Hey, guys, don't forget to tune in to the 2014 Teen Choice Awards tonight on Fox. Girl Meets World is up for honors in the category of summer show. I think it has a real chance, but mostly because the only other show I watch in the category is Wipeout, and that's like putting a sitcom up against American Gladiators. It's not really a competition because they're two different creatures. I guess Under the Dome might have a real shot - but how weird is it that most of the shows in the category are on a network owned by Disney? (In case you don't know the nominees, all the shows except for Under the Dome are on Disney owned networks. All of them.)
The 2014 Teen Choice awards are airing at 8 pm Eastern and Pacific on Fox.
Guys, there's going to be so many spoilers here, but I'm going to start with the least significant squee so y'all can read at least that. Because it's important. It's so very important. If cast spoilers are a big deal for you, then you do have to stop here. Bookmark this page, come back after you watch the episode, fangirl (or fanboy) with me. And I couldn't find (and due to technical difficulties, can't make my own) a screenshot of Harajuku Riley, so y'all get the entire episode promo.
So, (insignificant spoiler) the first: so the first Boy Meets World guest star turns out to be Willie Garson? "Who is that, friendly neighborhood Amanda?" For shame, I've mentioned him before. He's Leonard Spinelli! And also Mervyn, a customer that lost out working for Alan's nature store to Ezekial. Then he freaking married Cory and Topanga. And now he's Topanga's boss! You have no idea how thrilled I was when I recognized him - I mean, come on, I think the man's a BMW legend - and maybe he can be one on Girl Meets World, too.
Okay, now if you haven't seen the episode you need to leave because you are not invited to the rest of this post. I mean, okay, you can come, but you're not allowed to cry about spoilers. You've been warned. The guy at the door is going to ask, "How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?" and the answer is "cuddlefish." I might be a little hyper - or I might be the kind of person who likes putting up big walls of text between what's safe to read and what's a spoiler so people have more time to walk away without accidentally seeing the spoiler. Maybe both.
So hippie Topanga returned! Yes, that's what I'm going with first. When I was 10 years old, I wanted nothing more than to be just like hippie Topanga. She had a beautiful soul. I was always sad when she changed, but it wasn't enough that they brought her back - they showed a flashback to when Cory and Topanga first met. In sixth grade. It was amazing. Hippie Mom Topanga laid down some wisdom in classic first season style, and it was perfect. It was beautiful. And I think a successful, driven Topanga who remembers to find the good in the world - who remembers to do good - is exactly the kind of character Mom Topanga needs to be.
Man, this episode was just so littered with Boy Meets World throwbacks and the one I noticed from the promo was when Riley got invited to the party but Maya didn't. It was a total geek party, but Riley was so popular with the geeks that she completely embraced it and it was up to Maya to remind Riley of who she really was. I mean, Cory helped - but Cory's been there. He got invited to a party because he was safe and he wanted to be dangerous, like Shawn. Shawn was like, "screw that noise, who cares what people think of us" and brought Cory back round to normal. I think. I'm not going to lie, I haven't seen that episode in a long time. Please correct me.
"Girl Meets Popular" is an excellent Girl Meets World episode for the Boy Meets World fans. It was practically a love letter to us, without turning the show back into its predecessor.
My glorious readers, I have been gone for a very long time. I don't suspect I will update as regularly as I once did either, as my online experience is limited to library visits, and this place is... I like checking out books and getting the Hell out of here. Also, I'm going through an "I'm totally over Twitter" period, which makes it hard to read what the cast and crew is reading. But I'm trying darn it!
So, what we have here is a clip from tomorrow's all new Girl Meets World, "Girl Meets Popular." I'm more excited for "Girl Meets Maya's Mother" for the very special guest star Lee Norris as Stuart Minkus, but I'm sure every episode will have its charm. I will say, I'm not a fan of the episode title theme naming. Not every episode of Boy Meets World was "Boy Meets" something. In fact, I don't remember what the Kid Gets Acquainted With the Universe episode was called, except that it wasn't that obvious choice. But episode names do not quality television make. I hope there's an in-universe sequel series to KGAWtU, but I'm digressing. A lot. I really do want to discuss this GMW clip.
