NBC's "Green Week" begins. Most shows will have some sort of ecological "message" in them. I think it's a great concept just to remind people about the issue, but usually these theme weeks bomb in a bad way (and NBC has been involved with most of those failures).
Monday, 11/5
Murder by the Book; Court TV. 9 pm CST. 2nd season premiere.
Prison Break airs for 2 hours (FOX, 7-9 pm).
Tuesday, 11/6
Frontline/World; PBS. 8 pm CST (check local listings). Season Premiere.
Real Housewives of Orange County; Bravo. 9 pm. 3rd Season Premiere.
Sports Unfiltered With Dennis Miller; Vs. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Miller gives monologues, interviews, and checks headlines in this sports-based show.
Wednesday, 11/7
Swinging; Sundance. 10 pm. 2nd season premiere.
I liked BBC America's similar sketch comedy, Spoons, better, but the plot to one of the sketches in this premiere is a woman brings her dad to a porn film audition. Could be funny.
Clean House; Style. 9 pm. 6th season premiere.
And there's The 41st Annual CMA Awards is you're jonesing for awards shows (CBS, 7 pm).
Thursday, 11/8
NBC comedy highlights: Craig T. Nelson's warden makes a return appearance in My Name is Earl (7 pm); David Schwimmer makes a guest appearance on 30 Rock (7:30); Micheal is barred from the wilderness retreat, but goes into the forest on his own anyway on The Office (8:00); and Tom Cavanaugh returns as J.D.'s brother on Scrubs (8:30). Should be a good night.
And CBS airs a case that has CSI (8 pm) crossing over with Without a Trace (9 pm).
Friday, 11/9
Band of Bloggers; History. 7 pm. Special
A look at how blogging has given soldiers a chance to give the public a first-hand account of the war in Iraq.
Man vs. Wild; Discovery. 8 pm. 2nd season premiere.
And in sad news, Real Time With Bill Maher's (HBO, 10 pm) season concludes-- but he's got guests George Carlin (who should be better than last week's Martin Short) and Tom Brokaw to send him off.
Saturday, 11/10
C.O.P.S. airs its 7ooth episode at 7 pm (FOX). Let's say that number again: seven hundred!
Sunday, 11/11
Fearless Planet; Discovery. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Six-part look at some of the world's most awe-inspiring wonders. The premiere looks at Hawaii's geological history.
Cotton might be headed to the grave on King of the Hill (FOX, 7:30) and the American Idol judges make an appearance on Family Guy (FOX, 8 pm).
Curb Your Enthusiasm and Tell Me You Love Me (HBO, 9 pm & 8 pm) end their current seasons.
And keep in mind the WGA strike, so expect lots of repeats of the live shows you may be looking for. Saturday Night Live is a definite for airing repeats until the strike is resolved. Most late-night shows will also go into immediate repeats starting Monday (I know that Jay Leno is supporting the strike by not offering new eps); I've read that Jimmy Kimmel's show may still offer new eps for a time (not sure how; could be that he's the main/sole writer himself). I would imagine The Daily Show and The Colbert Report will also be unable to air new episodes.
So take the time to catch up on shows you've previously recorded when other shows you watch are in repeat mode. (I'd recommend DVD box sets, but since that's the big sticking point for the WGA, it'd be kinda ironic if I sent you in that direction.)
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Saturday, November 03, 2007
You Fool!
Ran across this link to a funny Hollywood Squares show that no one wanted to win.
Every square was filled except Gilbert Gottfried's, and it went back and forth because each player kept getting it wrong (prompting Gottfried to yell: "You Fool!" after each incorrect answer).
Not LOL hilarious, but enough to get a few chuckles.
The clip is six minutes long, and the video quality sucks, but if you're bored...
http://youtube.com/watch?v=FkkMkefwa8k
Every square was filled except Gilbert Gottfried's, and it went back and forth because each player kept getting it wrong (prompting Gottfried to yell: "You Fool!" after each incorrect answer).
Not LOL hilarious, but enough to get a few chuckles.
The clip is six minutes long, and the video quality sucks, but if you're bored...
http://youtube.com/watch?v=FkkMkefwa8k
Writers Go On Strike
Yesterday, the Writer's Guild (WGA) elected to go on strike on Monday.
What that means is no new scripts will be written for television or motion pictures until the strike is over. Studios have been expecting this for some time and have ordered a more-than-usual amount of movie scripts in preparation, so the motion picture industry probably won't be affected too much in the short-term. But the television industry will be adversely affected if the strike goes on for longer than a few weeks just due to the nature of television production.
If the strike goes on a while (at least a month, but assuredly by year's end), there will be long-term effects to this year's TV season. Shows are already bracing for the impact of having no new scripts. The "arc" finale of Heroes that is due to air on Dec. 3 will also have an alternate ending shot soon that will allow the ep to be a season finale if the strike isn't ended in time for more scripts. It's unknown what will happen to shows like Lost and 24, that work in season-long arcs and haven't premiered yet.
So, what's the strike about? Basically, the writers believe that they should benefit from the alternate media outlets that weren't prevalent when their current contract was written, namely through DVD and Internet. They haven't seen the money that comes from DVDs or iTunes.
Here is a link to WGA member Mark Evanier's (a sometimes comic book writer, and a great columnist) take on the situation:
http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2007_10_31.html#014277
And here's another post from him that tries to eliminate some of the myths surrounding the situation and the union:
http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2007_11_03.html#014294
I'm a nobody (from an industry perspective), but the writers have my full support on the strike, and I hope the producers loosen the strings to the purses they've kept the DVD and iTunes money for themselves thus far.
And let's get this worked out sooner rather than later because no one wants a bunch of the shit reality shows the networks are gearing up for if they don't get new scripted fare.
What that means is no new scripts will be written for television or motion pictures until the strike is over. Studios have been expecting this for some time and have ordered a more-than-usual amount of movie scripts in preparation, so the motion picture industry probably won't be affected too much in the short-term. But the television industry will be adversely affected if the strike goes on for longer than a few weeks just due to the nature of television production.
If the strike goes on a while (at least a month, but assuredly by year's end), there will be long-term effects to this year's TV season. Shows are already bracing for the impact of having no new scripts. The "arc" finale of Heroes that is due to air on Dec. 3 will also have an alternate ending shot soon that will allow the ep to be a season finale if the strike isn't ended in time for more scripts. It's unknown what will happen to shows like Lost and 24, that work in season-long arcs and haven't premiered yet.
So, what's the strike about? Basically, the writers believe that they should benefit from the alternate media outlets that weren't prevalent when their current contract was written, namely through DVD and Internet. They haven't seen the money that comes from DVDs or iTunes.
Here is a link to WGA member Mark Evanier's (a sometimes comic book writer, and a great columnist) take on the situation:
http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2007_10_31.html#014277
And here's another post from him that tries to eliminate some of the myths surrounding the situation and the union:
http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2007_11_03.html#014294
I'm a nobody (from an industry perspective), but the writers have my full support on the strike, and I hope the producers loosen the strings to the purses they've kept the DVD and iTunes money for themselves thus far.
And let's get this worked out sooner rather than later because no one wants a bunch of the shit reality shows the networks are gearing up for if they don't get new scripted fare.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
The Mighty Van Halen is Back
Due to the generosity of a friend (shout out to Brian), I was able to check out Van Halen's concert in Minneapolis this past Wednesday.
It was the fifth time I'd seen the band-- but the first with David Lee Roth singing. I've been a Van Halen fan for about twenty years, so I just missed the original Roth Days, but I have heard numerous stories about the legendary shows the band put on at that time.
I'm not sure if I experienced one of those "legendary" shows, but I did see a great one. They went way back-- nothing was played that was newer than 1984-- but it seemed new. I'd heard some of the songs before when Sammy Hagar or Gary Cherone sang them, but this time, we got the guy who wrote the words singing. There was a big difference. Yeah, Dave's voice isn't what it was. He can't hit those high notes or sustain the ones he used to carry a while, but, let's face it, the dude is 53 years old. It got kinda annoying that he went "lounge act" on a more than a few songs (to cover the voice), but if that's how we can hear the songs, I could deal with it.
And while Dave didn't rap too much during the show (the band was all about the music), one of the highlights of the night for me was a story that he told during his solo that had nothing to do with anything, but he just told it in such a way that I was hooked. The guy has the gift of gab for sure. And I could tell he just loves what he's doing.
Edward was amazing. I've seen him live before and I've watched the live-show DVDs and videos, so I shouldn't be surprised by what he can do, but I was. The guy can cook-- and he hasn't lost a step. If anything, he has perfected himself even more. I was enthralled by him the whole night, but one of my usually least favorite parts of a show-- the guitar solo-- blew me away. In the past, Ed worked in a lot of the "classic" riffs in his solo, but since the rest of the show was of the "classic" songs, he was unleashed. [I half-joked to Brian that it'd be cool if he did the Hagar-era riffs during the solo, but I knew that wouldn't happen.] Ed punished his guitar during the solo; just crazy stuff.
So: Dave and Ed? They looked like they were having the times of their lives. I've seen Ed fake it with Hagar before , but I really think he was loving doing what he was doing up on stage-- with Dave right next to him. More than once, they seemed almost playful with each other. They did a pretty wild motorcycle impersonation "contest" that freaked me out (Dave would use his mouth and the mic to sound like a starting engine-- and Ed would then counter with the same sounds using the guitar).
Alex was in a little "cage" of drums, pushed back by the second level of the stage, so it was hard to see what he was up to, but being a drummer for a rock band... he was pretty busy. And, unfortunately, the rhythm section is a bit of the mystery to me, so it's hard for me to say how effective he was. I'm going to guess he too, hasn't lost a step.
And the newest and most controversial member: Wolfgang Van Halen. He's no Michael Anthony, but he held his own. Mike was not only an essential member of the band vocal-wise, but he put on a show just as much as the others did. Wolfgang didn't stand out, but, let's face it, this tour is the "Dave and Ed Show", so anyone that band would have tapped to replace Mike would have been in the shadows. The kid can play (as much as I can tell), and he's only sixteen, so I can only imagine he'll get better at working the crowd over time. For now, he was happy (and effective) moving a little outside his area and otherwise standing with legs together in front of his microphone. Considering he was playing with a group that has over twice his age in the business, he did well.
And what is probably Wolf's most important contribution: his beamingly proud father on the other end of the stage.
It's a travesty how Van Halen has handled their business as it pertains to Mike, but I'm trying to come to terms with it. The band definitely needs to get a better P.R. firm to handle what's been going on. Here's the best way to deal with it: VH says they're happy Mike has been playing with Hagar the past few years-- and that they know he has a steady gig-- because Ed wants nothing more than to play with his son while he can. Done deal. Ed & Al-- if you need someone to handle your business, e-mail me.
And one last side note: since Wolfgang is such a new entity to not only Van Halen, but the industry, some loathsome people out there have reviewed him by making jokes that he's overweight. It's despicable. For those lazy writers out there: try doing your jobs. The kid is not (that) overweight-- and he's sixteen. How would you have felt reading something like that-- that has NOTHING to do with your job-- in a paper or online? Grow up.
So all I've got left is: try to see if this show if you can. It may not be what is was in 1984, but it's still damn good.
And, knowing the track history of this band, you may not get the chance ever again.
It was the fifth time I'd seen the band-- but the first with David Lee Roth singing. I've been a Van Halen fan for about twenty years, so I just missed the original Roth Days, but I have heard numerous stories about the legendary shows the band put on at that time.
I'm not sure if I experienced one of those "legendary" shows, but I did see a great one. They went way back-- nothing was played that was newer than 1984-- but it seemed new. I'd heard some of the songs before when Sammy Hagar or Gary Cherone sang them, but this time, we got the guy who wrote the words singing. There was a big difference. Yeah, Dave's voice isn't what it was. He can't hit those high notes or sustain the ones he used to carry a while, but, let's face it, the dude is 53 years old. It got kinda annoying that he went "lounge act" on a more than a few songs (to cover the voice), but if that's how we can hear the songs, I could deal with it.
And while Dave didn't rap too much during the show (the band was all about the music), one of the highlights of the night for me was a story that he told during his solo that had nothing to do with anything, but he just told it in such a way that I was hooked. The guy has the gift of gab for sure. And I could tell he just loves what he's doing.
Edward was amazing. I've seen him live before and I've watched the live-show DVDs and videos, so I shouldn't be surprised by what he can do, but I was. The guy can cook-- and he hasn't lost a step. If anything, he has perfected himself even more. I was enthralled by him the whole night, but one of my usually least favorite parts of a show-- the guitar solo-- blew me away. In the past, Ed worked in a lot of the "classic" riffs in his solo, but since the rest of the show was of the "classic" songs, he was unleashed. [I half-joked to Brian that it'd be cool if he did the Hagar-era riffs during the solo, but I knew that wouldn't happen.] Ed punished his guitar during the solo; just crazy stuff.
