RPW Can’t Miss This List 2014 – TV

Ready for 2014 Rock Paper Watchers? To celebrate the new year, we are releasing our “Can’t Miss This List” so you know our picks for upcoming shows, movies, albums, and books.  Check back tomorrow for our top 2014 movie picks!

True Detective

Airs January 12, 2014 on HBO

True Detective is a new HBO drama about Louisiana State Police Detectives Martin Hart and and Rust Cohle.  In 2012, they are brought in for separate interrogations about a murder case they solved in 1995.  As they narrate their story, each detective is pulled back into the case as questions begin to arise about the outcome of the peculiar murder.

Reasons to Watch: Reason #1 = The cast.  The detectives are portrayed by Matthew McConaughey (Cohle) and Woody Harrelson (Hart). Enough said.  Michelle Monaghan also stars as Maggie, Detective Hart’s wife.  By the looks of the trailer, they all put on riveting and gut-wrenching performances.  Reason #2 = The writing.  True Detective was written and created entirely by Nic Pizzolatto.  Pizzolatto is best known for writing two episodes of AMC’s cop-drama The Killing, including Season 1’s shock-filled finale.  The Killing is one of my favorite television shows (and one of the most underrated IMO) so I was thrilled to learn of this connection.  After conducting a little research, I discovered that Pizzolatto actually quit working for the series because he didn’t like “serving someone else’s vision.”  With True Detective being his first major solo project, I’m thrilled to see what this young and innovative writer has to offer.

Klondike

Airs January 20, 2014 on Discovery Channel

Klondike is an upcoming historical mini-series by the Discovery Channel.  The six episode long series is the network’s first-ever scripted drama.  It follows two childhood best friends, Bill (Game of Throne‘s Richard Madden) and Epstein (Augustus Prew), in the late 1890s as they flee west in pursuit of gold.  Their journey leads to a land full of undiscovered wealth, but surrounded by unpredictable weather and dangerous characters, including greedy businessmen and native tribes witnessing the destruction of their land.

Reasons to Watch:  Richard Madden, hello!  Also, the production details of the series hint at great action scenes.  For example, over the course of 55 days, the actors faced severe conditions.  From freezing temperatures, to high altitudes; Madden and Prew literally hung off the side of a mountain for 16 hours straight for one scene.  That’s dedication.

Orphan Black  – Season 2

Airs April 19, 2014 on BBC America

Season 1 was a whirlwind.  At the season’s end, all of our favorite clones were forced to choose sides after meeting Rachel, their fellow clone and child of Neolution. Cosima discovered that the clones are property, owned by Neolution leading to Sarah’s decision to ignore Rachel’s threats in the greatest diss of all time, “Up your’s ProClone!” Cosima followed suit, but her illness will be front and center in Season 2. Allison, on the other hand, agreed to cooperate with Neolution.  What does this mean for her relationship with the other clones? Viewers can look forward to getting to know Rachel and the world of Neolution, as she takes the place of Season’s 2 “Big Bad.”  Suit’s Patrick J. Adams will be joining the cast in a very secretive guest spot, as well as Nashville’s bad boy (and the new Daario Naharis in Game of Thrones) Michiel Huisman.

Reasons to Watch: More clones!  We’ve already seen Tatiana Maslany play seven (YES, SEVEN) clones and the creators promise there will be more.  Also, I’m going through Felix withdrawals.

Penny Dreadful

Airs Spring 2014 on Showtime

Penny Dreadful is an upcoming pyschosexual horror series that will weave together the origin of literary horror characters, including Victor Frankenstein, Frankenstein’s monster, Dorian Gray, and Count Dracula, in Victorian London.

Reasons to Watch: Y’all, I have a confession to make. I used to be IN LOVE with Josh Hartnett. I remember seeing Pearl Harbor and The Faculty and thinking he was going to be my first kiss. Like seriously. So naturally with Hartnett cast as the lead in Penny Dreadful and perfectly positioned for a career comeback, I’m all in!

Masters of Sex – Season 2

Airs Fall 2014 on Showtime

We know that Masters of Sex Season 1 just finished wrapping up, but we can’t help but be excited for the shows sophomore season. In the season finale, Dr. Master’s entire professional and personal life begins to unravel and the only person he wants to turn to is Virginia (Lizzy Caplan). After a few drinks, Master’s show up at Virginia’s door soaked from the rain and finally lays his feelings on the line.

