Monday, 12/29
Ron Howard: 50 Years in Film; TCM. 7 pm. Special.
TCM (which knows good movies-- and doesn't do tabloid crap) spends 90 minutes talking to Howard about his work.
Tuesday, 12/30
The 31st Annual Kennedy Center Honors; CBS. 8 pm. Special.
Recipients are: Barbra Streisand, Morgan Freeman, George Jones, Twyla Tharp, Pete Townshend, and Roger Daltrey.
Thursday, 1/1
Dear Genevieve; HGTV. 12 noon. Series Premiere.
Genevieve Gorder gets a new show. I think it has something to do with room/house makeovers.
Just 237 more makeover shows, and everyone's house will be perfect...
NBC reairs last season's finale of The Office, which introduced Amy Ryan's HR rep, who is told Kevin is "special" (and. amazingly, Kevin acts no different this ep than others; he's just looked at differently).
Sunday, 1/4
Superstars of Dance; NBC. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Now that Sunday Night Football is over, NBC decided to steal a little of FOX's American Idol and ABC's Dancing With the Stars to make yet another dance reality competition show.
Masterpiece Classic; PBS. 8 pm (check local listings). Season Premiere.
The newest season begins with Tess of the D'Ubervilles this week and next.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Sex Ed For a New Generation
I hope this works better here than it did on YouTube (don't know if it's my crappy computer or a crappy file). It's amusing.
It's Not Too Late...
...To get the best toy of the year.
What are you waiting for?
Get to your local department store!
What are you waiting for?
Get to your local department store!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Premieres and Notables; December 22-28; 2008
Before I get to the premieres, I just have to say bravo to TV Guide for finally putting a worthy cover out on the stands.
I used to think "pathetic" when I'd flip through the letters from fans gushing over the sexy cover boy (or sometimes girl) on some issue or another. But now I get it. This cover is great for three reasons:
1. How I Met Your Mother needs-- and deserves-- much more attention that it usually gets.
2. Neil Patrick Harris' Barney is the perfect "subject" for a cover like this.
3. Cobie Smulders and Alyson Hannigan are frakkin hot!
So let me say, publicly, "good job" to TV Guide right now.
--But that won't stop me from composing a "Why TV Guide sucks" post some time in the future...
Because it's been a long time coming.
BTW: Entertainment Weekly also has a pictorial of the entire cast of How I Met Your Mother reenacting some scenes from movies and life in 2008. Films include Indiana Jones and the Kingdom blah blah blah, Sex and the City, and then they also did a shot of the Men's Olympic swim team-- and the best: the guys of HIMYM as the Jonas Brothers.
Two major mags giving this show its props in the same week.
Hopefully things are looking up.
Okay, on to the premiere stuff:
Monday, 12/22
One of the best episodes of How I Met Your Mother ever airs tonight (CBS; 7:30 pm). The 2007 "Slapsgiving" celebration finds Marshall terrorizing Barney over a slap that is owed him. After many bluffs, Marshall finally does the deed. And then does something hilarious afterward; just to increase Barney's humiliation. This is must see TV right here, folks.
Prison Break (FOX; 8 pm). Mid-season finale. One of Linc's crew doesn't make it out of the ep alive. Here's my take on it, so if you haven't watched up to this point, skip to the next listing because this is a minor spoiler alert. I don't know anything, but here are my odds of death. Linc: 500-1; T-Bag: 200-1; Gretchen: 10-1; Self: 5-1.
Spoiler over
The Life a House Built; PBS. 8 pm (check local listings). Special.
A look at Jimmy Carter's work with Habitat For Humanity. I work with someone who bought a Habitat house (yes, they do buy them; just at reduced rates and reduced costs due to donated material and labor) last year, and I learned quite a bit about this fantastic program from her. Hopefully some insight can be gained for others with this special.
Tuesday, 12/23
A Home for the Holidays With Faith Hill; CBS. 7 pm. Special.
Frank TV (TBS; 10 pm). Season finale.
If a show airs, but no one gives a crap, does it really exist?
Wednesday, 12/24
A Christmas Story; TBS. 7 pm. marathon.
TBS runs its annual 24 hours of the classic film.
It's a Wonderful Life; NBC. 7 pm. Movie.
Another classic film; but only airing once.
Sunday, 12/28
Summer Heights High (HBO; 9:30) Season Finale.
This is an awesome show. Very much in the spirit of the original The Office and other more subtle comedy. Catch it on reruns or with OnDemand.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
More Free Music
I've been without my computer the past two weeks or so, so when I got it back, I found an e-mail from amazon.com that said it was offering a free Christmas-music song for download every day this month.
Haven't listened to them yet, and Christmas-music isn't really my thing, so I don't know what's all there, but, c'mon, they're free.
And when you download a few of the songs (they've kept all the freebies up since Dec. 1), you can link to the other free songs and sampler albums they have. I just downloaded all I could find-- 98 new songs.
Check 'em out at: http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=pe_32950_10911590_pe_18/?docId=1000314901
I'll also recommend downloading the Amazon MP3 Downloader if you start downloading these tunes. If you have the Downloader and have iTunes open when you download from Amazon, the Amazon MP3 Downloader also transfer the songs automatically to your iTunes library. No pain-in-the-ass file manual transfers.
Haven't listened to them yet, and Christmas-music isn't really my thing, so I don't know what's all there, but, c'mon, they're free.
And when you download a few of the songs (they've kept all the freebies up since Dec. 1), you can link to the other free songs and sampler albums they have. I just downloaded all I could find-- 98 new songs.
Check 'em out at: http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=pe_32950_10911590_pe_18/?docId=1000314901
I'll also recommend downloading the Amazon MP3 Downloader if you start downloading these tunes. If you have the Downloader and have iTunes open when you download from Amazon, the Amazon MP3 Downloader also transfer the songs automatically to your iTunes library. No pain-in-the-ass file manual transfers.
Friday, December 19, 2008
"Novel Take"
I'm not tryin' to be a hater with two (true) Darth Bush posts in a row, but I like (Pulitzer Prize winner) Leonard Pitt Jr.'s work. He had a great editorial about the Bible a year or so ago-- and also brought my attention the diabolical censorship past of Sarah Palin.
This one grabbed my attention a few days ago where he calls out misguided stupidity:
'Novel take' on tenure of President Bush
Here's another, where he suggests how the Republicans could change strategy:
Don't let fear trump hope
Or another where he talks about the death penalty (and even though I was all for it a decade or so ago, viewpoints like Pitt's have swung me in the other direction since then):
Capital punishment is wrong, unfair
And, finally, a very mature explanation of why it's okay to believe in God:
Making sense of the meaning of life
You may not agree with him, but you have to admit he has a very nice, intelligent way about him that makes it difficult to disagree. And I find him refreshing that he doesn't resort to hatefulness when he's making his point. When one speaks of politics, race, and religion as he does, it's a tough-- but possible-- goal to not be overly mean.
Check out some of his other past columns at The Miami Herald
This one grabbed my attention a few days ago where he calls out misguided stupidity:
'Novel take' on tenure of President Bush
Here's another, where he suggests how the Republicans could change strategy:
Don't let fear trump hope
Or another where he talks about the death penalty (and even though I was all for it a decade or so ago, viewpoints like Pitt's have swung me in the other direction since then):
Capital punishment is wrong, unfair
And, finally, a very mature explanation of why it's okay to believe in God:
Making sense of the meaning of life
You may not agree with him, but you have to admit he has a very nice, intelligent way about him that makes it difficult to disagree. And I find him refreshing that he doesn't resort to hatefulness when he's making his point. When one speaks of politics, race, and religion as he does, it's a tough-- but possible-- goal to not be overly mean.
Check out some of his other past columns at The Miami Herald
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Premieres and Notables; December 15-21, 2008
Still no home computer, so this'll be another quick one without the usual wise-ass comments. (I know: boo hoo.)
Monday, 12/15
Cat Dancers; HBO. 7 pm. Special.
A documentary about the three tiger and leopard tamers that were mauled by one of their charges a decade ago.
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (FOX; 7 pm). Mid-season finale.
Intervention; A&E. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Tuesday, 12/16
Biggest Loser: Families (NBC; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Blush (Lifetime; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Momma's Boys; NBC. 9 pm. Series premiere.
Three sons look for love (or an easy lay) in this dating reality show. But wait! There's more: the three men's moms live with the ladies in the house.
Breaking the Huddle; HBO. 9 pm. Special.
A documentary about the civil rights movement on college football.
And a Tuesday note: I've finally started watching this season's Eli Stone, and I have to recommend it. It's not always the most comedic or dramatic, but I love the sense that this character is a "prophet" (which religion? doesn't matter). It's a crime a show this unique and with this wonderful belief that one man can change the world got the ax. Watch it while you can on ABC at 9 pm.
Wednesday, 12/17
A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa; NBC. 7 pm. Special.
Stylista (The CW; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Parking Wars (A&E; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Sunday, 12/21
Brotherhood (Showtime; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Skins (BBC America; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Monday, 12/15
Cat Dancers; HBO. 7 pm. Special.
A documentary about the three tiger and leopard tamers that were mauled by one of their charges a decade ago.
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (FOX; 7 pm). Mid-season finale.
Intervention; A&E. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Tuesday, 12/16
Biggest Loser: Families (NBC; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Blush (Lifetime; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Momma's Boys; NBC. 9 pm. Series premiere.
Three sons look for love (or an easy lay) in this dating reality show. But wait! There's more: the three men's moms live with the ladies in the house.
Breaking the Huddle; HBO. 9 pm. Special.
A documentary about the civil rights movement on college football.
And a Tuesday note: I've finally started watching this season's Eli Stone, and I have to recommend it. It's not always the most comedic or dramatic, but I love the sense that this character is a "prophet" (which religion? doesn't matter). It's a crime a show this unique and with this wonderful belief that one man can change the world got the ax. Watch it while you can on ABC at 9 pm.
Wednesday, 12/17
A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa; NBC. 7 pm. Special.
Stylista (The CW; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Parking Wars (A&E; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Sunday, 12/21
Brotherhood (Showtime; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Skins (BBC America; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
NBC's Big Move
Probably old news for most of you-- but I'm trying to keep people up to date.
If you didn't know, Jay Leno was supposed to be "bumped" from The Tonight Show next year because Conan O'Brien was already promised the job. Then, when Jay's ratings stayed high, and he didn't show signs of being ready to leave, NBC had a problem on its hands. ABC and most other major and minor networks were all chomping at the bit to land him because Jay had nowhere to go on NBC. And NBC didn't want to lose the long-time king of late night.
So NBC thought outside the box and gave Jay a nightly TV show at the 10 pm (9 pm for us CST people).
It's a bold move for a network as they're taking out an entire five hours of "regular" programming from its prime time schedule, but NBC has been trying to think outside the block for the last two years (remember the "no scripted programming in the first hour of prime time" idea that seems to have been forgotten?).
Looks like NBC (and I'm sure Jay as well) made out well. NBC has big holes in its schedule, and they'll get worse once ER signs off. And now they've got a proven player (albeit a "late night" one) that will produce a show that will ultimately end up cheaper than what NBC was putting on before.
It remains to be seen if Letterman will gain some ground without Jay as competition or whether Conan will hold on to the viewers.
It also remains to be seen how long this "experiment" lasts. If ratings go south, will they pull back a night or three? What will NBC air when there aren't new episodes? How about when NBC makes a large block for original programming like the three-hour Heroes premiere this season?
I'm sure NBC has thought about it, but, as usual, they remain tight-lipped.
If you didn't know, Jay Leno was supposed to be "bumped" from The Tonight Show next year because Conan O'Brien was already promised the job. Then, when Jay's ratings stayed high, and he didn't show signs of being ready to leave, NBC had a problem on its hands. ABC and most other major and minor networks were all chomping at the bit to land him because Jay had nowhere to go on NBC. And NBC didn't want to lose the long-time king of late night.
So NBC thought outside the box and gave Jay a nightly TV show at the 10 pm (9 pm for us CST people).
It's a bold move for a network as they're taking out an entire five hours of "regular" programming from its prime time schedule, but NBC has been trying to think outside the block for the last two years (remember the "no scripted programming in the first hour of prime time" idea that seems to have been forgotten?).
Looks like NBC (and I'm sure Jay as well) made out well. NBC has big holes in its schedule, and they'll get worse once ER signs off. And now they've got a proven player (albeit a "late night" one) that will produce a show that will ultimately end up cheaper than what NBC was putting on before.
It remains to be seen if Letterman will gain some ground without Jay as competition or whether Conan will hold on to the viewers.
It also remains to be seen how long this "experiment" lasts. If ratings go south, will they pull back a night or three? What will NBC air when there aren't new episodes? How about when NBC makes a large block for original programming like the three-hour Heroes premiere this season?
I'm sure NBC has thought about it, but, as usual, they remain tight-lipped.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Premieres and Notables, December 8-14, 2008
Quick and dirty post this week (and probably the next few)... Computer took a dive, so I'm stuck on public computers-- yay!
Monday, 12/8
Boston Legal (ABC; 8 pm). Series Finale.
Top Gear; BBC America. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
Tuesday, 12/9
Manhunters: Fugitive Task Force; A&E. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Thursday, 12/10
Sarah Silverman Program (Comedy Central; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Friday, 12/12
Starter Wife (USA; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Saturday, 12/13
The Greatest Game Ever Played; ESPN. 8 pm. Special.
A special reairing of the classic 1958 matchup between the Colts and the football Giants.
Sunday, 12/14
Survivor: Gabon (CBS; 7 pm). Season Finale
Dexter (Showtime; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Californication (Showtime; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Monday, 12/8
Boston Legal (ABC; 8 pm). Series Finale.
Top Gear; BBC America. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
Tuesday, 12/9
Manhunters: Fugitive Task Force; A&E. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Thursday, 12/10
Sarah Silverman Program (Comedy Central; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Friday, 12/12
Starter Wife (USA; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Saturday, 12/13
The Greatest Game Ever Played; ESPN. 8 pm. Special.
A special reairing of the classic 1958 matchup between the Colts and the football Giants.
Sunday, 12/14
Survivor: Gabon (CBS; 7 pm). Season Finale
Dexter (Showtime; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Californication (Showtime; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Premieres and Notables; December 1-7, 2008
Tuesday, 12/2
According to Jim; ABC. 8 & 8:30 pm CST. 8th Season Premiere.
Yep, you heard me...
Bad Girls Club; Oxygen. 9 pm. 3rd Season Premiere.
Party Monsters: Cabo; E! 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Party Planners compete to put on events for people like P Diddy (or is it just Diddy now?) and Carmen Electra.
Shatner's Raw Nerve; Bio. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Wild Bill Shatner gets his own chatfest. In the premiere, he grills Valerie Bertinelli. I'm not too excited, but I like Val-- and you never know if Shatner will "lose it" at some point.
Wednesday, 12/3
Secret Millionaire; ABC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
A British import/"reimagining" that finds one wealthy American every week sent to a struggling town to give money to deserving locals.