So: Dave and Ed? They looked like they were having the times of their lives. I've seen Ed fake it with Hagar before , but I really think he was loving doing what he was doing up on stage-- with Dave right next to him. More than once, they seemed almost playful with each other. They did a pretty wild motorcycle impersonation "contest" that freaked me out (Dave would use his mouth and the mic to sound like a starting engine-- and Ed would then counter with the same sounds using the guitar).
Alex was in a little "cage" of drums, pushed back by the second level of the stage, so it was hard to see what he was up to, but being a drummer for a rock band... he was pretty busy. And, unfortunately, the rhythm section is a bit of the mystery to me, so it's hard for me to say how effective he was. I'm going to guess he too, hasn't lost a step.
And the newest and most controversial member: Wolfgang Van Halen. He's no Michael Anthony, but he held his own. Mike was not only an essential member of the band vocal-wise, but he put on a show just as much as the others did. Wolfgang didn't stand out, but, let's face it, this tour is the "Dave and Ed Show", so anyone that band would have tapped to replace Mike would have been in the shadows. The kid can play (as much as I can tell), and he's only sixteen, so I can only imagine he'll get better at working the crowd over time. For now, he was happy (and effective) moving a little outside his area and otherwise standing with legs together in front of his microphone. Considering he was playing with a group that has over twice his age in the business, he did well.
And what is probably Wolf's most important contribution: his beamingly proud father on the other end of the stage.
It's a travesty how Van Halen has handled their business as it pertains to Mike, but I'm trying to come to terms with it. The band definitely needs to get a better P.R. firm to handle what's been going on. Here's the best way to deal with it: VH says they're happy Mike has been playing with Hagar the past few years-- and that they know he has a steady gig-- because Ed wants nothing more than to play with his son while he can. Done deal. Ed & Al-- if you need someone to handle your business, e-mail me.
And one last side note: since Wolfgang is such a new entity to not only Van Halen, but the industry, some loathsome people out there have reviewed him by making jokes that he's overweight. It's despicable. For those lazy writers out there: try doing your jobs. The kid is not (that) overweight-- and he's sixteen. How would you have felt reading something like that-- that has NOTHING to do with your job-- in a paper or online? Grow up.
So all I've got left is: try to see if this show if you can. It may not be what is was in 1984, but it's still damn good.
And, knowing the track history of this band, you may not get the chance ever again.
Australia-- Where Even the Women are Manly
Check out this link to a woman who crushes beer cans in an unusual way:
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22651127-5001021,00.html
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22651127-5001021,00.html
Premieres and Notables October 29-November 4, 2007
Monday, 10/29
Runnin' Down a Dream: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers; Sundance. 6 pm CST. Special.
Director Peter Bogdanovich's four-hour documentary of the artist.
American Masters (PBS. 8 pm CST-- check local listings) takes a 90-minute look at Charles Schultz.
Wednesday, 10/31
MonsterQuest; History. 9 pm. Series premiere.
A look at the world's most legendary creatures. You know, like Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and tonight's creature: "Champ".
Thursday, 11/1
Some special episodes on NBC: The hour-long My Name is Earl (7 pm) sees the Cops reality series visit town again and Rashida "Karen" Jones returns for a brief visit on The Office (8 pm), but it's not Jim she's after, and Kim goes into labor on Scrubs (8:30).
And Smallville (CW, 7 pm) keeps paying homage to the Superman past when Helen Slater (Supergirl of the Supergirl movie) begins a two-episode arc as Clark's Kryptonian mother, Lara.
Friday, 11/2
Orangutan Island; Animal Planet. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Thirty-five orphaned orangutans are moved to a protected island sanctuary in Borneo. Think Meerkat Manor but with apes.
Sunday, 11/4
FOX has some special episodes tonight: The Treehouse of Horror XVIII airs tonight on The Simpsons (7 pm) and Family Guy (7:30) celebrates its 100th episode.
Runnin' Down a Dream: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers; Sundance. 6 pm CST. Special.
Director Peter Bogdanovich's four-hour documentary of the artist.
American Masters (PBS. 8 pm CST-- check local listings) takes a 90-minute look at Charles Schultz.
Wednesday, 10/31
MonsterQuest; History. 9 pm. Series premiere.
A look at the world's most legendary creatures. You know, like Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and tonight's creature: "Champ".
Thursday, 11/1
Some special episodes on NBC: The hour-long My Name is Earl (7 pm) sees the Cops reality series visit town again and Rashida "Karen" Jones returns for a brief visit on The Office (8 pm), but it's not Jim she's after, and Kim goes into labor on Scrubs (8:30).
And Smallville (CW, 7 pm) keeps paying homage to the Superman past when Helen Slater (Supergirl of the Supergirl movie) begins a two-episode arc as Clark's Kryptonian mother, Lara.
Friday, 11/2
Orangutan Island; Animal Planet. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Thirty-five orphaned orangutans are moved to a protected island sanctuary in Borneo. Think Meerkat Manor but with apes.
Sunday, 11/4
FOX has some special episodes tonight: The Treehouse of Horror XVIII airs tonight on The Simpsons (7 pm) and Family Guy (7:30) celebrates its 100th episode.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Premieres and Notables; October 22-28, 2007
Monday, 10/22
No premieres (of note), but Prison Break (FOX, 7 pm CST) and K-Ville (FOX, 8 pm CST) air new episodes after last week's postponement and fanboy dreamgirl Kristen Bell joins the cast of Heroes (NBC, 8 pm).
Wednesday, 10/24
Marriage Camp; TLC. 6 pm CST. Series premiere.
Couples go to a camp in Texas to work on their marriages. Ugh...
Phenomenon; NBC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Criss Angel and Uri Geller mentor ten mentalists in this reality (*snicker*) competition.
Thursday, 10/25
Iconoclasts; Sundance. 9 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Novelist Jon Krakauer and Sean Penn discuss Penn's film Into the Wild while they travel to Alaska. This show is up and down for me, but the ups are very good; you aren't going to get the insight to people this show gives you nearly anywhere else.
Sunday, 10/28
Nature; PBS. 7 pm (check local listings). 26th season premiere.
The premiere looks at the bee epidemic that I first heard about on Real Time With Bill Maher last spring but have heard a lot more often of late.
No premieres (of note), but Prison Break (FOX, 7 pm CST) and K-Ville (FOX, 8 pm CST) air new episodes after last week's postponement and fanboy dreamgirl Kristen Bell joins the cast of Heroes (NBC, 8 pm).
Wednesday, 10/24
Marriage Camp; TLC. 6 pm CST. Series premiere.
Couples go to a camp in Texas to work on their marriages. Ugh...
Phenomenon; NBC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Criss Angel and Uri Geller mentor ten mentalists in this reality (*snicker*) competition.
Thursday, 10/25
Iconoclasts; Sundance. 9 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Novelist Jon Krakauer and Sean Penn discuss Penn's film Into the Wild while they travel to Alaska. This show is up and down for me, but the ups are very good; you aren't going to get the insight to people this show gives you nearly anywhere else.
Sunday, 10/28
Nature; PBS. 7 pm (check local listings). 26th season premiere.
The premiere looks at the bee epidemic that I first heard about on Real Time With Bill Maher last spring but have heard a lot more often of late.
VH Toon
My friend Brian sent me this link to a short (3 min) cartoon about the latest Van Halen tour. Yeah, the jokes are cheap/expected, but still funny.
(Doesn't discourage me at all about seeing them. Just three more days...)
http://videos.newsobserver.com:80/vmix_hosted_apps/p/media?id=1515880
(Doesn't discourage me at all about seeing them. Just three more days...)
http://videos.newsobserver.com:80/vmix_hosted_apps/p/media?id=1515880
Thursday, October 18, 2007
More Full-Season Pickups
Seems early, but the networks aren't messing around about giving full-season orders to some of their shows (could have to do with the possible strike looming).
The Big Bang Theory, Private Practice, and The Unit have all received full-season pickups.
The Big Bang Theory, Private Practice, and The Unit have all received full-season pickups.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Tara Reid Keepin' It Real
Once in a while, I run across a quote that I just need to pass on. Here's one from Tara Reid:
"I think the reason I never ended up in as much trouble as Paris (Hilton) or Lindsay (Lohan) is that I'm not stupid, so I'd never do a lot of the things those girls do."
Classic.
"I think the reason I never ended up in as much trouble as Paris (Hilton) or Lindsay (Lohan) is that I'm not stupid, so I'd never do a lot of the things those girls do."
Classic.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Premieres and Notables, October 15-21, 2007
Monday, 10/15
Samantha Who?; ABC. 8:32 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Christina Applegate stars as a victim of a hit-and-run who suffers amnesia. As she tries to piece her life back together, she realizes she wasn't a very nice person before the head trauma.
Little People, Big World; TLC. 7:00 & 7:30 pm. 3rd season premiere.
FOX has baseball, so the new episodes of Prison Break and K-Ville scheduled for tonight will air next week.
And Drew Carey begins his stint on The Price Is Right this morning. Check local listings for time.
Tuesday, 10/16
Frontline; PBS. 8 pm (check local listings). 26th Season premiere.
This episode is called "Cheney's Law" and looks at how Darth Cheney as worked to expand the powers of the presidency.
2 Dudes Catering; Food Network. 9:30 pm. Series premiere.
The title says it all. Does anyone else think these cable channels are just starting to phone it in? I mean, it's like they grab any Joe off the street and start filming them...
E:60; ESPN. 6 pm. Series Premiere.
An hour-long magazine devoted to sports, or, as the first four weeks focus on: the sports journalists at work.
Thursday, 10/18
Vive Laughlin; CBS. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
This U.S. import of a BBC series (Viva Blackpool, which was supposed to be good) follows a casino entrepreneur as he attempts to build a casino in Laughlin, NV and gets caught up in a murder mystery. Oh yeah-- some of the characters spontaneously burst into song. It pretty much has gained universal disdain from critics, and if Cavemen wasn't so bad, it'd be the most loathed new show of the year. If you want to catch it before it gets cancelled, watch the pilot and then follow it as it moves to its regular day and time (Sundays at 7 pm).
Friday, 10/19
The Next Great American Band; FOX. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
FOX dips into the American Idol well yet again. This time, they're looking for a band. Judges are: Sheila E., Johnny Rzeznik, and Ian Dickson. I expect a failure.
Celebrity Rides: Burt Builds a Bandit; DIY. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Burt Reynolds joins a team of auto designers to restore some Trans Ams. Yeah, like I said "phoning it in".
If you're brave enough to try this drek, fully expect to have to take a Hollywood-esque "post-rape" shower while you're curled up in the fetal position after it.
I won't be watching it; I'd rather drink bleach...
I swear, TV executives are trying to make Americans even more stupid than they already are (I'm taking "average American" here; no one that actually reads this blog...).
Sunday, 10/21
Masterpiece Theatre; PBS. 8 pm (check local listings). 37th season premiere.
The first five episodes are for an adaptation of "Amazing Mrs. Pritchard".
Samantha Who?; ABC. 8:32 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Christina Applegate stars as a victim of a hit-and-run who suffers amnesia. As she tries to piece her life back together, she realizes she wasn't a very nice person before the head trauma.
Little People, Big World; TLC. 7:00 & 7:30 pm. 3rd season premiere.
FOX has baseball, so the new episodes of Prison Break and K-Ville scheduled for tonight will air next week.
And Drew Carey begins his stint on The Price Is Right this morning. Check local listings for time.
Tuesday, 10/16
Frontline; PBS. 8 pm (check local listings). 26th Season premiere.
This episode is called "Cheney's Law" and looks at how Darth Cheney as worked to expand the powers of the presidency.
2 Dudes Catering; Food Network. 9:30 pm. Series premiere.
The title says it all. Does anyone else think these cable channels are just starting to phone it in? I mean, it's like they grab any Joe off the street and start filming them...
E:60; ESPN. 6 pm. Series Premiere.
An hour-long magazine devoted to sports, or, as the first four weeks focus on: the sports journalists at work.
Thursday, 10/18
Vive Laughlin; CBS. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
This U.S. import of a BBC series (Viva Blackpool, which was supposed to be good) follows a casino entrepreneur as he attempts to build a casino in Laughlin, NV and gets caught up in a murder mystery. Oh yeah-- some of the characters spontaneously burst into song. It pretty much has gained universal disdain from critics, and if Cavemen wasn't so bad, it'd be the most loathed new show of the year. If you want to catch it before it gets cancelled, watch the pilot and then follow it as it moves to its regular day and time (Sundays at 7 pm).
