I know I focus on TV, big time. Especially during the Fantasy Football season when most of my computer time is spent on my teams (I'm #1 in one league and #2 in the other, so it's paying off).
But I also find time to read. I go on spurts where I read a ton. The last month has been one of those times.
I've promoted library use before, and I will again. If libraries have done anything for me beyond expanding my horizons, so to speak, they also force me to read. Because unlike when I buy books (which doesn't happen so much anymore-- which is okay since I've got hundreds on shelves at home), when I borrow them from the library, I have to take them back.
So I usually end up reading them.
Here's what I've read in the last few weeks:
The Van Halen Encyclopedia, C. J. Chilvers.
I'm a big Van Halen fan. Probably a bigger fan than most. I have every album, nearly every solo work any member has done, an enormous collection of magazines with interviews of any band member, and I've also tried to keep up on the goings on of the members throughout the years.
C.J. Chilvers is a mega-fan. This labor of love must have been an enormous undertaking. He's listed every album, release dates, dates they went gold, platinum, diamond. He's got every album of every member (including Hagar and Roth's solo work, and albums Cherone has been on). He's got as many tour dates as he could dig up (and even gives the usual set list-- or any aberrations).
There's a ton of info in this book.
I plan to hunt down a copy and buy it for my book shelf someday. That's probably the highest recommendation I can give.
Sir Apropos of Nothing, Peter David.
I'm a long-time Peter David fan. It began when he revolutionized the comic book The Incredible Hulk (which I was really lucky to get in on just as he started his 10-year run). I was the owner of some of his earliest work in books (the great Knight Life) until a copy I lent out never came back (it took me years to track down another copy). I can't/won't claim to have read all of his novel work; I'm probably closer to having read about half his work. Apropos, at 500 pages, is, by far, his longest work, and did he ever pack in the story.
Apropos is about as low in the medieval food-chain as one can get (bastard son of a whore who lives in the back room of a tavern), and he's not a very heroic character by any means. In fact, his entire existence is to exist. So he's not about to stick his neck out for someone else. David uses a first person narrative, which is about the only way an outwardly unsympathetic character can gain any possibility of sympathy from the reader. It works very well.
As can be expected in a fantasy novel (which this one is very accessible to any reader), Apropos finds himself in an adventure (actually, a long string of many adventures). I won't go into detail, but let's just say there's enough here to sustain an entire series of books.
As with most Peter David books I've read, the tone of the book is very playful. There's loads of humor and wordplay, and that can be a little offputting to some. I'll admit, once in a while the names pulled me out of the book briefly. Names like Apropos, Sir Umbrage (Apropos "had to take Umbrage"), Queen Beatrice (who likes to be known as Bea; Queen Bea), and King Meander (whose kingdom is a gypsy-like caravan; you know, it meanders from place to place). But that's a small quibble. There's also a number of pretty graphic scenes, some of which involve battles (or Apropos' ways of getting out of battles) and some of which involve sex (no Penthouse-style stuff, but it was in stark contrast to the rest of the book) which probably hit so hard because the book is so playful otherwise.
But I really did like this book, and I've got the next in the series (Woad to Wuin) on hold at the library.
Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth About Pregnancy and Childbirth, Jenny McCarthy.
Yes, that Jenny McCarthy. The hot blonde, who may not be a great actress, but knows what she's good at-- being funny.
McCarthy took a chance and wrote this book for women. It's a chance because she can pretty much hook a readership of men (although there's no pictures in this book), but women are usually a little less forgiving to let a "hot chick" with no medical or writing experience tell them about pregnancy.
But McCarthy immediately puts herself down and shows she's no different than any other woman, and I'm sure she did a good job (as she's got two more books published since this one). You see, she had the worst pregnancy of anyone I've ever read or heard about. I can't imagine everything that goes on to women when they're pregnant-- even though I'm married to a mother of two-- but Jenny let me into her world.
And she didn't use flowery language. She had to pee like crazy, she puked, she was constipated, she feared crapping on the bed at the hospital (which many women do when giving birth, I guess) and she had much, much more bodily stuff go on that I probably should know.
I can't say this was a great book, but it was fun-- and very easy (and fast) to read. I liked it enough to start reading her next book Baby Laughs.
And saving the best for last:
World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War, Max Brooks
I don't really dig zombie movies. I've seen a few of the better ones (the original Night of the Living Dead and the comedy Shaun of the Dead) and I like the comic book series The Walking Dead, but zombies don't really do it for me.
But I really, really liked this book.
Brooks takes a very unique approach to this book. Imagine the earth was overrun by zombies, and humans had to fight back. Imagine the humans won (at least have made the planet nearly 100% zombie-free). Now imagine a journalist travelling the world and recording the stories of politicians, soldiers, military leaders, fathers, mothers, children, heroes, scumbags, astronauts, and on and on about their experiences during the Zombie War.
This entire book reads like dozens of people telling their stories. Each story is a few pages long, and all together, they tell a very whole tale.
I found the premise brilliant and very engaging. Each story tells a different piece of the war, or how the zombies acted, or how people reacted. Each storyteller comes from a different walk of life. Many stories move the plot along, others tell a very emotional tale, and a few even gave me the creeps.
I highly recommend this book. It's another easy one to read. As I said, each story is only a few pages long, so it's easy to find a break to set the book down if you're short on time.
But I'll say it is a very difficult book to put down. It pulls you in.
The only quibble I have is that there wasn't a timeline at the end of the book. It's not necessary to the story, but as a reader who was fascinated by the world, I was hoping for a way to really see how long the war took (was it three years? five? it was less than ten?) and how the zombie invasion progressed and then was repelled.
But I suppose I'll have to read it again, and maybe this time, I'll note the places/events as they're told so I can have a concise overview of the war.
Or maybe I'll cheat and Google it...
Monday, November 27, 2006
PRISON BREAK-- non spoilers
Holy Sh**!!!!
Okay, I did not see that coming (until 30 seconds before it happened).
But I wish I would have told SOMEONE about my prediction as I was hoping/expecting one of the characters to do what he ended up doing.
I even e-mailed my friend, Tom, today and almost told him my prediction, but since I didn't know if he's been watching, I didn't mention it.
Well, the producers said "no one is safe", and this episode proves it.
Did anyone else notice the last shot of Bellick was an identical one of Schofield very early on in the series? I really dig Wade (Bellick) Williams, so I hope we continue to see more of him.
Thankfully, we only have until Jan 29 to see what happens (I know FOX was touting Jan 22, but I've been reading that the first date is a recap show to get us primed for the remaining episodes).
Okay, I did not see that coming (until 30 seconds before it happened).
But I wish I would have told SOMEONE about my prediction as I was hoping/expecting one of the characters to do what he ended up doing.
I even e-mailed my friend, Tom, today and almost told him my prediction, but since I didn't know if he's been watching, I didn't mention it.
Well, the producers said "no one is safe", and this episode proves it.
Did anyone else notice the last shot of Bellick was an identical one of Schofield very early on in the series? I really dig Wade (Bellick) Williams, so I hope we continue to see more of him.
Thankfully, we only have until Jan 29 to see what happens (I know FOX was touting Jan 22, but I've been reading that the first date is a recap show to get us primed for the remaining episodes).
Premieres and Notables 11/27- 12/3
Big Week; I'll try to get through them all. If not, expect Part 2 a little later.
Monday, 11/27
The Fall Season of Prison Break ends tonight in what's supposed to be a pretty high-octane episode (I've heard rumblings that another major character bites it this ep) loaded with cliff-hangers. It's been confirmed that the break will be a short one this year, as the show comes back on 1/22 to a recap show, and then with new eps starting 1/29-- with no repeats until the season ends.
For those of you wondering-- The conspiracy storyline is supposed to end this season, so there will be a close to the two-year storyline. Things are hush-hush on next year's storyline, but the body count is supposed to be so high that there are only a handful of characters left to embark on the new story next season. I'm hoping it'll be Schofield hunting T-Bag.
My Super Sweet 16, MTV. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Fourth season? Seriously?
10 Items or Less, TBS. 10 pm. Series Premiere.
Another partly-improvised comedy; this time, a guy returns home to run the family store.
Tuesday, 11/28
My Boys, TBS. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Comedy about a tomboy sports journalist and the male friends she hangs with. It's gotten good reviews so far. Check it out.
Dirty Jobs, Discovery. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
American Gangster, BET. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Profiles on infamous black criminals and their stories, while taking pains to not glorify them.
Wednesday, 11/29
My Celebrity Home, Style. 8 pm. Season premiere
Undercover History, National Geographic. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Fresh perspecitves on unsolved events in history.
Corkscrewed, FOX Reality. 7:30. Series Premiere.
Reality series of two American Idol producers and their efforts to buy and maintain a vineyard.
Thursday, 11/30
NBC gets back "Must See TV" with My Name is Earl, The Office, 30 Rock, and the season Premiere of Scrubs.
***Alert: the episode of The Office is written by the original series creator: Ricky Gervais. This is MUST SEE TV, right here.***
Crimes That Shook the World, Discovery. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Horrifying crimes are recalled. This week's ep: the BTK killer.
Friday, 12/1
BBC America is running new series and season premieres in it's Friday comedy block.
My Family (8 pm), The Worst Week of My Life (8:40), and Black Book (10:30)
I love this channel, and will be checking out most of these.
That's it. Unless you want to check out the new The Librarian: The Return to King Solomon's Mines (Sunday, TNT, 7 pm) or Big in '06 Awards (Sunday, VH1, 8 pm). I'm sure they're both garbage...
Monday, 11/27
The Fall Season of Prison Break ends tonight in what's supposed to be a pretty high-octane episode (I've heard rumblings that another major character bites it this ep) loaded with cliff-hangers. It's been confirmed that the break will be a short one this year, as the show comes back on 1/22 to a recap show, and then with new eps starting 1/29-- with no repeats until the season ends.
For those of you wondering-- The conspiracy storyline is supposed to end this season, so there will be a close to the two-year storyline. Things are hush-hush on next year's storyline, but the body count is supposed to be so high that there are only a handful of characters left to embark on the new story next season. I'm hoping it'll be Schofield hunting T-Bag.
My Super Sweet 16, MTV. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Fourth season? Seriously?
10 Items or Less, TBS. 10 pm. Series Premiere.
Another partly-improvised comedy; this time, a guy returns home to run the family store.
Tuesday, 11/28
My Boys, TBS. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Comedy about a tomboy sports journalist and the male friends she hangs with. It's gotten good reviews so far. Check it out.
Dirty Jobs, Discovery. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
American Gangster, BET. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Profiles on infamous black criminals and their stories, while taking pains to not glorify them.
Wednesday, 11/29
My Celebrity Home, Style. 8 pm. Season premiere
Undercover History, National Geographic. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Fresh perspecitves on unsolved events in history.
Corkscrewed, FOX Reality. 7:30. Series Premiere.
Reality series of two American Idol producers and their efforts to buy and maintain a vineyard.
Thursday, 11/30
NBC gets back "Must See TV" with My Name is Earl, The Office, 30 Rock, and the season Premiere of Scrubs.
***Alert: the episode of The Office is written by the original series creator: Ricky Gervais. This is MUST SEE TV, right here.***
Crimes That Shook the World, Discovery. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Horrifying crimes are recalled. This week's ep: the BTK killer.
Friday, 12/1
BBC America is running new series and season premieres in it's Friday comedy block.
My Family (8 pm), The Worst Week of My Life (8:40), and Black Book (10:30)
I love this channel, and will be checking out most of these.
That's it. Unless you want to check out the new The Librarian: The Return to King Solomon's Mines (Sunday, TNT, 7 pm) or Big in '06 Awards (Sunday, VH1, 8 pm). I'm sure they're both garbage...
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Premieres & Notables 11/20- 11/26
Sorry I'm late.
At least it's Thanksgiving Week, and very little new stuff is happening aside from Holiday Specials.
Wednesday, 11/22
Real World: Denver; MTV. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Season 18 begins. Remember when this show meant something beyond gettin' drunk and gettin laid? Heck, remember when MTV was innovative? 'Been a long time, hasn't it?
Thursday, 11/23
I love Thanksgiving Week. It used to mean I'd have less to tape/watch. I finally got a little break from the craziness of the past three months because TV shows took a 1-3 week rest and aired repeats. Somehow that all changed the past few years. New episodes are airing tonight for Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy, Survivor, CSI, Shark, Deal or No Deal, and ER. And that's just on the major networks!
Friday, 11/24
Off The Record, HBO. 10 pm. Series Premiere.
A preview of next year's new show. This pilot features Dave Stewart of The Eurythmics interviewing Bono and The Edge of U2.
Sunday, 11/26
Assy McGee, Cartoon Network [adult swim]. 10:30 pm. Series Premiere.
I'm not sure if this is a worthy replacement for Robot Chicken, but a show about a vigilante shaped like two butt cheeks is something I'm going to have to check out. I tend to watch almost all of the Sunday [swim] shows because they make me laugh. And a couple make me think. And a few make me go: "What the f*** was that?"
Speaking of making me laugh, was Monday's How I Met Your Mother not the funniest thing you've seen in a long while? When Barney slapped Marshall three times in succession, I almost fell off the couch from laughing so hard. And then the ending when Marshall backhanded Barney off the chair was a riot as well.
What wasn't funny on Monday is how hardcore Sara showed she is on Prison Break this week. Daaaaaamn!
(SPOILERS)
First, she tries to iron Kellerman's shirt-- while the dude is still wearing it!. Then she stitches a gash on her own arm in a bathroom stall using a needle and thread. Girl is taking herself to a whole 'nother level...
(END SPOILERS)
And I've got to say: Prison Break is gonna rock next week. I've been hearing big hints that someone major is supposed to die. Also, every character will find themselves in some sort of cliffhanger to make us wait in agony until the back-half of the season airs.
I also gotta say I'm glad I called how Bellick got in trouble a few weeks ago (no, I didn't read the details on a spoiler website).
At least it's Thanksgiving Week, and very little new stuff is happening aside from Holiday Specials.
Wednesday, 11/22
Real World: Denver; MTV. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Season 18 begins. Remember when this show meant something beyond gettin' drunk and gettin laid? Heck, remember when MTV was innovative? 'Been a long time, hasn't it?
Thursday, 11/23
I love Thanksgiving Week. It used to mean I'd have less to tape/watch. I finally got a little break from the craziness of the past three months because TV shows took a 1-3 week rest and aired repeats. Somehow that all changed the past few years. New episodes are airing tonight for Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy, Survivor, CSI, Shark, Deal or No Deal, and ER. And that's just on the major networks!
