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SpoilerTV - TV Spoilers

Most Anticipated New Fall Network Shows

Sep 18, 2014

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It’s that time of year when the networks are hoping viewers will flock in droves to their new shows. As these new series get underway over the next few weeks, it can be tough to decide which shows to check out. Time is limited, after all. And this fall the main broadcast networks are debuting 23 new series. So let us help you out. After analyzing the preview buzz, SpoilerTV pilot ratings and social media following, we break down the top 10 most anticipated network shows of the new fall season. Happy viewing!


1. GOTHAM


The DC comic origin story offers a new take on the city known for Batman. But this version’s hero isn’t Bruce Wayne – it’s Detective James Gordon before he became police commissioner. In fact, he’s the rookie detective who investigates the murder of Bruce Wayne’s parents. The premise is unique and, most of all, fun. The internal and external fight to retain Gordon’s moral compass in the midst of widespread corruption offers intriguing story. And Ben McKenzie displays an earnest strength and determination that makes him the perfect choice for Gordon. Plus, it’s exciting to watch all the young up-and-coming villains before they become Penguin, Catwoman, Poison Ivy and The Riddler. Jada Pinkett Smith also devilishly captivates with new character Fish Mooney. This series has the most Twitter followers of any new network shows. At the time of this article, “Gotham” was leading SpoilerTV’s poll: “Which new show can’t you wait to watch?”


2. THE FLASH


“The Flash” pilot was screened at San Diego’s Comic-Con to a very enthusiastic audience reception. The “Arrow” spin-off follows crime scene investigator Barry Allen who, after being struck by lightning following a particle accelerator explosion, awakens from a coma with the power of super speed. Partnering with S.T.A.R. labs, the fastest man alive dedicates his life to protecting the innocent. This new CW series is bound to be a hit. It already has a following from “Arrow” fans, not to mention comic enthusiasts. Even before the premiere, lead actor Grant Gustin has been receiving kudos for infusing the character with heart, charm, intelligence and humor. The show boasts state-of-the-art special effects and a promising blend of action and backstory. The show’s Facebook page has over a million likes.


3. HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER


Shonda Rhimes’ newest series is billed as a “sexy, suspense-driven legal thriller” centering on power, sex, lies and murder. And no one does sexy and smart like Shonda Rhimes (“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal”). Plus, Oscar nominee Viola Davis brings an intensity to the lead role. Her character – Professor Annalise Keating – has no qualms about beating the system and skirting the law. She’s manipulative, seductive, mysterious and even dangerous. While her students test their moral limits to win her approval, we also love that the plot gets complicated when they find themselves needing her help. The series boasts almost half a million Facebook likes – the most of any non-comic related show. This series is a definite can’t-miss in our book.


4. CONSTANTINE


Based on the popular DC Comics series “Hellblazer,” this show centers around seasoned demon hunter John Constantine, who tries to rid the world of demons and fight a new evil rising in the shadows. Like other comic-based shows, “Constantine” already has a built-in audience; those who love the comics will tune in to see how the stories and characters translate to the small screen. “Constantine’s” director has said he intends for the series to be as dark and scary as possible. While this type of show isn’t for everyone, fans are eager: The show has the most Facebook likes of any new fall series – almost two million! While the SpoilerTV team rated “The Flash” and “Gotham” pilots higher than “Constantine’s,” our team still felt it had great action, decent scares and good lighter moments. Another plus: executive producer David S. Goyer has worked on two comic-based films before - “Man of Steel” and “The Dark Knight Rises.”


5. GRACEPOINT


This 10-episode mystery event series stars David Tennant and Emmy award winning "Breaking Bad" actress Anna Gunn as detectives investigating the tragic death of a young boy in a small town. The series promises mystery, drama and intrigue. Someone amongst the characters you meet committed the murder so anyone and everyone is a suspect – friends and relatives included. Viewers will inevitably question what every character could be hiding and who is capable of the crime. The stellar cast also includes Nick Nolte and “American Hustle’s” Michael Peña. The original British version of the show (“Broadchurch”) was a critically acclaimed hit and by all accounts the American version will be, too. The original series’ creator serves as executive producer and wrote the premiere episode, and Tennant is reprising his “Broadchurch” role. This pilot received the highest SpoilerTV rating of all new shows – a 9.5 out of 10.