Friday, 10/19
The Next Great American Band; FOX. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
FOX dips into the American Idol well yet again. This time, they're looking for a band. Judges are: Sheila E., Johnny Rzeznik, and Ian Dickson. I expect a failure.
Celebrity Rides: Burt Builds a Bandit; DIY. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Burt Reynolds joins a team of auto designers to restore some Trans Ams. Yeah, like I said "phoning it in".
If you're brave enough to try this drek, fully expect to have to take a Hollywood-esque "post-rape" shower while you're curled up in the fetal position after it.
I won't be watching it; I'd rather drink bleach...
I swear, TV executives are trying to make Americans even more stupid than they already are (I'm taking "average American" here; no one that actually reads this blog...).
Sunday, 10/21
Masterpiece Theatre; PBS. 8 pm (check local listings). 37th season premiere.
The first five episodes are for an adaptation of "Amazing Mrs. Pritchard".
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Mini Pick-ups
In what is usually a precusor to a full-season pick-up, NBC and CBS ordered more scripts of some shows.
CBS ordered a surprising (given the ratings) four more Cane scripts.
The CW ordered three more Aliens in America scripts (great show).
NBC ordered three more scripts of the brutally scheduled Chuck, slipping Bionic Woman, and the struggling Journeyman and Life.
Good to see NBC and CBS not giving up on some of their highest-promoted new shows; all of which really need some time to grow.
CBS ordered a surprising (given the ratings) four more Cane scripts.
The CW ordered three more Aliens in America scripts (great show).
NBC ordered three more scripts of the brutally scheduled Chuck, slipping Bionic Woman, and the struggling Journeyman and Life.
Good to see NBC and CBS not giving up on some of their highest-promoted new shows; all of which really need some time to grow.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
The FIrst Full-Season Pick-up
The first new show to get picked up for a full season this year is:
Gossip Girl ???
Hmmm. Congrats I guess.
Gossip Girl ???
Hmmm. Congrats I guess.
You can't say NBC isn't trying
Friday Night Lights was one of the most critically-acclaimed and beloved (by a small group of fans) shows of last year. When NBC moved it to Friday nights this season, many thought it meant NBC had lost faith in it (not me, but, you know, I'm a genius).
In a brilliant move, NBC pared down the Season One DVD set (just a few deleted scenes as extras) to keep the price low in the hopes that people would pick it up. It retails for about $25-- an extremely cheap price for a brand new hour-long DVD season, and sales can be had (I picked it up on sale at Best Buy for $15 this week).
And if having the price so low isn't enough, NBC is also offering a money-back guarantee. If you don't like the series, send it back with a receipt and a form you can get online, and they'll refund your money.
Awesome move. Check the show out if you haven't (I have heard nothing but good about it), and pick up the DVD set.
In a brilliant move, NBC pared down the Season One DVD set (just a few deleted scenes as extras) to keep the price low in the hopes that people would pick it up. It retails for about $25-- an extremely cheap price for a brand new hour-long DVD season, and sales can be had (I picked it up on sale at Best Buy for $15 this week).
And if having the price so low isn't enough, NBC is also offering a money-back guarantee. If you don't like the series, send it back with a receipt and a form you can get online, and they'll refund your money.
Awesome move. Check the show out if you haven't (I have heard nothing but good about it), and pick up the DVD set.
PRISON BREAK shocker-- and explanation
I haven't seen last night's episode, but I do know something huge went down (fans are already going apeshit).
But, as true with everything, there was a reason. And then things tried to get worked out and couldn't be, so the "big thing" had to happen.
If you've seen the episode and want to know what led to it, read out the link to TV Guide's Michael Ausiello below.
That's all I'm going to say as I haven't watched the episode yet-- and I'd hate to have it spoiled for any of you.
http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Ausiello-Report/Prison-Break-Exclusive/800024014
But, as true with everything, there was a reason. And then things tried to get worked out and couldn't be, so the "big thing" had to happen.
If you've seen the episode and want to know what led to it, read out the link to TV Guide's Michael Ausiello below.
That's all I'm going to say as I haven't watched the episode yet-- and I'd hate to have it spoiled for any of you.
http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Ausiello-Report/Prison-Break-Exclusive/800024014
Sunday, October 07, 2007
TIME Top 100 TV Shows
Click here for a list of Time magazine's list of Top 100 TV shows of all time.
I can't argue with it, although my favorites aren't really represented (but "favorite" and "best" can often be two different things).
I can't argue with it, although my favorites aren't really represented (but "favorite" and "best" can often be two different things).
Premieres and Notables, October 8-14, 2007
Monday, 10/8
Boondocks; Cartoon Network/[adult swim]. 10:30 pm CST. 2nd season premiere.
It's on [adult swim], but it's not bat-sh** crazy. This adaptation of the newspaper comic strip can drag at times, but when it's good (like the "Return of the King" episode), it's really, really good. When it's not really, really good, it's still better than at least half the comedies the networks air.
Thursday, 10/11
Tattoo Wars; TLC. 7 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Yet another tattoo show. This one has two artists competing against each other. I'm sure finding artists to compete isn't that hard, but what person would allow a competition to happen on their skin?
And a show you've probably passed over is really hitting on all cylinders this season. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX; 9:00 & 9:32) is worth a try if you're looking for something painfully funny. The operative word is "painful"; these characters are despicable. But if you can handle mean-spirited comedy, this is a great show.
Friday, 10/12
Woman's Murder Club; ABC. 8 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Angie Harmon leads a posse of women who solve murder mysteries in this "adaptation" of the James Patterson book series.
Men in Trees; ABC. 9 pm. 2nd season premiere.
This show got off to a slow start (it didn't get good until the third or four episode), and then ABC put it on hiatus (to keep the BRUTAL October Road on the air) before it finished it's season, and then it had to wait until two weeks after the major premieres this season... This funny, sweet show deserves much better than what's it's gotten so far. Check it out.
Lisa Williams: Life Among the Dead; Lifetime. 8 pm. Season premiere.
America's Psychic Challenge; Lifetime. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Sixteen clairvoyants compete to see whose "powers" are the greatest. TV Guide asked the question, but I will repeat it here, too: why did the fifteen who aren't going to win continue to participate when they should have foreseen their loss?
Say Yes to the Dress; TLC. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Brides look for the perfect wedding dress in this reality series.
Are you f-bombing kidding me!??? People watch this?
Sunday, 10/14
The Gourmet Next Door; Food. 12 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Props to the Food Network for actually following through with a premise: the 2007 Next Food Network Star winner, Amy Finley, gets her own show. Nice.
Keeping Up with the Kardashians; E!. 9:30. Series Premiere.
This reality show follows the life and family of Hollywood party girl Kim Kardashian. UN-f-bombing-BELIEVABLE! Listen to me, people: stop watching this crap, and they'll stop airing it.
Boondocks; Cartoon Network/[adult swim]. 10:30 pm CST. 2nd season premiere.
It's on [adult swim], but it's not bat-sh** crazy. This adaptation of the newspaper comic strip can drag at times, but when it's good (like the "Return of the King" episode), it's really, really good. When it's not really, really good, it's still better than at least half the comedies the networks air.
Thursday, 10/11
Tattoo Wars; TLC. 7 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Yet another tattoo show. This one has two artists competing against each other. I'm sure finding artists to compete isn't that hard, but what person would allow a competition to happen on their skin?
And a show you've probably passed over is really hitting on all cylinders this season. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX; 9:00 & 9:32) is worth a try if you're looking for something painfully funny. The operative word is "painful"; these characters are despicable. But if you can handle mean-spirited comedy, this is a great show.
Friday, 10/12
Woman's Murder Club; ABC. 8 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Angie Harmon leads a posse of women who solve murder mysteries in this "adaptation" of the James Patterson book series.
Men in Trees; ABC. 9 pm. 2nd season premiere.
This show got off to a slow start (it didn't get good until the third or four episode), and then ABC put it on hiatus (to keep the BRUTAL October Road on the air) before it finished it's season, and then it had to wait until two weeks after the major premieres this season... This funny, sweet show deserves much better than what's it's gotten so far. Check it out.
Lisa Williams: Life Among the Dead; Lifetime. 8 pm. Season premiere.
America's Psychic Challenge; Lifetime. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Sixteen clairvoyants compete to see whose "powers" are the greatest. TV Guide asked the question, but I will repeat it here, too: why did the fifteen who aren't going to win continue to participate when they should have foreseen their loss?
Say Yes to the Dress; TLC. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Brides look for the perfect wedding dress in this reality series.
Are you f-bombing kidding me!??? People watch this?
Sunday, 10/14
The Gourmet Next Door; Food. 12 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Props to the Food Network for actually following through with a premise: the 2007 Next Food Network Star winner, Amy Finley, gets her own show. Nice.
Keeping Up with the Kardashians; E!. 9:30. Series Premiere.
This reality show follows the life and family of Hollywood party girl Kim Kardashian. UN-f-bombing-BELIEVABLE! Listen to me, people: stop watching this crap, and they'll stop airing it.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
TRAVELER Wrap-up
For those of you who became fans of the ABC burn-off Traveler this summer, you may want to check out this link with a TV Guide blog post by David DiGilio that outlines the plans for season two (which will never happen) as well as how he envisioned the finale.
I thought it was a cool move for the fans to write this, so if you were one of those fans, check it out:
http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/Celebrity-Blogs/Davids-Traveler-Blog/Closure/800023249
I thought it was a cool move for the fans to write this, so if you were one of those fans, check it out:
http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/Celebrity-Blogs/Davids-Traveler-Blog/Closure/800023249
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Premieres and Notables, October 3-7, 2007
And we continue...
Wednesday, 10/3
South Park; Comedy Central. 9 pm CST. 11th (12th) Season Premiere.
I'm pretty sure the new season starts tonight. How could TV Guide neglect to mention the premiere of the best satire on television? I don't know.
The Sarah Silverman Program; Comedy Central. 9:30. 2nd Season premiere.
Yeah, Silverman resorts to juvenile comedy too often, but the show is otherwise very excellent.
Better Half; Bravo. 10 pm. Series Premiere.
Spouses are challenged to learn their significant others' jobs and then compete against others for $20,000.
Pushing Daisies; ABC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
The top choice of new shows for the critics I follow as best new show of the season. Lee Pace stars as a pie-maker who can bring back the dead with a touch. A second touch makes them die for good. It's a funny/quirky show that has everyone buzzing. Highly recommended.
Also, the TV Guide Channel's Infanity series looks at Prison Break at 7 pm (and probably repeats a dozen times in the next week). You just may catch a glimpse of good stuff by watching it.
Thursday, 10/4
30 Rock; NBC. 7:30. 2nd season premiere.
The most over-rated comedy of last year (yes, it did get better from a horrible start, but it's not the best comedy EVER like many people are saying) with an appearance by Jerry Seinfeld.
Law & Order: Criminal Intent; USA. 9 pm. 7th season premiere.
The former NBC show moves to USA to keep (creator) Dick Wolf happy.
Supernatural; CW. 8 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Carter Can; HGTV. 7:30. Series Premiere.
Carter Oostehouse helps homeowners with home renovation projects.
Last One Standing; Discovery. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Six athletes travel the world to learn ancient sparring techniques. Might be a good one to try out if you like the History Channel's excellent Human Weapon series.
And Clark's cousin, Kara, is introduced on Smallville (CW, 7 pm). Kara has also been known to call herself "Supergirl", so you can see why that's a big deal. And while the outfit is little weird, you can't say she doesn't look super in this pic from TV Guide:
Wednesday, 10/3
South Park; Comedy Central. 9 pm CST. 11th (12th) Season Premiere.
I'm pretty sure the new season starts tonight. How could TV Guide neglect to mention the premiere of the best satire on television? I don't know.
The Sarah Silverman Program; Comedy Central. 9:30. 2nd Season premiere.
Yeah, Silverman resorts to juvenile comedy too often, but the show is otherwise very excellent.
Better Half; Bravo. 10 pm. Series Premiere.
Spouses are challenged to learn their significant others' jobs and then compete against others for $20,000.
Pushing Daisies; ABC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
The top choice of new shows for the critics I follow as best new show of the season. Lee Pace stars as a pie-maker who can bring back the dead with a touch. A second touch makes them die for good. It's a funny/quirky show that has everyone buzzing. Highly recommended.
Also, the TV Guide Channel's Infanity series looks at Prison Break at 7 pm (and probably repeats a dozen times in the next week). You just may catch a glimpse of good stuff by watching it.
Thursday, 10/4
30 Rock; NBC. 7:30. 2nd season premiere.
The most over-rated comedy of last year (yes, it did get better from a horrible start, but it's not the best comedy EVER like many people are saying) with an appearance by Jerry Seinfeld.
Law & Order: Criminal Intent; USA. 9 pm. 7th season premiere.
The former NBC show moves to USA to keep (creator) Dick Wolf happy.