Spectacle: Elvis Costello With... Sundance. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Tonight he talks to Elton John. In the future, he talks to The Police, Bill Clinton, and Tony Bennett.
Wednesday, 12/3
Man v. Food; Travel. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Host Adam Richman pounds down 2-lb hamburgers and Reubens-- and describes the eateries he pounds them down in.
Tyler Perry's House of Payne; TBS. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Thursday, 12/4
On My Name is Earl (NBC; 7 pm), Earl and Randy host a children's story time at the library. The stories they choose come from the police blotter.
Barbara Walters Special; ABC. 9:01. Special
Once again, Ba-Ba reinvents the word "interesting". Someone get that woman a dictionary!
The list: Will Smith, Miley Cyrus, Tina Fey, Tom Cruise, Rush Limbaugh, Frank Langella, Michael Phelps, and Sarah Palin.
Friday, 12/5
Merry Christmas, Drake & Josh; Nickelodeon. 7 pm. Movie.
Sunday, 12/7
The Librarian: The Curse of the Judas Chalice; TNT. 7 pm. Movie.
That title actually sounds cool. I doubt the product holds a candle to it, though. Noah Wylie returns as the titular librarian; this time he goes on an adventure that combines Dracula and a chalice made from Judas' 30 pieces of silver.
House of Saddam; HBO. 8 pm. 2-part mini-series.
Two hours tonight and two hours next Sunday of this drama dives into the private and public life of the scumbag who doesn't even need a last name for us to know who he is.
Leverage; TNT. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Timothy Hutton stars in this show about some less-than-legal-method people who mess with high-falutin' rich people, Robin Hood style.
According to Jim; ABC. 8 & 8:30 pm CST. 8th Season Premiere.
Yep, you heard me...
Bad Girls Club; Oxygen. 9 pm. 3rd Season Premiere.
Party Monsters: Cabo; E! 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Party Planners compete to put on events for people like P Diddy (or is it just Diddy now?) and Carmen Electra.
Shatner's Raw Nerve; Bio. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Wild Bill Shatner gets his own chatfest. In the premiere, he grills Valerie Bertinelli. I'm not too excited, but I like Val-- and you never know if Shatner will "lose it" at some point.
Wednesday, 12/3
Secret Millionaire; ABC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
A British import/"reimagining" that finds one wealthy American every week sent to a struggling town to give money to deserving locals.
Spectacle: Elvis Costello With... Sundance. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Tonight he talks to Elton John. In the future, he talks to The Police, Bill Clinton, and Tony Bennett.
Wednesday, 12/3
Man v. Food; Travel. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Host Adam Richman pounds down 2-lb hamburgers and Reubens-- and describes the eateries he pounds them down in.
Tyler Perry's House of Payne; TBS. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Thursday, 12/4
On My Name is Earl (NBC; 7 pm), Earl and Randy host a children's story time at the library. The stories they choose come from the police blotter.
Barbara Walters Special; ABC. 9:01. Special
Once again, Ba-Ba reinvents the word "interesting". Someone get that woman a dictionary!
The list: Will Smith, Miley Cyrus, Tina Fey, Tom Cruise, Rush Limbaugh, Frank Langella, Michael Phelps, and Sarah Palin.
Friday, 12/5
Merry Christmas, Drake & Josh; Nickelodeon. 7 pm. Movie.
Sunday, 12/7
The Librarian: The Curse of the Judas Chalice; TNT. 7 pm. Movie.
That title actually sounds cool. I doubt the product holds a candle to it, though. Noah Wylie returns as the titular librarian; this time he goes on an adventure that combines Dracula and a chalice made from Judas' 30 pieces of silver.
House of Saddam; HBO. 8 pm. 2-part mini-series.
Two hours tonight and two hours next Sunday of this drama dives into the private and public life of the scumbag who doesn't even need a last name for us to know who he is.
Leverage; TNT. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Timothy Hutton stars in this show about some less-than-legal-method people who mess with high-falutin' rich people, Robin Hood style.
ONIONy Goodness
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
50 Reasons to Have Sex
If you watched last night's "The Naked Man" episode of How I Met Your Mother (and why wouldn't you have-- I only mention the show damn near every week), you experienced one possible reason to have sex: because the naked man in your house was there, and you were impressed by his confidence/humor or just thought "Why not?"
As you also saw, Lily and her friends tried to come up with 50 other reasons to have sex. Barney offered "Because your condoms are close to expiring," while Ted came up with "Wingman diving on the friend grenade."
But we only saw about a dozen of the reasons on the show.
If you want to Lily's complete list, check it out at this link:
http://www.tvguide.com/Includes/newsletter-images/blog-images/50_Reasons_1.gif
And for crying out loud, check out this show if you haven't yet. It gets better by the week.
As you also saw, Lily and her friends tried to come up with 50 other reasons to have sex. Barney offered "Because your condoms are close to expiring," while Ted came up with "Wingman diving on the friend grenade."
But we only saw about a dozen of the reasons on the show.
If you want to Lily's complete list, check it out at this link:
http://www.tvguide.com/Includes/newsletter-images/blog-images/50_Reasons_1.gif
And for crying out loud, check out this show if you haven't yet. It gets better by the week.
Almost a Heartbeat Away From the Presidency
There are so many things to dislike about Sarah Palin's politics, but you gotta give her some applause for the comedy she brings to situations.
Suffer through the blah blah blah of the first half-- but at the 2 minute 30 second mark, this gets pretty funny.
Suffer through the blah blah blah of the first half-- but at the 2 minute 30 second mark, this gets pretty funny.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Premieres and Notables; November 24-30, 2008
Before I get to the listings, let me mention that you should take the opportunity to catch the E! show The Soup from this past Friday. It was f-ing hilarious. It had a great fake interview with Miley Cyrus ("It's Miley!"), a kiss-ass shot at Madonna (been thinking the same thing for years), a brutal little The View rip, the usual blast at Tyra, Alec Baldwin calling out a stupid-ass reporter from a piece of shit TV show, a shout-out on The Price is Right, and the "Kick Ass Clip of the Week" made me say "Holy Shit!" in its awesomeness. All that and much, much more.
Because I liked it so much, I looked them up and here are the upcoming repeats; all on E!:
Sunday: 1 am, 9:30 am, 10 pm
Monday: 2:30 am, 8:30 am, 5 pm, 11:30 pm
Tuesday: 10 am
Do yourself a favor: laugh your ass off. And then on Thursday, when your family all goes around the table and says what they're thankful for, say "All the jackasses in the world that give Joel McHale so much to make fun of."
Okay; the listings:
Monday, 11/24
On How I Met Your Mother (CBS; 7:30 CST), something happens which involves sitting naked on a date's couch. It should be great.
I won't spoil it by saying what happens (I don't have details, but I know a plot point), but I will say to tune into Prison Break (FOX; 8 pm CST) where something big happens.
And Sam and Melanie finally get hitched on Worst Week (CBS; 8:30). Wouldn't be weird if everything went well?
Tuesday, 11/25
Dancing With the Stars (ABC; 8 pm). Season Finale.
The Real Housewives of Orange County; Bravo. 9 pm. 4th Season Premiere.
The Shield (FX; 9 pm). Series Finale.
The show that made FX what it is today bows out. And I've read it's a very good episode.
I've been pretty disappointed in the latest season of Moral Orel, but tonight [adult swim] (Cartoon Network) airs the best episode ever (and one of the funniest of any show I've ever seen) at 11:15-11:30 tonight. This first-season episode focuses on "Waste". I won't go into it because that would ruin the jaw-dropping realization of what Orel will do this episode. Not for people with weak stomachs; but if you can handle it, your stomach will hurt from laughing so hard..
Wednesday, 11/26
Rosie Live; NBC. 7 pm. Series Preview.
A sneak peek at Rosie O'Donnell's upcoming variety show.
Oh, the humanity...
World Magic Awards; MyNetworkTV. 7 pm. Special.
I normally wouldn't mention this type of thing, but this awards show is hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, so it might be worth recording and FFing through anything NPH is not onscreen for.
Sons of Anarchy (FX; 9 pm). Season Finale.
I only got through the pilot, so I hope FX has something waiting in the wings to pick up where The Shield left off. (Because SoA is not it.)
Sunday, 11/30
Snoop Dogg's Father Hood; E!. 9:30. Season Premiere.
Because I liked it so much, I looked them up and here are the upcoming repeats; all on E!:
Sunday: 1 am, 9:30 am, 10 pm
Monday: 2:30 am, 8:30 am, 5 pm, 11:30 pm
Tuesday: 10 am
Do yourself a favor: laugh your ass off. And then on Thursday, when your family all goes around the table and says what they're thankful for, say "All the jackasses in the world that give Joel McHale so much to make fun of."
Okay; the listings:
Monday, 11/24
On How I Met Your Mother (CBS; 7:30 CST), something happens which involves sitting naked on a date's couch. It should be great.
I won't spoil it by saying what happens (I don't have details, but I know a plot point), but I will say to tune into Prison Break (FOX; 8 pm CST) where something big happens.
And Sam and Melanie finally get hitched on Worst Week (CBS; 8:30). Wouldn't be weird if everything went well?
Tuesday, 11/25
Dancing With the Stars (ABC; 8 pm). Season Finale.
The Real Housewives of Orange County; Bravo. 9 pm. 4th Season Premiere.
The Shield (FX; 9 pm). Series Finale.
The show that made FX what it is today bows out. And I've read it's a very good episode.
I've been pretty disappointed in the latest season of Moral Orel, but tonight [adult swim] (Cartoon Network) airs the best episode ever (and one of the funniest of any show I've ever seen) at 11:15-11:30 tonight. This first-season episode focuses on "Waste". I won't go into it because that would ruin the jaw-dropping realization of what Orel will do this episode. Not for people with weak stomachs; but if you can handle it, your stomach will hurt from laughing so hard..
Wednesday, 11/26
Rosie Live; NBC. 7 pm. Series Preview.
A sneak peek at Rosie O'Donnell's upcoming variety show.
Oh, the humanity...
World Magic Awards; MyNetworkTV. 7 pm. Special.
I normally wouldn't mention this type of thing, but this awards show is hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, so it might be worth recording and FFing through anything NPH is not onscreen for.
Sons of Anarchy (FX; 9 pm). Season Finale.
I only got through the pilot, so I hope FX has something waiting in the wings to pick up where The Shield left off. (Because SoA is not it.)
Sunday, 11/30
Snoop Dogg's Father Hood; E!. 9:30. Season Premiere.
There Is No God
Proof?
NBC gives Knight Rider and Kath & Kim full-season orders, and ABC decides to not let Pushing Daisies, Dirty Sexy Money, and Eli Stone produce any more than the thirteen episodes they already ordered.
That doesn't mean you may as well stop watching any of the shows; but now you have to just enjoy what you'll get because they'll be done soon.
(Pushing Daisies will be looking to continue its adventures in comic book form if a deal can be struck.)
NBC gives Knight Rider and Kath & Kim full-season orders, and ABC decides to not let Pushing Daisies, Dirty Sexy Money, and Eli Stone produce any more than the thirteen episodes they already ordered.
That doesn't mean you may as well stop watching any of the shows; but now you have to just enjoy what you'll get because they'll be done soon.
(Pushing Daisies will be looking to continue its adventures in comic book form if a deal can be struck.)
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Premieres and Notables; November 17-23, 2008
Monday, 11/17
On How I Met Your Mother (CBS; 7: 30 pm CST), Robin joins a group of party girls led by Jamie-Lynn Sigler (who, I hope, doesn't have to perform any sexual favors in this guest role-- as opposed to her recent Entourage appearance. --Don't get excited, it was off-camera.)
CSI: Miami (CBS; 9 pm CST) airs its 150th episode.
Tuesday, 11/18
Brother to Brutha; BET. 9:30 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Five half-brothers from South Central L.A. try to break into the music biz.
Wednesday, 11/19
The IFC Media Project; IFC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Host Gideon Yago promises "the truth behind the news", but the review I read said he didn't do a very good job.
America's Next Top Model (CW; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Jason Alexander plays this week's killer on Criminal Minds (CBS; 8 pm).
CSI: NY (CBS; 9 pm) airs its 100th episode.
Thursday, 11/20
Chloe and Jimmy get married on Smallville (CW; 7 pm).
Someone made a mess in the microwave on The Office (NBC; 8 pm), which is good news to me as the worst-sounding plots end up with the greatest episodes of this show. (And this show needs to start having great episodes this year.)
Dean tells Sam what happened during his time in Hell on Supernatural (CW; 8 pm). [Sounds cool. I have to start watching that show. Time to break out the tapes I've recorded this show on...]
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Cool Tools; DIY. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
The Sarah Silverman Program (Comedy Central; 9:30). Season Finale.
Sunday, 11/23
24: Redemption; FOX. 7 pm. Movie.
A 2-hr movie that bridges Season 6 (which ended 18 months ago) and the upcoming Season 7.
True Blood (HBO; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Entourage (HBO; 9 pm). Season Finale.
The boys travel back to their hometown of NYC.
A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All; Comedy Central. 9 pm. Special.
Stephen Colbert welcomes Elvis Costello, Jon Stewart, and Willie Nelson in this Christmas spectacular.
The Drinky Crow Show; [adult swim]/Cartoon Network. 11:15 pm. Series Premiere.
Based on the Sock Monkey comic book series, but featuring Drinky, a crow that gets blitzed at all opportunities. I watched the pilot a year or so ago, and it would probably help to be drunk yourself when you watched this.
On How I Met Your Mother (CBS; 7: 30 pm CST), Robin joins a group of party girls led by Jamie-Lynn Sigler (who, I hope, doesn't have to perform any sexual favors in this guest role-- as opposed to her recent Entourage appearance. --Don't get excited, it was off-camera.)
CSI: Miami (CBS; 9 pm CST) airs its 150th episode.
Tuesday, 11/18
Brother to Brutha; BET. 9:30 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Five half-brothers from South Central L.A. try to break into the music biz.
Wednesday, 11/19
The IFC Media Project; IFC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Host Gideon Yago promises "the truth behind the news", but the review I read said he didn't do a very good job.
America's Next Top Model (CW; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Jason Alexander plays this week's killer on Criminal Minds (CBS; 8 pm).
CSI: NY (CBS; 9 pm) airs its 100th episode.
Thursday, 11/20
Chloe and Jimmy get married on Smallville (CW; 7 pm).
Someone made a mess in the microwave on The Office (NBC; 8 pm), which is good news to me as the worst-sounding plots end up with the greatest episodes of this show. (And this show needs to start having great episodes this year.)
Dean tells Sam what happened during his time in Hell on Supernatural (CW; 8 pm). [Sounds cool. I have to start watching that show. Time to break out the tapes I've recorded this show on...]
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Cool Tools; DIY. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
The Sarah Silverman Program (Comedy Central; 9:30). Season Finale.
Sunday, 11/23
24: Redemption; FOX. 7 pm. Movie.
A 2-hr movie that bridges Season 6 (which ended 18 months ago) and the upcoming Season 7.
