Dead Dawn

They say all good things come to an end, well next Friday “the Twilight Saga” will prove that all bad things do as well. It’s strange to think that just a few years ago, back in 2008 that this “phenomenon” didn’t even exist. And, yet in five years the franchise has exploded and made household names out of Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and pretty much everyone else involved. I knew that the franchise had a polarizing power when after seeing the first movie, my friend Dana ran out to buy the book series. I myself am an avid reader, and had given the books a shot. But, I had never seen Dana read a book, never mind four. Before long she was obsessed and became a full-fledged Twihard. In the years since Dana was first bitten, I have been to five of Robert’s “Today” appearances, three midnight screenings, weathered two casting dramas and one Robsten break up. While I have made no secret of the fact that I am not a fan of the series, being along for the ride with Dana and my other friends has been fun. But, this past week as the cast and the fans geared up for the final stretch before the film’s release I was surprised to see how calm the ride was.

My “Twilight” week started Wednesday morning, as Dana and I walked up to the “Today Show” plaza. Kristen Stewart was slated to make an appearance and I was prepared for the anarchy I have come to expect. Camping out, barricades being tested, chasing cars – it’s all fair game in this fandom. So when Dana and I walked down W48th street I was shocked to see 18 people lined up for Bella Swan herself. Now, last year I waited overnight to get Dana a spot so she could see Rob. And similar measures had to be taken in years before, not by me, but by others. So to show up at 6 AM and find less than 20 people on line was shocking. As things worked out, we didn’t get to meet Kristen Stewart. She was brought over to us and told us yes to our various requests. However, these girls could not get their camera sorted out and cost us facetime with KStew. We fared better with Nikki Reed who was also on the show that morning. She is sweet, gracious and so beautiful. I will never understand why she is not seen in a more favorable light by the fans. The next morning, Rob Pattinson was the star on the plaza and just over 25 people showed up to see him. Now, you’ll say “Brian, it had snowed.” And yes that’s true it had. But, his fans did chase him all around the five boroughs while he filmed “Remember Me” in sweltering summer heat. I thought his fans were weather proof. I will admit, the plaza did fill up slightly more after showtime. But, still we are talking about a fanbase that camps in the street for weeks before movie premieres. This kind of turn out was unheard of. It worked to our advantage because we did get to meet Robert. He was incredible, he came outside in the freezing cold and took photos with pretty much everyone. That is amazingly kind of him and I thank him.

Kirsten Stewart, so close but so far away.

We did get to meet the wonderful Nikki Reed.

Rob works a noticeably smaller crowd on the “Today” plaza.

Now while I have come to expect anarchy and chaos wherever Kristen and Rob go. I have come to expect the opposite where Taylor Lautner goes. In the film he plays proverbial third wheel Jacob Black. And just like Jacob is a better fit for Bella, Taylor is a better fit for the fans. He is nicer and much more patient and comfortable with his fame. In years past, the crowd he has drawn has been significantly smaller than his co-stars. This year? The line was over 50 people when we arrived and doubled to 100 before we were let in. It was so crowded in fact, that Taylor didn’t have time to get to everyone and we left empty handed. We of course had some back-up plans in place and got to meet Taylor later but still it was surprising. Now, all of this begs the bigger question. Where are the Twihards? How is it that a movie franchise that has made over a billion dollars and has created a level of fame that hinders Pattinson’s ability to leave his house is not drawing a bigger crowd as it draws to a close. I mean over the course of the eight Harry Potter films there were times the films were not huge in terms of press and attention. But, when the eighth and final film was released it was a firestorm.

Robert and I at the Today Show.

Taylor and I after his appearance on “Live! with Kelly and Michael”.

When we walked out of the theater last November, I turned to my friends and said one more and we’re done. As I said that I imagined the media blitz Summit was planning. A primetime special about the film’s success, a look-back with former cast members and the inescapable presence of the film’s three stars with a massive crowd of people following their every move. Instead the film seems poised to go out with a whimper, not a bang. The three stars of the film are pretty much done with their television invasion. Robert’s on-screen siblings Kellan Lutz and Ashley Greene have a few things coming up but nothing like the cast’s omnipresence of years past. Even Dana’s annual midnight release is drawing less people with many of our friends choosing to see it down the line. A peak at the box office receipts for the series shows they have been on a decline since “New Moon” so I wonder how this last go will fare. I guess I knew that regardless of what Edward told Bella, nothing could last forever. However, I did think that things could at least last until they ended.

