Man, remember when the summer was a time to relax because everything that was on was a repeat? Not anymore.
Monday, 6/11
Making News: Texas Style; TV Guide Channel. 7 pm CST. Series Premiere.
A behind the scenes reality show set at a local TV Station.
Kyle XY; ABC Family. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
The dude with no past (or navel) returns.
Tuesday, 6/12
More reality shows that sound just wonderful. I'm not wasting too much time typing.
I Propose (Style, 7 pm)
Miami Ink (TLC, 9 pm)
Bad Girls Road Trip (Oxygen, 9 pm)
Fight Girls (Oxygen, 9:30)
Wednesday, 6/13
A little better lineup than last night's.
Rescue Me; FX. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
The much-acclaimed show returns for a fourth season. Recommended.
Last Comic Standing; NBC. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
It loses a little something each year. Hopefully it's only loss this time is host Anthony Clark (who's horribly underrepresented on imdb.com-- dang it was hard to verify that this turd hosted the show last year). This year is hosted by Bill Bellamy. Pray he'll be better.
Top Chef; Bravo. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Not of any interest to me-- but the premiere will (should?) have an appearance by Anthony Bourdain (who really opened my eyes to the food world with his book Kitchen Confidential).
Lil' Bush; Comedy Central. 9:30 pm. Series Premiere.
The misadventures of the elementary-aged Prez and his friends Lil Condi, Lil' Rummy, and Lil' Cheney. I'll check it out, but the show is about four years too late to really poke fun at the F-Bombing idiot in the big white house. And is it wrong to make fun of an easy target like President Shitforbrains? Is it also wrong to make light of this guy and his cronies who have made America (and the world) a much worse place? I just don't find that funny.
Thursday, 6/14
Soundstage; PBS. 9 pm (check local listings). Season Premiere.
The fourth season kicks off with an hour-long Rob Thomas concert.
Friday, 6/15
The 34th Annual Daytime Emmys; CBS. 8 pm. Special
Nothing I care about here-- other than the wonderful Curious George series, which is nominated for Outstanding Children's Animated Program.
Sunday, 6/17
Entourage; HBO. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Sure, Season Three just ended two weeks ago, but it's back with a different kind of season that follows Vince and E on the shoot of Medellin in Columbia (?). No telling if Drama and Turtle come along (doubtful), and Season Three was marred a bit by not having the gang in scenes with Ari, and it looks unlikely Ari will make the trip (he does have a business to run and other clients to take care of). And the Season Three finale where Walsh informs E the movie will be entirely in Spanish ("Because I've got final cut.") is not a good omen that the rest of the film making process will be any easier.
Flight of the Conchords; HBO. 9:30. Series Premiere.
Two New Zealand troubadours try to jack up their careers by moving to NYC.
And more pellet premieres:
The Dead Zone (USA, 7 pm)
Bridezillas (WE, 8 pm)
Platinum Weddings (WE, 9 pm)
Ice Road Truckers (History, 9 pm)
Meadowlands (Showtime, 9 pm)
The 4400 (USA, 8 pm)
Saturday, June 09, 2007
MODOK's Back
My comic book buying has dropped to about two titles a month (which I buy about every three months or so), so I'm way out of the loop.
But sites like newsarama.com keep me abreast of developments. Seems as if the ridiculous villain an MODOK (Mental Organism Designed Only for Killing) has returned to the Marvel Universe. This drug-induced being is, basically, a giant head with minuscule arms and legs who rides around on a floating chair has come back to cause problems for Ms. Marvel.
But creators and fans still can have a little fun with this guy, as newsarama has posted "interviews" between MODOK and Ms. Marvel #16 creators, writer Brian Reed and penciller Aaron Lopresti. And there's a link to MODOK's official blog, which I haven't read yet, but soon will: BLOGDOK.
I love how the first question he has for Reed and Lopresti right out of the gate is "Please describe your head. Use as much detail as possible."