True Blood (HBO; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Entourage (HBO; 9 pm). Season Finale.
The boys travel back to their hometown of NYC.
A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All; Comedy Central. 9 pm. Special.
Stephen Colbert welcomes Elvis Costello, Jon Stewart, and Willie Nelson in this Christmas spectacular.
The Drinky Crow Show; [adult swim]/Cartoon Network. 11:15 pm. Series Premiere.
Based on the Sock Monkey comic book series, but featuring Drinky, a crow that gets blitzed at all opportunities. I watched the pilot a year or so ago, and it would probably help to be drunk yourself when you watched this.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Near Mid-Season TV Show Update
Well, we're at that time of year, just before the Holidays that the networks start maneuvering their schedules. Dropping some, ordering more scripts for others, moving timeslots.
So far, the causalities are: Do Not Disturb, The Ex List, and Opportunity Knocks.
Shows which have stopped production and may never air again: Valentine, Easy Money, My Own Worst Enemy, and Lipstick Jungle.
Shows which have been given a full-season order: 90210 (no big surprise), Fringe, Knight Rider (wow-- I've heard it was crap), Kath & Kim (for real! One of the worst shows I've ever sat through), Life, The Mentalist, Private Practice (although I haven't read a review or a viewer comment that likes this show), and Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles.
Shows TV Guide says are "on the bubble": Crusoe (although it was intended on being a close-ended, 13 ep series), Prison Break (my guess is they end it next spring), Dirty Sexy Money (I bet they give it a full season and then not bring it back next season), Eli Stone (the same, runs this season; doesn't come back), Gary Unmarried (I doubt it makes it until May), Privileged (I think they keep it this season), Pushing Daisies (as much of a crime as it would be, I don't think it lasts the whole season), and Worst Week (I think it makes it through the season, but I could see it moving into Gary's spot).
Current shows I'm giving shout-outs to: How I Met Your Mother (CBS Monday; 7:30 pm)-- brilliant and hilarious, Phineas and Ferb (Disney Channel; multiple times each day)-- amazingly creative and works for children and adults, Big Bang Theory (CBS Monday; 7 pm)-- Jim Parsons is amazing, Desperate Housewives (ABC Sunday; 8 pm)-- stale show given new life with a five-year time jump, Family Guy (FOX Sunday; 8 pm)-- still hardly any plot, but funny again, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX Thursday; 9 pm)-- a little spotty, but very very funny when it's "on", and The Soup (E! Friday; 9 pm)-- hilarious .
All the above get my highest recommendation.
So far, the causalities are: Do Not Disturb, The Ex List, and Opportunity Knocks.
Shows which have stopped production and may never air again: Valentine, Easy Money, My Own Worst Enemy, and Lipstick Jungle.
Shows which have been given a full-season order: 90210 (no big surprise), Fringe, Knight Rider (wow-- I've heard it was crap), Kath & Kim (for real! One of the worst shows I've ever sat through), Life, The Mentalist, Private Practice (although I haven't read a review or a viewer comment that likes this show), and Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles.
Shows TV Guide says are "on the bubble": Crusoe (although it was intended on being a close-ended, 13 ep series), Prison Break (my guess is they end it next spring), Dirty Sexy Money (I bet they give it a full season and then not bring it back next season), Eli Stone (the same, runs this season; doesn't come back), Gary Unmarried (I doubt it makes it until May), Privileged (I think they keep it this season), Pushing Daisies (as much of a crime as it would be, I don't think it lasts the whole season), and Worst Week (I think it makes it through the season, but I could see it moving into Gary's spot).
Current shows I'm giving shout-outs to: How I Met Your Mother (CBS Monday; 7:30 pm)-- brilliant and hilarious, Phineas and Ferb (Disney Channel; multiple times each day)-- amazingly creative and works for children and adults, Big Bang Theory (CBS Monday; 7 pm)-- Jim Parsons is amazing, Desperate Housewives (ABC Sunday; 8 pm)-- stale show given new life with a five-year time jump, Family Guy (FOX Sunday; 8 pm)-- still hardly any plot, but funny again, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX Thursday; 9 pm)-- a little spotty, but very very funny when it's "on", and The Soup (E! Friday; 9 pm)-- hilarious .
All the above get my highest recommendation.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Premieres and Notables; November 10-16, 2008
Monday, 11/10
We've had two team members perish the past two episodes of Prison Break (FOX; 8 pm CST). Are there more going to follow? Probably, but doesn't sound like it this ep as it focuses on Michael and his ever-worsening condition.
And How I Met Your Mother (CBS; 7:30 CST) has been fantastic of late. Now's a good jumping-on point. Stella just left Ted and ran back to her ex. Last week, Ted realized that she was happy, so he had to move on. Sounds serious, and it is. But this show can mine comedy from anything-- and it does.
We've had two team members perish the past two episodes of Prison Break (FOX; 8 pm CST). Are there more going to follow? Probably, but doesn't sound like it this ep as it focuses on Michael and his ever-worsening condition.
And How I Met Your Mother (CBS; 7:30 CST) has been fantastic of late. Now's a good jumping-on point. Stella just left Ted and ran back to her ex. Last week, Ted realized that she was happy, so he had to move on. Sounds serious, and it is. But this show can mine comedy from anything-- and it does.
Tuesday, 11/11
Lincoln Heights (ABC Family; 7 & 8 pm). Season Finale.
Cha$e; Sci Fi. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Reality competition where contestants try to avoid "hunters" with virtual weaponry.
Extreme Trains; History. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A look at the world's largest engines.
Rick & Steve: The Happiest Gay Couple in the World; Logo. 9 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
Deliver Me; Discovery Health. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A show about pregnancy complications. Surely, it'll be the feel-good show of the year.
Blush: The Search for the Next Great Makeup Artist; Lifetime. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
I'd say "We may have hit the bottom of the barrel," but I'm sure something will go even lower next week.
espn.com premieres Kenny Mayne's new web show Mayne Street today. I don't watch espn, but I do make sure I tune in to Mayne's hilarious short "news pieces" on NFL Countdown. This cat is funny; whether you like sports or not.
Wednesday, 11/12
Top Chef: New York; Bravo. 9 pm. 5th Season Premiere.
Human Wrecking Balls; G4. 9:30. Series Premiere.
Two martial artist brothers break stuff. They dismantle a car with their bare hands in the premiere.
Thursday, 11/13
Did you notice how much funnier The Office (NBC; 8 pm) was last week than in previous weeks? That's because it was directed by co-creator Stephen Merchant.
30 Rock (NBC; 8:30) welcomes guest star Jennifer Aniston. I'm not all that excited, but everyone else in the world seems to be.
On It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, the gang decides to do an extreme home makeover for a new neighbor.
Anthony Edwards guest stars on ER (NBC; 9 pm). Isn't his character dead? Yes he is, but they found a good way to bring him back for this single episode.
Plastic Makes Perfect; Fine Living. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Does cosmetic surgery make people happier and more successful? This show looks to answer that question.
Friday, 11/14
Batman: The Brave and the Bold; Cartoon Network. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
A "lighter", more kid-friendly, Batman teams up with another hero each week to defeat the villains (just as in the old Brave and the Bold comic book).
And I need to point out that last week's new episode of Phineas & Ferb (Disney Channel; 7:30 pm-- or three or four times throughout the day, every day) was hilarious and filled with all sorts of inside jokes for viewers who have seen a number of episodes. If you have kids, this is mandatory viewing. If you don't, it's still worth checking out.
Saturday, 11/15
TBS airs the classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas (6:30 pm)
Ricky Gervais: Out of England; HBO. 8 pm. Special.
The Office and Extras co-creator/star brings his stand-up show to HBO. I've heard some griping that his act is the same show to show, but I've never seen him do stand-up before, so it'll be new for me.
Arab Labor; Link TV. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A sitcom about an Israeli-Palestinian journalist working in Israel.
Sunday, 11/16
Sound Revolution; Smithsonian. 7 pm. Mini-Series.
Six-part look at the birth of the blues hosted by Morgan Freeman.
Chef Jeff Project (Food Network; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Robot Chicken (adult swim/Cartoon Network; 10:30) does its second Star Wars special. The first was pretty good, and even got some voice work (and blessing) from George Lucas. This one has Billy Dee Williams pitching in.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Post-Election Thoughts
First off, I'm shocked that Prop 8 passed-- although I'm not heartbroken because it was by a slim margin. I thought if any state had a more enlightened populace, it would be California's. Interestingly, the minorities that Obama's people pushed to "get out the vote" for him were the ones that helped Prop 8 pass.
It's times like this that make me wish I had pursued a sociology degree because I find it very interesting that white voters were split on the issue, but African Americans and Latinos were in favor of it. On first thought, you'd have to think those two minorities would be more sympathetic to those being prejudiced against. On the other, much more cynical, hand, I wonder if a small part was the fact that they may have wanted same-sex couples to be discriminated against to take some of the heat off them.
But the big excuse is probably stereotypical: Latinos are predominantly Catholic, and we all know how intolerant the high-level muckety-mucks in that organization are. As for African Americans; well, there have been some people who have proposed that they are more homophobic than other people. I know it's not true of all people, but there are enough that it's become a bit of a stereotype.
The good news is: we as a people are heading in the right direction. California had a similar proposition in 2000, and the vote passed with over 60% in favor.
And there's always the possibility that the courts will step in and declare a ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional again. I'm all for democracy, but if we learned anything in the 2000 & 2004 Presidential Elections, the people are not always right.
On to the other vote I was following: the Minnesota Senatoral race between Norm Coleman and Al Franken. Yes, that Al Franken; the guy from Saturday Night Live. I've read all of Franken's books, and they have increasingly become more political. I give him props for putting his money where his mouth is and running against a tough opponent. Sure, Franken's running in honor of Paul Wellstone-- and against Norm Coleman, who has become his nemesis the past few years-- but I also think he can bring some new ideas to the Senate.
Unfortunately, he's trailing. From somewhere between 500 and 1000 votes, depending on how many more votes have been counted that hour. Both candidates have 1.2 million votes and change. We are talking a difference of one-half of one-half percent. The closest major election in Minnesota history. Absolutely insane. A recount is in the works, and I've read that most players don't think this will end without the courts getting involved somehow.
One little tidbit more about the race: A big shout out to St. Louis County, who voted in favor of Franken more than any other county in the state (according to the stats compiled by the Star Tribune ). Being born and raised in that area, it makes my heart warm to see "my people" vote as I would have if I didn't live in Wisconsin now.
And finally, did you ever imagine that a person of color would be president five years ago? It's mind boggling. Part of it was because I knew there is still just too much prejudice out there and part of it was there's never really been a candidate of color that could talk without rhyming, which when used too much, is about as credible as a candidate rapping.
But the thing is, I think Obama was the best choice for someone who could lead the people and the country out of the mess that President Shitforbrains has gotten us into in his too-long tenure. You may not like Obama's politics, but I think he's qualified to inspire us as well as mend some fences our Nimrod-in-Chief has demolished in his eight years.
As for our current president: don't count him out yet. He's still got a solid two months where he can [f-bomb] up something bigtime. I think the odds he'll blow another opportunity is about even because I imagine his people will do everything they can to keep him away from dangerous things like Iran, South Korea, the economy, butter knives...
And the absolute best thing about the vote: we don't have to hear about a damn race anymore. Is it me, or is two freaking years a bit too long to run for a job you'll hold for only four years (maybe eight, but you've got to sell yourself again for a second term)?
It's times like this that make me wish I had pursued a sociology degree because I find it very interesting that white voters were split on the issue, but African Americans and Latinos were in favor of it. On first thought, you'd have to think those two minorities would be more sympathetic to those being prejudiced against. On the other, much more cynical, hand, I wonder if a small part was the fact that they may have wanted same-sex couples to be discriminated against to take some of the heat off them.
But the big excuse is probably stereotypical: Latinos are predominantly Catholic, and we all know how intolerant the high-level muckety-mucks in that organization are. As for African Americans; well, there have been some people who have proposed that they are more homophobic than other people. I know it's not true of all people, but there are enough that it's become a bit of a stereotype.
The good news is: we as a people are heading in the right direction. California had a similar proposition in 2000, and the vote passed with over 60% in favor.
And there's always the possibility that the courts will step in and declare a ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional again. I'm all for democracy, but if we learned anything in the 2000 & 2004 Presidential Elections, the people are not always right.
On to the other vote I was following: the Minnesota Senatoral race between Norm Coleman and Al Franken. Yes, that Al Franken; the guy from Saturday Night Live. I've read all of Franken's books, and they have increasingly become more political. I give him props for putting his money where his mouth is and running against a tough opponent. Sure, Franken's running in honor of Paul Wellstone-- and against Norm Coleman, who has become his nemesis the past few years-- but I also think he can bring some new ideas to the Senate.
Unfortunately, he's trailing. From somewhere between 500 and 1000 votes, depending on how many more votes have been counted that hour. Both candidates have 1.2 million votes and change. We are talking a difference of one-half of one-half percent. The closest major election in Minnesota history. Absolutely insane. A recount is in the works, and I've read that most players don't think this will end without the courts getting involved somehow.
One little tidbit more about the race: A big shout out to St. Louis County, who voted in favor of Franken more than any other county in the state (according to the stats compiled by the Star Tribune ). Being born and raised in that area, it makes my heart warm to see "my people" vote as I would have if I didn't live in Wisconsin now.
And finally, did you ever imagine that a person of color would be president five years ago? It's mind boggling. Part of it was because I knew there is still just too much prejudice out there and part of it was there's never really been a candidate of color that could talk without rhyming, which when used too much, is about as credible as a candidate rapping.
But the thing is, I think Obama was the best choice for someone who could lead the people and the country out of the mess that President Shitforbrains has gotten us into in his too-long tenure. You may not like Obama's politics, but I think he's qualified to inspire us as well as mend some fences our Nimrod-in-Chief has demolished in his eight years.
As for our current president: don't count him out yet. He's still got a solid two months where he can [f-bomb] up something bigtime. I think the odds he'll blow another opportunity is about even because I imagine his people will do everything they can to keep him away from dangerous things like Iran, South Korea, the economy, butter knives...
And the absolute best thing about the vote: we don't have to hear about a damn race anymore. Is it me, or is two freaking years a bit too long to run for a job you'll hold for only four years (maybe eight, but you've got to sell yourself again for a second term)?
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Let the Bodies Hit the Floor
This is both one of the dumbest and one of the coolest things I've ever seen.
See more funny videos at Funny or Die
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Okay-- I Didn't See That Coming...
Natalie Portman and Rashida Jones remind us to vote.
And they offer up a solution to the economic crisis in this one:
See more Natalie Portman videos at Funny or Die
And they offer up a solution to the economic crisis in this one:
See more Natalie Portman videos at Funny or Die
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Premieres and Notables; November 4-9, 2008
Monday, 11/3
Raising the Bar (TNT; 9 pm CST). Season Finale.
Tuesday, 11/4
All you need to know is vote first, then watch TV.