“I have nothing to offer you except maybe the truth: I finally realized that there is one thing that I can’t live without — it’s you. You.”

Reasons to Watch: In its freshman season, Masters of Sex racked up 2 Golden Globe nominations. One for best drama, and the second going to Michael Sheen for Best Actor in a Drama Series category. I’m still rolling my eyes at the fact that Lizzy Caplan got shafted (ha-ha) for her portrayal of Virginia Johnson in the Best Actress in a Drama Series category. Between the story, the acting, the costumes and that ending…that ending is enough to leave us yearning for more.

Homeland – Season 4

Airs Fall 2014 on Showtime

I have a confession, my confession is I jumped onto the Homeland wagon a little late. In fact, I didn’t binge watch Season 1&2 until right before the Season 3 premiere. The worst part is, it’s literally filmed out behind my apartment. I mean, I could probably start my own “Homeland” set tour company at this point.

After binge watching of Season 1&2, my feelings towards all the characters were pretty cemented. I wanted Carrie and Brody to be together, to have that happy ending, but as Season 3 started up I realized thats not what needed to happen, this show is not about happy endings. The show is at its best when the storyline sticks to Carrie and her obsessive need for the chase with the CIA, which is what I hope Season 4 is going to set up for us. If you haven’t watched the season finale of Season 3, shame on you, I’m going to ruin it for you.

• BRODY DIES
• CARRIE IS MEGA PREGGO & MEGA DEPRESSED
• SAUL IS MIA IN THE MEDITERRANEAN (NOT WITH THE CIA) EATING BAGUETTES
• CARRIE IS MOVING TO ISTANBUL (MAYBE) WITH BRODY’S SOON TO BE GINGER BABY
• QUINN IS STILL HOT
• CARRIE HAS WICKED STAR DRAWING SKILLZ

Reasons to Watch: For obvious reasons, what Homeland needs in Season 4 is a Renaissance. With Carrie moving to Istanbul as a station leader, Quinn, Max and Virgil are sure to be in tow. Of course a big piece of the puzzle that will be missing in said gang will be Saul. Mandy Patinkin is a phenomenal actor and outside of Quinn (hot), my favorite part of the show. I do hope the writers find a way to incorporate him into show in a way that makes sense next year….or possibly just bring him back into the fold of the CIA. So why should we watch? No more Brody, no more complications. During the season finale, it became pretty clear that they are going back to the basics. Carrie and the gang, doing what they are good at, catching the bad guys.

Turn

Airs 2014 on AMC

“Turn” tells the story of Abe Woodhull (Jamie Bell), a New York farmer who bands together with a circle of childhood friends to form The Culper Ring,  George Washington’s ring of American spies who ultimately help America defeat the British in the Revolutionary War.  The show is based on the true story told in “Washington’s Spies” by Alexander Rose.

Reasons to Watch: Since my focus in college was Colonial America, I’m thrilled about the storyline and historical content.  But I’m also intrigued to see how non-history loving audiences will receive the show.  As much as I want it to be great, Turn has potential to be a train wreck.  It doesn’t help that the story is based on a war of which the outcome is already known.  So why should you watch?  It’s on AMC.  It’s potential to be bad is just as great as it’s potential to be phenomenal, considering the channel’s recent track record (i.e. Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, Better Call Saul, Hell on Wheels).  And who knows, you might even enjoy getting a fun history lesson because, let’s admit it, you don’t remember learning about The Culper Ring in elementary school.

Honorable Mentions

House of Cards Season 2, Netflix available February 14th

Orange is the New Black Season 2, Netflix available TBD

Looking Season 1, HBO airing January 19 at 10:30pm

Boardwalk Empire Season 5, HBO airing Fall 2014

Fleming: The Man Who Would Be Bond Season 1, BBC America premieres January 19 at 10:00pm

‘Homeland’ React 3×9 – Best episode of the season?

I know, I know.  I said I would be posting Homeland theories every week but I’ve been so frustrated with this season I just haven’t felt any inspiration, other than seeing Quinn (past Monday Man Candy, Rupert Friend) in the shower of course.  Why have I been so frustrated you ask, let’s recap.

