When I was a hardcore (free TV) WWE watcher, one of my favorite parts was finding out what went on behind the scenes and then seeing how it played out on TV. A guy tapped to be the next Champ gets hurt and plans change. The fans don't take to another guy, and his program is scratched. Stuff like that.
I found it interesting that Desperate Housewives' Marcia Cross needs to be on bedrest until her twins are born in April-- a bit sooner than they had hoped. So producers had Bree's house brought to Cross' by building the character's set into the first floor of Cross' home. All in an effort to wrap up the Bree character's arc for the season.
In the meantime, Nicolette Sheridan will benefit from the extra time (of having less Bree than expected) and see her character getting more screen time and becoming a main character.
Speaking of changed plans, David Chase needed (and got) a ninth episode for the last Sopranos run. The final nine episodes begin on April 8 (along with the back half of Entourage).
And it seems as if Paula Abdul just won't go away. Bravo has ordered a reality show that follows her around. It's bound to be a masterpiece.
And normally I don't mention birthdays and such, but I saw this jawdropping picture of one of today's birthday celebs. The absolutely beautiful Diane Lane turned 42 today. I haven't followed her career at all, and have only seen a handful of her more recent films, so I don't know what she was in or how she acted in her twenties, but the Britney Spears, Lindsey Lohans, and Paris Hiltons of the world could learn a lot about what is attractive by taking a look at her.
Let's go old school today: "Peace out!"
Monday, January 22, 2007
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Top Ten Honorable Mentions.
Just a quick follow-up to my post a week ago on my Top Ten of 2006. Obviously, I couldn't include everything that deserves a shout-out. This is pretty much off the top of my head, here, so if I missed something, I apologize.
I mentioned Noggin's The Upside Down Show before, and if it played more for adults, it would have made the Top Ten. Also, I've mentioned before how I tend to dislike animated voice work by people we know from in front of the camera, but William H. Macy's work on the PBS Curious George series deserves praise.
There are many BBC America shows that are worth watching-- especially if the American comedy show scene has got you down.
Shows that I couldn't include because I didn't watch new episodes-- but were f-ing brilliant are: Bodies (BBC America; I've praised it before); Coupling (BBC America; four seasons of fantastically funny stuff); Deadwood (HBO; vulgar, violent at times, and incredible); The Sopranos (HBO; while not seeming as groundbreaking now as it was when it premiered, it's still earned everything it's gotten).
Peter Stormare's "Vee Dub" commericals. Like 'em or hate 'em, you gotta love Stormare's work. Ever since Abruzzi was Swiss-cheesed by the feds on Prison Break, this is the only way you'll see him (unless you check out his numerous movie/TV appearances from the past).
ESPN's NFL Countdown on Sundays has a feature called "Mayne Event" that still has me watching-- well after the Fantasy Football season is over. Every week, Kenny Mayne finds some ridiculous story to comment on-- and he gets players and coaches to go along with it. Like when he did a piece on players throwing the football out into the crowd after a touchdown. One player lamented his actions by saying, "The worst is the fine. Two thousand dollars! Sure, it doesn't hurt me too much, but what about the college players? They don't get paid as much as they used to." Check it out; it usually airs in the last half-hour.
And, finally TV Guide Channel's Square Off. It's not exciting, it's certainly not sexy, but that suits me just fine. Kevin and Andy talk to actors, producers, network execs, and others in a straight-up manner. No "Who are you dating?" or "Who are you wearing?" bullshit. But more along the lines of "How do you see the future of TV?" or "What did you go through to get this show on the air?" If you want to get a glimpse of how TV works behind the scenes, check it out.
And, in the same vein, check out Bill Carter's book Desperate Networks. It's a great look at the stories behind Survivor, Lost, CSI, Desperate Housewives, Joey, and many others as he sees how luck and hard work saved some companies (ABC, CBS) and the lack of luck and hard work ruined others (NBC). You may know how the story ends, but you'll be amazed to find out how they got there.
I mentioned Noggin's The Upside Down Show before, and if it played more for adults, it would have made the Top Ten. Also, I've mentioned before how I tend to dislike animated voice work by people we know from in front of the camera, but William H. Macy's work on the PBS Curious George series deserves praise.
There are many BBC America shows that are worth watching-- especially if the American comedy show scene has got you down.
Shows that I couldn't include because I didn't watch new episodes-- but were f-ing brilliant are: Bodies (BBC America; I've praised it before); Coupling (BBC America; four seasons of fantastically funny stuff); Deadwood (HBO; vulgar, violent at times, and incredible); The Sopranos (HBO; while not seeming as groundbreaking now as it was when it premiered, it's still earned everything it's gotten).
Peter Stormare's "Vee Dub" commericals. Like 'em or hate 'em, you gotta love Stormare's work. Ever since Abruzzi was Swiss-cheesed by the feds on Prison Break, this is the only way you'll see him (unless you check out his numerous movie/TV appearances from the past).