But sites like newsarama.com keep me abreast of developments. Seems as if the ridiculous villain an MODOK (Mental Organism Designed Only for Killing) has returned to the Marvel Universe. This drug-induced being is, basically, a giant head with minuscule arms and legs who rides around on a floating chair has come back to cause problems for Ms. Marvel.
But creators and fans still can have a little fun with this guy, as newsarama has posted "interviews" between MODOK and Ms. Marvel #16 creators, writer Brian Reed and penciller Aaron Lopresti. And there's a link to MODOK's official blog, which I haven't read yet, but soon will: BLOGDOK.
I love how the first question he has for Reed and Lopresti right out of the gate is "Please describe your head. Use as much detail as possible."
A New Must-Read Blog For Me
My friend Brian restarted his blog at dahlyvh.blogspot.com, and I recommend trying it out. He took my Best Of challenge and tripled it with his Best Of mix CD recommendations for Sammy Hagar, The BoDeans, and U2. Check out the links for his lists. I'll probably post them here sooner or later to keep the Challenge going, but who knows when (if) I'll get that far.
He's my go-to guy for music. If I have questions on somebody in the music biz, I go to him first. He knows his stuff.
And he keeps me informed about the Sammy Hagar and Van Halen goings on, which is kinda funny since I had to work him pretty hard to be a fan (he was one of those "It ain't Van Halen without Roth" types before I got a hold of him).
And since he upped the ante with the Best Of Challenge, I guess I better get my rear in gear and make some more. Of course, my music experience is horribly limited compared to his.
[Before I go too far, I should pass along Brian's suggestion to actually make a Best Of CD if something really trips your trigger using iTunes. I forgot there's an actual way to make your own CD of songs you don't own-- and give the artists their due.]
I love the look of his blog, and he's much more apt to include pics than I am, so I see a few ideas I'll probably eventually steal. Check it out.
And if you're a fan of NASCAR, this is a must-read site.
Remember, it's not too late to make your own Best Of for inclusion. I started with music, but I'll open it up to other areas. What's your favorite TV shows of the last season? All time? Movies? Show up Entertainment Weekly and make your own Sci-Fi list. How about web sites? Everyone is an expert at something. Share your knowledge.
Post your list by commenting on this (or any) post, or e-mail me at teameckblog@charter.net.
He's my go-to guy for music. If I have questions on somebody in the music biz, I go to him first. He knows his stuff.
And he keeps me informed about the Sammy Hagar and Van Halen goings on, which is kinda funny since I had to work him pretty hard to be a fan (he was one of those "It ain't Van Halen without Roth" types before I got a hold of him).
And since he upped the ante with the Best Of Challenge, I guess I better get my rear in gear and make some more. Of course, my music experience is horribly limited compared to his.
[Before I go too far, I should pass along Brian's suggestion to actually make a Best Of CD if something really trips your trigger using iTunes. I forgot there's an actual way to make your own CD of songs you don't own-- and give the artists their due.]
I love the look of his blog, and he's much more apt to include pics than I am, so I see a few ideas I'll probably eventually steal. Check it out.
And if you're a fan of NASCAR, this is a must-read site.
Remember, it's not too late to make your own Best Of for inclusion. I started with music, but I'll open it up to other areas. What's your favorite TV shows of the last season? All time? Movies? Show up Entertainment Weekly and make your own Sci-Fi list. How about web sites? Everyone is an expert at something. Share your knowledge.
Post your list by commenting on this (or any) post, or e-mail me at teameckblog@charter.net.
EW (sort of) Corrects a Mistake
A few weeks ago, I posted about a travesty: that Entertainment Weekly kept Babylon 5 off it's 25 Best Sci-Fi of the Last Twenty-Five Years list. Excluding it was insane.
If you've already forgotten, read it here here. Don't worry, I'll wait for you.
Well, they followed up in the June 1, 2007 issue with fan reactions (something I admire the mag for doing when it makes lists of nearly all kinds). They listed the Top Ten Sci-Fi shows/movies fans felt should have been on it and an explanation of why they weren't (in the order of number of responses).