In general, this season has been pretty boring with a couple of peaks surrounded by a lot of really low valleys.  First of all, I don’t care about Dana, Leo, or Jessica, and does Chris even exist anymore?  We get it Homeland, as you kindly reminded us during a moment of viewer frustration, Dana is Brody’s moral tether.  But did we really need to see her running away with Leo only to discover that he’s a sociopath responsible for his brother’s suicide?  No.  I get that it was to show Dana’s growth into a pessimistic adult and it led to her exiting the Brody home, but nobody cares!

Secondly, the pregnancy.  Can we just not?

Lastly, what many considered the highlight of the season was the jaw-dropping twist that Carrie and Saul had been working together during the first few episodes.  The plan was to make it seem like she was ousted by the CIA and available to act as a double agent to lure Iranian bad-guy, Javadi, into their grasp.  Turn’s out Saul wasn’t throwing Carrie under the bus at all, she was driving said bus.  I agree, this was an excellent twist but it kind of pissed me off.  Since the first season, we’ve had the luxury of experiencing Homeland from Carrie’s point of view; her damaged and messed up point of view.  But she’s our protagonist so no matter the incident, I’ve always been on Carrie’s side.  When the larger plan was revealed and I realized that Carrie had tricked ME, the faithful viewer, it hurt!  I felt like I couldn’t trust the show anymore.  I’ve never trusted like 90% of the characters anyway, but I always felt like I could trust Carrie.

Regardless of my gripes and complaints, it seems the series is finally finding its footing in this season’s last act.  Arguably the best episode aired Sunday night; let’s discuss what made it great:

1.  Brody and Carrie

As much as I would like for it to happen for storytelling purposes, this week’s episode proved that it would be impossible for Homeland to kill off Brody.  Every episode prior felt slow and uneventful.  The second Carrie and Brody appeared on-screen together, in which was a full minute of painful silence, the tension and chemistry catapulted the show into another atmosphere.  These two sizzle on-screen together and I can’t help but wonder if the earlier episodes felt so agonizing because of the lack of Carrie/Brody time. 

2.  We learn Saul’s full plan

As previously stated, Carrie and Saul worked together to turn Javadi, a member of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard by proving he had committed treason.  Now he’s back in Iran, supposedly acting as a double agent.  Saul wants to use Brody to take out Javadi’s boss or “the single greatest impediment of peace,” says Saul.  The idea is that Brody will be welcomed into Iran for his actions against the United States.  He will be treated as a war hero (sound familiar?) and invited into boss-man’s inner circle.  He’ll use this invitation to kill boss-man and then be extracted by a four-member team in a small city outside Tehran.  From there, Javadi will climb the ranks and take boss-man’s place, allowing for Iran-United States relations to finally lead to peace negotiations instead of war.

The plan is a little too “make peace not war” for me.  It’s too idealistic.  It puts too much faith in Javadi who we saw murder his ex-wife with a bottleneck a few weeks ago.  I agree with Carrie, it’s reaching, but at least we’re in the loop now.

3.  Brody is back-back

Not only is Brody back, he’s back-back.  After hitting what was surely rock bottom earlier this season, he’s now in probably the best shape we’ve ever seen him.  As a key part of Saul’s plan, it is important for Brody to be drug free and in excellent condition.  After a drug-induced detox, he begins training with a special ops team and after sixteen days, he’s in his best physical and mental state.  It was great seeing such a tortured and scattered character actually motivated and focused.

Saul so easily looped Brody into his master plan, fellow Rock Paper Watch writer Ashley Foster brought an interesting theory to my attention:  Is it possible that Brody has been manipulated by Saul since the very beginning?  Like back to his days as a Marine, was he intentionally a POW to get in with Abu Nazir?  I don’t think Saul would have condoned the death of the Vice President but its still interesting to consider.  I call this the Homeland-complex, trust no one.

4.  A few season one shout outs

During Brody’s detox-induced hallucinations, Tom Walker and Abu Nazir made special appearances.  Did anyone else feel like this was Homeland saying, “Hey guys, remember these characters? Back with the show was really good?”  It made me sentimental for season one and reminded me of everything Brody’s been through, making me feel protective of his character for the rest of the episode and probably the rest of the season. 