Supernatural; CW. 8 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Carter Can; HGTV. 7:30. Series Premiere.
Carter Oostehouse helps homeowners with home renovation projects.
Last One Standing; Discovery. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Six athletes travel the world to learn ancient sparring techniques. Might be a good one to try out if you like the History Channel's excellent Human Weapon series.
And Clark's cousin, Kara, is introduced on Smallville (CW, 7 pm). Kara has also been known to call herself "Supergirl", so you can see why that's a big deal. And while the outfit is little weird, you can't say she doesn't look super in this pic from TV Guide:
Damn...
Friday, 10/5
Degrassi: The Next Generation; The N. 7 pm. 7th Season Premiere.
About a Girl; The N. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Friday Night Lights; NBC. 8 pm. 2nd season premiere.
The critic's darling from last year either gets saved by moving it to the less-competitive Fridays or gets thrown under the bus by going to the less money-making Fridays.
Saturday, 10/6
Hammer Heads; HGTV. 9:30 am. Series Premiere.
Yet another show about stalled home renovation projects.
Sunday, 10/7
Life is Wild; CW. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
A family-friendly program about a man who brings his blended family to South Africa, so he can care for endangered animals.
Captured; Oxygen. 9:30. Series Premiere.
This show focuses on mysteries solved primarily by women.
Next Iron Chef; Food. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
A contest show to find the next Iron Chef.
Premieres and Notables October 1-2, 2007
Lots of new stuff-- and most of the summer shows that haven't ended yet are ending this week.
Sorry, but time's at a premium, so I have to break the week up again. Here's Monday and Tuesday:
Monday, 10/1
Everybody Hates Chris; CW. 7 pm CST. 3rd season premiere.
The most underrated comedy out there. It may not be the best or the funniest, but it is extremely consistent and doesn't use teasing humor at all. It's a well-done throwback to the innocent comedies of the 1980's. Check it out if you haven't yet.
Aliens in America; CW. 7:30. Series Premiere.
This is, unanimously, the critics' favorite new comedy of the season. I have heard nothing bad at all about it. Normally, that would mean a short life for the show. But it is on The CW, which needs all the critical acclaim it can get, so this show should last a while. Anyway, it's about a young man who doesn't fit into the norms of his high school (he's a "dweeb", "geek", whatever), and finds a common bond with a Pakistani exchange student who lives with his family, who's even more "out of touch" with the other kids. Highly recommended.
Girlfriends; CW. 8 pm. (4th, 5th, ?) Season premiere.
The Game; CW. 8:30. 2nd (3rd?) season premiere.
Celebrity Expose; MNT (My Network Television). 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Because there just aren't any shows about stars and their foibles... The premiere focuses on Lindsey Lohan, so it must be a 2 or 3-parter...
Control Room Presents; MNT. 8 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Live (on tape) shows by popular musicians. The premiere has Maroon 5 in Montreal.
Dr. Steve-O; USA. 10:05. Series Premiere.
Jackass star Steve-O challenges guys to participate in crazy stunts. I had heard that the real goal was to get timid men to become more manly. While I've never watched Steve-O's work, I did see him use a staple gun to pin his scrotum to his thigh on some late-nite talk show, so I guess there's no better person out there to give guys a shot of manliness.
Tuesday, 10/2
Cavemen; ABC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
This is the show every single critic I've read has said is the worst of the new season. I haven't heard a single good thing about it. It uses the Caveman character (times three) from the Geico commercials to show how there is intolerance in the human race. Great concept as I believe we have a lot of "growing up" to do as a species, but, if everything I've read is any clue, the execution of the concept is horrendous.
Carpoolers; ABC. 7:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Four guys discuss their lives and problems during their daily commute. Would be considered the worst new show of the year if Cavemen hadn't beaten it.
Queer Eye; Bravo. 8 & 9 pm. 5th season premiere.
Catch the last bit of tips from the Fab 5 while you can as this is the final season.
Jon & Kate Plus 8; Discovery. 9 & 9:30. 2nd season premiere.
Five Days; HBO. 7 pm. 5-part miniseries.
This mini hits on the five most important days in a search for a missing woman. This is a co-production with BBC, so you know it will be gutwrenching-- and fantastic. Recommended.
Sorry, but time's at a premium, so I have to break the week up again. Here's Monday and Tuesday:
Monday, 10/1
Everybody Hates Chris; CW. 7 pm CST. 3rd season premiere.
The most underrated comedy out there. It may not be the best or the funniest, but it is extremely consistent and doesn't use teasing humor at all. It's a well-done throwback to the innocent comedies of the 1980's. Check it out if you haven't yet.
Aliens in America; CW. 7:30. Series Premiere.
This is, unanimously, the critics' favorite new comedy of the season. I have heard nothing bad at all about it. Normally, that would mean a short life for the show. But it is on The CW, which needs all the critical acclaim it can get, so this show should last a while. Anyway, it's about a young man who doesn't fit into the norms of his high school (he's a "dweeb", "geek", whatever), and finds a common bond with a Pakistani exchange student who lives with his family, who's even more "out of touch" with the other kids. Highly recommended.
Girlfriends; CW. 8 pm. (4th, 5th, ?) Season premiere.
The Game; CW. 8:30. 2nd (3rd?) season premiere.
Celebrity Expose; MNT (My Network Television). 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Because there just aren't any shows about stars and their foibles... The premiere focuses on Lindsey Lohan, so it must be a 2 or 3-parter...
Control Room Presents; MNT. 8 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Live (on tape) shows by popular musicians. The premiere has Maroon 5 in Montreal.
Dr. Steve-O; USA. 10:05. Series Premiere.
Jackass star Steve-O challenges guys to participate in crazy stunts. I had heard that the real goal was to get timid men to become more manly. While I've never watched Steve-O's work, I did see him use a staple gun to pin his scrotum to his thigh on some late-nite talk show, so I guess there's no better person out there to give guys a shot of manliness.
Tuesday, 10/2
Cavemen; ABC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
This is the show every single critic I've read has said is the worst of the new season. I haven't heard a single good thing about it. It uses the Caveman character (times three) from the Geico commercials to show how there is intolerance in the human race. Great concept as I believe we have a lot of "growing up" to do as a species, but, if everything I've read is any clue, the execution of the concept is horrendous.
Carpoolers; ABC. 7:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Four guys discuss their lives and problems during their daily commute. Would be considered the worst new show of the year if Cavemen hadn't beaten it.
Queer Eye; Bravo. 8 & 9 pm. 5th season premiere.
Catch the last bit of tips from the Fab 5 while you can as this is the final season.
Jon & Kate Plus 8; Discovery. 9 & 9:30. 2nd season premiere.
Five Days; HBO. 7 pm. 5-part miniseries.
This mini hits on the five most important days in a search for a missing woman. This is a co-production with BBC, so you know it will be gutwrenching-- and fantastic. Recommended.
Drunk Driving
This, truly, is one of the wrongest things I've ever read, but since it was done for The Onion, it's frickin' hilarious.
No Police Report Can Truly Capture My Love Of Drunk Driving
No Police Report Can Truly Capture My Love Of Drunk Driving
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Premieres & Notables Sept 29-30, 2007
Okay, I'll finish this week here. Promise.
Saturday, 9/29
(Supposedly) CBS will reair this week's Moonlight (7pm) and Cane (8 pm) and NBC will reair Heroes (7 pm) and Bionic Woman (8 pm).
Saturday Night Live; NBC. 10:19 pm CST. 33rd (about 10 too many) season premiere.
Hosted by LeBron James, who I'm sure is s great guy, but how bad is it if NBC can't even get one of its own stars to host this show at the beginning of a new television season???
Blogger Perez Hilton hosts the third MadTV compilation (FOX, 10 pm), which focuses on pop culture parodies. Cross your fingers the classic Jessica Alba/Ike Berenholtz take-off on the Jessica Simpson/Nick Lachey show Newlyweds is there. The line "She's dumber than a box of hammers," is one I use in my everyday life.
48 Hours Mystery; CBS. 9 pm. 4th Season Premiere.
Back in the Barnyard; Nickelodeon. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
New series based on the Barnyard film of last year.
The Shopping Detective; Fine Living. 10 pm. Series Premiere.
My favorite shows are ones where I get to watch others shop. Seriously. Watching grass grow, paint dry, and other people f-bombing shopping! "Fine Living" indeed.
The Victory Garden; PBS. 10:30 (check local listings). 33rd season premiere.
With new host Jamie Durie.
Sunday, 9/30
Pellet returns:
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition; ABC. 6 & 7 pm. 5th season premiere.
Desperate Housewives; ABC. 8 pm. 4th season premiere.
(with new cast members Dana Delany and Nathan Fillion)
Dexter; Showtime. 8 pm. 2nd season premiere.
I hope to catch this while I've got Showtime-- got a good deal three weeks ago and added it.
Brotherhood; Showtime. 9 pm. 2nd season premiere.
American Dad; FOX. 8:30 pm. 4th season premiere.
Brothers and Sisters; ABC. 9:01 pm. 2nd season premiere.
(now, with even more angst; it's a wonder these guys haven't participated in a suicide pact. [I do like the show; it's just a bit much sometimes.]).
That's it for this week. Next week should be a little easier.
Saturday, 9/29
(Supposedly) CBS will reair this week's Moonlight (7pm) and Cane (8 pm) and NBC will reair Heroes (7 pm) and Bionic Woman (8 pm).
Saturday Night Live; NBC. 10:19 pm CST. 33rd (about 10 too many) season premiere.
Hosted by LeBron James, who I'm sure is s great guy, but how bad is it if NBC can't even get one of its own stars to host this show at the beginning of a new television season???
Blogger Perez Hilton hosts the third MadTV compilation (FOX, 10 pm), which focuses on pop culture parodies. Cross your fingers the classic Jessica Alba/Ike Berenholtz take-off on the Jessica Simpson/Nick Lachey show Newlyweds is there. The line "She's dumber than a box of hammers," is one I use in my everyday life.
48 Hours Mystery; CBS. 9 pm. 4th Season Premiere.
Back in the Barnyard; Nickelodeon. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
New series based on the Barnyard film of last year.
The Shopping Detective; Fine Living. 10 pm. Series Premiere.
My favorite shows are ones where I get to watch others shop. Seriously. Watching grass grow, paint dry, and other people f-bombing shopping! "Fine Living" indeed.
The Victory Garden; PBS. 10:30 (check local listings). 33rd season premiere.
With new host Jamie Durie.
Sunday, 9/30
Pellet returns:
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition; ABC. 6 & 7 pm. 5th season premiere.
Desperate Housewives; ABC. 8 pm. 4th season premiere.
(with new cast members Dana Delany and Nathan Fillion)
Dexter; Showtime. 8 pm. 2nd season premiere.
I hope to catch this while I've got Showtime-- got a good deal three weeks ago and added it.
Brotherhood; Showtime. 9 pm. 2nd season premiere.
American Dad; FOX. 8:30 pm. 4th season premiere.
Brothers and Sisters; ABC. 9:01 pm. 2nd season premiere.
(now, with even more angst; it's a wonder these guys haven't participated in a suicide pact. [I do like the show; it's just a bit much sometimes.]).
That's it for this week. Next week should be a little easier.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Premieres and Notables, Sept 27-28
Hopefully for the last time this week:
Thursday, 9/27
My Name Is Earl; NBC. 7 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Who saw last season's finale coming? I certainly didn't. Earl got his life together, then he ended up taking the fall for Joy's crime (so she wouldn't get her "third strike") and landed in jail. Producers say Earl will be in jail a while. They also said we'll find out why Crab Man (Darnell) is in Witness Protection. Oh yeah-- there will be an hour-long Cops-themed episode this season focusing on the gang like last year. Cool.
The Office; NBC. 8 pm. 4th season premiere.
This begins the four hour-long episode run for the show. Producers say they won't be padding the show for extra time, but will keep them very tight. We'll see what happens when Jan moves into Michael's condo; what happened on Jim & Pam's date; and the fall-out of Jim and Karen's breakup. Oh yeah-- Creed, Andy, and Darrell's actors become series regulars, so we should see more of them. Extra cool.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation; CBS. 8 pm. 8th season premiere.
Grey's Anatomy; ABC. 8 pm. 4th season premiere.
Big Shots; ABC. 9:01. Series Premiere.
Another great cast; but this Sex in the City-esque show about men doesn't excite me too much. I'll check it out; we'll see how long I last.
Without a Trace; CBS. 9 pm. 6th season premiere.
ER; NBC. 9 pm. 13th season premiere.
Who would have thought the show would make it this long? Everyone was writing it off at this time last year, and now it looks to have reinvigorated itself.
Ugly Betty; ABC. 7 pm. 2nd season premiere.
