Monday, 4/30
Barney "comes on down" and is a contestant on The Price Is Right on an episode of How I Met Your Mother. Knowing the show is high-quality, you should know this is no mere stunt... (CBS, 7 pm CST).
Hiro and Ando teleport five years into the future on Heroes. I'm a total sucker for alternate reality episodes of TV shows and issues of comic books. I've got to watch this show in the summer... (NBC, 8 pm CST).
Tuesday, 5/1
After a two-month hiatus, Veronica Mars returns with a four episode mystery-- and big hopes of getting renewed for next season. (CW, 8 pm CST).
Brando; TCM. 7 pm CST. Special.
A look at Marlon Brando's work and the influence he had on actors. The final part of this special airs Wednesday at the same time.
And, hopefully, my friend Monica still reads this blog because Jon Bon Jovi mentors the final five on American Idol (FOX 7 pm).
Wednesday, 5/2
Perfect Housewives; BBC America. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Britain's Martha Stewart, Anthea Turner, mentors two people each week on the art of homemaking.
American Masters; PBS. 8 pm (check local listings). Season Premiere.
Profile of Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun.
And Jon Bon Jovi takes the stage tonight on American Idol (FOX 8 pm).
Thursday, 5/3
TV Guide and My Name is Earl are running a "scratch and sniff" promotion. Get your sniff card in the current TV Guide and then scratch when the numbers pop up on Earl. (NBC, 7 pm).
And the "backdoor" pilot of next years' Grey's Anatomy spin-off airs tonight (ABC, 8-10 pm) where Addison visits sunny California and gets offered a job. I don't watch the parent show, but I'll be tuning into the spin-off next season. Check out this cast: Kate Walsh, Tim Daly, Paul Adelstein, Taye Diggs, and many more I can't remember offhand. If it didn't have the Grey's connection, you could almost expect a show with this level of talent to fail, but it's spinning off one of the hottest shows on TV right now, so I think it'll be just fine.
Friday, 5/4
Bandits vs. Smokies; CMT. 8:30 pm. Series Premiere.
TV Guide describes this as Cops mixed with America's Funniest Home Videos. I bet I can describe it in just one word: sh**.
Saturday, 5/5
Mad TV does a riff on Brit & K-Fed's divorce. I think Mad has been weak this season, but Ike Berenholtz's K-Fed imitation has been a high point. (FOX 10 pm).
Saturday Night Live has its "best of 2006" clip show tonight. I wonder if they have enough laughs to fill a whole 90 minutes. Well, 3 minutes are a lock. Four words: dick... in... a... box. (NBC, 10:30).
TV Guide Channel airs Finale Fever (7 pm), a look at the upcoming finale season.
Sunday, 5/6
Saturday Night Live in the '90s: Pop Culture Nation; NBC. 8 pm. Special.
A look at the last decade this show was funny.
The Amazing Race: All Stars (CBS, 7 pm) has its last leg tonight.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
TV odds and ends
So who's the cursed one? Nathan Filion, who many fans and critics believe is a completely capable leading man, but whose Firefly crashed and burned. Or Tim Minear, whose Wonderfalls and Firefly didn't even get air all thirteen of their episodes?
Maybe they're both cursed: Drive got the axe already. It aired, what, four episodes?
NBC.com revealed that Studio 60 will return on May 24, the day after the May sweeps officially ends. Bad news: it's missing sweeps (then again, maybe that's good news) and that NBC didn't make a big deal of its return.
ABC gets the "WTF are they thinking? award" this spring with it's shoddy treatment of Men in Trees by keeping it off the sked so it can air Notes From The Underbelly and October Road, two shows I just couldn't bring myself to keep watching. The thing is: Men In Trees has already been renewed, so it's not as if it's not strong enough to air now. But the plan is to use the episodes in the can next fall, so at least we'll get an extended season of Trees next year.
ABC did a similar move to Boston Legal a few years ago, and it worked. The only thing is, Boston Legal was bumped because the show that was tried out in its spot became a hit. The show: Grey's Anatomy. Not quite October Road or Underbelly.
[adult swim] had its upfront this week. The first news: as of July, it's airing seven days a week (Friday night was a regular Cartoon Network night-- like kids that age should be up watching TV at midnight).
On June 17, the Robot Chicken maniacs are airing a special Star Wars episode. And they got The Man himself, George Lucas, to lend his voice for the episode. You have to give Lucas credit for having a sense of humor about his creation. He's been pretty open about his love of some of the satires that have come down the pike-- especially the last few years.
Lucy, The Daughter of the Devil is finally getting a tryout as a series this summer. I watched the pilot last summer and thought it had potential.
Shows which will have another season: Morel Orel (yes!), Frisky Dingo (best news ever, but I don't know how they'll clean up the mess from Season One), Robot Chicken (a slam dunk), The Boondocks (brilliant), Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law (could never get into it, but I'll watch), Metalocalypse (killer!), The Venture Brothers (already knew it, but it's good to hear again), Squidbillies (meh), Assy McGee (double meh), Aqua Teen Hunger Force (duh...), Saul of the Molemen (I think I vomited a little in my mouth), Tim and Eric Awesome Show (I'll need a bucket for the vomit now).
You'd think the [adult swim] news would be the happiest thing I heard all week, but newsarama.com broke the news that made me happiest. Joss Whedon was so impressed with Bryan Lynch's writing on the Buffy-verse Spike comic book Shadow Puppets that he decided Lynch was the guy to help him launch an Angel Season Six miniseries.
I was kinda torn about the news at first. Here you have one of my all-time favorite television shows ever being brought back after what I thought was a fitting (if controversial) series finale and make it into a comic book. (Nothing wrong with comics; it's just not the same as the show though). But Whedon said the series will be what the plan was for Angel if it hadn't gotten cancelled. So I have to be all over it.
Unfortunately, IDW holds the rights to the Angel-centered comics, and their issues run an appalling $3.99 each, so I'll probably wait for the trade paperback(s) that reprint the planned 12-issue series (not that $4 is gonna crunch me, but I've pretty much been forced to drop every comic I read-- I'm down to about 1-1/2 a month-- so I can't justify blowing my cash on the most expensive books on the stands).
And if you need a little reminder, here's a pic from the final scene of Angel (minor spoiler alert-- just 'cause you know who's standing at the end-- doesn't mean one or more don't fall by the end credits, though):
Maybe they're both cursed: Drive got the axe already. It aired, what, four episodes?
NBC.com revealed that Studio 60 will return on May 24, the day after the May sweeps officially ends. Bad news: it's missing sweeps (then again, maybe that's good news) and that NBC didn't make a big deal of its return.
ABC gets the "WTF are they thinking? award" this spring with it's shoddy treatment of Men in Trees by keeping it off the sked so it can air Notes From The Underbelly and October Road, two shows I just couldn't bring myself to keep watching. The thing is: Men In Trees has already been renewed, so it's not as if it's not strong enough to air now. But the plan is to use the episodes in the can next fall, so at least we'll get an extended season of Trees next year.
ABC did a similar move to Boston Legal a few years ago, and it worked. The only thing is, Boston Legal was bumped because the show that was tried out in its spot became a hit. The show: Grey's Anatomy. Not quite October Road or Underbelly.
[adult swim] had its upfront this week. The first news: as of July, it's airing seven days a week (Friday night was a regular Cartoon Network night-- like kids that age should be up watching TV at midnight).
On June 17, the Robot Chicken maniacs are airing a special Star Wars episode. And they got The Man himself, George Lucas, to lend his voice for the episode. You have to give Lucas credit for having a sense of humor about his creation. He's been pretty open about his love of some of the satires that have come down the pike-- especially the last few years.
Lucy, The Daughter of the Devil is finally getting a tryout as a series this summer. I watched the pilot last summer and thought it had potential.
Shows which will have another season: Morel Orel (yes!), Frisky Dingo (best news ever, but I don't know how they'll clean up the mess from Season One), Robot Chicken (a slam dunk), The Boondocks (brilliant), Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law (could never get into it, but I'll watch), Metalocalypse (killer!), The Venture Brothers (already knew it, but it's good to hear again), Squidbillies (meh), Assy McGee (double meh), Aqua Teen Hunger Force (duh...), Saul of the Molemen (I think I vomited a little in my mouth), Tim and Eric Awesome Show (I'll need a bucket for the vomit now).
You'd think the [adult swim] news would be the happiest thing I heard all week, but newsarama.com broke the news that made me happiest. Joss Whedon was so impressed with Bryan Lynch's writing on the Buffy-verse Spike comic book Shadow Puppets that he decided Lynch was the guy to help him launch an Angel Season Six miniseries.
I was kinda torn about the news at first. Here you have one of my all-time favorite television shows ever being brought back after what I thought was a fitting (if controversial) series finale and make it into a comic book. (Nothing wrong with comics; it's just not the same as the show though). But Whedon said the series will be what the plan was for Angel if it hadn't gotten cancelled. So I have to be all over it.
Unfortunately, IDW holds the rights to the Angel-centered comics, and their issues run an appalling $3.99 each, so I'll probably wait for the trade paperback(s) that reprint the planned 12-issue series (not that $4 is gonna crunch me, but I've pretty much been forced to drop every comic I read-- I'm down to about 1-1/2 a month-- so I can't justify blowing my cash on the most expensive books on the stands).
And if you need a little reminder, here's a pic from the final scene of Angel (minor spoiler alert-- just 'cause you know who's standing at the end-- doesn't mean one or more don't fall by the end credits, though):
God, I miss that show...
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Quickie Movie Reviews
On Saturday, I watched Meet the Robinsons. Gotta say it was better than I expected.
The story follows an orphan who created (inadvertently) a time machine. It gets stolen, and a boy from the future arrives to help him retrieve it. The two flee back to the future where the orphan meets the odd Robinson family. They have an adventure, face their enemy, and deal with the fallout.
I found the film creative and entertaining enough for an adult (although I picked up on "the secret" pretty early on). The voices were the characters as opposed to easily recognized actors saying characters' lines. The animation was great. And it didn't talk down to kids. My 3 & 4 year olds liked it enough, and I would imagine any school-age kid would enjoy it as well.
Last night, the movies were all for me:
The first of my double-feature was Hot Fuzz. I liked Shaun of the Dead (a prior movie by the same talents) even though I'm not a fan of zombie movies (don't hate 'em, just am not interested), so I figured this one would be right up my alley.
In this film, Simon Pegg plays Nicholas Angel, the greatest police officer in London. He graduated at the top of his class, has earned countless commendations and awards, and his arrest record is 400% higher than any other office on the force. In other words, he's making everyone else look bad. So he is made a sergeant and send to a rural town that hasn't experienced any crime in 20 years. He's assigned the police chief's buddy-cop movie loving son (Nick Frost) as a partner, and they patrol the quiet countryside. Then the town undergoes a rash of accidents...
The movie is a mix of British mysteries and America shoot-'em-ups. Whereas I thought Shaun of the Dead was funny, Hot Fuzz was just amusing. There's nothing wrong with that, but I wanted to laugh more. It was also pretty slow at first, and the ending (the obligatory massive gun battle) went on a little too long.
But being a big fan of BBC America, it was great to see so many familiar faces on the big screen.
And the movie poster kicks ass.
And, finally, I actually paid money (albeit only $4) to see Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Film For Movie Theatres. If you haven't seen the [adult swim] show, this is most definitely not a good entry point. Like the free-flowing Dadaist TV series, this film was all over the place. The show has a fervent fan base (small as it is), so they were probably having nerdgasms galore watching this, and I'm happy for them.
I, on the other hand, find the show funny but am not a huge fan and believe the ten-minute episodes on [adult swim] are about the perfect length. But the movie is just under 90 minutes, so it was hard to keep the flow going throughout. Just like the TV show, there was little plot holding it all together. Even worse: I didn't feel there were any more great lines in the entire film as there are in any given episode of the show.
I will give writers/directors/creators Matt Maiellaro and Dave Willis credit for making the film in the same style and tone as the TV show. If you love the show, you should love the film. It was cool to see the guys not sell out-- even though the move will probably kill any hope for big box office. But then, rumor has it that the film wasn't even really greenlit. Maiellaro and Willis told the Cartoon Network execs that they had already begun making a movie, and they were allowed to continue since money, time, and energy had already been expended on it.
It was great to hear the voices again, particularly Dana Snyder as Master Shake. He's the highlight of the show as far as I'm concerned (he's the biggest dick, and gets the best lines). Dave Willis voiced Meatwad a little bit smarter than on the show, but his Carl (my second favorite character) was terribly underused (although his comment that his new "ZuBaz"-ish pants were made out of a material that wicks the sweat off his balls was the film's best line). And Carey Means did his usual great work as Frylock.
So anyway, check out the series at night on [adult swim] to get a feel for what this whole thing is all about, and if you love it, watch the film on DVD (I doubt the film will be in theatres much longer).
It, too, has a great poster:
So in the span of four days, I saw almost as many movies as I saw in the entirety of 2006. And Spider-Man 3 hasn't even opened yet...
Monday, April 23, 2007
A Comedic Perfect Storm
Somehow I lucked into watching the best episodes of the season of three comedies tonight. All in a row. I barely escaped with my life.
First off was the "Manic Monday" episode of Entourage. The main storyline followed Ari's descent (or is it ascent) into humanity. After last week's uncharacteristic protection of Lloyd, and this week's inability to fire an underperforming employee, Ari came to the realization that he is turning into a wuss. His therapist said he is actually making strides toward becoming a productive member of society, something that just makes him bristle in self-loathing.
His therapist goes on to tell him that he can continue on and improve his life or go back to being the ass she's seen him as for over a year.
Next scene: Ari, giddy as a school-girl, walks through his office and finds the underperforming worker in a conference room bragging about how well his eye surgery went. So Ari asks if he can do an eye test and grabs a marker and writes on the flipboard "Get the F*** out!" For added measure, Ari reiterates to the man (at the top of his voice, in case his hearing was as bad as his eyes) that he is fired and warns everyone else that goofing off will get them fired as well.
Not many actors could give the story the punch that Jeremy Piven did. He was all over the map: cocky, unsure, funny, compassionate, and he hit every feeling perfectly. Add to it Ari's characteristic body movements, and it made for the perfect episode.
After that, I watched the "My Big Fat Sober Wedding" episode of The New Adventures of Old Christine. Now, this isn't my favorite comedy, but I don't think it gets the credit it deserves. I think Julia Louis-Dreyfus is pretty underrated (at least buzz-wise) on the show. She really proved she deserves the Emmy on her mantle for the show with this episode.
Christine and the gang go to a wedding of a college buddy that had a crush on her. She elected herself to be the designated driver mainly to prove to the others that she can abstain from drinking at a reception. Let's just say it doesn't go well.
The whole episode showcased everything good about the show: the overly-vain Christine gets a boost and then the rug gets pulled out, Matthew finds himself doing the exact wrong thing, Richard keeps saying the wrong thing, the "Barbisms" (my favorite tonight was when she tells the bride she hasn't gone by the nickname "BJ" since college "for various reasons").
But the spotlight deservedly fell on Louis-Dreyfus, and the great writing allowed her plenty of opportunities to shine.
Finally, the repeat of the bunch. I hardly ever watch the same episode of any (non[adult swim]) show twice. I've got way too many other options and limited time. But I had to re-watch the "Robin Sparkles" episode of How I Met Your Mother.
Robin refuses to go to the mall with the others, so, naturally, they pry to get the reason out of her. The (always great) writing took us on a little journey of twists and turns: was she married at a mall, did she do porn at a mall, what could it be?
Turns out it was much more embarrassing: she was a teen pop star that gave performances at malls (think Debbie Gibson). The revelation and reactions by the rest of the cast were perfect enough, but the show went one step further: they actually filmed a video with Cobie Smulders dressed in the teenage '80s garb of a mall pop star singing her "minor" hit "Let's Go To The Mall".
Right there, you've got a great episode. But why not add a little something to it to make the episode, as Barney would say, "Legendary"?