5.  Max and Virgil doing Max and Virgil things

Y’all, I love Max and Virgil.  They’re like the Batman and Robin of Homeland.  Maybe, Black Widow and Hawkeye from The Avengers is a better comparison since they’re more sideline characters, but whatever.  Virgil is definitely Black Widow.  Whenever Carrie or Saul has a plan, they are always available for the dirty work.  Even though Virgil often questions Carrie’s motives, they usually follow her blindly and there’s something very sweet about that.  This week, they were at Saul’s beck and call, sweeping Saul and Dar Adal’s homes for bugs.  Max discovers the fishy computer mouse planted by Alan Bernard, Mira’s former lover—leading to our next point.

6.  Saul is gonna make Lockhart his bitch

Alan Bernard, turns out, is an Israeli intelligence officer and is currently working for the great Senator Lockhart!  With evidence in-hand, Saul goes after Lockhart requesting more time so he can finish this mission in return for not releasing the images and ending Lockhart’s career.  Lockhart agrees to the terms after asking Saul why not release the images and permanently keep his position as the head of the CIA.  Saul’s response, “Because it would humiliate my wife, Senator, and because it would damage the agency.”  That’s the big difference between these two men.  Lockhart doesn’t understand that they agency needs protecting; he sees this job as a simple change of power.  Something tells me this blackmail isn’t over, is it possible that Lockhart will act as a puppet at the head of the CIA and Saul will continue to pull the strings?

7. Brody’s sidekicks

How awesome is Brody’s special ops team?  Their patience during training, and relentlessness during his detox warmed my heart.  And how adorable was it when the doctor one quizzed Brody on his relationship with Carrie?  I don’t know, camaraderie always gives me warm and fuzzies.  I hope we see a lot more of them in the upcoming episodes.

But what about Quinn?

Everyone’s favorite black-ops agent was pretty much missing this episode.  He had one scene with Saul, Dal Adal, Max, and Virgil when they were discussing how to deal with Alan Bernard and Senator Lockhart.  He had one line, “what would you like me to do?” Hold your horses Quinn, no need to shoot anyone in the arm.  His little screen time in the episode proved to me that the showrunners don’t quite now how he fits the story with Brody back.  I hope this doesn’t continue moving forward, he’s been the best part of Homeland lately.

What do you think of Homeland this season?  Are you sick of any storylines?  What are your predictions for Saul’s plan?  Did you miss Brody?  Should we write a petition for more Quinn shower scenes?

12 Must-See Fall Movies

With the summer blockbuster season drawing to a close, it’s time to head back into theaters for some of the most highly anticipated films of the year. From blockbusters to buzzworthy indies, this fall season has them all and we’re counting down our top 12 picks. Below are the movies we can’t wait to see, which one are you most excited for?

1. Lone Survivor

“Based on SEAL Team 10’s failed mission: Operation Red Wings on June 28, 2005, to capture or kill a notorious Taliban leader during the War in Afghanistan.”

Reasons to watch: That cast. That story. It promises to be an edge of your seat movie. The trailer alone makes me an emotional wreck.
Also, I’m excited to see Taylor Kitsch. Finally, he’s making smart career moves and joining a great ensemble for a dramatic movie rather than trying to carry a one-dimensional, action movie on his own.

In theaters for limited release December 27, 2013.

2. The Wolf of Wall Street

“Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, from his rise to a wealthy stockbroker living the high life to his fall involving crime, corruption and the federal government.”

Reasons to watch: Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese, the dream team is back together. What more of a reason do you need? Oh, and this gif.

In theaters November 15, 2013.

3. Parkland

“A recounting of the chaotic events that occurred at Dallas’ Parkland Hospital on the day U.S. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.”

Reasons to watch: I’m a sucker for a historical movie, especially if it involves JFK. The incredible story aside, the ensemble cast is impressive and includes such names as Zac Efron, Marcia Gay Harden, Billy Bob Thorton, Jacki Weaver, and Paul Giamatti.

In theaters October 4, 2013.

4. Gravity

“A medical engineer and an astronaut work together to survive after an accident leaves them adrift in space.”

