For the sixth year in a row, the TV Guide crew made a dream Emmy nominations list. I can't say I disagree with it (and I find numerous faults with most lists-- as my post about the EW Sci-Fi list proved).
Kinsey and Helms from The Office may have been a stretch; deserving, yes, but don't have enough screen time compared to others who could have made the list. But they were inspired choices, for sure.
Another quibble: 30 Rock isn't that great. It's funny, but it was painful to watch the early episodes. Baldwin did (and should have) gotten on the list, but some of the others (including the show itself)...?
But at least, there are no groaners (like Kelsey Grammar's way too many noms for Fraiser).
Check it out at the link:
http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Ausiello-Report/2007-Dream-Emmy/800016062
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
And EW makes my WTF!? list
I really like the Entertainment Weekly magazine. I think the articles are informative without being trashy, and the reviewers are not too snobby and they actually are quite helpful when it comes to what to watch/read.
But they certainly didn't earn an "A" in a recent issue. My friend, Tom, tried to warn me before I read it (I borrow it from the library, so I'm always a week or three behind), but we ended up getting into a discussion of how much of an expert does one have to be before s/he can make a credible "Best Of" list? So his warning didn't hit me until I actually had the issue in my hand.
In issue #933 (May 11, 2007), the editors/critics/staffers made a list of the Top 25 Sci-Fi movies and TV of the last 25 years. The list isn't too bad. I'm certainly no expert anymore, and I haven't seen all the entries, but they did make one glaring omission. Now that I think of it, they also missed another big one. Now, if it was me, you can expect something being forgotten about, but I don't get paid to make lists that should be credible-- and I also work solo. There were TWELVE different people who wrote the explanatory pieces for each show/film, so it can be assumed that at least those twelve came up with the list.
Let's see what they did pick:
1. The Matrix. Hmm. Haven't seen it. Heard it's good. Also heard it's overrated.
2. Battlestar Galactica. (The current show). I've heard nothing but good about it. Probably deserves to be here.
3. Blade Runner. Haven't seen it from beginning to end, but it's considered a classic among those "in the know".
4. The X-Files. Acceptable.
5. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Naturally.
6. Brazil. Haven't seen it, but I've heard it's excellent.
7. E.T. Absolutely. Not my idea of sci-fi, but the the conceits of these lists is: as long as it's set in the future or deals with time travel or alternate histories or has an alien, it's sci-fi.
8. Star Trek: The Next Generation. Probably the best pure sci-fi show ever.
9. Aliens. Sure.
10. The Thing. Another I haven't seen (I really have to dig out the tape I have of it...), but have heard it's excellent.
11. Lost. Heard it's good. Could be stretching the term "sci-fi" a little, though.
12. Back to the Future. Another one I don't think of as sci-fi, but the time travel makes it a viable candidate.
13. The Terminator/Terminator 2. Sure.
14. Children of Men. I have heard this is sci-fi, but it certainly didn't fall into my sci-fi radar. Heard it's an excellent film, too.
15. Firefly/Serenity. I liked the show, and liked the movie much more than I thought I thought I would. Acceptable, considering some on this list, but I think it's overrated.
16. Total Recall. Okay.
17. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Haven't seen it, but have never seen it referred to as sci-fi until this list.
18. Heroes. Ummm; it makes the list before the first season is even done? It could totally be worthy of the list, but I think it made it just to give it some "current stuff" love. And if this show made the list, where are the super-hero movies (Spider-Man, Batman) of the past 25 years?
19. Starship Troopers. Worthy. Unfortunately, the write-up just called it harmless fun. It is more than that.
20. Star Wars: Clone Wars. Worthy for sure.
21. Futurama. Okay, but not at the expense of what was left off.
22. Quantum Leap. Another I don't think of as sci-fi, but it's great it made the list. It's completely underrated.
23. Doctor Who. Haven't seen it in any incarnation, but it's a classic.
24. Galaxy Quest. Great movie; but not at the expense of what's not on the list.
25. V: The Miniseries. I was huge into this when I was a kid. I'm glad to see it get some love.
So, as you can see, it's a pretty good list. And some things were on it that maybe should be, and others aren't on that should be but there are two omissions that are unforgivable.
Firstly, where is Farscape? The craziest, most inventive sci-fi series I have ever seen, and it doesn't make the list? WTF!?
And the biggest error: no Babylon 5? SERIOUSLY!? Are they on f***ing crack? Yeah, it had its flaws, but the pure saga of it all should have made it a shoo-in. I know I personally place it higher on my list (my favorite TV series-- ever) than it deserves to be, but, c'mon! Are they out of their minds?
I guess everyone makes mistakes.
So, take the list as I typed it out and make it it a Top 27. Throw the much-deserving Babylon 5 and Farscape on it and be happy.
Me? I'm just gonna add this to my to-do list if I ever rule the world: "Fix the Entertainment Weekly Sci-Fi list."
But they certainly didn't earn an "A" in a recent issue. My friend, Tom, tried to warn me before I read it (I borrow it from the library, so I'm always a week or three behind), but we ended up getting into a discussion of how much of an expert does one have to be before s/he can make a credible "Best Of" list? So his warning didn't hit me until I actually had the issue in my hand.
In issue #933 (May 11, 2007), the editors/critics/staffers made a list of the Top 25 Sci-Fi movies and TV of the last 25 years. The list isn't too bad. I'm certainly no expert anymore, and I haven't seen all the entries, but they did make one glaring omission. Now that I think of it, they also missed another big one. Now, if it was me, you can expect something being forgotten about, but I don't get paid to make lists that should be credible-- and I also work solo. There were TWELVE different people who wrote the explanatory pieces for each show/film, so it can be assumed that at least those twelve came up with the list.
Let's see what they did pick:
1. The Matrix. Hmm. Haven't seen it. Heard it's good. Also heard it's overrated.
2. Battlestar Galactica. (The current show). I've heard nothing but good about it. Probably deserves to be here.
3. Blade Runner. Haven't seen it from beginning to end, but it's considered a classic among those "in the know".
4. The X-Files. Acceptable.
5. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Naturally.
6. Brazil. Haven't seen it, but I've heard it's excellent.
7. E.T. Absolutely. Not my idea of sci-fi, but the the conceits of these lists is: as long as it's set in the future or deals with time travel or alternate histories or has an alien, it's sci-fi.
8. Star Trek: The Next Generation. Probably the best pure sci-fi show ever.
9. Aliens. Sure.
10. The Thing. Another I haven't seen (I really have to dig out the tape I have of it...), but have heard it's excellent.
11. Lost. Heard it's good. Could be stretching the term "sci-fi" a little, though.
12. Back to the Future. Another one I don't think of as sci-fi, but the time travel makes it a viable candidate.
13. The Terminator/Terminator 2. Sure.
14. Children of Men. I have heard this is sci-fi, but it certainly didn't fall into my sci-fi radar. Heard it's an excellent film, too.
15. Firefly/Serenity. I liked the show, and liked the movie much more than I thought I thought I would. Acceptable, considering some on this list, but I think it's overrated.
16. Total Recall. Okay.
17. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Haven't seen it, but have never seen it referred to as sci-fi until this list.
18. Heroes. Ummm; it makes the list before the first season is even done? It could totally be worthy of the list, but I think it made it just to give it some "current stuff" love. And if this show made the list, where are the super-hero movies (Spider-Man, Batman) of the past 25 years?
19. Starship Troopers. Worthy. Unfortunately, the write-up just called it harmless fun. It is more than that.
20. Star Wars: Clone Wars. Worthy for sure.
21. Futurama. Okay, but not at the expense of what was left off.
22. Quantum Leap. Another I don't think of as sci-fi, but it's great it made the list. It's completely underrated.
23. Doctor Who. Haven't seen it in any incarnation, but it's a classic.
24. Galaxy Quest. Great movie; but not at the expense of what's not on the list.
25. V: The Miniseries. I was huge into this when I was a kid. I'm glad to see it get some love.
So, as you can see, it's a pretty good list. And some things were on it that maybe should be, and others aren't on that should be but there are two omissions that are unforgivable.
Firstly, where is Farscape? The craziest, most inventive sci-fi series I have ever seen, and it doesn't make the list? WTF!?
And the biggest error: no Babylon 5? SERIOUSLY!? Are they on f***ing crack? Yeah, it had its flaws, but the pure saga of it all should have made it a shoo-in. I know I personally place it higher on my list (my favorite TV series-- ever) than it deserves to be, but, c'mon! Are they out of their minds?
I guess everyone makes mistakes.
So, take the list as I typed it out and make it it a Top 27. Throw the much-deserving Babylon 5 and Farscape on it and be happy.
Me? I'm just gonna add this to my to-do list if I ever rule the world: "Fix the Entertainment Weekly Sci-Fi list."
Don't they have people who check for this sort of thing?
I just read a great small report in Steve Fritz's weekly animation article he does for newsarama.com that shows why you should check every language you can before you create a show or character. The whole article is here: http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=113615 but the part I loved is buried, so I'll paste it below.
And Joanie Loves Chachi will forever be tainted now that I've read it...
SOUTH FLORIDA MOM MAD AT ANIMATED PENGUIN
It appears a South Florida mother, Maida Rodriguez, is up in arms over a PBS animated series entitled Pingu. Aimed at pre-schoolers, it tells the tale of a CGI kid-friendly penguin. The problem? The little bird’s name is apparently the same as a Latin term referring to a particular part of a man’s anatomy.
Her daughter, Samantha, loves the show and anything associated with the Antarctic birds."Basically, the word 'pingu' stands for male genitalia," Rodriguez, of Miami Lakes, told CBS TV station WFOR. "Whenever she sees a penguin, be it a stuffed toy or what not, she says, 'Look Mommy, there’s a Pingu.' I've had a couple of people at stores give me the eye because my daughter is saying a very bad word," Samantha's mom said.
"I have to constantly tell her that she's saying something wrong, and she doesn't understand because it's a show for kids and it's a cartoon and it's got a lovely little song that repeats the song over and over and over and it's a really catchy little tune.”
Rodriguez said that she has called both PBS and cable system Comcast. However, she's been told that she can turn Pingu off if she doesn't like the show. Instead, the mom is thinking of canceling her Comcast cable service.
Obviously, the woman has never heard of blocking the show, either.
As one person later posted on the same news item, Rodriguez is probably going to be having issues with TV shows for some time in the future. After all, the word ‘chachi’ is another Latin American slang term for another piece of male anatomy. As the poster pointed out, this probably goes a long way towards explaining why Joannie loved it so much.
And Joanie Loves Chachi will forever be tainted now that I've read it...