Friday, 11/24
Off The Record, HBO. 10 pm. Series Premiere.
A preview of next year's new show. This pilot features Dave Stewart of The Eurythmics interviewing Bono and The Edge of U2.
Sunday, 11/26
Assy McGee, Cartoon Network [adult swim]. 10:30 pm. Series Premiere.
I'm not sure if this is a worthy replacement for Robot Chicken, but a show about a vigilante shaped like two butt cheeks is something I'm going to have to check out. I tend to watch almost all of the Sunday [swim] shows because they make me laugh. And a couple make me think. And a few make me go: "What the f*** was that?"
Speaking of making me laugh, was Monday's How I Met Your Mother not the funniest thing you've seen in a long while? When Barney slapped Marshall three times in succession, I almost fell off the couch from laughing so hard. And then the ending when Marshall backhanded Barney off the chair was a riot as well.
What wasn't funny on Monday is how hardcore Sara showed she is on Prison Break this week. Daaaaaamn!
(SPOILERS)
First, she tries to iron Kellerman's shirt-- while the dude is still wearing it!. Then she stitches a gash on her own arm in a bathroom stall using a needle and thread. Girl is taking herself to a whole 'nother level...
(END SPOILERS)
And I've got to say: Prison Break is gonna rock next week. I've been hearing big hints that someone major is supposed to die. Also, every character will find themselves in some sort of cliffhanger to make us wait in agony until the back-half of the season airs.
I also gotta say I'm glad I called how Bellick got in trouble a few weeks ago (no, I didn't read the details on a spoiler website).
Saturday, November 18, 2006
VANISHED Vanishes
Another one bites the dust...
FOX pulled Vanished, finally, and will air the rest of the episodes on its website (and maybe myspace.com's as well).
I gave this show a lot of chances. I tried really hard to like it, but it was a mess. Even killing off the main character (a radical move that allowed the show a chance to change direction) didn't do it for me.
Add it to the graveyard and bring on another...
FOX pulled Vanished, finally, and will air the rest of the episodes on its website (and maybe myspace.com's as well).
I gave this show a lot of chances. I tried really hard to like it, but it was a mess. Even killing off the main character (a radical move that allowed the show a chance to change direction) didn't do it for me.
Add it to the graveyard and bring on another...
NBC Opens Doors to Immigration
NBC is hoping the success they found with The Office can allow lightning to strike twice.
It's developing a BBC Three show called I'm With Stupid with the Farrelly Brothers, which should be interesting. It's also looking to snatch a Channel 4 show called The IT Crowd and an Australian show called Kath & Kim.
I don't know what I'm With Stupid is about, but I'm sure it'll be over-the-top with the Farrellys on board. The IT Crowd is about three IT-support workers who are exiled to the basement of their company's otherwise posh office building and is being adapted by Just Shoot Me veterans. I've actually seen Kath & Kim since The Sundance Channel airs it, and it'll be interesting to see how they translate it since I found the original slow (it's faux-documentary/reality show where cameras follow around a woman and her adult daughter).
Now, NBC scored with The Office, but let's not forget the disasters that were Coupling and Men Behaving Badly; two other BBC shows it tried to adapt. BTW: I watched the original, BBC version of Coupling over the summer and found it absolutely hilarious; truly one of the best comedies I've ever seen. Check it out if you have a chance. It's not currently on the BBC America rotation, but I'm sure they'll air it again soon.
I got on a BBC America search today, looking for other shows to record, and I see it's airing the first three eps of Rocketman again this week . I have all six eps in my DVR as I haven't gotten to them yet-- but I did see the first episode, and it was very good. It brought tears to my eyes a couple times (it's a very rare show that can get that reaction from me). It's about a man's quest to send his wife's ashes into space-- just as they always wished-- but he doesn't have the funds or the proper equipment to make it happen. But that doesn't stop him from trying, again and again. But it is taking a toll on him emotionally, as well as on his children, who he has practically abandoned while he pursued his quixotic quest.
December 1 has the premieres of two promising-looking BBC America shows.
First is Hardware starring The (original) Office's Martin Freeman (who played the "Jim" inspiration "Tim"), which airs at 10pm on December 1. It's about four hardware store employees who help their customers and annoy each other.
Second is the second season of Worst Week of My Life. I didn't see the first season (the first three eps of which re-air Monday morning from 2-4 am). Each seven episode "season" follows a week in a new couple's life (the couple are played by Ben Miller and Sarah Alexander; Alexander is all over the BBC, having starred in Coupling and Green Wing as well as NBC's Teachers from last year-- but don't blame her for that NBC garbage). Week (Season) One was about their wedding, and this new season follows the week leading up to the birth of their baby. The second season begins at 8:40m on December 1, and runs the next seven weeks.
I'm trying both shows out, for sure.
I highly recommend trying out various shows on BBC America. It's not the Monty Python or Benny Hill- only network it once was. I've seen tremendous shows on it the past year and a half. Not every show is for everybody, but there are very "American-feeling" shows on it that aren't as foreign as past shows were (even The Office took me a while to "get", but "get it" I did after I understood the language differences).
Just a short list of shows I'd recommend: The Office (the first, and the harshest), Conviction (a morality tale about a guy who had a terrible secret-- has NOTHING to do with the piece-of-crap show of the same name NBC aired last spring), Coupling (seriously, one of the best comedies I've ever seen), Bodies (an extremely dark show about cover-ups, lying, and how far can one person let it go before taking action-- one of my Top Ten shows of the past year), Green Wing (Think Scrubs mixed with the attitude of M.A.S.H. and take away the FCC-- and make some of the characters bat-sh** insane), Ed vs. Spencer (two guys compete to see who is better-- or worse in various contests; a real life "Goofus and Gallant" strip), and Bromwell High (England's answer to South Park and The Simpsons; off-the-wall animation; bad-ass Keisha is one of my favorite characters of the year).
It's developing a BBC Three show called I'm With Stupid with the Farrelly Brothers, which should be interesting. It's also looking to snatch a Channel 4 show called The IT Crowd and an Australian show called Kath & Kim.
I don't know what I'm With Stupid is about, but I'm sure it'll be over-the-top with the Farrellys on board. The IT Crowd is about three IT-support workers who are exiled to the basement of their company's otherwise posh office building and is being adapted by Just Shoot Me veterans. I've actually seen Kath & Kim since The Sundance Channel airs it, and it'll be interesting to see how they translate it since I found the original slow (it's faux-documentary/reality show where cameras follow around a woman and her adult daughter).
Now, NBC scored with The Office, but let's not forget the disasters that were Coupling and Men Behaving Badly; two other BBC shows it tried to adapt. BTW: I watched the original, BBC version of Coupling over the summer and found it absolutely hilarious; truly one of the best comedies I've ever seen. Check it out if you have a chance. It's not currently on the BBC America rotation, but I'm sure they'll air it again soon.
I got on a BBC America search today, looking for other shows to record, and I see it's airing the first three eps of Rocketman again this week . I have all six eps in my DVR as I haven't gotten to them yet-- but I did see the first episode, and it was very good. It brought tears to my eyes a couple times (it's a very rare show that can get that reaction from me). It's about a man's quest to send his wife's ashes into space-- just as they always wished-- but he doesn't have the funds or the proper equipment to make it happen. But that doesn't stop him from trying, again and again. But it is taking a toll on him emotionally, as well as on his children, who he has practically abandoned while he pursued his quixotic quest.
December 1 has the premieres of two promising-looking BBC America shows.
First is Hardware starring The (original) Office's Martin Freeman (who played the "Jim" inspiration "Tim"), which airs at 10pm on December 1. It's about four hardware store employees who help their customers and annoy each other.
Second is the second season of Worst Week of My Life. I didn't see the first season (the first three eps of which re-air Monday morning from 2-4 am). Each seven episode "season" follows a week in a new couple's life (the couple are played by Ben Miller and Sarah Alexander; Alexander is all over the BBC, having starred in Coupling and Green Wing as well as NBC's Teachers from last year-- but don't blame her for that NBC garbage). Week (Season) One was about their wedding, and this new season follows the week leading up to the birth of their baby. The second season begins at 8:40m on December 1, and runs the next seven weeks.
I'm trying both shows out, for sure.
I highly recommend trying out various shows on BBC America. It's not the Monty Python or Benny Hill- only network it once was. I've seen tremendous shows on it the past year and a half. Not every show is for everybody, but there are very "American-feeling" shows on it that aren't as foreign as past shows were (even The Office took me a while to "get", but "get it" I did after I understood the language differences).
Just a short list of shows I'd recommend: The Office (the first, and the harshest), Conviction (a morality tale about a guy who had a terrible secret-- has NOTHING to do with the piece-of-crap show of the same name NBC aired last spring), Coupling (seriously, one of the best comedies I've ever seen), Bodies (an extremely dark show about cover-ups, lying, and how far can one person let it go before taking action-- one of my Top Ten shows of the past year), Green Wing (Think Scrubs mixed with the attitude of M.A.S.H. and take away the FCC-- and make some of the characters bat-sh** insane), Ed vs. Spencer (two guys compete to see who is better-- or worse in various contests; a real life "Goofus and Gallant" strip), and Bromwell High (England's answer to South Park and The Simpsons; off-the-wall animation; bad-ass Keisha is one of my favorite characters of the year).
Friday, November 17, 2006
Welcome PRISON BREAK news
Sounds like FOX doesn't have much in the pipeline for mid-season-- which isn't helped by the failures of their new shows thus far, so they may have to bring back an All-Star early.
Prison Break was supposed to disappear until March after it's Nov. 27 episode, but now there's talk of bringing it back in late-January.
Good news to not have such a huge gap in the middle of the season, but it could mean the show will wrap early (in March; with a killer cliff-hanger, for sure) or air repeats in between new episodes.
Another tricky thing about it: apparently the show is running really tight now, with very little time between wrapping and airing an episode. The moved-up second half of the season could wreak havok on the filming schedule.
Oh well, I'll take my Break wherever I can get it.
Prison Break was supposed to disappear until March after it's Nov. 27 episode, but now there's talk of bringing it back in late-January.
Good news to not have such a huge gap in the middle of the season, but it could mean the show will wrap early (in March; with a killer cliff-hanger, for sure) or air repeats in between new episodes.
Another tricky thing about it: apparently the show is running really tight now, with very little time between wrapping and airing an episode. The moved-up second half of the season could wreak havok on the filming schedule.
Oh well, I'll take my Break wherever I can get it.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Some pick ups-- and drops
It's the mid-season point of the new TV season, and we have four cancelled shows: Smith, Runaway, Kidnapped, and Happy Hour and three that are "on hiatus": Twenty Good Years, Six Degrees, and the latest, Justice, which was pulled from tonight's lineup at the last second.
These shows were given full-season pickups: Men In Trees, Studio 60, Ugly Betty, Friday Night Lights (picked up just today), The Game, Brothers and Sisters, Shark, and Jericho (which, it was just announced, will go the Lost and Prison Break route and air in two repeat-free blocks).
To follow up with Jericho: the last episode this year will be on Nov 29 and then the aging King of Queens will air in its timeslot until Jericho returns in late-February.
These shows were given full-season pickups: Men In Trees, Studio 60, Ugly Betty, Friday Night Lights (picked up just today), The Game, Brothers and Sisters, Shark, and Jericho (which, it was just announced, will go the Lost and Prison Break route and air in two repeat-free blocks).
To follow up with Jericho: the last episode this year will be on Nov 29 and then the aging King of Queens will air in its timeslot until Jericho returns in late-February.
A Good TV Night
Well, the kids went to bed (and stayed there), and the wife is working late, so what's a boy to do? Watch the tube. And tonight had some good stuff.
First off is Prison Break (no spoilers beyond what you'd see in the previews). Man, what a jam-packed episode ("Bolshoi Booze"). Michael makes the final arrangements to get across the border, Lincoln has to make a tough choice, Sara and Kellerman square off, more and more is learned about Mahone, T-Bag tries to escape in a stomach-turning scene, Bellick threatens Geary, Geary livin' large. A horror movie-level scary visitor...
Twists, turns, revelations, foreshadowing. Only two more episodes this fall and then a too long wait for the rest of the season.
I also checked out a bunch of [adult swim] episodes from last night. Fantastic stuff.
First off was Moral Orel; my goodness, if I actually believed in Hell, I'd be afraid I was headed there after watching this. Take a kid who loooooves church, and mix in an astounding amount of naivete and the ability to COMPLETELY misinterpret the teachings he hears in church, and you get Orel.
This week, he heard that God made people in his own image, and his pastor said some are more in his image than others, so when the local Italian family 's skin doesn't match the color of his "God approved" bandaids, he decides that they are different enough to be separated from the rest of the town.
A wonderful commentary on the devisiveness of people, whether it be skin color, class, religion, or whatever.
Metalocalypse had a religious theme as well in the "Religionklok" episode from last night. William Murderface had a near-death experience and decided that he needed something more from life; something spiritual. So he decides to try out religion.
He (and the others in his band Dethklok) goes to a Christian rock gathering-- and chaos ensues. Then they visit an atheist church where they pray to "no one" and a group of protesting agnostics (with signs that say "maybe God") riot at the atheist service. But the last, and funniest, is when they visit a Church of Satan, and the service is led by a pansy and is even more boring than any other service he attended. Murderface stands up in the middle of the service and asks where the nearest bar is-- because he's so bored.
No real commentary to this one (other than worship services are boring, maybe), but it's still funny.
And my new favorite [adult swim] show now that The Venture Brothers' season is done: Frisky Dingo. Last night's episode ("Kidnapped") was the usual crazy antics of the villianous (but lazy/incompetent) Killface as he attempts to get the $12 billion he needs to finish his giant "Annihilatrix" rocket to send the planet into the sun. Since he crossed paths with billionaire playboy Xander Crews (aka super-hero Awesome X) last episode, Killface figures he should kidnap Crews to get the money. Meanwhile, the ants in the computer keyboard form the invention contest last week became super-intelligent ("because they were working with computers") and Watley, whom Xander grafted giant lobster claws onto, is charged with getting the ants-- and the nuclear waste he's got in his office-- to the dump. And hot news reporter (and Xander's girlfriend) Grace Ryan gets an interview with Killface.
All the major players converge at the end, and everything that can go wrong, does.
Check it out. It's a great show with killer lines (usually from Xander) and very realistic animation (at least the characters who are human). But as is most [adult swim] shows, it's bizarre.
First off is Prison Break (no spoilers beyond what you'd see in the previews). Man, what a jam-packed episode ("Bolshoi Booze"). Michael makes the final arrangements to get across the border, Lincoln has to make a tough choice, Sara and Kellerman square off, more and more is learned about Mahone, T-Bag tries to escape in a stomach-turning scene, Bellick threatens Geary, Geary livin' large. A horror movie-level scary visitor...