While Robin hid her secret from the others, Marshall and Barney had a storyline of their own: the ever-escalating slap-bet. First Marshall got a slap in (with his great post-slap answer to Barney's astonishment at the size of his hand: "Dude, you've seen my penis..."). Then Barney got a rapid three-slap in on Marshall. Then it was all Marshall, with the finale of him actually knocking Barney off a chair with a slap-- and the threat of four more slaps to come.
Brilliant. This show has the best plotting and story beats of any comedy out there, and the cast gets tighter by the week. It's a crime the show is on the bubble (CBS would be morons to renew Rules of Engagement and not this).
So, there ya go. Three fantastic episodes of three great comedies-- and none are on NBC on Thursday.
And they say the comedy is dead...
First off was the "Manic Monday" episode of Entourage. The main storyline followed Ari's descent (or is it ascent) into humanity. After last week's uncharacteristic protection of Lloyd, and this week's inability to fire an underperforming employee, Ari came to the realization that he is turning into a wuss. His therapist said he is actually making strides toward becoming a productive member of society, something that just makes him bristle in self-loathing.
His therapist goes on to tell him that he can continue on and improve his life or go back to being the ass she's seen him as for over a year.
Next scene: Ari, giddy as a school-girl, walks through his office and finds the underperforming worker in a conference room bragging about how well his eye surgery went. So Ari asks if he can do an eye test and grabs a marker and writes on the flipboard "Get the F*** out!" For added measure, Ari reiterates to the man (at the top of his voice, in case his hearing was as bad as his eyes) that he is fired and warns everyone else that goofing off will get them fired as well.
Not many actors could give the story the punch that Jeremy Piven did. He was all over the map: cocky, unsure, funny, compassionate, and he hit every feeling perfectly. Add to it Ari's characteristic body movements, and it made for the perfect episode.
After that, I watched the "My Big Fat Sober Wedding" episode of The New Adventures of Old Christine. Now, this isn't my favorite comedy, but I don't think it gets the credit it deserves. I think Julia Louis-Dreyfus is pretty underrated (at least buzz-wise) on the show. She really proved she deserves the Emmy on her mantle for the show with this episode.
Christine and the gang go to a wedding of a college buddy that had a crush on her. She elected herself to be the designated driver mainly to prove to the others that she can abstain from drinking at a reception. Let's just say it doesn't go well.
The whole episode showcased everything good about the show: the overly-vain Christine gets a boost and then the rug gets pulled out, Matthew finds himself doing the exact wrong thing, Richard keeps saying the wrong thing, the "Barbisms" (my favorite tonight was when she tells the bride she hasn't gone by the nickname "BJ" since college "for various reasons").
But the spotlight deservedly fell on Louis-Dreyfus, and the great writing allowed her plenty of opportunities to shine.
Finally, the repeat of the bunch. I hardly ever watch the same episode of any (non[adult swim]) show twice. I've got way too many other options and limited time. But I had to re-watch the "Robin Sparkles" episode of How I Met Your Mother.
Robin refuses to go to the mall with the others, so, naturally, they pry to get the reason out of her. The (always great) writing took us on a little journey of twists and turns: was she married at a mall, did she do porn at a mall, what could it be?
Turns out it was much more embarrassing: she was a teen pop star that gave performances at malls (think Debbie Gibson). The revelation and reactions by the rest of the cast were perfect enough, but the show went one step further: they actually filmed a video with Cobie Smulders dressed in the teenage '80s garb of a mall pop star singing her "minor" hit "Let's Go To The Mall".
Right there, you've got a great episode. But why not add a little something to it to make the episode, as Barney would say, "Legendary"?
While Robin hid her secret from the others, Marshall and Barney had a storyline of their own: the ever-escalating slap-bet. First Marshall got a slap in (with his great post-slap answer to Barney's astonishment at the size of his hand: "Dude, you've seen my penis..."). Then Barney got a rapid three-slap in on Marshall. Then it was all Marshall, with the finale of him actually knocking Barney off a chair with a slap-- and the threat of four more slaps to come.
Brilliant. This show has the best plotting and story beats of any comedy out there, and the cast gets tighter by the week. It's a crime the show is on the bubble (CBS would be morons to renew Rules of Engagement and not this).
So, there ya go. Three fantastic episodes of three great comedies-- and none are on NBC on Thursday.
And they say the comedy is dead...
Sunday, April 22, 2007
And now for the worst...
Normally, I like to give my recommendations of the best TV has to offer. There's just so much out there, it's sometimes hard to find the really good stuff without some help.
But once in a while, I need to spout off on the worst that's out there.
I've already written about my disdain for MTV and VH1 shows. They're so Godawful, I've banned the networks from my weekly premieres posts.
This week, I saw (parts of) two shows that I just can't go without telling you to avoid them at all costs.
First is the syndicated "entertainment news" show The Insider. What a pile of crap this is. The episode I stumbled on mentioned Alec Baldwin's tirade on his daughter for damn-near ten minutes in a half-hour (multiple reports as well as countless "when The Insider returns, see who Alec Baldwin was ranting on" and then playing the clip over and over.
It's tragic that the show has to be such garbage. It actually has a number of good people on the show who somehow got roped into this gig and have turned into sensationalistic regurgitators of useless pop non-events.
Truly awful. Pat O'Brien really should sit and watch himself on this show and then justify to a court why he hasn't taken his own life yet. Don't laugh, Lara Spencer, you've certainly fallen on hard times after Good Morning America, yourself.
Next, I was watching an episode of Fuse's The Whitest Kids U'Know, which I've found to be pretty funny. It's a sketch show in The Kids in the Hall and The State vein. Some skits are good, some bad, some hilarious, some "too much". So I start playing the episode, and there's a funny skit about a show that just has people with great asses dancing in front of a music video. There are judges with names like "Honey" and "Precious" and a useless host that said the more the dancers took off, the better their odds of winning the competition and more money. It was a total rip on the moronic competition shows that are all over the airwaves taken to the next extreme.
Except it wasn't a skit. My DVR Scheduler recorded what was supposed to be The Whitest Kids U'Know, but was actually an episode of Pants Off Dance Off. I actually watched this crap for five minutes before I realized that something was wrong (namely, the skit was too long for the normal format of the show and none of the main actors were on it yet). This was an actual show. Unbelievable.
So, hey, avoid these shows if you value your time and intelligence.
Just consider this a public service I am offering my loyal readers.
But once in a while, I need to spout off on the worst that's out there.
I've already written about my disdain for MTV and VH1 shows. They're so Godawful, I've banned the networks from my weekly premieres posts.
This week, I saw (parts of) two shows that I just can't go without telling you to avoid them at all costs.
First is the syndicated "entertainment news" show The Insider. What a pile of crap this is. The episode I stumbled on mentioned Alec Baldwin's tirade on his daughter for damn-near ten minutes in a half-hour (multiple reports as well as countless "when The Insider returns, see who Alec Baldwin was ranting on" and then playing the clip over and over.
It's tragic that the show has to be such garbage. It actually has a number of good people on the show who somehow got roped into this gig and have turned into sensationalistic regurgitators of useless pop non-events.
Truly awful. Pat O'Brien really should sit and watch himself on this show and then justify to a court why he hasn't taken his own life yet. Don't laugh, Lara Spencer, you've certainly fallen on hard times after Good Morning America, yourself.
Next, I was watching an episode of Fuse's The Whitest Kids U'Know, which I've found to be pretty funny. It's a sketch show in The Kids in the Hall and The State vein. Some skits are good, some bad, some hilarious, some "too much". So I start playing the episode, and there's a funny skit about a show that just has people with great asses dancing in front of a music video. There are judges with names like "Honey" and "Precious" and a useless host that said the more the dancers took off, the better their odds of winning the competition and more money. It was a total rip on the moronic competition shows that are all over the airwaves taken to the next extreme.
Except it wasn't a skit. My DVR Scheduler recorded what was supposed to be The Whitest Kids U'Know, but was actually an episode of Pants Off Dance Off. I actually watched this crap for five minutes before I realized that something was wrong (namely, the skit was too long for the normal format of the show and none of the main actors were on it yet). This was an actual show. Unbelievable.
So, hey, avoid these shows if you value your time and intelligence.
Just consider this a public service I am offering my loyal readers.
A Must-See If You Can
Okay, I named HBO's Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel one of my Ten Best of 2006. The latest episode, which is airing all month, will help it get on the 2007 list as well.
The show opened with a look at Stephon Marbury's attempt at curbing the violence of inner-city youth and the beatings and deaths of kids-- for their f-ing shoes! Marbury created a line of basketball shoes with his name on them that cost $14.98 as opposed to the $150-200 other name stars' shoes cost. He even wears them on the court during his own games just to show kids that they hold up. I think it's ridiculous that basketball shoes cost in the triple digits. Of course, when Nike and its ilk pay people millions and millions of dollars to put their names on their shoes, I guess we can see why they cost so much. And kids hurt and kill other kids just to steal the shoes off their feet.
The next feature was a heartbreaking look at baseball star Jeff Reardon's post-career life. He retired from pro ball in 1994. He dealt with his son's drug abuse and made the wrenching decision to send him to a school in his senior year that would pretty much keep him in lock-down so he couldn't use. His son graduated and was attending college and looked like he had turned his life around. But then he died of an overdose. Reardon fell into severe depression (even to the point of attempting suicide) and eventually had to be put on heavy medication. An illness added to his meds which caused him to go into a delusional state where he robbed a jewelry store 16 months ago. He was found not-guilty by reason of insanity. Since then, he has had electroshock treatments, which have helped him some, but also caused him to lose memories of his life. He is on the road to recovery, but he admits he still hasn't come to grips with his son's death-- even after years.
The third feature was an inspirational look at horseback riding therapy for kids with severe disabilities. It was amazing to see the progress kids with spina bifida, autism, blindness and other problems had after riding on horses. I've heard of the program before, but I have to admit, I thought it was one of those ritzy-titzy things celebs like to jump on board with to get their names out there without really helping. I was wrong. While this feature had no mention of celebrities in it, I did see the worth of the program.
And even more amazing is one of the goofballs from FOX NFL Sunday, James Brown, was the reporter on the piece. His interaction with a severely disabled little girl made me see him in a whole other light (one of a serious, and compassionate reporter).
The last feature was a look at little league kids undergoing a very serious shoulder surgery because they are being taught to throw pitches they should not be attempting due to the strain they cause on their growing bodies as well as the massive number of pitches they're allowed to throw in a day. It was scary to see the pressure these kids are put on by parents and coaches who really don't know any better. Doctors are putting the word out and one of the Little League organizations listened and have changed their rules to limit the amount of throws a youngster can throw in a period of time.
Finally, Gumbel took the floor to give a brief monologue about civility. He mentioned how Don Imus, "Pacman" Jones, and Mike Nifong all had gotten "spanked" for atrocious behavior in recent weeks, and that it was a step in the right direction because people need to be punished for their outrageous actions. He said it was a good start down the road of civility to people each of us should have.
After writing the features out, it was interesting to see how this episode played out against others I have watched religiously the past year. The show always starts with an uplifting story about how a young player is trying to do good things for those around him. The second usually shows a person's post-career fall (more by bringing a story to light-- and to show the struggle-- as opposed to glorifying it). The third is a look at something that you may not have heard of and needs recognition; usually having to do with young people. The fourth is a "look back" at a previous piece and how things have gotten better or worse since it aired. Finally Gumbel gives a monologue about his thoughts on current issues (my favorite, and his most notorious, was when he told the new NFL commissioner he needs to ask Pete Rozell where NFL Players Union head Gene Upshaw's leash is; that was totally hardcore).
So if you get HBO, it's a must see show. Even if you (like myself) don't like sports all that much.
And the thing is: HBO doesn't air sports other than boxing. It's a crime that FOX Sports, ESPN, or the major networks, who all carry professional sports, don't air any shows that have the hard-nosed look at sports like HBO does.
The show opened with a look at Stephon Marbury's attempt at curbing the violence of inner-city youth and the beatings and deaths of kids-- for their f-ing shoes! Marbury created a line of basketball shoes with his name on them that cost $14.98 as opposed to the $150-200 other name stars' shoes cost. He even wears them on the court during his own games just to show kids that they hold up. I think it's ridiculous that basketball shoes cost in the triple digits. Of course, when Nike and its ilk pay people millions and millions of dollars to put their names on their shoes, I guess we can see why they cost so much. And kids hurt and kill other kids just to steal the shoes off their feet.
The next feature was a heartbreaking look at baseball star Jeff Reardon's post-career life. He retired from pro ball in 1994. He dealt with his son's drug abuse and made the wrenching decision to send him to a school in his senior year that would pretty much keep him in lock-down so he couldn't use. His son graduated and was attending college and looked like he had turned his life around. But then he died of an overdose. Reardon fell into severe depression (even to the point of attempting suicide) and eventually had to be put on heavy medication. An illness added to his meds which caused him to go into a delusional state where he robbed a jewelry store 16 months ago. He was found not-guilty by reason of insanity. Since then, he has had electroshock treatments, which have helped him some, but also caused him to lose memories of his life. He is on the road to recovery, but he admits he still hasn't come to grips with his son's death-- even after years.
The third feature was an inspirational look at horseback riding therapy for kids with severe disabilities. It was amazing to see the progress kids with spina bifida, autism, blindness and other problems had after riding on horses. I've heard of the program before, but I have to admit, I thought it was one of those ritzy-titzy things celebs like to jump on board with to get their names out there without really helping. I was wrong. While this feature had no mention of celebrities in it, I did see the worth of the program.
And even more amazing is one of the goofballs from FOX NFL Sunday, James Brown, was the reporter on the piece. His interaction with a severely disabled little girl made me see him in a whole other light (one of a serious, and compassionate reporter).
The last feature was a look at little league kids undergoing a very serious shoulder surgery because they are being taught to throw pitches they should not be attempting due to the strain they cause on their growing bodies as well as the massive number of pitches they're allowed to throw in a day. It was scary to see the pressure these kids are put on by parents and coaches who really don't know any better. Doctors are putting the word out and one of the Little League organizations listened and have changed their rules to limit the amount of throws a youngster can throw in a period of time.
Finally, Gumbel took the floor to give a brief monologue about civility. He mentioned how Don Imus, "Pacman" Jones, and Mike Nifong all had gotten "spanked" for atrocious behavior in recent weeks, and that it was a step in the right direction because people need to be punished for their outrageous actions. He said it was a good start down the road of civility to people each of us should have.
After writing the features out, it was interesting to see how this episode played out against others I have watched religiously the past year. The show always starts with an uplifting story about how a young player is trying to do good things for those around him. The second usually shows a person's post-career fall (more by bringing a story to light-- and to show the struggle-- as opposed to glorifying it). The third is a look at something that you may not have heard of and needs recognition; usually having to do with young people. The fourth is a "look back" at a previous piece and how things have gotten better or worse since it aired. Finally Gumbel gives a monologue about his thoughts on current issues (my favorite, and his most notorious, was when he told the new NFL commissioner he needs to ask Pete Rozell where NFL Players Union head Gene Upshaw's leash is; that was totally hardcore).
So if you get HBO, it's a must see show. Even if you (like myself) don't like sports all that much.
And the thing is: HBO doesn't air sports other than boxing. It's a crime that FOX Sports, ESPN, or the major networks, who all carry professional sports, don't air any shows that have the hard-nosed look at sports like HBO does.
Premieres and Notables April 23-29, 2007
Monday, 4/23
The "Robin Sparkles" episode of How I Met Your Mother airs at 7 pm on CBS. Oh, yeah-- it's also the episode that introduced the slap bet.
Here are some sample quotes from the episode that should whet your appetite:
"It's already 'slap o'clock'."
"I wish it was porn; it'd be less embarrassing."
"This is the most amazing thing I've ever seen."
"The '80s didn't come to Canada until, like, '93."
"Looks like someone suffered from premature e-slap-ulation."