SOUTH FLORIDA MOM MAD AT ANIMATED PENGUIN
It appears a South Florida mother, Maida Rodriguez, is up in arms over a PBS animated series entitled Pingu. Aimed at pre-schoolers, it tells the tale of a CGI kid-friendly penguin. The problem? The little bird’s name is apparently the same as a Latin term referring to a particular part of a man’s anatomy.
Her daughter, Samantha, loves the show and anything associated with the Antarctic birds."Basically, the word 'pingu' stands for male genitalia," Rodriguez, of Miami Lakes, told CBS TV station WFOR. "Whenever she sees a penguin, be it a stuffed toy or what not, she says, 'Look Mommy, there’s a Pingu.' I've had a couple of people at stores give me the eye because my daughter is saying a very bad word," Samantha's mom said.
"I have to constantly tell her that she's saying something wrong, and she doesn't understand because it's a show for kids and it's a cartoon and it's got a lovely little song that repeats the song over and over and over and it's a really catchy little tune.”
Rodriguez said that she has called both PBS and cable system Comcast. However, she's been told that she can turn Pingu off if she doesn't like the show. Instead, the mom is thinking of canceling her Comcast cable service.
Obviously, the woman has never heard of blocking the show, either.
As one person later posted on the same news item, Rodriguez is probably going to be having issues with TV shows for some time in the future. After all, the word ‘chachi’ is another Latin American slang term for another piece of male anatomy. As the poster pointed out, this probably goes a long way towards explaining why Joannie loved it so much.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Hey-- He Doesn't Look Like He's Joking...
newsarama.com reported that the new Joker (played by Heath Ledger) in next year's Batman The Dark Knight movie had a picture "leaked". I'm sure a reader or two (*** say: Jack Burton***) will let me know if this is a scam, but I trust my favorite comic-releated new source.
It's nice to see them going against Nicholson's 1989 Joker (or, as I like to refer to it: "Jack doing his thing in white makeup"), but this one looks a little too creepy.
Of course, that may just be the way to go. I'm no hater. I'll make a decision when I actually see the film.
I wonder if the toy stores and fast food restaurants have seen this picture yet. Probably gonna be tough to cross-promote.
Then again, they did make a RoboCop cartoon, so anything's possible.
It's nice to see them going against Nicholson's 1989 Joker (or, as I like to refer to it: "Jack doing his thing in white makeup"), but this one looks a little too creepy.
Of course, that may just be the way to go. I'm no hater. I'll make a decision when I actually see the film.
I wonder if the toy stores and fast food restaurants have seen this picture yet. Probably gonna be tough to cross-promote.
Then again, they did make a RoboCop cartoon, so anything's possible.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Premieres and Finales, May 28-June 3, 2007
Sorry for the long-time, no write. Every spare minute I have is spent watching the DVD series set of Brisco County, Jr. Twenty-seven episodes (plus extras), eight DVDs, seven day rental. That's a lot of math...
Monday, 5/28
After you've taken a moment (or three) to remember those who gave their lives for our freedoms, flip on the tube and immerse yourself in some marathons:
Memorial Day Road Trips (TV Land; 5 am- 5 pm). Featured shows include: Bonanza, The Munsters, I Love Lucy, and Sanford & Son.
Memorial Day Salute to the USO (FMC, 6 am-6 am Tuesday). A day's worth of movies honoring the fighting forces and those who serve them in the USO.
That '70s Show (FX, 6 am-4pm).
M*A*S*H (Hallmark, 7 am): Twenty episodes of the landmark series.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (Spike, 8 am-10 pm).
Deadliest Catch (Discovery, 8 am-9 pm).
Crap Sea-Monster movies (Sci Fi, 8 am). Five movies, beginning with Octopus and ending with Crocodile 2: Death Swamp.
Law & Order (TNT, 9 am): Thirteen episode marathon.
Jaws (Encore, 4 am): All four movies shown again and again.
Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman; PBS. 4:30 pm (check local times). Season premiere.
Star Wars Tech (History, 7 pm) and Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed (History, 8-10 pm). Specials.
In the first, scientists analyze the tech and determine if anything could come true. In the second, the influences of the movies are looked at.
Big Medicine; TLC. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
I don't know much about it; the write-up says a father & son team of doctors in Houston perform gastric-bypass surgery. I'm guessing it's a reality show, and I'm guessing it'll never be seen again come September.
The Ex-Wives Club; ABC. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
"Marla Maples, Angie Everhart, and Shar Jackson help newly single men and women pick up the pieces."
Yes, folks, it's now officially the summer television cycle, where pretty much anything can get on the air...
The Simple Life Goes to Camp; E!. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Because the first season was good, I will let fans who maybe haven't let go yet that this show is still on the air. If we're lucky, the tall one will get mauled by a bear and the short one will continue starving herself to the point where she actually turns inside out.
Tuesday, 5/29
Boston Legal (ABC, 9 pm) and House (FOX, 8 pm) have their season finales.
After the Catch; Discovery. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A four-part series that has something to do with the Deadliest Catch guys telling tales of their adventures.
The Universe; History. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
A look at the history, phenomena, and mysteries of space. This sounds cool, and the History Channel usually does a great job. I'll be taping it.
Wednesday, 5/30
The Next Best Thing: Who is the Greatest Celebrity Impersonator?; ABC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Well, thank God, ABC is finally going to help us answer that question.
Hidden Palms; CW. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Kevin Williamson (Dawson's Creek creator) brings another soapy teen show that the CW gets so wet about. Just remember: if it was good, they'd have aired it sometime between Sept and May.
Traveler; ABC. 8 pm (pilot repeat) and 9 pm (first new ep). Series premiere/return.
A show that had some buzz at last year's upfronts but got pushed to the summer. This is what's called "burning off" episodes; where the network airs whatever was filmed before the producers were told to stop in an effort to recoup a little of the costs back. See Studio 60 for another example.
Thursday, 5/31
Pirate Master; CBS. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Mark Burnett creates yet another reality contest. This one sets the Survivors (*I mean Pirates*) on a ship, searching the Caribbean for loot. Because it's Burnett, it could actually be good. But it could also be what WWE announcer Jim Ross calls, "Going to the well one too many times."
The Starter Wife; USA. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Debra Messing stars in the six-part adaptation of Gigi Levangie Grazer's novel about a Hollywood wife who just got her walking papers.
Payback; Speed. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Steven Seagal stars in this series where he takes revenge on every person who has poked fun of him on TV and the movies. Nah-- actually it has to with something about celebs giving customized cars to others. In this ep, Travis Barker (who just can't out of the reality show spotlight it seems) gives a Corvette to his dad.
Friday, 6/1
Born Country; CMT. 7 pm. Series premiere.
Is it me or does CMT premiere a new series every f-ing week!? I'm always typing their name on these posts, and I always think "Who the Hell watches this stuff?" This show profiles actual CMT viewers (okay, second question answered) and their unique hobbies and lifestyles.
Saturday, 6/2
Hex; BBC America. 6 pm. Season premiere.
I caught the pilot of the show last summer, and it looked good. Kind of a more serious Buffy. I haven't gotten to the rest of the season yet, but I'll be taping this season as well.
Sunday, 6/3
Entourage has its season finale at 9 pm. It's okay, Season Four will be here in two weeks.
Mystery!; PBS. 8 pm (check local time). Season premiere.
The twenty-seven season begins.
Army Wives; Lifetime. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Kim Delany and Catherine Bell star in this Mark Gordon (Grey's Anatomy) produced show about military spouses. Could be decent; could burn in flames.
Next Food Network Star; Food. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Rachel Ray can't be everywhere, so they're still looking for the next stars.
Shot in the Dark; HBO. 9:30 pm. Special.
Entourage star Adrian Grenier directed this documentary about father/son relationships, which was driven by his own search to find his father. Looks good.
Monday, 5/28
After you've taken a moment (or three) to remember those who gave their lives for our freedoms, flip on the tube and immerse yourself in some marathons:
Memorial Day Road Trips (TV Land; 5 am- 5 pm). Featured shows include: Bonanza, The Munsters, I Love Lucy, and Sanford & Son.
Memorial Day Salute to the USO (FMC, 6 am-6 am Tuesday). A day's worth of movies honoring the fighting forces and those who serve them in the USO.
That '70s Show (FX, 6 am-4pm).
M*A*S*H (Hallmark, 7 am): Twenty episodes of the landmark series.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (Spike, 8 am-10 pm).
Deadliest Catch (Discovery, 8 am-9 pm).
Crap Sea-Monster movies (Sci Fi, 8 am). Five movies, beginning with Octopus and ending with Crocodile 2: Death Swamp.
Law & Order (TNT, 9 am): Thirteen episode marathon.
Jaws (Encore, 4 am): All four movies shown again and again.
Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman; PBS. 4:30 pm (check local times). Season premiere.
Star Wars Tech (History, 7 pm) and Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed (History, 8-10 pm). Specials.
In the first, scientists analyze the tech and determine if anything could come true. In the second, the influences of the movies are looked at.
Big Medicine; TLC. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
I don't know much about it; the write-up says a father & son team of doctors in Houston perform gastric-bypass surgery. I'm guessing it's a reality show, and I'm guessing it'll never be seen again come September.
The Ex-Wives Club; ABC. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
"Marla Maples, Angie Everhart, and Shar Jackson help newly single men and women pick up the pieces."
Yes, folks, it's now officially the summer television cycle, where pretty much anything can get on the air...
The Simple Life Goes to Camp; E!. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Because the first season was good, I will let fans who maybe haven't let go yet that this show is still on the air. If we're lucky, the tall one will get mauled by a bear and the short one will continue starving herself to the point where she actually turns inside out.
Tuesday, 5/29
Boston Legal (ABC, 9 pm) and House (FOX, 8 pm) have their season finales.
After the Catch; Discovery. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A four-part series that has something to do with the Deadliest Catch guys telling tales of their adventures.
The Universe; History. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
A look at the history, phenomena, and mysteries of space. This sounds cool, and the History Channel usually does a great job. I'll be taping it.
Wednesday, 5/30
The Next Best Thing: Who is the Greatest Celebrity Impersonator?; ABC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Well, thank God, ABC is finally going to help us answer that question.
Hidden Palms; CW. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Kevin Williamson (Dawson's Creek creator) brings another soapy teen show that the CW gets so wet about. Just remember: if it was good, they'd have aired it sometime between Sept and May.
Traveler; ABC. 8 pm (pilot repeat) and 9 pm (first new ep). Series premiere/return.
A show that had some buzz at last year's upfronts but got pushed to the summer. This is what's called "burning off" episodes; where the network airs whatever was filmed before the producers were told to stop in an effort to recoup a little of the costs back. See Studio 60 for another example.