Reasons to watch: The movie just had its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival and has many marveling at both the technical and emotional achievements of the film. Rumor has it, Sandra Bullock is a shoo in for this year’s Best Actress award.

In theaters October 4, 2013.

5. Catching Fire

“Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark become targets of the Capitol after their victory in the 74th Hunger Games sparks a rebellion in the Districts of Panem.”

Reasons to watch: The latest installment of the series follows the story of Katniss Everdeen (Lawrence) and Peeta Mallark (Hutcherson) as they are forced to participate in the 75th Hunger Games. This movie has a new director, new writer, and bigger budget. Here’s hoping that all of our disappointments about the first film are washed away with the sequel. And I’m more than excited to see all the new cast members like Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jena Malone, and Sam Claflin.

In theaters November 22, 2013.  Check out the trailer breakdown here.

6. Dallas Buyers Club

“The story of Texas electrician Ron Woodroof and his battle with the medical establishment and pharmaceutical companies after being diagnosed as HIV-positive in 1986, and his search for alternative treatments that helped established a way in which fellow HIV-positive people could join for access to his supplies.”

Reasons to watch: A lot of Oscar buzz around Matthew McConaughey’s performance, will it be worth the hype?

In theaters November 1, 2013.

7. American Hustle

“The story of a con artist and his partner in crime, who were forced to work with a federal agent to turn the tables on other cons, mobsters, and politicians – namely, the volatile mayor of impoverished Camden, New Jersey.”

Reasons to watch: A lot of actors playing against type. The film reunites David O. Russell with several of his favorites (Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence from The Silver Linings Playbook and Christian Bale and Amy Adams from The Fighter) so performances promise to be strong.

In theaters December 25, 2013.

8. Carrie

“A reimagining of the classic horror tale about Carrie White, a shy girl outcast by her peers and sheltered by her deeply religious mother, who unleashes telekinetic terror on her small town after being pushed too far at her senior prom.”

Reasons to watch: Every list needs a campy horror flick so why not include a remake of a classic? Chloë Grace Moretz brings her skill to the title role with Julianne Moore playing the part of her deranged mother.

In theaters October 18, 2013.

9. Out of the Furnace

“When Rodney Baze mysteriously disappears and law enforcement fails to follow through, his older brother, Russell, takes matters into his own hands to find justice.”

Reasons to watch: Christian Bale, Zoe Saldana, Woody Harrelson, Casey Affleck, Forest Whitaker, Sam Shepard, Willem Dafoe… I can keep going.

In theaters December 6, 2013.

10. Rush

“A re-creation of the merciless 1970s rivalry between Formula One rivals James Hunt and Niki Lauda.”

Reasons to watch: Directed by two-time Oscar-winning filmmaker Ron Howard, Chris Hemsworth’s performance is garnering a lot of attention (as is his 30-pound weight drop). The script was crafted by Frost/Nixon writer Peter Morgan and is being praised for its suspense and sexiness.

In theaters September 27, 2013.

11. Prisoners

“When Keller Dover’s daughter and her friend go missing, he takes matters into his own hands as the police pursue multiple leads and the pressure mounts. But just how far will this desperate father go to protect his family?”

Reasons to watch: With Terrance Howard and Hugh Jackman portraying the fathers of the missing girls and Paul Dano the potential kidnapper, the performances promise to be quite powerful.

In theaters September 20, 2013.

12. Captain Phillips

“The true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates of the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama, the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in two hundred years.”

Reasons to watch: Tom Hanks

In theaters October 11, 2013.

New Promo Alert – Homeland Season 3

If we thought we were enjoying Christmas early this year with our 16 Top Fall TV Picks, now we know for sure that the holiday season is upon us.  The trailer for the new season of Showtime’s Award-winning drama Homeland dropped today.  Check out the emotionally-charged trailer and our breakdown below:

The Breakdown

– The trailer starts with the final scene from Season 2 between Brody and Carrie before diving into a series of (emotional) clips from upcoming episodes.

– Saul and Carrie are both subjected to official investigations (and seem to be put on trial) after the events of Season 2. Can we just talk about how excited we are to see these powerful scenes unfold??