This is a great show. If you're not watching, try it. It's a little cartoony, but it works.
Smallville; CW. 7 pm. 7th season premiere.
And who would have thought that an "UnSuperman" Superman show would last this long?
Friday, 9/28
Las Vegas; NBC. 8 pm. 5th season premiere.
Five years? Wow.
Fun Shui; HGTV. 8:30. Series Premiere.
Oh, I see HGTV got some stones; trying to horn in on the networks.
Ghost Whisperer; CBS. 7 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Jennifer Love Hewitt and her boobs are back.
[I'm not sure what that means, but every parody of the show I've seen focuses on her boobs.]
HA!!! Check this out: The National Geographic channel has a documentary about bras (The Secret History of the Bra) at 9 pm. Get revved up watching Ghost Whisperer and then learn about the device used to contain Miss Hewitt's assets an hour later...
Moonlight; CBS. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
I'm not gonna be a hater because this show focuses on a vampire who becomes a private eye in L.A., but c'mon! I'll tell you what-- I'll watch this show (which I am not expecting to like much), and you go and watch the brilliant series Angel (about a vampire private eye in L.A.) on DVD or FX. Trust me...
Numb3rs; BCS. 9 pm. 4th season premiere.
This series with the stupid "3" for "e" in the title has Val Kilmer as a criminal mastermind.
Stargate Atlantis; Sci Fi. 9 pm. 4th season premiere.
Nope-- not gonna finish the week with this post. Sorry-- I'm fried...
Thursday, 9/27
My Name Is Earl; NBC. 7 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Who saw last season's finale coming? I certainly didn't. Earl got his life together, then he ended up taking the fall for Joy's crime (so she wouldn't get her "third strike") and landed in jail. Producers say Earl will be in jail a while. They also said we'll find out why Crab Man (Darnell) is in Witness Protection. Oh yeah-- there will be an hour-long Cops-themed episode this season focusing on the gang like last year. Cool.
The Office; NBC. 8 pm. 4th season premiere.
This begins the four hour-long episode run for the show. Producers say they won't be padding the show for extra time, but will keep them very tight. We'll see what happens when Jan moves into Michael's condo; what happened on Jim & Pam's date; and the fall-out of Jim and Karen's breakup. Oh yeah-- Creed, Andy, and Darrell's actors become series regulars, so we should see more of them. Extra cool.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation; CBS. 8 pm. 8th season premiere.
Grey's Anatomy; ABC. 8 pm. 4th season premiere.
Big Shots; ABC. 9:01. Series Premiere.
Another great cast; but this Sex in the City-esque show about men doesn't excite me too much. I'll check it out; we'll see how long I last.
Without a Trace; CBS. 9 pm. 6th season premiere.
ER; NBC. 9 pm. 13th season premiere.
Who would have thought the show would make it this long? Everyone was writing it off at this time last year, and now it looks to have reinvigorated itself.
Ugly Betty; ABC. 7 pm. 2nd season premiere.
This is a great show. If you're not watching, try it. It's a little cartoony, but it works.
Smallville; CW. 7 pm. 7th season premiere.
And who would have thought that an "UnSuperman" Superman show would last this long?
Friday, 9/28
Las Vegas; NBC. 8 pm. 5th season premiere.
Five years? Wow.
Fun Shui; HGTV. 8:30. Series Premiere.
Oh, I see HGTV got some stones; trying to horn in on the networks.
Ghost Whisperer; CBS. 7 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Jennifer Love Hewitt and her boobs are back.
[I'm not sure what that means, but every parody of the show I've seen focuses on her boobs.]
HA!!! Check this out: The National Geographic channel has a documentary about bras (The Secret History of the Bra) at 9 pm. Get revved up watching Ghost Whisperer and then learn about the device used to contain Miss Hewitt's assets an hour later...
Moonlight; CBS. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
I'm not gonna be a hater because this show focuses on a vampire who becomes a private eye in L.A., but c'mon! I'll tell you what-- I'll watch this show (which I am not expecting to like much), and you go and watch the brilliant series Angel (about a vampire private eye in L.A.) on DVD or FX. Trust me...
Numb3rs; BCS. 9 pm. 4th season premiere.
This series with the stupid "3" for "e" in the title has Val Kilmer as a criminal mastermind.
Stargate Atlantis; Sci Fi. 9 pm. 4th season premiere.
Nope-- not gonna finish the week with this post. Sorry-- I'm fried...
Premieres and Notables, Sept 25-26, 2007
Okay, picking up where I left off...
Tuesday, 9/25
Bones; FOX. 7 pm CST. 3rd season premiere.
NCIS; CBS. 7 pm. 5th season premiere.
House; FOX. 8 pm. 4th season premiere.
I just started watching this show a month ago (I'm through most of the first season), and I found it interesting, if a bit routine (every plot is roughly the same). This season shakes things up a bit. In the finale last season, House lost his team, and now he has to make a new one. And he goes about it only as House would: by making a "reality show" of it (he snuffs out bunsen burners a la Survivor and hands out roses like on The Bachelor). Sounds funny-- and there are few minor "name" guest stars who act as the people trying to get the job.
The Unit; CBS. 8 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Boston Legal; ABC. 8:30 pm. 4th season premiere.
I know this show draws snickers because it does well at the Emmys even though it's not, really, the highest-quality show out there. But I like it. I'm a little pissed that Constance Zimmer, Mark Valley, and (the worst blow) Julie Bowen were left packing, but they're trying to mix it up. Adding John Larroquette (who was amazing in guest stints on The Practice) should help ease the pain.
Singing Bee; NBC. 8:30. 2nd season premiere.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit; NBC. 9 pm. 9th season premiere.
Hey-- NEW SHOWS:
Cane; CBS. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Jimmy Smits leads a pretty darn good cast in this drama about the family business: rum and sugar. I think it'll be good. Recommended.
And, for my other of my two most-anticipated new shows of the season:
Reaper; CW. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
One of my favorite young actors, Bret Harrison, plays a slacker who finds out that his parents sold his soul to Satan (Ray Wise-- perfect). And, on his 21st birthday, Satan comes to collect. Sam can stay out of Hell if he becomes the Devil's bounty hunter and retrieves souls that have escaped Hell.
This looks great. If you need any more incentive, Kevin Smith directed the pilot. Yes, "Silent Bob" Kevin Smith. Highly recommended.
Wednesday, 9/26
Bionic Woman; NBC. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
I wrote about this reimagining of the '70s show. Scroll down a little on the blog (sorry-- running out of time). I didn't have great things to say, but I think this show will find itself after a few episodes. It was good-- I'm just hoping for better. Recommended.
Life; NBC. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
I wrote about this show below, too-- not as far as Bionic Woman. You can't miss it... Recommended.
Private Practice; ABC. Series Premiere.
This Grey's Anatomy spin-off finds Kate Walsh's Addison moving to L.A. and hooking up with an amazing cast (Taye Diggs, Tim Daly, Amy Brenneman-- are you freakin' kidding me with this cast?). My "don't drop after the pilot" theory I wrote about earlier applies here. I've read that the pilot is weak, but the second episode is worlds better. And we can only assume it'll just keep getting better after that. Recommended.
CSI: NY; 9 pm. 4th season premiere.
Dirty Sexy Money; ABC. 9:01. Series Prmeiere.
Another great cast, but this one is about a wealthy, dysfunctional family. I'll check it out, but I have a feeling I won't be watching long.
Criminal Minds; CBS. 8 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Patinkin is out (he just up and left the show), and his "replacement" Joe Mantegna debuts on 10/31.
Gotta run-- Frisky Dingo's on. Best line this season so far goes to Xander, when told Killface has a documentary. "What's it called? 'Check This Out I Suck'? Glug glug."
Tuesday, 9/25
Bones; FOX. 7 pm CST. 3rd season premiere.
NCIS; CBS. 7 pm. 5th season premiere.
House; FOX. 8 pm. 4th season premiere.
I just started watching this show a month ago (I'm through most of the first season), and I found it interesting, if a bit routine (every plot is roughly the same). This season shakes things up a bit. In the finale last season, House lost his team, and now he has to make a new one. And he goes about it only as House would: by making a "reality show" of it (he snuffs out bunsen burners a la Survivor and hands out roses like on The Bachelor). Sounds funny-- and there are few minor "name" guest stars who act as the people trying to get the job.
The Unit; CBS. 8 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Boston Legal; ABC. 8:30 pm. 4th season premiere.
I know this show draws snickers because it does well at the Emmys even though it's not, really, the highest-quality show out there. But I like it. I'm a little pissed that Constance Zimmer, Mark Valley, and (the worst blow) Julie Bowen were left packing, but they're trying to mix it up. Adding John Larroquette (who was amazing in guest stints on The Practice) should help ease the pain.
Singing Bee; NBC. 8:30. 2nd season premiere.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit; NBC. 9 pm. 9th season premiere.
Hey-- NEW SHOWS:
Cane; CBS. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Jimmy Smits leads a pretty darn good cast in this drama about the family business: rum and sugar. I think it'll be good. Recommended.
And, for my other of my two most-anticipated new shows of the season:
Reaper; CW. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
One of my favorite young actors, Bret Harrison, plays a slacker who finds out that his parents sold his soul to Satan (Ray Wise-- perfect). And, on his 21st birthday, Satan comes to collect. Sam can stay out of Hell if he becomes the Devil's bounty hunter and retrieves souls that have escaped Hell.
This looks great. If you need any more incentive, Kevin Smith directed the pilot. Yes, "Silent Bob" Kevin Smith. Highly recommended.
Wednesday, 9/26
Bionic Woman; NBC. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
I wrote about this reimagining of the '70s show. Scroll down a little on the blog (sorry-- running out of time). I didn't have great things to say, but I think this show will find itself after a few episodes. It was good-- I'm just hoping for better. Recommended.
Life; NBC. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
I wrote about this show below, too-- not as far as Bionic Woman. You can't miss it... Recommended.
Private Practice; ABC. Series Premiere.
This Grey's Anatomy spin-off finds Kate Walsh's Addison moving to L.A. and hooking up with an amazing cast (Taye Diggs, Tim Daly, Amy Brenneman-- are you freakin' kidding me with this cast?). My "don't drop after the pilot" theory I wrote about earlier applies here. I've read that the pilot is weak, but the second episode is worlds better. And we can only assume it'll just keep getting better after that. Recommended.
CSI: NY; 9 pm. 4th season premiere.
Dirty Sexy Money; ABC. 9:01. Series Prmeiere.
Another great cast, but this one is about a wealthy, dysfunctional family. I'll check it out, but I have a feeling I won't be watching long.
Criminal Minds; CBS. 8 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Patinkin is out (he just up and left the show), and his "replacement" Joe Mantegna debuts on 10/31.
Gotta run-- Frisky Dingo's on. Best line this season so far goes to Xander, when told Killface has a documentary. "What's it called? 'Check This Out I Suck'? Glug glug."
JOURNEYMAN and LIFE quickies
Yesterday, I checked out the Journeyman and Life pilots.
Journeyman stars Kevin McKidd as Dan Vassar, a newspaperman who finds himself traveling through time. In the pilot, he traveled between eight and ten years back in time. While he's away in the past, time keeps moving, so he, essentially, disappears from the present. It seems he had a bit of a drug problem in his past, so his friends and family think he's using again when he drops of the earth for days at a time.
I had a few "problems" with the plot; namely, how is he going to convince his family he's not insane or using during the run of this series when they thought both within fifteen minutes of the pilot? Also, when he travelled in his past, he bumped into the "love of his life", so there was also that little bit of drama/complication that could get annoying.
But I'm happy to say there are a few twists in the second half that ease those problems. And the ending, while sappy, had a beautiful moment with his wife that hooked me.
It's a show that I hope has some sort of pay-off for people. (I don't see this becoming a big hit because it can be complicated).
Journeyman premieres Monday, 9/24 at 9 pm CST.
Life finds Damian Lewis as Charlie Crews, a former detective who might have been framed for murder and spent 12 years in jail before being released when new evidence came to light. He scored a big settlement and decided to go back to the force and solve crimes. His time in prison has given him a Zen-like approach to life and the crimes.
The premise sounds pretty simple, but there are a whole crew of people who roam within and without Charlie's life. His partner got him as a punishment for "screwing up" and now has to report to their superior officer about any misdeeds by Charlie. His financial advisor (played by Adam Arkin) lives in a room about Charlie's garage. And Charlie's old partner seems to not believe he really was innocent.
Oh, yeah, Charlie is also trying to secretly find out who framed him.
Life's pilot was funny. I, actually, hadn't intended on watching the series at first, but I liked what I saw in the promos and also liked this pilot. I hope the show can maintain the balance between the fish out of water Charlie (imagine the technology that has arisen in the past dozen years-- a camera in a phone for one) as well as his outlook on life and the crimes that he and his partner will solve (I'm kinda "done" with procedurals).