6. RED BAND SOCIETY


The time is ripe for a new young adult drama – and this one may be different than you might expect. The coming-of-age series focuses on a group of radically different high school kids who are thrown together in a hospital setting and become friends. With an irreverent, witty tone, the series strays from the dreary and depressing and instead focuses on the uplifting, fun times the kids have as they band together and try to beat the system. Of course, they are fighting tough health battles, but they have each other’s backs. Oscar winner Octavia Spencer adds to the cast as a tough but caring nurse, yet it’s really the young unknown actors who carry the show. Part comedy, part drama, this Steven Spielberg-produced show could potentially become the new “Breakfast Club” of a younger generation.


7. SCORPION


“Scorpion” is CBS’s most promoted show. The network has been working hard to raise this series’ profile – and they may have good reason. The show is getting great early buzz. One of the top four rated SpoilerTV pilots, our reviewers deemed it fast-paced and engaging with interesting characters. The pilot is filled with car chases and high-octane plane scenes. The series follows an eccentric genius who surrounds himself with other geniuses who don’t fit in anywhere. They want to make a difference and get their chance when a government agent enlists their help to stop high-tech threats. If you think the premise sounds far-fetched, consider this: the story is based on a real-life person who’s involved with production. Each week brings a new high-stakes problem to solve.


8. STATE OF AFFAIRS


Katherine Heigl makes her return to TV in the political drama “State of Affairs.” With the actresses’ highly-publicized and often-critiqued comments in the past, she’s become somewhat of a love-to-hate figure. So many will be tuning in to see how she fares in this NBC series. Can she hold her own? She doesn’t have to carry the load herself. Heigl’s CIA analyst character counsels the President of the United States, played by Alfre Woodard, so she’s in good company. The female-led series will be up against political dramas like “Scandal,” “Homeland,” “House of Cards” and newcomer “Madam Secretary,” so it has a lot of competition. While the latter slightly beat out “State of Affairs” in our SpoilerTV pilot ratings, with Heigl at the helm the anticipation on this one is building. We’re going to have to wait for the results, though. The series doesn’t debut until mid-November.


9. STALKER


Maggie Q and Golden Globe winner Dylan McDermott are a big draw for CBS’s “Stalker.” The two play detectives investigating stalking incidents for the LAPD. His character has had a questionable past while hers is driven by a traumatic experience as a victim. The psychological thriller may be a procedural, but its creepy, scary tone offers some unique thrills in that genre. The topic is timely and enthralling and the two main characters have an interesting, contentious relationship. Executive producer Kevin Williamson is also no stranger to this genre. He wrote the “Scream” films, created “The Following” and developed the “Vampire Diaries.”


10. FOREVER


ABC’s early release of the pilot episode of “Forever” seems to have garnered momentum for the supernatural series. Viewers who may not have watched it amongst a crowded fall lineup were drawn in – and found themselves really enjoying the show. Our recent SpoilerTV poll found it in the top six shows people can’t wait to watch. Ioan Gruffudd plays New York City’s medical examiner who looks great for 200 years old. That’s because every time he dies, he comes back at age 35. Gruffudd’s character is charming and likeable, the flashbacks are fun and the premise offers lots of potential for future stories. Plus, the tone resembles that of ABC’s popular “Castle.” The early release hasn’t taken anything away from viewers since the show’s premiere week will feature two episodes: the pilot and a second episode the following night in its regular time slot.


Do you agree with our Top 10 list? Which new shows are you most excited to watch? Let us know in your comments below.


