Don't Miss: A Very Glee Christmas

There's something special about Christmas episodes. The snow, the decorations, the woolley jumpers with Christmas patterns... It's enough to make a pop culture lover want to invest their life's savings in a ticket to the US for the festive season. There's one such episode I've watched recently that was especially good- A Very Glee Christmas.

In my opinion, Glee is often quite a hit-and-miss show. While the reasons for its success are obvious (a new batch of pretty teen idols, catchy tunes and inclusion of minority groups), I don't think that every episode is necessarily worth watching. Sometimes, they just get a bit boring with long musical sequences that fail to advance the plot in any way. Plus, the ditzyness of Brittany and evil genius of Sue can get predictable when used in the same way over and over again.

Then there are the episodes that remind me why I bothered to shell out 30 dollars for the box set in the first place. A Very Glee Christmas was one of these episodes. After discovering that his girlfriend Brittany (Heather Morris) hasn't given up on believing in Santa, Artie (Kevin McHale) enlists the help of the Glee gang to maintain the fantasy. When Brittany asks Santa for something no one can provide, the plan runs into some obstacles.

What follows is the kind of cheesy storyline that you can't help but fall for. While there are lot of things the Glee folk would like to change but can't, somehow a little Christmas magic intervenes to give everyone a happy holiday. That magic has less to do with elves and reindeers, and more to do with being together.

Yep, I told you it was cheesy. But, come on, Christmas is an inherently cheesy occasion. It's kind of unavoidable when there's all that holiday spirit floating around. Go on, just enjoy it. You know you want to.

It's that time again...

The Logies. For the small percentage of us that actually care about Australian television, it's at least mildly exciting. Despite the fact that the talent pool is so small, and the nominations invariably read like the credits of Home and Away and Neighbours, you can't deny the fun of seeing our TV personalities all dressed up and hoping for glory.

So here are a few of my picks:

Most Outstanding Actress

Nominees: Asher Keddie (Offspring), Catherine McClements (Rush), Claire van der Boom (Sisters of War), Justine Clarke (Tangle) and Kat Stewart (Offspring)

My Pick: Kat Stewart, Offspring

She may have been less likeable on first glance than neurotic Nina (Asher Keddie), but Kat Stewart's Billie didn't take long to become my favourite. Not one for keeping her thoughts to herself, Billie is rude, critical and suspicious of anyone who tries to love her. In my opinion, Stewart was the standout talent of the series, especially for the scenes with on-again off-again boyfriend Mick (Eddie Perfect).

Most Popular Drama Series

Nominees: Home and Away, Neighbours, Offspring, Packed to the Rafters, Rush, Underbelly

My pick: Offspring

It may have nothing on Love My Way, but once you forget who it's coming from, Offspring is funny and sweet in its own right. Families form some odd shapes these days, and Offspring embraces this oddity with warmth and humour. Shot in trendy Fitzroy, any hipster worth their weight in Penguin paperbacks will recognise local hang-outs while watching- a nice change from the usual fictional suburban Aussie dramas! All in all, definitely worth a look.

And the big one.... Most Popular Personality on Television- Gold Logie

Nominees: Adam Hills (Spicks and Specks), Asher Keddie (Offspring), Chrissie Swan (The Circle), Jessica Marais (Packed to the Rafters), Karl Stefanovic (Today), Rebecca Gibney (Packed to the Rafters)

My Pick: Rebecca Gibney (Packed to the Rafters)

I've always felt that the Gold Logie should go to someone who's been around for a while, an Aussie showbiz name that most would recognise. Not only does Gibney fill these criteria, but she is also a key part of one the most popular Australian shows in recent years. If anyone needs convincing, the show itself may just get her over line.

Full nomination lists are here (thanks to them for my lists!) : http://au.tv.yahoo.com/the-logie-awards/nominees/article/-/article/9127700/tv-week-gold-logie-most-popular-personality-on-television/

Globes not so Golden for Aussies

After all the hype and build-up, Jacki Weaver has missed out on the Best Supporting Actress award at the Golden Globes. Although her role in Animal Kingdom was disturbingly effective, the result doesn't surprise me as it was not, in my opinion, the film's stand-out performance. Ben Mendelsohn as Pope was terrifying in a way that Weaver did not quite reach.

I was disappointed to hear that Geoffrey Rush has also been overlooked- as his performance in The King's Speech was nothing short of brilliant. He brought to life the eccentric and loyal Lionel Logue, speech therapist to King George VI (Colin Firth). Firth did take home an award (Best Actor in a Drama) which was undoubtedly deserved. Mr. Darcy stereotypes were long forgotten as he portrayed a man burdened by self-doubt in an unimaginably difficult position.

Fingers crossed that Firth takes the Oscar for Best Actor and that Rush picks up some awards elsewhere. As for Weaver, she is to be congratulated on her achievements thus far and is taking the loss graciously, which is always a sign of a respectable performer.

Box Sets Make The World Go Round

Dedication is a beautiful thing. I may not show much commitment to learning to drive or keeping my room clean, but I am unfailingly diligent in spending time with my box sets. You should, therefore, be able to trust me when I tell you that if you like your pop culture, you will like at least one of these shows!

LOVE MY WAY

One of those brilliant Aussie dramas that I wish there were more of, Love My Way is the perfect mixture of funny, edgy and heart-wrenchingly sad. The events of the first season will stay with you long after you return the DVD (overdue, no doubt), so be prepared for some heavy viewing. As each character developed I grew to love them more and more, especially the effortlessly cool Frankie Paige (Claudia Karvan). Ben Mendelsohn is brilliant as quirky ex-drug addict Lewis, and I challenge you not to love his angry but caring son Dylan (Sam Parsonson). The extended familythat Frankie has created will become your favourites for their humanity, their flaws, their humour and their guts. Absolutely worth every second.

DAWSON'S CREEK

The nineties was a golden era for pop culture- the Spice Girls, Savage Garden, Britney Spears (the early days) and of course, Dawson's. It might seem a bit dated now, but its story is timeless- girl next door loves boy next door. Dawson Leery (James Van Der Beek) is a dorky, idealistic teenager, an aspiring filmaker, and best friend (or as he would say, soul mate) to Joey Potter (Katie Holmes). They've known each other forever, and loved each other for just as long- though Dawson is just starting to realise it. The show was a pioneer in its day- it shocked parents everywhere with its frank discussion of sex and gay storylines- but looking at it 2011, it is endearingly wholesome. It might be a teen show, but you're never too old to start watching it- there'll be something there you can relate to. After all, every Dawson has a Joey, and every Joey has a Dawson.

GILMORE GIRLS

I've saved the best for last. Guaranteed to fix any bad mood, Gilmore Girls is the perfect mix of humour, love, junk food and family. Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) is every parent's dream- sweet, innocent, diligent and successful. Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) is every daughter's dream- fun, understanding and stylish enough to lend you her clothes. I once read Gilmore Girls described as a utopia, and I can't think of a better way to put it. The boys are cute and almost always interested, the burgers aren't fattening and the man who cooks the burgers might just be the love of your life. You should hate these women. But you don't, because Gilmore Girls doesn't inspire cynicism or jealousy- it just inspires heart.