Here it is (along with EW's explanations for why they didn't make the list):
1. Stargate. Longevity (it is the longest running sci-fi show ever) doesn't mean quality.
2. Farscape. Stopped watching the show because of the puppets (see my rant below).
3. Babylon 5. The epic story turned them off; it was too insular (see rant #2 below). But they admitted it should have been on their list.
4. The Fifth Element. Too much flash and not enough substance.
5. Buffy The Vampire Slayer (or Angel). Concluded that it was not sci-fi.
6. Gattica. Great film and would have been on a longer list.
7. Dark City. A beautiful film, but didn't compare to The Matrix.
8. Dune. Too much of a mess.
9. Independence Day. Lost credibility when having the heroes download a virus from a PowerMac to defeat the enemies. (See rant #3)
10. 12 Monkeys. Didn't feel Terry Gilliam needed two movies on the list, and they liked Brazil better.
And my rants, in order:
#1. Didn't watch the show because of the puppets? Are you F-Bombing kidding me? If they really did stop watching, they missed a fantastic show. Inventive, crazy, shocking, and wonderful are just three words I'd use. If you like Han Solo and not having any clue about what could happen next, check this show out.
#2. Firstly: props for EW for saying this show should have made the list and that it was a mistake that it didn't (the only entry on this fan's response list the mag said it would do over). Secondly, the epic storyline was what made it work. Watch it from start to finish, and get a story. Aside from a few cast and timing things, this series was, from start to finish, what JMS wanted it to be. A truly landmark series in that regards (and we're seeing a trend for letting producers end shows on their terms after they've told the story with current shows like Lost, Battlestar Galactica, The Sopranos, and The Shield).
#3. Independence Day? Really!? Yeah, sometimes fans have it wrong. Was it fun? Okay, I'll give it that. But was it a great movie? No. Great Sci-Fi? No again.
Okay, there you have it. Again, nice work, EW, for admitting your mistake.
On a related note: one film that made the mag's Top 25 was one I watched this past week. Children of Men was only sci-fi in the loosest sense (set in 2027 with very, very little different than 2007 and has a fertility plague), but it was good. Really, really good. If you do or even if you don't like sci-fi, I highly recommend it.
I admit I don't understand directing completely, but I know Alfonso Cuaron worked some serious magic. The long takes were absolutely amazing, and I didn't even notice them until near the end of the film. And Clive Owen's character was probably the most real movie hero to come along in some time. No Bruce Willis or Arnold Schwarzenegger ass-kicking here. Just a guy who starts down a path reluctantly and has to find the hero within to save another life-- all while wearing flip-flops.
I'm not sure if it deserved to be in the Top 25 Sci-Fi movies/TV of the last 25 years, but it should fall into one of the best movies of the last few years (and it did make a great number of critics' Top 10 films of 2006).
And one, final, off-topic diversion. The issue of EW I referred to above also had an article about the decline of ratings; going so far as to say our viewing habits with "timeshifting" (using DVRs and checking episodes out on the Internet) has lowered ratings.
Let me just say this: timeshifting is the only way I can watch TV due to the fact that I have a family, and my TV watching doesn't happen until after 9 pm. It's also the only way I can watch as much as I do (an hour-long show is about 42 actual running time minutes). I highly recommend watching TV this way, and who gives a crap unless you report your viewing to Neilsen? They don't count what I-- or the vast majority of you--watch; we're all lumped into the averages of the viewing that the people Neilsen get reports from watch.
So people aren't watching as many commericals. Sorry, but seeing the Lexus ad on Studio 60 has not made me rush out and buy one. Or the Tide, Budweiser, or Viagra ads, either. Entertain us (or, at least stop airing them hundreds of times) during the commercial breaks, and maybe we won't FF through them.
If you've already forgotten, read it here here. Don't worry, I'll wait for you.
Well, they followed up in the June 1, 2007 issue with fan reactions (something I admire the mag for doing when it makes lists of nearly all kinds). They listed the Top Ten Sci-Fi shows/movies fans felt should have been on it and an explanation of why they weren't (in the order of number of responses).