Don’t Give Up The Ship

Over this past summer, I finally gave in and sat down to watch MTV’s “Teen Wolf” and I came away from it with a few observations. They will use any reason regardless of how flimsy, to get the guys out of their clothes. Colton Haynes plays an asshole better than anyone else on MTV. And finally, the actors who play Derek and Stiles – Tyler Hoechlin and Dylan O’Brien have amazing on-screen chemistry.

A few weeks ago I wrote about my education in regards to Sterek (their official couple name), shipping and the like. Well after I posted that blog, a friend contacted me to let me know that AfterElton was running a poll regarding the most popular unofficial gay couples in media. There were some from movies like Captain America and Iron Man, a few from literature like Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy and of course television meaning Sterek was accounted for. While I did vote a few times, I was very devil may care about the whole situation. That was, until Derek and Stiles won the poll last night by several THOUSAND votes. Now in my previous entry I had mentioned that “Teen Wolf” show-runner Jeff Davis has expressed that he knows all about Sterek. He has even gone as far as to say he would consider making it a storyline if enough people were on board.

Now, I don’t want to be one of those psychos who thinks this is the straw that broke the werewolf’s back and Sterek is officially on. There are enough of those people on Tumblr. However, I do have to admit I think it’s pretty impressive that this pairing from an MTV show that brings in a few million viewers a week defeated 31 other couples. Some of whom are much more established. I do have to say though, if Jeff Davis was entertaining the idea beforehand that this should inspire him to take a much more serious look at the whole thing. Even if every fan is not on board, enough dedicated people must be. Otherwise it wouldn’t have won this poll. Regardless of what happens I am excited to see what is coming up for us in the third season of “Teen Wolf”. I recently saw Colton Haynes and Holland Roden at New York Fashion Week, but neither of them had any secrets to spill. I guess we will see what is in store for Stiles, Derek and everyone else in Beacon Hills when “Teen Wolf” returns next year. Until then… Congratulations to my fellow Sterek shippers, you big stone-cold pack of weirdos.

Miracle on 59th Street

June, Kathy, Lauren and I at Bloomingdales.

I have often said that Fashion’s Night Out is my favorite holiday, but last night solidified that it is in fact holiday-like. Because whatever holiday you celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, Ramadan, etc. there is always that year that your celebration is a disaster. Yesterday I was ahead of schedule at 4:30 and decided to run to my local drug store to print some photos. Only, I couldn’t find my camera. After an hour of searching, which led to me literally shaking and sweating because the last 9 months of my life is on that memory card I had to stop looking, get dressed and leave. I put the camera drama behind me, and headed to Longchamp in Rockerfeller Center. Before long, I had met up with Kathy and Lauren and we were sipping champagne and enjoying macaroons while awaiting Coco Rocha’s arrival. When she arrived, looking stunning in Diesel and carrying a bag from Longchamp she mingled for a bit before debuting her new campaign film “Oh! My Bike”. The film was really cute and the event at Longchamp was amazing. When I spoke to Coco, I congratulated her on her fabulous write up in the New York Times and even got her to tell me she may be making an appearance at NYFW for a very special show.

My favorite model Coco Rocha and I at the Longchamp store’s premiere of “Oh! My Bike”.

If I had known what awaited me at my second stop of the night, I think I would have stayed at Longchamp and drank champagne and chatted with Coco forever. Kellan Lutz was appearing at Bloomingdales for an event for Charisma bedding. The event was due to run from 7 – 9 and we got there around 7:40. When we arrived, we were informed the line was closed and we would not be allowed to meet him. A manager came over and told us to wait it out, and if they could get us up to see our pal Kellan, they would. An hour and thirty minutes later, after we waited in line in a store with NO food or drinks being served they told us to leave. Now, I have no problem being told that something is going to work in my favor. Okay, that’s a lie. But, the way in which this bib-necklace wearing Zoe Saldana wannabe said it rubbed me the wrong way. At first she suggested we hit another event in the store, when we informed her they were all over she told us “go walk up fifth avenue and find something else to do”. What kind of customer service is that? To tell people to leave your store and hit a different one? She then went on to tell us that she was in charge of the event, that she was in PR, and berate us with insults for waiting. When I politely pointed out to her that the night was pretty much over and we had waited so long here that we wanted to see this through she backed down. When Kellan got up from the event was about to head out, I called out to him and he came right over to me. I said to him Kellan, they wouldn’t let us into your event. He pushed his pointer into my shoulder and laughingly said “well then why did you guys get here so late?” I considered telling him about my need to see Coco, but kept mum as he pulled me in for a big hug.