ESPN's NFL Countdown on Sundays has a feature called "Mayne Event" that still has me watching-- well after the Fantasy Football season is over. Every week, Kenny Mayne finds some ridiculous story to comment on-- and he gets players and coaches to go along with it. Like when he did a piece on players throwing the football out into the crowd after a touchdown. One player lamented his actions by saying, "The worst is the fine. Two thousand dollars! Sure, it doesn't hurt me too much, but what about the college players? They don't get paid as much as they used to." Check it out; it usually airs in the last half-hour.
And, finally TV Guide Channel's Square Off. It's not exciting, it's certainly not sexy, but that suits me just fine. Kevin and Andy talk to actors, producers, network execs, and others in a straight-up manner. No "Who are you dating?" or "Who are you wearing?" bullshit. But more along the lines of "How do you see the future of TV?" or "What did you go through to get this show on the air?" If you want to get a glimpse of how TV works behind the scenes, check it out.
And, in the same vein, check out Bill Carter's book Desperate Networks. It's a great look at the stories behind Survivor, Lost, CSI, Desperate Housewives, Joey, and many others as he sees how luck and hard work saved some companies (ABC, CBS) and the lack of luck and hard work ruined others (NBC). You may know how the story ends, but you'll be amazed to find out how they got there.
Fax From Sarajevo
A few weeks ago, I wrote about how humanity can transcend borders, as depicted in the film Joyeux Noel.
Now the other side: Fax From Sarajevo. Legend Joe Kubert relates (via graphic novel) the true story of Ervin Rustemagic and the eighteen months of Hell he and his family went through during the ethnic cleansing of Sarajevo, Bosnia in 1992.
Ervin was a respected businessman and art agent in Sarajevo, and had gained many friends all over the world in his decade of dealings. Then the Serbs decided to rid the country of anyone not of Serbian blood. And the world just watched...
Due to iffy electrical and phone lines, Ervin found his best method of communication to be via fax. Using it, he updated his friends (including Kubert) about the goings-on in the city.
I was in college at the time of the war, and like most college students, the world wasn't really a consideration for me. I must say I'm embarrased that I was alive while this was going on-- and I never knew how bad it was. I'm even more embarrassed that my country (and the rest of the world) did little to nothing as it went on.
Just a little list of atrocities: Entire cities were leveled; tanks would run through a neighborhood and keep shooting until nothing was left standing. Men were rounded up and killed on sight. Women (from young girls to older women) were taken to "rape camps" and abused by soldiers in an effort to create more Serbians. The roads were nearly impassible (even by clearly marked emergency vehicles).
And, the most heinous thing of all: snipers were given $300 for every target they hit. The favored target were children because after they went down, parents/adults would try to save them (and, thus, becoming targets themselves).
I don't really want to give too many details about the story, but don't let the fact that it's a graphic novel keep you away. This is an important story about survival that is well worth checking out. It only helps that Kubert is a master of the craft-- and had a very personal stake on the main characters.
And it's important to just be reminded (or taught, if your knowledge of the war is like mine) of what went on half a world away just fifteen years ago.
Now the other side: Fax From Sarajevo. Legend Joe Kubert relates (via graphic novel) the true story of Ervin Rustemagic and the eighteen months of Hell he and his family went through during the ethnic cleansing of Sarajevo, Bosnia in 1992.
Ervin was a respected businessman and art agent in Sarajevo, and had gained many friends all over the world in his decade of dealings. Then the Serbs decided to rid the country of anyone not of Serbian blood. And the world just watched...
Due to iffy electrical and phone lines, Ervin found his best method of communication to be via fax. Using it, he updated his friends (including Kubert) about the goings-on in the city.
I was in college at the time of the war, and like most college students, the world wasn't really a consideration for me. I must say I'm embarrased that I was alive while this was going on-- and I never knew how bad it was. I'm even more embarrassed that my country (and the rest of the world) did little to nothing as it went on.
Just a little list of atrocities: Entire cities were leveled; tanks would run through a neighborhood and keep shooting until nothing was left standing. Men were rounded up and killed on sight. Women (from young girls to older women) were taken to "rape camps" and abused by soldiers in an effort to create more Serbians. The roads were nearly impassible (even by clearly marked emergency vehicles).
And, the most heinous thing of all: snipers were given $300 for every target they hit. The favored target were children because after they went down, parents/adults would try to save them (and, thus, becoming targets themselves).
I don't really want to give too many details about the story, but don't let the fact that it's a graphic novel keep you away. This is an important story about survival that is well worth checking out. It only helps that Kubert is a master of the craft-- and had a very personal stake on the main characters.
And it's important to just be reminded (or taught, if your knowledge of the war is like mine) of what went on half a world away just fifteen years ago.
Premieres and Notables Jan. 22-28
Monday, 1/22
Big big big day here.
Heroes; NBC. 8 pm CST. Return from hiatus.