– Carrie is a mess after losing her precious Brody and winds up in a mental institution (we think).  After she miraculously got her job back in Season 2, do you think it’s possible Carrie will ever be back in the CIA?

– Brody seems to be in the Middle East or another country (definitely not America) and he’s being hunted by the CIA Abu Nazir-style (cue maps with hundreds of lines, photos, and connections).  He is now bald, and recovering from a gun shot wound in a deteriorated building AKA not in too great of shape.

– Meanwhile, his family isn’t handling the whole situation very well.  Brody is now the infamous American Hero-Turned-Terrorist, making his family a target for paparazzi and news faccets.  In addition, Dana is now a Muslim (or trying to become one), and is sending nudie pics to someone. Boy, is it too much to ask that we focus on Chris this season instead of the annoying child?

– Rupert Friend is back.  Need we say more?

– What’s the song in the trailer that you just can’t get enough of?  We thought you might ask.  Listen to “To Build a Home” by the Cinematic Orchestra here.

There is a lot going on in the trailer and it definitely tugs at your heart-strings.  What part has you the most excited?  Do you think Season 3 can live up to the hysteria that surrounds the first two seasons of Homeland?  Can Season 3 make up for the lack-luster Season 2?  We here at RPW only know one thing – we literally can’t wait for the premiere.  Is it September 29th at 9pm yet?

19 of the Sexiest TV Moments This Year

We’re counting down the sexiest moments of TV for the 2012-2013 season.  We’ve got it all from the “oh my goodness” to the “awwww.”  Get ready to fan yourself because things are about to get steamy!

1.  ‘Scandal’ Olivia and Fitz – The President’s Desk Will Never be the Same

When we initially started discussing this list, we knew right off the bat that Olivia and Fitz would take the cake. The hardest part was narrowing down which one of their steamy “its so wrong, but it feels so right” moments would make the cut. Once we started asking other Scandal viewers which moment was their favorite, this one was brought up time and time again. The sexual tension between these two is just off the charts, you know when these two get in a room together (specifically the oval office)…panties are going to drop.

2.  ‘The New Girl’ Nick and Jess – The Kiss

Boys, take a lesson in chemistry why don’t ya?

3. ‘Nashville’ Rayna and Deacon – FINALLY!

Is there anything to be said about this clip?  Not really, it’s just one of those you need to watch.  After a season of sexual tension and unfinished business, Nashville surprised us all by going there.  Instead of dragging it out, they passionately put them together.  And man, it was hot.

4. ‘Suits’ Mike and Rachel – That Can’t Be Legal

The sexual tension between these two has been building for two seasons now.  With several will they, won’t they, Mike screwed it up again moments we finally got what we’ve been waiting for and it DID NOT disappoint.  The emotionally charged scene starts with Rachel confronting Mike about why he wouldn’t send Harvard Law School a letter objecting to her rejection.  It seems he’s going to keep the truth from her until he says, “You don’t understand what I have been through, you don’t understand what I have lost.  Because it is everything, everyone that I love. Trevor. My grandmother. Harvey. Hell, probably this job.  I’m not ready to lose you, not today!” “Then tell me,” she demands.  It’s then that we see a change in Mike, he has to tell her.  With that, Mike finally admits that he never went to Harvard. Rachel reacts with anger, she slaps him and begins to storm away.  He grabs her and with a passionate kiss she gives into him and it’s on.  What’s next for Mike and Rachel?  We will soon find out, Season 3 starts July 16th.

5. ‘Game of Thrones’ Jon Snow and Ygritte – Jon Snow Does Know Some Things.

Finally!  A Jon Snow sex scene.  In an effort to prove himself, Ygritte convinces Jon Snow to break his chastity vow.   “You swore some vows; I want you to break them,” she says while stripping in a cave no less.  Ygritte runs her hands through Snow’s hair and says, ”You know nothing, Jon Snow” just as he makes his way downtown proving he does know a little something-something.  In the afterglow, they playfully hop into one of the steamy cave pools for a bath.  ”Let’s not go back,” she says. “I don’t ever want to leave this cave, Jon Snow.”  It’s a sweet moment between two people falling in love.