So, Riley gets invited to a popular kids party and Maya doesn't. Why does this plot sound so familiar? Oh, yeah, it was totally the plot device of "The Uninvited", a second season BMW episode. I think it's really funny that the similarities between this series and its predecessor are from the year Cory was in 7th grade. What are they going to do when the girls are in eighth grade? If memory serves, 8th and 10th grade are the years they skipped to make the former class of 2000 the class of 1998. But I do appreciate the very direct "when I was your age" comparisons with nobody having to actually use the offending phrase.
Super sidebar: how exciting is it that, though it's a different channel, Girl Meets World has Boy Meets World's old time slot? Except for that brief period where ABC tried to kill it by having it come on later, but those were dark times we will not reference again. I hope Disney doesn't make the same mistake.
Also, season 2 - is Farkle going to make the cut? Or is he going to go the same way as his father before him? Only time will tell, but since I'm kinda shipping him and Riley, I want him to stay. I wanted Minkus to stay, too, though, and that didn't work out so well for me. At least we know he can come back to visit.
"Friendly neighborhood Amanda, where the Hell have you been?"
I don't know if you guys know this, but shortly before I disappeared, my laptop broke. And then, my tablet got stolen. Friendly neighborhood Amanda just can't catch a break. But I am breaking my radio silence because (1) I know you're here and it's mean for me to leave you hanging and (2) because there is awesome news and I knew you guys were just the ones I had to be excited with.
Girl Meets World has been renewed for a second season.
So I may be lacking in the reviews, but I have seen every episode so far this season, and I absolutely adore the series. You will find no dissatisfaction here. I especially love Riley, who, I don't know if you guys have noticed, is a Matthews through and through. She doesn't just take after Cory - she takes after Eric. If you hadn't caught that, I suspect a rewatch - especially the cold open to "Girl Meets Father." I know there are those out there that don't think the show quite measures up to Boy Meets World, but if I've said it once, I've said it a million times - Boy Meets World wasn't Boy Meets World until Shawn blew up the mailbox with the cherry bomb. By the end of the season, I'm sure Girl Meets World will be exactly where it's supposed to be, and season 2 can only bring us more adventure.
Meanwhile, I still see things through Cory's eyes. I, too, met the world in the 90s. I'm not in a position to want a mentor like Cory, in the way I wanted Feeny to mentor me - I want Cory to be a good father and mentor to Riley, Maya, Farkle, and Lucas. It's a surreal experience.
Don't forget, there's still plenty of excitement to be had in season 1, in the form of guest stars - and the first one (not counting Feeny) is coming up on August 15th, in the form of Farkle's father, Stuart Minkus.
The awesomely adorable August Maturo got a letter from Santa Claus, in which the jolly and generous legend said he'd be watching Girl Meets World. True story, watch the Instagram video.
Despite this whole belief that Santa only works one day a year, he is a very busy man. He has to take care of the reindeer and give them routine maintenance, check the elves toy making progress - there are millions of good kids in the world, so it takes a little more than a month to make the toys - and if an elf calls in sick? Santa's on the floor himself. Then there's this whole business with sorting every kid in the world into naughty and nice lists, and then checking them twice. That doesn't leave a lot of time for television viewing. The fact Santa is clearing time for Girl Meets World is a major honor.
He probably rooted for Cory and Topanga on Boy Meets World, just like the rest of us.
They're just going to be able to sneak Maitland Ward and Rider Strong into episodes without us knowing. "Maitland and/or Rider's on set? Just another Tuesday!"
The early buzz is so far, so awesome! Not too many details are known at the moment, but make sure you check out our friends at bmwsequel.com, because they're going to have all the fan reactions.
This episode is the last one to tape in 2013, so everything will be dark for the holidays. But the next episode to tape is less than a month from now, on January 14, 2014, so there's still plenty to be excited about. And 2014 also means these episodes will be seeing the light of day and finally airing on Disney Channel. I personally cannot wait.