Thursday, 5/31
Pirate Master; CBS. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Mark Burnett creates yet another reality contest. This one sets the Survivors (*I mean Pirates*) on a ship, searching the Caribbean for loot. Because it's Burnett, it could actually be good. But it could also be what WWE announcer Jim Ross calls, "Going to the well one too many times."
The Starter Wife; USA. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Debra Messing stars in the six-part adaptation of Gigi Levangie Grazer's novel about a Hollywood wife who just got her walking papers.
Payback; Speed. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Steven Seagal stars in this series where he takes revenge on every person who has poked fun of him on TV and the movies. Nah-- actually it has to with something about celebs giving customized cars to others. In this ep, Travis Barker (who just can't out of the reality show spotlight it seems) gives a Corvette to his dad.
Friday, 6/1
Born Country; CMT. 7 pm. Series premiere.
Is it me or does CMT premiere a new series every f-ing week!? I'm always typing their name on these posts, and I always think "Who the Hell watches this stuff?" This show profiles actual CMT viewers (okay, second question answered) and their unique hobbies and lifestyles.
Saturday, 6/2
Hex; BBC America. 6 pm. Season premiere.
I caught the pilot of the show last summer, and it looked good. Kind of a more serious Buffy. I haven't gotten to the rest of the season yet, but I'll be taping this season as well.
Sunday, 6/3
Entourage has its season finale at 9 pm. It's okay, Season Four will be here in two weeks.
Mystery!; PBS. 8 pm (check local time). Season premiere.
The twenty-seven season begins.
Army Wives; Lifetime. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Kim Delany and Catherine Bell star in this Mark Gordon (Grey's Anatomy) produced show about military spouses. Could be decent; could burn in flames.
Next Food Network Star; Food. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Rachel Ray can't be everywhere, so they're still looking for the next stars.
Shot in the Dark; HBO. 9:30 pm. Special.
Entourage star Adrian Grenier directed this documentary about father/son relationships, which was driven by his own search to find his father. Looks good.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Trump's Latest WTF?
I'm sure glad The Donald finally came clean about why there is no Apprentice. Apparently, Trump felt he didn't have the time to do another, even though NBC asked him to (since the show has been "such a success").
I just can't believe it took him a full week to come up with that bull s h i t story...
But don't feel bad, he probably didn't have the time because he's pitching a "big" show that three networks are interested in.
You go, D!
I just can't believe it took him a full week to come up with that bull s h i t story...
But don't feel bad, he probably didn't have the time because he's pitching a "big" show that three networks are interested in.
You go, D!
Tweener Pleads Guilty
Normally, I try to keep the private lives of people to themselves, but since I'm a Prison Break fan (as are some people I know who read this):
Today, Lane Garrison ("Tweener") pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter and two counts of alcohol-related charges. In December, the SUV he was driving ran into a tree and killed a 17-year old boy. Two other teens in his car were injured. He tested positive for alcohol and cocaine. The maximum sentence is six years and eight months in a state prison.
It's horrible what happened and that it happened while he was under the influence, but it's easy to let things like that get out of hand. It's odd teens were with him, and it didn't sound as if they were more than casual acquaintances, so that makes it all the more like a situation that just kept building like a snowball. His former coworkers on Prison Break had nice things to say about him and the type of person he is and mentioned that this tragedy must be eating away at him.
Sounds like he made a horrible, horrible mistake, but he had the decency to take it like a man and plead guilty instead of trying to fight it in court. It's also nice to see someone own up to his mistakes, unlike a hotel heiress waste of space who is trying to get out of her (pretty light) commitment.
Today, Lane Garrison ("Tweener") pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter and two counts of alcohol-related charges. In December, the SUV he was driving ran into a tree and killed a 17-year old boy. Two other teens in his car were injured. He tested positive for alcohol and cocaine. The maximum sentence is six years and eight months in a state prison.
It's horrible what happened and that it happened while he was under the influence, but it's easy to let things like that get out of hand. It's odd teens were with him, and it didn't sound as if they were more than casual acquaintances, so that makes it all the more like a situation that just kept building like a snowball. His former coworkers on Prison Break had nice things to say about him and the type of person he is and mentioned that this tragedy must be eating away at him.
Sounds like he made a horrible, horrible mistake, but he had the decency to take it like a man and plead guilty instead of trying to fight it in court. It's also nice to see someone own up to his mistakes, unlike a hotel heiress waste of space who is trying to get out of her (pretty light) commitment.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
SIMPSONS 400th
In celebration of The Simpsons' season finale and 400th episode, FOX created a website that's extremely comprehensive (scenes, plot synopses, and wallpapers for every episode).
I don't have nearly enough time to do a lot of digging, but it's worth checking out.
http://www.thesimpsons.com/index.html
I don't have nearly enough time to do a lot of digging, but it's worth checking out.
http://www.thesimpsons.com/index.html
Saturday, May 19, 2007
DVR Scheduler Additions
Looking at the upcoming recordings my DVR has for the next two weeks, I thought I should point out those shows that I don't have in my Premieres posts (that, I'll admit, I steal from TV Guide).
The Discovery Channel is airing eight eps of Planet Earth from 8 am to 4 pm Sunday, 5/20. I've said enough about the show, now it's your turn to do your part.
On Saturday, 5/20, from 2 am to 4 am, BBC America is airing the "Monday", "Tuesday", and "Wednesday" episodes of Worst Week of My Life. Sorry to say I don't know if it's the first or second season (first season was the week before the wedding, second was the week before the new baby), but it doesn't matter. It's a really funny (if silly) show about a man who tries to do the good and right thing but it seems as everything is conspiring against him as he progressively screws things up. The acting is great, and it also stars one of my favorite British actresses: the talented-- and beautiful-- Sarah Alexander. Check it out; I'll try to keep my eyes open for the rest of the week (Thurs-Sun) in case that airs in the future.
One of the best things about the summer is the lack of new shows on the major networks. Time to start expanding your viewing to the other 200+ channels you get. I'd start with BBC America and at least try out the [adult swim] stuff (I'll admit-- the new stuff is too "out there", but there are some good things) and then move on to other things that may interest you. You should also spring for the extra $10 or whatever and get HBO. They've got buttloads of new stuff coming up this year. And their percentage of quality programming is crazy-high.
There are a lot of "hidden gems" out there that are just waiting for you to find them (although, if you read-- and take advice from-- this blog, you're a leg up on others).
The Discovery Channel is airing eight eps of Planet Earth from 8 am to 4 pm Sunday, 5/20. I've said enough about the show, now it's your turn to do your part.
On Saturday, 5/20, from 2 am to 4 am, BBC America is airing the "Monday", "Tuesday", and "Wednesday" episodes of Worst Week of My Life. Sorry to say I don't know if it's the first or second season (first season was the week before the wedding, second was the week before the new baby), but it doesn't matter. It's a really funny (if silly) show about a man who tries to do the good and right thing but it seems as everything is conspiring against him as he progressively screws things up. The acting is great, and it also stars one of my favorite British actresses: the talented-- and beautiful-- Sarah Alexander. Check it out; I'll try to keep my eyes open for the rest of the week (Thurs-Sun) in case that airs in the future.
One of the best things about the summer is the lack of new shows on the major networks. Time to start expanding your viewing to the other 200+ channels you get. I'd start with BBC America and at least try out the [adult swim] stuff (I'll admit-- the new stuff is too "out there", but there are some good things) and then move on to other things that may interest you. You should also spring for the extra $10 or whatever and get HBO. They've got buttloads of new stuff coming up this year. And their percentage of quality programming is crazy-high.
There are a lot of "hidden gems" out there that are just waiting for you to find them (although, if you read-- and take advice from-- this blog, you're a leg up on others).
Creed Thoughts
In The Office finale, Creed mentioned that he had a blog. He gave an address a little too fast, so I figured it was probably just a plot point. But then, NBC does like to get it's web stuff out there (remember http://www.thetoddtime.com/ ?). Then Ryan said it was a hoax that he did to Creed because the stuff he wanted to write was too out there, so then I knew it was just a plot point.
But wait-- Creed really does have a blog on nbc.com. My friend, Brian, found it and sent me the link. Check it out, it's great. And it ties into the beach party episode. It also doesn't have any video (unlike thetoddtime.com), so even Old Man can enjoy:
http://blog.nbc.com/CreedThoughts/
But wait-- Creed really does have a blog on nbc.com. My friend, Brian, found it and sent me the link. Check it out, it's great. And it ties into the beach party episode. It also doesn't have any video (unlike thetoddtime.com), so even Old Man can enjoy:
http://blog.nbc.com/CreedThoughts/
Quick Fall Schedule Notes
I'm extremely anal-retentive, so I actually make an Excel spreadsheet of the Fall Schedules when I learn of them. But it's a huge help when I have to plan for what I'm watching as well.
And it gave me some interesting thoughts as I made up the one for this Fall:
CBS is sitting on its heels. During the week, the only new shows are in the timeslots of new shows (that failed) last year. Big Bang Theory takes the place of The Class, Cane takes the place of Smith (and 3lbs), and Kid Nation takes the place of Jericho. Yeah, they're one of the higher-rated networks right now, but ask NBC how sitting on your laurels works. They're still suffering for not looking to find the next Friends and ER when they should have been.
Speaking of NBC, there's only one night there isn't some sort of change: Sunday, since football takes up the whole night. (Saturday doesn't count-- that's a dead night for the networks.) You can also see how much has been put on Heroes. Three of their four new shows have some sort of sci-fi thing going on (enhanced humans, time travel). Their shows all looked good from the clips, but we all know how little the networks actually regard something that is extra-human/sci-fi.
ABC is not losing the "buzz-factor" it had over other networks (Lost, Housewives, Grey's) without a fight. They're debuting eight shows this Fall (the most). You know they're hoping people talk about Private Practice like they do Grey's, and, from what I've heard from critics who sampled pilots, Pushing Daisies will have Lost type buzz. They're taking a huge chance with Wednesday nights with all-new shows airing all night (again pinning hopes on Grey's fans to watch Practice).
FOX, as usual, has a light Fall (since their big hits: Idol and 24 debut in January). Lots of changes as nothing stuck last year (except 'Til Death, which probably got a reprieve because they're hoping it'll mesh with Back to You).
And The CW is actually debuting this season since last season was a UPN/WB mash-up that didn't have time for a pilot process. They're debuting six new shows and keeping the "hits" in place. But will Gilmore Girls and Veronica Mars fans give the network a chance? Gilmore was on its last legs, and Mars never had decent ratings, but fans are pissed both shows are now over. And fans of those shows were extremely loyal. And what they've got doesn't interest me (a mid-'30s male) too much other than Reaper (a "genre" show in the Buffy vein).
Frankly, I'm not really excited about any of the shows (like I was for Heroes last year and Prison Break the year before). There are some that look good, but nothing must-see yet. Of course, once I learn more and read the preview articles in the newspaper and magazines, things will pop, but I kinda miss having that one show I waited all summer for.