If you've read my blog a while, you can get a little taste of where I'm coming from, but no matter whether you agree or disagree with me, the important thing is to vote.
But if I may stump a little: remember, third party/independent candidates need your vote, too-- even more than the Big Two parties, which have pretty much screwed any chance of a third voice being heard amongst their nonsense (and working campaign laws to make third parties' campaigns doomed to failure). If you don't know who to vote for, vote independent. No, odds are, that person won't win, but what it will do is legitimize another voice-- and increase the odds that those voices will be heard in the future.
Down with Red and Blue. Purple is a nicer color. I'd love to see purple all across the country when the networks show the country and what precincts have reported.
(And for those of you who are like me and don't get metaphors: purple is a mix of the other two colors.)
Anyway the main networks are covering this important election coverage, so don't expect new episodes or repeats on any of them. The CW, though, is airing new 90210 and Privileged episodes (as is FX airing a new The Shield). I'm not saying one is right or wrong-- although, seriously, how many f-bombing hours of election coverage do we need? Give us a one minute recap every commercial break and maybe a five minute recap at the top of every hour and then let the local and national news give full reports after prime time. It's not as if much is known until later in the night anyway.
Finally, there is also a new (and cool sounding) election episode of Wordgirl airing on PBS (10 am-- check local listings). I've never seen the show, but a link to this teaser was sent to me, and I think it was cute, a little humorous, and I'm sure also informative for younger viewers.
Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cawSBHnYm_A
Wednesday, 11/5
Don't forget, NBC moves Life to 8 pm CST and Law & Order (which may be a season premiere; I'm not sure about that due to this being a late sched change) moves to 9 pm.
Top Design (Bravo; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Thursday, 11/6
I'm still not as in love with this show (or the guest) as everyone else seems to be, but it should be noted that 30 Rock (NBC; 8:30) snagged guest star Oprah. I'm guessing it'd have to be pretty good for either to do the stunt.
Friday, 11/7
Law & Order: Criminal Intent; USA. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Shadow Force; History. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A look at expert mercenaries. The pilot shows them going after pirates off the coast of Liberia. [Don't know if you've heard, but pirates have been capturing a number of ships the past few months.]
Survivorman; Discovery. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Whale Wars; Animal Planet. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Captain Paul Watson and his band of merry men sail around Antarctica and thwart Japanese whale hunters.
Henry Rollins: Uncut; IFC. 9:30 pm. Season Premiere.
I'm mad I don't get IFC with Charter cable. Sucks...
Saturday, 11/8
True Jackson, VP; Nickelodeon. 8:30 pm. Series Premiere.
A 15-year-old designer becomes the youngest VP at a fashion label.
My Bare Lady 2: Open for Business; FOX Reality. 9 pm. Season premiere.
Porn stars try to run a business. Wow....
I'm not mad I don't get FOX Reality...
Sunday, 11/9
Ruby; Style. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Ruby Gettinger starts her weight-loss journey at 477 lbs, and presumably it goes down from there.
Summer Heights High; HBO. 9:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Instead of adapting a show from another country and then screwing it all up, HBO decided to just air the original. This one is from Australia and is a mockumentary looking at life in high school. I've heard good things about this show. It's worth at least a looksie.
And over on Entourage (HBO; 9 pm), Seth Green shows up. If you've seen the show before, you know there will be fireworks as Seth and Eric do not get along so well.
Raising the Bar (TNT; 9 pm CST). Season Finale.
Tuesday, 11/4
All you need to know is vote first, then watch TV.
If you've read my blog a while, you can get a little taste of where I'm coming from, but no matter whether you agree or disagree with me, the important thing is to vote.
But if I may stump a little: remember, third party/independent candidates need your vote, too-- even more than the Big Two parties, which have pretty much screwed any chance of a third voice being heard amongst their nonsense (and working campaign laws to make third parties' campaigns doomed to failure). If you don't know who to vote for, vote independent. No, odds are, that person won't win, but what it will do is legitimize another voice-- and increase the odds that those voices will be heard in the future.
Down with Red and Blue. Purple is a nicer color. I'd love to see purple all across the country when the networks show the country and what precincts have reported.
(And for those of you who are like me and don't get metaphors: purple is a mix of the other two colors.)
Anyway the main networks are covering this important election coverage, so don't expect new episodes or repeats on any of them. The CW, though, is airing new 90210 and Privileged episodes (as is FX airing a new The Shield). I'm not saying one is right or wrong-- although, seriously, how many f-bombing hours of election coverage do we need? Give us a one minute recap every commercial break and maybe a five minute recap at the top of every hour and then let the local and national news give full reports after prime time. It's not as if much is known until later in the night anyway.
Finally, there is also a new (and cool sounding) election episode of Wordgirl airing on PBS (10 am-- check local listings). I've never seen the show, but a link to this teaser was sent to me, and I think it was cute, a little humorous, and I'm sure also informative for younger viewers.
Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cawSBHnYm_A
Wednesday, 11/5
Don't forget, NBC moves Life to 8 pm CST and Law & Order (which may be a season premiere; I'm not sure about that due to this being a late sched change) moves to 9 pm.
Top Design (Bravo; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Thursday, 11/6
I'm still not as in love with this show (or the guest) as everyone else seems to be, but it should be noted that 30 Rock (NBC; 8:30) snagged guest star Oprah. I'm guessing it'd have to be pretty good for either to do the stunt.
Friday, 11/7
Law & Order: Criminal Intent; USA. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Shadow Force; History. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A look at expert mercenaries. The pilot shows them going after pirates off the coast of Liberia. [Don't know if you've heard, but pirates have been capturing a number of ships the past few months.]
Survivorman; Discovery. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Whale Wars; Animal Planet. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Captain Paul Watson and his band of merry men sail around Antarctica and thwart Japanese whale hunters.
Henry Rollins: Uncut; IFC. 9:30 pm. Season Premiere.
I'm mad I don't get IFC with Charter cable. Sucks...
Saturday, 11/8
True Jackson, VP; Nickelodeon. 8:30 pm. Series Premiere.
A 15-year-old designer becomes the youngest VP at a fashion label.
My Bare Lady 2: Open for Business; FOX Reality. 9 pm. Season premiere.
Porn stars try to run a business. Wow....
I'm not mad I don't get FOX Reality...
Sunday, 11/9
Ruby; Style. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Ruby Gettinger starts her weight-loss journey at 477 lbs, and presumably it goes down from there.
Summer Heights High; HBO. 9:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Instead of adapting a show from another country and then screwing it all up, HBO decided to just air the original. This one is from Australia and is a mockumentary looking at life in high school. I've heard good things about this show. It's worth at least a looksie.
And over on Entourage (HBO; 9 pm), Seth Green shows up. If you've seen the show before, you know there will be fireworks as Seth and Eric do not get along so well.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
New Sammy Goes Old
If you haven't seen it yet, here is Sammy Hagar's new video of the song "Cosmic Universal Fashion" (from the album Cosmic Universal Fashion; dropping Nov 18) that may look familiar.
And here's the original the "Cosmic" pays homage to:
And here's the original the "Cosmic" pays homage to:
Chelsea and Chuy Make a Video
I'm a fairly new fan of Chelsea Handler's Chelsea Lately (weeknights on E!; 10:30 pm CST), but she sold me with this video.
First, the background: Chelsea is a TV host and author (and I will guess a comedian as well), and Chuy (who she lovingly calls her "Little Nugget") is her assistant and sidekick.
They made a video about California's Proposition 8 that is both funny and informative:
And now that you've seen it, let me rant: Proposition 8 sucks ass. Blame the f-bombing Republican assholes who have used the anger Americans have for losing their money and jobs the past 10 years and turning it so they have anger against abortions and gays.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to marry the one they love (within reason: they should be consenting people at least 18 years of age and not blood relations, as well as human-- for obvious reasons), so just get over it and let people marry who they want. I'm married, and the fact that "Sulu" and his long-time boyfriend got married does not diminish my marriage an iota.
I always thought people who vote Republican over one issue (most notably abortion) were short-sighted (as if there aren't other important things going on in the country that should be included in the decision of who to vote for), but I have jumped on the one-issue bandwagon.
I will NEVER vote for a Republican as long as they maintain their hatred and prejudice against gays and lesbians. That's not to say I'll automatically vote Democrat (although it's more likely), but the Republicans will NEVER get my vote. No chance in Hell. You can put a Republican against The Anti-Christ in a Presidential election, and I will not vote for the Republican.
No, I'll vote for Superman.
It's legal. I can write him in.
And before you think I'm protecting someone close to me, I'm not. I don't have any contact with anyone I know is gay. I've met three people who were gay (and only one was "out" at the time) in my life. I'm saying this because it's the right thing to do: let people be in love with who they're in love with.
Californians, do the right thing, vote "no" on Prop 8, and tell the supporters of it to sit down, shut up, and stop being haters. It's time to stop discriminating, and come together as a country instead of splitting over the stupid shit that the Reps and Dems want us to fight about instead of waking up and seeing what the Two-Party system and their lobbyist masters have done to screw the country up.
First, the background: Chelsea is a TV host and author (and I will guess a comedian as well), and Chuy (who she lovingly calls her "Little Nugget") is her assistant and sidekick.
They made a video about California's Proposition 8 that is both funny and informative:
And now that you've seen it, let me rant: Proposition 8 sucks ass. Blame the f-bombing Republican assholes who have used the anger Americans have for losing their money and jobs the past 10 years and turning it so they have anger against abortions and gays.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to marry the one they love (within reason: they should be consenting people at least 18 years of age and not blood relations, as well as human-- for obvious reasons), so just get over it and let people marry who they want. I'm married, and the fact that "Sulu" and his long-time boyfriend got married does not diminish my marriage an iota.
I always thought people who vote Republican over one issue (most notably abortion) were short-sighted (as if there aren't other important things going on in the country that should be included in the decision of who to vote for), but I have jumped on the one-issue bandwagon.
I will NEVER vote for a Republican as long as they maintain their hatred and prejudice against gays and lesbians. That's not to say I'll automatically vote Democrat (although it's more likely), but the Republicans will NEVER get my vote. No chance in Hell. You can put a Republican against The Anti-Christ in a Presidential election, and I will not vote for the Republican.
No, I'll vote for Superman.
It's legal. I can write him in.
And before you think I'm protecting someone close to me, I'm not. I don't have any contact with anyone I know is gay. I've met three people who were gay (and only one was "out" at the time) in my life. I'm saying this because it's the right thing to do: let people be in love with who they're in love with.
Californians, do the right thing, vote "no" on Prop 8, and tell the supporters of it to sit down, shut up, and stop being haters. It's time to stop discriminating, and come together as a country instead of splitting over the stupid shit that the Reps and Dems want us to fight about instead of waking up and seeing what the Two-Party system and their lobbyist masters have done to screw the country up.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
TV News Odds and Ends
FOX and NBC took chances by giving low-rated series Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and Chuck full-season pick-ups. The CW also ordered more scripts for Privileged.
Starting November 5, Life moves to Wednesdays at 8 pm CST. That's not to say NBC has tons of hope for the show, but they wanted to make a "crime block" on Wednesdays (and maybe to boot Lipstick Jungle to Friday Night Hell).
Gary Cole, who has been everywhere lately (Desperate Housewives last season, and a stint on Chuck next month) will get a few episodes of Entourage later next month before he becomes a regular cast member next season. Cole's TV work doesn't scream "funny" to me, but then he was Lumberg on Office Space. Ah-- that doesn't matter, I've been a big Cole fan since American Gothic. And I won't spoil the potential plot development with Cole's part; but it could mean big things for the gang if mean what I think it means.
Starting November 5, Life moves to Wednesdays at 8 pm CST. That's not to say NBC has tons of hope for the show, but they wanted to make a "crime block" on Wednesdays (and maybe to boot Lipstick Jungle to Friday Night Hell).
Gary Cole, who has been everywhere lately (Desperate Housewives last season, and a stint on Chuck next month) will get a few episodes of Entourage later next month before he becomes a regular cast member next season. Cole's TV work doesn't scream "funny" to me, but then he was Lumberg on Office Space. Ah-- that doesn't matter, I've been a big Cole fan since American Gothic. And I won't spoil the potential plot development with Cole's part; but it could mean big things for the gang if mean what I think it means.
Premieres and Notables; October 27- November 2, 2008
Monday, 10/27
Lisa Williams: Voices From the Other Side; Lifetime. 10 am. Mini-series premiere.
All this week, Williams "talks" to the dead to help them communicate with the living.
Tuesday, 10/28
Greek (ABC Family; 8 pm CST). Mid-season finale.
Coolio's Rules; Oxygen. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Coolio tries to start a catering business while being a husband and father in this reality show.
Wednesday, 10/29
Shaken, Not Stirred; MyNetworkTV. 8 pm CST. Series Premiere.
A new celebrity "roast" show starring D.L. Hughley, Paul Rodriguez, and Anthony Anderson. Tonight, they give it to Al Sharpton.
Redemption Song; Fuse. 10 pm. Series Premiere.
Eleven women with really troubled pasts (one strips to get bail money for her boyfriend, and another ran an escort service where she'd get clients wasted and then steal their wallets) compete for a record deal. Fun!
UFO Hunters; History. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Thursday, 10/30
30 Rock; NBC. 8:30. Season Premiere.
Saturday, 11/1
Gladiators; BBC America. 3 pm. Series Premiere.
American Gladiators with the "American".
Primeval (BBC America; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Sunday, 11/2
Brotherhood; Showtime. 7 pm. 3rd Season Premiere.
The Simpsons (FOX; 7 pm) give us Treehouse of Horror XIX.
Army Wives (Lifetime; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Lisa Williams: Voices From the Other Side; Lifetime. 10 am. Mini-series premiere.
All this week, Williams "talks" to the dead to help them communicate with the living.
Tuesday, 10/28
Greek (ABC Family; 8 pm CST). Mid-season finale.
Coolio's Rules; Oxygen. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Coolio tries to start a catering business while being a husband and father in this reality show.
Wednesday, 10/29
Shaken, Not Stirred; MyNetworkTV. 8 pm CST. Series Premiere.
A new celebrity "roast" show starring D.L. Hughley, Paul Rodriguez, and Anthony Anderson. Tonight, they give it to Al Sharpton.
Redemption Song; Fuse. 10 pm. Series Premiere.
Eleven women with really troubled pasts (one strips to get bail money for her boyfriend, and another ran an escort service where she'd get clients wasted and then steal their wallets) compete for a record deal. Fun!
UFO Hunters; History. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Thursday, 10/30
30 Rock; NBC. 8:30. Season Premiere.
Saturday, 11/1
Gladiators; BBC America. 3 pm. Series Premiere.
American Gladiators with the "American".
Primeval (BBC America; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Sunday, 11/2
Brotherhood; Showtime. 7 pm. 3rd Season Premiere.
The Simpsons (FOX; 7 pm) give us Treehouse of Horror XIX.
Army Wives (Lifetime; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Not as creepy as the real thing, but...