Great day of shooting today - a very special guest on set. An old friend, and he was wonderful.
— Girl Meets Writers (@GMWWriters) December 11, 2013
That just doesn't sound like Minkus. Now, special guest doesn't necessarily mean special guest star, but why so secret? We all know that Maitland Ward, Rider Strong, and even Will Friedle have visited the set in the past. Those pictures were all over the Internet.
I'm not a betting woman (yes, I am, actually) but if I had to put money on it, today's guest is the guest star we've all been trying to guess.
And despite my previous claims, this tweet has lead me to believe it's Anthony Tyler Quinn.
Okay, guys, I know my updates have been sporadic as of late. That's because of a combination of not too much going on right now (and possibly absolutely nothing going on around the holidays) and me being the tiniest bit lazy. I can admit it. I haven't been coming up with topics or researching leads the way I should be - but I need to save something for off-season. Anyway, let's get to the actual reason for the update:
Do good indeed. I've mentioned I'm from Southern California, so I can explain the finer details - I'm pretty sure everyone grasps the basic idea of a toy drive. Spark of Love is sponsored by ABC 7 (the LA ABC) and Fire Departments all over Southern California to collect toys for children in need. I mean, it's seriously not just LA - five SoCal counties participate. This is Spark of Love's ninth year.
If you want more information on Spark of Love, you can view that here. Congrats to Girl Meets World for participating, and everyone who remembers to do good this holiday season.
Yesterday, the Girl Meets World writers, on their brand spanking new Twitter account (@GMWWriters) teased that they knew who the first Boy Meets World character to guest star on Girl Meets World would be. Today they dropped a big hint:
Shawn? Eric? Really? So fast? Don't you want to start on the other side of the school?
— Girl Meets Writers (@GMWWriters) December 5, 2013
"The other side of the school" is a reference I use a lot, so I feel this narrows it down to two characters - Minkus and Turner. While Michael Jacobs has said that he wants to explain what happened to Turner on Girl Meets World, I just don't feel like they would tip their cards so early in the series. It's a moment everyone anticipates - keep it until season 2 has at least been announced.
I'm leaning towards Minkus, and I'm glad. I loved Minkus. He was just the perfect antagonist.
But, hey, who knows? A lot of students and faculty disappeared from John Adams High. It could be Eli, or Harley Keiner, or Dana Pruitt, or... you get the idea.
Who do you think the first Boy Meets World guest on Girl Meets World will be?
Cory and Topanga's youngest child will be in tonight's all new episode of Raising Hope, which will also have guest star Molly Shannon. I don't watch the show and people are so funny about spoilers that I'll just link the page so you can see what it's about if you so choose.
Sidebar: I have wanted to be a Weekend Update anchor since always, so needless to say I have a healthy relationship with Saturday Night Live. I know for a fact August Maturo was in Weeds with Kevin Nealon, and now an episode of Raising Hope with Molly Shannon. I'm a little jealous of the kid, but that's just a testament to his talent.
Are you going to watch August Maturo on tonight's Raising Hope?
This article is like a year old, but Vulture made rules that Girl Meets World was to abide to to do justice to Boy Meets World. It's an obvious case of fanboi talking, even for a year ago, when we literally knew nothing.
The rules clearly wanted GMW to be Boy Meets World 2.0. We already knew it was called Girl Meets World, and the title made it very clear the world no longer revolved around Cory. It now heavily favors his daughter. That's the one detail that seems hardest for my generation to accept - but we are the "me" generations oldest members. It's not about us anymore! We grew up! It's been nearly 14 years! Some of you were younger than that when the show was canceled. Literally been a lifetime. Just... stop. Some of you are in your 30s.
Another rule that seemed odd was that the show had to be set in Philly? Why? It's egregious on many levels, starting with the article acknowledging they moved to New York, and including the fact it called for Weird Topanga's return. I think New York is where Weird Topanga could thrive. Plus, if they really liked it there, the alleged greatest city in the world (I've never been and I'm Californian so I can't confirm), why would they go back to Philadelphia? For the cheesesteaks?