Here it is (along with EW's explanations for why they didn't make the list):
1. Stargate. Longevity (it is the longest running sci-fi show ever) doesn't mean quality.
2. Farscape. Stopped watching the show because of the puppets (see my rant below).
3. Babylon 5. The epic story turned them off; it was too insular (see rant #2 below). But they admitted it should have been on their list.
4. The Fifth Element. Too much flash and not enough substance.
5. Buffy The Vampire Slayer (or Angel). Concluded that it was not sci-fi.
6. Gattica. Great film and would have been on a longer list.
7. Dark City. A beautiful film, but didn't compare to The Matrix.
8. Dune. Too much of a mess.
9. Independence Day. Lost credibility when having the heroes download a virus from a PowerMac to defeat the enemies. (See rant #3)
10. 12 Monkeys. Didn't feel Terry Gilliam needed two movies on the list, and they liked Brazil better.
And my rants, in order:
#1. Didn't watch the show because of the puppets? Are you F-Bombing kidding me? If they really did stop watching, they missed a fantastic show. Inventive, crazy, shocking, and wonderful are just three words I'd use. If you like Han Solo and not having any clue about what could happen next, check this show out.
#2. Firstly: props for EW for saying this show should have made the list and that it was a mistake that it didn't (the only entry on this fan's response list the mag said it would do over). Secondly, the epic storyline was what made it work. Watch it from start to finish, and get a story. Aside from a few cast and timing things, this series was, from start to finish, what JMS wanted it to be. A truly landmark series in that regards (and we're seeing a trend for letting producers end shows on their terms after they've told the story with current shows like Lost, Battlestar Galactica, The Sopranos, and The Shield).
#3. Independence Day? Really!? Yeah, sometimes fans have it wrong. Was it fun? Okay, I'll give it that. But was it a great movie? No. Great Sci-Fi? No again.
Okay, there you have it. Again, nice work, EW, for admitting your mistake.
On a related note: one film that made the mag's Top 25 was one I watched this past week. Children of Men was only sci-fi in the loosest sense (set in 2027 with very, very little different than 2007 and has a fertility plague), but it was good. Really, really good. If you do or even if you don't like sci-fi, I highly recommend it.
I admit I don't understand directing completely, but I know Alfonso Cuaron worked some serious magic. The long takes were absolutely amazing, and I didn't even notice them until near the end of the film. And Clive Owen's character was probably the most real movie hero to come along in some time. No Bruce Willis or Arnold Schwarzenegger ass-kicking here. Just a guy who starts down a path reluctantly and has to find the hero within to save another life-- all while wearing flip-flops.
I'm not sure if it deserved to be in the Top 25 Sci-Fi movies/TV of the last 25 years, but it should fall into one of the best movies of the last few years (and it did make a great number of critics' Top 10 films of 2006).
And one, final, off-topic diversion. The issue of EW I referred to above also had an article about the decline of ratings; going so far as to say our viewing habits with "timeshifting" (using DVRs and checking episodes out on the Internet) has lowered ratings.
Let me just say this: timeshifting is the only way I can watch TV due to the fact that I have a family, and my TV watching doesn't happen until after 9 pm. It's also the only way I can watch as much as I do (an hour-long show is about 42 actual running time minutes). I highly recommend watching TV this way, and who gives a crap unless you report your viewing to Neilsen? They don't count what I-- or the vast majority of you--watch; we're all lumped into the averages of the viewing that the people Neilsen get reports from watch.
So people aren't watching as many commericals. Sorry, but seeing the Lexus ad on Studio 60 has not made me rush out and buy one. Or the Tide, Budweiser, or Viagra ads, either. Entertain us (or, at least stop airing them hundreds of times) during the commercial breaks, and maybe we won't FF through them.
Justice is Served
#1. Paris Hilton spent three days in the clink and then the sheriff department allowed her to finish her term under house arrest due to "health issues". Well, the county attorney saw through the B.S. and asked for a hearing. First, Hilton thought she could make her case over the phone, but the judge felt that she should be at the courthouse-- and even had some nice officers go pick her up (awesome). In the end, the judge felt that she could handle jail, so back she goes.