Twists, turns, revelations, foreshadowing. Only two more episodes this fall and then a too long wait for the rest of the season.
I also checked out a bunch of [adult swim] episodes from last night. Fantastic stuff.
First off was Moral Orel; my goodness, if I actually believed in Hell, I'd be afraid I was headed there after watching this. Take a kid who loooooves church, and mix in an astounding amount of naivete and the ability to COMPLETELY misinterpret the teachings he hears in church, and you get Orel.
This week, he heard that God made people in his own image, and his pastor said some are more in his image than others, so when the local Italian family 's skin doesn't match the color of his "God approved" bandaids, he decides that they are different enough to be separated from the rest of the town.
A wonderful commentary on the devisiveness of people, whether it be skin color, class, religion, or whatever.
Metalocalypse had a religious theme as well in the "Religionklok" episode from last night. William Murderface had a near-death experience and decided that he needed something more from life; something spiritual. So he decides to try out religion.
He (and the others in his band Dethklok) goes to a Christian rock gathering-- and chaos ensues. Then they visit an atheist church where they pray to "no one" and a group of protesting agnostics (with signs that say "maybe God") riot at the atheist service. But the last, and funniest, is when they visit a Church of Satan, and the service is led by a pansy and is even more boring than any other service he attended. Murderface stands up in the middle of the service and asks where the nearest bar is-- because he's so bored.
No real commentary to this one (other than worship services are boring, maybe), but it's still funny.
And my new favorite [adult swim] show now that The Venture Brothers' season is done: Frisky Dingo. Last night's episode ("Kidnapped") was the usual crazy antics of the villianous (but lazy/incompetent) Killface as he attempts to get the $12 billion he needs to finish his giant "Annihilatrix" rocket to send the planet into the sun. Since he crossed paths with billionaire playboy Xander Crews (aka super-hero Awesome X) last episode, Killface figures he should kidnap Crews to get the money. Meanwhile, the ants in the computer keyboard form the invention contest last week became super-intelligent ("because they were working with computers") and Watley, whom Xander grafted giant lobster claws onto, is charged with getting the ants-- and the nuclear waste he's got in his office-- to the dump. And hot news reporter (and Xander's girlfriend) Grace Ryan gets an interview with Killface.
All the major players converge at the end, and everything that can go wrong, does.
Check it out. It's a great show with killer lines (usually from Xander) and very realistic animation (at least the characters who are human). But as is most [adult swim] shows, it's bizarre.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Premieres and Notables for 11/13-11/19
Tuesday, 11-14
City of Men; Sundance. 8 pm, Season Premiere.
Third Season Premiere.
Show Me The Money; ABC. 8:31pm, Series Premiere.
A quiz-style game show hosted by William Shatner (could... there... be... a more perfect... game show host?).
3 Lbs; CBS. 9 pm, Series Premiere.
Smith's demise led to CBS fast-tracking this House-ian show about a neurosurgeon starring the great Stanley Tucci.
Everest: Beyond the Limit; Discovery. 9 pm, Series Premiere.
Six-part series about a 2006 ascent to the world's tallest peak.
Wednesday, 11/15
Dancing With the Stars (ABC, 7 pm), Laguna Beach (MTV, 9 pm), and I Pity The Fool (TV Land, 9 pm) all have their season finales.
Medium; NBC. 8 pm, Season Premiere.
The "little show that could" comes soon after Kidnapped's demise in a 2-hour premiere.
Day Break; ABC. 8 pm, Series Premiere.
Taye Diggs stars in this new series about an LAPD cop who gets framed for murder-- and keeps reliving the day over and over. Sounds cool, and the promos for it have rocked, but the only "review" I read of it said it was "silly". I'm still trying it.
Thursday, 11/16
My Name is Earl sees Randy munching on the wrong thing-- and then start seeing the others as "Claymation-esque" characters. Christian Slater guest stars.
And all of NBC's sitcoms are "supersized", so watch out for weird start and end times (Earl: 7pm- 7:36; Office: 7:36-8:20; 30 Rock: 8:20-9:01).
Friday, 11/17
Foxworthy's Big Night Out, Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders: Making the Team, Ice-T's Rap School, Air: America's Investigative Reports, and Real Time With Bill Maher all have their season finales tonight. The only one I'll be sad about is Real Time.
Saturday, 11/18
After a few years of not having one, Comic Relief returns, this time in aid of Hurricane Katrina survivors. HBO and TBS are simultaneously airing the benefit (I'll be watching HBO-- just in case someone "goes blue"). 8 pm.
Sunday, 11/19
Reba, CW. 6 pm and 6:30 pm, Season Premiere.
Reba comes back because of a huge deal The WB made before combining with UPN to make the CW. See, it would cost a lot more for CW to dump the show, so they brought it back. In a sh**ty timeslot. This is a classic example of "burning off" episodes. Two in a row this week, and then paired up with Reba repeats in subsequent weeks.
And, finally, just because I had to mention it. I read in this week's TV Guide that Flava Flav is expecting his seventh child in January. The unidentified woman is not a winner-- or one of the contestants-- of his show Flavor of Love.
Just wanted to mention what a classy guy Flav is, supposedly looking for love on a national (albiet cable) TV show, while hittin' it on the side. Maybe he should hollow out the clock on his neck and fill it with condoms.
Just a thought.
Or maybe a checkbook. I'd imagine child support, even for a washed up rapper, would be costly. Especially when he's got six others running around...
City of Men; Sundance. 8 pm, Season Premiere.
Third Season Premiere.
Show Me The Money; ABC. 8:31pm, Series Premiere.
A quiz-style game show hosted by William Shatner (could... there... be... a more perfect... game show host?).
3 Lbs; CBS. 9 pm, Series Premiere.
Smith's demise led to CBS fast-tracking this House-ian show about a neurosurgeon starring the great Stanley Tucci.
Everest: Beyond the Limit; Discovery. 9 pm, Series Premiere.
Six-part series about a 2006 ascent to the world's tallest peak.
Wednesday, 11/15
Dancing With the Stars (ABC, 7 pm), Laguna Beach (MTV, 9 pm), and I Pity The Fool (TV Land, 9 pm) all have their season finales.
Medium; NBC. 8 pm, Season Premiere.
The "little show that could" comes soon after Kidnapped's demise in a 2-hour premiere.
Day Break; ABC. 8 pm, Series Premiere.
Taye Diggs stars in this new series about an LAPD cop who gets framed for murder-- and keeps reliving the day over and over. Sounds cool, and the promos for it have rocked, but the only "review" I read of it said it was "silly". I'm still trying it.
Thursday, 11/16
My Name is Earl sees Randy munching on the wrong thing-- and then start seeing the others as "Claymation-esque" characters. Christian Slater guest stars.
And all of NBC's sitcoms are "supersized", so watch out for weird start and end times (Earl: 7pm- 7:36; Office: 7:36-8:20; 30 Rock: 8:20-9:01).
Friday, 11/17
Foxworthy's Big Night Out, Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders: Making the Team, Ice-T's Rap School, Air: America's Investigative Reports, and Real Time With Bill Maher all have their season finales tonight. The only one I'll be sad about is Real Time.
Saturday, 11/18
After a few years of not having one, Comic Relief returns, this time in aid of Hurricane Katrina survivors. HBO and TBS are simultaneously airing the benefit (I'll be watching HBO-- just in case someone "goes blue"). 8 pm.
Sunday, 11/19
Reba, CW. 6 pm and 6:30 pm, Season Premiere.
Reba comes back because of a huge deal The WB made before combining with UPN to make the CW. See, it would cost a lot more for CW to dump the show, so they brought it back. In a sh**ty timeslot. This is a classic example of "burning off" episodes. Two in a row this week, and then paired up with Reba repeats in subsequent weeks.
And, finally, just because I had to mention it. I read in this week's TV Guide that Flava Flav is expecting his seventh child in January. The unidentified woman is not a winner-- or one of the contestants-- of his show Flavor of Love.
Just wanted to mention what a classy guy Flav is, supposedly looking for love on a national (albiet cable) TV show, while hittin' it on the side. Maybe he should hollow out the clock on his neck and fill it with condoms.
Just a thought.
Or maybe a checkbook. I'd imagine child support, even for a washed up rapper, would be costly. Especially when he's got six others running around...
Friday, November 10, 2006
The November Sweeps Bloodbath
Just a quick one tonight (starting to become the norm, I know...)
We're ten days into November, and we've already had some casualties:
Happy Hour came back from its baseball hiatus for one week-- and then it got the boot. What a waste of airtime (although I hope hottie Beth Lacke finds something else to work on; she actually had some talent). It's timeslot is going to be airing 'Til Death reruns for the foreseeable future (I'm sure that'll help the ailing The O.C.).
Six Degrees got yanked. ABC says it'll come back in January, but it's struggled since the first week, getting trounced by ER of all shows. Men in Trees will take its spot (don't know if they are repeats or new episodes yet).
Kidnapped was finally brought around back and put out of its misery as it couldn't even maintain a decent enough audience in the Saturday wasteland. At least NBC is going to get some use out of what's "in the can" by having the unaired episodes on its website to watch (I think it'll have up to "magical" episode #13, which was to be the episode that ended the series anyway). As to what's going to go in Kidnapped's timeslot?-- pick a Law & Order series, and I'm sure it'll air there sometime.
We're ten days into November, and we've already had some casualties:
Happy Hour came back from its baseball hiatus for one week-- and then it got the boot. What a waste of airtime (although I hope hottie Beth Lacke finds something else to work on; she actually had some talent). It's timeslot is going to be airing 'Til Death reruns for the foreseeable future (I'm sure that'll help the ailing The O.C.).
Six Degrees got yanked. ABC says it'll come back in January, but it's struggled since the first week, getting trounced by ER of all shows. Men in Trees will take its spot (don't know if they are repeats or new episodes yet).
Kidnapped was finally brought around back and put out of its misery as it couldn't even maintain a decent enough audience in the Saturday wasteland. At least NBC is going to get some use out of what's "in the can" by having the unaired episodes on its website to watch (I think it'll have up to "magical" episode #13, which was to be the episode that ended the series anyway). As to what's going to go in Kidnapped's timeslot?-- pick a Law & Order series, and I'm sure it'll air there sometime.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Premieres and notables for 11/6 - 11/12
Sorry for no posts last week. Really sh**ty week. Maybe I'll write about it (I've got a good line about a Halloween costume).
Monday, 11/6
Sarah and Schofield finally meet up in Prison Break. All of you looking for a romantic getaway shouldn't be surprised if it doesn't happen. Let's see, since Schofield escaped, Sarah's had to deal with the knowledge that she helped 6 others escape (including T-Bag), she lost her job, father was killed, she was almost killed-- twice so far, and on and on. Yeah, I don't see a passionate lovemaking happening soon.
Vincent, BBC America. 8 pm CST. Series premiere.
Crime drama from one of the best "networks" around.
American Chopper, Discovery. 8 pm CST. Season premiere.
Fourth season already?
Tuesday, 11/7
Go vote.
Don't know who to vote for? Do what I do: do not vote for an incumbent. Preferably a non Dem or Repub if you have those options. You vote isn't wasted if it's not going to one of the two major (only) parties. If enough people keep smacking the elephants and the donkey, we may actually get something accomplished.
Is your state voting on the insidious gay marriage ban? C'mon... This is America: whether you think gays are icky or going to Hell, do you really want to deprive people of their basic rights? Vote Hell No (against a ban) for that one...
There you go: no reason not to vote now.
Thursday, 11/9
Nickelodeon is airing 26 straight hours of Spongebob Squarepants. I like the show, but by the fifth or so hour, I'd be mentally fried. I should take the day off, and try it...
Jenny McCarthy guest stars on My Name is Earl, and our favorite supporting character, Crabman, gets a storyline.
And on The Office, the Scranton branch is closing (so that's how they'll bring Jim back), and Michael tries to cheer everyone up.
Friday, 11/10
Jenna Fischer (The Office) is a guest on Letterman.
Cinemax begins its weekend-long Star Wars movie marathon in order, beginning with Episode One at 11pm. Cinemax has some great commericals touting it. And if you've got Cinemax HD-- your eyes might melt. Be careful...
Sunday, 11/12
See footage from next summer's Simpsons movie during tonight's episode (7:00 CST).
All right. Gotta fly!
Monday, 11/6
Sarah and Schofield finally meet up in Prison Break. All of you looking for a romantic getaway shouldn't be surprised if it doesn't happen. Let's see, since Schofield escaped, Sarah's had to deal with the knowledge that she helped 6 others escape (including T-Bag), she lost her job, father was killed, she was almost killed-- twice so far, and on and on. Yeah, I don't see a passionate lovemaking happening soon.
Vincent, BBC America. 8 pm CST. Series premiere.
Crime drama from one of the best "networks" around.
American Chopper, Discovery. 8 pm CST. Season premiere.
Fourth season already?
Tuesday, 11/7
Go vote.
Don't know who to vote for? Do what I do: do not vote for an incumbent. Preferably a non Dem or Repub if you have those options. You vote isn't wasted if it's not going to one of the two major (only) parties. If enough people keep smacking the elephants and the donkey, we may actually get something accomplished.
Is your state voting on the insidious gay marriage ban? C'mon... This is America: whether you think gays are icky or going to Hell, do you really want to deprive people of their basic rights? Vote Hell No (against a ban) for that one...
There you go: no reason not to vote now.
Thursday, 11/9
Nickelodeon is airing 26 straight hours of Spongebob Squarepants. I like the show, but by the fifth or so hour, I'd be mentally fried. I should take the day off, and try it...
Jenny McCarthy guest stars on My Name is Earl, and our favorite supporting character, Crabman, gets a storyline.
And on The Office, the Scranton branch is closing (so that's how they'll bring Jim back), and Michael tries to cheer everyone up.
Friday, 11/10
Jenna Fischer (The Office) is a guest on Letterman.
Cinemax begins its weekend-long Star Wars movie marathon in order, beginning with Episode One at 11pm. Cinemax has some great commericals touting it. And if you've got Cinemax HD-- your eyes might melt. Be careful...
Sunday, 11/12
See footage from next summer's Simpsons movie during tonight's episode (7:00 CST).
All right. Gotta fly!
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
PRISON BREAK direction
Just got off a spoiler website, and let's just say that by the end of Episode 13 (11/27/06), things will look very different. That's the last show of the front half of the season (before it goes on hiatus for a few months).