And I'm curious as to what happened to the big buzz pilot (other than Private Practice): the Americanized Football Wives. For that matter, what happened to the Americanized Life on Mars? Both shows are BBC hits that have done well for BBC America.
Anyway, if you want a look at the schedule all put together, e-mail me at teameckblog@charter.net, and I'll send the Excel file back.
And it gave me some interesting thoughts as I made up the one for this Fall:
CBS is sitting on its heels. During the week, the only new shows are in the timeslots of new shows (that failed) last year. Big Bang Theory takes the place of The Class, Cane takes the place of Smith (and 3lbs), and Kid Nation takes the place of Jericho. Yeah, they're one of the higher-rated networks right now, but ask NBC how sitting on your laurels works. They're still suffering for not looking to find the next Friends and ER when they should have been.
Speaking of NBC, there's only one night there isn't some sort of change: Sunday, since football takes up the whole night. (Saturday doesn't count-- that's a dead night for the networks.) You can also see how much has been put on Heroes. Three of their four new shows have some sort of sci-fi thing going on (enhanced humans, time travel). Their shows all looked good from the clips, but we all know how little the networks actually regard something that is extra-human/sci-fi.
ABC is not losing the "buzz-factor" it had over other networks (Lost, Housewives, Grey's) without a fight. They're debuting eight shows this Fall (the most). You know they're hoping people talk about Private Practice like they do Grey's, and, from what I've heard from critics who sampled pilots, Pushing Daisies will have Lost type buzz. They're taking a huge chance with Wednesday nights with all-new shows airing all night (again pinning hopes on Grey's fans to watch Practice).
FOX, as usual, has a light Fall (since their big hits: Idol and 24 debut in January). Lots of changes as nothing stuck last year (except 'Til Death, which probably got a reprieve because they're hoping it'll mesh with Back to You).
And The CW is actually debuting this season since last season was a UPN/WB mash-up that didn't have time for a pilot process. They're debuting six new shows and keeping the "hits" in place. But will Gilmore Girls and Veronica Mars fans give the network a chance? Gilmore was on its last legs, and Mars never had decent ratings, but fans are pissed both shows are now over. And fans of those shows were extremely loyal. And what they've got doesn't interest me (a mid-'30s male) too much other than Reaper (a "genre" show in the Buffy vein).
Frankly, I'm not really excited about any of the shows (like I was for Heroes last year and Prison Break the year before). There are some that look good, but nothing must-see yet. Of course, once I learn more and read the preview articles in the newspaper and magazines, things will pop, but I kinda miss having that one show I waited all summer for.
And I'm curious as to what happened to the big buzz pilot (other than Private Practice): the Americanized Football Wives. For that matter, what happened to the Americanized Life on Mars? Both shows are BBC hits that have done well for BBC America.
Anyway, if you want a look at the schedule all put together, e-mail me at teameckblog@charter.net, and I'll send the Excel file back.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Premieres, Finales, and Notables May 21-27, 2007
And the official 2006-2007 TV season comes to a close on Wednesday (coinciding with the Lost and American Idol. Coincidence?)
Monday, 5/21
Season Finales:
24; FOX 7-9 pm CST. Jack's worst day (at least according to fans) finally ends.
Heroes; NBC 8pm.
The Bachelor: An Officer and a Gentleman; ABC, 8:01.
Law & Order: Criminal Intent; NBC. 9 pm. The last new ep airing on NBC (next season will first-run on the USA Network).
Tuesday, 5/22
Season Finales:
NCIS; CBS. 7 pm.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit; NBC, 9 pm.
Boston Legal; ABC, 9:01 pm.
Dancing With the Stars; ABC, 7-9:01 pm
And an oddity: Law & Order: Criminal Intent also airs tonight at 8 pm. Don't know if it's a repeat of Monday's ep, or if it's a Part 2. If you're a fan, it won't hurt check it out tonight just in case.
Series Finale:
CW killed fans (so soon after Gilmore Girls' non-renewal) when it didn't renew Veronica Mars. The last ep airs tonight from 7-9.
Hey! A new show:
On the Lot; FOX. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
A movie-making competition brought to you by Mark Burnett and Steven Spielberg. Actors and directors you've actually heard of judge the creations.
Wednesday, 5/23:
Season Finales:
Hustle; AMC, 9 pm
And the little shows that could: American Idol (FOX 7-9; although the last five minutes is really all you need to watch) and Lost (ABC, 8-10).
Thursday, 5/24:
Season Finale:
Penn & Teller: Bull!; Showtime, 9 pm.
So You Think You Can Dance; FOX. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
John Safran vs. God; Sundance. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Safran hosts a look at religion in the world today. This week: Muslims in England.
Friday, 5/25
Take a break from the finales and premieres with a Star Wars marathon on Cinemax. All six movies play in order, beginning at 2 pm.
Saturday, 5/26
Season Finales:
Robin Hood; BBC America. 8 pm
Wild At Heart; BBC America. 9 pm
The Wire fans may want to check out BET at 7 pm as it airs David Simon's pre-The Wire look at Baltimore's drug underworld in the 6 part mini-series that aired on HBO in 2000.
Sunday, 5/27
Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee; HBO. 8 pm. Special.
HBO adapts Dee Brown's history of the Indian nation's hardships in the 1800's. This movie got lots of good buzz from critics, many of whom said it was essential viewing. And it's so odd that HBO doesn't do an excellent job, I'd check it out even without the critical endorsements.
USA runs an 18-hour Monk marathon, beginning at 8 am.
Monday, 5/21
Season Finales:
24; FOX 7-9 pm CST. Jack's worst day (at least according to fans) finally ends.
Heroes; NBC 8pm.
The Bachelor: An Officer and a Gentleman; ABC, 8:01.
Law & Order: Criminal Intent; NBC. 9 pm. The last new ep airing on NBC (next season will first-run on the USA Network).
Tuesday, 5/22
Season Finales:
NCIS; CBS. 7 pm.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit; NBC, 9 pm.
Boston Legal; ABC, 9:01 pm.
Dancing With the Stars; ABC, 7-9:01 pm
And an oddity: Law & Order: Criminal Intent also airs tonight at 8 pm. Don't know if it's a repeat of Monday's ep, or if it's a Part 2. If you're a fan, it won't hurt check it out tonight just in case.
Series Finale:
CW killed fans (so soon after Gilmore Girls' non-renewal) when it didn't renew Veronica Mars. The last ep airs tonight from 7-9.
Hey! A new show:
On the Lot; FOX. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
A movie-making competition brought to you by Mark Burnett and Steven Spielberg. Actors and directors you've actually heard of judge the creations.
Wednesday, 5/23:
Season Finales:
Hustle; AMC, 9 pm
And the little shows that could: American Idol (FOX 7-9; although the last five minutes is really all you need to watch) and Lost (ABC, 8-10).
Thursday, 5/24:
Season Finale:
Penn & Teller: Bull!; Showtime, 9 pm.
So You Think You Can Dance; FOX. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
John Safran vs. God; Sundance. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Safran hosts a look at religion in the world today. This week: Muslims in England.
Friday, 5/25
Take a break from the finales and premieres with a Star Wars marathon on Cinemax. All six movies play in order, beginning at 2 pm.
Saturday, 5/26
Season Finales:
Robin Hood; BBC America. 8 pm
Wild At Heart; BBC America. 9 pm
The Wire fans may want to check out BET at 7 pm as it airs David Simon's pre-The Wire look at Baltimore's drug underworld in the 6 part mini-series that aired on HBO in 2000.
Sunday, 5/27
Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee; HBO. 8 pm. Special.
HBO adapts Dee Brown's history of the Indian nation's hardships in the 1800's. This movie got lots of good buzz from critics, many of whom said it was essential viewing. And it's so odd that HBO doesn't do an excellent job, I'd check it out even without the critical endorsements.
USA runs an 18-hour Monk marathon, beginning at 8 am.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Upfront Clip sites
Links to clips to ABC's new shows.
Pushing Daisies looks good. I dig the casts of Private Practice and Big Shots. Eli Stone looked okay. And Miss Guided just may the ABC show I'm looking forward to the most.
Check out the other clips, but prepare to be underwhelmed:
http://abc.go.com/fallpreview/schedule
And here's CBS's new shows. (Sorry, but it's on InnerTube and has commercials-- boooooooo, CBS!). I thought ABC's clips were uninspired, but CBS' takes the cake. Check out Kid Nation as that's the only one that even looks vaguely interesting.
And Big Bang Theory? Oh poor, poor Johnny Galecki... What has your agent gotten you into? CBS cancelled The Class for that piece of sh**? I'm praying it's better than what I just saw.
http://www.cbs.com/innertube/player.php?cat=all&vid=&format=&auto=0
Pushing Daisies looks good. I dig the casts of Private Practice and Big Shots. Eli Stone looked okay. And Miss Guided just may the ABC show I'm looking forward to the most.
Check out the other clips, but prepare to be underwhelmed:
http://abc.go.com/fallpreview/schedule
And here's CBS's new shows. (Sorry, but it's on InnerTube and has commercials-- boooooooo, CBS!). I thought ABC's clips were uninspired, but CBS' takes the cake. Check out Kid Nation as that's the only one that even looks vaguely interesting.
And Big Bang Theory? Oh poor, poor Johnny Galecki... What has your agent gotten you into? CBS cancelled The Class for that piece of sh**? I'm praying it's better than what I just saw.
http://www.cbs.com/innertube/player.php?cat=all&vid=&format=&auto=0
CW Sked
And, finally, CW:
Following is The CW's 2007-2008 prime-time schedule.
Monday
8-8:30 pm Everybody Hates Chris
8:30-9 pm Aliens in America
9-9:30 pm Girlfriends
9:30-10 pm The Game
Tuesday
8-9 pm Beauty and the Geek
9-10 pm Reaper
Wednesday
8-9 pm America's Next Top Model
9-10 pm Gossip Girl
Thursday
8-9 pm Smallville
9-10 pm Supernatural
Friday
8-10 pm Friday Night SmackDown!
Sunday
7-7:30 pm CW Now
7:30-8 pm Online Nation
8-9 pm Life is Wild
9-10 pm America's Next Top Model
And the link to the press release:
http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Look-Hottest-Fall/Cw-Announces-Fall/800015383
Following is The CW's 2007-2008 prime-time schedule.
Monday
8-8:30 pm Everybody Hates Chris
8:30-9 pm Aliens in America
9-9:30 pm Girlfriends
9:30-10 pm The Game
Tuesday
8-9 pm Beauty and the Geek
9-10 pm Reaper
Wednesday
8-9 pm America's Next Top Model
9-10 pm Gossip Girl
Thursday
8-9 pm Smallville
9-10 pm Supernatural
Friday
8-10 pm Friday Night SmackDown!