Dude's got Blaine's dumb-ass stare into the camera down pat. Pretty funny.
See more funny videos at Funny or Die
Back to the CURB
Sounds like Curb Your Enthusiasm might back back sooner than later.
HBO is shooting for a December start time for production on the new season and hoping to start airing new episodes in early 2009.
Can you believe it's been a year-and-a-half since "Long Ball Larry" (one of my favorite TV scenes ever)?
HBO is shooting for a December start time for production on the new season and hoping to start airing new episodes in early 2009.
Can you believe it's been a year-and-a-half since "Long Ball Larry" (one of my favorite TV scenes ever)?
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
Degrees of Pain
Tonight, I experienced two types of pain while watching TV.
First, I was hit in the gut by the surprise ending of the "Shelter Island" episode of How I Met Your Mother. I've talked this show up before, but tonight's episode put the series at a whole 'nother level. It has been one of my favorite comedies of the last few years, but now it's one of my favorite comedies ever.
Since its first season, the show has been surprising in the way that it can make you laugh and then break your heart once or twice a season, but I am crushed after this episode.
Props for the creators on leading us one way and then pulling the rug out from under us. Extra props for Josh Radnor. I don't know if I would be nearly as heartbroken if he wasn't playing Ted.
And poor Barney. So weak. You have to wonder what's in store for him and his crush after this episode.
And now, another completely different level of pain: I watched last Thursday's episode of Kath and Kim.
What a waste of film. Jesus Christ, that show is a turd.
I gave the Thursday edition of Saturday Night Live a shot because I thought if they only had a half hour, then it may actually be funny, but I was very wrong. One of the unfunniest shows I've ever seen.
But I think it's frickin' brilliant compared to Kath and Kim. That's 40 minutes of my life I'll never get back (I almost always give a show more than one episode to hook me, and I gave up after half ten minutes in the second ep).
I want to just smash my head with a hammer in the hopes I can get amnesia and forget I ever watched that piece of shit.
Have I seen worse shows? Probably. But this is a crime because some jackass at NBC actually thought it was so good that they'd promote the Hell out of it. And they gave it a plum spot between My Name is Earl and The Office. My God-- I hope they dump that piece garbage before it stinks up the entire lineup.
Man, I think I may have gone overboard here.
No-- I just remembered: NBC treated a great show (Scrubs) like a redheaded stepchild for years-- and then dumped it in favor of this load of feces.
Boo, NBC! Boo!
First, I was hit in the gut by the surprise ending of the "Shelter Island" episode of How I Met Your Mother. I've talked this show up before, but tonight's episode put the series at a whole 'nother level. It has been one of my favorite comedies of the last few years, but now it's one of my favorite comedies ever.
Since its first season, the show has been surprising in the way that it can make you laugh and then break your heart once or twice a season, but I am crushed after this episode.
Props for the creators on leading us one way and then pulling the rug out from under us. Extra props for Josh Radnor. I don't know if I would be nearly as heartbroken if he wasn't playing Ted.
And poor Barney. So weak. You have to wonder what's in store for him and his crush after this episode.
And now, another completely different level of pain: I watched last Thursday's episode of Kath and Kim.
What a waste of film. Jesus Christ, that show is a turd.
I gave the Thursday edition of Saturday Night Live a shot because I thought if they only had a half hour, then it may actually be funny, but I was very wrong. One of the unfunniest shows I've ever seen.
But I think it's frickin' brilliant compared to Kath and Kim. That's 40 minutes of my life I'll never get back (I almost always give a show more than one episode to hook me, and I gave up after half ten minutes in the second ep).
I want to just smash my head with a hammer in the hopes I can get amnesia and forget I ever watched that piece of shit.
Have I seen worse shows? Probably. But this is a crime because some jackass at NBC actually thought it was so good that they'd promote the Hell out of it. And they gave it a plum spot between My Name is Earl and The Office. My God-- I hope they dump that piece garbage before it stinks up the entire lineup.
Man, I think I may have gone overboard here.
No-- I just remembered: NBC treated a great show (Scrubs) like a redheaded stepchild for years-- and then dumped it in favor of this load of feces.
Boo, NBC! Boo!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Premieres and Notables; October 20-26, 2008
Monday, 10/20
Rita Rocks; Lifetime. 7:30 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Nicole Sullivan stars in this series about a wife and mother who has a bit of an identity crisis and forms a garage band with some friends.
Note: the show airs every night this week at 7:30 and then moves to its normal Tuesday night slot next week.
Ski Patrol; TruTV. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Reality show that follows a ski patrol in Washington State.
Tuesday, 10/21
Living With the Wolfman; Animal Planet. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Wolf-lover Shaun Ellis finds a girlfriend and tries getting her assimilated in the pack of wolves he lives with.
General Hospital: Night Shift (SoapNet; 10 pm). Season Finale.
Frank TV; TBS. 10 pm. Season Premiere.
Wednesday, 10/22
Stylista; The CW. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Elle fashion-news editor (they consider fashion "news" enough to have an editor?) Anne Slowey does an Appentice-style show.
Independent Lens; PBS. 8 pm (check local listings). Season Premiere.
Thursday, 10/23
American Gangster; BET. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Saturday, 10/25
America's Toughest Jobs (NBC; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Sunday, 10/26
Nature; PBS. 7 pm (check local listings). 27th Season Premiere.
Cities of the Underworld; History. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Mad Men (AMC; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Rita Rocks; Lifetime. 7:30 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Nicole Sullivan stars in this series about a wife and mother who has a bit of an identity crisis and forms a garage band with some friends.
Note: the show airs every night this week at 7:30 and then moves to its normal Tuesday night slot next week.
Ski Patrol; TruTV. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Reality show that follows a ski patrol in Washington State.
Tuesday, 10/21
Living With the Wolfman; Animal Planet. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Wolf-lover Shaun Ellis finds a girlfriend and tries getting her assimilated in the pack of wolves he lives with.
General Hospital: Night Shift (SoapNet; 10 pm). Season Finale.
Frank TV; TBS. 10 pm. Season Premiere.
Wednesday, 10/22
Stylista; The CW. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Elle fashion-news editor (they consider fashion "news" enough to have an editor?) Anne Slowey does an Appentice-style show.
Independent Lens; PBS. 8 pm (check local listings). Season Premiere.
Thursday, 10/23
American Gangster; BET. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Saturday, 10/25
America's Toughest Jobs (NBC; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Sunday, 10/26
Nature; PBS. 7 pm (check local listings). 27th Season Premiere.
Cities of the Underworld; History. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Mad Men (AMC; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Too Cool For Words
For those of you who watch Metalocalypse, you'll get how damn cool this is.
If you don't watch... Well, it's still pretty cool.
If you don't watch... Well, it's still pretty cool.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Premieres and Notables; Oct. 13-19, 2008
Well, the new TV season is underway. I taped the first few Knight Riders, but I have heard so much bad about it, I taped over it this week. Do Not Disturb... F-ing brutal. Kath & Kim is not much better, but I will give it 2-3 episodes before I give up on it. Gave Private Practice about twenty minutes before I decided it didn't get any better than the first two eps I suffered through last year-- despite everyone on the show saying it's so much better this time.
How I Met Your Mother continues to be great. Best network comedy right now. Sorry, Office, but you know I'm right. Worst Week has successfully navigated the tightrope it's on; just silly enough and hasn't gone overboard yet. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia needs to pick it up just a bit, but it's still way, way better than most. My Name is Earl is back to what makes it quietly one of the nicest shows on TV (I love how it mixes self-centered hyper-rednecks with some very touching moments/situations from time to time). Big Bang Theory has maintained its momentum from last year. Entourage has been mixed; beats last season by a mile, though. And the best comeback is by Prison Break; nice to see it back to what made the first season so good (a team trying to accomplish a task).
Monday, 10/13
Inside the Actor's Studio; Bravo. 6 pm CST. Season Premiere.
Christian Slater is the guest this ep.
Little People, Big World; TLC. 7 pm CST. 4th Season Premiere.
Samantha Who?; ABC. 8:31 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
My Own Worst Enemy; NBC. 9:00 pm. Series Premiere.
Christian Slater stars as a spy who had a second personality/life of an office worker implanted into his brain. Sounds like a great premise, but, from what I've heard, the execution is not so good.
Tuesday, 10/14
The Cleaner (A&E; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Frontline; PBS. 8 pm (check local listings). Season Premiere.
A look at McCain and Obama starts the new season out.
Eli Stone; ABC. 9:01 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
I really liked this show last season. Check it out. Recommended.
Toughest Race on Earth: Iditarod; Discovery. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
This reality show follows mushers and their dog teams on the race across Alaska. I'm there.
Wednesday, 10/15
Chocolate News; Comedy Central. 9:30. Series Premiere.
David Alan Grier stars in this comedy sketch show. I'll check it out, but I haven't heard good things.
Parking Wars; A&E. 9 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
Project Runway (Bravo; 8 pm). Season finale (and the end of the show on Bravo).
Thursday, 10/16
Iconoclasts; Sundance. 9 pm. 4th Season Premiere.
Richard Branson and Desmond Tutu chat.
Friday, 10/17
Crusoe; NBC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
An adaptation of the classic novel.
Crash; Starz. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A adaptation of the Oscar-winning movie, starring Dennis Hopper. I already caught the pilot on OnDemand, and it's a mess. I know the premise is the characters' lives start intersecting, but this ep was too much set-up with no pay-off at all. And, because it's on a pay-channel, there is unnecessary swearing and nudity. I have no problem with either, but it felt tacked on because it wasn't on USA or another basic cable channel.
My other problem: I do not give a crap about any of the characters. I know that's pretty standard nowadays, but I have less and less time to watch shows develop beyond a handful of episodes. Shows have to start hooking viewers sooner (they used to have to do it in the pilots, so it's not as if I'm asking for much).
I'll give the show a few more eps, but I don't have my hopes up.
Ghost Adventures; Travel. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Another show where paranormal investigators check out "haunted" places.
Saturday, 10/18
The Naked Brothers Band; Nickelodeon. 7:30 pm. Season Premiere.
I'll never stop thinking this is stupid name for a kids band...
Sunday, 10/19
Pulling; Sundance. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
A six-episode sitcom from Britain about a single woman who dumps her fiance and then tries to keep up with her rowdy roommates.
How I Met Your Mother continues to be great. Best network comedy right now. Sorry, Office, but you know I'm right. Worst Week has successfully navigated the tightrope it's on; just silly enough and hasn't gone overboard yet. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia needs to pick it up just a bit, but it's still way, way better than most. My Name is Earl is back to what makes it quietly one of the nicest shows on TV (I love how it mixes self-centered hyper-rednecks with some very touching moments/situations from time to time). Big Bang Theory has maintained its momentum from last year. Entourage has been mixed; beats last season by a mile, though. And the best comeback is by Prison Break; nice to see it back to what made the first season so good (a team trying to accomplish a task).
Monday, 10/13
Inside the Actor's Studio; Bravo. 6 pm CST. Season Premiere.
Christian Slater is the guest this ep.
Little People, Big World; TLC. 7 pm CST. 4th Season Premiere.
Samantha Who?; ABC. 8:31 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
My Own Worst Enemy; NBC. 9:00 pm. Series Premiere.
Christian Slater stars as a spy who had a second personality/life of an office worker implanted into his brain. Sounds like a great premise, but, from what I've heard, the execution is not so good.
Tuesday, 10/14
The Cleaner (A&E; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Frontline; PBS. 8 pm (check local listings). Season Premiere.
A look at McCain and Obama starts the new season out.
Eli Stone; ABC. 9:01 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
I really liked this show last season. Check it out. Recommended.
Toughest Race on Earth: Iditarod; Discovery. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
This reality show follows mushers and their dog teams on the race across Alaska. I'm there.
Wednesday, 10/15
Chocolate News; Comedy Central. 9:30. Series Premiere.
David Alan Grier stars in this comedy sketch show. I'll check it out, but I haven't heard good things.
Parking Wars; A&E. 9 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
Project Runway (Bravo; 8 pm). Season finale (and the end of the show on Bravo).
Thursday, 10/16
Iconoclasts; Sundance. 9 pm. 4th Season Premiere.
Richard Branson and Desmond Tutu chat.
Friday, 10/17
Crusoe; NBC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
An adaptation of the classic novel.
Crash; Starz. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A adaptation of the Oscar-winning movie, starring Dennis Hopper. I already caught the pilot on OnDemand, and it's a mess. I know the premise is the characters' lives start intersecting, but this ep was too much set-up with no pay-off at all. And, because it's on a pay-channel, there is unnecessary swearing and nudity. I have no problem with either, but it felt tacked on because it wasn't on USA or another basic cable channel.
My other problem: I do not give a crap about any of the characters. I know that's pretty standard nowadays, but I have less and less time to watch shows develop beyond a handful of episodes. Shows have to start hooking viewers sooner (they used to have to do it in the pilots, so it's not as if I'm asking for much).
I'll give the show a few more eps, but I don't have my hopes up.
Ghost Adventures; Travel. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Another show where paranormal investigators check out "haunted" places.
Saturday, 10/18
The Naked Brothers Band; Nickelodeon. 7:30 pm. Season Premiere.
I'll never stop thinking this is stupid name for a kids band...
Sunday, 10/19
Pulling; Sundance. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
A six-episode sitcom from Britain about a single woman who dumps her fiance and then tries to keep up with her rowdy roommates.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Additional Notables
Okay, I'm back from my time away from the computer, and, of course, Entertainment Weekly had some shows listed that TV Guide didn't.
[Note to TV Guide: get your crap together. Stop wasting pages with stupid shit like who's dating whom and start listing most of the major shows on the major cable channels. My subscription expires in two years, and I'm on the fence about renewing.]
Monday, 10/6
Bingo America; GSN. 5:30 pm CST. 2nd Season Premiere.
Really?
My Big Amazing Renovation; HGTV. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
I'm guessing it's about what the title suggests.
Magic's Biggest Secrets Revealed; MyNetwork TV. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Tuesday, 10/7
Whose Wedding Is It Anyway? Style. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Dirty Jobs; Discovery. 8 pm. Return.
Wednesday, 10/8
The Sarah Silverman Program; Comedy Central. 9:30 pm. 3rd Season Premiere.
Thursday, 10/9
Testees; FX. 9:30. Series Premiere.
I don't know much about this comedy about medical test subjects other than it's created by Kenny vs Spenny's "evil" Kenny Hotz.
Saturday, 10/11
The Graham Norton Show; BBC America. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Sunday, 10/12
The Chef Jeff Project; Food Network. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
I can't come up with an original way to put this, so I'll let EW's Jessica Shaw say it: "Former jailbird Jeff Henderson inspires kids to choose celery over crime." For real...
[Note to TV Guide: get your crap together. Stop wasting pages with stupid shit like who's dating whom and start listing most of the major shows on the major cable channels. My subscription expires in two years, and I'm on the fence about renewing.]
Monday, 10/6
Bingo America; GSN. 5:30 pm CST. 2nd Season Premiere.