The new season's hottest show returns to face its greatest enemy: 24. They're pulling out all the stops with the addition of former Dr. Who Christopher Eccleston into the cast as well as planning major events for February sweeps.
Digging For the Truth; History. 8 pm CST. Season Premiere.
The third season's first show is the search for Atlantis.
E-Vet Interns; Animal Planet. 8 pm & 8:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Boulevard of Broken Dreams; E!. 9:30 pm. Series Premiere.
The pilot looks into Leif Garrett's troubles.
The Bryan Cranston-guested How I Met Your Mother I noted last week (which never aired) is supposed to air tonight.
Todd Bridges begins a recurring role as a "crazed ex-military man" on Everybody Hates Chris.
Marjorie returns on What About Brian?, so that's probably not gonna help his fling with Bridget.
Oh yeah I almost forgot:
Prison Break; FOX. 7 pm. Return from Hiatus.
Who will T-Bag kill next? Is Kellerman really one of the good guys? Will Sucre get the girl? Will Sara figure out what the key is for? Will Avocado make guacamole out of Bellick? Can C-Note save his wife while keeping himself out of jail? How close to Holland will Haywire get? Is Maghone dead? And just how much ass are Michael and Linc going to kick as they take the fight to The Company?
And how will this show manage to answer all those questions in the nine episodes they have left?
Tuesday, 1/23
Rickey Gervais talks Extras on Letterman (10:35 pm, CBS).
The Oscar Nominations are announced on the morning shows at 7:30 am, or catch TV Guide Channel's special at 7 pm.
Wednesday, 1/24
George Lopez; ABC. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
The sixth season starts here.
Thursday, 1/25
Pros vs. Joes; Spike. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Best Evidence; Discovery. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Conspiracy theories are put to the test. The prem features the theory that TWA Flight 800 crash of 1996 was caused by a missle.
NBC's "C0medy Done Right" lineup chooses some of their best episodes of the current season, with The Office also getting ER's slot tonight (that's right: three episodes).
And I can't believe there is no new Ugly Betty on tonight after the jaw-dropper ending of last week's episode...
Sunday, 1/28
King of the Hill; FOX. 7:30. Season Premiere.
The eleventh season begins here.
And Daniel Radcliff sheds the Harry Potter persona he's had the last few years and goes raw as a hormonally-charged young man on Extras. Anyone who saw Orlando Bloom make fun of himself on the show last week should know what an appearance on this show "as himself" should do to Radcliff.
Big big big day here.
Heroes; NBC. 8 pm CST. Return from hiatus.
The new season's hottest show returns to face its greatest enemy: 24. They're pulling out all the stops with the addition of former Dr. Who Christopher Eccleston into the cast as well as planning major events for February sweeps.
Digging For the Truth; History. 8 pm CST. Season Premiere.
The third season's first show is the search for Atlantis.
E-Vet Interns; Animal Planet. 8 pm & 8:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Boulevard of Broken Dreams; E!. 9:30 pm. Series Premiere.
The pilot looks into Leif Garrett's troubles.
The Bryan Cranston-guested How I Met Your Mother I noted last week (which never aired) is supposed to air tonight.
Todd Bridges begins a recurring role as a "crazed ex-military man" on Everybody Hates Chris.
Marjorie returns on What About Brian?, so that's probably not gonna help his fling with Bridget.
Oh yeah I almost forgot:
Prison Break; FOX. 7 pm. Return from Hiatus.
Who will T-Bag kill next? Is Kellerman really one of the good guys? Will Sucre get the girl? Will Sara figure out what the key is for? Will Avocado make guacamole out of Bellick? Can C-Note save his wife while keeping himself out of jail? How close to Holland will Haywire get? Is Maghone dead? And just how much ass are Michael and Linc going to kick as they take the fight to The Company?
And how will this show manage to answer all those questions in the nine episodes they have left?
Tuesday, 1/23
Rickey Gervais talks Extras on Letterman (10:35 pm, CBS).
The Oscar Nominations are announced on the morning shows at 7:30 am, or catch TV Guide Channel's special at 7 pm.
Wednesday, 1/24
George Lopez; ABC. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
The sixth season starts here.
Thursday, 1/25
Pros vs. Joes; Spike. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Best Evidence; Discovery. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Conspiracy theories are put to the test. The prem features the theory that TWA Flight 800 crash of 1996 was caused by a missle.
NBC's "C0medy Done Right" lineup chooses some of their best episodes of the current season, with The Office also getting ER's slot tonight (that's right: three episodes).
And I can't believe there is no new Ugly Betty on tonight after the jaw-dropper ending of last week's episode...
Sunday, 1/28
King of the Hill; FOX. 7:30. Season Premiere.
The eleventh season begins here.
And Daniel Radcliff sheds the Harry Potter persona he's had the last few years and goes raw as a hormonally-charged young man on Extras. Anyone who saw Orlando Bloom make fun of himself on the show last week should know what an appearance on this show "as himself" should do to Radcliff.
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