Sunday
7-7:30 pm CW Now
7:30-8 pm Online Nation
8-9 pm Life is Wild
9-10 pm America's Next Top Model
And the link to the press release:
http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Look-Hottest-Fall/Cw-Announces-Fall/800015383
FOX Sked
And FOX... Remember, the net has two seasons: before American Idol and after American Idol. Why they announce the 2008 sked now is beyond comprehension, since they always make changes before January...
FOX Prime-time Schedule Fall 2007:
Monday
8 pm: Prison Break
9 pm: K-Ville
Tuesday
8 pm: New Amsterdam
9 pm: House
Wednesday
8 pm: Back to You
8:30 pm: 'Til Death
9 pm: Bones
Thursday
8 pm: Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?
9 pm Kitchen Nightmares
Friday
8 pm: The Search for the Next Great American Band
9 pm: Nashville
Saturday
8 pm: Cops
8:30 pm Cops
9 pm America's Most Wanted: America Fights Back
11 pm: Mad TV
12 am: Talk Show with Spike Feresten
Sunday
7 pm: The OT (NFL post-game)
8 pm The Simpsons
8:30 pm: King of the Hill
9 pm: Family Guy
9:30 pm: American Dad
FOX Prime-time Schedule Beginning January 2008:
Monday
8 pm: K-Ville (January)/Prison Break (Spring)
9 pm: 24
Tuesday
8 pm: American Idol
9 pm: House
Wednesday (January)
8 pm: Back to You
8:30 pm ’Til Death
9 pm: American Idol
Wednesday (Spring)
8 pm: Back to You
8:30 pm: The Return of Jezebel James
9 pm: American Idol Results Show
9:30 pm: 'Til Death
Thursday
8 pm: Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?
9 pm: Canterbury's Law
Friday
8 pm: Bones
9 pm: New Amsterdam
Saturday
8 pm: Cops
8:30 pm: Cops
9 pm America's Most Wanted: America Fights Back
11 pm: Mad TV
12 am: Talk Show with Spike Feresten
Sunday
7 pm: King of the Hill
7:30 pm: American Dad
8 pm: The Simpsons
8:30 pm: Family Guy
9 pm: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
FOX Prime-time Schedule Fall 2007:
Monday
8 pm: Prison Break
9 pm: K-Ville
Tuesday
8 pm: New Amsterdam
9 pm: House
Wednesday
8 pm: Back to You
8:30 pm: 'Til Death
9 pm: Bones
Thursday
8 pm: Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?
9 pm Kitchen Nightmares
Friday
8 pm: The Search for the Next Great American Band
9 pm: Nashville
Saturday
8 pm: Cops
8:30 pm Cops
9 pm America's Most Wanted: America Fights Back
11 pm: Mad TV
12 am: Talk Show with Spike Feresten
Sunday
7 pm: The OT (NFL post-game)
8 pm The Simpsons
8:30 pm: King of the Hill
9 pm: Family Guy
9:30 pm: American Dad
FOX Prime-time Schedule Beginning January 2008:
Monday
8 pm: K-Ville (January)/Prison Break (Spring)
9 pm: 24
Tuesday
8 pm: American Idol
9 pm: House
Wednesday (January)
8 pm: Back to You
8:30 pm ’Til Death
9 pm: American Idol
Wednesday (Spring)
8 pm: Back to You
8:30 pm: The Return of Jezebel James
9 pm: American Idol Results Show
9:30 pm: 'Til Death
Thursday
8 pm: Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?
9 pm: Canterbury's Law
Friday
8 pm: Bones
9 pm: New Amsterdam
Saturday
8 pm: Cops
8:30 pm: Cops
9 pm America's Most Wanted: America Fights Back
11 pm: Mad TV
12 am: Talk Show with Spike Feresten
Sunday
7 pm: King of the Hill
7:30 pm: American Dad
8 pm: The Simpsons
8:30 pm: Family Guy
9 pm: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
And the press release link:
CBS Sked
Sorry I'm behind.
Here's what CBS plans to do this Fall.
The following is the 2007-2008 CBS Television Network Prime-time schedule:
MONDAY
8 pm How I Met Your Mother
8:30 pm The Big Bang Theory
9 pm Two and a Half Men
9:30 pm Rules of Engagement
10 pm CSI: Miami
TUESDAY
8 pm NCIS
9 pm The Unit
10 pm Cane
WEDNESDAY
8 pm Kid Nation
9 pm Criminal Minds
10 pm CSI: NY
THURSDAY
8 pm Survivor
9 pm CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
10 pm Without a Trace
FRIDAY
8 pm Ghost Whisperer
9 pm Moonlight
10 pm Numbers
SATURDAY
8 pm Crimetime Saturday
9 pm Crimetime Saturday
10 pm 48 Hours: Mystery
SUNDAY
7 pm 60 Minutes
8 pm Viva Laughlin
9 pm Cold Case
10 pm Shark
And here's the press release link:
http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Look-Hottest-Fall/Cbs-Announces-Fall/800015251
Here's what CBS plans to do this Fall.
The following is the 2007-2008 CBS Television Network Prime-time schedule:
MONDAY
8 pm How I Met Your Mother
8:30 pm The Big Bang Theory
9 pm Two and a Half Men
9:30 pm Rules of Engagement
10 pm CSI: Miami
TUESDAY
8 pm NCIS
9 pm The Unit
10 pm Cane
WEDNESDAY
8 pm Kid Nation
9 pm Criminal Minds
10 pm CSI: NY
THURSDAY
8 pm Survivor
9 pm CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
10 pm Without a Trace
FRIDAY
8 pm Ghost Whisperer
9 pm Moonlight
10 pm Numbers
SATURDAY
8 pm Crimetime Saturday
9 pm Crimetime Saturday
10 pm 48 Hours: Mystery
SUNDAY
7 pm 60 Minutes
8 pm Viva Laughlin
9 pm Cold Case
10 pm Shark
And here's the press release link:
http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Look-Hottest-Fall/Cbs-Announces-Fall/800015251
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Upfront Odds and Ends
CBS made an early announcement that How I Met Your Mother got a third season (kickass!!!). After last night's finale, I'm more in love with this show than ever.
CBS also announced that Jericho is not coming back. Neither is Close to Home (serves them right for killing off Christian Kane's character) or The Class.
It also announced it is picking up Viva Laughlin (A BBC import), Moonlight (featuring a vampire P.I.), Cane (Jimmy Smits stars in the rum-running "Latin Sopranos"), and Swingtown (about swingers in the '70s). I guess they're actually trying get away from the crime investigations a little.
We'll see what the CBS sked looks like tomorrow at their official presentation.
In CW news, Smallville, Supernatural, One Tree Hill, Girlfriends, and The Game join Everybody Hates Chris and get renewed. And that's it for All of Us. Of course, the show everyone is waiting on, Veronica Mars, wasn't announced. We should know sometime by the end of the week.
As expected, no one laughed at ABC's Geico-inspired Cavemen trailer. Expect this show to(probably deservedly) get kicked around by every critic and magazine until it ultimately gets cancelled (I predict in mid-October).
And ABC's Pushing Daisies gained tons of buzz. Michael Ausiello watched the pilot and loved it (he's got usually good taste-- even if he's a little too obsessed with some shows).
CBS also announced that Jericho is not coming back. Neither is Close to Home (serves them right for killing off Christian Kane's character) or The Class.
It also announced it is picking up Viva Laughlin (A BBC import), Moonlight (featuring a vampire P.I.), Cane (Jimmy Smits stars in the rum-running "Latin Sopranos"), and Swingtown (about swingers in the '70s). I guess they're actually trying get away from the crime investigations a little.
We'll see what the CBS sked looks like tomorrow at their official presentation.
In CW news, Smallville, Supernatural, One Tree Hill, Girlfriends, and The Game join Everybody Hates Chris and get renewed. And that's it for All of Us. Of course, the show everyone is waiting on, Veronica Mars, wasn't announced. We should know sometime by the end of the week.
As expected, no one laughed at ABC's Geico-inspired Cavemen trailer. Expect this show to(probably deservedly) get kicked around by every critic and magazine until it ultimately gets cancelled (I predict in mid-October).
And ABC's Pushing Daisies gained tons of buzz. Michael Ausiello watched the pilot and loved it (he's got usually good taste-- even if he's a little too obsessed with some shows).
The ABC 2007 Schedule
MONDAY:
8:00 pm Dancing with the Stars
9:30 pm Sam I Am
10:00 pm The Bachelor
TUESDAY:
8:00 pm Cavemen
8:30 pm Carpoolers
9:00 pm Dancing with the Stars the Results Show
10:00 pm Boston Legal
WEDNESDAY:
8:00 pm Pushing Daisies
9:00 pm Private Practice
10:00 pm Dirty Sexy Money
THURSDAY:
8:00 pm Ugly Betty
9:00 pm Grey's Anatomy
10:00 pm Big Shots
FRIDAY:
8:00 pm Men in Trees
9:00 pm Women's Murder Club
10:00 pm 20/20
SATURDAY:
8:00 pm Saturday Night College Football
SUNDAY:
7:00 pm America's Funniest Home Videos
8:00 pm Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
9:00 pm Desperate Housewives
10:00 pm Brothers & Sisters
Two half-hour comedies... Amazing.
Here's the official (and lengthy) press release:
http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Look-Hottest-Fall/Abc-Announces-Fall/800015029
Here's what I've touted before: Michael Ausiello's minute-by-minute account of the ABC presentation:
http://community.tvguide.com/blog/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Ausiello-Report/700000049
8:00 pm Dancing with the Stars
9:30 pm Sam I Am
10:00 pm The Bachelor
TUESDAY:
8:00 pm Cavemen
8:30 pm Carpoolers
9:00 pm Dancing with the Stars the Results Show
10:00 pm Boston Legal
WEDNESDAY:
8:00 pm Pushing Daisies
9:00 pm Private Practice
10:00 pm Dirty Sexy Money
THURSDAY:
8:00 pm Ugly Betty
9:00 pm Grey's Anatomy
10:00 pm Big Shots
FRIDAY:
8:00 pm Men in Trees
9:00 pm Women's Murder Club
10:00 pm 20/20
SATURDAY:
8:00 pm Saturday Night College Football
SUNDAY:
7:00 pm America's Funniest Home Videos
8:00 pm Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
9:00 pm Desperate Housewives
10:00 pm Brothers & Sisters
Two half-hour comedies... Amazing.