This photo of Kellan and I nearly didn’t happen. It’s kind of a miracle it did.

Kellan always a gentleman, took photos with all of us and then headed off to an interview. The victory of getting to see him, after rudely being told I would not was satisfying. But, the pacing of the event ate up our entire night. My plans to see Jessica Chastain at Jeffrey and Allison Williams at DVF were ruined. This also marks the first time I have not seen my Queen Anna Wintour at any point of the night. But, the thing is somehow I still had fun. I mean how could I not? Running around the city with my friends, all of us dressed to the nines and drinking champagne (when we could find it) and seeing some of our favorite stars. Even if the customer service and staff at Bloomingdales wasn’t magical, they were unable to dampen a magical night.

The Treasure of the Prince’s Madre

Today, as many of you know marks the 15th Anniversary of the passing of Princess Diana. On August 31, 1997 as she was chased by paparazzi around Paris her driver lost control of the car and crashed killing Princess Diana, the driver and her boyfriend at the time. I remember sitting in my living room watching a movie we had rented with my aunt and my mother so we had missed the first announcement. When I went upstairs to my bedroom, I saw the news on the TV before going to bed. When I woke up in the morning, my aunt and mother informed she had died overnight. While I remember her mostly as the it-girl of the time I have come to learn that she was so much more. A very generous and charitable humanitarian, a wonderful mother to her two sons and a very compassionate, down to earth person. It is impossible for me to think back to that time and not think about Princess Diana, as she was discussed in all arenas. For her fashion choices, her insistence on William and Harry to have a regular life and everything in between. I always feel like it’s strange when admirers of a celebrity or public figure say that they miss the person. Can you really miss someone you didn’t know personally? But, I am sad that Princess Diana is no longer with us. Every year on this date when the news revisits the story and highlights her work with HIV/AIDS and her fight against land mines it makes me realize how much I do miss her. But, I know all I can do is remember her and strive to be as generous, loving, charitable and of course fashionable as she was.

I leave you with my favorite Princess Diana quote – from a 1995 Interview with the BBC:

“I think the biggest disease this world suffers from in this day and age is the disease of people feeling unloved. And, I know that I can love… I’m very happy to do that, and I want to do that.”

He Said, Tee Said

I remember back in 1999, when Winona Ryder was caught shoplifting at Sak’s. The fallout from the scandal unofficially ended her career, unless you count playing a suicidal ballerina and Zac Quinto’s mom in 13 years as a career. It is in my mind, the first HUGE scandal and set the bench mark for all of the celebrity scandals I would see throughout my life. One thing Winnona-gate had that other scandals did not have up until that time? A trendy t-shirt. Fans and supporters of Ms. Ryder all sported “Free Winona” tees. Since then we’ve seen Team Nick and Team Jessica tees and even a Save Britney shirt make the rounds. But, the new shirt that I think is a fashion must have? A tee that reads “Rob Pattinson deserves better”. I have already sent the link to all of my friends and hope they will join me in sporting them when we inevitably see “Breaking Dawn Part 2″ together. Rob does deserve better than someone who is going to betray him, drag his personal life into a three ring circus and then not even have the balls to show their face while he is put through the ringer in the press. And even if you still support Kristen Stewart you have to agree he deserves better than this shitty franchise. You can pick this Fall Fashion must-have at: Skreened.

First Train to Patti-stan

Monday night, Robert Pattinson crawled out of his sweat pants, put down the Ben and Jerry’s (temporarily) and paused “the Notebook” to make his first appearance since news of his split from Kristen Stewart. With his new film “Cosmopolis” gearing up for a limited release in New York and LA, Rob was back in press mode to discuss his new film. The interviewer who landed Robert’s first appearance? John Stewart. Robert would come to “the Daily Show with John Stewart” to discuss Cosmopolis, Cronenberg and Kristen. Some people might think Stewart was lucky to land the first interview after the scandal that rocked Forks and the world. However, I see it differently. I think John Stewart got the short end of the stick in a lot of ways.

Rob and John Stewart bond over ice cream.