About the Author - Tonya Papanikolas
Tonya Papanikolas is a freelance journalist who loves covering entertainment and television. She spent more than 10 years as a broadcast news anchor and reporter. Now she does everything from hosting to writing. She especially loves writing TV articles and reviews for SpoilerTV.

65 comments:

  1. Scorpion looks like a typical CBS procedural except they're an elite group of smart people, not cops.

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  2. Great article Tonya.

    Your list is very similar to mine with the exception of State of Affairs and HTGAWM

    I would put The Whispers and Odyssey in their place :)

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  3. Forever, Gotham, Constantine, the Flash and Selfie from the ones I have watched. HTGAWM is already getting mixed reviews.

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  4. Wish A to Z and Marry Me were on the list, but there are far too many anticipated shows this fall season! Ratings ought to be stronger than ever for freshman series

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  5. Great article!

    Pretty much agree with the list, except Odyssey should take its rightful spot. Other than than that, really looking forward to Scorpion and The Flash!

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  6. Thank you. Odyssey does look good! But since it airs later in the season, I didn't include it with the fall shows. So I didn't overlook it. :) I'm looking forward to those, too.

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  7. I really enjoyed Red Band Society. I just thought It could work better without the supernatural/spiritual element.

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  8. I know, I really struggled making the top 10. I had 13 shows that I wanted to use, including A to Z. But I had to whittle the list. I think that one looks great, especially after seeing the pilot. And Marry Me scored high in our pilot ratings! I think both of those could really have been amongst the top. There are just so many anticipated shows! :) Thanks for your comments.

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  9. Great list! I really want to see what HTGAWM to know which side I agree with - and all the others you mentioned, too! Thanks for your comments.

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  10. Thanks, Fluffy Bunny! I'm eager to see The Whispers and Odyssey, too. I didn't include them because they're mid-season shows & I just looked at fall shows. :)

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  11. Ha ha, so true. And Stalker kind of looks like a typical CBS procedural with more creepiness thrown in. They do stick to their brand! Thanks for your comments.

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  12. Wait - what supernatural/spiritual element in Red Band Society? I didn't notice any.

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  13. I'm guessing he means the "omniscient coma patient narrator".

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  14. Many of the shows I'm watching this year are from this list! Here's mine, just to throw it in:


    New Shows: HTGAWM, Gotham, Red Band Society, Gracepoint


    Returning Shows: Once Upon a Time, Agents of SHIELD, The Blacklist (just saw Season 1 on Netflix, finished it in four days), and Resurrection


    I might try and watch some of the others (not planning on starting The Flash until I start/finish Arrow), as Madam Secretary and Marry Me look good. I was initially interested in The Mysteries of Laura, but after reading some advance reviews, I'm pulling it off my TV list.

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  15. It's like Big Bang Theory meets Criminal Minds.

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  16. Lol. I love that!

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  17. Oh, gotcha, yes. :) Thanks.

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  18. Love your lists! And I have really wanted to watch The Blacklist so now you have inspired me to go watch it on Netflix before season 2 begins. Yay! (Maybe I can do it in four days, too!) I also think Madam Secretary looks good. I will be checking that one out for sure. Marry Me got pretty good reviews in our pilot ratings. I'm with you on The Mysteries of Laura. Looked interesting to me but no one really liked it. (Although I might watch the pilot just to see for myself.) Thanks for weighing in! Fun to hear what you'll be watching.

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  19. Can't wait for Gotham

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  20. Well we Greeks have great taste ;)

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  21. Ha ha, another Greek?! Yay!! yes, we do have great taste. Lol. :)

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  22. That coma boy saying to the girl to give his dad a message? It could'nt be a dream.

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  23. Oh yes. Somehow I completely forgot about that important scene. Sorry. I understand what you mean. That scene was different. It will be interesting to see if they use that kind of element more or less going forward. Thanks for your comments!

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  24. Ha ha. You're like my journalism teacher, which is good. :) You're totally right. I took the title straight from the CW and didn't think about the redundancy. I have now changed it. Thank you. That's funny about "Navy NCIS!"