This will probably be another tough one to break big for NBC. But I give the network props for trying something different.
Life premieres Wednesday at 9 pm CST.
Both these shows are above average and deserve a look.
Journeyman stars Kevin McKidd as Dan Vassar, a newspaperman who finds himself traveling through time. In the pilot, he traveled between eight and ten years back in time. While he's away in the past, time keeps moving, so he, essentially, disappears from the present. It seems he had a bit of a drug problem in his past, so his friends and family think he's using again when he drops of the earth for days at a time.
I had a few "problems" with the plot; namely, how is he going to convince his family he's not insane or using during the run of this series when they thought both within fifteen minutes of the pilot? Also, when he travelled in his past, he bumped into the "love of his life", so there was also that little bit of drama/complication that could get annoying.
But I'm happy to say there are a few twists in the second half that ease those problems. And the ending, while sappy, had a beautiful moment with his wife that hooked me.
It's a show that I hope has some sort of pay-off for people. (I don't see this becoming a big hit because it can be complicated).
Journeyman premieres Monday, 9/24 at 9 pm CST.
Life finds Damian Lewis as Charlie Crews, a former detective who might have been framed for murder and spent 12 years in jail before being released when new evidence came to light. He scored a big settlement and decided to go back to the force and solve crimes. His time in prison has given him a Zen-like approach to life and the crimes.
The premise sounds pretty simple, but there are a whole crew of people who roam within and without Charlie's life. His partner got him as a punishment for "screwing up" and now has to report to their superior officer about any misdeeds by Charlie. His financial advisor (played by Adam Arkin) lives in a room about Charlie's garage. And Charlie's old partner seems to not believe he really was innocent.
Oh, yeah, Charlie is also trying to secretly find out who framed him.
Life's pilot was funny. I, actually, hadn't intended on watching the series at first, but I liked what I saw in the promos and also liked this pilot. I hope the show can maintain the balance between the fish out of water Charlie (imagine the technology that has arisen in the past dozen years-- a camera in a phone for one) as well as his outlook on life and the crimes that he and his partner will solve (I'm kinda "done" with procedurals).
This will probably be another tough one to break big for NBC. But I give the network props for trying something different.
Life premieres Wednesday at 9 pm CST.
Both these shows are above average and deserve a look.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
PRISON BREAK love songs
The Michael/Sara "love story" that runs in and out of Prison Break isn't one I usually look for, but some fans are way into it (which is okay-- if that's what keeps some coming back week after week).
Check out some of the videos of the show that this 16 year old from Iceland made using clips from the show and love songs. Very impressive.
Here's the link to her YouTube page:
http://youtube.com/user/martajohanns
Check out some of the videos of the show that this 16 year old from Iceland made using clips from the show and love songs. Very impressive.
Here's the link to her YouTube page:
http://youtube.com/user/martajohanns
Premieres and Notables; Sept 24, 2007
Crap! Ran out of time. Here's tomorrow's premieres. I'll keep the others coming.
Big, big week... All times are in CST as always.
I didn't mention this last week, but always try to keep an open mind when watching a series pilot. I have a policy to never "drop" a show I didn't like after just the pilot (yes, there have been rare exceptions). Most shows take a good 6-8 episodes to get running and obtain the look and feel it will have during its run (some shows you just know in 2-3 though).
Don't give up too early-- especially the ones I recommend. :)
I'm a "professional"...
Monday, 9/24
How I Met Your Mother; CBS. 7 pm. 3rd season premiere.
My favorite network show of last year returns. Robin has a new beau, and that prompts Ted to "out-Barney" Barney and find a rebound partner of his own. Rumor has it that we may actually find out who the "mother" in the title is this season. Usually I save this for new shows, but I have to give it here: Highly recommended.
Big Bang Theory; CBS. 7:30. Series Premiere.
Two nerdy guys get a hot neighbor. Hilarity ensues. If the promos are any indication, this show has limited laughs. I'm a fan of Johnny Galecki from Roseanne and his hilarious appearances on My Boys, so I hope the show is better than it looks-- for his sake. I'll be checking it out.
Two and a Half Men; CBS. 8 pm. 5th season premiere.
I've tried this show three times and never got hooked. I think I'm in the minority, though. Maybe I'll try it again...
Rules of Engagement; CBS. 8:30. 2nd season premiere.
This hit-and-miss show gets brought back before The New Adventures of Old Christine? Hopefully it will improve. I like Patrick Warburton, David Spade, and Megyn Price, so it'd be nice to see them have a nice run on this show. It does need to be more creative; I thought it hit a rut in a (shortened) first season.
Chuck; NBC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
This and Reaper are the two shows I'm most excited about, and if the pilot I saw is any indication, then I'll have made the right choice again. I wrote more here. Highly recommended.
Heroes; NBC. 8 pm. 2nd season premiere.
The new season picks up four months after last season's finale, and the first few episodes explore what happened in those four months.
Journeyman; NBC. 9 pm. Series premiere.
Kevin McKidd plays a newspaper reporter who inexplicably begins to travel through time. I hope to have time to give a review of the pilot (which was much better than I expected-- the end had a moment that "got" to me). It may be a tough one for some people, but I will give it a recommended based on the pilot ep.
CSI: Miami; CBS. 9 pm. 6th season premiere.
Horatio comes across a young man he believes to be his son.
Dancing With the Stars; ABC. 7 pm. Season premiere.
Results show on Wed @ 7 pm.
The Bachelor; ABC. 8:30. Season Premiere.
How is this show still on the air?
Big, big week... All times are in CST as always.
I didn't mention this last week, but always try to keep an open mind when watching a series pilot. I have a policy to never "drop" a show I didn't like after just the pilot (yes, there have been rare exceptions). Most shows take a good 6-8 episodes to get running and obtain the look and feel it will have during its run (some shows you just know in 2-3 though).
Don't give up too early-- especially the ones I recommend. :)
I'm a "professional"...
Monday, 9/24
How I Met Your Mother; CBS. 7 pm. 3rd season premiere.
My favorite network show of last year returns. Robin has a new beau, and that prompts Ted to "out-Barney" Barney and find a rebound partner of his own. Rumor has it that we may actually find out who the "mother" in the title is this season. Usually I save this for new shows, but I have to give it here: Highly recommended.
Big Bang Theory; CBS. 7:30. Series Premiere.
Two nerdy guys get a hot neighbor. Hilarity ensues. If the promos are any indication, this show has limited laughs. I'm a fan of Johnny Galecki from Roseanne and his hilarious appearances on My Boys, so I hope the show is better than it looks-- for his sake. I'll be checking it out.
Two and a Half Men; CBS. 8 pm. 5th season premiere.
I've tried this show three times and never got hooked. I think I'm in the minority, though. Maybe I'll try it again...
Rules of Engagement; CBS. 8:30. 2nd season premiere.
This hit-and-miss show gets brought back before The New Adventures of Old Christine? Hopefully it will improve. I like Patrick Warburton, David Spade, and Megyn Price, so it'd be nice to see them have a nice run on this show. It does need to be more creative; I thought it hit a rut in a (shortened) first season.
Chuck; NBC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
This and Reaper are the two shows I'm most excited about, and if the pilot I saw is any indication, then I'll have made the right choice again. I wrote more here. Highly recommended.
Heroes; NBC. 8 pm. 2nd season premiere.
The new season picks up four months after last season's finale, and the first few episodes explore what happened in those four months.
Journeyman; NBC. 9 pm. Series premiere.
Kevin McKidd plays a newspaper reporter who inexplicably begins to travel through time. I hope to have time to give a review of the pilot (which was much better than I expected-- the end had a moment that "got" to me). It may be a tough one for some people, but I will give it a recommended based on the pilot ep.
CSI: Miami; CBS. 9 pm. 6th season premiere.
Horatio comes across a young man he believes to be his son.
Dancing With the Stars; ABC. 7 pm. Season premiere.
Results show on Wed @ 7 pm.
The Bachelor; ABC. 8:30. Season Premiere.
How is this show still on the air?
Monday, September 17, 2007
Quick BIONIC WOMAN Review
After I checked out the Chuck pilot, I watched the Bionic Woman pilot. Although both shows are "genre" shows, they couldn't be more different.
Where Chuck had rough edges to the plot and effects, Bionic was slick and polished. Where Chuck was light, Bionic was dark. Where many Chuck characters were likable, Bionic's characters didn't make me care about them at all.
I have to give the edge to Chuck.
That's not to say Bionic Woman wasn't good. It's perfectly suitable for watching (it'll get recommended on the Premieres post), but it's going to have to stop taking itself so seriously before I'll ache to go a week without watching it.
The tone is dark; very dark. The scenes were mostly in the dark. The voices were often hard to hear because many characters talk softly as to seem more mysterious. Speaking of mystery, the show also used the "let's throw lots of crap out there" philosophy in order to get the more rabid fans on the Internet to talk about it-- and trying to lure viewers back the next week. That's all well and good, but you also need to establish your characters and the tone of the series in the first few episodes. I think the show is trying to create its mythology before anyone cares.
I guess I was just hoping for something more fun and relatable. I have NOTHING against dark shows, but this one just seemed too pretentious for me. As if we were supposed to care because they told us to.
But you should never judge a series solely on its pilot. I think the show will work out its kinks and get us to know the characters (the main character seems much too undeveloped) somewhere around the middle of this season and then it can take off. I hope so. The show is well-done (just a few oddball camera tricks in the pilot) and it's got a good pedigree.
I just hope the pilot won't turn off too many people before the show gets a chance.
Bionic Woman premieres on Wed, 9/26 at 8 pm on NBC.
Where Chuck had rough edges to the plot and effects, Bionic was slick and polished. Where Chuck was light, Bionic was dark. Where many Chuck characters were likable, Bionic's characters didn't make me care about them at all.
I have to give the edge to Chuck.
That's not to say Bionic Woman wasn't good. It's perfectly suitable for watching (it'll get recommended on the Premieres post), but it's going to have to stop taking itself so seriously before I'll ache to go a week without watching it.
The tone is dark; very dark. The scenes were mostly in the dark. The voices were often hard to hear because many characters talk softly as to seem more mysterious. Speaking of mystery, the show also used the "let's throw lots of crap out there" philosophy in order to get the more rabid fans on the Internet to talk about it-- and trying to lure viewers back the next week. That's all well and good, but you also need to establish your characters and the tone of the series in the first few episodes. I think the show is trying to create its mythology before anyone cares.
I guess I was just hoping for something more fun and relatable. I have NOTHING against dark shows, but this one just seemed too pretentious for me. As if we were supposed to care because they told us to.
But you should never judge a series solely on its pilot. I think the show will work out its kinks and get us to know the characters (the main character seems much too undeveloped) somewhere around the middle of this season and then it can take off. I hope so. The show is well-done (just a few oddball camera tricks in the pilot) and it's got a good pedigree.
I just hope the pilot won't turn off too many people before the show gets a chance.
Bionic Woman premieres on Wed, 9/26 at 8 pm on NBC.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Premieres and Notables, Sunday, Sept 23, 2007
And here's Sunday (9/23)
The Simpsons; FOX. 7:00 pm CST. 19th season premiere.
The King of the Hill; FOX. 7:30. 12th season premiere.
The Family Guy; FOX. 8-9 pm. 6th season premiere.
Featuring a Lucas-approved Star Wars spoof.
Cold Case; CBS. 8 pm. 5th season premiere.
Shark; CBS. 9 pm. 2nd season premiere.
60 Minutes; CBS. 6 pm. 40th-mother grabbin'- season premiere.
CW Now; CW. 6 pm. Series Premiere.
Hot trends and fashion are the focus this show. Tonight's pilot features Halo 3 and 24-karat gold facials.
Online Nation; CW. 6:30. Series Premiere.
This show explores the hottest web-based content.
Property Virgins; HGTV. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Nice how HGTV "sexed up" the title, hunh? Don't get your hopes up-- this show follows first-time home buyers.
Bret Michaels asks that last girl to "rock his world" on Rock of Love (VH1, 8 pm) and they ride off into the sunset together-- until season 2 comes out.
The War; PBS. 7 pm (check local listings). Miniseries.
Ken Burns' latest (fifteen hour) documentary looks at World War II. Check it out; it's bound to win tons of awards. Airs Sun-Wed this week and Sun-Tues next week.
Finally, Metalocalypse; Cartoon Network {adult swim]. 10:45 CST. 2nd season premiere.
The heaviest band in the world is also the biggest band in the world. People literally live and die by this band. And they are f-bombing morons...
This is a hard one to describe, but if you love metal music, you should get something out of it. If you love violence, then you should get something out of it. If you love laughing hysterically at things you'd never thought you'd see, then you should get something from this.