6.  ‘Mad Men’ Don and Betty – A Reunion Of Sorts

“This happened a long time ago.” – Betty

It’s the revenge of Betty, y’all.  The newly slim Betty kept the upper hand during this tryst when she found herself in bed with her ex-husband, and that’s what made it sexy.  She expressed no regrets at their night of passion and informed Don that she’s happy in her current marriage and no longer thinks about getting back together.  The kicker, she even sympathized with Don’s wife Megan, “That poor girl. She doesn’t know that loving you is the worst way to get to you.”  The next morning when Don woke up, he found his ex-wife happily eating breakfast with her current husband.  I was cheering at my TV, you go Betty!

7. ‘Girls’ Hannah and Adam – Hannah Gets Swept Off Her Feet

Every girl (whether they admit it or not) wants a grand gesture.  You may have hated Adam in the beginning of Girls but he proved us all wrong by coming to Hannah’s rescue during her OCD breakdown.  The best part?  “You’re here?,” whispers Hannah.  “I was always here,” replies Adam.  GOD!  Why can’t all guys be there when we need them?!

8. ‘Homeland’ Carrie and Brody – A Quick Rendezvous

“Is this for real?” – Brody

This season, Brody acted as a double agent reporting to the CIA about an upcoming terrorist attack in which he plays an essential role.  Carrie, naturally, acted as his handler.  In episode 7, Brody, an up-and-coming politician had to attend a fundraiser.  Stressed about his double duties, he lost it and frantically called Carrie for a release.  She met Brody in the woods outside the fundraiser and just let him talk.  She listened to him recap the conversation he had with the party host, a Vietnam soldier who actually fought and didn’t disappear in a hole for eight years to reemerge as a terrorist. “He didn’t lose himself,” Brody said, “Worst part of it is, he believes I’m like him. That guy is the man I could have been, if I hadn’t…” Carrie reassuringly took his hand. They kissed, passionately.  Brody broke away “Is this for real?” he asked. Carrie replied, “I don’t know, and I don’t want you to feel used.” He tried kissing her again and then confessed: “You know what? I do feel used. And played. And lied to. But I also feel good.”  My favorite part about Homeland is how they have put together these two broken people.  They love each other endlessly but can’t seem to trust their emotions long enough to just let it be.

9. ‘Castle’ Kate and Castle – The Morning After

The after math of the Season 4 season finale. Would it be awkward? Will they just friends? What will they be?  They sure jumped right to the point with first episode of season 5….and we sure are glad they didn’t disappoint.

10. ‘The Vampire Diaries’ Caroline and Klaus – A Tender Goodbye

We know, we know.  Compared to the rest of the countdown this scene is pretty tame but is there anything sexier than a man willing to wait?  “Tyler is your first love, I intend to be your last,” says Klaus with a sweet kiss on the cheek.  Klaus, if you ever get impatient, I volunteer!

11. ‘Game of Thrones’ Robb and Talisa – The Young Wolf Takes a Bite

My word.  Two episodes before the Red Wedding we get this revealing scene between Robb and his wife Talisa.  The scene begins with the camera scaling up her body as it’s intertwined in Robb’s as he playfully kisses her.  As if that wasn’t delicious enough, he then bites and tugs on her lip.  GAWD!

12. ‘Downton Abbey’Lady Mary Crawley and Matthew Crawley – Confessions

“I would never be happy with anyone else as long as you walk the earth, which is true. And I think you feel the same about me.”

After 2 season of “will they or won’t they?” Lady Mary Crawley and Matthew Crawley finally admit their undying love for one another and seal the deal in a wedding true to Downton style. There is nothing sexy about this show, if anything its the complete opposite, so, you’re probably wondering why its on our sexy list? Well, if a guy were to tell me or any girl for that matter that he’d “never be happy with anyone else as long as I walk the earth.” Well, things would then, in theory, get sexy.

13. ‘Covert Affairs’ Annie and Auggie – A Dance in a Dream

After being shot and charged with treason, Annie lies unconscious at the hospital.  Auggie spends the episode trying to prove Annie’s innocence and sitting vigil at her bedside.  The epic scene starts with Auggie talking to Annie, “Annie, hey it’s me, Auggie.  You know, the guy that gave you the corvette.”  He begins they’re typical banter but then continues. “I miss you Annie, I have for a long time. Things have been different between us since Barcelona and it’s all my fault.  I’ve been closed off and distant and I can’t tell you how sorry I am for that.  I don’t know if you can hear me but I need you to wake up. I know you’re not a traitor and right now you’re the only one that can help me help you.  I need you Annie.  I never needed anyone but I need you.”  He gently takes her hand.