I doubt this will get Hilton's shit together, and I doubt she'll learn anything other than "the system sucks" and look to blame anyone but herself-- but it sure is nice to see. Hopefully, the media will have no access to her, and she can drop off the planet for the next few weeks.
Why, oh why, didn't she go to rehab like everyone else looking to escape their fates?
For a funny take on it, check out TV Guide's Matt Webb Mitovich's post here .
#2. Isaiah Washington's contract wasn't renewed for the next season of Grey's Anatomy. He (allegedly) used the new, improved F-word at work, which caused a flap; then the jackass uses it again-- at the Golden Globes during an interview; then he does the rehab/sensitivity training/etc etc etc circuit. All the while, producers never let on that he wouldn't be back, so he finishes out the season, and his storyline ends with him leaving his fiance at the alter and leaving town. Sure, he could have come back next season, but I guess the show went in a different direction.
Hmm. I guess you shouldn't disparage someone at work and then (indirectly) do it again without remorse in public on one of Hollywood's biggest nights, and then do the routine where you try to look like you're sorry but don't really do anything to show you've changed.
And, get this: his people are considering legal action. Good luck with that one. They've cited all the things he's done (the rehab/sensitivity training) and he even requested he do a PSA. That reminds me of the Sam Kinison routine where a rocker who got busted for drunk driving has to a PSA about it or go to jail, so the PSA goes, "Hi! Don't drink or drive, or you'll have to do a commercial like this one."
Too little, too late.
On the subject, has anyone noticed that there are now two F-words? No mainstream magazine I read used the actual word (it was "fag", okay), they called it "the f-word". Now could that be confusing? What if readers thought Washington called Knight a "fu**"? (even I won't put that word in here).
I propose the original F-word gets upgraded to "F-Bomb", and we'll let the new F-word be the lone one. I think that will help things.
I doubt this will get Hilton's shit together, and I doubt she'll learn anything other than "the system sucks" and look to blame anyone but herself-- but it sure is nice to see. Hopefully, the media will have no access to her, and she can drop off the planet for the next few weeks.
Why, oh why, didn't she go to rehab like everyone else looking to escape their fates?
For a funny take on it, check out TV Guide's Matt Webb Mitovich's post here .
#2. Isaiah Washington's contract wasn't renewed for the next season of Grey's Anatomy. He (allegedly) used the new, improved F-word at work, which caused a flap; then the jackass uses it again-- at the Golden Globes during an interview; then he does the rehab/sensitivity training/etc etc etc circuit. All the while, producers never let on that he wouldn't be back, so he finishes out the season, and his storyline ends with him leaving his fiance at the alter and leaving town. Sure, he could have come back next season, but I guess the show went in a different direction.
Hmm. I guess you shouldn't disparage someone at work and then (indirectly) do it again without remorse in public on one of Hollywood's biggest nights, and then do the routine where you try to look like you're sorry but don't really do anything to show you've changed.
And, get this: his people are considering legal action. Good luck with that one. They've cited all the things he's done (the rehab/sensitivity training) and he even requested he do a PSA. That reminds me of the Sam Kinison routine where a rocker who got busted for drunk driving has to a PSA about it or go to jail, so the PSA goes, "Hi! Don't drink or drive, or you'll have to do a commercial like this one."
Too little, too late.
On the subject, has anyone noticed that there are now two F-words? No mainstream magazine I read used the actual word (it was "fag", okay), they called it "the f-word". Now could that be confusing? What if readers thought Washington called Knight a "fu**"? (even I won't put that word in here).
I propose the original F-word gets upgraded to "F-Bomb", and we'll let the new F-word be the lone one. I think that will help things.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Holy Crap! Fans help show!
Okay, I'm not so naive to think maybe it wasn't pre-planned, but I'll take the "win".
Michael Ausiello confirmed a rumor he posted yesterday": Jericho got a half-renewal.