"Just to be clear: you wanted everyone to go to the mall... Today?"
"That's one."
How much more can I talk this show up? Watch this episode, which is up there with the best so far this year, and see what you've been missing.
Hannah Montana; Disney. 6 pm CST. Season Premiere.
Season Two of the show that answers "Whatever happened to Billy Ray Cyrus?"
So, do you think the mullet was that bad now?For a larger look at this picture, go here: http://www.imdb.com/gallery/granitz/5342/Lov_11270766_400.jpg.html
Cities of the Underworld; History. 8 pm CST. Series Premiere.
A look at the history of places beneath city streets.
Heroes; NBC. 8 pm CST. Return.
The final five "chapters" of season one begin for NBC's most-buzzed about new show of the year. And then NBC will squander the lead-in with:
Real Wedding Crashers; NBC. 9:01 pm. Series Premiere.
Wedding guests are Punk'd when the brides and grooms allow this prank show to turn their wedding receptions into what will look like disasters.
Tuesday, 4/24
Most Extreme; Animal Planet. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
Season Five launches with looks at squids, beetles, and others.
Wednesday, 4/25
Bill Moyers' Journal; PBS. 8 pm (check local listings). Season Premiere.
After thirteen years away, the show returns with a look at news coverage leading up to the Iraq War. (And an hour-and-a-half is all it will take?)
Thursday, 4/26
NBC's comedy block (7-9 pm; no B.S. weird times, finally) sounds promising:
Earl goes back to school to get his G.E.D. on My Name is Earl.
A large shipment of paper with an obscene imprint gets sent out to a high school on The Office. No worries: Michael's on the case.
Sean Hayes guest-stars as Kenneth the Page's country cousin on the season-ender of 30 Rock.
And the much-hyped 2-part guest stint of Keri Russell episodes starts tonight.
Sunday, 4/29
Predator vs. Prey; Animal Planet. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
The first episode features grizzly bear vs. elk.
And on Entourage (HBO, 9 pm), Drama lives in fear after he insults Ultimate Fighter Chuck "The Iceman" Liddell in a parking lot. I'm sure Turtle's got his back...
Roy Rules
Something odd happened last night: SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE was actually pretty amusing. Here's a clip of the night's video clip (posted on YouTube by wings1914-- just trying to give credit for a change).
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
I Can't Even Explain This One
Check out this link to a 2 minute video starring Will Farrell and "Pearl":
http://sjl.funnyordie.com//v1/view_video.php?viewkey=3efbc24c7d2583be6925
http://sjl.funnyordie.com//v1/view_video.php?viewkey=3efbc24c7d2583be6925
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Premieres and Notables April 16-22, 2007
Monday, 4/16
FOX's Drive moves to its regular night and time (7 pm CST).
CBS' How I Met Your Mother repeats the "Crazy Eyes" episode (7 pm CST).
Wednesday 4/18
Head Case; Starz. 10 pm. Series Premiere.
Alexandra Wentworth plays a psychologist with a celebrity clientele in this 15 minute/episode series.
Martin Lawrence Presents 1st Amendment Standup; Starz. 10:15 pm. Series Premiere.
A stand-up comedy showcase with an incredibly long title.
Setup; Speed. 7 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Amateur drivers going around in circles. Exciting...
Thursday, 4/19
Steve Carell's finest performance on The Office so far repeats at 7:30 when Michael returns from vacation and word gets out he went with Jan.
Norm McDonald guest stars on My Name is Earl (7:00).
In another great nod to superheroes past, "Wonder Woman" Lynda Carter guest stars on Smallville as Chloe's mother.
Friday, 4/20
Wife, Mom, Bounty Hunter; WE. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Because the world was clamoring for a reality series about such a woman.
Saturday, 4/21
Apparently Scarlett Johansson didn't learn that the show SUCKS her first time, so tonight she has a second stint as host of Saturday Night Live. I think she's talented, but that show manages to quash the talent of anyone unfortunate enough to agree to be a host (Piven, Lee, Carell, Cook).
Spring Watch; Animal Planet. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Six-part series that tracks the development of spring.
The Real Deal; TLC. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
A series that shows how to renovate and resell real estate. It is sooo going to be "season pass"ed on my DVR...
The States; History Channel. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Ten-part series exploring the history and lore of the United States. Sounds cool. The first ep focuses on California, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Kansas, and West Virginia.
The War at Home (FOX, 6 pm) has its season finale. Considering the lead just shot a pilot for next year, I'm guessing we may be able to call this the "series finale".
Planet Earth repeats on the Discovery Channel from 8 am to 5 pm and then airs the last two episodes at 7 & 8 pm. After that is an hour-long special about the making of the series.
FOX's Drive moves to its regular night and time (7 pm CST).
CBS' How I Met Your Mother repeats the "Crazy Eyes" episode (7 pm CST).
Wednesday 4/18
Head Case; Starz. 10 pm. Series Premiere.
Alexandra Wentworth plays a psychologist with a celebrity clientele in this 15 minute/episode series.
Martin Lawrence Presents 1st Amendment Standup; Starz. 10:15 pm. Series Premiere.
A stand-up comedy showcase with an incredibly long title.
Setup; Speed. 7 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Amateur drivers going around in circles. Exciting...
Thursday, 4/19
Steve Carell's finest performance on The Office so far repeats at 7:30 when Michael returns from vacation and word gets out he went with Jan.
Norm McDonald guest stars on My Name is Earl (7:00).
In another great nod to superheroes past, "Wonder Woman" Lynda Carter guest stars on Smallville as Chloe's mother.
Friday, 4/20
Wife, Mom, Bounty Hunter; WE. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Because the world was clamoring for a reality series about such a woman.
Saturday, 4/21
Apparently Scarlett Johansson didn't learn that the show SUCKS her first time, so tonight she has a second stint as host of Saturday Night Live. I think she's talented, but that show manages to quash the talent of anyone unfortunate enough to agree to be a host (Piven, Lee, Carell, Cook).
Spring Watch; Animal Planet. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Six-part series that tracks the development of spring.
The Real Deal; TLC. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
A series that shows how to renovate and resell real estate. It is sooo going to be "season pass"ed on my DVR...
The States; History Channel. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Ten-part series exploring the history and lore of the United States. Sounds cool. The first ep focuses on California, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Kansas, and West Virginia.
The War at Home (FOX, 6 pm) has its season finale. Considering the lead just shot a pilot for next year, I'm guessing we may be able to call this the "series finale".
Planet Earth repeats on the Discovery Channel from 8 am to 5 pm and then airs the last two episodes at 7 & 8 pm. After that is an hour-long special about the making of the series.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Monday, April 09, 2007
Some MOTHER scoop
TV Guide's Matt Webb Mitovich interviewed How I Met Your Mother co-creator and exec producer Carter Bays today.
I love that show, and the interview was great. I forgot Barney still has three slaps coming to him.
Here's the link:
http://www.tvguide.com/News-Views/Interviews-Features/Article/default.aspx?posting={DA5FB4D2-86ED-49E8-BE20-C49C69551A71}
I love that show, and the interview was great. I forgot Barney still has three slaps coming to him.
Here's the link:
http://www.tvguide.com/News-Views/Interviews-Features/Article/default.aspx?posting={DA5FB4D2-86ED-49E8-BE20-C49C69551A71}
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Sometimes It's Good to Be Right
I don't like awards and awards shows very much. The biggest reason is the pool of nominees is so shallow. It's a complete crime that Buffy the Vampire Slayer never got a major award nomination. The stodgy voters don't open their minds that something as unanimously well-received by the critics (who actually watch the shows) as Battlestar Galactica may be something worth checking out.
But there are a few organizations who go out of their way to shine a spotlight on the less-noticed. One of those is the George Foster Peabody Awards. The Peabody's are taken pretty seriously because the recipients of the award know the people giving it know what they're doing (unlike, say, the Golden Globes, or the nearly laughable Emmys).
This year's list of winners of the 66th Annual Peabody Awards include:
The Office. An NBC comedy that has found its own voice beyond its predecessor (which also won a Peabody).
Friday Night Lights. Probably the most universally praised new show among the critics I read.
Ugly Betty. Harmless, cartoony show with heart that breaks barriers. You've got middle-class Latinos, rich white people, powerful black people, at least one gay person, a trans-sexual, and on and on. But the race/lifestyles play no part in the show. The characters just are. They're people.
Scrubs. A show in its sixth year that is still fresh. It's actually taking more chances as it gets older. Not many shows can make one laugh one minute and then nearly cry (and it's not forced or sappy) the next like this one can.
And the biggest surprise to me (that it was recognized): the "Return of the King" episode of [adult swim]'s Boondocks, which I consider one of the best half-hours I watched last year, and ranks among the best episodes of any show I've ever watched. It's absolutely brilliant. And it's animated. On a "rebel" nighttime network. And the Peabodys still found it. I hate when critics write this, but it's deserving: Bravo, Peabodys!
Here's a link to all the award winners from the official site. As you can see, they hit all formats and all venues from the networks, to cable, to local:
http://www.peabody.uga.edu/news/pressrelease.asp?ID=142
And if you like your information in news release form, here's that link:
http://www.peabody.uga.edu/news/pressrelease.asp?ID=143
But there are a few organizations who go out of their way to shine a spotlight on the less-noticed. One of those is the George Foster Peabody Awards. The Peabody's are taken pretty seriously because the recipients of the award know the people giving it know what they're doing (unlike, say, the Golden Globes, or the nearly laughable Emmys).
This year's list of winners of the 66th Annual Peabody Awards include:
The Office. An NBC comedy that has found its own voice beyond its predecessor (which also won a Peabody).
Friday Night Lights. Probably the most universally praised new show among the critics I read.
Ugly Betty. Harmless, cartoony show with heart that breaks barriers. You've got middle-class Latinos, rich white people, powerful black people, at least one gay person, a trans-sexual, and on and on. But the race/lifestyles play no part in the show. The characters just are. They're people.
Scrubs. A show in its sixth year that is still fresh. It's actually taking more chances as it gets older. Not many shows can make one laugh one minute and then nearly cry (and it's not forced or sappy) the next like this one can.
And the biggest surprise to me (that it was recognized): the "Return of the King" episode of [adult swim]'s Boondocks, which I consider one of the best half-hours I watched last year, and ranks among the best episodes of any show I've ever watched. It's absolutely brilliant. And it's animated. On a "rebel" nighttime network. And the Peabodys still found it. I hate when critics write this, but it's deserving: Bravo, Peabodys!
Here's a link to all the award winners from the official site. As you can see, they hit all formats and all venues from the networks, to cable, to local:
http://www.peabody.uga.edu/news/pressrelease.asp?ID=142
And if you like your information in news release form, here's that link:
http://www.peabody.uga.edu/news/pressrelease.asp?ID=143
Saturday, April 07, 2007
Premieres and Notables April 9-15, 2007
Monday, 4/9
Thank God You're Here; NBC. 8 pm CST. Series Premiere.
An improv comedy contest hosted by David Alan Grier and judged by Dave Foley. Those two men are enough to get me to watch, but if they aren't for you, the contestants tonight are: Wayne Knight, Jennifer Coolidge, Joel McHale, and Bryan Cranston. Recommended.
Falcon Beach; ABC Family. 6 pm. Season Premiere.
I know nothing about this show.
Wednesday, 4/11
'Til Death, Friday Night Lights, and Top Design all sign off for the season tonight.
Shear Genius; Bravo. 10 pm CST. Series Premiere.
As if Bravo didn't have enough crap reality shows, they're adding one about a hairstyling competition. Ooooooo...
And one of my all-time favorite shows, Green Wing, is airing the first three episodes of the nine-ep first season from 2:00am -5:00 am (technically on Thursday morning). I've complained before about BBC America's scheduling (airing some eps, but not others), but I'll keep my eye out for the remaining six eps. This is an insane show. And it's accessible to an American audience. This is the show (even more than The Office) that convinced me that BBC America is one of the best networks on the air.
The premise is similar to Scrubs: doctors having surreal adventures. But the FFC doesn't have a role in cable, so they go much farther than our friends on NBC can. The first ep ends with a doctor using a ski pole to force an especially large "loaf" she pinched down a clogged toilet. Hilarious.
I recommended this show a while back in a previous post. You can check it out here: http://teameck.blogspot.com/2006/08/episodes-of-note-coming-up.html
Thursday, 4/12
Notes From the Underbelly; ABC. 9:01 & 9:31 CST. Series Premiere.
This show was universally derided when previews went out last year. Expect ABC to burn off these episodes as soon as they can. I'll watch a few eps just to see if it's really as bad as every review I read said it was.
Now for something that actually should be funny: My Name is Earl finally has a new episode after a month and a half (7 pm NBC).
And ABC is getting ready for the home-stretch with its big hits. Ugly Betty (GREAT show) and Grey's Anatomy (huge fan base show I don't watch) are both having clip shows to bring viewers up to speed as each begin their final airing of new episodes for the season next week.
Friday, 4/13
Stargate SG-1; SciFi. 7 pm CST. Return.
The final 10 eps of the series begin.
Stargate Atlantis; SciFi. 8 pm. Return.
Painkiller Jane; SciFi. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
This series, based on a cultish comic I've never read, follows a DEA agent who finds out she is indestructible, but not impervious to pain.
Sunday, 4/15
100 Biggest Weather Moments; Weather Channel. 7 pm. Mini-series.
A five-part look at the big weather moments. I don't even know what to say about a list that puts the devastating Hurricane Katrina with the Wizard of Oz tornado.
America at a Crossroads; PBS. 8 pm. Mini-series.
An 11 documentary look at the post 9/11 world.
Drive; FOX. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
A probably typical crap FOX show (this time about a mysterious cross-country road race). But it does star the very underrated Nathan Fillion, so it's worth a look.
Ari's beleaguered assistant, Lloyd, gets his chance to shine on Entourage. Lloyd rules. And Turtle and Drama go trolling for ladies at a dog park. I'm
sure that will end well for them.
And I'll make my second recommendation to check out Planet Earth Discovery, DiscoveryHD, and Science Channel all air episodes throughout the week). Even if nature documentaries don't do it for you, you CANNOT deny how amazingly beautiful this show is. I'm way behind (I'm only on the second ep), but I refuse to watch the show unless I know I can sit in front of the TV and take it all in, uninterrupted.
Thank God You're Here; NBC. 8 pm CST. Series Premiere.
An improv comedy contest hosted by David Alan Grier and judged by Dave Foley. Those two men are enough to get me to watch, but if they aren't for you, the contestants tonight are: Wayne Knight, Jennifer Coolidge, Joel McHale, and Bryan Cranston. Recommended.
Falcon Beach; ABC Family. 6 pm. Season Premiere.
I know nothing about this show.
Wednesday, 4/11
'Til Death, Friday Night Lights, and Top Design all sign off for the season tonight.
Shear Genius; Bravo. 10 pm CST. Series Premiere.
As if Bravo didn't have enough crap reality shows, they're adding one about a hairstyling competition. Ooooooo...
And one of my all-time favorite shows, Green Wing, is airing the first three episodes of the nine-ep first season from 2:00am -5:00 am (technically on Thursday morning). I've complained before about BBC America's scheduling (airing some eps, but not others), but I'll keep my eye out for the remaining six eps. This is an insane show. And it's accessible to an American audience. This is the show (even more than The Office) that convinced me that BBC America is one of the best networks on the air.
The premise is similar to Scrubs: doctors having surreal adventures. But the FFC doesn't have a role in cable, so they go much farther than our friends on NBC can. The first ep ends with a doctor using a ski pole to force an especially large "loaf" she pinched down a clogged toilet. Hilarious.
I recommended this show a while back in a previous post. You can check it out here: http://teameck.blogspot.com/2006/08/episodes-of-note-coming-up.html
Thursday, 4/12
Notes From the Underbelly; ABC. 9:01 & 9:31 CST. Series Premiere.