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  25. Actually, NCIS title was "Navy NCIS" during S1. Navy was dropped starting in S2. CBS reportedly demanded that "Navy" be including for two reason: 1) the draw viewers from the parent series "JAG" and 2) to distinguish from CSI & CSI: Miami. It's hard to believe that NBC cancelled JAG after one season. Think of all the money they lost with 10 seasons of JAG, 12+ of NCIS, 6+ NCIS:LA and now NCIS: NO.... Mindboggling.

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  26. Really looking forward to some of these dramas.
    Scorpion was my favorite pilot I've watched for this season.
    Stalker was also really good. The two leads are great.
    HTGAWM was also really interesting.
    Gracepoint was really riveting, I've already watched the first 7 episodes, but I need to wait till November for the last 3, ugh.
    Gotham pilot was really good. I've never been a Batman fan, but I really liked the pilot.
    The Flash pilot was kinda underwhelming, but I will give another chance.

    There are a few midseason shows that I'm looking forward to as well.

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  27. I can't agree, because I don't wait for any of them. IMO fall season looks really bleak.

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  28. I can not wait for Gotham , it looks very good. Gracepoint was very good (everyone must watch), which Is why I gave it a 9 for my review. I am also looking forward to Stalker , Madam Secretary , How to Get away with Murder , Forever , The Flash and Red Band Society.

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  29. I'm going to watch Stalker only for Maggie Q and because it looks so great.

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  30. I'm excited for Red band society (really liked the pilot ), I've also seen Forever already and it feels very very castle-esque (some scenes were almost identical to Castle's pilot), so gonna keep watching... HTGAWM is also one I'm excited for. And of course the Flash ! ;)

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  31. The new fall shows are very meh this season. I don't even have a top 10 but here's my list:


    1) Scorpion
    2) Red Band Society
    3) Stalker
    4) How to Get Away with Murder


    These are really unusual choices for me too since I never ever watch procedurals or anything like that. It's always been sci-fi/fantasy for me. But all the new sci-fi/fantasy shows just look plain awful or extremely boring to me.

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  32. I can honestly say this is the first time i do not have one freshman show that i am excited about,and that's just sad! I am more excited about returning shows like Sleepy Hollow and The Blacklist and older series .

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  33. I think my top ten list may contain half of the same titles you include. I'm not that interested in Gotham though I will check out the pilot. my list would include Flash, Arrow, Constatine, How toGet Away From Murder, Stalker. I'm curious about Scorpion. Forever....just makes me miss New Amsterdam. I plan to check it out with an open mind. I also plan to check out State of AFfairs and the Tea Leoni one as well. I keep thinking I'm missing one but I'm drawing a blank.

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  34. Some are already getting worried over Gotham's ratings. With the way Fox is going, getting a 3 in the demo seems optimistic!

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  35. Totally know what you mean. Ha ha.

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  36. That's interesting. You mean in Sweden they cancelled JAG after one season? Wow! They did miss out on a lot of money from that and all those other shows!

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  37. I hope you find something you like.

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  38. Fun to hear which shows you loved and which pilot was your favorite. Makes me even more excited for Scorpion. And Stalker. And all that you mentioned! Ha ha. OMG you've already watched the first 7 episodes of Gracepoint?! That's so cool!

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  39. I missed your Gracepoint preview. I need to go watch it! 9/10 sounds great! I can't wait for Gotham, either. And actually all the ones you mentioned!!! There's too many to watch. Ha ha. Thanks for commenting!

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  40. I like her, too! I'm really intrigued by it and looking forward to it. Thanks for your comments.

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  41. I love your list! I'm excited it's almost time for all these shows! And I'm so glad someone else also thought Forever felt very Castle-esque. I really thought so! (Great minds think alike. ;)) I'm excited they're airing two episodes of Forever in the premiere week. And HTGAWM intrigues me.

