A few months ago, ABC Family built up the “A” unveiling as the ultimate twist, but it was all kind of predictable — no new questions and confirmed answers. I thought the “BetrAyal” was much better! There were several twists that no one saw coming!

Photo: ABC Family

For one, turns out Nate isn’t Nate at all. His name is Linden and he’s a knife-wielding psycho killer who used to text-stalk and real-life stalk Maya (and why Emily would agree to go with him to a lonely cabin without ever meeting any of his and Maya’s “family” is beyond me).

Two, Caleb’s got a gun. And it costs him dearly. While I’m sure Caleb will be fine (as he is now a series regular), it’s still scary to think he was shot!

Photo: ABC Family

And three, Toby is part of the “A” Team. He is the “BetrAyer!” I still find this so hard to believe! Maybe he’s just playing along to get information, but that seems highly unlikely. Mona was way too comfortable talking with him about their plans. And the nurses had said a young man in a hoodie had been visiting her! Looks like it may not have been Lucas!

So I have a few questions for you guys. I’ve been thinking about these myself and I’d just like to hear someone else’s opinion. Here they are:

Photo: ABC Family

- Is Paige innocent? Sure, she was kidnapped and Mona planted her phone. But does that mean I should trust her?

- How does Toby factor into the “A” Team? By my count, Garrett, Mona, Melissa and Toby are all in on it. How? Why? Is there anyone else?

Photo: ABC Family

- How has Toby been able to deflect suspicions so easily? I guess getting Spencer on your side is the ultimate sign of trust? And how long has he been a part of it? Only recently? Since the start?

- Are we supposed to believe Jenna and Noel are innocent? Still seem like creepers with lots to hide to me…

Photo: ABC Family

- And last, who do you think really killed Maya and Allison? Nate, er, Linden, never said he killed her. He said he loved her and she was taken from him. So who really did it?

Share your thoughts and theories in the comments!

“BILLY, WTF?!” Photo: The Uptown Lounge

While Jane By Design may not have been on par with the supernova ratings for Pretty Little Liars or Switched at Birth, it was a highly popular show with a fan base that’s now angry to boot. And rightfully so. Cancelling Jane By Design was premature and I want it back!

Here’s the worst part of it all: the finale ended with a total cliffhanger. There were so many questions! Has Jane finally been caught? Or will she wiggle her way out of this one too? Is she really in love with Billy? Or is she just lonely? And we’ll never know.

Photo: HollywoodLife.com

Sure, the show was extremely predictable, so much so that you realized each episode’s plot before you hit the opening credits. But that’s part of the beauty of Jane By Design. It’s predictability is comforting. If I want to watch something cerebral, emotional and complex, I’ll turn to Mad Men or Breaking Bad or Girls. But I don’t watch Jane By Design for any of those things. I don’t want mystery either — or I’d just watch more Pretty Little Liars. I watched Jane By Design for fun. Mindless fun. Pretty clothes. Sparkly shoes. Simplistic problems that will be solved in 50 minutes or less.

The truth is ABC Family didn’t cancel it because it was too predictable. Otherwise Switched at Birth or The Lying Game or The Secret Life would be gone too. Jane By Design was cancelled because its ratings couldn’t keep up.

Before The Secret Life of the American Teenager aired in 2008, ABC Family never got mega ratings. It was a network without an identity. But The Secret Life showed them a new path for their network. And so came Pretty Little Liars and a plethora of other successful shows. And now ABC Family is used to its shows being number one in their time slots with females 18-49.

I totally get that. Who doesn’t love success! But if every network cancelled every show that didn’t measure up to its most successful show, we wouldn’t have Mad Men or 30 Rock.

I’m not saying Jane By Design is 30 Rock or Mad Men quality, but on a network that airs shows about teenage text-stalkers and long lost twins, how high does the quality have to be?

Photo: Edge of the Plank

On February 23, at the winter break, Jane By Design drew a 0.6 rating. Switched at Birth drew a 0.8 rating [Source].

Since the summer premiere, the ratings have dwindled, but that’s not because Jane By Design is a terrible show. It’s because the story got crazy. No one likes Zoe. The drama teacher is tedious. And it’s disappointing that the writers decided to test the “Are they more than friends” plot with Billy and Jane. Everything about the first half of the season worked. And almost everything about the second half didn’t.