This show was universally derided when previews went out last year. Expect ABC to burn off these episodes as soon as they can. I'll watch a few eps just to see if it's really as bad as every review I read said it was.
Now for something that actually should be funny: My Name is Earl finally has a new episode after a month and a half (7 pm NBC).
And ABC is getting ready for the home-stretch with its big hits. Ugly Betty (GREAT show) and Grey's Anatomy (huge fan base show I don't watch) are both having clip shows to bring viewers up to speed as each begin their final airing of new episodes for the season next week.
Friday, 4/13
Stargate SG-1; SciFi. 7 pm CST. Return.
The final 10 eps of the series begin.
Stargate Atlantis; SciFi. 8 pm. Return.
Painkiller Jane; SciFi. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
This series, based on a cultish comic I've never read, follows a DEA agent who finds out she is indestructible, but not impervious to pain.
Sunday, 4/15
100 Biggest Weather Moments; Weather Channel. 7 pm. Mini-series.
A five-part look at the big weather moments. I don't even know what to say about a list that puts the devastating Hurricane Katrina with the Wizard of Oz tornado.
America at a Crossroads; PBS. 8 pm. Mini-series.
An 11 documentary look at the post 9/11 world.
Drive; FOX. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
A probably typical crap FOX show (this time about a mysterious cross-country road race). But it does star the very underrated Nathan Fillion, so it's worth a look.
Ari's beleaguered assistant, Lloyd, gets his chance to shine on Entourage. Lloyd rules. And Turtle and Drama go trolling for ladies at a dog park. I'm
sure that will end well for them.
And I'll make my second recommendation to check out Planet Earth Discovery, DiscoveryHD, and Science Channel all air episodes throughout the week). Even if nature documentaries don't do it for you, you CANNOT deny how amazingly beautiful this show is. I'm way behind (I'm only on the second ep), but I refuse to watch the show unless I know I can sit in front of the TV and take it all in, uninterrupted.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Best... Druggie... Ever
On Tuesday, Keith Richards admitted snorting more than the white stuff that he is usually linked to.
"The strangest thing I've tried to snort?" Richards was quoted as saying in the magazine NME. "My father. I snorted my father.
"He was cremated, and I couldn't resist grinding him up with a little bit of blow. My dad wouldn't have cared. ...It went down pretty well, and I'm still alive."
Awesome.
Of course, the next day, Richards said he was just joking. But one must remember, he's been dealing with the press for over forty years. It's not as if he thought the comments wouldn't be released to the public. So why make it up?
I'll bet he didn't and realized he better do some damage control. At least I'm hoping he's just playing the "joke" card.
"...Grinding him up with a little blow." "...It went down pretty well."
Classic.
"The strangest thing I've tried to snort?" Richards was quoted as saying in the magazine NME. "My father. I snorted my father.
"He was cremated, and I couldn't resist grinding him up with a little bit of blow. My dad wouldn't have cared. ...It went down pretty well, and I'm still alive."
Awesome.
Of course, the next day, Richards said he was just joking. But one must remember, he's been dealing with the press for over forty years. It's not as if he thought the comments wouldn't be released to the public. So why make it up?
I'll bet he didn't and realized he better do some damage control. At least I'm hoping he's just playing the "joke" card.
"...Grinding him up with a little blow." "...It went down pretty well."
Classic.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Mid-season Disasters
There's very good logic about why mid-season replacement shows don't catch on (except in rare instances): if they were so good, they'd premiere in the Fall.
This season is no exception as shows are getting axed left and right.
The Black Donnellys will air, at max, two more episodes before it goes to that place where mobsters disappear to.
The Wedding Bells won't make it past this Friday, where it will likely air its last episode. FOX says it'll come back, but it'll be just to burn off what was filmed if it comes back at all.
Six Degrees gets the ax effective immediately. It's target audience (18-45 yr olds) wouldn't even tune in. It scored a 1.1 in the demographic (which, if I understand things correctly, translates to just over a million people). In the ultimate insult, Wife Swap REPEATS will air instead.
And the pathetic (or, as Matt Roush describes it: "vomitous") October Road gets a little reprieve. It was going to be pulled after four eps, but it's now just going to take a week off and then finish out its six-episode run. I so wanted to like the show, but the acting and writing are just dreadful; I mean just f-in' painful to watch. Poor Laura Prepon, who is the only good thing on the show...
And Seventh Heaven gets "non-renewed" for a second time. This time, it'll stay dead.
[Note: I have to give credit to Matt Roush for streamlining the info I just gave above. The link to his dispatch, where he describes things in more detail, is right here:
http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Roush-Dispatch/Midseason-Madness-End/800012096]
This season is no exception as shows are getting axed left and right.
The Black Donnellys will air, at max, two more episodes before it goes to that place where mobsters disappear to.
The Wedding Bells won't make it past this Friday, where it will likely air its last episode. FOX says it'll come back, but it'll be just to burn off what was filmed if it comes back at all.
Six Degrees gets the ax effective immediately. It's target audience (18-45 yr olds) wouldn't even tune in. It scored a 1.1 in the demographic (which, if I understand things correctly, translates to just over a million people). In the ultimate insult, Wife Swap REPEATS will air instead.
And the pathetic (or, as Matt Roush describes it: "vomitous") October Road gets a little reprieve. It was going to be pulled after four eps, but it's now just going to take a week off and then finish out its six-episode run. I so wanted to like the show, but the acting and writing are just dreadful; I mean just f-in' painful to watch. Poor Laura Prepon, who is the only good thing on the show...
And Seventh Heaven gets "non-renewed" for a second time. This time, it'll stay dead.
[Note: I have to give credit to Matt Roush for streamlining the info I just gave above. The link to his dispatch, where he describes things in more detail, is right here:
http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Roush-Dispatch/Midseason-Madness-End/800012096]
Monday, April 02, 2007
Prison Break "Sona"
I wanted to write this spoiler-free, but I just can't. So if you haven't watched the ep yet, stop reading. I read a number of newsgroups/blogs/etc, and no one got everything right. So watch the finale in innocent bliss and then come back.
So, was that a crazy-ass episode or what? I give the creators credit for not killing everyone (which was what sounded like the plan was for the most part most of this season). By not killing everyone, and from some quotes by actors in various things I read, the show is pretty wide-open for next fall.
First, there's C-Note. He wasn't in the last few eps, but that doesn't mean he can't play a role somewhere down the line.
Bellick is still alive and in jail. I think he and T-Bag will hook up at some point.
T-Bag was cut loose by, presumably, The Company, and while it looks as if his story ended (and it very well could have), can you let a vile character like Theodore Bagwell (and a fantastic actor like Robert Knepper) just go away?
Kellerman does the right thing, and pays the price in what looks like an execution-style murder. But, in a show where blood flows freely, we didn't see any body. Is it possible the killers killed the guard instead of Kellerman? Yeah it's possible, and Paul Adelstein's interview in TV GUIDE left open the possibility that Kellerman is not done yet. Of course, Adelstein is also cast in the Grey's Anatomy spin-off, so maybe Kellerman really is dead. It's not as if the spin-off isn't gonna get picked up. But then, maybe Adelstein's character gets killed or isn't a regular cast member of the show, so he can still make appearances on Prison Break. I, for one, wouldn't mind. I was impressed by his work this season.
Mr. Kim: dead. Like it could go any other way.
Who is "Padman"? I thought he was mute, but he spoke at the end. And while I disliked the whole Company storyline, I admit I am intrigued about why he wants Schofield alive.
Sucre: at death's door. I'm happy he's still around (he was one of the most-predicted to die people in the Season One finale). He will be the link to the outside that Bellick has for a while.
Lincoln: free man. How does that change things for him? Will it matter because you know he's going to try to get his brother help.
Sara: Had a moment of perfect bliss and then lost it. And she killed Mr. Kim, which will (I hope) haunt her for a while. She's the most innocent of all the remaining characters, so I want the killing to torment her. It only adds salt to the wound that Michael is now lost to her again. Sarah Wayne Callies is pregnant in real life, so she won't be seen in the first few episodes next Fall. Rumor has it she will be kidnapped, which will keep her storyline on the back burner until she gives birth and can return to work.
Mahone: Thank God they didn't kill him. Not only that, he is now linked to Schofield as he too is in Sona. They will need to work together although I anticipate an extremely mistrustful relationship there since Schofield set him up-- and caused him to break ties with his ex-wife after almost reconciling. Maybe Mahone won't team-up with Schofield; he may just want to completely break him.
Schofield: Had it all (the money, a free brother, the girl) and then lost it. And then he gets sent to Sona for taking the fall for Sara. And the tattoo does him no good in this new environment.
And the show again will revolve around a Prison Break. Nice.
So, was that a crazy-ass episode or what? I give the creators credit for not killing everyone (which was what sounded like the plan was for the most part most of this season). By not killing everyone, and from some quotes by actors in various things I read, the show is pretty wide-open for next fall.
First, there's C-Note. He wasn't in the last few eps, but that doesn't mean he can't play a role somewhere down the line.
Bellick is still alive and in jail. I think he and T-Bag will hook up at some point.
T-Bag was cut loose by, presumably, The Company, and while it looks as if his story ended (and it very well could have), can you let a vile character like Theodore Bagwell (and a fantastic actor like Robert Knepper) just go away?
Kellerman does the right thing, and pays the price in what looks like an execution-style murder. But, in a show where blood flows freely, we didn't see any body. Is it possible the killers killed the guard instead of Kellerman? Yeah it's possible, and Paul Adelstein's interview in TV GUIDE left open the possibility that Kellerman is not done yet. Of course, Adelstein is also cast in the Grey's Anatomy spin-off, so maybe Kellerman really is dead. It's not as if the spin-off isn't gonna get picked up. But then, maybe Adelstein's character gets killed or isn't a regular cast member of the show, so he can still make appearances on Prison Break. I, for one, wouldn't mind. I was impressed by his work this season.
Mr. Kim: dead. Like it could go any other way.
Who is "Padman"? I thought he was mute, but he spoke at the end. And while I disliked the whole Company storyline, I admit I am intrigued about why he wants Schofield alive.
Sucre: at death's door. I'm happy he's still around (he was one of the most-predicted to die people in the Season One finale). He will be the link to the outside that Bellick has for a while.
Lincoln: free man. How does that change things for him? Will it matter because you know he's going to try to get his brother help.
Sara: Had a moment of perfect bliss and then lost it. And she killed Mr. Kim, which will (I hope) haunt her for a while. She's the most innocent of all the remaining characters, so I want the killing to torment her. It only adds salt to the wound that Michael is now lost to her again. Sarah Wayne Callies is pregnant in real life, so she won't be seen in the first few episodes next Fall. Rumor has it she will be kidnapped, which will keep her storyline on the back burner until she gives birth and can return to work.
Mahone: Thank God they didn't kill him. Not only that, he is now linked to Schofield as he too is in Sona. They will need to work together although I anticipate an extremely mistrustful relationship there since Schofield set him up-- and caused him to break ties with his ex-wife after almost reconciling. Maybe Mahone won't team-up with Schofield; he may just want to completely break him.
Schofield: Had it all (the money, a free brother, the girl) and then lost it. And then he gets sent to Sona for taking the fall for Sara. And the tattoo does him no good in this new environment.
And the show again will revolve around a Prison Break. Nice.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Premieres and Notables; April 2-8, 2007
Geez, it's been a week already? Sorry I went a week without writing anything (I hope not too many people took their own lives due to the wait). I had all the time in the world to write last weekend (wife & kids were gone a few hours on Sunday), but my lovely cable connection was down for 48 hours. No internet, no cable. Thankfully, most of my Sunday shows repeat during the week, so I didn't miss too much. But I did miss the third ep rerun of Frisky Dingo (I'm taping them all), which enraged me to no end.
Damn you, Charter Communications!
BTW: if your cable or ISP goes down, make sure you complain and get a credit. They screw you too much when the service works, let alone charging you for when it doesn't.
Okaaaay, the week beginning tomorrow:
Monday, 4/2
The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman; ABC. 8:45 pm CST. Season Premiere.
No princes, no actors... This time, the bachelor is a Navy medical officer. I got nothin' else...
Also, The SciFi Channel has been airing Star Trek: Enterprise in four-hour blocks every Monday for months, and the episode on Monday at 9pm ("The Expanse") is the set-up for one of the most exciting TV seasons I've ever watched. This second-season finale paved the way for the ambitious third season of the very underrated show. A probe destroys a large part of earth (including most of Florida) and kills millions of people. The Enterprise is charged with finding out where the probe came from and do what it can to stop the inevitable invasion. The entire third season (which begins reairing next Monday) has this as the conflict: one starship alone against an incredibly advanced civilization Hell-bent on destroying Earth.
Prison Break's season finale airs. I'll admit, this season hasn't been as exciting (or claustrophobic) as last season, but seeing all the pieces come together the past few weeks was a rush because I have NO idea what's going to happen.
I can make predictions, though (remember-- I know NOTHING): T-Bag and Bellick end up together in prison. Sucre breaks them out (so T-Bag will disclose where Maricruz is). T-Bag tells him where Maricruz is and then escapes, with Bellick right behind. Sucre finds Maricruz dead (or maybe doesn't find her at all). He then goes after T-Bag.
Kellerman is shot and killed before he can testify on Sara's behalf; Sara ends up getting 12 years in the clink.
Michael finds Mahone and Lincoln, and attempts to talk Mahone down.
Mr. Kim also shows up, and as he orders the two brothers to be killed, Mahone shoots and kills him and then is killed himself.
Now, I'll go out on a limb: One of the brothers takes a bullet in the firefight. Linc makes the most sense as his story is coming to a close, but wouldn't it be a shock if Schofield goes down...?
Next season: Bellick and Sucre team up to hunt down T-Bag. The surviving brother works to get Sara out of prison. C-Note is needed for some reason or another and since Mahone is dead, he doesn't have to stay in Witness Protection.
The thing is about this show: none of what I wrote above will happen. They'll find a better way to tell the story.
I'm just happy the conspiracy storyline will end (damn! I didn't predict how that would happen: hmmm-- okay: Kellerman's first words on the witness stand after he takes the oath and says who he is, is: "Lincoln Burrows is innocent." and goes on to explain the conspiracy, but gets killed before he implicates anyone specifically).
Creator Paul Scheuring said over half the remaining cast will survive to next season, which is a greater number than expected.
Tuesday, 4/3
Deadliest Catch; Discovery. 8 pm CST. Season Premiere.
The third season of the risky crab fishing reality show begins.
The Shield; FX. 9 pm. Season premiere.
The sixth, and penultimate season begins with Vic on the rampage to find the person responsible for the death of a teammate. And he's going to be shocked when he finds out who it is. I've slipped on watching the series after the second season (I have the DVDs and tapes waiting to be watched), and I've heard each season is better than the last. Highly Recommended.
Wednesday, 4/4
In Performance at the White House; PBS. 7 pm (check local listings). Season Premiere.
Thursday, 4/5
NBC is doing its "super-size" nonsense again. Thankfully, the folks at The Office and Scrubs (as well as Earl) add actual worthy content-- unlike shows of yesteryear (Friends, Will & Grace). Speaking of The Office, the first new ep in a few weeks shows what happens now that Roy knows about Jim and Pam's kiss. And a new Scrubs has a person leaving the staff. Alas, Earl is a repeat, but it's a good one guest-starring Christian Slater and also has Randy seeing people as if they were Claymation characters.
Friday, 4/6
P. Diddy Presents the Bad Boys of Comedy; HBO. 11 pm. Season Premiere.
Because when I think of "bad boy", I think of "P. Diddy".
Standoff; FOX. 7 pm. Return.
What do this show's producers have on FOX? Pictures of FOX execs in compromising positions, possibly?
The Office's Jenna Fischer is a guest (along with Entourage's amazing Jeremy Piven) on The Tonight Show. She's there to talk Blades of Glory, but you just know Jay will ask about her TV show as well.