Nina Tassler, head of CBS, wrote a letter about the show and posted it to cbs.com. Sh, basically, said CBS will bring the show back mid-season for seven episodes. If ratings are good, it could get picked up for more. After that, she said CBS would do what it could to promote the show (including reairing the show over the summer and making a big Internet presence), but she urged fans to get the word out because even though the fans of the show are very loyal, there aren't enough to sustain the show long-term. She said the show needs more fans.
Pretty cool. Fans have saved shows before (in EXTREMELY rare instances), but it's always good when a show that is supposed to be decent (oh you know I'll be catching up this summer now) gets a break.
Here's Ausiello's post with the news (and Tassler's letter):
http://community.tvguide.com/blog/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Ausiello-Report/700000049
Michael Ausiello confirmed a rumor he posted yesterday": Jericho got a half-renewal.
Nina Tassler, head of CBS, wrote a letter about the show and posted it to cbs.com. Sh, basically, said CBS will bring the show back mid-season for seven episodes. If ratings are good, it could get picked up for more. After that, she said CBS would do what it could to promote the show (including reairing the show over the summer and making a big Internet presence), but she urged fans to get the word out because even though the fans of the show are very loyal, there aren't enough to sustain the show long-term. She said the show needs more fans.
Pretty cool. Fans have saved shows before (in EXTREMELY rare instances), but it's always good when a show that is supposed to be decent (oh you know I'll be catching up this summer now) gets a break.
Here's Ausiello's post with the news (and Tassler's letter):
http://community.tvguide.com/blog/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Ausiello-Report/700000049
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Premieres and Notables June 7-10, 2007
Whoops-- forgot a premiere in the last post:
My Life on the D-List; Bravo. 9 pm. Season premiere.
I liked this Kathy Griffin show at first, then it got a little less interesting as the seasons went on. I don't know if I'll even give it a chance this time.
Thursday, 6/7
Fast Cars and Superstars: The Young Guns Celebrity Race; ABC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Celebs and stock cars.
Speeders; Court TV. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Wild drivers, and their excuses to the police, caught on tape.
Friday, 6/8
Standoff; FOX. 8 pm. Return.
And the show has its second return tonight. There can't be that many eps to burn off yet, are there?
My Daddy the Crocodile Hunter; Animal Planet. 8 pm. Special.
Bindi Irwin talks about her dad.
Saturday, 6/9
Bindi the Jungle Girl; Discovery Kids. 4 pm. Series Premiere.
I've heard some whining that Bindi is being exploited after her dad's death, but her work was already in motion before her father died.
Sunday, 6/10
One of TV's most influential shows, The Sopranos, ends its run (HBO, 8 pm). Will it be a bang (as most people want) or quietly (as would fit the series)?
The Tudors closes its first season (Showtime, 9 pm).
John From Cincinnati; HBO. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
David Milch's quirky new series about a California surfing clan who takes in John, from Cincinnati. Will fans give the show a chance, since it is a prime reason why there's no more Deadwood?
Building the Future; Discovery. 8 & 9 pm. Series Premiere.
The pilot looks at alternative energy sources, and the second show looks at construction to withstand natural disasters.
My Life on the D-List; Bravo. 9 pm. Season premiere.
I liked this Kathy Griffin show at first, then it got a little less interesting as the seasons went on. I don't know if I'll even give it a chance this time.
Thursday, 6/7
Fast Cars and Superstars: The Young Guns Celebrity Race; ABC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Celebs and stock cars.
Speeders; Court TV. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Wild drivers, and their excuses to the police, caught on tape.
Friday, 6/8
Standoff; FOX. 8 pm. Return.
And the show has its second return tonight. There can't be that many eps to burn off yet, are there?
My Daddy the Crocodile Hunter; Animal Planet. 8 pm. Special.
Bindi Irwin talks about her dad.
Saturday, 6/9
Bindi the Jungle Girl; Discovery Kids. 4 pm. Series Premiere.
