1.) OH MY GOD EDWARD NORTON ON 'MODERN FAMILY.' Okay, so for the rest of the world (by which I mean those of you who don't worship Edward Norton and are not devoted enough to be able to name slash have seen every movie he has ever been in) this might not seem like such a big deal, but for me it's two of my favorite things coming together to be hilarious. Granted, Norton's character, a has-been 80s rocker (complete with ridiculous hair and a British accent), was a tad bit over the top, but it gave Ed a chance to show off his musical skills. Plus, he's Edward Norton. Another awesome guest star from this week's episode was Elizabeth Banks from 'Zack and Miri Make a Porno,' and 'Scrubs.' She was extremely entertaining and laugh-worthy as Cam and Mitchell's party-girl friend who is jealous of their new baby. But all you need to know about this episode is that Edward Norton is in it.
2.) Merry Madagascar! I may be the only person over the age of eleven who watched NBC's Madagascar Christmas special, but dammit I enjoyed it. Nothing says Christmas like animated reindeer with Eastern European accents and Santa Clause dancing to "I Like To Move It." Apparently on Madagascar they celebrate a holiday called "Julianuary" in honor of the king of the lemurs. And all presents are for him. (Sounds like a pretty sweet deal.)
3.) Speaking of reindeer... Am I the only one who thought Lady Gaga's ensemble during her performance at the American Music Awards looked like a Skeletor reindeer costume? I mean, you can't deny it was definitely some kind of Christmas decoration gone wrong. But that is not by any means the reason Gaga is in this week's Top 5. HER PIANO WAS ON FIRE. I mean, wow. THAT is true showmanship. (Or should I say showomanship?) I was sitting there thinking, "This is a pretty tame Gaga performance," and then suddenly she's smashing the glass with the mic stand! Crazy! And she did not seem at all concerned when her piano was engulfed in flames. She just kept playing it and occasionally smashing bottles on the keys. (What a BAMF!) The whole time I was just thinking, "How is this not against fire code regulations? Did they have to disengage the smoke detectors?" You go, Gaga.
4.) 'Top Chef': This week was awesome because for the first time in reality TV history my four favorite contestants have made it to the top four! Thank you, Top Chef, for making up for Project Runway's extreme lameness this past season. Woot! Let's hear it for Kevin, the cuddly mountain man who cooks good, simple food, Jennifer, the badass who just found her mojo again, and the fabulously entertaining (and attractive) Voltaggio brothers! My dream team! I should mention that I still think Michael Voltaggio is a tool. He should definitely be the next to go. But until then, enjoy the best top 4 in Top Chef history.
5.) Kate Hudson on Oprah: I was dubious about Hudson's role in the upcoming 'Nine,' but after seeing the her-centric trailer in which she proves that she really can sing, I am convinced she can pull it off. And she was just so cute and bubbly on Oprah! I can't help but like her now. She was so adorable as she tried to dodge questions about her relationship with that demon-spawn, Alex Rodriguez (barf). Which reminds me, I can't believe Oprah is ending next year! This is the end of an era! I won't know what to do with my life without Oprah to guide me.