Saturday, 4/7
If Friday's Piven appearance on The Tonight Show isn't enough for you, the Saturday Night Live he hosted in January repeats Saturday. As SNL has done for my other favorites the past few years, it manages to make him just as unfunny as the rest of the cast (will NBC PLEASE just take this show out back and put it out of its misery already?)
It's puppypalooza on WE:
America's Cutest Puppies; WE. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Adventures in Doggie Daycare; WE. 8:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Sunday, 4/8
In probably the biggest night of the year since American Idol premiered, we get the final episodes of the season and the series of The Sopranos on HBO at 8 pm. Highly Recommended.
As icing on the cake, we also get the second half of the third season of Entourage on HBO at 9 pm. And the second layer of icing on top of that icing is the fact that not only are Vince, E., Drama, Turtle, and Ari coming back to our TV sets, but the new episode also has Carla Gugino's debut as Vince's new agent (Ari screwed up big-time, so Vince fired him last summer). Highly Recommended. [If you want to see what the buzz is about, most major retailers are selling the first 2 DVD seasons (as well as Tuesday's Season 3 Pt 1 DVD set) for less than $25 this week.]
I also want to make a recommendation that you check out new eps of Planet Earth on the Discovery Channel on Sundays (and try to catch the repeats all during the week on the Discovery Network Channels). I caught the first fifteen minutes of the premiere a few minutes ago and had to shut it off because I couldn't sit and watch it. It is AMAZING! Camera crews set up all around the world over five years and took absolutely breathtaking shots. I haven't missed the High Def channels I cancelled last year until this show. Something that looked as good as it did on my regular connection would be crazy-good in HD. Highly Recommended.
Damn you, Charter Communications!
BTW: if your cable or ISP goes down, make sure you complain and get a credit. They screw you too much when the service works, let alone charging you for when it doesn't.
Okaaaay, the week beginning tomorrow:
Monday, 4/2
The Bachelor: Officer and a Gentleman; ABC. 8:45 pm CST. Season Premiere.
No princes, no actors... This time, the bachelor is a Navy medical officer. I got nothin' else...
Also, The SciFi Channel has been airing Star Trek: Enterprise in four-hour blocks every Monday for months, and the episode on Monday at 9pm ("The Expanse") is the set-up for one of the most exciting TV seasons I've ever watched. This second-season finale paved the way for the ambitious third season of the very underrated show. A probe destroys a large part of earth (including most of Florida) and kills millions of people. The Enterprise is charged with finding out where the probe came from and do what it can to stop the inevitable invasion. The entire third season (which begins reairing next Monday) has this as the conflict: one starship alone against an incredibly advanced civilization Hell-bent on destroying Earth.
Prison Break's season finale airs. I'll admit, this season hasn't been as exciting (or claustrophobic) as last season, but seeing all the pieces come together the past few weeks was a rush because I have NO idea what's going to happen.
I can make predictions, though (remember-- I know NOTHING): T-Bag and Bellick end up together in prison. Sucre breaks them out (so T-Bag will disclose where Maricruz is). T-Bag tells him where Maricruz is and then escapes, with Bellick right behind. Sucre finds Maricruz dead (or maybe doesn't find her at all). He then goes after T-Bag.
Kellerman is shot and killed before he can testify on Sara's behalf; Sara ends up getting 12 years in the clink.
Michael finds Mahone and Lincoln, and attempts to talk Mahone down.
Mr. Kim also shows up, and as he orders the two brothers to be killed, Mahone shoots and kills him and then is killed himself.
Now, I'll go out on a limb: One of the brothers takes a bullet in the firefight. Linc makes the most sense as his story is coming to a close, but wouldn't it be a shock if Schofield goes down...?
Next season: Bellick and Sucre team up to hunt down T-Bag. The surviving brother works to get Sara out of prison. C-Note is needed for some reason or another and since Mahone is dead, he doesn't have to stay in Witness Protection.
The thing is about this show: none of what I wrote above will happen. They'll find a better way to tell the story.
I'm just happy the conspiracy storyline will end (damn! I didn't predict how that would happen: hmmm-- okay: Kellerman's first words on the witness stand after he takes the oath and says who he is, is: "Lincoln Burrows is innocent." and goes on to explain the conspiracy, but gets killed before he implicates anyone specifically).
Creator Paul Scheuring said over half the remaining cast will survive to next season, which is a greater number than expected.
Tuesday, 4/3
Deadliest Catch; Discovery. 8 pm CST. Season Premiere.
The third season of the risky crab fishing reality show begins.
The Shield; FX. 9 pm. Season premiere.
The sixth, and penultimate season begins with Vic on the rampage to find the person responsible for the death of a teammate. And he's going to be shocked when he finds out who it is. I've slipped on watching the series after the second season (I have the DVDs and tapes waiting to be watched), and I've heard each season is better than the last. Highly Recommended.
Wednesday, 4/4
In Performance at the White House; PBS. 7 pm (check local listings). Season Premiere.
Thursday, 4/5
NBC is doing its "super-size" nonsense again. Thankfully, the folks at The Office and Scrubs (as well as Earl) add actual worthy content-- unlike shows of yesteryear (Friends, Will & Grace). Speaking of The Office, the first new ep in a few weeks shows what happens now that Roy knows about Jim and Pam's kiss. And a new Scrubs has a person leaving the staff. Alas, Earl is a repeat, but it's a good one guest-starring Christian Slater and also has Randy seeing people as if they were Claymation characters.
Friday, 4/6
P. Diddy Presents the Bad Boys of Comedy; HBO. 11 pm. Season Premiere.
Because when I think of "bad boy", I think of "P. Diddy".
Standoff; FOX. 7 pm. Return.
What do this show's producers have on FOX? Pictures of FOX execs in compromising positions, possibly?
The Office's Jenna Fischer is a guest (along with Entourage's amazing Jeremy Piven) on The Tonight Show. She's there to talk Blades of Glory, but you just know Jay will ask about her TV show as well.
Saturday, 4/7
If Friday's Piven appearance on The Tonight Show isn't enough for you, the Saturday Night Live he hosted in January repeats Saturday. As SNL has done for my other favorites the past few years, it manages to make him just as unfunny as the rest of the cast (will NBC PLEASE just take this show out back and put it out of its misery already?)
It's puppypalooza on WE:
America's Cutest Puppies; WE. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Adventures in Doggie Daycare; WE. 8:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Sunday, 4/8
In probably the biggest night of the year since American Idol premiered, we get the final episodes of the season and the series of The Sopranos on HBO at 8 pm. Highly Recommended.
As icing on the cake, we also get the second half of the third season of Entourage on HBO at 9 pm. And the second layer of icing on top of that icing is the fact that not only are Vince, E., Drama, Turtle, and Ari coming back to our TV sets, but the new episode also has Carla Gugino's debut as Vince's new agent (Ari screwed up big-time, so Vince fired him last summer). Highly Recommended. [If you want to see what the buzz is about, most major retailers are selling the first 2 DVD seasons (as well as Tuesday's Season 3 Pt 1 DVD set) for less than $25 this week.]
I also want to make a recommendation that you check out new eps of Planet Earth on the Discovery Channel on Sundays (and try to catch the repeats all during the week on the Discovery Network Channels). I caught the first fifteen minutes of the premiere a few minutes ago and had to shut it off because I couldn't sit and watch it. It is AMAZING! Camera crews set up all around the world over five years and took absolutely breathtaking shots. I haven't missed the High Def channels I cancelled last year until this show. Something that looked as good as it did on my regular connection would be crazy-good in HD. Highly Recommended.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Premieres and Notables March 26- April 1, 2007
Monday, 3/26
Two episodes of Prison Break left. Everyone's going in different directions, which are all going to end up coming together. Season finale next week.
Tuesday, 3/27
The story point that caused a brief Friends-gasm is finally airing. Dirt has a special guest star in Jennifer Aniston, and she locks lips with Courtney Cox. I still don't think it is going to help this show get renewed.
Great American Dream Vote; ABC. 9 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Eight contestants compete to have their dreams come true, with voters deciding who gets their wish. [Thank God ABC has the most pilots in development for next season; if this is what they've got on the shelf for the rest of the year, I won't have any idea what to watch with my extra time.]
Driving Force; A&E. 9 & 9:30 pm CST. Season Premiere.
Thursday, 3/29
Don't forget: FIVE (repeat) episodes of The Office air on NBC tonight from 7-10 pm (except from 8:30-9). This HR-centric marathon is hosted by Paul "Toby" Lieberstein.
1000 Places to See Before You Die; Travel Channel. 8 & 9 Pm. Series Premiere.
This wildly ambitious (who thinks they'll get to place #1000?) show looks at Alaska in the pilot and then at Italy in the second ep.
Friday, 3/30
Raines moves to 8 pm Fridays.
Ultimate Coyote Ugly Search; CMT. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
Sunday, 4/1
Mind of Mencia; Comedy Central. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
The Tudors; Showtime. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
The early years of King Henry VIII. I've heard decent things about this show. Recommended.
Sons of Hollywood; A&E. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Randy Spelling and Sean Stewart (sons of Aaron Spelling and Rod Stewart) star in yet another reality series.
[Does anyone know if A&E still stands for "Arts and Entertainment"? Just curious.]
Jerry Seinfeld: The Comedian Award; HBO. 8 pm. Special.
This tribute (from November-- what the Hell was the wait?) is hosted by Anderson Cooper and has appearances by Chris Rock, Garry Shandling, and Robert Klein.
Two episodes of Prison Break left. Everyone's going in different directions, which are all going to end up coming together. Season finale next week.
Tuesday, 3/27
The story point that caused a brief Friends-gasm is finally airing. Dirt has a special guest star in Jennifer Aniston, and she locks lips with Courtney Cox. I still don't think it is going to help this show get renewed.
Great American Dream Vote; ABC. 9 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Eight contestants compete to have their dreams come true, with voters deciding who gets their wish. [Thank God ABC has the most pilots in development for next season; if this is what they've got on the shelf for the rest of the year, I won't have any idea what to watch with my extra time.]
Driving Force; A&E. 9 & 9:30 pm CST. Season Premiere.
Thursday, 3/29
Don't forget: FIVE (repeat) episodes of The Office air on NBC tonight from 7-10 pm (except from 8:30-9). This HR-centric marathon is hosted by Paul "Toby" Lieberstein.
1000 Places to See Before You Die; Travel Channel. 8 & 9 Pm. Series Premiere.
This wildly ambitious (who thinks they'll get to place #1000?) show looks at Alaska in the pilot and then at Italy in the second ep.
Friday, 3/30
Raines moves to 8 pm Fridays.
Ultimate Coyote Ugly Search; CMT. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
Sunday, 4/1
Mind of Mencia; Comedy Central. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
The Tudors; Showtime. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
The early years of King Henry VIII. I've heard decent things about this show. Recommended.
Sons of Hollywood; A&E. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Randy Spelling and Sean Stewart (sons of Aaron Spelling and Rod Stewart) star in yet another reality series.
[Does anyone know if A&E still stands for "Arts and Entertainment"? Just curious.]
Jerry Seinfeld: The Comedian Award; HBO. 8 pm. Special.
This tribute (from November-- what the Hell was the wait?) is hosted by Anderson Cooper and has appearances by Chris Rock, Garry Shandling, and Robert Klein.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
PRISON BREAK Renewed
In what I thought was already a done deal, Prison Break was officially renewed for a third season.
Here's a link to TV Guide's Matt Webb Mitovich's talk with Break creator Paul T. Sheuring about the next season. There aren't spoilers per se, but from reading between the lines, you will know of at least three characters who will survive to next season.
http://www.tvguide.com/News-Views/Interviews-Features/Article/default.aspx?posting={6777747F-5F75-4827-A0B8-63E69359E0D4}
I hope to give my predictions on what will happen the next two episodes, but, odds are, I'll run out of time. But if anyone has any predictions themselves, leave a comment.
Aaaaaand discuss...
Here's a link to TV Guide's Matt Webb Mitovich's talk with Break creator Paul T. Sheuring about the next season. There aren't spoilers per se, but from reading between the lines, you will know of at least three characters who will survive to next season.
http://www.tvguide.com/News-Views/Interviews-Features/Article/default.aspx?posting={6777747F-5F75-4827-A0B8-63E69359E0D4}
I hope to give my predictions on what will happen the next two episodes, but, odds are, I'll run out of time. But if anyone has any predictions themselves, leave a comment.
Aaaaaand discuss...
A Little EXTRA
Bad news time: Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant decided to not do another season of Extras. They'll close out the series just as they did The Office, with a special.
Neither would comment on how soon we'd see the finale.
It's a total bummer because I thought the second season (I've seen about half so far) was even better than the first.
But then any show which has a guy masturbating to a novelty pen has to jump to the top of anyone's favorite list...
Neither would comment on how soon we'd see the finale.
It's a total bummer because I thought the second season (I've seen about half so far) was even better than the first.
But then any show which has a guy masturbating to a novelty pen has to jump to the top of anyone's favorite list...
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Get Your Irish On
Yesterday was a Perfect Storm type of day for me.
The city I live in is called New London for 51 weeks out of the year. The week of St. Patrick's Day, though, it undergoes a change in style and name to New Dublin. All things Irish are celebrated in my little city, and it all culminates on the Saturday nearest St. Patrick's Day with a big parade and a few bands playing in a beer tent.
I hadn't really had any plans other than I knew I was going to watch the parade with the family. But then my wife went and got cash, so now I had some greenbacks in my pocket, the beer seemed to be going down the throat a little easier than usual, my in-laws told us to go to the tent after the parade, I saw one of my favorite people in the world (who even made a point to find me), and ran into two other very fun people I used to work with, and then we all partied right in front of this kick-ass Celtic Rock band called Reilly.
I can't say as I've heard much Celtic/Irish music, and I know Reilly is a bit of a departure from Traditional Celtic music, but, damn, if they weren't fun to listen to.
Like I said, a perfect storm: family, friends, beer, and rock.
Of course, every storm fades sometime. It happened about 8 pm, when I headed upstairs to my bedroom and went dead to the world until 3 am.
I'm such a wuss...
Hey, here's Reilly's webpage. Check it out:
http://www.reillyrocks.com/
The city I live in is called New London for 51 weeks out of the year. The week of St. Patrick's Day, though, it undergoes a change in style and name to New Dublin. All things Irish are celebrated in my little city, and it all culminates on the Saturday nearest St. Patrick's Day with a big parade and a few bands playing in a beer tent.
I hadn't really had any plans other than I knew I was going to watch the parade with the family. But then my wife went and got cash, so now I had some greenbacks in my pocket, the beer seemed to be going down the throat a little easier than usual, my in-laws told us to go to the tent after the parade, I saw one of my favorite people in the world (who even made a point to find me), and ran into two other very fun people I used to work with, and then we all partied right in front of this kick-ass Celtic Rock band called Reilly.
I can't say as I've heard much Celtic/Irish music, and I know Reilly is a bit of a departure from Traditional Celtic music, but, damn, if they weren't fun to listen to.
Like I said, a perfect storm: family, friends, beer, and rock.
Of course, every storm fades sometime. It happened about 8 pm, when I headed upstairs to my bedroom and went dead to the world until 3 am.
I'm such a wuss...
Hey, here's Reilly's webpage. Check it out:
http://www.reillyrocks.com/
24 Season Seven Plot?
If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll know about the rampant stupidity of Boston's reaction to the [adult swim] guerrilla marketing of the Aqua Teen Hunger Force movie.
But what if it was real? What if the Moonites really did plant a bomb? Who could possibly save the day? 24's Jack Bauer, of course.
National Lampoon gave us a taste of what it would be like in this less than 4 minute video:
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid203712201/bclid192880073/bctid474534652
But what if it was real? What if the Moonites really did plant a bomb? Who could possibly save the day? 24's Jack Bauer, of course.
National Lampoon gave us a taste of what it would be like in this less than 4 minute video:
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid203712201/bclid192880073/bctid474534652
Trend-setter hits 10 years
One of TV Guide critic Matt Roush's reader's offered up this question: has any show impacted the TV landscape to the extent Buffy The Vampie Slayer (which premiered ten years ago last week) has in the past ten years?