There's one plotline that will leave us hanging as hard as the fixed drain pipe did for the cliffhanger in the middle of the first season.
Keep reading for a look at the direction the show will take as of Episode 13 ("The Killing Box")...
Prison Break executive producer/creator Paul Scheuring is making plans for the third season already. What we know: the current storyline will end at the end of this season. Also, the next season will only focus on one or two of the characters, so it's expected that there will be a number of deaths this season as characters are written out of the show.
Okay, the direction of the show (probably classified as "teasers" since they don't spoil anything) as of Episode 13 is:
"Two escapees are recaptured and sent back towards Fox River. One man gets new living arrangements. Sara must make alterations to stay alive. One escapee commits a crime."
Now for more details about the teaser. This one is a definite spoiler, so page down a little to get to the "good stuff". And, as always, this is the end of the post, so if you really don't want spoilers, you aren't going to miss anything by not scrolling down:
"Two escapees are recaptured and sent back": Lincoln and Schofield get recaptured. They do not actually wind up back in prison.
"One man gets new living situations": Bellick ends up in Fox River with a 25 year sentence. My speculation based on bits and pieces I've gathered: he gets blamed for killing Geary (a homicide I imagine T-Bag actually committed). It's a stretch as I don't know that Geary dies or anything-- just speculation I want to post before the truth comes out.
Sara's alterations: I'm guessing an extreme makeover since she's on the run, too (from Kellerman's goons).
"One escapee commits a crime": Could be anyone. T-Bag seems the most reasonable.
There's one plotline that will leave us hanging as hard as the fixed drain pipe did for the cliffhanger in the middle of the first season.
Keep reading for a look at the direction the show will take as of Episode 13 ("The Killing Box")...
Prison Break executive producer/creator Paul Scheuring is making plans for the third season already. What we know: the current storyline will end at the end of this season. Also, the next season will only focus on one or two of the characters, so it's expected that there will be a number of deaths this season as characters are written out of the show.
Okay, the direction of the show (probably classified as "teasers" since they don't spoil anything) as of Episode 13 is:
"Two escapees are recaptured and sent back towards Fox River. One man gets new living arrangements. Sara must make alterations to stay alive. One escapee commits a crime."
Now for more details about the teaser. This one is a definite spoiler, so page down a little to get to the "good stuff". And, as always, this is the end of the post, so if you really don't want spoilers, you aren't going to miss anything by not scrolling down:
"Two escapees are recaptured and sent back": Lincoln and Schofield get recaptured. They do not actually wind up back in prison.
"One man gets new living situations": Bellick ends up in Fox River with a 25 year sentence. My speculation based on bits and pieces I've gathered: he gets blamed for killing Geary (a homicide I imagine T-Bag actually committed). It's a stretch as I don't know that Geary dies or anything-- just speculation I want to post before the truth comes out.
Sara's alterations: I'm guessing an extreme makeover since she's on the run, too (from Kellerman's goons).
"One escapee commits a crime": Could be anyone. T-Bag seems the most reasonable.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Premieres and notables 10/30- 11/05
Monday, 10/30
Remember, as I posted a few days ago: "The Slutty Pumpkin" epsiode of How I Met Your Mother airs tonight.
Schofield goes on the offensive tonight on Prison Break.
Friday Night Lights airs in Studio 60's spot tonight. The episode is supposed to reair tomorrow in its normal timeslot.
Tuesday, 10/31
House returns in it's normal 8 pm CST timeslot.
Standoff returns to a new timeslot (7pm). No need to remember the change; I'm sure it still sucks.
Wednesday, 11/1
Rich List, FOX. 8 pm. Series Premiere
Get ready for the gameshow glut...
Thursday, 11/2
Fat Friends; BBC America. 9 pm. Series Premiere
A British drama about the ups anddowns of the members of a dieting club. (I wonder if it'll be funier than FX's horrible "comedy" Starved.)
And showing that anyone can get a reality show:
Rob & Big; MTV. 9:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Skateboarder Rob Drydek and his bodyguard share a house. I have an in-law connection to the show, so I have to check it out. I'll let you know what I think.
'Til Death and Happy Hour return from the baseball hiatus. Catch 'em while you can. I doubt they are long for this world. (Because they suck; not because viewers "just don't get it").
Roseanne Barr guests on My Name Is Earl as a woman who once believed Earl was God. Seeing as how the celeb guests on this show have absolutely ruled so far, I expect Rosie to do the same.
Friday, 11/3
Chevy Chase does his guest-starring role on Law & Order as a celeb who gives a Mel Gibson-styled rant after he's arrested.
Outkast's Andre 3000 cocreation Class of 3000 begins on the Cartoon Network at 7 pm.
Two new History Channel shows premiere as well: The Lost Evidence (famous campaigns through combat footage, 8 pm) and Dog Fights (famous air-to-air battles via compter graphics, 9 pm).
Sunday, 11/5
FOX Sunday returns with The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror 17. American Dad, Family Guy, and (shudder) The War at Home also return with new eps.
And someone's supposed to bite it on Desperate Housewives in the storyline that begins tonight. Everything's pointing to Lynette, so it probably won't go that way (also Felicity Huffman should be begging to be off that show since they don't know what to do with the character). Also, the previews look like Susan's daughter (Julie?) could be the one, but that's pretty hardcore. May I recommend the psycho ex of Lynette's husband?
Remember, as I posted a few days ago: "The Slutty Pumpkin" epsiode of How I Met Your Mother airs tonight.
Schofield goes on the offensive tonight on Prison Break.
Friday Night Lights airs in Studio 60's spot tonight. The episode is supposed to reair tomorrow in its normal timeslot.
Tuesday, 10/31
House returns in it's normal 8 pm CST timeslot.
Standoff returns to a new timeslot (7pm). No need to remember the change; I'm sure it still sucks.
Wednesday, 11/1
Rich List, FOX. 8 pm. Series Premiere
Get ready for the gameshow glut...
Thursday, 11/2
Fat Friends; BBC America. 9 pm. Series Premiere
A British drama about the ups anddowns of the members of a dieting club. (I wonder if it'll be funier than FX's horrible "comedy" Starved.)
And showing that anyone can get a reality show:
Rob & Big; MTV. 9:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Skateboarder Rob Drydek and his bodyguard share a house. I have an in-law connection to the show, so I have to check it out. I'll let you know what I think.
'Til Death and Happy Hour return from the baseball hiatus. Catch 'em while you can. I doubt they are long for this world. (Because they suck; not because viewers "just don't get it").
Roseanne Barr guests on My Name Is Earl as a woman who once believed Earl was God. Seeing as how the celeb guests on this show have absolutely ruled so far, I expect Rosie to do the same.
Friday, 11/3
Chevy Chase does his guest-starring role on Law & Order as a celeb who gives a Mel Gibson-styled rant after he's arrested.
Outkast's Andre 3000 cocreation Class of 3000 begins on the Cartoon Network at 7 pm.
Two new History Channel shows premiere as well: The Lost Evidence (famous campaigns through combat footage, 8 pm) and Dog Fights (famous air-to-air battles via compter graphics, 9 pm).
Sunday, 11/5
FOX Sunday returns with The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror 17. American Dad, Family Guy, and (shudder) The War at Home also return with new eps.
And someone's supposed to bite it on Desperate Housewives in the storyline that begins tonight. Everything's pointing to Lynette, so it probably won't go that way (also Felicity Huffman should be begging to be off that show since they don't know what to do with the character). Also, the previews look like Susan's daughter (Julie?) could be the one, but that's pretty hardcore. May I recommend the psycho ex of Lynette's husband?
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Quick notables coming soon
I'll be posting the premieres and notables soon, but I wanted to make sure I posted ones on the tip of my brain as they come soon.
Sunday, 10/29:
BBC America is running a Hex marathon. All nine episodes of the first (only?) season from 10 am CST to 8 pm. I only saw the pilot (have the others in my "to watch" tape pile), but the commercials had a big Buffy vibe. It was promoted heavily during its run this past summer. May be worth checking out.
Monday, 10/30
CBS is repeating the "Slutty Pumpkin" episode of How I Met Your Mother. This was the episode that sold me on the show. It was very well-written, and the show pulled me in every direction it wanted me to go (will he or won't he find her?). And check out Barney's tactic to hook up with a woman by changing costumes frequently and giving her a different pick-up line.
This is a highly recommended episode of a highly recommended show. It isn't as "sexy" as The Office or My Name is Earl, but it's one of the best-written comedies out there when it's firing on all cylinders.
Now this ep is from last year, so Ted's a lot more pathetic in that ep than he is now. Just keep that in mind.
Sunday, 10/29:
BBC America is running a Hex marathon. All nine episodes of the first (only?) season from 10 am CST to 8 pm. I only saw the pilot (have the others in my "to watch" tape pile), but the commercials had a big Buffy vibe. It was promoted heavily during its run this past summer. May be worth checking out.
Monday, 10/30
CBS is repeating the "Slutty Pumpkin" episode of How I Met Your Mother. This was the episode that sold me on the show. It was very well-written, and the show pulled me in every direction it wanted me to go (will he or won't he find her?). And check out Barney's tactic to hook up with a woman by changing costumes frequently and giving her a different pick-up line.
This is a highly recommended episode of a highly recommended show. It isn't as "sexy" as The Office or My Name is Earl, but it's one of the best-written comedies out there when it's firing on all cylinders.
Now this ep is from last year, so Ted's a lot more pathetic in that ep than he is now. Just keep that in mind.
24 Trailer and Ausiello interviews
Just a quick one.
There's huge buzz surrounding the 24 trailer that was just released. I just want to know how many hours/episodes will be spent shaving Jack's face.
Here's the link:
http://www.24trailer.com/
And TV Guide's Michael Ausiello interviewed a number of FOX stars at a recent gathering, and he hit up five Prison Break members for a few minutes each. Minor spoilers in them (not here), but nothing you probably already didn't know-- or won't know long before they air.
Notables:
Wentworth Miller seems like a guy you could sit and talk with for hours. He's always seemed that way to me in any interview I've ever seen him give. Dude's smart and extremely articulate. And he seems to know his way around Michael Schofield (the Ausiello clip caught Miller saying Schofield and Mahone are almost like two sides of the same coin-- except Mahone went to the dark side).
Sarah Callies took the obvious question Ausiello had to ask and stopped him in his tracks. It was pretty good to see-- and reminded us of how much has happened to her since Schofield betrayed her.
Dominic Purcell was humorously underdressed compared to the others.
Marshall Allman seemed comfortable with his continued existence on the show.
William Fichtner cut Ausiello NO slack. He chewed him up and spit him out. Either Fichtner knows something about Mahone we've never seen, or he's deluded himself as much as Mahone has had to. I also liked how Fichtner did everything except say "stop letting the major plot beats dictate the characters," by saying, "I don't know what show you've been watching."
And Invasion fans may not want to stay to the end of the Fichtner interview. Let's just say he's not upset the show didn't get renewed.
Those were the Prison Break clips, but I also checked out the David Boreanez clip about Bones. "TV Geek" Ausiello asks him if he'd ever consider doing a Buffy The Vampire Slayer movie, and you could feel the temperature drop as he said, "I don't know." I don't what happened on that show or Angel (other than maybe he felt he was typecast for a while), but it seems as if he has no desire to go back. Bummer.
Anyway, here's the link to the clips. Most are about in the 2 minute range.
http://www.tvguide.com/News-Views/Columnists/Ausiello.aspx
There's huge buzz surrounding the 24 trailer that was just released. I just want to know how many hours/episodes will be spent shaving Jack's face.
Here's the link:
http://www.24trailer.com/
And TV Guide's Michael Ausiello interviewed a number of FOX stars at a recent gathering, and he hit up five Prison Break members for a few minutes each. Minor spoilers in them (not here), but nothing you probably already didn't know-- or won't know long before they air.
Notables:
Wentworth Miller seems like a guy you could sit and talk with for hours. He's always seemed that way to me in any interview I've ever seen him give. Dude's smart and extremely articulate. And he seems to know his way around Michael Schofield (the Ausiello clip caught Miller saying Schofield and Mahone are almost like two sides of the same coin-- except Mahone went to the dark side).
Sarah Callies took the obvious question Ausiello had to ask and stopped him in his tracks. It was pretty good to see-- and reminded us of how much has happened to her since Schofield betrayed her.
Dominic Purcell was humorously underdressed compared to the others.
Marshall Allman seemed comfortable with his continued existence on the show.
William Fichtner cut Ausiello NO slack. He chewed him up and spit him out. Either Fichtner knows something about Mahone we've never seen, or he's deluded himself as much as Mahone has had to. I also liked how Fichtner did everything except say "stop letting the major plot beats dictate the characters," by saying, "I don't know what show you've been watching."
And Invasion fans may not want to stay to the end of the Fichtner interview. Let's just say he's not upset the show didn't get renewed.
Those were the Prison Break clips, but I also checked out the David Boreanez clip about Bones. "TV Geek" Ausiello asks him if he'd ever consider doing a Buffy The Vampire Slayer movie, and you could feel the temperature drop as he said, "I don't know." I don't what happened on that show or Angel (other than maybe he felt he was typecast for a while), but it seems as if he has no desire to go back. Bummer.
Anyway, here's the link to the clips. Most are about in the 2 minute range.
http://www.tvguide.com/News-Views/Columnists/Ausiello.aspx
Thursday, October 26, 2006
SCRUBS returns
From TV Guide's Matt Roush:
In a bold move, NBC announced they'll be beginning a two-hour comedy block beginning November 30.
My Name is Earl, The Office, Scrubs, and 30 Rock. Good to see Scrubs get some love, finally, and going against CSI and Grey's Anatomy just means the expectations are low.
November 16 sees the insidious "super-sized" 40 minute episodes returning for Earl, Office, and 30 Rock. Not that I'm against more of the shows (the first two, anyway); it's just that typically, the extra 10 minutes are worthless parts that can be easily excised for syndication (ahem ahem *Friends* ahem ahem).
And what of Twenty Good Years? NBC didn't say. The block it currently resides in will have specials and etc airing.
And here I was going to vote for it in the "death pool" this week...
In a bold move, NBC announced they'll be beginning a two-hour comedy block beginning November 30.
My Name is Earl, The Office, Scrubs, and 30 Rock. Good to see Scrubs get some love, finally, and going against CSI and Grey's Anatomy just means the expectations are low.
November 16 sees the insidious "super-sized" 40 minute episodes returning for Earl, Office, and 30 Rock. Not that I'm against more of the shows (the first two, anyway); it's just that typically, the extra 10 minutes are worthless parts that can be easily excised for syndication (ahem ahem *Friends* ahem ahem).