But that doesn’t say, “let’s cancel this show,” to me. That says, “if we want this show to survive past a second season, we have work to do.” And they should have been sent to work with a warning. If the ratings don’t get better, you’re in trouble.

Photo: JustJared

It never happened. Jane simply disappeared.

Fans have staged Twitter protests and forged Facebook groups. Actors have tweeted that we could still save this show. But despite it all, ABC Family hasn’t decided to think it over. Maybe we’ll be lucky enough to receive our own $5000 miracle check in the form of a winter season and save the show just as Jane saved the play? But it seems unlikely. Regardless of the fashion community’s support, synergy opportunities galore and Andie MacDowell’s amazing hair, Jane By Design is dead, proving miracles are reserved for farfetched TV shows that don’t make it past their first season.

Photo: Fanpop

I like to imagine that Jane confessed it all to Eli and Gray. And in typical, albeit ridiculous, Jane By Design fashion they decide not to fire her. But to keep her secret so that she can continue to take Donovan Decker by storm. For seasons, the secret weighs heavy and eventually India spills the beans. She ruins Jane’s career and exposes her as a fraud during NYFW, hurting Donovan Decker’s image and sending Jane back to high school as a loser.

In the series finale, India would give a tearful apology. And Jane would forgive her. Why? Because Jane realizes she has all the time in the world to grow up.

Besides, her portfolio is going to kick some serious ass when she does it all again. That’s right, Jane of Donovan Decker may be an embarrassment. But Jane Quimby, extraordinary teenager, gets a second chance.

Photo: JaggedLittleLife

The great thing about reviewing Lizzie McGuire isn’t just paying young Hilary Duff a visit. It’s paying tribute to a hazy and disastrous era of fashion we often try to forget: The Limited Too Era. So hold on to your cargo pants kiddo! We’re taking a trip down Lizzie McGuire lane and there’s enough feathers, sparkles, bedazzling and funky hats to turn you into a preteen!

Photo: LizzieMcGuireThings.Tumblr.com

What a mess. Miranda, Gordo and Lizzie were all fully invested in the “It Doesn’t Have to Match!” look. Not only could clothes mismatch in patterns, colors and fabrics, they could also be varying levels of hideous. Miranda is wearing drawstring cargo pants and a floral patterned top that I’m pretty sure matches the hideous tiles in my aunt’s old kitchen. Lizzie has some funky floral print pants and a bazillion friendship bracelets she most likely purchased at Claire’s. And Gordo? He’s layering his grandpa’s short-sleeved leisure shirt over a long-sleeved t-shirt– a trend that I hope will never return. Actually, please don’t let any of this return. Ever.

Photo: LizzieMcGuireThings.tumblr.com

You probably thought the nightmare we over, but it’s not. Please take a second to spy Miranda’s shoes/socks situation. It’s horrendous! She’s wearing high-water pants, leopard print clogs and white Hanes socks. Question: Did we all wear things like this? Answer: Sadly, I think we did. At least those of us who were in love with Gordo, anyway. Ahem.

Here’s a slightly older Lizzie (still pre-movie). There was a time when embroidered, bedazzled and embellished bell-bottom jeans were cool. I had a pair that laced up the sides and another pair with flowers embroidered at the pockets. If I was still 12, I’m sure I’d be so jealous of Lizzie’s cool low-rise dark-wash jeans with rhinestones running down her thighs! Plus she has a lacey see-through top with ruffles. Talk about stylin’! Miranda has a bandana tied around her head, ponytails, hoop earrings, plaid pants and a shirt that reads “Fish and Chips” layered over a puke green shirt. Basically, she was the 2001 equivalent of Aria Montgomery.

Check out Miranda’s super weird top. Totally Aria Montgomery! Also please note that they are both talking on the phone and staring at each other. Are they talking to each other? They didn’t really have any other friends…

Photo: Powet.tv

Lizzie is wearing some shiny blue plastic jacket monstrosity. Talk about the bomb! The only thing cooler to a preteen in 2001: Miranda’s pom pom hair ties. They say, “I like to have fun with accessories!” and add feminine edge to an otherwise androgynous outfit that Gordo could have worn. Except he never would. There’s no leisure shirt!

