says Brian Kalin O’Connell, the episode’s director. “In order to give it that sense of frenetic intensity, we needed to be able to have a fully populated background. This episode was a challenge to our studios and is a testament to what we were all capable of doing in Season Two. George challenged us to make something big and didn’t let us deliver anything that didn’t raise the bar for the whole series. This episode was filled with challenges but I am really happy with how it turned out. It’s non-stop, in-your-face action, and I hope the fans like it.”

About Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 2 Episode 5, The Landing at Point Rain:
Anakin, Ahsoka and Ki-Adi-Mundi lead a landing party to destroy a droid factory that Poggle the Lesser has rebuilt on Geonosis, but things go terribly awry when Separatist gunners shoot down the Republic ships. Despite heavy losses, Anakin and Ki-Adi-Mundi must rendezvous in time to destroy the enemy factory before it can begin production.

“The Landing at Point Rain” premieres at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT Wednesday, November 4 on Cartoon Network.

If you think the answer is “yes” then you have a lot to learn about Californication. So far, Karen has already uncovered two of Hank’s college vixens, Jill and Jackie, while Becca’s relationship with Chelsea has has kept Felicia’s wandering eyes and bourgeois claws under wraps.

Since we’ve beaten that bush (no pun intended) ad nauseam, let’s chat about another Cali character that has raised the bar on sexual tension this season: Sue Collini. Step aside Lew Ashby, Collini trumps our buried sexual compass with every raspy utterance. Kathleen Turner is sexual brilliance at it’s best. Every moment Turner is on screen is filled with laughter, raunchy Showtime humor and more than a touch of shock. Episode 6’s pseudo-sex scene with the dresser was one for the ages, and I’m sure Runkle thinks the same thing. Collini’s character was smartly cast and brilliantly scripted for.

Snap your fingers if you’re with me in thinking that Turner should be a regular come Californication Season 4!

In this preview from Episode 7, Hank and Charlie go for a morning job to discuss what else but sex.

In Californication Season 3 Episode 7, “So Here’s The Thing…,” in an effort to set things right with Karen again, Hank tries to distance himself from the ladies of the university. But after Dean Koons (Peter Gallagher) catches Hank in an intimate moment with Jackie (Eva Amurri), Hank finds himself more entangled than ever. Meanwhile, his attempts to cool things off with Felicia (Embeth Davidtz) and Jill (Diane Farr) begin to backfire. Adding insult to injury, Becca calls Hank out on the awful example he’s been setting for her.

Charlie fights to keep Sue Collini’s (Kathleen Turner) favorite client (Peter Fonda) from leaving the agency. Later, Sue asks Charlie for a most curious favor.

To celebrate this premiere, we’re giving away (1) “The Men Who Stare at Goats” Prize Package.

Prize Package Includes:
(1) “No Goats, No Glory” T-shirt
(1) Copy of the book!

To enter, simply enter a comment in the form below or leave a comment on our Facebook Wall at facebook.com/buzzfocus about any of your favorite movies that came out in 2009. You can enter twice daily, once via the form below and once via facebook.

About “The Men Who Stare at Goats”:
In this quirky dark comedy inspired by a real life story you will hardly believe is actually true, astonishing revelations about a top-secret wing of the U.S. military come to light when a reporter encounters an enigmatic Special Forces operator on a mind-boggling mission.

Reporter Bob Wilton (Ewan McGregor) is in search of his next big story when he encounters Lyn Cassady (Academy Award® winner George Clooney), a shadowy figure who claims to be part of an experimental U.S. military unit. According to Cassady, the New Earth Army is changing the way wars are fought. A legion of “Warrior Monks” with unparalleled psychic powers can read the enemy’s thoughts, pass through solid walls, and even kill a goat simply by staring at it. Now, the program’s founder, Bill Django (Oscar® nominee Jeff Bridges), has gone missing and Cassady’s mission is to find him.

Intrigued by his new acquaintance’s far-fetched stories, Bob impulsively decides to accompany him on the search. When the pair tracks Django to a clandestine training camp run by renegade psychic Larry Hooper (two-time Oscar® winner Kevin Spacey), the reporter is trapped in the middle of a grudge match between the forces of Django’s New Earth Army and Hooper’s personal militia of super soldiers. In order to survive this wild adventure, Bob will have to outwit an enemy he never thought possible.

The Men Who Stare at Goats was inspired by Jon Ronson’s non-fiction bestseller of the same name, an eye-opening and often hilarious exploration of the government’s attempts to harness paranormal abilities to combat its enemies.

Official Rules:
Entering is simple. You’ve got to be 18 years of age, reside in the USA and provide your name and a valid email address (only used to contact winner) in the form below. You can also enter by joining us on facebook.com/Buzzfocus. You can enter twice daily: once via the form below, and once by writing us a note on our facebook wall (about your favorite movies that came out this year). The winner will be contacted via email and will have 7 days to claim their prize. Make sure you get your entry in before Monday, November 9 2009 11:59PM PST!

(1) Lucky Reader will win a “The Men Who Stare at Goats” Prize Package.

Join us on Twitter @BuzzFocus.