Here's the official (and lengthy) press release:
http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Look-Hottest-Fall/Abc-Announces-Fall/800015029
Here's what I've touted before: Michael Ausiello's minute-by-minute account of the ABC presentation:
http://community.tvguide.com/blog/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Ausiello-Report/700000049
The NBC Upfront trailers
I checked out the trailers of the new shows on nbc.com.
Journeyman: looks as good as it sounds on paper.
Lipstick Jungle: good cast, blah trailer.
Chuck: It looks better than I had even hoped.
Life: Had no interest in the show until I saw the trailer; love the humor.
Bionic Woman: I knew I'd check it out, but this looks real interesting.
Here's the link to the videos:
http://www.nbc.com/Fall_Preview/video/#mea=103740
And here's what Matt Roush (the critic I tend to agree with most) thinks about the skeds of both ABC and NBC:
http://community.tvguide.com/blog/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Roush-Dispatch/700000048
Journeyman: looks as good as it sounds on paper.
Lipstick Jungle: good cast, blah trailer.
Chuck: It looks better than I had even hoped.
Life: Had no interest in the show until I saw the trailer; love the humor.
Bionic Woman: I knew I'd check it out, but this looks real interesting.
Here's the link to the videos:
http://www.nbc.com/Fall_Preview/video/#mea=103740
And here's what Matt Roush (the critic I tend to agree with most) thinks about the skeds of both ABC and NBC:
http://community.tvguide.com/blog/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Roush-Dispatch/700000048
Monday, May 14, 2007
NBC Sched 2007-2008
Not a lot of time here, but I thought it was my duty to put what little I could in a post.
Here's the NBC schedule for next season per the upfronts today.
NBC PRIME-TIME SCHEDULE FOR FALL 2007-08 *New programs in CAPS (with the exception of "ER")
MONDAY
8-9 pm Deal or No Deal
9-10 pm Heroes
10-11 pm JOURNEYMAN
TUESDAY
8-9 pm The Biggest Loser
9-10 pm CHUCK
10-11 pm Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
WEDNESDAY
8-9 pm Deal or No Deal
9-10 pm BIONIC WOMAN
10-11 pm LIFE
THURSDAY
8-8:30 pm My Name Is Earl
8:30-9 pm 30 Rock
9-9:30 pm The Office
9:30-10 pm Scrubs
10-11 pm ER
FRIDAY
8-9 pm 1 vs 100/THE SINGING BEE
9-10 pm Las Vegas
10-11 pm Friday Night Lights
SATURDAY
8-9 pm Dateline NBC
9-11 pm Drama Series Encores
SUNDAY (Fall 2007)
7-8 pm Football Night in America
8-11 pm NBC Sunday Night Football
SUNDAY (January 2008)
7-8 pm Dateline NBC
8-9 pm Law & Order
9-10 pm Medium
10-11 pm LIPSTICK JUNGLE
And for details, here's the whole press release:
http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Look-Hottest-Fall/Nbc-Announces-Fall/800014976
Here's the NBC schedule for next season per the upfronts today.
NBC PRIME-TIME SCHEDULE FOR FALL 2007-08 *New programs in CAPS (with the exception of "ER")
MONDAY
8-9 pm Deal or No Deal
9-10 pm Heroes
10-11 pm JOURNEYMAN
TUESDAY
8-9 pm The Biggest Loser
9-10 pm CHUCK
10-11 pm Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
WEDNESDAY
8-9 pm Deal or No Deal
9-10 pm BIONIC WOMAN
10-11 pm LIFE
THURSDAY
8-8:30 pm My Name Is Earl
8:30-9 pm 30 Rock
9-9:30 pm The Office
9:30-10 pm Scrubs
10-11 pm ER
FRIDAY
8-9 pm 1 vs 100/THE SINGING BEE
9-10 pm Las Vegas
10-11 pm Friday Night Lights
SATURDAY
8-9 pm Dateline NBC
9-11 pm Drama Series Encores
SUNDAY (Fall 2007)
7-8 pm Football Night in America
8-11 pm NBC Sunday Night Football
SUNDAY (January 2008)
7-8 pm Dateline NBC
8-9 pm Law & Order
9-10 pm Medium
10-11 pm LIPSTICK JUNGLE
And for details, here's the whole press release:
http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Look-Hottest-Fall/Nbc-Announces-Fall/800014976
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Premieres, Finales, and Notables May 14-20, 2007
Monday, 5/14
Season Finales:
Everybody Hates Chris; CW, 7:00 CST
How I Met Your Mother; CBS, 7:00. Ted & Robin have a secret, and Barney spends the entire reception of Lily and Marshall's wedding trying to pry it out of them. And the episode ends on not only a cliffhanger, but a cliffhanger to a sentence.
All of Us; CW, 7:30.
Two and a Half Men; CBS, 7:30.
The Game; CW, 8:00.
CSI: Miami; CBS, 9:00.
And the series finale of The King of Queens; CBS, 8:00 (1 hour).
Tuesday, 5/15
Season Finales:
Bullrun; Spike, 9:00.
Driving Force; A&E, 9:00.
And what was a season finale up until two weeks ago when it became a series finale: Gilmore Girls; CW, 7:00.
Wednesday, 5/16
Season Finales (I'm betting a couple are series finales; they just don't know it yet):
According to Jim; ABC, 7:00.
Thank God You're Here; NBC, 7:00.
Bones; FOX, 7:00.
Crossing Jordan; NBC, 8:00.
Medium; NBC, 9:00.
America's Next Top Model; CW, 7:00.
Criminal Minds; CBS, 8:00.
CSI: NY; CBS, 9:00.
Thursday, 5/17:
Season Finales:
The Office; NBC, 7-8 pm. Michael, Jim, and Karen are up for a promotion. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say the person introduced this year, the actress without a long-term commitment to the show as well as the one who shot a pilot this spring will get the promotion (Karen). But then, the show has thrown a wrench into things before. And for those of you into the whole thing: Jim & Pam's relationship is addressed in some fashion.
Scrubs; NBC, 8-9 pm. J.D. has to decide if he wants to pursue Elliot or reconcile with Kim.
Smallville; CW, 7:00. Someone major dies. I'm gonna suspect it's not Clark, not Lana, and not Lex. Poor, poor Chloe...
Ugly Betty; ABC, 7:00.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation; CBS, 8:00.
ER; NBC; 9:01.
Supernatural; CW, 8:00.
And a notable: Lost: The Answers (ABC, 9:07) is a clip show which summarizes the goings-on of the castaways and The Others before the big finale next week (where at least five people die).
Friday, 5/18:
Season Finales:
America's Funniest Home Videos; ABC, 7:00. This show still has seasons? I thought they just repackaged the crap from years ago...
Instant Star; The N, 7:00.
Law & Order; NBC, 9:00.
Numb3rs; CBS, 9:00.
And a premiere:
National Bingo Night; ABC, 8:00. God, that hurt my fingers to type. Seriously, ABC expects people to tune in to other people playing f-ing BINGO!!. And it probably will find some audience. Don't watch this crap. When you do, the networks think it's okay to air this garbage.
Saturday, 5/19:
Season Finales:
Mad TV; FOX, 10:00.
Saturday Night Live; NBC, 10:30.
Talk Show With Spike Feresten; FOX, 11:00.
And if you missed out on Heroes, The Sci-Fi Channel is airing 21 episodes (almost the entire season) starting at 9:00 am in preparation for the season finale on Monday, 5/21.
Sunday, 5/20:
Season Finales:
King of the Hill; FOX 6-7. The 11th season ends. Wow, I remember when it premiered...
The Simpsons; FOX, 7-8. The 4ooth episode. Amazing.
Desperate Housewives; ABC, 8:00.
Family Guy; FOX, 8:00.
American Dad; FOX, 8:30.
Brothers & Sisters; ABC, 9:02.
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition; ABC, 6:00 & 7:00.
Blood Ties; Lifetime, 9:00.
Grey's Anatomy; ABC, 8:00.
Season Finales:
Everybody Hates Chris; CW, 7:00 CST
How I Met Your Mother; CBS, 7:00. Ted & Robin have a secret, and Barney spends the entire reception of Lily and Marshall's wedding trying to pry it out of them. And the episode ends on not only a cliffhanger, but a cliffhanger to a sentence.
All of Us; CW, 7:30.
Two and a Half Men; CBS, 7:30.
The Game; CW, 8:00.
CSI: Miami; CBS, 9:00.
And the series finale of The King of Queens; CBS, 8:00 (1 hour).
Tuesday, 5/15
Season Finales:
Bullrun; Spike, 9:00.
Driving Force; A&E, 9:00.
And what was a season finale up until two weeks ago when it became a series finale: Gilmore Girls; CW, 7:00.
Wednesday, 5/16
Season Finales (I'm betting a couple are series finales; they just don't know it yet):
According to Jim; ABC, 7:00.
Thank God You're Here; NBC, 7:00.
Bones; FOX, 7:00.
Crossing Jordan; NBC, 8:00.
Medium; NBC, 9:00.
America's Next Top Model; CW, 7:00.
Criminal Minds; CBS, 8:00.
CSI: NY; CBS, 9:00.
Thursday, 5/17:
Season Finales:
The Office; NBC, 7-8 pm. Michael, Jim, and Karen are up for a promotion. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say the person introduced this year, the actress without a long-term commitment to the show as well as the one who shot a pilot this spring will get the promotion (Karen). But then, the show has thrown a wrench into things before. And for those of you into the whole thing: Jim & Pam's relationship is addressed in some fashion.
Scrubs; NBC, 8-9 pm. J.D. has to decide if he wants to pursue Elliot or reconcile with Kim.
Smallville; CW, 7:00. Someone major dies. I'm gonna suspect it's not Clark, not Lana, and not Lex. Poor, poor Chloe...
Ugly Betty; ABC, 7:00.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation; CBS, 8:00.
ER; NBC; 9:01.
Supernatural; CW, 8:00.
And a notable: Lost: The Answers (ABC, 9:07) is a clip show which summarizes the goings-on of the castaways and The Others before the big finale next week (where at least five people die).
Friday, 5/18:
Season Finales:
America's Funniest Home Videos; ABC, 7:00. This show still has seasons? I thought they just repackaged the crap from years ago...
Instant Star; The N, 7:00.
Law & Order; NBC, 9:00.
Numb3rs; CBS, 9:00.
And a premiere:
National Bingo Night; ABC, 8:00. God, that hurt my fingers to type. Seriously, ABC expects people to tune in to other people playing f-ing BINGO!!. And it probably will find some audience. Don't watch this crap. When you do, the networks think it's okay to air this garbage.
Saturday, 5/19:
Season Finales:
Mad TV; FOX, 10:00.
Saturday Night Live; NBC, 10:30.
Talk Show With Spike Feresten; FOX, 11:00.