The last rule I will comment on is the whole "air it on a Friday" thing. I mean, there's a good chance for it - Disney tends to premiere things on weekends. But that just screams of "I want to be 12 again."
Those of you who have tickets to today's Girl Meets World live taping may have been suprised to learn last minute that it was canceled. You may have been left wondering why.
@BMWSequelDotCom It was a difficult episode to do in front of an audience. See u at the next one.
— Mark Blutman (@BlutmanMark) November 26, 2013
There you go, that's your answer. Don't be too disheartened, though, as more tapings are on the horizon.
Coolest dad ever RT @Britt_Law_: @BenSavage I'm so ready for Girl Meets World to be on tv. I wonder how Cory will be as a father haha
— Ben Savage (@BenSavage) November 25, 2013
According to Ben Savage, Cory is going to be the coolest dad ever. Obviously, you can see it right there in the tweet. But I don't know if I'm ready to accept that right now. I mean, I just rewatched the episode of Boy Meets World where Alan finished painting the fence for Cory and they started a water war in the kitchen. Cory's going to have stiff competition from his own dad, who I already know is coolest grandpa ever.
Either way, I'm super excited for Girl Meets World to come out in 2014.
Happy birthday to my co-star & friend @peytonmeyer9! Can't wait to celebrate with you! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
— August Maturo (@AugustMaturo) November 24, 2013
A very Happy Birthday to Girl Meets World star, Peyton Meyer! He is 15 years old today! I remember 15. Boy Meets World was still on the air and in syndication - so much Shawn! - and I got my first CD player and the *NSYNC self-titled album, and it was the best birthday ever. I hope Peyton feels the same way about his birthday today.
If you want to share your birthday wishes, he's obviously @peytonmeyer9 on Twitter.
Our friends over at bmwsequel.com report all the details of Mick Foley's recent visit to the Girl Meets World set. Mick Foley previously guest starred in a Boy Meets World episode "For Love and Apartments" (season 7, episode 2). Did you know he was friends with Danielle Fishel? I guess the better question is if there is anybody Danielle doesn't befriend? And if the answer is yes, I think I might avoid them because Danielle just seems so sweet and like an excellent judge of character.
The fourth episode of Girl Meets World is the one previously believed to be the third, "Girl Meets Marissa, Marissa,and Missy". There is a lot of interesting things about it. First of all, they are now casting for younger versions of Marissa, Marissa, and Missy. Man, I hope they're like the Ashleys on Recess. Scandalous!
Also, our friends at bmwsequel.com are reporting that a young actress, Ava Kolker, may have been cast in this fourth episode. Check it out for more information.
"Girl Meets Friendship" still seems to be the second episode, though no details have been officially released. There are no details available on the third episode at this time.
Mark your calendars! Over at tvtickets.com, the future dates of Girl Meets World have been posted. Now, careful how you mark those calendars - tickets become available 30 days in advance and have been selling out same day. Good luck!
This is actually an older article, but Entertainment Weekly did an interview with Rowan Blanchard way back in February, where she reveals she almost lost the role of Riley Matthews due to her age - remember, she was 11 when they filmed the pilot. With all the positive feedback coming from the cast and the fans that went to the first taping, I bet they're glad they changed their mind and cast her anyway. In the interview, she also reveals that she's the same as Riley, even though she does mention one difference. Considering that Ben Savage has said he's like Cory, except he likes his hair in real life, this is confidence building. You should check out the interview.
And while I have your attention anyway, starting Monday, December 2, Boy Meets World will be coming on from 3-5 pm instead of 2-4 pm on ABC Family - so don't freak out when you tune in at 2 and Reba is on, okay?
Let's all thank Sabrina Carpenter for having our back! November 26 is this coming Tuesday, and December 17 is three weeks from this Tuesday. If I get to go, it'll be December 17, but those tickets will likely be sold out before I can arrange anything.