Stewart is a hilarious, intelligent and fun personality. And, while his entertainment guests are usually stemmed from a political based project and it makes sense for Robert to be there to discuss his new 1% themed film it was just shitty timing. Stewart isn’t a vulture like Matt Lauer who would harp on the scandal until the segment was over, but he’s not like Kelly Ripa who can sweep it under the rug to discuss trips to the South of France and late night Domino’s pizza orders. Stewart is too upfront to side step the whole ordeal, and I think he did a good job. He addressed the situation, made light of it and never pressed Rob for details. He only asked if he was alright and wished him well. At no point did he twist his arm for the dirty details – like how he found out and where he’s been since the news broke. To his credit, Rob seemed game for the interview even bringing ice cream in a nod to post-break up comfort food binges. Apparently, Rob’s fans saw it differently. From the feedback I saw splashed over the internet and heard in person, the interview was stupid and spent too much timing to discussing “the incident”. I think they’re being a little harsh and are just too close to this whole issue to make a fair call. John was in a tough spot, he couldn’t not talk about it or it would be a cop out. But, he also isn’t the kind of guy who would berate a guest for gossip. There was no perfect way for that interview to go, and considering that I think Jo Stewart did a commendable job.

Rob continued his trend of rocking colored suits at the big premiere.

Plus, a lot of Rob’s fans might have some pent up anger they’re misplacing. When Robert pulled up to the studio Monday night, he shunned myself and about 100 other fans. Despite there being barricades, security and ample time he chose to enter through a garage rather than meet and greet his adoring public. Most puzzling is that the press got to see him hours later at the premiere, so he only hurt his fans who were there to support him. The lack of fan-love didn’t end there, reports from the NY Daily News claim that some girls who waited over two days outside the premiere left in tears when Robert ran right inside. As someone who cherishes their encounters with their favorite stars, I always think this is sad. But, this particular situation is even worse because only his fans lost. The interviewers got their story and the photographers got the shot, however the fans and supporters went home empty handed. While I feel bad for them, his fans weren’t holding grudges. They offered a plethora of excuses ranging from lack of security to it being out of his hands as to why he avoided them. Bless them. It seems the only person worse off than Rob’s NYC fans is Kristen Stewart.

Not only did Rob get his first round of post-scandal interviews out of the way, while Kristen still has that demon to face, he looked good doing it. While I may not have seen him in person, photos show Robert looked dashing in a Gucci suit. I found even me, giving him a double take, and I don’t typically understand the hype around him. If looking good is the best revenge, Rob just served up his kill shot. Your move, KStew.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Hearts Part 2

Robsten was our Camelot. And, with one US Weekly cover, an age is over.

In less than 24 hours, the entire internet has been ravaged by a firestorm of gossip surrounding the very awkward, very pale, very famous power couple Robsten. Made up of on and off-screen love birds Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart. The couple have been rumored to be dating since the “Twilight” phenomenon exploded in 2008. While the two have remained coy, it appears after today the Werewolf is out of the bag. Last night People Magazine, the third testament of the Bible in my eyes, released a statement from a source that Kristen had cheated on Rob, was very sorry and realized her mistake. Within moments, US Weekly announced their upcoming cover story which included photos of Kristen canoodling with “Snow White and the Huntsman” director Rupert Sanders. As someone who read their mother’s People magazine since the age of 7, I think People got the statement to kind of spin US Weekly’s scoop. Before you could say “hold on tight, spidermonkey” the internet lost it’s proverbial shit. Fans were rioting, calling foul on the photos, claiming they were photo shopped. And, at around 1 am when I went to bed, fans claimed the director’s wife had called an Australian radio station to say it was her in the photos. Then, US Weekly temporarily took down their story making me nervous that it was all a hoax. But, like a beacon of hope my friend Lauren over at PFG spoke to the radio station and found out there was no truth in those allegations.

I don’t condone cheating, but really? This guy. You were on the set of SWATH. Did you at least make a move on Chris Hemsworth?

When I woke up this morning and clicked on my iPad, I felt like a small child running downstairs to find mountains of presents under a beautiful Christmas tree. Both Kristen Stewart, and her director turned lover Rupert Sanders had released official statements to People Magazine. The pair wholeheartedly apologize, accept blame and do not deny any of the allegations against them. I find this all to be especially crazy because Kristen and Rob are two of the most intensely private people in Hollywood, they are able to be the faces of a billion dollar franchise, conduct interviews all around the world and yet we know very little about them. The idea that this scandal has dragged them both centerstage is just incredible. Now, like I said, this is not my first rodeo. And, I want to extend some advice to some of the Rob/Kristen/Twilight fans.