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  42. Oh, that's interesting about your choices being unusual for you. I never used to like procedurals either but since I've added a few to my watch list, I've found if they're done well they can be very interesting. I'm hoping Scorpion and Stalker will be like that - procedural with a twist. And hopefully really interesting. Thanks for your comments. I like your list!

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  43. That's a bummer. But at least it gives you more time to watch the returning shows you like! I missed season one of The Blacklist but it's time to watch it now. I better get going!

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  44. It will be interesting to see how it does. I'm not going to worry yet. (There's enough to worry about. Ha ha.) I hope it gets great ratings!

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  45. Thanks for sharing your list. Sounds like a lot of great ones in there. I'm so interested to see how they all turn out. Others have mentioned Forever resembling New Amsterdam, too. I never saw that one. The Tea Leoni one looks really interesting to me, too. I think it should do well paired on CBS Sundays with The Good Wife!

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  46. Procedurals usually tend to do well in the ratings too so I hope the bad luck I tend to have with shows I like getting cancelled won't apply to those 4! Or at least just Scorpion & Stalker :)

    Red Band Society already premiered with low ratings though :/

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  47. Yeah, I actually had no plans of watching Gracepoint, but then I got access to the screeners for the first 2 episodes, so I thought I'd give it a shot. Not soon after that, FOX added the screeners for the next 5 episodes which made me really get into the show.


    I know Scorpion and Stalker haven;'t been received well by the critics, but I still liked them.

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  48. Yeah, there is way too many. With these and my other shows I watch , I don't how I am going to have time to see them all. lol. Great article by the way!

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  49. Do you not think they will release the last 3 episodes before November? I really don't want to wait that long.

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  50. I was really surprised when the released the first 7 so early. I personally don't think they'll release the last 3 episodes any time soon. They might wait a few weeks. Or they may not release them at all to keep the suspense alive.

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  51. I was surprised too when I got sent 5 more episodes of it , after I had only just gotten the first two a few days before. If they don't release them before November , I probably will forget what has happened so far.

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  52. bruinkelly66--as you can see tonya, i still haven't figured this thing out...so embarrassing. anyway, it's such a relief not to see any "reality" shows on the list. to me they're about as authentic as an Arby's gyro!

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  53. That's so cool! I am really interested to see Scorpion and Stalker, too.

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  54. I'm jealous of you guys!

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  55. Thanks, Rob. I appreciate it!

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  56. I forgot to look at ratings for Red Band Society. Shoot. That's a bummer. I hope all your other shows do well in the ratings! Time to turn your luck around! :)

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  57. Hi bruinkelly66! Nice to see you here on SpoilerTV! No need to be embarrassed - it takes awhile to figure all this stuff out! Ha ha ha - you are totally making me laugh with your analogy - as authentic as an Arby's gyro! Lol. I love it! Yes, this site just deals with "scripted" shows and not reality shows so that's kind of nice. I always wonder how authentic those reality shows are, too! Great to see you commenting on the site. So fun! Thanks for participating in the discussion. I hope to see you back soon!

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  58. bruinkelly66 well here i am again and it's only been an hour...hope that's not "too soon""...lol i can think of only 2 what i would call "true" reality shows--one being the old "candid camera" from the 1960's and the modern "what would you do?". i enjoy these because the participants are not aware they're on camera and therefore cannot "play to the camera" like all the others. i think the show "cops" is a perfect example of that...i mean, have you ever come across an officer who was as witty as the ones on that show?

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  59. bk66--what would you do? is a show that just pops up on occasion. there's really no set schedule. it's on abc and usually on friday nights. the host is John Quinones i believe. as for Candid Camera, you'll probably have to go to youtoob to check that one out...oh no, i think i may have revealed my age mentioning that show.

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  60. Oh, interesting about What Would You Do. My mom always talked about Candid Camera so I know about it... ha ha don't worry about revealing your age. No age discrimination here! ;)

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  61. bk66--if you do happen to check out candid camera on youtube, make sure to click on the "candid camera bowling alley" clip..just good 'ol fashion comedy fun.

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  62. Thanks for the heads up!

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