And what of Twenty Good Years? NBC didn't say. The block it currently resides in will have specials and etc airing.
And here I was going to vote for it in the "death pool" this week...
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Misc notes
Some odds and ends I've intended on posting throughout the week:
NBC's Medium is getting an early return now that Kidnapped has been dumped to Saturdays (starting tonight). It'll be back 11/15.
Smith (which was the first new show to be straight-up cancelled)'s replacement, the Stanley Tucci drama 3 Lbs., was rushed and will premiere 11/14.
King of the Hill's 11th-season premiere will be on 1/21/07 and features Bobby's pet snake escaping down the toilet. Is it possible this will be a Snakes on a Plane parody?
The second officially cancelled show was Runaway. Bummer for Donnie Wahlberg, who was fantastic on Boomtown. If you haven't seen it-- run to the store and pick up the DVD set.
But what about Happy Hour, which got pulled? Get this: FOX ordered three more episodes. Somebody must have pictures someone at FOX doesn't want released to the press... BTW: the not as bad 'Til Death also got an extra three episode order.
Congrats to the shows which got full-season pickups already: Ugly Betty, Jericho, Heroes, Brothers and Sisters, and Close to Home (I don't watch the show, but there's no way I'm going to after it killed off the under-utilized Christian Kane character-- dicks).
Just when everyone has jumped on board the bus I've been driving for years clamoring to take it around back and put it out of its misery, NBC's been having good ratings from ER as it's been beating the competition (Six Degrees-- which may be on its way out-- and Shark). NBC's so happy, they are not going to put the show on hiatus through the winter as planned and will air it all season long. They may even add a few episodes to the season-long order. Has the world gone completely insane?
NBC replaced Sunday night's 3 episode Friday Night Lights marathon with a Heroes marathon. That doesn't bode well for for Lights (which I've heard is excellent-- I've only gotten to see the first ep so far). But NBC is giving Lights a tryout on Monday, 10/30 at 9 in place of a planned repeat of the struggling Studio 60. 60 probably isn't getting pulled (low ratings overall, but good ratings for the $100K+ households), but it may move. Lights hasn't gotten a full-season order yet, but NBC did order more episodes beyond the initial 13, so there's hope.
CBS pulled production of the Joey Pants (Pantoliano) mid-season show Waterfront because they didn't like the direction the five episodes in the can were going.
NBC announced major cutbacks this week-- and a new philosophy for programming that is moronic is in its limitations. NBC chief Jeff Zucker declared that NBC will not air scripted shows in the 7-8 pm hour beginning next year. In their place will undoubtedly be reality shows and game shows as they're cheaper to produce. One notable exception may be the Thursday My Name is Earl and The Office comedy block.
Just three years ago, Friends was the biggest thing the network had going. When did it air? 7 pm. Like I said: moronicly limited. What happens when NBC has a good season and can't afford to order new scripted shows because it doesn't have the timeslots for them?
The November sweeps are just around the corner, and we'll start seeing shows fall to the cancellation ax in just a bit.
And in movie news: Deadwood's kick-ass Timothy Olyphant will be the bad guy in Live Free or Die Hard. I wonder if the worst thing he'll do is kick Bruce Willis' walker out from under him. [Oh no, he di'nt!!!] -- yeah, it's an old joke, but I don't get out much anymore.
And the geekly anticipated Halo movie adaptation saw its financing pulled when the expected $135 million budget came in closer to $200 million. Microsoft is looking for alternate sources of cha-ching. What, Bill Gates can't write a check for it?
NBC's Medium is getting an early return now that Kidnapped has been dumped to Saturdays (starting tonight). It'll be back 11/15.
Smith (which was the first new show to be straight-up cancelled)'s replacement, the Stanley Tucci drama 3 Lbs., was rushed and will premiere 11/14.
King of the Hill's 11th-season premiere will be on 1/21/07 and features Bobby's pet snake escaping down the toilet. Is it possible this will be a Snakes on a Plane parody?
The second officially cancelled show was Runaway. Bummer for Donnie Wahlberg, who was fantastic on Boomtown. If you haven't seen it-- run to the store and pick up the DVD set.
But what about Happy Hour, which got pulled? Get this: FOX ordered three more episodes. Somebody must have pictures someone at FOX doesn't want released to the press... BTW: the not as bad 'Til Death also got an extra three episode order.
Congrats to the shows which got full-season pickups already: Ugly Betty, Jericho, Heroes, Brothers and Sisters, and Close to Home (I don't watch the show, but there's no way I'm going to after it killed off the under-utilized Christian Kane character-- dicks).
Just when everyone has jumped on board the bus I've been driving for years clamoring to take it around back and put it out of its misery, NBC's been having good ratings from ER as it's been beating the competition (Six Degrees-- which may be on its way out-- and Shark). NBC's so happy, they are not going to put the show on hiatus through the winter as planned and will air it all season long. They may even add a few episodes to the season-long order. Has the world gone completely insane?
NBC replaced Sunday night's 3 episode Friday Night Lights marathon with a Heroes marathon. That doesn't bode well for for Lights (which I've heard is excellent-- I've only gotten to see the first ep so far). But NBC is giving Lights a tryout on Monday, 10/30 at 9 in place of a planned repeat of the struggling Studio 60. 60 probably isn't getting pulled (low ratings overall, but good ratings for the $100K+ households), but it may move. Lights hasn't gotten a full-season order yet, but NBC did order more episodes beyond the initial 13, so there's hope.
CBS pulled production of the Joey Pants (Pantoliano) mid-season show Waterfront because they didn't like the direction the five episodes in the can were going.
NBC announced major cutbacks this week-- and a new philosophy for programming that is moronic is in its limitations. NBC chief Jeff Zucker declared that NBC will not air scripted shows in the 7-8 pm hour beginning next year. In their place will undoubtedly be reality shows and game shows as they're cheaper to produce. One notable exception may be the Thursday My Name is Earl and The Office comedy block.
Just three years ago, Friends was the biggest thing the network had going. When did it air? 7 pm. Like I said: moronicly limited. What happens when NBC has a good season and can't afford to order new scripted shows because it doesn't have the timeslots for them?
The November sweeps are just around the corner, and we'll start seeing shows fall to the cancellation ax in just a bit.
And in movie news: Deadwood's kick-ass Timothy Olyphant will be the bad guy in Live Free or Die Hard. I wonder if the worst thing he'll do is kick Bruce Willis' walker out from under him. [Oh no, he di'nt!!!] -- yeah, it's an old joke, but I don't get out much anymore.
And the geekly anticipated Halo movie adaptation saw its financing pulled when the expected $135 million budget came in closer to $200 million. Microsoft is looking for alternate sources of cha-ching. What, Bill Gates can't write a check for it?
Premieres and Notables for 10/23-10/29
Monday, 10/23
Dog Whisperer; National Geographic. 8 pm CST. Season Premiere
Returning: Prison Break, FOX at 7 pm and Justice (new day), FOX at 8 pm.
Thursday, 10/26
Iconoclasts; Sundance. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Series with two notables conversing-- each revealing more than they ever would in a straight interview. I missed the first season when I was having cable issues, but it sounds interesting enough to try this season.
10/26: Eddie Vedder & surfer Laird Hamilton
11/2: Mikhail Baryshnikov & Alice Waters
11/9: Quentin Tarantino & Fiona Apple (5-1 odds Tarantino DOMINATES the conversation)
11/16: Isabella Rosellini & Dean Kamen
11/23: Paul Simon & Lorne Michaels
11/30: Dave Chappelle & Maya Angelou
Whoa-- I just programmed it into the DVR, and I see the first season is airing marathon-style on Sunday, 10/22 from 1:00 pm -5:30 pm.
Friday, 10/27
Vanished returns on it's new night (FOX, 7pm). Catch it while you can-- it's not long for this world...
Masters of Horror; Showtime. 9 pm. Season Premiere
Saturday, 10/28
Hellboy: Sword of Storms premieres on Cartoon Network at 8:30 pm. Check it out before you buy the DVD.
(same with Ultimate Avengers 2, which airs tonight at the same time).
Sunday, 10/29
Prehistoric Zoo; Animal Planet. 7 pm. Series Premiere
A man travels through time to capture prehistoric creatures, which he brings to a wildlife sanctuary. Along the way, we learn real information about dinosaurs. How cool is that? I would have been all over this show when I was a kid. Heck, I'm gonna try it out-- long after I stopped being a kid.
Dog Whisperer; National Geographic. 8 pm CST. Season Premiere
Returning: Prison Break, FOX at 7 pm and Justice (new day), FOX at 8 pm.
Thursday, 10/26
Iconoclasts; Sundance. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Series with two notables conversing-- each revealing more than they ever would in a straight interview. I missed the first season when I was having cable issues, but it sounds interesting enough to try this season.
10/26: Eddie Vedder & surfer Laird Hamilton
11/2: Mikhail Baryshnikov & Alice Waters
11/9: Quentin Tarantino & Fiona Apple (5-1 odds Tarantino DOMINATES the conversation)
11/16: Isabella Rosellini & Dean Kamen
11/23: Paul Simon & Lorne Michaels
11/30: Dave Chappelle & Maya Angelou
Whoa-- I just programmed it into the DVR, and I see the first season is airing marathon-style on Sunday, 10/22 from 1:00 pm -5:30 pm.
Friday, 10/27
Vanished returns on it's new night (FOX, 7pm). Catch it while you can-- it's not long for this world...
Masters of Horror; Showtime. 9 pm. Season Premiere
Saturday, 10/28
Hellboy: Sword of Storms premieres on Cartoon Network at 8:30 pm. Check it out before you buy the DVD.
(same with Ultimate Avengers 2, which airs tonight at the same time).
Sunday, 10/29
Prehistoric Zoo; Animal Planet. 7 pm. Series Premiere
A man travels through time to capture prehistoric creatures, which he brings to a wildlife sanctuary. Along the way, we learn real information about dinosaurs. How cool is that? I would have been all over this show when I was a kid. Heck, I'm gonna try it out-- long after I stopped being a kid.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
This week's premieres
Whoo Hoo! What a night. I was down 15 points in my work Fantasy Football league but still had a chance to win-- but the frickin' Bears crumbled until the 4th quarter. Thankfully, the Chicago Defense scored 2 TDs and their Special Teams scored 1, and I ended up winning by 13!
#1 in the league, baby (and #2 in my other league)!
Anyway, the major/noteworthy premieres this week:
Monday, 10/16:
The Upside Down Show, Noggin. 10:00 am. Series premiere.
Yeah, yeah, I'm late, but this is a Noggin show that airs twice a day. This is an unusual show because it's designed for preschoolers, but like Noggin's Jack's Big Music Show, it's pretty entertaining for an adult. At least the clips I've seen were. I'm sure I'll be seeing lots of it in the coming weeks...
Friday, 10/20:
Trading Spouses, FOX. 7:00 pm. Season Premiere.
Season Three? Really?
1 vs. 100, NBC. 7:00 pm. Series Premiere.
The newest prime time gameshow to hit the block. This one is hosted by Bob Saget and requires a bit more thought than Deal or No Deal.
Las Vegas, NBC. 8:00 pm. Season Premiere.
The improbably surviving show returns for a fourth season.
Saturday, 10/21 marathons:
MI-5, A&E. 10am-6 pm.
The remaining eight hours of the critically acclaimed British import's fourth season. I guess A&E is too busy airing CSI: Miami repeats, and quality shows like Dog the Bounty Hunter and Inked to air good scripted fare.
Prison Break, FX. 11:00 am-6pm.
The entire seven episode run of the second season so far. If you missed any or all of the episodes, now's your chance to catch up before Monday's return to new episodes. Body count tally on those seven episodes: two major characters, two minor characters, and at least one guy in the wrong place at the wrong time.
#1 in the league, baby (and #2 in my other league)!
Anyway, the major/noteworthy premieres this week:
Monday, 10/16:
The Upside Down Show, Noggin. 10:00 am. Series premiere.
Yeah, yeah, I'm late, but this is a Noggin show that airs twice a day. This is an unusual show because it's designed for preschoolers, but like Noggin's Jack's Big Music Show, it's pretty entertaining for an adult. At least the clips I've seen were. I'm sure I'll be seeing lots of it in the coming weeks...
Friday, 10/20:
Trading Spouses, FOX. 7:00 pm. Season Premiere.
Season Three? Really?
1 vs. 100, NBC. 7:00 pm. Series Premiere.
The newest prime time gameshow to hit the block. This one is hosted by Bob Saget and requires a bit more thought than Deal or No Deal.
Las Vegas, NBC. 8:00 pm. Season Premiere.
The improbably surviving show returns for a fourth season.
Saturday, 10/21 marathons:
MI-5, A&E. 10am-6 pm.
The remaining eight hours of the critically acclaimed British import's fourth season. I guess A&E is too busy airing CSI: Miami repeats, and quality shows like Dog the Bounty Hunter and Inked to air good scripted fare.
Prison Break, FX. 11:00 am-6pm.
The entire seven episode run of the second season so far. If you missed any or all of the episodes, now's your chance to catch up before Monday's return to new episodes. Body count tally on those seven episodes: two major characters, two minor characters, and at least one guy in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Friday, October 13, 2006
The Looneys Are at it Again
I was catching up on my reading for some of my favorite websites when I saw this article:
http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=86984
When are Americans going to remember a little thing called the First Amendment? It shouldn't be hard, it's the FIRST frakkin' amendment!
I haven't read Fun Home, but I have read (and wouldn't mind owning) Blankets. It's a very powerful story about first love, and it's one of the few works of art in any medium that completely brought me back to that time in my own life.
Labelling Blankets pornography is like calling Kangaroo Jack a cultural masterpiece. It's been a year or so since I read it, but from what I remember, there was a short sequence of the two lovers coming together (nothing "major" shown), and from what others have posted after the article, there was a panel of a front view of a nude man.
The book is nothing worse than a PG-13 movie, and is appropriate (and recommended) for anyone teenaged or older.
It's about time that one of the very few American-created artforms starts getting the respect it deserves. Not all comics are for kids anymore.
It's also time to consider it a true artform. If a library can lend out rated R movies, it should have no qualms lending Blankets out.
And to those of you who are still reading and thinking "B.F.D.-- it's a comic book", remember, these people go after the weak artforms first. Comic books are easy pickings because it's still considered by American society to be nothing more than the bastard child of fine art and literature.
What's next? Music (they've already had a battle that could easily be rejoined)? Television (the FCC is already poking around cable networks-- something not in its jurisdiction)? Movies (it's only a matter of time)?