I found that to be an interesting question. While Buffy didn't hit the ratings jackpot, it certainly created/reconstructed how some stories could be told. Arguably, without Buffy there would be no Lost, Battlestar Galactica, Heroes, and Alias. The reader also went as far as saying Buffy's style also impacts multi-genre shows like Grey's Anatomy, Veronica Mars, and The O.C.
I'd have to agree with the argument (as Matt did; saying only The Sopranos has had as much an influence on the last decade of TV as Buffy).
Any thoughts?
BTW: the link to the article is below. The question posed above is at the end.
http://www.tvguide.com/News-Views/Columnists/Ask-Matt/Default.aspx#01heroes
I found that to be an interesting question. While Buffy didn't hit the ratings jackpot, it certainly created/reconstructed how some stories could be told. Arguably, without Buffy there would be no Lost, Battlestar Galactica, Heroes, and Alias. The reader also went as far as saying Buffy's style also impacts multi-genre shows like Grey's Anatomy, Veronica Mars, and The O.C.
I'd have to agree with the argument (as Matt did; saying only The Sopranos has had as much an influence on the last decade of TV as Buffy).
Any thoughts?
BTW: the link to the article is below. The question posed above is at the end.
http://www.tvguide.com/News-Views/Columnists/Ask-Matt/Default.aspx#01heroes
Premieres and Notables March 19-25, 2007
Monday, 3/19
Dancing With the Stars; ABC. 7 pm CST. Season Premiere.
I saw Billy Ray Cyrus in a publicity photo for the show. You'd think after the "Achy Breaky Mullet", he wouldn't take styling risks.
Tuesday 3/20
The Whitest Kids U'Know; Fuse. 10 pm CST. Series Premiere.
TV Guide said this show has the same type of comedy as Kids in the Hall-- but edgier. The mag also says it premieres Tuesday, but I checked my DVR scheduler, and there are episodes airing Sunday and Monday nights.
Tori & Dean: Inn Love; Oxygen. 9:30 CST. Series Premiere.
Newlyweds Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott open a bed and breakfast. And they brought the cameras along. For real...
Thursday, 3/22
Penn & Teller: Bull!; Showtime. 9 pm CST. Season Premiere.
I love this show. I wish I had Showtime again, so I wouldn't miss it. In the fifth season premiere, the guys tackle the country's obesity problem and go after "peddlers of diet misinformation".
This American Life; Showtime. 9:30 CST. Series Premiere.
Ira Glass brings his NPR program to the video screen.
Friday, 3/23
Six Degrees; ABC. 8:01 CST. Return
Critics usually find one or three shows every TV season to beat up on (they usually have good reason to). This was one of those shows for the current TV season. ABC either believes in this show, or it wanted to stick its tongue out at the people who snickered when the show was promised to return after it got pulled last Fall. Or maybe it just wants to keep creator J.J. Abrams happy.
Acceptable TV; VH1. 9 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Although I have banned the craptastic VH1 and MTV shows from this blog, I thought this would be of interest. Viewers can submit homemade shorts to this show, which will be aired along side professionally made sketches. I predict a lot of crap, but maybe some diamonds in the rough will pop up from time to time.
Sunday, 3/25
Planet Earth; Discovery. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
This 11-part series "examines Earth's habitats and wildlife by touring more than 200 locations around the globe".
Gene Simmons Family Jewels; A&E. 8 pm Season premiere.
The season begins as that wacky Gene searches for his missing costume and not-wife Shannon takes a pregnancy test.
Finale-a-palooza: Rome and Slings and Arrows go to that TV network in the sky with their series finales, Battlestar Galactica (whose finale is supposed to rock-- I've heard how big it is for months now) and The L Word just have season finales, and Grease: You're the One That I Want and Surreal Life Fame Games will, hopefully, never pollute the airwaves again.
Dancing With the Stars; ABC. 7 pm CST. Season Premiere.
I saw Billy Ray Cyrus in a publicity photo for the show. You'd think after the "Achy Breaky Mullet", he wouldn't take styling risks.
Tuesday 3/20
The Whitest Kids U'Know; Fuse. 10 pm CST. Series Premiere.
TV Guide said this show has the same type of comedy as Kids in the Hall-- but edgier. The mag also says it premieres Tuesday, but I checked my DVR scheduler, and there are episodes airing Sunday and Monday nights.
Tori & Dean: Inn Love; Oxygen. 9:30 CST. Series Premiere.
Newlyweds Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott open a bed and breakfast. And they brought the cameras along. For real...
Thursday, 3/22
Penn & Teller: Bull!; Showtime. 9 pm CST. Season Premiere.
I love this show. I wish I had Showtime again, so I wouldn't miss it. In the fifth season premiere, the guys tackle the country's obesity problem and go after "peddlers of diet misinformation".
This American Life; Showtime. 9:30 CST. Series Premiere.
Ira Glass brings his NPR program to the video screen.
Friday, 3/23
Six Degrees; ABC. 8:01 CST. Return
Critics usually find one or three shows every TV season to beat up on (they usually have good reason to). This was one of those shows for the current TV season. ABC either believes in this show, or it wanted to stick its tongue out at the people who snickered when the show was promised to return after it got pulled last Fall. Or maybe it just wants to keep creator J.J. Abrams happy.
Acceptable TV; VH1. 9 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Although I have banned the craptastic VH1 and MTV shows from this blog, I thought this would be of interest. Viewers can submit homemade shorts to this show, which will be aired along side professionally made sketches. I predict a lot of crap, but maybe some diamonds in the rough will pop up from time to time.
Sunday, 3/25
Planet Earth; Discovery. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
This 11-part series "examines Earth's habitats and wildlife by touring more than 200 locations around the globe".
Gene Simmons Family Jewels; A&E. 8 pm Season premiere.
The season begins as that wacky Gene searches for his missing costume and not-wife Shannon takes a pregnancy test.
Finale-a-palooza: Rome and Slings and Arrows go to that TV network in the sky with their series finales, Battlestar Galactica (whose finale is supposed to rock-- I've heard how big it is for months now) and The L Word just have season finales, and Grease: You're the One That I Want and Surreal Life Fame Games will, hopefully, never pollute the airwaves again.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Racing Reality
Here's a link to TV Guide dot com's news about ABC's new celeb reality racing show Fast Cars and Superstars.
Brian: you definitely need to check it out. You'll like at least one of the celebs.
Me? I'm pumped to see Shatner mashing the pedal to the floor. The WWE's John Cena should be entertaining as well (the dude is funny).
http://community.tvguide.com/thread.jspa?threadID=800010733
for more info, here's another link:
http://www.tvguide.com/News-Views/Interviews-Features/Article/default.aspx?posting={B8AF9929-B069-431E-B78A-CADF5BC0298C}
Brian: you definitely need to check it out. You'll like at least one of the celebs.
Me? I'm pumped to see Shatner mashing the pedal to the floor. The WWE's John Cena should be entertaining as well (the dude is funny).
http://community.tvguide.com/thread.jspa?threadID=800010733
for more info, here's another link:
http://www.tvguide.com/News-Views/Interviews-Features/Article/default.aspx?posting={B8AF9929-B069-431E-B78A-CADF5BC0298C}
More Van Halen HoF Induction Thoughts
After a lively communication via e-mail today with my music guru, Brian, I thought I should follow-up on with some comments about the post I made last night after the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
Brian told me that the bit at the end of Velvet Revolver's rendition of "Ain't Talkin' About Love" was supposed to be "Runaround". I've been a hardcore VH fan for 20 years, and I must have heard that song hundreds of times. The fact that I couldn't recognize the song when VR performed it means it was a complete botch-job. I'm sure VR is a good band. I've heard good things about them, and they do have some talent just on reputation. But if they couldn't do a recognizable rendition with a few weeks preparation, then they shouldn't have made the attempt.
Brian also gave me the idea to make sure Paul Schaffer got props for the obviously last-minute addition of "Why Can't This Be Love?" that Sammy and Mike performed with Schaffer and his CBS band. The word I got was that Sam & Mike were not going to be able to perform because the rets of the band wasn't going to attend. Schaffer, presumably, pulled some strings and allowed the two to bask in the moment and take the stage just as the others inductees got to. That's a classy move right there, and I gained much respect for Letterman's "sidekick" from that.
Also, I know I've been pretty snarky about Eddie's timing on his latest rehab stint in previous posts, but I do want to make clear that he IS in rehab, and from what Sam & Mike alluded to last night, he needed it. I do wish the guy luck and success. When he returns, hopefully clean and sober, there will still be problems, but maybe they can be worked on and the fans can get what they've been craving for over 20 years: a reunion and tour with Roth. Talent like Eddie's should not go to waste. I feel like his latest work was his best (the Van Halen 3 work; not the Hagar reunion work). He should not be relegated to soft-core porn soundtracks like he did last year. Hell, I didn't even buy the porno, and I bought the awful Wild Life movie Eddie did the soundtrack to in the '80s.
Brian told me that the bit at the end of Velvet Revolver's rendition of "Ain't Talkin' About Love" was supposed to be "Runaround". I've been a hardcore VH fan for 20 years, and I must have heard that song hundreds of times. The fact that I couldn't recognize the song when VR performed it means it was a complete botch-job. I'm sure VR is a good band. I've heard good things about them, and they do have some talent just on reputation. But if they couldn't do a recognizable rendition with a few weeks preparation, then they shouldn't have made the attempt.
Brian also gave me the idea to make sure Paul Schaffer got props for the obviously last-minute addition of "Why Can't This Be Love?" that Sammy and Mike performed with Schaffer and his CBS band. The word I got was that Sam & Mike were not going to be able to perform because the rets of the band wasn't going to attend. Schaffer, presumably, pulled some strings and allowed the two to bask in the moment and take the stage just as the others inductees got to. That's a classy move right there, and I gained much respect for Letterman's "sidekick" from that.
Also, I know I've been pretty snarky about Eddie's timing on his latest rehab stint in previous posts, but I do want to make clear that he IS in rehab, and from what Sam & Mike alluded to last night, he needed it. I do wish the guy luck and success. When he returns, hopefully clean and sober, there will still be problems, but maybe they can be worked on and the fans can get what they've been craving for over 20 years: a reunion and tour with Roth. Talent like Eddie's should not go to waste. I feel like his latest work was his best (the Van Halen 3 work; not the Hagar reunion work). He should not be relegated to soft-core porn soundtracks like he did last year. Hell, I didn't even buy the porno, and I bought the awful Wild Life movie Eddie did the soundtrack to in the '80s.
Monday, March 12, 2007
A Class Act
I'm a huge Van Halen fan. Have been for 20 years (I "discovered" them in 1987, and yes, that puts me in the Sammy camp). Admittedly when Sammy left/got booted from the band, some of the magic was lost. I was excited Gary Cherone got the gig after Sammy, but that fell flat (no fault of Gary's). Then the breakups and makeups. The "almost reunions" and then nothing from the Van Halen Bros for so long. Mike getting the boot for daring to go on tour with Hagar (like he was just supposed to sit around for almost a decade). And then the past two months...
But to say I was excited the band finally got into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a little of an understatement (even though I think the whole thing is a farce at times).
Of course, drama seems to plague the band. First Roth and Sammy joked that "who knows what'll happen" at the induction, hinting that there could be some good backstage antics/fights. Then Van Halen announced a tour with Roth, but without Mike. Then Ed and Alex weren't going to go to the induction. Then Dave hemmed and hawed (yeah, like Roth would ever shy from the spotlight). Then Ed announced he was going into rehab. Then Dave said if he couldn't sing with Velvet Revolver (the band that was tapped to play VH songs at the induction), he wasn't going. The only thing anyone knew for sure was that Sammy and Mike were going to be there.
Frankly, I was tired of it all. It's a big honor, and some of the children weren't going. It's embarrassing that Van Halen has become a punchline as opposed to just being the best band in the world/universe. I was pretty soured by it (and the past ten years of B.S.).
But as I FF'ed through the 4+ hrs of the live induction ceremony, I stopped at the part I was interested in: the Van Halen induction. The opening "package" reminded me that this band was it in their heyday. When these guys got together, magic happened.
After the package, the members of Velvet Revolver introduced the band as inductees into the Hall. Why this band was chosen, I can't guess. It was like watching five clowns behind the podium. Thank God they weren't drunk (or didn't act like it).
As expected, only Sammy and Mike were there to accept the honor (I can't believe Roth didn't show, but maybe he was discouraged from attending by the Brothers Van Halen). Mike started out by thanking the people and the band members who helped make the band what it was. You saw real emotion there. This guy got what it was all about-- a celebration of the accomplishments a band he was in had. He wished Eddie luck (maybe there really is something to the whole rehab thing-- I admit I thought it was an excuse to not attend). He also gave a shout out to Gary Cherone, which was a classy move. He said Gary was a part of the band, so he deserved some recognition. Poor Gary has been erased from existence (think you'll ever see a Cherone song on a future VH "Best Of"? Don't hold your breath), and that's tragic.
After Mike spoke, Sammy said some words. He, too, wished Eddie luck. He also expressed how honored he was that he was included. One of the B.S. parts of The RnR Hall of Fame is they can induct certain lineups and exclude others (for example: Gary didn't get an award). And not including Hagar could have happened-- especially since Van Halen pulled Roth back into the fold for a tour as the inductees were announced. Hagar knew the worth of the honor as well.
Which is what's so disappointing that Dave, Alex, and Ed didn't show. You get inducted once. Maybe Ed & Alex can be inducted with the Gary lineup, but I'm not thinking that'll happen. And while I like some of Dave's solo stuff, I don't think that'll be his second-chance ticket into the Hall. Childish antics robbed them of a chance to be honored by their peers.
Back to the show: after Sammy and Mike left the stage, Velvet Revolver sang "Ain't Talkin' Bout Love". I'll give the band the benefit of the doubt and say the mix sucked. If you're a fan of cymbals, then the performance was for you. If you like vocals, then you were out of luck because the mic was turned way down. And Weiland's movements were unnerving and distracting. Are we sure he's not on the nose-candy again?
After VR left the stage, Paul Schaffer's band (with Mike on bass) backed up Sammy in a rendition of "Why Can't This Be Love?". Again, the mix sucked. And I know Schaffer's band isn't hard rock (although Paul does have a healthy appreciation for bands such as Van Halen), but horns during the song? Didn't work. But at least Sam and Mike got to do their thing on stage. That could have been a last-minute addition as VR was supposed to play Hagar-era song "Runaround". And Dave's comments that he wasn't going to attend because he couldn't sing also lead me to believe that last-second changes were made.
And at the end of the show, we got to see the jam song, where the inductees and presenters (except Velvet Revolver) all come together. Sammy got some good solo time-- and I could actually hear him.
After they were inducted, we got to see a little bit of Mike and Sammy in the press area. They looked to be on top of the world posing for the cameras. And while I couldn't hear some of the questions, it looked as if Mike was explaining why he was booted from the band. His answer: an incredulous "I don't know". Sammy also answered a reunion question by saying Roth needs to go out on tour with the band. When that one's done, everyone needs to grow up-- himself included-- and go out together; he and Dave and the others.
It'll never happen, but it was a nice thing to say, and a nice dream to give a guy after 20 years.
But to say I was excited the band finally got into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a little of an understatement (even though I think the whole thing is a farce at times).
Of course, drama seems to plague the band. First Roth and Sammy joked that "who knows what'll happen" at the induction, hinting that there could be some good backstage antics/fights. Then Van Halen announced a tour with Roth, but without Mike. Then Ed and Alex weren't going to go to the induction. Then Dave hemmed and hawed (yeah, like Roth would ever shy from the spotlight). Then Ed announced he was going into rehab. Then Dave said if he couldn't sing with Velvet Revolver (the band that was tapped to play VH songs at the induction), he wasn't going. The only thing anyone knew for sure was that Sammy and Mike were going to be there.