I've heard some whining that Bindi is being exploited after her dad's death, but her work was already in motion before her father died.
Sunday, 6/10
One of TV's most influential shows, The Sopranos, ends its run (HBO, 8 pm). Will it be a bang (as most people want) or quietly (as would fit the series)?
The Tudors closes its first season (Showtime, 9 pm).
John From Cincinnati; HBO. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
David Milch's quirky new series about a California surfing clan who takes in John, from Cincinnati. Will fans give the show a chance, since it is a prime reason why there's no more Deadwood?
Building the Future; Discovery. 8 & 9 pm. Series Premiere.
The pilot looks at alternative energy sources, and the second show looks at construction to withstand natural disasters.
Premieres and Notables, June 4-6, 2007
Lots of comings and goings this week, and not much time, so I'll split the week up in my posts.
Monday, 6/4
A late-notice "marathon" as BBC America airs six episodes of Bromwell High from 2-5 am. It's quality goes up and down, but bad-ass Keisha is pretty funny (think a "smart Cartman", but is even more self-centered).
The Riches ends its debut season (FX, 9 pm CST).
Julia Louis-Dreyfuss is on Inside the Actor's Studio (Bravo, 7 pm). Could be good stuff.
The 5ive; BET. 6:30. Series Premiere.
A weekly Top 5 of what's cool. Funny it's on BET. Remember the SNL skits Chris Rock did as Nat X where he's say he could only do a Top Five because The Man wouldn't let him do ten?
Creature Comforts; CBS. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
This British import takes voices of everyday people talking about everyday things, and marries them with Aardman (of the brilliant Wallace and Gromit films) animations. The British show is good, so I hope CBS doesn't screw this one up.
Hell's Kitchen; FOX. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
The third season begins. Who would have imagined it'd last this long?
World Series of Blackjack IV; GSN. 10 pm. Season Premiere.
Who would have guessed that Orel Hershiser, Penn Jillette, Shannon Elizabeth, and Caroline Rhea were so good, they'd be the World Series of Blackjack?
Tuesday, 6/5
The Loop; FOX. 8:30 pm. Season Premiere.
Now I thought this show got picked up last year. I guess we know what happened to it. Enjoy it while you can as star Bret Harrison already has a new series, Reapers, in the Fall. But I like Eric Christian Olsen, and Mimi Rogers and Phillip Baker Hall are great in this show.
The Shield (FX, 9 pm) ends its sixth and penultimate season.
MI-5; BBC America. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Sort of series premiere... This well-reviewed series aired on A&E already (where it got treated like dirt), but BBC America is airing it from the beginning tonight. It's a British spy drama, and it's supposed to be good (I didn't get on board early enough when A&E aired it, but I won't miss it this time).
Animal Battlegrounds; Animal Planet. 8:30. Series Premiere.
A show looking at how animals defend their turf.
America's Got Talent; NBC. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
America does have talent-- you just won't find it here...
Wednesday, 6/6
Weeks (months?) ago, I told you to record the first three episodes of the BBC America mini-series Bodies because it's freakin' brilliant (dark, painful-- but brilliant). Well, the net is finally showing the remaining three episodes from 2-5 am.
House of Payne; TBS. 8 & 8:30. Series Premiere.
Tyler Perry created this series about a firefighter and his family (and continues to milk his Madea character with her appearance in the pilot). Reviews were not kind to this show...
Footballers Wive$; BBC America. 7 pm. Season premiere.
The fifth, and final, season if this trashy soap begins.
American Inventor; ABC. 8 pm. Season premiere.
I got nothin'...
Destination Truth; Sci Fi. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
The network goes to the "investigate unexplained phenomena" again.
Monday, 6/4
A late-notice "marathon" as BBC America airs six episodes of Bromwell High from 2-5 am. It's quality goes up and down, but bad-ass Keisha is pretty funny (think a "smart Cartman", but is even more self-centered).
The Riches ends its debut season (FX, 9 pm CST).
Julia Louis-Dreyfuss is on Inside the Actor's Studio (Bravo, 7 pm). Could be good stuff.