Photo: KaterinaGrahamFan.net

These are the popular girls in Lizzie McGuire’s world. Yes, the one on the right is Kat Graham a.k.a. Bonnie from The Vampire Diaries. (I’m suspecting she’s really a witch or something because girlfriend doesn’t seem to age. Am I right?) Today, popular girls wear slutty outfits with lots of cleavage. Not fugly colored sleeveless turtlenecks and matching headbands. Man, where do you even find sleeveless turtlenecks anymore? Loserville.

Lizzie and Miranda also had some crazy hair ya’ll. It may seem ridiculous to clip in skinny hot pink braids or wear glitter headbands with pom pom hair ties, but that was the coolest thing ever at the time. The more head gear you could pack on, the better! Purposefully placed tendrils hanging from your ponytail or bun were always a bonus! And if you could manage a glitter knit hoodie with matching pom poms too, you were a star!

There were also lots of braids, which I won’t judge too harshly because they’ve made a comeback, albeit less colorful. And while dip-dyeing may be all the rage now, back in Lizzie’s middle school days, Miranda would just clip in a few colorful hair pieces to add some flair! Once Lizzie also crimped her hair. I don’t ever remember that being cool, but she did it. *Immediately puts fingers in the shape of an “L” on her forehead*

Do you remember the time Lizzie was a bad girl? Well this is how she interpreted “bad.” Tie dyed shirt. Fake nose ring. And…WHAT THE HECK IS THAT HAIR?! That wasn’t even cool while this show was on the air!

Lizzie also loved some bandanas! I have to admit trying the bandana trend when I was in eighth grade too. At the time it seemed so cool and hip! Another accessory to add to my loud outfits! But looking back, specifically at that bedazzled mess, it was a terrible idea. WHY?!

Speaking of bedazzled items, that is a funky cool star on your tank top Lizzie! And I’m loving the choker and saloon girl curls accompanying it! Miranda must really love plaid because there’s no other excuse for that hat. Especially when wearing an orange shirt!

Lizzie’s brother Matt wore your typical cargo pants, sketchers and layered t-shirts on the regular. He also really liked his hair gel! But this photo caught my attention. If you’re looking for someone to blame for creating snuggies, I have your culprits right here!

While Lizzie’s father was your typical nerdy white dad (I mean, he was in Revenge of the Nerds), Lizzie’s mom was an enigma. Was she an artist at heart? She was kind of zany, yet controlling. And her weird style reflected that. Just look at that odd lavender jacket with little flowers and her messy hair, haphazardly clipped up. UGH! How can she give Lizzie any fashion advice while dressed like this? At least Lizzie was hip with her Limited Too top and Deliah’s crochet headband!

The truth is the best dressed person on the show was doodle Lizzie! She had a simple pink tank top and jeans. Yes, her flip-flops were orange platforms, but you can’t expect perfection in 2002!

What do you think about Lizzie McGuire’s fashion? Was it so baller or hella embarrassing?

Maybe Hanna’s found a clue? Photo: ABC Family

The crazy thing is the list includes all of the Liars: Aria, Spencer, Hanna and Emily! I seriously doubt any of them would willingly or knowingly betray another. Same goes for Toby and Caleb who also make the ABC Family list of suspects! They would never really betray their girls! Right?

With that said, it could really be anyone this time around, huh? I’ve whipped up a suspect list of my own:

Paige

I’m very suspicious of Paige and always have been. First, I would never trust or fall in love with a girl who once tried to drown me in a pool. I mean, hello! Can you say psycho? Second, her character has become superfluous and unnecessary. What does Paige do, exactly? Other than pine over Emily (like a creeper)? Her character always disappears for long spells, only to return and pique our interest. Coincidence? I think not!

Wren

Photo: ABC Family

I’ve never warmed to Wren. He’s in his twenties, hooking up with teenagers! He always conveniently works somewhere that happens to be the epicenter of suspicion! And like Paige, he’s unnecessary. They keep him in the loop, but why?