The press tour for Rob’s upcoming film Cosmopolis and then the final Twilight movie is going to be so uncomfortable.

First to the Kristen fans, accept that this has happened. Denying it and claiming your favorite actress is above doing something this heinous will only make it worse when you accept it down the road. There is an official statement on the record, it’s pretty much set in stone. As someone who was a Britney Spears fan during her Justin days, I know it’s tough. But, hope that she hires a good press and image consultant team and pushes through this. As for the Rob fans, while it is pretty appealing to shade Kristen. Don’t. You never know what skeletons lay in his flannel filled closets. Rumors of him doing Nicki Reed  wrong have been everywhere for years. So, just wish him well in his healing and hope that you can be his rebound slam piece.  I feel like he, Kristen, and the rest of the cast are in for a really uncomfortable Autumn. With the final movie to be released in less than four months, the surrounding press tour and then their victory lap through the “MTV Movie Awards” and “Teen Choice Awards” it is going to be a high wire act. Can you imagine if they win for Best Kiss? Oh my God. The awkwardness. But, that’s literally months away.  In all seriousness, I wish all of them the best and feel like as much as I am not Kristen’s biggest fan it is unfortunate that she had to make this mistake and learn this lesson while living under such scrutiny. I feel terrible for Rupert’s wife Liberty Ross and her children, but from the Twitter and Instagram shade she unleashed before the news hit I think she’s going to be fine. But, poor Robert Pattinson. I imagine he is sitting in a dilapidated apartment in London listening to Katy Perry’s “Wide Awake” and openly weeping. I wish all involved parties some peace and sanity, I hope they all get time to heal and deal before the next press blitz. And, I hope they are given some privacy, enough to deal with the situation but not enough that I don’t know what’s going on. Sorry, I know I am a monster.

Anchor Away…

Ann Curry was not the most obvious replacement for Meredith Viera, but over time I came to love Ann.

I won’t lie, when Meredith Viera signed off the “Today Show” last year I was really sad. While I am not a “Today” viewer I liked Meredith from time on “the View”. Needless to say, my acceptance of Ann Curry took time. But, watching her cover major news story with the kind of excitement and passion that her co-workers reserved for talking to Justin Bieber I kind of admired her. But, then one morning when my buddy Lauren and I were there to see Shia Labeouf we watched as Ann made her round around the courtyard. While talking to an older woman, the woman passed out and nearly hit the ground. Ann held her up and then held her hand until paramedics arrived. Even after Matt Lauer, Al Roker and the other anchors ran inside, Ann remained outside with the swooning fan. From that point on, I loved her and was rooting for her.

Ann Curry and I during one of my Today Show visits last Fall. One of my many pleasant encounters with Ann.

So last week when her walking paper were signed and she signed off of “Today” I was really sad to see her go. As someone who wants to broadcasting and would love to do a national program like “Good Morning America” or “Today” I know that she had the dream job. So even if they created a lane just for Ann, it’s not the same. What I find most surprising is the amount of backlash, with ratings down I figured she would go out with a whisper and not a bang. But, the reaction has been very negative towards the morning show. It also doesn’t help that Ann’s tearful and open hearted goodbye paired with her dignified exit interview only made the anchor look even better. I have not bothered to tune in nor have I visited the studio since Ann signed off, but I can say confidently I do not envy Ann’s replacement. New comer Savannah Gutherie is in the hot seat and if they would can Ann after 15 years I think her head is on the chopping block if the ratings don’t go up or that chemistry magic doesn’t manifest soon. I do want to wish Ann the best in her future endeavors for NBC, she is one of the nicest, dignified and polished professionals out there. And she is in good company, standing alongside Conan O’Brien in people fucked over by NBC.

21 Instagrams

This past Christmas, when my father and sister pulled a final present out after I thought I had opened all my gifts and it turned out to be an iPad 2 there was a roller coaster of emotions. After I screamed and freaked out like the little boy in that Nintendo 64 Youtube video, I then got to work downloading all the apps I had researched. GOOP City, Words with Friends and most exciting Instagram. Everyone I knew was posting photos on Instagram and since I was a Blackberry user at the time I couldn’t share photos of empty lawn chairs colored in a sepia filter with a caption like “I miss summer”. In the six months since Christmas, Instagram has been procured by Facebook and even launched an Android based app. I have come to get a lot of enjoyment out of it and I think it encourages people to share more photos. I know for me, if I see something fun or eye catching I think ‘Oh I should post this, people will love it”. But, like all social networks I have a few questions about Instagram and wanted to turn to you my readers at BEST Blog to get some answers.