Season One had some funny moments and lines, but the one that stands out to me right now is when the guys told Murderface he didn't have to wear underwear; he could go "commando". And Murderface fell in love with the concept because "Now, when I look down, I see a distinguished older gentleman sitting on two duffel bags."
Check out Metalocalypse (or the band of the show: Dethklok) on the Internet, and you will see way more sites than possible for an [adult swim] show. On 9/25, there's even an album coming out with expanded songs from the "band". Here's the link. There's no video or audio, but check out some of the song titles:
http://tviv.org/Metalocalypse/The_Dethalbum
The Simpsons; FOX. 7:00 pm CST. 19th season premiere.
The King of the Hill; FOX. 7:30. 12th season premiere.
The Family Guy; FOX. 8-9 pm. 6th season premiere.
Featuring a Lucas-approved Star Wars spoof.
Cold Case; CBS. 8 pm. 5th season premiere.
Shark; CBS. 9 pm. 2nd season premiere.
60 Minutes; CBS. 6 pm. 40th-mother grabbin'- season premiere.
CW Now; CW. 6 pm. Series Premiere.
Hot trends and fashion are the focus this show. Tonight's pilot features Halo 3 and 24-karat gold facials.
Online Nation; CW. 6:30. Series Premiere.
This show explores the hottest web-based content.
Property Virgins; HGTV. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Nice how HGTV "sexed up" the title, hunh? Don't get your hopes up-- this show follows first-time home buyers.
Bret Michaels asks that last girl to "rock his world" on Rock of Love (VH1, 8 pm) and they ride off into the sunset together-- until season 2 comes out.
The War; PBS. 7 pm (check local listings). Miniseries.
Ken Burns' latest (fifteen hour) documentary looks at World War II. Check it out; it's bound to win tons of awards. Airs Sun-Wed this week and Sun-Tues next week.
Finally, Metalocalypse; Cartoon Network {adult swim]. 10:45 CST. 2nd season premiere.
The heaviest band in the world is also the biggest band in the world. People literally live and die by this band. And they are f-bombing morons...
This is a hard one to describe, but if you love metal music, you should get something out of it. If you love violence, then you should get something out of it. If you love laughing hysterically at things you'd never thought you'd see, then you should get something from this.
Season One had some funny moments and lines, but the one that stands out to me right now is when the guys told Murderface he didn't have to wear underwear; he could go "commando". And Murderface fell in love with the concept because "Now, when I look down, I see a distinguished older gentleman sitting on two duffel bags."
Check out Metalocalypse (or the band of the show: Dethklok) on the Internet, and you will see way more sites than possible for an [adult swim] show. On 9/25, there's even an album coming out with expanded songs from the "band". Here's the link. There's no video or audio, but check out some of the song titles:
http://tviv.org/Metalocalypse/The_Dethalbum
Premieres and Notables, Sept 17-23, 2007
Well, the Fall Season looks to be hitting full-swing already. For me, fall premiere season is like birthday, Christmas, and President's Day all rolled into one.
Monday, 9/17
Between the Lions; PBS. 5:30 am CST (check local listings). 7th season premiere.
Barney & Friends; PBS. 1 pm. (check listings). 11th season premiere.
Deal or No Deal; NBC. 7 pm. 3rd season premiere.
This is a "special" ep as Donald Trump sits in for the Banker. Who does Trump have pictures of over at NBC? They should have cut that jackass loose a long time ago.
Truth About Food; Discovery Health. 7 & 8 pm. Mini-Series Premiere.
This 6-episode series (2 eps a night, Mon-Wed) follows nine volunteers who eat a half-ton of vegetables in 12 days in an effort to explore nutrition.
Prison Break; FOX. 7 pm. 3rd season premiere.
After a rocky 2nd season, I think the show is back on track. Schofield is in a Panamanian prison where the prisoners run the show. Mahone and a beaten Bellick are with him-- but they are not immediately working together. Lincoln is working on the outside to get him out, but he has an "adventure" of his own searching for the missing Sarah. T-Bag is not on the scene as of yet, but its presumed he's still in prison. He does have a storyline this season.
K-Ville; FOX. 8 pm. Series premiere.
Anthony Anderson and Cole Hauser are two cops who are trying to put a post-Katrina New Orleans together. Something interesting about this is show is they're actually filming in the city. I've heard good things. Recommended.
Tuesday, 9/18
Big Brother 8 (8 pm, CBS) has its season finale tonight. One of the two Donatos will win. Hopefully, when everyone is reunited, the evicted guests will put a beating on them. One can dream...
Beauty and the Geek; CW. 7 pm-9pm. 4th season premiere.
Wow, a fourth season? This year they mix it up when a geeky girl and a hunky guy compete. My goodness, those producers are wacky...
The Contender; ESPN. 9 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Wednesday, 9/19
Back to You; FOX. 7 pm. Series premiere.
Kelsey Grammer's L.A. newsman gets fired, so he returns to Pittsburgh and his coachor (played by Patricia Heaton). I'm hesitant about it, but I have heard some good things-- and I think both actors know a little something about comedies (I believe Grammer-- if not both he and Heaton-- is a producer). Recommended.
'Til Death; FOX. 7:30. 2nd season premiere.
This show actually got better as the first season went on. Should be worth watching.
America's Next Top Model; CW. 7 pm. 9th season premiere.
Maybe we'll actually get America's Next Top Model this season. Inhale... Exhale... (That's me not holding my breath).
Gossip Girl; CW. 8 pm. Series premiere.
The O.C. creator, Josh Schwartz, adapts the book series. It sounds decent-- I know some industry fans are looking forward to it-- but rich, too good looking teenagers and their problems? Not my world.
Kid Nation; CBS. 7 pm. Series premiere.
This show sounds promising-- 40 children (aged 8 to 15) try to make an abandoned New Mexico town work . The experiment appealed to me, but now the show is all about the controversy (which I don't think is that controversial), so CBS should be doing something about it other than sitting back and trying to get publicity from it. I don't have high hopes it'll last the season-- too much damage-- and I don't see CBS picking it up for a second.
Kitchen Nightmares; FOX. 8 pm. Series premiere.
A Brit import that finds Gordon Ramsey helping restaurants solve their problems. I'm sure that classy FOX network will make it helpful as opposed to mean...
Ultimate Fighter: Team Serra vs. Team Hughes; Spike. 10 pm. 6th season premiere.
Thursday, 9/20
Survivor: China; CBS. 7 pm. 15th "season" premiere.
The show makes history as being the first American series to film in the country. I don't know if that's enough to get me watching again...
Burn Notice (USA, 8 pm) ends its first season.
Friday, 9/21
Avatar: The Last Airbender; Nickelodeon. 7:30 pm. 3rd season premiere.
And Real Time With Bill Maher (HBO, 10 pm) has Salman Rushdie. I hope Bill gets to the real issue: how Rushdie scored that hot (ex-)wife.
Saturday, 9/22
The Kid's WB on CW (beginning at 6am) all premiere today. I watch Legion of Super-Heroes (which gets a neat addition in a future Superman to go with the Superman of the past).
Sorry-- there are a lot of premieres on Sunday. I'll have to write that day up later because I am out of time...
Monday, 9/17
Between the Lions; PBS. 5:30 am CST (check local listings). 7th season premiere.
Barney & Friends; PBS. 1 pm. (check listings). 11th season premiere.
Deal or No Deal; NBC. 7 pm. 3rd season premiere.
This is a "special" ep as Donald Trump sits in for the Banker. Who does Trump have pictures of over at NBC? They should have cut that jackass loose a long time ago.
Truth About Food; Discovery Health. 7 & 8 pm. Mini-Series Premiere.
This 6-episode series (2 eps a night, Mon-Wed) follows nine volunteers who eat a half-ton of vegetables in 12 days in an effort to explore nutrition.
Prison Break; FOX. 7 pm. 3rd season premiere.
After a rocky 2nd season, I think the show is back on track. Schofield is in a Panamanian prison where the prisoners run the show. Mahone and a beaten Bellick are with him-- but they are not immediately working together. Lincoln is working on the outside to get him out, but he has an "adventure" of his own searching for the missing Sarah. T-Bag is not on the scene as of yet, but its presumed he's still in prison. He does have a storyline this season.
K-Ville; FOX. 8 pm. Series premiere.
Anthony Anderson and Cole Hauser are two cops who are trying to put a post-Katrina New Orleans together. Something interesting about this is show is they're actually filming in the city. I've heard good things. Recommended.
Tuesday, 9/18
Big Brother 8 (8 pm, CBS) has its season finale tonight. One of the two Donatos will win. Hopefully, when everyone is reunited, the evicted guests will put a beating on them. One can dream...
Beauty and the Geek; CW. 7 pm-9pm. 4th season premiere.
Wow, a fourth season? This year they mix it up when a geeky girl and a hunky guy compete. My goodness, those producers are wacky...
The Contender; ESPN. 9 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Wednesday, 9/19
Back to You; FOX. 7 pm. Series premiere.
Kelsey Grammer's L.A. newsman gets fired, so he returns to Pittsburgh and his coachor (played by Patricia Heaton). I'm hesitant about it, but I have heard some good things-- and I think both actors know a little something about comedies (I believe Grammer-- if not both he and Heaton-- is a producer). Recommended.
'Til Death; FOX. 7:30. 2nd season premiere.
This show actually got better as the first season went on. Should be worth watching.
America's Next Top Model; CW. 7 pm. 9th season premiere.
Maybe we'll actually get America's Next Top Model this season. Inhale... Exhale... (That's me not holding my breath).
Gossip Girl; CW. 8 pm. Series premiere.
The O.C. creator, Josh Schwartz, adapts the book series. It sounds decent-- I know some industry fans are looking forward to it-- but rich, too good looking teenagers and their problems? Not my world.
Kid Nation; CBS. 7 pm. Series premiere.
This show sounds promising-- 40 children (aged 8 to 15) try to make an abandoned New Mexico town work . The experiment appealed to me, but now the show is all about the controversy (which I don't think is that controversial), so CBS should be doing something about it other than sitting back and trying to get publicity from it. I don't have high hopes it'll last the season-- too much damage-- and I don't see CBS picking it up for a second.
Kitchen Nightmares; FOX. 8 pm. Series premiere.
A Brit import that finds Gordon Ramsey helping restaurants solve their problems. I'm sure that classy FOX network will make it helpful as opposed to mean...
Ultimate Fighter: Team Serra vs. Team Hughes; Spike. 10 pm. 6th season premiere.
Thursday, 9/20
Survivor: China; CBS. 7 pm. 15th "season" premiere.
The show makes history as being the first American series to film in the country. I don't know if that's enough to get me watching again...
Burn Notice (USA, 8 pm) ends its first season.
Friday, 9/21
Avatar: The Last Airbender; Nickelodeon. 7:30 pm. 3rd season premiere.
And Real Time With Bill Maher (HBO, 10 pm) has Salman Rushdie. I hope Bill gets to the real issue: how Rushdie scored that hot (ex-)wife.
Saturday, 9/22
The Kid's WB on CW (beginning at 6am) all premiere today. I watch Legion of Super-Heroes (which gets a neat addition in a future Superman to go with the Superman of the past).
Sorry-- there are a lot of premieres on Sunday. I'll have to write that day up later because I am out of time...
Thursday, September 13, 2007
CHUCK Premiere
In the spring of 2005, I knew The Office was gonna be hot. In the Fall of 2005, I knew Prison Break was gonna be hot. In 2006, I was looking forward to Friday Night Lights and Heroes (both of which I haven't watched beyond the pilot, but they got buzz from critics and fans for being high quality shows). I watched most everything new in each of those seasons, but I targeted those shows as the ones I knew I'd like.
This fall, I'm looking forward to two shows: CW's Reaper and NBC's Chuck.
My cable company's On Demand feature has some of NBC's pilot episodes, and I was able to check out Chuck tonight.
I think I got it "right" again-- this is a show I'll be watching all season.
Zachary Levi (formerly the great "Kipp Steadman" in the not-so-great Less Than Perfect) plays Chuck. He's a nerd; in fact, he's a member of the Best Buy-esque's "Nerd Herd" tech department. Chuck's old college roommate, who went on to be a CIA agent, sent Chuck an e-mail that contained all of the CIA and NSA's secrets. Chuck opened the e-mail and was flooded with the information that worked its way into his brain. Now the CIA and NSA both want him for what is contained in his mind.
The pilot had a great mix of humor, drama, and action. My only quibble is that the camerawork was sometimes disorienting (which didn't seem to have a purpose). But all in all, this pilot was a great start to the show.
I'm a bit tired of how being a tech/comic/scifi/fantasy "geek" is played for laughs the last few years, but Levi plays Chuck a little more "normal" than Hollywood usually lets its "geeks" get. That is a welcome change. And while I loved his Kipp Steadman, I can see myself growing to like his Chuck just as much.