Frankly, I was tired of it all. It's a big honor, and some of the children weren't going. It's embarrassing that Van Halen has become a punchline as opposed to just being the best band in the world/universe. I was pretty soured by it (and the past ten years of B.S.).
But as I FF'ed through the 4+ hrs of the live induction ceremony, I stopped at the part I was interested in: the Van Halen induction. The opening "package" reminded me that this band was it in their heyday. When these guys got together, magic happened.
After the package, the members of Velvet Revolver introduced the band as inductees into the Hall. Why this band was chosen, I can't guess. It was like watching five clowns behind the podium. Thank God they weren't drunk (or didn't act like it).
As expected, only Sammy and Mike were there to accept the honor (I can't believe Roth didn't show, but maybe he was discouraged from attending by the Brothers Van Halen). Mike started out by thanking the people and the band members who helped make the band what it was. You saw real emotion there. This guy got what it was all about-- a celebration of the accomplishments a band he was in had. He wished Eddie luck (maybe there really is something to the whole rehab thing-- I admit I thought it was an excuse to not attend). He also gave a shout out to Gary Cherone, which was a classy move. He said Gary was a part of the band, so he deserved some recognition. Poor Gary has been erased from existence (think you'll ever see a Cherone song on a future VH "Best Of"? Don't hold your breath), and that's tragic.
After Mike spoke, Sammy said some words. He, too, wished Eddie luck. He also expressed how honored he was that he was included. One of the B.S. parts of The RnR Hall of Fame is they can induct certain lineups and exclude others (for example: Gary didn't get an award). And not including Hagar could have happened-- especially since Van Halen pulled Roth back into the fold for a tour as the inductees were announced. Hagar knew the worth of the honor as well.
Which is what's so disappointing that Dave, Alex, and Ed didn't show. You get inducted once. Maybe Ed & Alex can be inducted with the Gary lineup, but I'm not thinking that'll happen. And while I like some of Dave's solo stuff, I don't think that'll be his second-chance ticket into the Hall. Childish antics robbed them of a chance to be honored by their peers.
Back to the show: after Sammy and Mike left the stage, Velvet Revolver sang "Ain't Talkin' Bout Love". I'll give the band the benefit of the doubt and say the mix sucked. If you're a fan of cymbals, then the performance was for you. If you like vocals, then you were out of luck because the mic was turned way down. And Weiland's movements were unnerving and distracting. Are we sure he's not on the nose-candy again?
After VR left the stage, Paul Schaffer's band (with Mike on bass) backed up Sammy in a rendition of "Why Can't This Be Love?". Again, the mix sucked. And I know Schaffer's band isn't hard rock (although Paul does have a healthy appreciation for bands such as Van Halen), but horns during the song? Didn't work. But at least Sam and Mike got to do their thing on stage. That could have been a last-minute addition as VR was supposed to play Hagar-era song "Runaround". And Dave's comments that he wasn't going to attend because he couldn't sing also lead me to believe that last-second changes were made.
And at the end of the show, we got to see the jam song, where the inductees and presenters (except Velvet Revolver) all come together. Sammy got some good solo time-- and I could actually hear him.
After they were inducted, we got to see a little bit of Mike and Sammy in the press area. They looked to be on top of the world posing for the cameras. And while I couldn't hear some of the questions, it looked as if Mike was explaining why he was booted from the band. His answer: an incredulous "I don't know". Sammy also answered a reunion question by saying Roth needs to go out on tour with the band. When that one's done, everyone needs to grow up-- himself included-- and go out together; he and Dave and the others.
It'll never happen, but it was a nice thing to say, and a nice dream to give a guy after 20 years.
300 reasons to see 300
I don't get pumped up for movies. I've found that if I keep my expectations low, I'm much more satisfied (how do you think I got through Star Wars Episode 1?).
But ever since I saw the 300 trailer, when Leonidas screams, "We are Sparta!" and kicks the Persian messenger into the well, I knew I needed to see this movie.
I watched it last night, and I have to say I was not disappointed in the least.
Here are 300 reasons to see this movie (no real spoilers here):
1. Gerard Butler kicks all sorts of ass.
2. The Spartans have funny phrases and act like any action heroes do-- but I actually believed it when they laughed at death instead of thinking it was the usual heroic posturing.
3. Visually stupendous (there were no sets; just actors and a green screen).
4. If your favorite color is red, you'll see lots of it.
5. For the ladies: the Spartans wore loincloths and capes in battle.
6. For the guys: the ladies didn't wear much more.
7. A movie based on a graphic novel without the requisite cartoony stuff-- and the movie wasn't as full of itself as, say, Sin City was.
8. "Then we'll fight in the shade."
9. Leonidas eating an apple while his men are making sure the piles of bodies contain dead opponents.
10. The wall the Spartans build before "The Immortals" arrive.
11. Leonidas would make Arnie, Stallone, and Eastwood piss their pants.
12. Xerxes' travelling throne.
13. The men laughing while being bombarded by arrows.
14. Learn about anatomy as various body parts are split from the torso.
15-299. It just plain kicks ass.
300. "We are Sparta!"
Seriously, I wish I could write more, but I don't have time. Maybe after my friend, Tom, sees it this week, he'll fire my memory up a little more, but I just wanted to put it out there that this is a must see movie.
Note: If you haven't heard, it's pretty violent, so if that kinda thing makes you queasy, you may want to pass.
But ever since I saw the 300 trailer, when Leonidas screams, "We are Sparta!" and kicks the Persian messenger into the well, I knew I needed to see this movie.
I watched it last night, and I have to say I was not disappointed in the least.
Here are 300 reasons to see this movie (no real spoilers here):
1. Gerard Butler kicks all sorts of ass.
2. The Spartans have funny phrases and act like any action heroes do-- but I actually believed it when they laughed at death instead of thinking it was the usual heroic posturing.
3. Visually stupendous (there were no sets; just actors and a green screen).
4. If your favorite color is red, you'll see lots of it.
5. For the ladies: the Spartans wore loincloths and capes in battle.
6. For the guys: the ladies didn't wear much more.
7. A movie based on a graphic novel without the requisite cartoony stuff-- and the movie wasn't as full of itself as, say, Sin City was.
8. "Then we'll fight in the shade."
9. Leonidas eating an apple while his men are making sure the piles of bodies contain dead opponents.
10. The wall the Spartans build before "The Immortals" arrive.
11. Leonidas would make Arnie, Stallone, and Eastwood piss their pants.
12. Xerxes' travelling throne.
13. The men laughing while being bombarded by arrows.
14. Learn about anatomy as various body parts are split from the torso.
15-299. It just plain kicks ass.
300. "We are Sparta!"
Seriously, I wish I could write more, but I don't have time. Maybe after my friend, Tom, sees it this week, he'll fire my memory up a little more, but I just wanted to put it out there that this is a must see movie.
Note: If you haven't heard, it's pretty violent, so if that kinda thing makes you queasy, you may want to pass.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Did you listen?
I just finished watching Frisky Dingo episode 2 ("Meet Awesome X"), and I was reminded how freakin' hilarious that show is. Hopefully you took my advice last week and watched it.
I can't describe it; ya just need to watch. Definitely catch this episode, though.
"You paid five million dollars for a blow job?"
See if YouTube has it...
I can't describe it; ya just need to watch. Definitely catch this episode, though.
"You paid five million dollars for a blow job?"
See if YouTube has it...
Premieres and Notables March 12-18, 2007
Quite a bit of stuff to get to. Here goes:
Monday, 3/12
The Prisoner airs on BBC America every weekday for the next 17 days at 3 pm CST. I happy I can finally catch this classic mystery-drama from the beginning.
Style Her Famous; Style. 9 pm CST. Season Premiere.
And while I heard the movie isn't that great, A&E is airing Kings of South Beach at 8 pm. It's notable because two stars of the much-missed Boomtown (Donnie Wahlberg and Jason Gedrick) star in it.
The Riches; FX. 9 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver star in this show about a family of con-artists who move into the house of a dead couple and take on their identities. Sure, Dirt let us down, but since this is an FX show, it's recommended.
And even though some members of Van Halen are being dicks (*cough* Eddie *cough*) and won't show, Sammy and Mike will still be there, watching Velvet Revolver perform some of their hits on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony airing on VH1 Classic at 7:30 pm CST. Watch it here as it's live. Who knows what will be cut out when the official broadcast airs later in the week?
[Official note: The offical word is Eddie Van Halen is going/has checked himself into rehab, so he can't attend the ceremony. My best wishes to him. Although, it's awfully suspect timing, don't you say?]
Tuesday, 3/13
Bullrun; Spike. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Described as The Amazing Race meets Cannonball Run, so it's sounds interesting. But it airs on Spike and is hosted by Bill Goldberg, so it'll probably crash and burn.
American Heiress; MyNetwork TV. 7-9 pm CST. Series Premiere.
I smell something. Oh yeah: crap.
The real American Idol begins tonight as they've actually finally gotten to the Final 12 after 2 months.
Wednesday, 3/14
Saint and Sinners; MyNetworkTV. 7-9 pm CST. Series Premiere.
More crap.
Jon Stewart is the guest on this week's Sit Down Comedy with David Steinberg (TV Land, 9 pm).
Halfway Home; Comedy Central. 9:30 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Another improvised comedy show. This one is based in a halfway house for paroles.
Thursday, 3/15
As I noted in a previous post, The Office (NBC, 7 & 7:30) is airing repeats, but ones that have been reworked to include new footage.
Andy Barker, P.I.; NBC. 8:30 CST. Series Premiere.
I've liked Andy Richter's shows in the past, but I've been reading that this newest show isn't as good as 30 Rock, and that's saying something because Rock's pretty uneven.
Raines; NBC. 9:01 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Jeff Goldblum stars as a homicide detective who imagines the victims in his investigations are speaking to him, trying to help him solve the murders.
October Road; ABC. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A young author returns to his hometown after ten years.
The Showbiz Show with David Spade; Comedy Central. 9:30 CST. Season Premiere.
Spade normally grows old fast, but this show is a hilarious enough send-up of the ridiculous entertainment shows (Entertainment Weekly, Access Hollywood, The Inside) that by the time the half-hour is up, I kinda miss him. Highly recommended.
Addiction; HBO. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
The beginning of a 14-part documentary series (made up of different specials) looking at substance dependency and addictive behaviors.
Friday, 3/16
Identity; NBC. 8 pm. Return.
The Penn Jillette-hosted game show returns for a seven week run.
Saturday, 3/17
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony; Vh1. 8 pm. Special
The "official" broadcast of Monday's ceremony. Should have the extraneous things clipped out, but not the "live" moments (you know someone's gonna drop the F-Bomb).
Hellboy: Blood and Iron; Cartoon Network. 6 pm. Special
The second animated sequel to the motion picture airs before you can buy it on DVD.
Sunday, 3/18
Galapagos; National Geographic. 7-10 pm CST. Special.
A look at the ecosystem that helped Darwin form his theories on evolution.
Christopher Titus: The 5th Annual End of the World Tour; Comedy Central. 9 pm. Special.
Get your fix of Titus that has been missing since his sitcom was canned.
And the top-notch supermarket hostage episode of Desperate Housewives repeats tonight (ABC, 8 pm). If you gave up on the show after last season (I don't blame you), check this one out and see what you've been missing. Laurie Metcalf better get an Emmy nom from this.
Monday, 3/12
The Prisoner airs on BBC America every weekday for the next 17 days at 3 pm CST. I happy I can finally catch this classic mystery-drama from the beginning.
Style Her Famous; Style. 9 pm CST. Season Premiere.
And while I heard the movie isn't that great, A&E is airing Kings of South Beach at 8 pm. It's notable because two stars of the much-missed Boomtown (Donnie Wahlberg and Jason Gedrick) star in it.
The Riches; FX. 9 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver star in this show about a family of con-artists who move into the house of a dead couple and take on their identities. Sure, Dirt let us down, but since this is an FX show, it's recommended.
And even though some members of Van Halen are being dicks (*cough* Eddie *cough*) and won't show, Sammy and Mike will still be there, watching Velvet Revolver perform some of their hits on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony airing on VH1 Classic at 7:30 pm CST. Watch it here as it's live. Who knows what will be cut out when the official broadcast airs later in the week?
[Official note: The offical word is Eddie Van Halen is going/has checked himself into rehab, so he can't attend the ceremony. My best wishes to him. Although, it's awfully suspect timing, don't you say?]
Tuesday, 3/13
Bullrun; Spike. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Described as The Amazing Race meets Cannonball Run, so it's sounds interesting. But it airs on Spike and is hosted by Bill Goldberg, so it'll probably crash and burn.
American Heiress; MyNetwork TV. 7-9 pm CST. Series Premiere.
I smell something. Oh yeah: crap.
The real American Idol begins tonight as they've actually finally gotten to the Final 12 after 2 months.
Wednesday, 3/14
Saint and Sinners; MyNetworkTV. 7-9 pm CST. Series Premiere.
More crap.
Jon Stewart is the guest on this week's Sit Down Comedy with David Steinberg (TV Land, 9 pm).
Halfway Home; Comedy Central. 9:30 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Another improvised comedy show. This one is based in a halfway house for paroles.
Thursday, 3/15
As I noted in a previous post, The Office (NBC, 7 & 7:30) is airing repeats, but ones that have been reworked to include new footage.
Andy Barker, P.I.; NBC. 8:30 CST. Series Premiere.
I've liked Andy Richter's shows in the past, but I've been reading that this newest show isn't as good as 30 Rock, and that's saying something because Rock's pretty uneven.
Raines; NBC. 9:01 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Jeff Goldblum stars as a homicide detective who imagines the victims in his investigations are speaking to him, trying to help him solve the murders.
October Road; ABC. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A young author returns to his hometown after ten years.
The Showbiz Show with David Spade; Comedy Central. 9:30 CST. Season Premiere.
Spade normally grows old fast, but this show is a hilarious enough send-up of the ridiculous entertainment shows (Entertainment Weekly, Access Hollywood, The Inside) that by the time the half-hour is up, I kinda miss him. Highly recommended.
Addiction; HBO. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
The beginning of a 14-part documentary series (made up of different specials) looking at substance dependency and addictive behaviors.
Friday, 3/16
Identity; NBC. 8 pm. Return.
The Penn Jillette-hosted game show returns for a seven week run.
Saturday, 3/17
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony; Vh1. 8 pm. Special
The "official" broadcast of Monday's ceremony. Should have the extraneous things clipped out, but not the "live" moments (you know someone's gonna drop the F-Bomb).
Hellboy: Blood and Iron; Cartoon Network. 6 pm. Special
The second animated sequel to the motion picture airs before you can buy it on DVD.
Sunday, 3/18
Galapagos; National Geographic. 7-10 pm CST. Special.
A look at the ecosystem that helped Darwin form his theories on evolution.
Christopher Titus: The 5th Annual End of the World Tour; Comedy Central. 9 pm. Special.
Get your fix of Titus that has been missing since his sitcom was canned.
And the top-notch supermarket hostage episode of Desperate Housewives repeats tonight (ABC, 8 pm). If you gave up on the show after last season (I don't blame you), check this one out and see what you've been missing. Laurie Metcalf better get an Emmy nom from this.
OFFICE new-peats
In an effort to freshen up the repeat doldrums of March, producers of The Office have re-edited two previously aired episodes ("Traveling Salesman" and "The Return") and added previously unseen footage for the March 15 airings.
So, while you've seen the episodes before, you haven't seen them quite like this.
My DVR is considering the episodes repeats, so if you use one yourself, you may want to double-check that the episodes will record.
Also, Paul Leiberstein ("Toby") will host a five-episode "Human Resource Nightmare" marathon on March 29 (the episodes will air around Andy Barker, P.I.).
So, while you've seen the episodes before, you haven't seen them quite like this.
My DVR is considering the episodes repeats, so if you use one yourself, you may want to double-check that the episodes will record.