Why do people post photos of places, people and things they didn’t take? Your photos are the most interesting. Like this photo of NYC I took one night from the Flatiron District.

Why do people post photos they didn’t take? We all follow that person who saves photos from the internet, uploads them onto Instagram and posts them. Listen I love Gwyneth Paltrow, but I am not going to post her Annie Lebovitz portrait with mom Blythe Danner with a Hudson filter. I get the feeling, and enjoy the idea that we all understood Instagram is for your own photos. Not a platform for sharing magazine scans, photo shoot favorites or paparazzi candids of our favorite celebrities. If you’re looking for a place to share those extra dreamy photos of Harry Stiles take that shit to Tumblr. Or if you don’t have Tumblr, both Facebook and Twitter have photo sharing options.

Instead of posting text saying “I’m wearing a bow tie tonight” I posted a damn photo of myself in a fly ass bow tie. Pics or it didn’t happen, my friends.

When I downloaded Instagram on Christmas morning, one of the suggested apps in the reviews was a text app. Apparently you type a short message, and save it as an image and then upload it to Instagram. I’ve seen people do it many times, uploading messages like “My sister graduated high school today!” or “My nephew is finally here! Welcome to the world Matthew Joseph!” scribbled on a chalk board or notepad image. Okay. I understand wanting to share the news, but how about you save the textual updates for Twitter and just post a photo of whatever you’re celebrating. I would be much more interested to see a photo of you and your sister or nephew with the details in a caption.

This photo I snapped of myself is cool in itself, and doesn’t need a filter. But, the filter enhances it. Plus, aren’t the filters the point of Instagram?

Why do people post a photo without a filter? And then brag this was taken without filter? Instagram’s mission statement is a that it’s a fun, simple way to transform your photos and share them quickly. So as pretty as your sunset photo is or your photo of your sister wearing her prom dress is, it would be even prettier with a filter on it. If you want to share your photos as you took them I think we can find you a better option. I have uploaded several photos to Instagram and realized the lighting or a slight over exposure doesn’t work with any of the filters. You know what I do? Post it on Facebook. Or Flickr. Or Twitter. Or Photobucket. Etc.

If you like pictures of food, idyllic spring days, cute puppies and random other stuff. Be sure to follow me on Instagram at @brianistuft.

BEST Blog readers, what do you love about Instagram? What do you dislike about it? And what really frosts your cookies when you see people do it on Instagram or any social networking platform? Feel free to comment or even shout it at me when you see me. Because, I know I can’t be alone in my quest for the optimal online experience. If you would like, you can follow me on Instagram at @brianistuft. And, don’t worry it goes without saying that I would never commit any of these aforementioned crimes against cyber society. My Instagram consists of all photos, that I took and then expertly filtered to enhance them for your viewing pleasure.

The Best Little Oil Ranch in Texas…

With “Desperate Housewives” gone and the summer TV slate pretty much empty, I am ready for a little vacation in Texas.

Summer can be a scorcher. This particular summer has not been, yet, here in New York there has been a lot of overcast and rainy days. But, in one way this summer has been an arid desert and that’s in terms of television programming. With only “Teen Wolf” and “Pretty Little Liars” to look forward weekly I was desperately searching for a new show. Enter “Dallas”, a reboot of the classic 1970′s prime time soap. My mother was crazy about the original “Dallas” and being a pop culture junkie I know all about the Ewings and the whole “who shot JR?” phenomenon. Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy and Linda Grey all return from the original, and “Desperate Housewives” cast-offs Brenda Strong, Jesse Metcalfe and Josh Henderson join as new blood. I have to say, it looks so soapy and over the top I know I will love it. Plus, with “Desperate Housewives” gone forever I do need a new trashy prime time soap. But, as I watch tonight I will wonder how long we have to wait for the reboot of “Dynasty”? Don’t get me wrong “Dallas” is great, but it ain’t shit compared to Alexis and Krystie’s epic cat-fights on “Dynasty”. Below is the trailer for “Dallas” which premieres tonight on TNT at 9/8c.