It's time to put a stop to these idiots who can't take responsibility for their own children's reading/viewing habits. And what kid is gonna be ruined for life by reading something so innocent (and great)?
It's time for us to support our libraries and back them on these issues. If libraries lose their nerve (they've been fighting intrusion for years), we will all lose a valuable resource and have our freedom for information diminished. All over some nutcases (seriously, to consider Blankets porn just shows these people have no idea what porn even is).
Finally I'd like to mention how I was able to read the excellent Blankets:
...I borrowed it from my local library.
http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=86984
When are Americans going to remember a little thing called the First Amendment? It shouldn't be hard, it's the FIRST frakkin' amendment!
I haven't read Fun Home, but I have read (and wouldn't mind owning) Blankets. It's a very powerful story about first love, and it's one of the few works of art in any medium that completely brought me back to that time in my own life.
Labelling Blankets pornography is like calling Kangaroo Jack a cultural masterpiece. It's been a year or so since I read it, but from what I remember, there was a short sequence of the two lovers coming together (nothing "major" shown), and from what others have posted after the article, there was a panel of a front view of a nude man.
The book is nothing worse than a PG-13 movie, and is appropriate (and recommended) for anyone teenaged or older.
It's about time that one of the very few American-created artforms starts getting the respect it deserves. Not all comics are for kids anymore.
It's also time to consider it a true artform. If a library can lend out rated R movies, it should have no qualms lending Blankets out.
And to those of you who are still reading and thinking "B.F.D.-- it's a comic book", remember, these people go after the weak artforms first. Comic books are easy pickings because it's still considered by American society to be nothing more than the bastard child of fine art and literature.
What's next? Music (they've already had a battle that could easily be rejoined)? Television (the FCC is already poking around cable networks-- something not in its jurisdiction)? Movies (it's only a matter of time)?
It's time to put a stop to these idiots who can't take responsibility for their own children's reading/viewing habits. And what kid is gonna be ruined for life by reading something so innocent (and great)?
It's time for us to support our libraries and back them on these issues. If libraries lose their nerve (they've been fighting intrusion for years), we will all lose a valuable resource and have our freedom for information diminished. All over some nutcases (seriously, to consider Blankets porn just shows these people have no idea what porn even is).
Finally I'd like to mention how I was able to read the excellent Blankets:
...I borrowed it from my local library.
Ten13
Well, I just wanted to be one of the first to wish Sammy Hagar a happy 59th birthday.
I "discovered" Hagar (with Van Halen) at the exact perfect time in my life (about age 13), and he was that one influential artist for me that every teenager seems to need to make life go more smoothly, whether it's an actor, musician, writer, etc.
I hid my near-obession with him and Van Halen throughout my teen years because whenever I mentioned that I liked him, I always ended up in an argument over whether Hagar or Roth is better for Van Halen.
But, as I got older, I stopped hiding it and am now a pretty vocal fan (I've even created a few "Red Heads" by exposing them to Hagar).
Anyway, short post tonight. If you want to learn more, the wikipedia entry for him is:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sammy_Hagar
and his official website is: redrocker.com
I "discovered" Hagar (with Van Halen) at the exact perfect time in my life (about age 13), and he was that one influential artist for me that every teenager seems to need to make life go more smoothly, whether it's an actor, musician, writer, etc.
I hid my near-obession with him and Van Halen throughout my teen years because whenever I mentioned that I liked him, I always ended up in an argument over whether Hagar or Roth is better for Van Halen.
But, as I got older, I stopped hiding it and am now a pretty vocal fan (I've even created a few "Red Heads" by exposing them to Hagar).
Anyway, short post tonight. If you want to learn more, the wikipedia entry for him is:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sammy_Hagar
and his official website is: redrocker.com
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Schedule Changes
Three weeks into the new TV season, and already I'm having fits recording my shows with all the changes.
All changes are effective immediately unless otherwise noted.
Smith was put on hiatus. Odds are it's not coming back.
How I Met Your Mother and The Class switiched timeslots.
Kidnapped is moving to Saturdays starting 10/21. NBC promised producers and critics that they'd stick with this show until its 13 episodes had aired. I'm not holding my breath, but NBC dumped the show to a night where there are NO expectations (and no original scripted programming during prime time), so who knows?
Justice moves to Mondays 10/23.
Vanished will do just that (vanish) on Fridays starting 10/27. The show did a ballsy/necessary plot move on its last episode, but I doubt it'll save the show-- especially on Fridays.
Standoff and House do the pre-arranged timeslot switch when they return 10/31.
The CW Sunday comedies (including the wonderful Everybody Hates Chris) move to Mondays, and Seventh Heaven and Runaway move to Sundays (assuming Runaways makes it another week or two).
And as I noted in an earlier post, The Knights of Prosperity's premiere is being delayed until mid-season.
Catch all that info plus Matt Roush's comments on the moves and survival odds at this link:
http://community.tvguide.com/forum.jspa?forumID=700000048
It's the 10/6/06 posting, so you may have to scroll down a little (as I write this, it is the top post).
All changes are effective immediately unless otherwise noted.
Smith was put on hiatus. Odds are it's not coming back.
How I Met Your Mother and The Class switiched timeslots.
Kidnapped is moving to Saturdays starting 10/21. NBC promised producers and critics that they'd stick with this show until its 13 episodes had aired. I'm not holding my breath, but NBC dumped the show to a night where there are NO expectations (and no original scripted programming during prime time), so who knows?
Justice moves to Mondays 10/23.
Vanished will do just that (vanish) on Fridays starting 10/27. The show did a ballsy/necessary plot move on its last episode, but I doubt it'll save the show-- especially on Fridays.
Standoff and House do the pre-arranged timeslot switch when they return 10/31.
The CW Sunday comedies (including the wonderful Everybody Hates Chris) move to Mondays, and Seventh Heaven and Runaway move to Sundays (assuming Runaways makes it another week or two).
And as I noted in an earlier post, The Knights of Prosperity's premiere is being delayed until mid-season.
Catch all that info plus Matt Roush's comments on the moves and survival odds at this link:
http://community.tvguide.com/forum.jspa?forumID=700000048
It's the 10/6/06 posting, so you may have to scroll down a little (as I write this, it is the top post).
Monday, October 09, 2006
Shows going to the Dreaded Hiatus
What I had intended on posting about when I lost what I had written Thursday was about the changes in schedules of some new shows.
Kidnapped hasn't been cancelled, per se, but the producers were told to close up the story by Episode 13. Luckily, the producers had made contingency plans to do just that if needed (unlike last year's Reunion, which was nowhere close to resolving their story to make up for a shortened episode order). there's no promise that NBC will actually air all 13 episodes, though (it cancelled a rerun on Friday for last week's ep).
One of CBS's big hope series has been put on hiatus. Smith will be on the bench for the time being, starting immediately. Nothing's been set in stone yet, but I doubt we'll see it again (unless CBS decides to burn off the episodes already in the can).
Knights of Prosperity will have it's premiere delayed to give it a bigger marketing push. I don't know if that's good or bad. I'm looking forward to the show, but shows that keep getting pushed back usually have some problem.
The bloodbath begins...
Kidnapped hasn't been cancelled, per se, but the producers were told to close up the story by Episode 13. Luckily, the producers had made contingency plans to do just that if needed (unlike last year's Reunion, which was nowhere close to resolving their story to make up for a shortened episode order). there's no promise that NBC will actually air all 13 episodes, though (it cancelled a rerun on Friday for last week's ep).
One of CBS's big hope series has been put on hiatus. Smith will be on the bench for the time being, starting immediately. Nothing's been set in stone yet, but I doubt we'll see it again (unless CBS decides to burn off the episodes already in the can).
Knights of Prosperity will have it's premiere delayed to give it a bigger marketing push. I don't know if that's good or bad. I'm looking forward to the show, but shows that keep getting pushed back usually have some problem.
The bloodbath begins...
A PRISON BREAK Speculation
I better put a spoiler on here for those who didn't see last week's episode (and why haven't you seen it?)...
Last week, I had an e-mail exchange with my friend, Brian, and he mentioned that Sucre pulling a gun on the others must be a misdirection-- as Prison Break is known to have those. So that put a lightbulb over my head because I had just thought, "That's odd," when Sucre jumped the others in the episode (yeah, I'll admit that I sometimes let shows spoonfeed me).
Brian was right: something didn't seem right about the whole thing, and I had even thought "That's out of character," when he did it-- but I didn't think there was something more.
So, if we follow the previews for the next episode (10/23), Sucre will take the money and run. Schofield will confront him in a wooded area.
So we're to expect a confrontation and the two will have some sort of fight.
But what if it's not like that? What if Schofield confronts Sucre, and they hug or shake hands or something? What if it was planned all along that Sucre would take the money and then meet up with Schofield? The two would split the money and go their separate ways. So C-Note and T-Bag will be left with nothing (which is apropos since both of them horned their way into the escape let alone the search for the money), and they'll think Sucre has it all. Since Sucre never told anyone any plans for his post-escape life, they'll have nothing to go on and will have to abandon the thoughts that they could get the money.
I really gotta start thinking of this as the show is airing instead of being reminded that something's not right by someone else.
I'm such a sheep...
Last week, I had an e-mail exchange with my friend, Brian, and he mentioned that Sucre pulling a gun on the others must be a misdirection-- as Prison Break is known to have those. So that put a lightbulb over my head because I had just thought, "That's odd," when Sucre jumped the others in the episode (yeah, I'll admit that I sometimes let shows spoonfeed me).
Brian was right: something didn't seem right about the whole thing, and I had even thought "That's out of character," when he did it-- but I didn't think there was something more.
So, if we follow the previews for the next episode (10/23), Sucre will take the money and run. Schofield will confront him in a wooded area.
So we're to expect a confrontation and the two will have some sort of fight.
But what if it's not like that? What if Schofield confronts Sucre, and they hug or shake hands or something? What if it was planned all along that Sucre would take the money and then meet up with Schofield? The two would split the money and go their separate ways. So C-Note and T-Bag will be left with nothing (which is apropos since both of them horned their way into the escape let alone the search for the money), and they'll think Sucre has it all. Since Sucre never told anyone any plans for his post-escape life, they'll have nothing to go on and will have to abandon the thoughts that they could get the money.
I really gotta start thinking of this as the show is airing instead of being reminded that something's not right by someone else.
I'm such a sheep...
This week's premieres: 10/9-10/15
Sorry it’s been so long. I wrote one post on Thursday before I went away for the weekend, but ever since I added a feature to post from Microsoft Word, every time I don’t save what I wrote before I post, I lose it. And I didn’t save before I posted last time.
Let’s get into it: more premieres. As always, the times are CST.
Monday, 10/9/06
Off the Leash; Lifetime, 7 pm & 7:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Reality series about an L.A. animal-talent agency. Seriously…
Engineering an Empire; History, 8 pm. Series Premiere.
One of the biggest downfalls of my getting a DVR is that I’ve stopped flipping through channels to watch shows (since I’ve always got prerecorded shows right at my fingertips with the DVR). The channel that has suffered from it the most is the one I find most interesting: the History Channel. This series focuses on the constructs of great civilizations, beginning this episode with the Egyptians.
What About Brian?; ABC. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
The WTF moment of this spring’s network upfronts had to be the renewal of this show. It’s coming back with a little tweaking (one character isn’t back). It’s an okay-enough show.
Wednesday, 10/11/06
30 Rock; NBC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
The most eagerly awaited comedy of the season. Tina Fey created, writes, and stars in this comedy about a Saturday Night Live sketch comedy. Must Watch
Twenty Good Years; NBC. 7:30 pm. Series Premiere.
I’ve heard this is one of the worst comedies of the year. I’ll check it out, but I’m not planning on sticking with it if it’s as bad as I’ve heard.
Ghost Hunters; Sci Fi. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Sci Fi Investigates; Sci Fi. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
I Pity The Fool; TV Land. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Yes, we needed another advice-dispensing show. And this one boasts Mr. T.
Friday, 10/13/06
1 vs. 100; NBC. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Crossing Jordan fans; let loose your wrath: this game show is the reason for Jordan’s no-show this fall.
Saxondale; BBC America. 10 pm. Series Premiere.
From TV Guide: “An embittered rock-band-roadie-turned-exterminator takes out his frustrations on pests of every stripe.” If it’s on BBC America, it’s got to be pretty good. I’m gonna check it out.
Sunday, 10/15/06
Sex Talk with Sue Johanson; Oxygen. 10 pm. Season Premiere.
I’ve never seen it, but it sounds interesting. (
Frisky Dingo; Cartoon Netowork’s [adult swim]. 11:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Lazy villain Killface tries to muster up the motivation and money to destroy the Earth.
Let’s get into it: more premieres. As always, the times are CST.
Monday, 10/9/06
Off the Leash; Lifetime, 7 pm & 7:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Reality series about an L.A. animal-talent agency. Seriously…
Engineering an Empire; History, 8 pm. Series Premiere.
One of the biggest downfalls of my getting a DVR is that I’ve stopped flipping through channels to watch shows (since I’ve always got prerecorded shows right at my fingertips with the DVR). The channel that has suffered from it the most is the one I find most interesting: the History Channel. This series focuses on the constructs of great civilizations, beginning this episode with the Egyptians.
What About Brian?; ABC. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
The WTF moment of this spring’s network upfronts had to be the renewal of this show. It’s coming back with a little tweaking (one character isn’t back). It’s an okay-enough show.
Wednesday, 10/11/06
30 Rock; NBC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
The most eagerly awaited comedy of the season. Tina Fey created, writes, and stars in this comedy about a Saturday Night Live sketch comedy. Must Watch
Twenty Good Years; NBC. 7:30 pm. Series Premiere.
I’ve heard this is one of the worst comedies of the year. I’ll check it out, but I’m not planning on sticking with it if it’s as bad as I’ve heard.
Ghost Hunters; Sci Fi. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Sci Fi Investigates; Sci Fi. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
I Pity The Fool; TV Land. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Yes, we needed another advice-dispensing show. And this one boasts Mr. T.
Friday, 10/13/06
1 vs. 100; NBC. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Crossing Jordan fans; let loose your wrath: this game show is the reason for Jordan’s no-show this fall.
Saxondale; BBC America. 10 pm. Series Premiere.
From TV Guide: “An embittered rock-band-roadie-turned-exterminator takes out his frustrations on pests of every stripe.” If it’s on BBC America, it’s got to be pretty good. I’m gonna check it out.
Sunday, 10/15/06
Sex Talk with Sue Johanson; Oxygen. 10 pm. Season Premiere.