Really?
My Big Amazing Renovation; HGTV. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
I'm guessing it's about what the title suggests.
Magic's Biggest Secrets Revealed; MyNetwork TV. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Tuesday, 10/7
Whose Wedding Is It Anyway? Style. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Dirty Jobs; Discovery. 8 pm. Return.
Wednesday, 10/8
The Sarah Silverman Program; Comedy Central. 9:30 pm. 3rd Season Premiere.
Thursday, 10/9
Testees; FX. 9:30. Series Premiere.
I don't know much about this comedy about medical test subjects other than it's created by Kenny vs Spenny's "evil" Kenny Hotz.
Saturday, 10/11
The Graham Norton Show; BBC America. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Sunday, 10/12
The Chef Jeff Project; Food Network. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
I can't come up with an original way to put this, so I'll let EW's Jessica Shaw say it: "Former jailbird Jeff Henderson inspires kids to choose celery over crime." For real...
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Premieres and Notables; Oct. 6-12, 2008
Sorry-- I'm typing this one up before I get Entertainment Weekly, which has the more obscure shows listed. Hopefully, I won't miss too much.
Monday, 10/6
Prison Break (FOX; 8 pm): Gretchen + T-Bag = an even more exciting season.
Wednesday, 10/8
The Tony Rock Project; My Network TV. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Chris' little brother gets his own show. No idea what it's about.
Thursday, 10/9
Kath & Kim; NBC. 7:30 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Molly Shannon stars as a divorce who has her home invaded when her spoiled daughter moves back in. I watched a few eps of the original Australian show, and it was cute, but not enough for me to keep watching. NBC is pushing this show hard, and that usually means it's not that great when they're filling space on Thursdays.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation; CBS. 8 pm. 9th Season Premiere.
The gang (even Sara) comes together to solve the crime of who shot Warrick.
Saturday Night Live Weekend Update Thursday; NBC. 8:31 pm. Mini-series.
Seth Meyers and Amy Poehler anchor a three-week Thursday version of their SNL routine. Let's hope they put more time into their show than they did on their title...
Life on Mars; ABC. 9:01. Series Premiere.
Jason O'Mara stars as NYPD detective Sam Tyler, who gets into an accident and finds himself in 1973 New York. I haven't seen the original British show yet, but I heard it was pretty good. Doesn't mean this one will be good, either, but it does prove that the odd premise can work.
Friday, 10/10
WWE Smackdown; My Network TV. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
Degrassi: The Next Generation; The N. 7 pm. 8th Season Premiere.
The Starter Wife; USA. 8 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
Saturday, 10/11
Dogs 101/Cats 101; Animal Planet. 7 pm. 10-episode series.
Eight eps devoted to dogs and two to cats.
Monday, 10/6
Prison Break (FOX; 8 pm): Gretchen + T-Bag = an even more exciting season.
Wednesday, 10/8
The Tony Rock Project; My Network TV. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Chris' little brother gets his own show. No idea what it's about.
Thursday, 10/9
Kath & Kim; NBC. 7:30 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Molly Shannon stars as a divorce who has her home invaded when her spoiled daughter moves back in. I watched a few eps of the original Australian show, and it was cute, but not enough for me to keep watching. NBC is pushing this show hard, and that usually means it's not that great when they're filling space on Thursdays.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation; CBS. 8 pm. 9th Season Premiere.
The gang (even Sara) comes together to solve the crime of who shot Warrick.
Saturday Night Live Weekend Update Thursday; NBC. 8:31 pm. Mini-series.
Seth Meyers and Amy Poehler anchor a three-week Thursday version of their SNL routine. Let's hope they put more time into their show than they did on their title...
Life on Mars; ABC. 9:01. Series Premiere.
Jason O'Mara stars as NYPD detective Sam Tyler, who gets into an accident and finds himself in 1973 New York. I haven't seen the original British show yet, but I heard it was pretty good. Doesn't mean this one will be good, either, but it does prove that the odd premise can work.
Friday, 10/10
WWE Smackdown; My Network TV. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
Degrassi: The Next Generation; The N. 7 pm. 8th Season Premiere.
The Starter Wife; USA. 8 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
Saturday, 10/11
Dogs 101/Cats 101; Animal Planet. 7 pm. 10-episode series.
Eight eps devoted to dogs and two to cats.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Addition to Notables: Venture & Costas
Just flipped through my upcoming recordings on the DVR and came across two fun episodes.
First, on Monday night, there's the "Assassinanny 911" episode of The Venture Brothers (adult swim/Cartoon Network; 11:30 pm CST). I am 99.9% sure that's the ep with one of my favorite scenes of all time: when Dean gets mouth to mouth and then runs around screaming that the Apaches are back (check out the ep-- I won't ruin it here).
Next, on Tuesday, is the newest episode of Costas Now (HBO, 8 pm). This ep features Hank Aaron and Willie Mays. This is mandatory viewing for a number of reasons: it has two of the greatest baseball players-- and men-- who ever stepped onto the field; two men who were instrumental in the race issues sports had at the time; and the fact that Bob Costas is an amazing talent who absolutely loves baseball in general and those two men in particular. I'm not much of a baseball fan, but I will be glued to my couch. This promises to be amazing television. Do not miss it.
(Note: those of you recording this would be smart to extend the recording a good half-hour beyond the hour-long run time. When Costas had the baseball roundtable discussion-- which included Aaron & Mays-- earlier this year, the filming went over by about ten minutes.)
First, on Monday night, there's the "Assassinanny 911" episode of The Venture Brothers (adult swim/Cartoon Network; 11:30 pm CST). I am 99.9% sure that's the ep with one of my favorite scenes of all time: when Dean gets mouth to mouth and then runs around screaming that the Apaches are back (check out the ep-- I won't ruin it here).
Next, on Tuesday, is the newest episode of Costas Now (HBO, 8 pm). This ep features Hank Aaron and Willie Mays. This is mandatory viewing for a number of reasons: it has two of the greatest baseball players-- and men-- who ever stepped onto the field; two men who were instrumental in the race issues sports had at the time; and the fact that Bob Costas is an amazing talent who absolutely loves baseball in general and those two men in particular. I'm not much of a baseball fan, but I will be glued to my couch. This promises to be amazing television. Do not miss it.
(Note: those of you recording this would be smart to extend the recording a good half-hour beyond the hour-long run time. When Costas had the baseball roundtable discussion-- which included Aaron & Mays-- earlier this year, the filming went over by about ten minutes.)
Premieres and Notables; Sept. 29-Oct. 5, 2008
Monday, 9/29
Chuck; NBC. 7 pm CST. 2nd Season Premiere.
Chuck's finally back. Sure, it's a bit silly, but it's also very charming. This season finds Chuck becoming expendable. Not sure how he still stays involved with things, but I'm sure the show will work it out. Recommended
Life; NBC. 9 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
On a special night, the new season starts. Then the show moves to Fridays at 9 pm (which is where it lands this week, so don't miss it). I'll recommend it for the performances and humor, but I will admit I'm not all about the mystery of Charlie's framing.
And last week's How I Met Your Mother (CBS; 7:30) was fantastic, if you missed it (seriously, why do you miss it?-- I mention that show all the time!). Tonight's ep is one of Marshall "quest" episodes, which are always good. This time, he's looking for the place where he had his first NYC hamburger.
Tuesday, 9/30
The IT Crowd; IFC. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
This British comedy import revolves around the IT department of a large company. It's supposed to be good, and NBC was looking to make its own version last year. Unfortunately, my cable company doesn't carry the network, so I'm out of luck.
Wednesday, 10/1
Private Practice; ABC. 8 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
This show was horribly disappointing last year (at least the episode and and half I sat through), but producers have promised they've gotten the kinks out and are ready to utilize the strengths of the writers and the actors.
Dirty Sexy Money; ABC. 9:01 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
What was disappointing about this show last year was that the strike ended the season just as the show found its groove. I don't like ultra-rich family soaps, but I do enjoy this one, which Peter Krause holds together very well. It's supposed to get a bit soapier ("dirtier and sexier" from what I read), so I hope that doesn't detract from what I liked about it. But I'll still recommend it.
America's Got Talent (NBC; 8 pm). Season finale.
Friday Night Lights; DirecTV (Ch 101). 8 pm. 3rd Season Finale.
If you have DirecTV, you can get a jump on everyone else. If you don't, NBC will be airing the episodes in 2009.
And don't for Do Not Disturb anymore. It got the ax. I made it through 1-1/2 of the 3 eps that aired, and that was giving it more time than it deserved. Total crap.
Thursday, 10/2
Timm Gunn's Guide to Style; Bravo. 10 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
Friday, 10/3
Everybody Hates Chris; The CW. 7 pm. 4th Season Premiere.
It's a crime how this show doesn't seem to get the respect it deserves. It's one of the few (only?) family sitcoms out there. And it's good. Highly Recommended
Ghost Whisperer; CBS. 7 pm. 4th Season Premiere.
Jay Mohr's out, Jamie Kennedy's in.
Wife Swap; ABC. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars; Cartoon Network. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Sure, the "pilot" film bombed this summer, but I've read that the series is better.
And let's all keep this in perspective: the show is aimed at kids. Not that kids programming precludes quality (check out Phineas & Ferb), but it will be simpler than "old school" Star Wars are used to.
The Ex List; CBS. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Elizabeth Reaser stars as a woman who found out (from a psychic) that she has one year to get married or she may end up alone. And her "true love" is someone she's already dated.
The Game; The CW. 7:30 pm. Season Premiere.
Numb3rs; CBS. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Ironic Iconic America; Bravo. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Supermodel Bar Refaeli and poet Rives travel America. Sounds interesting, but it's on Bravo, so who knows?
Saturday, 10/4
My Big Redneck Wedding; CMT. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
I normally don't mention CMT crap, but this episode features a wedding that has mud bogs and monster trucks. Oh, and the couple are step-siblings.
Sunday, 10/5
4Real; CW. 4 pm. Series Premiere.
A new series that salutes community leaders throughout the world.
America's Funniest Home Videos; ABC. 6 pm. 19th Season Premiere.
Nineteen seasons? That's a lot of nut shots...
Easy Money; The CW. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Laurie Metcalf stars as a woman who runs a loan-shark operation out of her legit business. Judge Reinhold also stars-- and has already gotten some props for his work.
Chuck; NBC. 7 pm CST. 2nd Season Premiere.
Chuck's finally back. Sure, it's a bit silly, but it's also very charming. This season finds Chuck becoming expendable. Not sure how he still stays involved with things, but I'm sure the show will work it out. Recommended
Life; NBC. 9 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
On a special night, the new season starts. Then the show moves to Fridays at 9 pm (which is where it lands this week, so don't miss it). I'll recommend it for the performances and humor, but I will admit I'm not all about the mystery of Charlie's framing.
And last week's How I Met Your Mother (CBS; 7:30) was fantastic, if you missed it (seriously, why do you miss it?-- I mention that show all the time!). Tonight's ep is one of Marshall "quest" episodes, which are always good. This time, he's looking for the place where he had his first NYC hamburger.
Tuesday, 9/30
The IT Crowd; IFC. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
This British comedy import revolves around the IT department of a large company. It's supposed to be good, and NBC was looking to make its own version last year. Unfortunately, my cable company doesn't carry the network, so I'm out of luck.
Wednesday, 10/1
Private Practice; ABC. 8 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
This show was horribly disappointing last year (at least the episode and and half I sat through), but producers have promised they've gotten the kinks out and are ready to utilize the strengths of the writers and the actors.
Dirty Sexy Money; ABC. 9:01 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
What was disappointing about this show last year was that the strike ended the season just as the show found its groove. I don't like ultra-rich family soaps, but I do enjoy this one, which Peter Krause holds together very well. It's supposed to get a bit soapier ("dirtier and sexier" from what I read), so I hope that doesn't detract from what I liked about it. But I'll still recommend it.
America's Got Talent (NBC; 8 pm). Season finale.
Friday Night Lights; DirecTV (Ch 101). 8 pm. 3rd Season Finale.
If you have DirecTV, you can get a jump on everyone else. If you don't, NBC will be airing the episodes in 2009.
And don't for Do Not Disturb anymore. It got the ax. I made it through 1-1/2 of the 3 eps that aired, and that was giving it more time than it deserved. Total crap.
Thursday, 10/2
Timm Gunn's Guide to Style; Bravo. 10 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
Friday, 10/3
Everybody Hates Chris; The CW. 7 pm. 4th Season Premiere.
It's a crime how this show doesn't seem to get the respect it deserves. It's one of the few (only?) family sitcoms out there. And it's good. Highly Recommended
Ghost Whisperer; CBS. 7 pm. 4th Season Premiere.
Jay Mohr's out, Jamie Kennedy's in.
Wife Swap; ABC. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars; Cartoon Network. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Sure, the "pilot" film bombed this summer, but I've read that the series is better.
And let's all keep this in perspective: the show is aimed at kids. Not that kids programming precludes quality (check out Phineas & Ferb), but it will be simpler than "old school" Star Wars are used to.
The Ex List; CBS. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Elizabeth Reaser stars as a woman who found out (from a psychic) that she has one year to get married or she may end up alone. And her "true love" is someone she's already dated.
The Game; The CW. 7:30 pm. Season Premiere.
Numb3rs; CBS. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Ironic Iconic America; Bravo. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Supermodel Bar Refaeli and poet Rives travel America. Sounds interesting, but it's on Bravo, so who knows?
Saturday, 10/4
My Big Redneck Wedding; CMT. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
I normally don't mention CMT crap, but this episode features a wedding that has mud bogs and monster trucks. Oh, and the couple are step-siblings.
Sunday, 10/5
4Real; CW. 4 pm. Series Premiere.
A new series that salutes community leaders throughout the world.
America's Funniest Home Videos; ABC. 6 pm. 19th Season Premiere.
Nineteen seasons? That's a lot of nut shots...
Easy Money; The CW. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Laurie Metcalf stars as a woman who runs a loan-shark operation out of her legit business. Judge Reinhold also stars-- and has already gotten some props for his work.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Premieres and Notables; Sept 22-28, 2008
And the big premiere week of the Fall Season begins...
Monday, 9/22
Yo Gabba Gabba!; Nickelodeon. 10:30 am CST. 2nd Season Premiere.
The Office's Melora Hardin makes an appearance on the show that makes The Teletubbies look sane.
Trivial Pursuit: America Plays; Syndicated. 1 pm. Series Premiere.
A gameshow where viewers send in video questions.
The Big Bang Theory; CBS. 7 pm CST. 2nd Season Premiere.
One of the best comedies of the past few years returns with the fallout of Leonard and Penny's date. Recommended
Dancing With the Stars; 7 pm CST. 7th Cycle Premiere.
Heroes; NBC. 7 pm & 8 pm. 3rd Season Premiere.
A one-hour recap before the two hour premiere of the "Villains" storyarc.
Sounds like the creators realized the mistakes made last year and looking to atone for them this year.