And if you missed out on Heroes, The Sci-Fi Channel is airing 21 episodes (almost the entire season) starting at 9:00 am in preparation for the season finale on Monday, 5/21.
Sunday, 5/20:
Season Finales:
King of the Hill; FOX 6-7. The 11th season ends. Wow, I remember when it premiered...
The Simpsons; FOX, 7-8. The 4ooth episode. Amazing.
Desperate Housewives; ABC, 8:00.
Family Guy; FOX, 8:00.
American Dad; FOX, 8:30.
Brothers & Sisters; ABC, 9:02.
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition; ABC, 6:00 & 7:00.
Blood Ties; Lifetime, 9:00.
Grey's Anatomy; ABC, 8:00.
Media Watch Friday & Saturday
And the completion of my tracking of my media devouring for the week:
Friday:
Finished listening to the audiobook Star Wars: Cloak of Deception.
Finished the 300 graphic novel.
Finished the trade paperback of Superman: Up, Up and Away.
Listened to Sammy Hagar's Standing Hampton.
Watched Scrubs; "My Conventional Wisdom"; 5/10.
Watched American Dad; "When a Stan Loves a Woman"; 4/29.
Saturday:
Listened to The Lion King Broadway Musical soundtrack. Like three times... (my kids just got it, and we were in the car a lot).
Read the intro to The Cheater's Guide to Baseball.
Watched Boston Legal episodes (finished 1/9, and the entire 1/16 & 1/30 episodes).
Roundup:
All in all, a pretty light week (was pretty busy Sunday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday). I also listened to music, which doesn't happen very much. But you can kinda get an idea of what I watch/read in a typical week, and why I am such an excellent judge of media. :)
Friday:
Finished listening to the audiobook Star Wars: Cloak of Deception.
Finished the 300 graphic novel.
Finished the trade paperback of Superman: Up, Up and Away.
Listened to Sammy Hagar's Standing Hampton.
Watched Scrubs; "My Conventional Wisdom"; 5/10.
Watched American Dad; "When a Stan Loves a Woman"; 4/29.
Saturday:
Listened to The Lion King Broadway Musical soundtrack. Like three times... (my kids just got it, and we were in the car a lot).
Read the intro to The Cheater's Guide to Baseball.
Watched Boston Legal episodes (finished 1/9, and the entire 1/16 & 1/30 episodes).
Roundup:
All in all, a pretty light week (was pretty busy Sunday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday). I also listened to music, which doesn't happen very much. But you can kinda get an idea of what I watch/read in a typical week, and why I am such an excellent judge of media. :)
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Han Solo's torture
Lametastic84 posted this clip on YouTube. The joke is funny, if stretched a little too far.
10 Things I Hate About Commandments
Here is an extremely well done 1:18 long clip that poses the question: what if THE TEN COMMANDMENTS was a teen comedy.
Friday, May 11, 2007
NBC Makes it (Almost) Official
Michael Ausiello reports that a well-placed mole at NBC has confirmed that Scrubs will be back for a final 18 episode season on the network.
Rumor has it that if NBC pulled the plug on the show, ABC would have picked it up (the network actually produces the show) for the last season.
If NBC doesn't make it official soon, we should know the fate of the show next week at upfronts.
I'm going to try really hard to keep up with upfronts and report as I can. But you can always check tvguide.com, click in the news and views section, and then click on Michael Ausiello. He's always got the scoop as he reports on upfronts (in a usually comical manner).
Rumor has it that if NBC pulled the plug on the show, ABC would have picked it up (the network actually produces the show) for the last season.
If NBC doesn't make it official soon, we should know the fate of the show next week at upfronts.
I'm going to try really hard to keep up with upfronts and report as I can. But you can always check tvguide.com, click in the news and views section, and then click on Michael Ausiello. He's always got the scoop as he reports on upfronts (in a usually comical manner).
Media Watch: Tuesday Through Thursday
Part Two of what I watch/read in a week.
Tuesday:
The Showbiz Show With David Spade; 5/3
How I Met Your Mother; "Something Borrowed"; 5/7
The New Adventures of Old Christine; 5/7
Moral Orel; "Repression"; 5/6
An hour of the audiobook Star Wars: Cloak of Deception.
About 35 minutes of a My Chemical Romance CD my friend lent me.
Wednesday:
Sherrybaby DVD
A few entries in The 101 Most Influential People Who Never Lived
An hour of the audiobook Star Wars: Cloak of Deception
Free Comic Book Day edition of Amazing Spider-Man "Swing Shift"
Free Comic Book Day edition of Legion of Super-Heroes in the 31st Century
Justice League of America #8
Justice Society of America #5
Thursday:
Finished The 101 Most Influential People Who Never Lived
Listened to an hour of the audiobook Star Wars: Cloak of Deception
Read a chapter of Star Wars: Legacy of the Force: Exile
Read the first chapter of the 300 graphic novel
The Office; "Beach Games"; 5/10
My Name Is Earl; "The Trial"; 5/10
Reno 911; 5/6
Tuesday:
The Showbiz Show With David Spade; 5/3
How I Met Your Mother; "Something Borrowed"; 5/7
The New Adventures of Old Christine; 5/7
Moral Orel; "Repression"; 5/6
An hour of the audiobook Star Wars: Cloak of Deception.
About 35 minutes of a My Chemical Romance CD my friend lent me.
Wednesday:
Sherrybaby DVD
A few entries in The 101 Most Influential People Who Never Lived
An hour of the audiobook Star Wars: Cloak of Deception
Free Comic Book Day edition of Amazing Spider-Man "Swing Shift"
Free Comic Book Day edition of Legion of Super-Heroes in the 31st Century
Justice League of America #8
Justice Society of America #5
Thursday:
Finished The 101 Most Influential People Who Never Lived
Listened to an hour of the audiobook Star Wars: Cloak of Deception
Read a chapter of Star Wars: Legacy of the Force: Exile
Read the first chapter of the 300 graphic novel
The Office; "Beach Games"; 5/10
My Name Is Earl; "The Trial"; 5/10
Reno 911; 5/6
Thursday, May 10, 2007
NBC Stops Playing the Waiting Game
Every season, there's one show that every critic loves. Usually, the show suffers from bad ratings and disappears.
This year, that show was Friday Night Lights. Eyes are on NBC's upfronts next week, where we'll see if it gets renewed.
But they decided not to make us wait. tvguide.com's Michael Ausiello reported a mere three hours ago that NBC has renewed the show for next year-- for a full 22 episode season!
This year, that show was Friday Night Lights. Eyes are on NBC's upfronts next week, where we'll see if it gets renewed.
But they decided not to make us wait. tvguide.com's Michael Ausiello reported a mere three hours ago that NBC has renewed the show for next year-- for a full 22 episode season!
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Iron Man?
Iron Man was the first superhero I wished I could be. The armor was just too cool. Way, way back, in my earliest years of reading comic books, Iron Man was the one I had to read first when I bought a few comics.
I "grew out" of the character when he was handled so poorly (pretty much the '90s until today). Now, after the "Civil War" storyline Marvel did last year, Tony Stark's pretty much a dick.
So I'm looking forward to what I hope is "my" Iron Man for the upcoming film (especially because the direct to DVD animated movie was booooring).
This picture of the movie armor was on ew.com, so I hope it's legit. 'Cause it kicks all kinds of ass...
Media Week: Sunday and Monday
In the past week, I've had exchanges with two of my friends about the sheer amount of media I devour in a typical day. One friend of mine just came out and said "Do you ever just do nothing?" And I, honestly, don't. It's pretty sad.
My other friend got to hear about my dilemma when I have the house to myself for a few hours. Do I watch something in the living room on the DVR (which needs to be cleaned out from time to time) on the big TV? Do I go downstairs to my Fortress of Solitude and watch a tape or DVD while I straighten out my collections? Do I try to catch up on the few websites I stay up on? If I'm on the computer, can I watch something on the TV in the other room? Should I bring the small TV/VCR to the computer room, so I can surf/blog while something's on I can watch?
So yeah, I don't ever really shut down.
So this (and subsequent posts for the week) will kinda lay out what I watch/read in a week. I know I talk TV most of the time, but I am more rounded than that.
For the record: I'm not going to list the websites (tvguide.com, newsarama.com, and the library website) or the magazines I read. And I skim the daily paper, but I usually knock it out in a half-hour, so it's not like I read more than dozen articles a day.
Anyway, here goes. It's, actually, pretty light so far.
If I know the episode title, I'll include it. The dates are when the ep aired:
Sunday, May 6
Ugly Betty, "Secretaries Day", 5/3
Bronx Bunny, 4/25
Desperate Houswives, 5/6
Brothers and Sisters, 4/29
A chapter of Star Wars: Legacy of the Force: Exile.
Monday, May 7
The trade paperback Batman: As The Crow Flies
The first story in the trade paperback Superman: Up, Up and Away
Listened to about an hour's worth of the audiobook of Star Wars: Cloak of Deception.
Watched the DVD of Casino Royale
My other friend got to hear about my dilemma when I have the house to myself for a few hours. Do I watch something in the living room on the DVR (which needs to be cleaned out from time to time) on the big TV? Do I go downstairs to my Fortress of Solitude and watch a tape or DVD while I straighten out my collections? Do I try to catch up on the few websites I stay up on? If I'm on the computer, can I watch something on the TV in the other room? Should I bring the small TV/VCR to the computer room, so I can surf/blog while something's on I can watch?
So yeah, I don't ever really shut down.
So this (and subsequent posts for the week) will kinda lay out what I watch/read in a week. I know I talk TV most of the time, but I am more rounded than that.
For the record: I'm not going to list the websites (tvguide.com, newsarama.com, and the library website) or the magazines I read. And I skim the daily paper, but I usually knock it out in a half-hour, so it's not like I read more than dozen articles a day.
Anyway, here goes. It's, actually, pretty light so far.
If I know the episode title, I'll include it. The dates are when the ep aired:
Sunday, May 6
Ugly Betty, "Secretaries Day", 5/3
Bronx Bunny, 4/25
Desperate Houswives, 5/6
Brothers and Sisters, 4/29
A chapter of Star Wars: Legacy of the Force: Exile.
Monday, May 7
The trade paperback Batman: As The Crow Flies
The first story in the trade paperback Superman: Up, Up and Away
Listened to about an hour's worth of the audiobook of Star Wars: Cloak of Deception.
Watched the DVD of Casino Royale
ABC's Bold Move
Fans, creators, and the network did the impossible: they pulled off a win-win-win for Lost.
Producers of the show had wanted ABC to agree to an end point. This would allow them to tell the story they wanted to tell.
ABC didn't want one of their cash cows to just up and leave when money and ratings were to be had.
Fans wanted some comfort that the show still had a direction.