Visit the Official Website

(1) lucky winner will receive:

1. Two-disc Special Edition DVD
2. Night Raven Jet with Air Viper (Toy)
3. M.A.R.S. Troopers (Action Figures)
4. Official GI Joe Movie Poster

So what, pray tell, do you have to do to get your grubby mitts on this cool prize package? You simply have to leave a comment below telling us who was your favorite GI Joe character (Joes or Cobra) and why. It could be someone from the comics, the live-action movie or the amazing cartoon (and corresponding movie) that aired in the 80s. I’ll start it off with saying that mines is Destro because he had it all: the ruthless, yet calm demeanor, the wealthy and prestigious lineage and the good looking lady (in the Barroness). Besides, what’s cooler than the steel mask, red collar and wrist gauntlets he got to rock daily.

Official Rules:
Unlike getting enlisted in GI Joe, entering this contest is simple. You have got to be 18 years of age (or 13 with a parent’s permission, reside in the USA and provide your name and a valid email address (only used to contact winner) in the form below when leaving your G.I. Joe related comment. You can also enter by joining us on facebook.com/Buzzfocus. You can enter twice daily: once via the form below, and once by writing us a note on our Facebook wall. The winner will be contacted via email and will have 7 days to claim their prize. Make sure you get your entry in before Friday, November 20 2009 11:59PM PST!

Be sure to also check out the official movie website: http://www.gijoemovie.com and to whet your appetite for the DVD release, check out this behind the scenes of the making of the Baronness vs. Scarlett fight:

In Chapter 3, Dexter finally makes the move on his latest prey, Alex Timmons. It would seem that, even as early as October 2003, Dexter was using that deadly syringe to take down his adversaries. All hail the Dark Passenger.

In Chapter 2 of “Dexter: Early Cuts,” we learn just why Dexter has the Marine, Alex Timmons, in his crosshairs.

This Chapter 1 diary shows Dexter going after Alex Timmons in October 2003.

The web series premieres new webisodes every Sunday at 9pm to coincide with the TV series.

Zombies are in again this year with the help of Zombieland, starring Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg. It is still playing in many theaters, and is the best bet for readers looking to leave the house this Halloween. At the same time a full-throttle zombie flick and comedy, Eisenberg plays Columbus, who follows a strict set of rules to surviving the zombie apocalypse before meeting up with the loose cannon Tallahassee (Harrelson) and a pair of scam-artist sisters. Zombieland also features an incredibly awesome cameo, which is better left unspoiled (seriously, don’t go look it up on IMDB, enjoy the surprise).

And for those that find themselves looking for more zombie comedy when they leave theaters, Shaun of the Dead still holds the throne. Billed as a “romantic comedy…with zombies,” it features the incredible talent of British trio Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. There is no smarter zombie comedy around, at the same time bringing constant laughs and paying homage to the zombie greats. The record selection scene is classic. The film just received an HD update with a Blu-ray release last month from Universal Studios.

For those looking for more traditional zombie scares, George A. Romero is king. While Night of the Living Dead marked his first, newcomers might find it best to just start with the classic Dawn of the Dead. Taking place in the all-too-perfect location of a mall, Romero gets to the core of what zombies are all about, aside from their flesh-eating exterior, and though it was made in 1978 it remains haunting today.

Though his career has notably slipped into treacherous territory in the last few years, it is hard to deny the greatness of M. Night Shyamalan’s early fright fests if you like you scares without all the gore. Whether watching it the first time through for the big twist ending or again and again to review its construction, The Sixth Sense holds up as an eerie film. And while Signs’ ending may be a little too perfectly tied together for its own good, Shyamalan’s 2002 hit is a great exercise in creating scares with something unseen. Who knew crop circles could be this exciting?

Movie fans looking for something offbeat are best sticking to the tried and true classics. Anytime between now and Christmas is an acceptable time to pop in the DVD or Blu-ray of Tim Burton’s and Henry Selick’s stop-motion wonder The Nightmare Before Christmas. The two came together to create an absolutely fantastic world, highlighted by Danny Elfman’s brilliant score and an engaging story. Fans can also catch the film in its perennial theatrical 3D re-release. It doesn’t offer out-of-the-screen sight gags, but adds a depth to the film that’s worthwhile if heading out to the theater. For a truly odd Halloween experience, though, viewers should look for a midnight screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. People will dress up and throw things. It’s good, if not incredibly strange, times. But if staying home and still looking for something a bit campier, Evil Dead (I or II, as it’s basically a remake) is a great way to spend an evening and watch the twisted stuff Sam Raimi did before making Spider-Man.

Thrillers can also make for good edge-of-the-seat Halloween alternatives, and it is unlikely any horror author will ever have as many of his books converted to film that Stephen King. Misery just received an HD update on Blu-ray, and while the overall package is a bit of a disappointment, the film is still a solid psychological thriller. But fright enthusiasts looking for some real King scares should pick up The Shining. The 1980 Stanley Kubrick adaptation is unparalleled in the King-to-film genre, and Jack Nicholson is truly frightening.