How I Met Your Mother; CBS. 7:30. 4th Season Premiere.
My favorite network comedy the past two years returns with what could be an actual move towards revealing the mother of the title. Plus, let's not forget: Barney may actually have fallen in love with Robin, so expect that to be a major plot point for a while. Highly Recommended
Two and a Half Men; CBS. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Worst Week; CBS. 8:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Bumbling boyfriend Sam Briggs gets into increasingly bad situations while trying to do the right thing. I've heard good things about this show. Sounds like star Kyle Bornheimer is a real find, and he will be the reason this show succeeds if it does. Co-star Kurtwood Smith will keep him on his toes. Everyone's saying this sounds like a Meet the Parents rip-off, but it's actually a remake of a British series of the same name. A show, by the way, I enjoyed quite a bit. And a lot of that had to do with the cast.
I'm going to highly recommend this show. I've got a good feeling about it. I will warn you, though, the British series relied quite a bit on ever-increasing ridiculous situations, but the cast held it all together. This cast needs to prove it can do the same, but I'm willing to bet it will succeed. Give it a try. It looks like it could be a laugh riot.
Boston Legal; ABC. 9 pm. 5th Season Premiere.
Now this is a ridiculous show that's held together by its cast (and great writing). The final (and I believe shortened) season begins tonight. If you've got an open mind for left-leaning characters and can handle silly banter, then I recommend it.
CSI: Miami; CBS. 9 pm. 7th Season Premiere.
H got shot? Dang!
Tuesday, 9/23
NCIS; CBS. 7 pm. 6th Season Premiere.
Opportunity Knocks; ABC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
A new gameshow where knowing your family could earn you big prizes.
The Mentalist; CBS. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Simon Baker stars as a former psychic (he faked it) who now wants to go legit to solve crimes. I've heard decent things (especially about star Simon Baker's performance), but the premise sounds overdone.
Without a Trace; CBS. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
New co-star Steven Weber. I like him, but I doubt I'll start watching because of him.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit; NBC. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Wednesday, 9/24
Knight Rider; NBC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
The made-for-TV movie last season was pretty silly, but then, let's be realistic and remind ourselves that the original was even sillier. Could be good for some brainless fun...
The New Adventures of Old Christine; CBS. 7 pm. 4th Season Premiere.
First CBS doesn't give it anything like the respect it deserves (it's very good), and then they open up a new comedy block and uses this show as its anchor. I just hope what follows doesn't drag it down.
Anyway, like I said, I like this show. It's gotten better every year, and Julia Louis-Dreyfuss can sell the most silly situations. But this year Christine is supposed to work on getting married to Barb to keep her from getting deported.
I like how a show is throwing a same-sex marriage storyline out there now that California legalized it (props to the grown-ups in CA-- let's hope other states come to their senses and give equal rights to everyone), but since this is a marriage of convenience and not a serious one for the characters, I'm not sure if it'll be a good thing this early in the process. I have faith in the show, but it's gonna be a tough storyline. Recommended.
Gary Unmarried; CBS. 7:30. Series Premiere.
Jay Mohr plays a recently divorced dad who tries to date again while juggling the kids and his ex.
I like Mohr, but I don't think a show this standard is going to help his job any. He's more edgy than this thing is bound to be. (Check out Action on DVD if you get the chance-- that's a perfect role for him.) I
'm not excited for this show, but it does co-star Paula Marshall, who is a show-clincher for me (whatever she's in, I watch). I love Paula Marshall.
CSI: NY; CBS. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Lipstick Jungle; NBC. 9 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
Thursday, 9/25
My Name is Earl; NBC. 7:00 & 7:30. 4th Season premiere.
After a few side trips last season, Earl goes back to the original premise: trying to right the wrongs he did in his past.
On Smallville (CW; 7 pm), the guy that will be Doomsday on this show makes his first appearance. I don't want to be a hater-- especially since I haven't followed the show-- but I really don't think that's a good idea. But the creators insist they'll link this guy to the creature that killed Superman in the comics. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt (especially when I read they're working closely with DC Comics), but...
Survivor: Gabon; CBS. 7 pm. 17th Cycle Premiere.
CBS is promoting this installment as the first in HD. Could be a beautiful series...
Ugly Betty; ABC. 7 pm. 3rd Season Premiere.
The production of the show moves to New York, so expect a more authentic feel. I believe Henry is out (he got another gig), and I've read another guy could enter Betty's life. Hmmm. Three loves in three seasons. Betty sure can work that ugly...
Grey's Anatomy; ABC. 8 pm. 4th(?) Season Premiere.
Now with a new doctor, played by Rome and Journeyman's Kevin McKidd. I resisted watching this show, but I'll be tuning in for McKidd.
The Office; NBC. 8 pm. 5th Season Premiere.
Michael's still pursuing Amy Ryan's HR Rep (who will be around for at least 6 eps), and Jim misses Pam, who's in art school. And the fallout of Angela and Dwight hooking up after Andy's proposal is supposed to be dealt with.
ER; NBC. 9 pm. 15th Season Premiere.
This is it, people. Last season.
Friday, 9/26
Suite Life on Deck; Disney. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Zack & Cody on a ship.
Saturday, 9/27
Chris Rock: Kill the Messenger; HBO. 8 pm. Special
Rock's fifth HBO special promises to be a great one.
48 Hours Mystery; CBS. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Sunday, 9/28
Amazing Race; CBS. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
The Simpsons; FOX. 7 pm. 20th Season Premiere.
Cold Case; CBS. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Desperate Housewives; ABC. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
The five-year jump shown in last season's finale is very promising. I'm looking forward to seeing these women in different situations.
Dexter; Showtime. 8 pm. 3rd Season Premiere.
With new cast member Jimmy Smits. Hopefully, he'll give me someone to care about because I found the first season lacking in that regards.
Family Guy; FOX. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Brothers & Sisters; ABC. 9 pm. 3rd Season Premiere.
Californication; Showtime. 9 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
I think the first season finale made a good series finale, but it'll be interesting to see what direction the show goes in since the premise was turned on its head at the end of last season. But, like Dexter, I didn't find much to like about the characters. I understand "edgy", but a show has to be able to hook viewers. The best way to do that is to make at least one character likable-- or at least give the unlikable ones a compelling reason to be that way.
The Unit; CBS. 9 pm. 4th Season Premiere.
Little Britain USA; HBO. 9:30 pm. Series Premiere.
This BBC show jumps the pond to try its humor on America. I have heard the first ep is weak, but it's supposed to get better in the 2nd ep, so hold on. I watched the show some when it was on BBC America, and I found it amusing-- but not enough to keep watching. Hopefully this will be more my cup of tea.
Monday, 9/22
Yo Gabba Gabba!; Nickelodeon. 10:30 am CST. 2nd Season Premiere.
The Office's Melora Hardin makes an appearance on the show that makes The Teletubbies look sane.
Trivial Pursuit: America Plays; Syndicated. 1 pm. Series Premiere.
A gameshow where viewers send in video questions.
The Big Bang Theory; CBS. 7 pm CST. 2nd Season Premiere.
One of the best comedies of the past few years returns with the fallout of Leonard and Penny's date. Recommended
Dancing With the Stars; 7 pm CST. 7th Cycle Premiere.
Heroes; NBC. 7 pm & 8 pm. 3rd Season Premiere.
A one-hour recap before the two hour premiere of the "Villains" storyarc.
Sounds like the creators realized the mistakes made last year and looking to atone for them this year.
How I Met Your Mother; CBS. 7:30. 4th Season Premiere.
My favorite network comedy the past two years returns with what could be an actual move towards revealing the mother of the title. Plus, let's not forget: Barney may actually have fallen in love with Robin, so expect that to be a major plot point for a while. Highly Recommended
Two and a Half Men; CBS. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Worst Week; CBS. 8:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Bumbling boyfriend Sam Briggs gets into increasingly bad situations while trying to do the right thing. I've heard good things about this show. Sounds like star Kyle Bornheimer is a real find, and he will be the reason this show succeeds if it does. Co-star Kurtwood Smith will keep him on his toes. Everyone's saying this sounds like a Meet the Parents rip-off, but it's actually a remake of a British series of the same name. A show, by the way, I enjoyed quite a bit. And a lot of that had to do with the cast.
I'm going to highly recommend this show. I've got a good feeling about it. I will warn you, though, the British series relied quite a bit on ever-increasing ridiculous situations, but the cast held it all together. This cast needs to prove it can do the same, but I'm willing to bet it will succeed. Give it a try. It looks like it could be a laugh riot.
Boston Legal; ABC. 9 pm. 5th Season Premiere.
Now this is a ridiculous show that's held together by its cast (and great writing). The final (and I believe shortened) season begins tonight. If you've got an open mind for left-leaning characters and can handle silly banter, then I recommend it.
CSI: Miami; CBS. 9 pm. 7th Season Premiere.
H got shot? Dang!
Tuesday, 9/23
NCIS; CBS. 7 pm. 6th Season Premiere.
Opportunity Knocks; ABC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
A new gameshow where knowing your family could earn you big prizes.
The Mentalist; CBS. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Simon Baker stars as a former psychic (he faked it) who now wants to go legit to solve crimes. I've heard decent things (especially about star Simon Baker's performance), but the premise sounds overdone.
Without a Trace; CBS. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
New co-star Steven Weber. I like him, but I doubt I'll start watching because of him.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit; NBC. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Wednesday, 9/24
Knight Rider; NBC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
The made-for-TV movie last season was pretty silly, but then, let's be realistic and remind ourselves that the original was even sillier. Could be good for some brainless fun...
The New Adventures of Old Christine; CBS. 7 pm. 4th Season Premiere.
First CBS doesn't give it anything like the respect it deserves (it's very good), and then they open up a new comedy block and uses this show as its anchor. I just hope what follows doesn't drag it down.
Anyway, like I said, I like this show. It's gotten better every year, and Julia Louis-Dreyfuss can sell the most silly situations. But this year Christine is supposed to work on getting married to Barb to keep her from getting deported.
I like how a show is throwing a same-sex marriage storyline out there now that California legalized it (props to the grown-ups in CA-- let's hope other states come to their senses and give equal rights to everyone), but since this is a marriage of convenience and not a serious one for the characters, I'm not sure if it'll be a good thing this early in the process. I have faith in the show, but it's gonna be a tough storyline. Recommended.
Gary Unmarried; CBS. 7:30. Series Premiere.
Jay Mohr plays a recently divorced dad who tries to date again while juggling the kids and his ex.
I like Mohr, but I don't think a show this standard is going to help his job any. He's more edgy than this thing is bound to be. (Check out Action on DVD if you get the chance-- that's a perfect role for him.) I
'm not excited for this show, but it does co-star Paula Marshall, who is a show-clincher for me (whatever she's in, I watch). I love Paula Marshall.
CSI: NY; CBS. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Lipstick Jungle; NBC. 9 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
Thursday, 9/25
My Name is Earl; NBC. 7:00 & 7:30. 4th Season premiere.
After a few side trips last season, Earl goes back to the original premise: trying to right the wrongs he did in his past.
On Smallville (CW; 7 pm), the guy that will be Doomsday on this show makes his first appearance. I don't want to be a hater-- especially since I haven't followed the show-- but I really don't think that's a good idea. But the creators insist they'll link this guy to the creature that killed Superman in the comics. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt (especially when I read they're working closely with DC Comics), but...
Survivor: Gabon; CBS. 7 pm. 17th Cycle Premiere.
CBS is promoting this installment as the first in HD. Could be a beautiful series...
Ugly Betty; ABC. 7 pm. 3rd Season Premiere.
The production of the show moves to New York, so expect a more authentic feel. I believe Henry is out (he got another gig), and I've read another guy could enter Betty's life. Hmmm. Three loves in three seasons. Betty sure can work that ugly...
Grey's Anatomy; ABC. 8 pm. 4th(?) Season Premiere.
Now with a new doctor, played by Rome and Journeyman's Kevin McKidd. I resisted watching this show, but I'll be tuning in for McKidd.
The Office; NBC. 8 pm. 5th Season Premiere.
Michael's still pursuing Amy Ryan's HR Rep (who will be around for at least 6 eps), and Jim misses Pam, who's in art school. And the fallout of Angela and Dwight hooking up after Andy's proposal is supposed to be dealt with.
ER; NBC. 9 pm. 15th Season Premiere.
This is it, people. Last season.
Friday, 9/26
Suite Life on Deck; Disney. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Zack & Cody on a ship.
Saturday, 9/27
Chris Rock: Kill the Messenger; HBO. 8 pm. Special
Rock's fifth HBO special promises to be a great one.
48 Hours Mystery; CBS. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Sunday, 9/28
Amazing Race; CBS. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
The Simpsons; FOX. 7 pm. 20th Season Premiere.
Cold Case; CBS. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Desperate Housewives; ABC. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
The five-year jump shown in last season's finale is very promising. I'm looking forward to seeing these women in different situations.
Dexter; Showtime. 8 pm. 3rd Season Premiere.
With new cast member Jimmy Smits. Hopefully, he'll give me someone to care about because I found the first season lacking in that regards.
Family Guy; FOX. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Brothers & Sisters; ABC. 9 pm. 3rd Season Premiere.
Californication; Showtime. 9 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
I think the first season finale made a good series finale, but it'll be interesting to see what direction the show goes in since the premise was turned on its head at the end of last season. But, like Dexter, I didn't find much to like about the characters. I understand "edgy", but a show has to be able to hook viewers. The best way to do that is to make at least one character likable-- or at least give the unlikable ones a compelling reason to be that way.
The Unit; CBS. 9 pm. 4th Season Premiere.
Little Britain USA; HBO. 9:30 pm. Series Premiere.
This BBC show jumps the pond to try its humor on America. I have heard the first ep is weak, but it's supposed to get better in the 2nd ep, so hold on. I watched the show some when it was on BBC America, and I found it amusing-- but not enough to keep watching. Hopefully this will be more my cup of tea.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Various Thoughts
Just a little stream-of-consciousness thing tonight...
Dan was the first Big Brother winner I backed since the first episode. I'm pumped. He's tied with Dr Will (the Season 2 version, not the All-Stars version) as my favorite reality contestant. Congrats, Dan. You seem like the type of guy I could drink a few beers with and just laugh my ass off.
75 minutes until the season premiere of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. I am so stoked for this show. The commercial mash-up I posted last weekend just reminded me how dang funny that show is. "Whaddup, bitches" is still my favorite line of the past few years.
Do Not Disturb will probably be the first show I "cut" this season. Jesus Christ-- what a turd that show is. And it's too bad because it's got some hot chicks on it...
Speaking of hot chicks, I had not one, but two blasts from the past in the last few days.
First, I checked out the upcoming Starz series Crash page I posted last weekend, and I see my first "big boy" crush is in it. I first saw Clare Carey on the TV series Coach, back in the day, and I fell hard. Just gorgeous-- and cute as Hell. I read her bio for the show, and I see how much I missed. She's had guest parts on lots of shows-- even some I watch-- and I didn't even know. It was depressing to realize I missed so much of her work, but that just means I'll have to do some syndicated TV searching to check out those appearances.