In Annie’s dreamland, she walks into a fancy lobby with Auggie.  They approach a door and he asks, “Do you trust me?”  She responds, “With my life.”  They walk into a fancy party, Auggie in a tux and Annie in a gorgeous red dress.  They gracefully begin to dance.  “Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?” he says.  “I clean up nicely, don’t I?,” she replies.  “I’m not talking about the clothes,” he says before kissing her.  The kiss is sweet and tender.  When they part, Annie asks to dance a little bit longer.  Auggie replies, “There’s nothing I’d like more but you and I both know this isn’t our song.  We’ll dance again Walker when the music is right.”  “Until then,” says Annie.

After three seasons of incredible chemistry, this is the first hint that Annie does have true feelings for Auggie and wants to act on them.  It’s a great moment for fans of the show.  In the finale, Auggie and Annie get their moment as he confesses his feelings and they share a passionate kiss.  This time, it wasn’t a part of a dream.

14. ‘The Vampire Diaries’ Damon and Elena – Vampire Sex.. Finally!

They teased us in season 3 with an epic kiss.  Once Elena became a vampire, the big question was who would get to pop her vampire cherry.  We got our answer in the scene above as she chooses Damon over long-term boyfriend Stefan.  Fans got their long awaited Delena scene, even if it was kind of ruined by Caroline’s realization that Elena is sired to Damon so of course she would choose him it was still hot as hell!

15. ‘How I Met Your Mother’ Ted and the Mother – 45 Days

There may not be any physical action in this scene, but is there anything sexier than a man proclaiming his love for a woman?  Nope.  “I’m here now, I guess because I want those extra 45 days with you.  I want each one of them,” says future Ted who has traveled back in time to talk to his future wife even though they’re just 45 days away from meeting.  This scene also served as a welcome reminder that the end is near, Ted (and viewers) will soon meet the mother.  And we did just that in the season finale.

16. ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Karev and Jo – Find Your Crazy

Talk about stretching things out.  When we first met Jo at the start of season 9, she felt important.  In episode 9, Karev and Jo we’re paired together for Bailey’s wedding and all of a sudden her presence made sense.  She is the female Alex.  Over the next 15 episodes we watched Alex slowly realize his love for Jo.  When he did, he fought it saying that she was crazy.  Meredith quickly pointed out, “Maybe Jo’s crazy fits your crazy.  Don’t give up on her just yet, we didn’t give up on you.”  Later, when the moment was right Karev told her his true feelings leading to one of the few happy moments of this year’s Greys finale.

17. ‘Nashville’ Gunnar and Scarlett – Meeting in the Middle

First, he kissed her and she pulled away.  Then she kissed him back, but it was after his brother died and he was an emotional wreck.  Afterwards, he turned her away and called it a mistake.  Finally, they met in the middle.  “It wasn’t pity,” she tells him about the night before. “I don’t think it was a mistake either,” he replies.  Even though their relationship has been a rollercoaster and the season ended with a shocking proposal, you can’t help but replay this moment.  Their duets, as well as their passion is untouchable and I cannot get enough.

18. ‘Parks and Recreation’ Leslie and Ben – Mac and Cheese Pizza

It’s true, the way to a woman’s heart is through her stomach and here is the proof.

19. ‘American Horror Story’ The Honeymooners – Scary Sex

Adam Levine and Jenna Dewan Tatum play a pair of twisted newlyweds enjoying their honeymoon by visiting haunted locations throughout the US.  Briarcliff, the home of season 2, is the last stop on their list.  After wandering through the halls, he eventually straps her to a table and they go at it.  The scene is dirty, and I mean dirty!  Shortly after they are interrupted by the season’s villain, Bloodyface.  And well, it’s all downhill from there.

The sexiest list was constructed by Rock Paper Watch authors Elizabeth Bond and Ashley Foster.  Feel free to reach out with comments or questions.  Thanks for reading!