I’ve never seen it, but it sounds interesting. (
Frisky Dingo; Cartoon Netowork’s [adult swim]. 11:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Lazy villain Killface tries to muster up the motivation and money to destroy the Earth.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
A must watch series
I just finished watching the pilot episode of Friday Night Lights. It was unbelievable. Extremely high quality for a 7 pm show on a major network.
I’ll say it: it’s one of the best hours of television I’ve ever seen.
Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton were as exceptional as expected, but what’s shocking is how good the young actors are. Although the characters are standard for a sports drama (gifted yet humble leader, trash talking back, “damaged” teen, guy in over his head, loyal girlfriend, man-eating sexpot), the actors—along with the writing—are making them much more than the clichés they could easily have been.
Yes, the show is about a football team. And, yes, the pilot is about the first game of the season.
But what is at the show’s heart is much more. The last ten minutes of the episode should prove that to anyone who thinks this is “just a football show”.
Peter Berg has set the bar for what could be the best show of the season.
You owe to yourself to watch this show, and NBC is giving you plenty of chances to see it again. The pilot is re-airing three more times before next Tuesday’s new episode. All times are CST.
Thurs, 10/5 from 10-11 pm on USA
Sat, 10/7 from 8-9 pm on NBC
Tues, 10/10 from 6-7 pm on Bravo (right before episode #2 @ 7pm on NBC)
[I am not an employee of NBC. I did not receive anything for the above post. I just really like this show.]
I’ll say it: it’s one of the best hours of television I’ve ever seen.
Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton were as exceptional as expected, but what’s shocking is how good the young actors are. Although the characters are standard for a sports drama (gifted yet humble leader, trash talking back, “damaged” teen, guy in over his head, loyal girlfriend, man-eating sexpot), the actors—along with the writing—are making them much more than the clichés they could easily have been.
Yes, the show is about a football team. And, yes, the pilot is about the first game of the season.
But what is at the show’s heart is much more. The last ten minutes of the episode should prove that to anyone who thinks this is “just a football show”.
Peter Berg has set the bar for what could be the best show of the season.
You owe to yourself to watch this show, and NBC is giving you plenty of chances to see it again. The pilot is re-airing three more times before next Tuesday’s new episode. All times are CST.
Thurs, 10/5 from 10-11 pm on USA
Sat, 10/7 from 8-9 pm on NBC
Tues, 10/10 from 6-7 pm on Bravo (right before episode #2 @ 7pm on NBC)
[I am not an employee of NBC. I did not receive anything for the above post. I just really like this show.]
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Prison Break 10/2/06 "Buried"
Okay, I’m going to be talking about tonight’s Prison Break here, so if you haven’t seen it, you may not want to read this right now.
So, the last six episodes have led us to this—and left us a few cliffhangers we’ve got to wait three weeks for.
Lincoln left the others to go after L.J.—even though it stinks of a trap.
Haywire steals some equipment and gains a friend—a dog followed him because he had beef jerky. And he’s got a life plan: he’s going to sail the ocean (starting in Lake Michigan) to Holland, so he can live in a windmill. He just has to get started by building a raft from the driftwood on the lakeshore.
We get a great moment with the gang (digging again) where C-Note informs T-Bag that the Asian Black Market T-Bag intends to get a hand from won’t have white hands, so the racist slimeball will have an asian hand attached to him.
Governor Tancredi gets killed (even though it was made to look like a suicide).
Doctor Tancredi finds morphene and syringes on her coffee table—and a mysterious man waiting for her. Will Agent Kellerman get to her before she’s killed? Will Kellerman go against The Company?
Our boy, Sucre, turned the tables on the others. Gotta say I didn’t see that one coming. He’s the one I would have least expected to screw the others. Looks like he doesn’t get far as next ep’s previes show he and Schofield having a showdown.
Agent Mahone admits to Tweener that he found Shales—and killed him.
Tweener leads Mahone and the Feds to Debra Jean’s house to tell her that he’ll write to her instead of leading Mahone to the rest of the gang. His heroic (at least by not ratting) move upsets Mahone to no end, so he takes Tweener into the woods and shoots him, point blank.
And now we can see what kind of mental state Mahone is in.
Now, Tweener was on the short-list of people to be killed, so it wasn’t a big surprise. What was surprising was that Mahone’s so off his rocker that he killed a man in custody.
I’m not as obsessed with the show as much as I was last year, but three weeks is too long to have some of these things resolved…
R.I.P Tweener. Or Dave (nice moment he had with Debra Jean, where he tells her his real name).
So, the last six episodes have led us to this—and left us a few cliffhangers we’ve got to wait three weeks for.
Lincoln left the others to go after L.J.—even though it stinks of a trap.
Haywire steals some equipment and gains a friend—a dog followed him because he had beef jerky. And he’s got a life plan: he’s going to sail the ocean (starting in Lake Michigan) to Holland, so he can live in a windmill. He just has to get started by building a raft from the driftwood on the lakeshore.
We get a great moment with the gang (digging again) where C-Note informs T-Bag that the Asian Black Market T-Bag intends to get a hand from won’t have white hands, so the racist slimeball will have an asian hand attached to him.
Governor Tancredi gets killed (even though it was made to look like a suicide).
Doctor Tancredi finds morphene and syringes on her coffee table—and a mysterious man waiting for her. Will Agent Kellerman get to her before she’s killed? Will Kellerman go against The Company?
Our boy, Sucre, turned the tables on the others. Gotta say I didn’t see that one coming. He’s the one I would have least expected to screw the others. Looks like he doesn’t get far as next ep’s previes show he and Schofield having a showdown.
Agent Mahone admits to Tweener that he found Shales—and killed him.
Tweener leads Mahone and the Feds to Debra Jean’s house to tell her that he’ll write to her instead of leading Mahone to the rest of the gang. His heroic (at least by not ratting) move upsets Mahone to no end, so he takes Tweener into the woods and shoots him, point blank.
And now we can see what kind of mental state Mahone is in.
Now, Tweener was on the short-list of people to be killed, so it wasn’t a big surprise. What was surprising was that Mahone’s so off his rocker that he killed a man in custody.
I’m not as obsessed with the show as much as I was last year, but three weeks is too long to have some of these things resolved…
R.I.P Tweener. Or Dave (nice moment he had with Debra Jean, where he tells her his real name).
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Premieres 10-2 to 10/8
Sorry for the lateness (again). Time flies…
Monday, 10/2
The Bachelor: Rome; ABC, 8 pm CST (2 hr) Season Premiere.
A royal bachelor this time. Thirty-four year old Prince Lorenzo Borghese from Italy (who’s lived in the U.S. since he was five—does that count?).
Tuesday, 10/3
Friday Night Lights; NBC, 7 pm. Series Premiere
One of the most critically acclaimed new shows this season. Peter Berg comes back to tell the story of the Texas High School football team that must win at all costs (Berg wrote the screenplay based on Buzz Bissinger’s book and directed the film as well as the pilot for the TV series). The movie was great, and while the TV series is missing Billy Bob Thornton and Lucas Black, it will have the underrated Kyle Chandler as the coach. Must Watch.
Veronica Mars; CW, 8 pm. Season Premiere
I’ve only watched the first six episodes of Season One, but fans of this show are incredibly devoted. You may want to check out this third season.
The Street; BBC America, 9 pm. Series Premiere
From TV Guide: “This drama focuses on the interlocking lives of a group of working-class neighbors in northern England.” That’s all I know. But seeing as how BBC America has some of the best shows on cable, it’s probably worth checking out.
Wednesday, 10/4
Lost; ABC, 8 pm. Season Premiere
The third season of a show I really need to start watching (I’ve got both season in my basement, just waiting to be watched).
The Nine; ABC, 9 pm. Series Premiere
Another critically-acclaimed new show with a killer cast. This series is about a group of nine people who survive a 52-hour bank robbery standoff, and how their lives change. Sounds boring, but I haven’t heard a bad thing about this show yet. Must Watch.
South Park; Comedy Central, 9 pm. Season Premiere
The best satire on TV right now, hands down, starts its tenth season.
Freak Show; Comedy Central, 9:30 pm. Series Premiere
David Cross cocreated this animated series about carnival freaks who work for the Pentagon.
Thursday, 10/5
This Old House Hour; PBS, 7 pm. Season Premiere
Joan Cusack’s Local Flavor; Travel, 8 pm. Series (?) Premiere
The funny-woman finds herself in France
Drawn Together; Comedy Central, 9:30 pm. Season Premiere
Somehow this show got a third season.
White Boyz in the Hood; Showtime, 10 pm. Series Premiere.
No idea what it’s about.
Friday, 10/6
Trading Spouses; FOX, 8 pm. Season Premiere
Hey! Look at that! Another series that somehow got a third season…
Battlestar Galactica; Sci Fi Channel; 8 pm. 2 hour Season Premiere
The other great show I just haven’t watched yet. Don’t miss out on what many, many critics call one of the best shows on TV.
Saturday, 10/7
Saturday Night Live has Jamie Pressly hosting. Normally, I wouldn’t mention it, but I haven’t watched SNL’s premiere from last night yet, so there’s a glimmer of hope the show may actually be good.
Sunday, 10/8
No premieres—thank God.
Monday, 10/2
The Bachelor: Rome; ABC, 8 pm CST (2 hr) Season Premiere.
A royal bachelor this time. Thirty-four year old Prince Lorenzo Borghese from Italy (who’s lived in the U.S. since he was five—does that count?).
Tuesday, 10/3
Friday Night Lights; NBC, 7 pm. Series Premiere
One of the most critically acclaimed new shows this season. Peter Berg comes back to tell the story of the Texas High School football team that must win at all costs (Berg wrote the screenplay based on Buzz Bissinger’s book and directed the film as well as the pilot for the TV series). The movie was great, and while the TV series is missing Billy Bob Thornton and Lucas Black, it will have the underrated Kyle Chandler as the coach. Must Watch.
Veronica Mars; CW, 8 pm. Season Premiere
I’ve only watched the first six episodes of Season One, but fans of this show are incredibly devoted. You may want to check out this third season.
The Street; BBC America, 9 pm. Series Premiere
From TV Guide: “This drama focuses on the interlocking lives of a group of working-class neighbors in northern England.” That’s all I know. But seeing as how BBC America has some of the best shows on cable, it’s probably worth checking out.
Wednesday, 10/4
Lost; ABC, 8 pm. Season Premiere
The third season of a show I really need to start watching (I’ve got both season in my basement, just waiting to be watched).
The Nine; ABC, 9 pm. Series Premiere
Another critically-acclaimed new show with a killer cast. This series is about a group of nine people who survive a 52-hour bank robbery standoff, and how their lives change. Sounds boring, but I haven’t heard a bad thing about this show yet. Must Watch.
South Park; Comedy Central, 9 pm. Season Premiere
The best satire on TV right now, hands down, starts its tenth season.
Freak Show; Comedy Central, 9:30 pm. Series Premiere
David Cross cocreated this animated series about carnival freaks who work for the Pentagon.
Thursday, 10/5
This Old House Hour; PBS, 7 pm. Season Premiere
Joan Cusack’s Local Flavor; Travel, 8 pm. Series (?) Premiere
The funny-woman finds herself in France
Drawn Together; Comedy Central, 9:30 pm. Season Premiere
Somehow this show got a third season.
White Boyz in the Hood; Showtime, 10 pm. Series Premiere.
No idea what it’s about.
Friday, 10/6
Trading Spouses; FOX, 8 pm. Season Premiere
Hey! Look at that! Another series that somehow got a third season…
Battlestar Galactica; Sci Fi Channel; 8 pm. 2 hour Season Premiere
The other great show I just haven’t watched yet. Don’t miss out on what many, many critics call one of the best shows on TV.
Saturday, 10/7
Saturday Night Live has Jamie Pressly hosting. Normally, I wouldn’t mention it, but I haven’t watched SNL’s premiere from last night yet, so there’s a glimmer of hope the show may actually be good.
Sunday, 10/8
No premieres—thank God.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Prison Break Spoilers
This week’s new Prison Break episode (2.7: “Buried”) will be the last for a few weeks to accommodate baseball.
The role of Sucre’s girlfriend Maricruz has been cast for a third time because actress Camille Guaty got a part on ABC’s The Nine. Guaty replaced Nadine Velazquez, who left to star in My Name is Earl. So Maricruz #3 is Six Feet Under’s Melissa Marsala.
Man, with the Maricruz actresses, Patricia Wettig, and John Billingsley all leaving to work on other shows, you’d wonder why Prison Break doesn’t have contracts for its smaller roles—even if it’s “we’ll need you to work on five episodes this season”. Ah, I don’t know how that works in the TV world—maybe it’s impossible. But it is annoying.
Fairly minor spoilers make up the rest of this post. Just warning you: turn back now if you want to know nothing.
The American Express Preview for this week’s ep:
Doctor Sarah finds out her father, Governor Tancredi, has his nomination to the Vice Presidency withdrawn. I’m expecting bad things to happen to him since he “caught” Kellerman in Washington.
Haywire appears again. He robs a convenience store.
Spoilers I gleaned from the internet about upcoming episodes. Since these are not “official” (like the Am Ex previews) and probably not sanctioned by the Prison Break team, they could change—and they could also be something more than they want us to know. Can’t say these spoilers are major, but they do show a pattern for the rest of the episodes this year:
I already posted that T-Bag isn’t one of the remaining seven who die this fall (it happens within the next two episodes), and it can be assumed that Sucre doesn’t as well as the Maricruz role needed to be recast (or, if you read the spoiler for episode 10, like I did, you’d know that Sucre is still alive and is trying to meet with Maricruz). So that leaves Schofield, Lincoln, C-Note, Tweener, and Haywire as the likely deaths (unless we’re completely being misled and it’s someone else—although I’ve been reading that it’s an escapee).
The policewoman who came to Janette’s house in Ep 6 is her daughter. My guess is she gets taken hostage because she was not preparing for trouble as we (of course) were expecting when she showed up last week.
L.J. is supposed to get a “menacing” visitor this week. It must have scared him as Lincoln is redoubling his efforts to break L.J. out, according to the notes on my DVR schedule.
When the show returns after baseball, a new Internal Affairs agent is put on the convict’s trail. “Agent” Richard Sullens will become a thorn in Mahone’s side when he asks questions like how a convict escaped after being handcuffed in his car (Tweener, anyone?).
And in the ninth episode, Schofield visits Mahone’s ex-wife (I guess that means Schofield doesn’t die, either) to get some dirt on him. Apparently even she doesn’t know what happened to her marriage—just that Mahone’s personality changed drastically during their marriage. The episode has a Mahone press conference about a dead convict interspersed through it. The conference could have been about a former convict he was hunting or Abruzzi, but my money’s on one of the remaining seven as I’ve read from more than once source that another escapee bites it soon.