I knew I was going to watch Crash eventually, but now I'll be watching it as it airs as opposed to putting it on DVD for later.
And then, a day later, I'm watching the much-improved Prison Break and I see another actress I was gaga over: Stacy Haiduk, who I first saw on the Superboy series. I couldn't follow that show very well (small-market syndication back in the '80s was brutal to try to follow), but it looks as if her resume is gigantic as well if imdb.com is any indication.
Too cool to see both of them in just a few days.
Sorry if I offended anyone with my political post. I just hate the Two Party system. I think it should be abolished. And voting for a third party is completely okay-- don't let the Big Two tell you otherwise. Trust me, they need your vote more than McCain or Obama do.
Had another great week in Fantasy Football last week. But instead of just winning like I did two weeks ago, I f-bombing slaughtered my opponents last week. Not bad for a guy who barely watches football games. I have been watching them a little more, but that's because it gives me a chance to watch High Def (my DVR is too full to watch much in HD; it's limited to Weeds, Entourage, and Prison Break right now).
Speaking of Weeds-- holy crap, what a finale. I watched that scene with Doug and a noose, and I'm thinkin' they cannot have this guy kill himself -- just to see him use it to choke himself while he masturbates. Fantastic out from left field mind-screw there. Dang!
And I so didn't see the end "revelation" coming. I should have seen it coming, but I didn't. What a bombshell. I'm actually looking forward to the next season-- and I have a long, long wait.
Watched the first episode of Sons of Anarchy. Meh. I'll keep watching, but it had better give me a reason to tune in. I get the bad-assery going on, but viewers need someone sympathetic to "root for" on these shows, and the guy they gave us is more pathetic than sympathetic. Katey Sagal is very good in it; I may stick around just to see her work if I lose interest.
I checked out most of the first season of the new Dr. Who, and I found it to be pretty good. It looks like it's Britain's version of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Good episodes built around morality tales. I really like Christopher Ecceleston's Doctor character. Humor, confidence, and intelligence all tempered with his wonderment at the human species. I just love the thought behind his excitement for the little things in life being brushed off by the human characters, and he has to stop them and remind them how cool it all is.
And while I enjoyed Billie Piper on Secret Diaries of a Call Girl, I now know why fans just looove this woman. Her Rose character is perfect for the series. A good choice as the human of the show that sometimes has to counterbalance the Doctor's pragmatism. And she's gorgeous; who wouldn't fall in love with her? And the episode where she saw her dad before he was killed was absolutely heartbreaking. Fantastic story-- and amazing work by Ms. Piper.
Check out Dr. Who. I got mine from the library. BBC America airs it as well, but I think they're at the David Tennant Doctor right now. I'm sure he's good too, but I just haven't gotten there yet. I have to finish the first season and work on the Battlestar Galactica second season, which I just checked out.
Finally, speaking of libraries: use yours. It's amazing what you'll find there, and it's the sole reason I can watch 100 DVDs a year and not pay a cent to do it.
And here's what's cool: you can belong to different libraries. I just got my card from the Oshkosh area (which has a kick-ass Graphic Novel section), and now I can get material from over a 100 mile radius. Practically every Eastern Wisconsin library from Michigan to Milwaukee is at my fingertips. I do almost all my searching online, and I just let the material come to my local area library. It's nuts, people. It's there, it's (usually) free, and it's crazy-easy.
Dan was the first Big Brother winner I backed since the first episode. I'm pumped. He's tied with Dr Will (the Season 2 version, not the All-Stars version) as my favorite reality contestant. Congrats, Dan. You seem like the type of guy I could drink a few beers with and just laugh my ass off.
75 minutes until the season premiere of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. I am so stoked for this show. The commercial mash-up I posted last weekend just reminded me how dang funny that show is. "Whaddup, bitches" is still my favorite line of the past few years.
Do Not Disturb will probably be the first show I "cut" this season. Jesus Christ-- what a turd that show is. And it's too bad because it's got some hot chicks on it...
Speaking of hot chicks, I had not one, but two blasts from the past in the last few days.
First, I checked out the upcoming Starz series Crash page I posted last weekend, and I see my first "big boy" crush is in it. I first saw Clare Carey on the TV series Coach, back in the day, and I fell hard. Just gorgeous-- and cute as Hell. I read her bio for the show, and I see how much I missed. She's had guest parts on lots of shows-- even some I watch-- and I didn't even know. It was depressing to realize I missed so much of her work, but that just means I'll have to do some syndicated TV searching to check out those appearances.
I knew I was going to watch Crash eventually, but now I'll be watching it as it airs as opposed to putting it on DVD for later.
And then, a day later, I'm watching the much-improved Prison Break and I see another actress I was gaga over: Stacy Haiduk, who I first saw on the Superboy series. I couldn't follow that show very well (small-market syndication back in the '80s was brutal to try to follow), but it looks as if her resume is gigantic as well if imdb.com is any indication.
Too cool to see both of them in just a few days.
Sorry if I offended anyone with my political post. I just hate the Two Party system. I think it should be abolished. And voting for a third party is completely okay-- don't let the Big Two tell you otherwise. Trust me, they need your vote more than McCain or Obama do.
Had another great week in Fantasy Football last week. But instead of just winning like I did two weeks ago, I f-bombing slaughtered my opponents last week. Not bad for a guy who barely watches football games. I have been watching them a little more, but that's because it gives me a chance to watch High Def (my DVR is too full to watch much in HD; it's limited to Weeds, Entourage, and Prison Break right now).
Speaking of Weeds-- holy crap, what a finale. I watched that scene with Doug and a noose, and I'm thinkin' they cannot have this guy kill himself -- just to see him use it to choke himself while he masturbates. Fantastic out from left field mind-screw there. Dang!
And I so didn't see the end "revelation" coming. I should have seen it coming, but I didn't. What a bombshell. I'm actually looking forward to the next season-- and I have a long, long wait.
Watched the first episode of Sons of Anarchy. Meh. I'll keep watching, but it had better give me a reason to tune in. I get the bad-assery going on, but viewers need someone sympathetic to "root for" on these shows, and the guy they gave us is more pathetic than sympathetic. Katey Sagal is very good in it; I may stick around just to see her work if I lose interest.
I checked out most of the first season of the new Dr. Who, and I found it to be pretty good. It looks like it's Britain's version of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Good episodes built around morality tales. I really like Christopher Ecceleston's Doctor character. Humor, confidence, and intelligence all tempered with his wonderment at the human species. I just love the thought behind his excitement for the little things in life being brushed off by the human characters, and he has to stop them and remind them how cool it all is.
And while I enjoyed Billie Piper on Secret Diaries of a Call Girl, I now know why fans just looove this woman. Her Rose character is perfect for the series. A good choice as the human of the show that sometimes has to counterbalance the Doctor's pragmatism. And she's gorgeous; who wouldn't fall in love with her? And the episode where she saw her dad before he was killed was absolutely heartbreaking. Fantastic story-- and amazing work by Ms. Piper.
Check out Dr. Who. I got mine from the library. BBC America airs it as well, but I think they're at the David Tennant Doctor right now. I'm sure he's good too, but I just haven't gotten there yet. I have to finish the first season and work on the Battlestar Galactica second season, which I just checked out.
Finally, speaking of libraries: use yours. It's amazing what you'll find there, and it's the sole reason I can watch 100 DVDs a year and not pay a cent to do it.
And here's what's cool: you can belong to different libraries. I just got my card from the Oshkosh area (which has a kick-ass Graphic Novel section), and now I can get material from over a 100 mile radius. Practically every Eastern Wisconsin library from Michigan to Milwaukee is at my fingertips. I do almost all my searching online, and I just let the material come to my local area library. It's nuts, people. It's there, it's (usually) free, and it's crazy-easy.
Why Not This Guy?
If you're like me, you're already sick of the Presidential Election.
The damn primaries started too early and took too long. Now we've got the same-old going with the WTF candidate on the Right and the Second Coming going with the same old on the Left.
And they're arguing about stupid shit like lipstick on a pig comments. (I mean-- SERIOUSLY-- do they think we're that f-bombing stupid? SERIOUSLY????)
The last two elections have been ones I've seriously gone against the grain on. The Big Two did not get my vote in any election where there was a third (or more) candidate. So yeah, Nader got my vote, and no Nader didn't cost Gore the election mainly because Bush should never in a million years have gotten that close to actually becoming President (hmmm-- maybe we are that stupid).
Anyway, this link was sent to me by a friend, and I gotta say: I think I can support this concept.
Get rid of the politicians who are owned by the lobbyists and all the people they've gotten favors from.
Vote for this guy.
http://www.tsgnet.com/pres.php?id=370743&altf=Ufbnfdl&altl=
The damn primaries started too early and took too long. Now we've got the same-old going with the WTF candidate on the Right and the Second Coming going with the same old on the Left.
And they're arguing about stupid shit like lipstick on a pig comments. (I mean-- SERIOUSLY-- do they think we're that f-bombing stupid? SERIOUSLY????)
The last two elections have been ones I've seriously gone against the grain on. The Big Two did not get my vote in any election where there was a third (or more) candidate. So yeah, Nader got my vote, and no Nader didn't cost Gore the election mainly because Bush should never in a million years have gotten that close to actually becoming President (hmmm-- maybe we are that stupid).
Anyway, this link was sent to me by a friend, and I gotta say: I think I can support this concept.
Get rid of the politicians who are owned by the lobbyists and all the people they've gotten favors from.
Vote for this guy.
http://www.tsgnet.com/pres.php?id=370743&altf=Ufbnfdl&altl=
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
2008 Q2 Films/DVDs: A's
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford-- A very dreary, slowly unwinding look at Robert Ford and the relationship he had with Jesse James before he killed him. It’s also a secondary look at the price of fame in America, first for James, and later for Ford. Brad Pitt and Casey Affleck were both pretty damn incredible. A-
Into the Wild— Based on a true story, a young man who has everything gives it all up to travel cross-country to be by himself in the Alaskan wilderness. Most of us can relate to wanting to get away from it all, but director Sean Penn reminds us that by this man fulfilling his dream, he also destroyed the dreams of his parents and sister as well as left heartbreak in his wake with all the people he came across in his journey. This extremely charismatic, learned, and giving man could not accept love from anyone, and once they got close, he ran away to the next leg on his journey. Once he got on his own in Alaska, he realized, too late, that what makes us human is need for companionship. The acting and directing were all fantastic, but I have to point out Hal Holbrook’s absolutely amazing work in the 20-odd minutes of screen time he had. Extremely powerful and moving, and ultimately heartbreaking. A-
Laurel and Hardy Digitally Remastered: “Sons of the Desert”, “The Music Box”,
“Another Fine Mess”, “Busy Bodies”, “County Hospital”
Absolutely brilliant. I loved these guys as a kid, and I still love them as an adult (BTW: my kids just love them, too). L&H’s half-hour “shorts” were masterpieces that still hold up well. If you’re looking for something fun with very good acting and directing (considering these were made when the medium was still in its infancy), you don’t need to go any further than these two. There is genius all over these shorts, and it’s a tragedy that something like this could never really fly in today’s media. A-
Wall-E—film. It’s almost ridiculous how the Pixar crew can make a film a year that is different than anything else and be as consistently good as it always is. This is no exception. This time, they spent a good 30 minutes following this character without any dialogue. And then, the last half of the movie became a movie with a (very important) message, yet it didn’t talk down to the audience. The message blended right into the plot and the characters. These guys know how to make movies. It’s not my favorite Pixar film, but it’s impossible to say it isn’t way above average when compared to anything else out there. A-
In the Shadow of the Moon— The story of the Apollo space program as told by the men who were in it. These former astronauts are all well into their sixties, but they all have a youth about them that was just fascinating to behold. They also are well aware of the part they played in American culture and human history, but they have a wonderful humor about it all. Just listening to these men tell their stories (with fantastic visuals from footage of the time) was exciting. We take for granted that people can go into space, but it really should be remembered that each and every mission is filled with peril—and these men were the first ones to do it. Take 90 minutes for yourself to experience it with them because you won’t regret it. The word “hero” has been overused of late, but these men are true heroes. A (I wish there was a higher grade I could give).
Iron Man—film. I wrote a quickie review here. I haven’t really changed my thinking, and it seems as if critics and the public agree: this was a very good action movie that was well planned out, well acted, and reminded us that a “comic book movie” does not have to be shlocky. A
Into the Wild— Based on a true story, a young man who has everything gives it all up to travel cross-country to be by himself in the Alaskan wilderness. Most of us can relate to wanting to get away from it all, but director Sean Penn reminds us that by this man fulfilling his dream, he also destroyed the dreams of his parents and sister as well as left heartbreak in his wake with all the people he came across in his journey. This extremely charismatic, learned, and giving man could not accept love from anyone, and once they got close, he ran away to the next leg on his journey. Once he got on his own in Alaska, he realized, too late, that what makes us human is need for companionship. The acting and directing were all fantastic, but I have to point out Hal Holbrook’s absolutely amazing work in the 20-odd minutes of screen time he had. Extremely powerful and moving, and ultimately heartbreaking. A-
Laurel and Hardy Digitally Remastered: “Sons of the Desert”, “The Music Box”,
“Another Fine Mess”, “Busy Bodies”, “County Hospital”
Absolutely brilliant. I loved these guys as a kid, and I still love them as an adult (BTW: my kids just love them, too). L&H’s half-hour “shorts” were masterpieces that still hold up well. If you’re looking for something fun with very good acting and directing (considering these were made when the medium was still in its infancy), you don’t need to go any further than these two. There is genius all over these shorts, and it’s a tragedy that something like this could never really fly in today’s media. A-
Wall-E—film. It’s almost ridiculous how the Pixar crew can make a film a year that is different than anything else and be as consistently good as it always is. This is no exception. This time, they spent a good 30 minutes following this character without any dialogue. And then, the last half of the movie became a movie with a (very important) message, yet it didn’t talk down to the audience. The message blended right into the plot and the characters. These guys know how to make movies. It’s not my favorite Pixar film, but it’s impossible to say it isn’t way above average when compared to anything else out there. A-
In the Shadow of the Moon— The story of the Apollo space program as told by the men who were in it. These former astronauts are all well into their sixties, but they all have a youth about them that was just fascinating to behold. They also are well aware of the part they played in American culture and human history, but they have a wonderful humor about it all. Just listening to these men tell their stories (with fantastic visuals from footage of the time) was exciting. We take for granted that people can go into space, but it really should be remembered that each and every mission is filled with peril—and these men were the first ones to do it. Take 90 minutes for yourself to experience it with them because you won’t regret it. The word “hero” has been overused of late, but these men are true heroes. A (I wish there was a higher grade I could give).
Iron Man—film. I wrote a quickie review here. I haven’t really changed my thinking, and it seems as if critics and the public agree: this was a very good action movie that was well planned out, well acted, and reminded us that a “comic book movie” does not have to be shlocky. A
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