The 5ive; BET. 6:30. Series Premiere.
A weekly Top 5 of what's cool. Funny it's on BET. Remember the SNL skits Chris Rock did as Nat X where he's say he could only do a Top Five because The Man wouldn't let him do ten?
Creature Comforts; CBS. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
This British import takes voices of everyday people talking about everyday things, and marries them with Aardman (of the brilliant Wallace and Gromit films) animations. The British show is good, so I hope CBS doesn't screw this one up.
Hell's Kitchen; FOX. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
The third season begins. Who would have imagined it'd last this long?
World Series of Blackjack IV; GSN. 10 pm. Season Premiere.
Who would have guessed that Orel Hershiser, Penn Jillette, Shannon Elizabeth, and Caroline Rhea were so good, they'd be the World Series of Blackjack?
Tuesday, 6/5
The Loop; FOX. 8:30 pm. Season Premiere.
Now I thought this show got picked up last year. I guess we know what happened to it. Enjoy it while you can as star Bret Harrison already has a new series, Reapers, in the Fall. But I like Eric Christian Olsen, and Mimi Rogers and Phillip Baker Hall are great in this show.
The Shield (FX, 9 pm) ends its sixth and penultimate season.
MI-5; BBC America. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Sort of series premiere... This well-reviewed series aired on A&E already (where it got treated like dirt), but BBC America is airing it from the beginning tonight. It's a British spy drama, and it's supposed to be good (I didn't get on board early enough when A&E aired it, but I won't miss it this time).
Animal Battlegrounds; Animal Planet. 8:30. Series Premiere.
A show looking at how animals defend their turf.
America's Got Talent; NBC. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
America does have talent-- you just won't find it here...
Wednesday, 6/6
Weeks (months?) ago, I told you to record the first three episodes of the BBC America mini-series Bodies because it's freakin' brilliant (dark, painful-- but brilliant). Well, the net is finally showing the remaining three episodes from 2-5 am.
House of Payne; TBS. 8 & 8:30. Series Premiere.
Tyler Perry created this series about a firefighter and his family (and continues to milk his Madea character with her appearance in the pilot). Reviews were not kind to this show...
Footballers Wive$; BBC America. 7 pm. Season premiere.
The fifth, and final, season if this trashy soap begins.
American Inventor; ABC. 8 pm. Season premiere.
I got nothin'...
Destination Truth; Sci Fi. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
The network goes to the "investigate unexplained phenomena" again.
How Quickly They Lose Faith
FOX announced that On The Lot will be airing just once a week after disappointing ratings last week.
It's doubtful they'll cancel the show entirely because they want to stay on Mark Burnett & Steven Spielberg's good sides...
It's doubtful they'll cancel the show entirely because they want to stay on Mark Burnett & Steven Spielberg's good sides...
NBC Follows McDonalds' Lead
NBC announced it will not super-size any of their comedies this year. It claims that the odd start and end times wreak havoc on viewers, and if their DVRs are off by just a little, then parts are missed.
I can't say I'm disappointed. Although I do think the shows that were super-sized last year were done well, I still have the Friends and Will & Grace super-size bad taste in my mouth. You remember, when they'd be super-sized with 10 pointless minutes that were obviously tacked on to super-size themselves? You also knew the pointless minutes could be easily excised from the syndicated versions.
Don't forget that The Office will be getting five hour-long episodes next season, but that doesn't count as super-sized because they don't disrupt the schedule, just that one show (probably Scrubs will not be on that week).
I can't say I'm disappointed. Although I do think the shows that were super-sized last year were done well, I still have the Friends and Will & Grace super-size bad taste in my mouth. You remember, when they'd be super-sized with 10 pointless minutes that were obviously tacked on to super-size themselves? You also knew the pointless minutes could be easily excised from the syndicated versions.
Don't forget that The Office will be getting five hour-long episodes next season, but that doesn't count as super-sized because they don't disrupt the schedule, just that one show (probably Scrubs will not be on that week).
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