There is also an interesting non-fiction option for Halloween called Zombie Girl. Unfortunately, its screening tour seems to have dried up just prior to Halloween, but if it shows in a nearby town it is worth a night out. Zombie Girl documents a 12-year-old girl who decides to make her own zombie flick. At the very least, it is entertaining to get the take of sixth graders in the “film” business and what they think zombies should be, and the dynamic between the amateur filmmaker and her mother make for some interesting drama on which to speculate.

And to wrap it up for parents trying to find some Halloween films that the whole family can enjoy without fear of content that is too risky, Monster House remains a personal favorite. A solid voice cast – including Catherine O’Hara, Steve Buscemi, Jason Lee and Fred Willard – come together to tell the story of a house on the block that truly is haunted. The house itself is a living, breathing monstrosity that only the children seem to recognize. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is a Charles Schultz classic and always worth another viewing, but in the animated realm, I’m still drawn to Nick Park’s fantastic claymation in Wallace & Gromit in The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. It’s an all-around great film, perfect for the holiday with a totally original style done only the way Nick Park can.

About the Writer
Bill Jones is the editor-in-chief of padsandpanels.com, a site dedicated to the coverage of comics and games.

And NBC Universal last month released a three-disc DVD set comprising the third season of 30 Rock, which garnered the show’s third Outstanding Comedy Series award, as well as another Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series award for Alec Baldwin.

With Season 3, longstanding fans should feel right at home. All of 30 Rock’s ensemble cast is still in place and bringing the laughs. Liz Lemon (Tina Fey) has gone baby crazy, with plans to adopt a child, while Jack (Baldwin) is competing with the sinister Devin Banks (Will Arnett) to reclaim his throne at 30 Rockefeller Center. Meanwhile, the supporting cast continues to be generally unmanageable and provides a majority of the laughs for the show.

The 22 episodes comprising the season were also notable for the show’s wealth of celebrity guest appearances. “The One With the Cast of Night Court” featured the cast name-dropped in its title, but also Jennifer Aniston in the role of an old friend of Lemon’s who falls for Jack. Steve Martin joins the following episode as eccentric businessman “Gavin Volure,” while Salma Hayek’s guest appearance turned into a continuing character for the season. Mad Men’s Jon Hamm also has a great run as a less-than-perfect man for Lemon.

But the real celeb-fest is in the season’s finale, “Kidney Now,” which features musicians from the Beastie Boys to Clay Aiken to Norah Jones to Elvis Costello, coming together for a mock charity track to get a kidney for the previous episode’s guest character portrayed by Alan Alda. Obviously, the show is stretching a bit for some long overdo attention, but does it smartly with great use of its guests, making it last year’s best comedy on network television.

The DVD collection also features a wealth of bonus material, most of which should provide extra entertainment to diehard fans. Only select episodes have commentary, but the collection does a good job of mixing things up, with different combinations of cast and writers on each, along with a couple of the guest stars. The collection is rounded out by deleted scenes, “Behind-the-Scenes with the Muppets,” a “1-900-OKFACE” commercial, season finale table read, making of “He Needs a Kidney” and a photo gallery. The “He Needs a Kidney” featurette is the most interesting, providing a fun look at how the celeb-studded finale came together.

Title: 30 Rock Season 3
Starring: Tina Fey, Tracy Morgan, Jack McBrayer, Scott Adsit, Judah Friedlander, Alec Baldwin, Jane Krakowski
Created by: Tina Fey
Studio:
Release Date: September 29, 2009
Rating: 8.5 / 10

About the Writer
Bill Jones is the editor-in-chief of padsandpanels.com, a site dedicated to the coverage of comics and games.

This video unveils the Toughest Places to Play feature. Fans from around the country have chosen the top 20 toughest stadiums, and NCAA Basketball 10 has made scoring on their courts as daunting as it is in real life. Take your team to North Carolina, Clemson, and Xavier, and feel the pressure with camera shaking crowd intensity, tougher free throws, and hostile crowds.

The first thing I thought when I saw it was, “Damn, Cyclops is really cool.” When you watch it, let me know if you think Cyclops comes off a little too epic. I’ll always remember Scott Summers as the obedient pre-2000 Cyclops, who followed orders without the slightest protest.

About Astonishing X-Men Motion Comic, “Rise Up,” Music Video:
Marvel is proud to unveil the official Astonishing X-Men music video, “Rise Up”, David Ari Leon, Guy Erez, Bronx Style Bob, Christian Altman and the Marvel Music Group. Featuring previously unseen footage from the hotly anticipated Astonishing X-Men motion comic, based on the acclaimed story by superstars Joss Whedon (Buffy The Vampire Slayer) and John Cassaday (Captain America), “Rise Up” will have you cheering for more! Marvel is also proud to present MarvelFest NYC 2009, an all-new interactive outdoor experience in New York City to celebrate the iTunes release of the groundbreaking Astonishing X-Men Motion Comic on October 28th. Join celebrities and the biggest names in Marvel history to commemorate the Astonishing X-Men premiere, projected three stories high in Union Square at MarvelFest! For complete details and official rules regarding MarvelFest NYC 2009 please visit www.marvel.com/fest.