On Monday, ABC announced that Lost would be back for three more, shortened, seasons. The sixteen episode seasons would run from February to May without repeats.
It's a big move for the network. And it's showing a potential shift in network thinking, allowing a show to run shorter seasons without interruptions.
I don't watch the show (yet), but I find the move encouraging. The producers can now put the pieces in place to tell the story they want to tell. The fans can continue to watch without feeling the show is spinning its wheels. And the network has three more seasons of the show with an easy way to schedule it.
Producers of the show had wanted ABC to agree to an end point. This would allow them to tell the story they wanted to tell.
ABC didn't want one of their cash cows to just up and leave when money and ratings were to be had.
Fans wanted some comfort that the show still had a direction.
On Monday, ABC announced that Lost would be back for three more, shortened, seasons. The sixteen episode seasons would run from February to May without repeats.
It's a big move for the network. And it's showing a potential shift in network thinking, allowing a show to run shorter seasons without interruptions.
I don't watch the show (yet), but I find the move encouraging. The producers can now put the pieces in place to tell the story they want to tell. The fans can continue to watch without feeling the show is spinning its wheels. And the network has three more seasons of the show with an easy way to schedule it.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
This Week's Notables Addendum
This week has a few notables I didn't point out because TV Guide didn't have them. Thank goodness for the DVR scheduler...
Easily enough, they all air on Saturday, May 12.
The fourth episode of Green Wing airs on BBC America Saturday from 4-5 am . I mentioned a few weeks ago that I was a bit upset that the network hasn't been airing it regularly, but I did recommend recording the first three eps that aired. And 'cuz I got yer back, I'm telling you about the fourth.
And it's a good one. It's Joanna's birthday, and she thinks the hot IT stud gave her a gift, and it was actually from lower-than-geek Dr. Statham. Plus, it is revealed that Guy has rated all the women in the hospital, and Caroline is mad she didn't rate higher.
Also on Saturday, from 6am-11am, the Sundance Channel will air the entire third (and final) season of Slings and Arrows. I haven't watched it yet, but I was hooked from the first episode of the series, especially with Paul Gross' work. I couldn't take my eyes off the screen.
Finally, I don't want to hype it beyond all expectations, but I really believe the "Return of the King" episode of The Boondocks that is airing on Saturday on the Cartoon Network/[adult swim] from 10:30-11:00 pm is one of the best half-hours of television I watched all last year-- and if I was pinned down, I would rank it as the one of the best I've ever seen.
It's kind of an alternate history episode that poses the question: what would Martin Luther King, Jr. think of the state of African Americans today. When the ep first aired, I had just finished a book written by a reformed Crips (or was it Bloods?) member who related his life story, and what he had learned from many stints in jail. One of his main arguments about why black people can never get ahead is because they are held down by whites-- something I would agree with. I'm not sure if it's true on a small, personal level, but I do believe on a large corporate or government level, it's true. But I also felt that argument was missing something.
This Boondocks episode fills in the blanks a bit when it's pretty laid out there that black people cause as much damage to themselves as any other race does. King's reaction to how some party members at a rally are acting really doesn't pull any punches. I don't want to ruin it for anyone, but I was shocked initially, and then the point of the scene hit me right between the eyes. Too bad not enough people watched it; or that most of the ones that did, won't "get it" (sort of what Dave Chappelle realized about peoples' reactions to The Chappelle Show). It's a very good story interlaced with profanity and the "N-Word" as well as jokes (the show is a comedy after all). But, like shows such as Chappelle's Show and South Park, the heart of the story can be missed when all people see are the jokes.
And the episode was also a great tribute to the man who had done so much for African Americans-- and Americans in general. And that was the whole point to the episode. No one has really done a good "holiday episode" about Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (when this episode first aired), and, sadly, no one probably ever will. Especially since The Boondocks set the bar so high.
This episode gets my highest recommendation. If you tried Boondocks and didn't like it, give this episode a try. The tone is a little different from the other episodes, and it's worth trying again for.
And if you haven't tried the show-- shame on you! Are you not reading what I'm writing? Do I do this for nothing?
Easily enough, they all air on Saturday, May 12.
The fourth episode of Green Wing airs on BBC America Saturday from 4-5 am . I mentioned a few weeks ago that I was a bit upset that the network hasn't been airing it regularly, but I did recommend recording the first three eps that aired. And 'cuz I got yer back, I'm telling you about the fourth.
And it's a good one. It's Joanna's birthday, and she thinks the hot IT stud gave her a gift, and it was actually from lower-than-geek Dr. Statham. Plus, it is revealed that Guy has rated all the women in the hospital, and Caroline is mad she didn't rate higher.
Also on Saturday, from 6am-11am, the Sundance Channel will air the entire third (and final) season of Slings and Arrows. I haven't watched it yet, but I was hooked from the first episode of the series, especially with Paul Gross' work. I couldn't take my eyes off the screen.
Finally, I don't want to hype it beyond all expectations, but I really believe the "Return of the King" episode of The Boondocks that is airing on Saturday on the Cartoon Network/[adult swim] from 10:30-11:00 pm is one of the best half-hours of television I watched all last year-- and if I was pinned down, I would rank it as the one of the best I've ever seen.
It's kind of an alternate history episode that poses the question: what would Martin Luther King, Jr. think of the state of African Americans today. When the ep first aired, I had just finished a book written by a reformed Crips (or was it Bloods?) member who related his life story, and what he had learned from many stints in jail. One of his main arguments about why black people can never get ahead is because they are held down by whites-- something I would agree with. I'm not sure if it's true on a small, personal level, but I do believe on a large corporate or government level, it's true. But I also felt that argument was missing something.
This Boondocks episode fills in the blanks a bit when it's pretty laid out there that black people cause as much damage to themselves as any other race does. King's reaction to how some party members at a rally are acting really doesn't pull any punches. I don't want to ruin it for anyone, but I was shocked initially, and then the point of the scene hit me right between the eyes. Too bad not enough people watched it; or that most of the ones that did, won't "get it" (sort of what Dave Chappelle realized about peoples' reactions to The Chappelle Show). It's a very good story interlaced with profanity and the "N-Word" as well as jokes (the show is a comedy after all). But, like shows such as Chappelle's Show and South Park, the heart of the story can be missed when all people see are the jokes.
And the episode was also a great tribute to the man who had done so much for African Americans-- and Americans in general. And that was the whole point to the episode. No one has really done a good "holiday episode" about Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (when this episode first aired), and, sadly, no one probably ever will. Especially since The Boondocks set the bar so high.
This episode gets my highest recommendation. If you tried Boondocks and didn't like it, give this episode a try. The tone is a little different from the other episodes, and it's worth trying again for.
And if you haven't tried the show-- shame on you! Are you not reading what I'm writing? Do I do this for nothing?
Premieres and Notables, April 7-13, 2007
Sorry it's been so long-- rough week. And I've got to do this post quick-like...
Monday, 5/7
The New Adventures of Old Christine (CBS, 7:30 CST) and Girlfriends (CW, 8:30) have their season finales.
Tuesday, 5/8
George Lopez (ABC, 7:00), The Unit (CBS, 8:00), and Tori & Dean: Inn Love (Oxygen, 9:30) all have their season finales.
Wednesday, 5/9
Jericho (CBS, 7:00) has a death in its season finale, and the 100th ep of Mail Call (History, 10:00) is also its season finale.
Thursday, 5/10
NBC continues it's "supersized" Thursday. Earl's self-improvement the past few weeks may take a bad turn on the season finale of My Name Is Earl (NBC, 7:00). Michael takes the crew on a staff outing at Lake Scranton and creates a competition to find his successor (he's being considered for a corporate position; why would he think he wouldn't get it?) on The Office (NBC, 7:40). And on Scrubs (NBC, 8:20), J.D. runs into a pregnant Kim, who, if you remember, told J.D. she had a miscarriage.
Without a Trace also wraps up its fifth season tonight (CBS, 9:00). Part One of the Supernatural (CW, 8:00) season finale airs.
Traveler; ABC. 9:01 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Two friends pull a prank at an NY museum. A bomb goes off in the museum the same day. Now the two are on the run from the FBI, and their only alibi has disappeared-- and he might have set them up in the first place.
Friday, 5/11
P. Diddy Presents the Bad Boys of Comedy (HBO, 11:00), Ghost Whisperer (CBS, 7:00), and Close to Home (CBS, 8:00) have their season finales.
Saturday, 5/12
My Friends Tigger and Pooh; Disney. 9:00 am. Series Premiere.
Christopher Robin didn't make the cut in this CG animated series. Now, the human of the group is a six-year-old girl named Darby.
Sunday, 5/13
Survivor: Fiji (CBS, 7-10:00) picks the latest winner in its season finale, and Seventh Heaven (CW, 7:00) has its second (and final) series finale.
Monday, 5/7
The New Adventures of Old Christine (CBS, 7:30 CST) and Girlfriends (CW, 8:30) have their season finales.
Tuesday, 5/8
George Lopez (ABC, 7:00), The Unit (CBS, 8:00), and Tori & Dean: Inn Love (Oxygen, 9:30) all have their season finales.
Wednesday, 5/9
Jericho (CBS, 7:00) has a death in its season finale, and the 100th ep of Mail Call (History, 10:00) is also its season finale.
Thursday, 5/10
NBC continues it's "supersized" Thursday. Earl's self-improvement the past few weeks may take a bad turn on the season finale of My Name Is Earl (NBC, 7:00). Michael takes the crew on a staff outing at Lake Scranton and creates a competition to find his successor (he's being considered for a corporate position; why would he think he wouldn't get it?) on The Office (NBC, 7:40). And on Scrubs (NBC, 8:20), J.D. runs into a pregnant Kim, who, if you remember, told J.D. she had a miscarriage.
Without a Trace also wraps up its fifth season tonight (CBS, 9:00). Part One of the Supernatural (CW, 8:00) season finale airs.
Traveler; ABC. 9:01 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Two friends pull a prank at an NY museum. A bomb goes off in the museum the same day. Now the two are on the run from the FBI, and their only alibi has disappeared-- and he might have set them up in the first place.
Friday, 5/11
P. Diddy Presents the Bad Boys of Comedy (HBO, 11:00), Ghost Whisperer (CBS, 7:00), and Close to Home (CBS, 8:00) have their season finales.
Saturday, 5/12
My Friends Tigger and Pooh; Disney. 9:00 am. Series Premiere.
Christopher Robin didn't make the cut in this CG animated series. Now, the human of the group is a six-year-old girl named Darby.
Sunday, 5/13
Survivor: Fiji (CBS, 7-10:00) picks the latest winner in its season finale, and Seventh Heaven (CW, 7:00) has its second (and final) series finale.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Premieres and Notables April 30-May 6, 2007
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.
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.
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
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