Also, Paul Leiberstein ("Toby") will host a five-episode "Human Resource Nightmare" marathon on March 29 (the episodes will air around Andy Barker, P.I.).
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Music to Melt Your Face
I've recently had to relocate to a new building/city for my job. One of the perks of the new place is a workout room. So I've decided to take advantage of it.
I flipped through some of the mix CDs and tapes the room had. "Joe's Workout '98", " '80s Dance", and "Rob's Party Mix" just weren't gonna do it for me. I needed some way to let people know I am a hardcore badass-- even though my abdomen screams: "Eight months pregnant".
I needed to make my own mix CD.
But I had rules: nothing expected (sorry Metallica) or too profane (Disturbed's "Sickness"), or something too "poppy" (311's "Down"). And I needed to spread the love a little; no more than one song per CD; no duplicate artists (except Van Halen; but I had different singers for that one and Anthrax because I had enough room for two). No, I needed heavy songs that will make people stand up and notice (and have a few favorites thrown in as well); songs that would up the blood pressure before I even got on a machine. I think I made the perfect CD for my needs: 79:50 minutes of attitude.
Let me know what you think:
1. "Gravity", Nuno; Schizophonic
2. "Only", Anthrax; Sound of White Noise
3. "Serious Juju" (radio edit), Sammy Hagar; "Serious Juju" Single
4. "Symphony of Destruction", Megadeth; Countdown to Extinction
5. "Cult of Personality", Living Color; Vivid
6. "Bawitdaba", Kid Rock; Devil Without a Cause
7. "Wild Thing", Sam Kinison; Have You Seen Me Lately
8. "Unchained", Van Halen; Best of Both Worlds
9. "Come Out and Play", Offspring; Smash
10. "Different Breed", Dead On; Shocker Soundtrack
11. "Bring the Noise", Anthrax (with Public Enemy); Attack of the Killer A's
12. "Break Down the Wall" (Chris Jericho); WWF The Music Vol 4
13. "Thunder Kiss '65" (LP version), White Zombie; Nightcrawlers: the KMFDM Remixes
14. "Spacelord", Monster Magnet; Powertrip
15. "Humans Being", Van Halen; Best of Volume 1
16. "Rusty Cage", Soundgarden; Badmotorfinger
17. "Shame", Stabbing Westward; Wither Blister Burn + Peel
18. "Unholy", KISS; Revenge
19. "Mouth of War", Pantera; Vulgar Display of Power
I flipped through some of the mix CDs and tapes the room had. "Joe's Workout '98", " '80s Dance", and "Rob's Party Mix" just weren't gonna do it for me. I needed some way to let people know I am a hardcore badass-- even though my abdomen screams: "Eight months pregnant".
I needed to make my own mix CD.
But I had rules: nothing expected (sorry Metallica) or too profane (Disturbed's "Sickness"), or something too "poppy" (311's "Down"). And I needed to spread the love a little; no more than one song per CD; no duplicate artists (except Van Halen; but I had different singers for that one and Anthrax because I had enough room for two). No, I needed heavy songs that will make people stand up and notice (and have a few favorites thrown in as well); songs that would up the blood pressure before I even got on a machine. I think I made the perfect CD for my needs: 79:50 minutes of attitude.
Let me know what you think:
1. "Gravity", Nuno; Schizophonic
2. "Only", Anthrax; Sound of White Noise
3. "Serious Juju" (radio edit), Sammy Hagar; "Serious Juju" Single
4. "Symphony of Destruction", Megadeth; Countdown to Extinction
5. "Cult of Personality", Living Color; Vivid
6. "Bawitdaba", Kid Rock; Devil Without a Cause
7. "Wild Thing", Sam Kinison; Have You Seen Me Lately
8. "Unchained", Van Halen; Best of Both Worlds
9. "Come Out and Play", Offspring; Smash
10. "Different Breed", Dead On; Shocker Soundtrack
11. "Bring the Noise", Anthrax (with Public Enemy); Attack of the Killer A's
12. "Break Down the Wall" (Chris Jericho); WWF The Music Vol 4
13. "Thunder Kiss '65" (LP version), White Zombie; Nightcrawlers: the KMFDM Remixes
14. "Spacelord", Monster Magnet; Powertrip
15. "Humans Being", Van Halen; Best of Volume 1
16. "Rusty Cage", Soundgarden; Badmotorfinger
17. "Shame", Stabbing Westward; Wither Blister Burn + Peel
18. "Unholy", KISS; Revenge
19. "Mouth of War", Pantera; Vulgar Display of Power
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Rock is back
I just read this on THE ONION's website. Classic...
http://www.theonion.com/content/news/unreleased_jimmy_page_guitar_riff
http://www.theonion.com/content/news/unreleased_jimmy_page_guitar_riff
KNIGHTS Tabled
ABC has benched Knights of Prosperity effective immediately. There are four unaired epiosdes in the can and nine scripts that are still on order, so it's possible it may return. But its (painfully low) 4.2 million member audience was too small to continue right now. The ABC classics (*snicker*) According to Jim and George Lopez will fill the timeslot for the time being.
This development is a disappointment. Knights is an odd duck, but I think it had a lot of heart. I found it along the lines of My Name is Earl with the ability to continue to tell stories based around a very limited premise.
This development is a disappointment. Knights is an odd duck, but I think it had a lot of heart. I found it along the lines of My Name is Earl with the ability to continue to tell stories based around a very limited premise.
Monday, March 05, 2007
ROCKETMAN Repeats
The six-hour Rocketman mini-series/season repeats on BBC America on Wed and Thurs from 2-5 am CST.
I watched the first hour, and was very moved by the emotional impact it had on me. I didn't get the chance to watch the last 5 episodes, but I hope to get to them soon.
The show follows the efforts of a widower who is trying to launch a rocket that will take his wife's ashes out into space. The first episode was very moving, and I'll admit, it brought tears to my eyes on a few occassions. While the man tries to fulfill his promise to his dead wife to get her into space, he has all but abandoned his two children. Their attempts to get him to remember they were still alive were heartbreaking.
Anyway, take some time and check it out. It's only six hours (five or less when you take out the commercials).
I watched the first hour, and was very moved by the emotional impact it had on me. I didn't get the chance to watch the last 5 episodes, but I hope to get to them soon.
The show follows the efforts of a widower who is trying to launch a rocket that will take his wife's ashes out into space. The first episode was very moving, and I'll admit, it brought tears to my eyes on a few occassions. While the man tries to fulfill his promise to his dead wife to get her into space, he has all but abandoned his two children. Their attempts to get him to remember they were still alive were heartbreaking.
Anyway, take some time and check it out. It's only six hours (five or less when you take out the commercials).
STAR WAAAAARS! Nothing but STAAAR WAAAARS! Pt 1: Legacy of the Force
I've had trouble in the past trying to follow the Star Wars Universe. The sheer volume of books, comics, games, and everything else makes it virtually impossible to keep track of everything. I certainly gave up when 2-3 books every month were published back in the late '90s. I just couldn't afford it. And the comics I kept buying kept piling up, and I used the backlog I had as an excuse to stop buying (always with the intention of buying the trade paperback that collected the stories).
But over the past two months, I dove into the expanded (non-movie) universe in a big way. Let's start with some books:
It started last Spring, when I read some great books that were accessible to someone who'd been away for years like I had. And then, last Fall, I read the first of the Legacy of the Force books: Betrayal. I wrote about it here:
http://teameck.blogspot.com/2006/08/disturbance-in-force.html
I didn't give away the big spoiler in my original post, but it's been six months, and in order to explain the next two books, I need to reveal the big betrayal.
Spoilers follow...
At the end of Betrayal, Jacen Solo ran into former Darth Vader apprentice Lumiya with his cousin Jedi apprentice Ben Skywalker (who eventually was knocked unconscious) and fellow Jedi Nelani Dinn and decided he needed to turn her in to the authorities. Lumiya told him to search the future to see what would happen if she was arrested, and Jacen used the Force to create visions of him arresting Lumiya, and, in each one, he eventually killed his uncle Luke. He decided he could not arrest her. When Nelani decided to arrest Lumiya herself, Jacen overpowered her. When she admitted defeat, Jacen hesitated and then killed her. He later wiped Ben's memories of events that had happened prior to his injury and decided to follow Lumiya's teachings of the Sith order to get a better grip on events that are beginning to happen in the galaxy.
Pretty ballsy stuff for someone who has become a major character in the Expanded Universe.
The next two books on the Legacy of the Force series are Bloodties by Karen Traviss and Tempest by Troy Denning. Due to them somehow becoming available at the same time from my library, I read them back-to-back over a three week span, so they've kinda become merged together in my memory.
The two books show Jacen's further descent into the Dark Side of the Force (all while trying to do it for a larger good, just as his grandfather Anakin attempted). His power is growing by leaps and bounds, and while he still believes Luke is the strongest in the Force, It's becoming pretty obvious that Jacen will soon surpass him due to some Dark Side tricks he's learning. Once he completely gives himself over to the Dark Side (he's still trying to ride a fine line between Light & Dark), he just may be unstoppable.
Meanwhile, his parents (Han & Leia) and sister (Jaina) think he's gone insane (and secretly fear he's gone over to the Dark Side). His uncle Luke is too afraid to think of the worst-case scenario. His aunt Mara wants to believe that Jacen's still good, if only because he's training her son, Ben. Ben knows something is "off" with Jacen, but he still trusts him-- and Jacen's never steered Ben wrong. So while we've got a galaxy-wide problem with Corellia trying to defect from the Alliance, and Jacen's commando unit trying to keep them from doing so, there is also a strong familial element to the storyline.
I'm pretty wrapped up into the storyline, and I can't wait to see how it all sorts out (figuratively; literally, I've got a year or so before all the books eventually get released). It's not a real big secret, so I'll mention it here (it's announced in an ad in Bloodlines, anyway). Jacen will take on a Darth name in a book coming out this year.
As a side note, there was a fan contest at http://www.starwars.com/darthwho to come up with the best Darth names for Jacen, and either the fans didn't get it-- or they're much more subtle than Mr. Lucas. You see, the fans came up with names like Darth Acheron, Caedus, Judicar, Paxis, Taral (these were the five finalists), which all have some meaning to them that aren't obvious words in the English language. I find it really funny that Lucas created such overtly dastardly names for his Sith Lords: Tyrannus, Bane, Maul, Sidious, Plagueous. "Vader" is really the only name that doesn't sound like something destructive from first hearing it. I think it's pretty funny that the fans are not smacking the galaxy over the head with a name like "Darth Annihilate" or "Darth Decimate", or (my favorite) "Darth Bad Guy", but maybe that's just me.
Anyway, we'll learn what Jacen's new Darth name is in the fifth book: Sacrifice, due out in May.
Back to the books...
Bloodties did have an initial drawback: a side-story on my least favorite character, Boba Fett. But there was an upside: Fett's clone body is rapidly deteriorating, and he'll die within a year. But I will admit, I found the overhyped bounty hunter a good fit to the story.
The series seems to be pulling out all the stops now that George Lucas is not going to be playing in the post-original trilogy sandbox anymore. A couple of minor characters die, and some others surprisingly turn up when not expected. They really are making some plot moves that will change the galaxy far, far away forever.
Check it out.
But over the past two months, I dove into the expanded (non-movie) universe in a big way. Let's start with some books:
It started last Spring, when I read some great books that were accessible to someone who'd been away for years like I had. And then, last Fall, I read the first of the Legacy of the Force books: Betrayal. I wrote about it here:
http://teameck.blogspot.com/2006/08/disturbance-in-force.html
I didn't give away the big spoiler in my original post, but it's been six months, and in order to explain the next two books, I need to reveal the big betrayal.
Spoilers follow...
At the end of Betrayal, Jacen Solo ran into former Darth Vader apprentice Lumiya with his cousin Jedi apprentice Ben Skywalker (who eventually was knocked unconscious) and fellow Jedi Nelani Dinn and decided he needed to turn her in to the authorities. Lumiya told him to search the future to see what would happen if she was arrested, and Jacen used the Force to create visions of him arresting Lumiya, and, in each one, he eventually killed his uncle Luke. He decided he could not arrest her. When Nelani decided to arrest Lumiya herself, Jacen overpowered her. When she admitted defeat, Jacen hesitated and then killed her. He later wiped Ben's memories of events that had happened prior to his injury and decided to follow Lumiya's teachings of the Sith order to get a better grip on events that are beginning to happen in the galaxy.
Pretty ballsy stuff for someone who has become a major character in the Expanded Universe.
The next two books on the Legacy of the Force series are Bloodties by Karen Traviss and Tempest by Troy Denning. Due to them somehow becoming available at the same time from my library, I read them back-to-back over a three week span, so they've kinda become merged together in my memory.
The two books show Jacen's further descent into the Dark Side of the Force (all while trying to do it for a larger good, just as his grandfather Anakin attempted). His power is growing by leaps and bounds, and while he still believes Luke is the strongest in the Force, It's becoming pretty obvious that Jacen will soon surpass him due to some Dark Side tricks he's learning. Once he completely gives himself over to the Dark Side (he's still trying to ride a fine line between Light & Dark), he just may be unstoppable.
Meanwhile, his parents (Han & Leia) and sister (Jaina) think he's gone insane (and secretly fear he's gone over to the Dark Side). His uncle Luke is too afraid to think of the worst-case scenario. His aunt Mara wants to believe that Jacen's still good, if only because he's training her son, Ben. Ben knows something is "off" with Jacen, but he still trusts him-- and Jacen's never steered Ben wrong. So while we've got a galaxy-wide problem with Corellia trying to defect from the Alliance, and Jacen's commando unit trying to keep them from doing so, there is also a strong familial element to the storyline.
I'm pretty wrapped up into the storyline, and I can't wait to see how it all sorts out (figuratively; literally, I've got a year or so before all the books eventually get released). It's not a real big secret, so I'll mention it here (it's announced in an ad in Bloodlines, anyway). Jacen will take on a Darth name in a book coming out this year.
As a side note, there was a fan contest at http://www.starwars.com/darthwho to come up with the best Darth names for Jacen, and either the fans didn't get it-- or they're much more subtle than Mr. Lucas. You see, the fans came up with names like Darth Acheron, Caedus, Judicar, Paxis, Taral (these were the five finalists), which all have some meaning to them that aren't obvious words in the English language. I find it really funny that Lucas created such overtly dastardly names for his Sith Lords: Tyrannus, Bane, Maul, Sidious, Plagueous. "Vader" is really the only name that doesn't sound like something destructive from first hearing it. I think it's pretty funny that the fans are not smacking the galaxy over the head with a name like "Darth Annihilate" or "Darth Decimate", or (my favorite) "Darth Bad Guy", but maybe that's just me.
Anyway, we'll learn what Jacen's new Darth name is in the fifth book: Sacrifice, due out in May.
Back to the books...
Bloodties did have an initial drawback: a side-story on my least favorite character, Boba Fett. But there was an upside: Fett's clone body is rapidly deteriorating, and he'll die within a year. But I will admit, I found the overhyped bounty hunter a good fit to the story.
The series seems to be pulling out all the stops now that George Lucas is not going to be playing in the post-original trilogy sandbox anymore. A couple of minor characters die, and some others surprisingly turn up when not expected. They really are making some plot moves that will change the galaxy far, far away forever.
Check it out.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
SIX DEGREES producers sold souls
Okay, ABC promised the show wasn't cancelled, but no one believed it. Six Degrees was considered dead as a doornail last fall when ratings dropped below "see level" (Holy sh--, that was a bad pun...) and was dropped from the schedule.
But ABC announced last week that it'll come back on Friday, March 23.
You gotta wonder if ABC brought it back just to say "I told you so." It's like a game of chicken where they made the critics blink.
But ABC announced last week that it'll come back on Friday, March 23.
You gotta wonder if ABC brought it back just to say "I told you so." It's like a game of chicken where they made the critics blink.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)