Lucas

Lucas has gone off the deep-end! Every week, his character becomes creepier and creepier! From hiding the drugs that spiked Emily’s drink to threatening Aria on a dark street corner, Lucas has become one of the weirdest creepers in Rosewood. And that’s saying something! Hanna seems to think Lucas can do no wrong, that he’s still a victim, but that’s so naive! Everyone is a suspect! Especially someone who was wearing a creepy baby-doll mask during the Halloween episode!

Ezra

Ezra is also on ABC Family’s Suspect Tracker list! How interesting! Double-crossing lovers always make for great television plot twists! Let’s face it, we’ve learned a lot of things about Ezra Fitz this season. And while none of them may be terrible, it proves that he has many secrets. Who knows what else he’s hiding besides a sock drawer of cash?

Jason

PHOTO: You Know You Love Fashion

I’m sorry, but I’ve got to bring back Jason. I don’t think he would ever intentionally double cross the Liars, but he’s followed so many leads and made so many wrong turns in the quest to find his sister’s killer. It’s very easy to believe that Jason could put his trust in the wrong person. After all, he did give someone $5000 after telling Spencer he wouldn’t.

Melissa

Melissa also makes it to ABC Family’s Suspect Tracker. And that doesn’t make sense to me! We all KNOW she’s crazy and evil. To be betrayed means you never saw it coming. And does anyone really trust Melissa? She’s clearly in that Noel, Jenna, Garrett group of well-known, bonafide creepers! We know she was the black swan. We know she’s working with the “A” Team. If she’s the betrAyer, it’s incredibly boring. The only good to come from it is she’ll finally be caught!

Who do you think is the BetrAyer? Have you checked out ABC Family’s Suspect Tracker? Tell me your suspect list in the comments!

Photo: MTV Remote Control Blog

This season Teen Wolf has really found it’s groove. It’s dark, funny and mysterious. Not to mention that adding new creatures has made the mythology more fun as well as characters like Jackson more useful!

In tonight’s finale — just like last year’s — not everyone is going to make it. In the promos, it looks like Derek might be a goner. Then again, maybe his whole pack will die and he’ll live? Maybe they’ll kill off Jackson? Is Stiles untouchable? What about creepy principle grandpa? He’s got to be close to his death bed, right?

While you may have no say in what happens tonight, you can certainly decide their fates here! Even once this bad boy airs, you can decide what should have happened! You tell me who should live and who should go! VOTE:

Personally, I’d really like to see Allison and her creepy grandfather kick the bucket. Allison has gone completely off the deep end and it makes little to no sense! Sure, her mom died, but girl, get it together! And her grandfather is just the meanest, creepiest old guy alive! He stabs teenagers to test their werewolf capabilities and drowns people in lakes.

Vote and share your thoughts in the comments!

Teen Wolf’s season 2 finale airs Monday August 13 at 10p.m. on MTV.

Photo: ABC Family

JENNA MARSHALL, WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU WEARING?! What is the theme of this crazy “Suddenly I See” party anyway? Crazy hat ladies?! Everyone is dressed like they’re heading to a tea party in wonderland with dreadful funky hats! And if that’s the party theme, it’s TERRIBLE! Who executed this nightmare? Where are your parents, girl?!

Well, it got worst, thanks to this woman:

Photo: ABC Family

LAUREL, WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU WEARING?! I get it. She’s supposed to be artsy. She’s Rosewood’s photographer (because apparently there’s only one)! She went through this episode in hideously ill-fitting plaid blazers, wacky pageboy caps and wonky glasses. You are the poorest man’s Annie Leibovitz. You look like you stole a clown’s clothes. Poor clown.

There’s more. Take a gander at this:

Photo: ABC Family

I’m not just talking about Jenna’s ridiculously fug outfit. I’m talking about Paige. PAIGE, WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU WEARING?! (1) You’re going to a party. And even if it’s a wacky hat party for a crazy former blind girl, you should make some effort to wear more than a beanie and utility vest. (2) Your crush is going to be there. Don’t you want to look your best? Hello! Seduction, girl! (3) When your crush is a waitress at the party and she’s dressed better than you, you know you’ve done something wrong.

I have one last grievance.

Photo: ABC Family

NATE, WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU WEARING?! I normally ignore lonely boys attempts at looking spiffy for crazy hat parties. But he said he liked Jenna sooooo much that he, “bought a new shirt.” THAT’S THE NEW SHIRT? It’s the fugliest shirt I’ve seen in some time. Your hat says “Driving Miss Jenna” while your shirt says, “I may be a stripper in Tampa, but my secret dream is making custom furniture.” Ew.