And another odd thing I read (coming from a faxed page of script that was dated a long time ago, so who knows if this will happen—or when; but Lincoln is supposed to try to get to L.J. in the next episode):
Lincoln and L.J. escape from a smashed squad car and they start to run, but a van full of guards dressed in black catch them. Lincoln fights, but is stopped when one of the guards (Jane Farrow) says she is on their side and will take them to Lincoln’s father.
I’m not a fan of the whole conspiracy thing, but at least I know there’s something more going on after/while the others are digging for Westmoreland’s money (which is found).
The role of Sucre’s girlfriend Maricruz has been cast for a third time because actress Camille Guaty got a part on ABC’s The Nine. Guaty replaced Nadine Velazquez, who left to star in My Name is Earl. So Maricruz #3 is Six Feet Under’s Melissa Marsala.
Man, with the Maricruz actresses, Patricia Wettig, and John Billingsley all leaving to work on other shows, you’d wonder why Prison Break doesn’t have contracts for its smaller roles—even if it’s “we’ll need you to work on five episodes this season”. Ah, I don’t know how that works in the TV world—maybe it’s impossible. But it is annoying.
Fairly minor spoilers make up the rest of this post. Just warning you: turn back now if you want to know nothing.
The American Express Preview for this week’s ep:
Doctor Sarah finds out her father, Governor Tancredi, has his nomination to the Vice Presidency withdrawn. I’m expecting bad things to happen to him since he “caught” Kellerman in Washington.
Haywire appears again. He robs a convenience store.
Spoilers I gleaned from the internet about upcoming episodes. Since these are not “official” (like the Am Ex previews) and probably not sanctioned by the Prison Break team, they could change—and they could also be something more than they want us to know. Can’t say these spoilers are major, but they do show a pattern for the rest of the episodes this year:
I already posted that T-Bag isn’t one of the remaining seven who die this fall (it happens within the next two episodes), and it can be assumed that Sucre doesn’t as well as the Maricruz role needed to be recast (or, if you read the spoiler for episode 10, like I did, you’d know that Sucre is still alive and is trying to meet with Maricruz). So that leaves Schofield, Lincoln, C-Note, Tweener, and Haywire as the likely deaths (unless we’re completely being misled and it’s someone else—although I’ve been reading that it’s an escapee).
The policewoman who came to Janette’s house in Ep 6 is her daughter. My guess is she gets taken hostage because she was not preparing for trouble as we (of course) were expecting when she showed up last week.
L.J. is supposed to get a “menacing” visitor this week. It must have scared him as Lincoln is redoubling his efforts to break L.J. out, according to the notes on my DVR schedule.
When the show returns after baseball, a new Internal Affairs agent is put on the convict’s trail. “Agent” Richard Sullens will become a thorn in Mahone’s side when he asks questions like how a convict escaped after being handcuffed in his car (Tweener, anyone?).
And in the ninth episode, Schofield visits Mahone’s ex-wife (I guess that means Schofield doesn’t die, either) to get some dirt on him. Apparently even she doesn’t know what happened to her marriage—just that Mahone’s personality changed drastically during their marriage. The episode has a Mahone press conference about a dead convict interspersed through it. The conference could have been about a former convict he was hunting or Abruzzi, but my money’s on one of the remaining seven as I’ve read from more than once source that another escapee bites it soon.
And another odd thing I read (coming from a faxed page of script that was dated a long time ago, so who knows if this will happen—or when; but Lincoln is supposed to try to get to L.J. in the next episode):
Lincoln and L.J. escape from a smashed squad car and they start to run, but a van full of guards dressed in black catch them. Lincoln fights, but is stopped when one of the guards (Jane Farrow) says she is on their side and will take them to Lincoln’s father.
I’m not a fan of the whole conspiracy thing, but at least I know there’s something more going on after/while the others are digging for Westmoreland’s money (which is found).
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Bad Karma
I recently received the My Name is Earl Season One DVD set for my birthday (thanks, Moe!), and it had an interesting extra: a mini-episode titled “Bad Karma” about what would have happened had Earl watched Family Guy instead of Carson Daly while he was full of painkillers in the hospital. The episode is about 15 minutes long and loosely follows the “real” Earl pilot’s plot, but instead of Daly’s philosophy of karma, Earl decided to follow Stewie Griffith’s philosophy of revenge. Earl makes a list not of people he wronged, but of people who wronged him.
And then enacts his plans for revenge.
It was pretty interesting (and funny) to see Earl in a completely different light, but it was even more interesting how the mini-episode felt like a “real” episode of Earl.
So, if you’ve got $35 or so laying around, the Season One DVD set gets a high recommendation from me. Not only do you get the first season episodes of the very smart and very funny series, but a little extra as well.
And then enacts his plans for revenge.
It was pretty interesting (and funny) to see Earl in a completely different light, but it was even more interesting how the mini-episode felt like a “real” episode of Earl.
So, if you’ve got $35 or so laying around, the Season One DVD set gets a high recommendation from me. Not only do you get the first season episodes of the very smart and very funny series, but a little extra as well.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
This and That
Odds and Ends (no spoilers contained within—except one, but it’s at the very end—and fair warning is given):
I watched the first episode of Heroes, and it didn’t grab me as I had hoped. But I know the pilot was meant to be seen as a two-hour movie that eventually was split in half, so I’m hoping the second episode next week pulls it all together (it’s supposed to). If the first episode was too slow and the previews didn’t convince you to stick around, I’ll ask you myself: just watch next Monday’s episode before you do anything rash. I hear it’s worth the wait. This show has potential, and I don’t want it to get the ax just yet.
Speaking of getting the ax: Happy Hour became the first casualty of the season (no surprise here—I’ve been voting for it on the TV “Death Pool” website). While the show is officially on an (unscheduled) hiatus until November, I’m going to bet we don’t see it again. I’m just mad it broke up with me before I could break up with it (I was giving it one more episode before I dumped it).
I watched the remaining episodes of Who Wants to Be a Super Hero?, and while it was cheesy, and a little self-important (while tongue was firmly in cheek), and a little “set up” in places, and the winner was a little too into it, it was all-around a good show. Any of the final three would make a great super hero, and it was nice to see. The heart they showed along with the love and respect they had for each other (and host Stan Lee) was very heart-warming. In a (reality) TV world where competitions are won through cheating, humiliation, lying, greed, and other lesser human qualities, it was nice to see that none of that was in play here. It proved that regular people can be better than human—and you don’t need super powers to be a hero. It was definitely a good experiment.
Finally, I’m excited that Prison Break is back to what made it great last year: twists and turns and “how the heck are they going to get out of this one” moments. It was great to see a “forgotten” character this week, and it looks as if the heat is turned way up on our boys. Rumor is: someone dies soon (I’m betting on next episode). I don’t know who will die, but I’ve heard who won’t. If you want to know, scroll down.
A little more:
A liiiiittle more:
You must really want to know who doesn’t die:
The one who makes it out alive: T-Bag.
I watched the first episode of Heroes, and it didn’t grab me as I had hoped. But I know the pilot was meant to be seen as a two-hour movie that eventually was split in half, so I’m hoping the second episode next week pulls it all together (it’s supposed to). If the first episode was too slow and the previews didn’t convince you to stick around, I’ll ask you myself: just watch next Monday’s episode before you do anything rash. I hear it’s worth the wait. This show has potential, and I don’t want it to get the ax just yet.
Speaking of getting the ax: Happy Hour became the first casualty of the season (no surprise here—I’ve been voting for it on the TV “Death Pool” website). While the show is officially on an (unscheduled) hiatus until November, I’m going to bet we don’t see it again. I’m just mad it broke up with me before I could break up with it (I was giving it one more episode before I dumped it).
I watched the remaining episodes of Who Wants to Be a Super Hero?, and while it was cheesy, and a little self-important (while tongue was firmly in cheek), and a little “set up” in places, and the winner was a little too into it, it was all-around a good show. Any of the final three would make a great super hero, and it was nice to see. The heart they showed along with the love and respect they had for each other (and host Stan Lee) was very heart-warming. In a (reality) TV world where competitions are won through cheating, humiliation, lying, greed, and other lesser human qualities, it was nice to see that none of that was in play here. It proved that regular people can be better than human—and you don’t need super powers to be a hero. It was definitely a good experiment.
Finally, I’m excited that Prison Break is back to what made it great last year: twists and turns and “how the heck are they going to get out of this one” moments. It was great to see a “forgotten” character this week, and it looks as if the heat is turned way up on our boys. Rumor is: someone dies soon (I’m betting on next episode). I don’t know who will die, but I’ve heard who won’t. If you want to know, scroll down.
A little more:
A liiiiittle more:
You must really want to know who doesn’t die:
The one who makes it out alive: T-Bag.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Premieres for 9/25-10/1
Not much here today, so really fast previews.
Monday, 9/25
Seventh Heaven; CW, 7 pm CST. Season Premiere
The most hated show on the CW schedule (because fans of Everwood blame it for Everwood getting the ax).
Runaway; CW 8pm. Series Premiere
I don’t have high hopes for this, but Donnie Wahlberg sold me with Boomtown, so I gotta check it out. Watch.
Heroes; NBC, 8 pm. Series Premiere
The show I’m looking forward to the most this season. I’ve been right with Angel, Boomtown, The Office, and My Name is Earl recently, so I’m pretty sure Heroes will be as good as I’m predicting it to be this year. Must Watch.
Tuesday, 9/26
Gilmore Girls; CW, 7:00. Season Premiere
I guess this is the best show I’m not watching…
Help Me Help You; ABC, 8:30. Series Premiere
I’ve heard mixed things about it, but Ted Danson has a good track record. Watch.
Wednesday, 9/27
Lost: A Tale of Survival; ABC, 8:00
Get primed for next week’s premiere with this clip show of highlights of the past two years.
One Tree Hill; CW, 8 pm. Season Premiere
I know nothing about it.
Thursday, 9/28
Ugly Betty; ABC, 7 pm. Series Premiere
From what I can see, this is the nearly unanimous critic’s choice of best new show of the year. So it’s bound for two things: being really good and being cancelled by January. Seriously, I haven’t heard a single bad thing about this show about a less-than-attractive young woman who works at a fashion magazine. Must Watch.
Smallville; CW, 7pm. Season Premiere
Clark’s in the Phantom Zone. This season also sees the beginnings of the Justice League.
Supernatural; CW, 8 pm. Season Premiere
I guess as an in-joke, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who died on a hospital bed in the Grey’s Anatomy’s season-ender in May is Sam & Dean’s dad—and is in a hospital bed in this season premiere. I don’t know: I find it funny.
Friday, 9/29 Quickies:
DeGrassi, The Next Generation; The N, 7 pm. Season Premiere
Meerkat Manor; Animal Planet, 7 pm. Season Premiere
Doctor Who; SciFi, 7pm and 8:30 pm; Original Special and then Season Premiere
Boston PD; Spike, 9 pm; 4-Part Reality series; Series Premiere
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team; CMT, 8pm. Series Premiere.
Saturday, 9/30
Saturday Night Live; NBC, 10:30 pm. Season Premiere
I’ll watch for two reasons: 1. To see if Dane Cook can overcome that horsecrap episode of SNL he was on last year. And 2. Because the writers and cast have been overhauled.
Can this show get any worse? I want to see this car wreck.
Sunday, 10/1
CW season premieres: Everybody Hates Chris (6 pm), All of Us (6:30), Girlfriends (7:00)
The Game; CW, 7:30; Series Premiere
Dexter; Showtime, 9pm. Series Premiere
I wish I still had Showtime. This series about a forensics agent who hunts down and kills serial killers sounds interesting.
Monday, 9/25
Seventh Heaven; CW, 7 pm CST. Season Premiere
The most hated show on the CW schedule (because fans of Everwood blame it for Everwood getting the ax).
Runaway; CW 8pm. Series Premiere
I don’t have high hopes for this, but Donnie Wahlberg sold me with Boomtown, so I gotta check it out. Watch.
Heroes; NBC, 8 pm. Series Premiere
The show I’m looking forward to the most this season. I’ve been right with Angel, Boomtown, The Office, and My Name is Earl recently, so I’m pretty sure Heroes will be as good as I’m predicting it to be this year. Must Watch.
Tuesday, 9/26
Gilmore Girls; CW, 7:00. Season Premiere
I guess this is the best show I’m not watching…
Help Me Help You; ABC, 8:30. Series Premiere
I’ve heard mixed things about it, but Ted Danson has a good track record. Watch.
Wednesday, 9/27
Lost: A Tale of Survival; ABC, 8:00
Get primed for next week’s premiere with this clip show of highlights of the past two years.
One Tree Hill; CW, 8 pm. Season Premiere
I know nothing about it.
Thursday, 9/28
Ugly Betty; ABC, 7 pm. Series Premiere
From what I can see, this is the nearly unanimous critic’s choice of best new show of the year. So it’s bound for two things: being really good and being cancelled by January. Seriously, I haven’t heard a single bad thing about this show about a less-than-attractive young woman who works at a fashion magazine. Must Watch.
Smallville; CW, 7pm. Season Premiere
Clark’s in the Phantom Zone. This season also sees the beginnings of the Justice League.
Supernatural; CW, 8 pm. Season Premiere
I guess as an in-joke, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who died on a hospital bed in the Grey’s Anatomy’s season-ender in May is Sam & Dean’s dad—and is in a hospital bed in this season premiere. I don’t know: I find it funny.
Friday, 9/29 Quickies:
DeGrassi, The Next Generation; The N, 7 pm. Season Premiere
Meerkat Manor; Animal Planet, 7 pm. Season Premiere
Doctor Who; SciFi, 7pm and 8:30 pm; Original Special and then Season Premiere
Boston PD; Spike, 9 pm; 4-Part Reality series; Series Premiere
Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team; CMT, 8pm. Series Premiere.
Saturday, 9/30
Saturday Night Live; NBC, 10:30 pm. Season Premiere
I’ll watch for two reasons: 1. To see if Dane Cook can overcome that horsecrap episode of SNL he was on last year. And 2. Because the writers and cast have been overhauled.
Can this show get any worse? I want to see this car wreck.
Sunday, 10/1
CW season premieres: Everybody Hates Chris (6 pm), All of Us (6:30), Girlfriends (7:00)
The Game; CW, 7:30; Series Premiere
Dexter; Showtime, 9pm. Series Premiere
I wish I still had Showtime. This series about a forensics agent who hunts down and kills serial killers sounds interesting.
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