MVP: William Sadler

Regency Television, 20th Century Fox Television, Living Dead Guy Production, Warner Bros. Television Distribution

Sons of biscuits! William Sadler's IMDB credits seem to go onto infinity covering film and television, both high brow – The Shawshank Redemption or The Green Mile and low brow –  playing Grim Reaper in Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey. However, my love truly blossomed for the actor on the small screen, in particular, on three appearances that crossed through my fangirling galaxy. 

In 1999, Sadler played Sheriff Valenti on Jason Katims' Roswell where he morphed from alien hunter to supportive father-figure to Max and friends. In 2008, he again popped on my radar as Dr. Sumner on Fringe. Sadler played a compassionate hardass who grilled Walter Bishop on his monthly mental evaluations. I assure you Dr. Sumner, the only continued care Walter Bishop needs is with JJ Abrams. Praise! And lastly, what set off this Sadler love-fest, he appeared on new fantastical favorite, Wonderfalls. In the 2004 Bryan Fuller creation, Sadler served as Darrin Tyler, loving father to Sharon, Aaron any youngest, Jaye, whom he earnestly tries to understand and support, even inquiring about his daughter's last orgasm. I ask you, what's not to love about William Sadler? Not only has he charmed me, but he's obviously charmed three of my favorite show runners – Jason Katims, JJ Abrams, and Bryan Fuller. With eight - eight!! - projects in post-production, there are sure to be plenty of William Sadler fangirling opportunities in 2016. Tipping my Sheriff hat to you, Mr. Sadler.

SF State of Mind

CBS Television Studios, Worldvision Enterprises, Inc., NBC Universal Television Distribution

San Francisco is the big city outlier I have yet to conquer. And while a SoCal/NoCal trade is highly unlikely, it is intriguing. Instead of dashing daydreams with reality, I've this gathered this admittedly disjointed selection of TV shows to fuel the SF fire.

First up, Young & Hungry is an unabashed sitcom, swimming in archetypes, complete with an over-zealous laugh track. While most tune in to see what happens when a successful tech phenom hires a bubbly private chef, I tune in for the startup speak and glimpses of the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Next on the tour, Charmed, the WB hit, starred Shannen Doherty and Alyssa Milano as good witches, protectors of the innocent, who regularly battled the forces of evil, all from the comfort of their victorian manor in San Francisco. Side note, this show also serves as an excellent reference for all things midriff. With its bounty of crop tops, the pilot episode, 'Something Wicca This Way Comes,' awaits!

And last stop on the SF tour, a dash of class with Jason Katims' Parenthood. The show technically takes place in Berkeley, not San Francisco, but close enough to be muse-worthy. It must be the idyllic outdoor dining where the Braverman family gathers, where nature and nuture collide into one hell of a NoCal sales pitch. Go Team Braverman!

Halloween in July

Regency Television, 20th Century Fox Television

Sure, this may be a shock to the system much like Christmas episodes in July, but when inspiration strikes, you must strike back! Today’s inspiration is courtesy of the Jason Katims 1999 CW hit, Roswell. My fellow Roswellians know it well. Liz and her friend Maria work at the Crashdown cafe, where everything is full of normal teenage angst until a classmate who saves Liz's life is revealed to be – an alien. I swear, Stephanie Meyer just traded aliens for vampires and voila, you have Twilight and Edward Cullen, formerly Roswell alien, Max Evans. But back to the Crashdown Cafe and my Halloween inspiration. The Crashdown is a ode to old diners complete with plastic menus and - at last - retro uniforms with an alien twist. This costume has everything: glitter, a sweet display of DIY prowess and a nod to the late ‘90s without relying on Doc Martens. To add a gore factor, splash some ketchup to recreate the pilot episode where Liz gets shot in the chest. For Bonus points, make your own Crashdown menu complete with Alien Blast pie! Woo!