Let’s not have a party like this ever again. It was too harsh on the eyes. Poor Jenna must think this how terrible all parties look.

What did you think of this week’s looks? Chic or eek?

Awesome: Jennifer Lopez is Making an ABC Family Show

I picked this photo because it looks like J.Lo is IN an ABC Family show! Photo: Discollective

Deadline reports that J.Lo is making a show for ABC Family. Yes, that’s already legit. What’s more legit? The show will be about a lesbian couple and their adopted children. One will be a teacher, one will be a police officer and they’re taking in a teenage girl in the opener! I’m sorry, but this sounds like the perfect mix of cheesy and adorable. I can’t wait to watch it! [Source]

Awful: Teen Vogue Tries to Talk About Dance Shows and Movies

Photo: TV.com

Nowadays, Teen Vogue isn’t much for writing anymore. It’s a lot like Nylon: pretty girls in cool clothes and stories 300 words or shorter. But can you try being short and, perhaps, functional? Next time you make a “list” of your favorite dance shows and movies, actually make a list and tell me why you like them. I don’t want a dance-show trend story (old news) with plot details. As for movies, don’t make a literal list of movie titles with no information or related explanation. You know what, just stick to the pretty pictures. [article here]

Awesome: MTV Didn’t Break for July 4th

I love celebrating liberty as much as the next person, but I hate when all of my shows decide to take a mini vacation. Best news ever? While Pretty Little Liars, Bunheads and every other teen show took a week off, Teen Wolf and Awkward. were all new. And did I mention they were great too? Thanks for your dedication, MTV.

That’s it for this week’s Weekly Rewind. You’re all caught up on all things awesome and awful in teen television. Anything else you think was worth a double take? 

1. Scientology Rocks! - All about America’s favorite cult. Um, religion.

2. Ally and Joanna Discuss Magic Mike - Aka Oglefest 2012.

3. Pop Culture Minute - Jena Malone is officially Johanna Mason in The Hunger Games trilogy. Barf.

You can connect with the Ally and Joanna Show using all the groovy buttons below! Or email us – allyandjoannashow@gmail.com! Join us next week?

Last week’s episode of Jane By Design, “The Second Chance,” proved Jane needn’t rely on statement tutus to spice up her office ensembles. She can also use bold, unique accessories to add just the right amount of edge to an otherwise drab outfit.

Adding chic accessories is a simple solution that’s easy to copy! Particularly if it involves a funky little panther pendant hanging from your neck. I’m wild about Jane’s Givenchy “Charms” Panther Pendant Necklace ($98, Nordstrom). Sadly, it’s out of stock. But here are a few alternatives that won’t break your bank and will help you get the look!

Marc by Marc Jacobs Cutout Panther Brass Necklace, $34: This long retro necklace can add flare to any outfit. Net-a-porter typically carries the brass cutout for $68. Get it now while it’s still 50% off!

Stella & Dot Crescent Panther Pave Necklace, $49: If you’re looking for an extremely unique panther necklace, try this one. While most are large panther heads or full bodies, this one is a panther head on a beautiful little crescent moon.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Predator Resin Panther Necklace, $77: The great thing about this beauty is it also comes in a blue Hematite. Even the chain comes in different shades!

Looking for something more? Try this H&M Panther Ring, $43. It’s nearly identical to panther rings spotted on Kristin Stewart and Rachel Zoe. This way you’ll still get your panther fix without it being so prominently featured.

Photo: From Seller

Are you wild about Jane’s Panther Pendant? Going to try some panther accessories of your own? Sound off!

You can connect with the Ally and Joanna Show using all the groovy buttons below! Or shoot us an email at allyandjoannashow@gmail.com! Join us next week? 

Tagged: ally, Brave, comedy, entertainment, joanna, Kristen Stewart, Nora Ephron, Rock of Ages, The Newsroom ]]> http://theremotegeneration.com/2012/06/30/episodes-44-45-the-ally-joanna-show/feed/ 0 Ally Hickson graphicallandjoanna tumblr_321 twitter_32 google_plus_32 images images