And I can't go without mentioning Yvonne Strzechowski as the CIA agent who saves Chuck's life. She has the incredibly rare traits of both (extreme) beauty and talent. I checked her out on imdb.com. and she didn't have many entries at all, which made her all the more impressive to me. The chemistry she has with Levi is great. She's definitely got "it", and I'll be looking forward to watching her career.
Rounding out the main players are Joshua Gomez as Chuck's geekier friend Morgan (who had some good parts and some bad parts), Sarah Lancaster (playing another doctor) as Chuck's sister Ellie, and Adam Baldwin as NSA agent John Casey (who seems to be playing ally and antagonist to Chuck).
And I do have to mention one of the funnier parts of the pilot: Ellie's boyfriend, who Chuck has dubbed with an appropriate nickname. One that I'm not going to spoil here.
If you want to know the joke, you've gotta watch the pilot.
Chuck premieres on my birthday, Sept 24, on NBC at 7 pm CST. Nice present for me.
If you didn't get the hint, this show is highly recommended.
This fall, I'm looking forward to two shows: CW's Reaper and NBC's Chuck.
My cable company's On Demand feature has some of NBC's pilot episodes, and I was able to check out Chuck tonight.
I think I got it "right" again-- this is a show I'll be watching all season.
Zachary Levi (formerly the great "Kipp Steadman" in the not-so-great Less Than Perfect) plays Chuck. He's a nerd; in fact, he's a member of the Best Buy-esque's "Nerd Herd" tech department. Chuck's old college roommate, who went on to be a CIA agent, sent Chuck an e-mail that contained all of the CIA and NSA's secrets. Chuck opened the e-mail and was flooded with the information that worked its way into his brain. Now the CIA and NSA both want him for what is contained in his mind.
The pilot had a great mix of humor, drama, and action. My only quibble is that the camerawork was sometimes disorienting (which didn't seem to have a purpose). But all in all, this pilot was a great start to the show.
I'm a bit tired of how being a tech/comic/scifi/fantasy "geek" is played for laughs the last few years, but Levi plays Chuck a little more "normal" than Hollywood usually lets its "geeks" get. That is a welcome change. And while I loved his Kipp Steadman, I can see myself growing to like his Chuck just as much.
And I can't go without mentioning Yvonne Strzechowski as the CIA agent who saves Chuck's life. She has the incredibly rare traits of both (extreme) beauty and talent. I checked her out on imdb.com. and she didn't have many entries at all, which made her all the more impressive to me. The chemistry she has with Levi is great. She's definitely got "it", and I'll be looking forward to watching her career.
Rounding out the main players are Joshua Gomez as Chuck's geekier friend Morgan (who had some good parts and some bad parts), Sarah Lancaster (playing another doctor) as Chuck's sister Ellie, and Adam Baldwin as NSA agent John Casey (who seems to be playing ally and antagonist to Chuck).
And I do have to mention one of the funnier parts of the pilot: Ellie's boyfriend, who Chuck has dubbed with an appropriate nickname. One that I'm not going to spoil here.
If you want to know the joke, you've gotta watch the pilot.
Chuck premieres on my birthday, Sept 24, on NBC at 7 pm CST. Nice present for me.
If you didn't get the hint, this show is highly recommended.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Premieres and Notables Pt 2-- Sept 13-16, 2007
And here's the rest of the week...
Thursday, 9/13
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia; FX. 9 & 9:30 CST. 3rd Season Premiere.
It's mean-spirited-- and funny. If you gave up during Season One, check it out because Season Two was much improved. Recommended.
Friday 9/14
Out of Jimmy's Head; Cartoon. 6 pm. Series Premiere.
Cartoon Network has been hyping this like crazy as "the network's first live-action show". Why? Your network is called the freakin' CARTOON Network. [adult swim] went live action for a couple horseshit shows, so let's learn from that, and keep live action off this network.
Nashville; FOX. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
And the fall season has begun (I'm not counting gameshows that premiered earlier-- why should I?). Laguna Beach producers follow singers trying to catch a break in Nashville. Snore...
Saturday, 9/15
Mad TV; FOX. 10 pm. 13th Season premiere.
The new season begins with a clip show spotlighting the most memorable skits. I so hope the Jessica Alba/Ike Berinholtz as Brit & K-Fed skit is included. I still use the phrase "dumber than a box of hammers" in casual conversation. Anyway, check it out. Like SNL, it kinda has boring moments, but I think the cast is stellar.
Talkshow With Spike Feresten; FOX. 11 pm. 2nd season premiere.
This show got renewed?
Sunday, 9/16
The 59th Annual Emmy Awards; FOX. 7 pm. Special.
I'll DVR it, and then FF through most of it. Meh...
Finales:
Design Star, The 4400, The Dead Zone.
And don't forget, Curb Your Enthusiasm is back. Last night's premiere was awesome. Check it out. Buy/rent the DVDs.
And I can't go without mentioning Frisky Dingo. Last night's ep had me roaring, especially when Xander humiliates his girlfriend during a press conference: "That's how she sounds when I'm bangin' her."
It's much funnier than it looks on paper...
Thursday, 9/13
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia; FX. 9 & 9:30 CST. 3rd Season Premiere.
It's mean-spirited-- and funny. If you gave up during Season One, check it out because Season Two was much improved. Recommended.
Friday 9/14
Out of Jimmy's Head; Cartoon. 6 pm. Series Premiere.
Cartoon Network has been hyping this like crazy as "the network's first live-action show". Why? Your network is called the freakin' CARTOON Network. [adult swim] went live action for a couple horseshit shows, so let's learn from that, and keep live action off this network.
Nashville; FOX. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
And the fall season has begun (I'm not counting gameshows that premiered earlier-- why should I?). Laguna Beach producers follow singers trying to catch a break in Nashville. Snore...
Saturday, 9/15
Mad TV; FOX. 10 pm. 13th Season premiere.
The new season begins with a clip show spotlighting the most memorable skits. I so hope the Jessica Alba/Ike Berinholtz as Brit & K-Fed skit is included. I still use the phrase "dumber than a box of hammers" in casual conversation. Anyway, check it out. Like SNL, it kinda has boring moments, but I think the cast is stellar.
Talkshow With Spike Feresten; FOX. 11 pm. 2nd season premiere.
This show got renewed?
Sunday, 9/16
The 59th Annual Emmy Awards; FOX. 7 pm. Special.
I'll DVR it, and then FF through most of it. Meh...
Finales:
Design Star, The 4400, The Dead Zone.
And don't forget, Curb Your Enthusiasm is back. Last night's premiere was awesome. Check it out. Buy/rent the DVDs.
And I can't go without mentioning Frisky Dingo. Last night's ep had me roaring, especially when Xander humiliates his girlfriend during a press conference: "That's how she sounds when I'm bangin' her."
It's much funnier than it looks on paper...
Premieres and Notables, September 10-16, 2007
Sorry for the late post. I'll try to get as far as I can.
Monday 9/10
Sin City Law; Sundance. 8 & 9:00 pm CST. Series Premiere.
An eight-part doc about the Las Vegas justice system.
Fat March, History Detectives, Greek, The Closer, and one of my favorites: My Boys, close out their seasons today.
Tuesday, 9/11
Lots of 9/11, 2001 specials-- many on The History Channel.
The Biggest Loser; NBC. 7 pm. Fourth Season Premiere.
Wednesday, 9/12
Decision House; MNT. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
This show locks troubled couples in a house for observation and intervention.
Inside the NFL; HBO. 9 pm. 31st Season Premiere.
The granddaddy of football shows begins a third decade.
Rescue Me and America's Next Top Producer wrap their seasons up.
Well, that's it for now. I'll finish the week a little later.
Monday 9/10
Sin City Law; Sundance. 8 & 9:00 pm CST. Series Premiere.
An eight-part doc about the Las Vegas justice system.
Fat March, History Detectives, Greek, The Closer, and one of my favorites: My Boys, close out their seasons today.
Tuesday, 9/11
Lots of 9/11, 2001 specials-- many on The History Channel.
The Biggest Loser; NBC. 7 pm. Fourth Season Premiere.
Wednesday, 9/12
Decision House; MNT. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
This show locks troubled couples in a house for observation and intervention.
Inside the NFL; HBO. 9 pm. 31st Season Premiere.
The granddaddy of football shows begins a third decade.
Rescue Me and America's Next Top Producer wrap their seasons up.
Well, that's it for now. I'll finish the week a little later.
Monday, September 03, 2007
My Favorite Things-- Theme Songs
As each TV season passes, so, too does the TV show theme song. It's an unfortunate thing it seems to be dying off. Thinking of my favorite shows of all time, most of them had a memorable theme song (and no, not those moronic "jingle-style" theme songs that stick in your head-- "Facts of Life", Growing Pains", "Family Ties"). What will fans of the future get?
Two of my current favorites theme songs somehow worked themselves into my head the past few weeks.
Ever since I started watching Entourage, I've been in love with the theme song "Superhero". It took years, but I finally found out who sang it (oddly enough, when the series soundtrack got released, it didn't have the song in the track list, and someone commented on it-- that's how I found out who did it). Why, it was Jane's Addiction. Who woulda thunk?
Here's a clip to it (kinda grainy, but it's what I found).
http://youtube.com/watch?v=BQ0sV4s-jzA
Is that not the coolest TV series theme song and credits on the air right now?
Next, when I watched Frisky Dingo for the third time last month, the song at the end of the pilot really bore itself into my brain. It's not the show's theme song, per se, but I think it can count.
I have no affinity for rap music, but this tune had a great hook. So I went on a search, which didn't pan out very early because there is nowhere you can download this song. Apparently, a guy named Killer Mike created the tune for the show, and "sang it" as the character Ta'Quil. Unfortunately, it's a pretty raw song (called "All That Jizz"-- it must be a love song) that is pretty much talking about spraying one's "man milk" all over his partner, so I'm guessing that's why I can't find a damn place where I can download it.
I learned something, though. I had no idea that "skeet" was a colloquialism for ejaculation until I put aside the music and listened to the lyrics.
Here's a link to a video from someone much more talented that I, who found a way to get it using other means I don't have. --Just in case you want to have idea what I'm talking about. I'm telling you, it's pretty raw. I find it funny, but I'm sure others won't.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=T--N4j74-WY&mode=related&search=
And if that didn't offend you, how 'bout taking the song, and mixing it with a perfectly innocent old school cartoon. Seriously, if you don't have a liberal sense of humor, don't click on this. It's way wrong.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=meePPXqlTWc&mode=related&search=
Two of my current favorites theme songs somehow worked themselves into my head the past few weeks.
Ever since I started watching Entourage, I've been in love with the theme song "Superhero". It took years, but I finally found out who sang it (oddly enough, when the series soundtrack got released, it didn't have the song in the track list, and someone commented on it-- that's how I found out who did it). Why, it was Jane's Addiction. Who woulda thunk?
Here's a clip to it (kinda grainy, but it's what I found).
http://youtube.com/watch?v=BQ0sV4s-jzA
Is that not the coolest TV series theme song and credits on the air right now?
Next, when I watched Frisky Dingo for the third time last month, the song at the end of the pilot really bore itself into my brain. It's not the show's theme song, per se, but I think it can count.
I have no affinity for rap music, but this tune had a great hook. So I went on a search, which didn't pan out very early because there is nowhere you can download this song. Apparently, a guy named Killer Mike created the tune for the show, and "sang it" as the character Ta'Quil. Unfortunately, it's a pretty raw song (called "All That Jizz"-- it must be a love song) that is pretty much talking about spraying one's "man milk" all over his partner, so I'm guessing that's why I can't find a damn place where I can download it.
I learned something, though. I had no idea that "skeet" was a colloquialism for ejaculation until I put aside the music and listened to the lyrics.
Here's a link to a video from someone much more talented that I, who found a way to get it using other means I don't have. --Just in case you want to have idea what I'm talking about. I'm telling you, it's pretty raw. I find it funny, but I'm sure others won't.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=T--N4j74-WY&mode=related&search=
And if that didn't offend you, how 'bout taking the song, and mixing it with a perfectly innocent old school cartoon. Seriously, if you don't have a liberal sense of humor, don't click on this. It's way wrong.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=meePPXqlTWc&mode=related&search=
Duncan Hill Coffee
I couldn't dig up a clip from the actual show, but here's the audio from METALOCALYPSE's jingle for coffee mixed in with pics form the show.
I love "Do you like COFFEE???!!!"
Metalocalypse Brutal and Funny Moments (Season 1) [Part 2]
A pretty good collection from the adult swim show METALOCALYPSE.
Star Trek XI - 2008
This fan-made "trailer" is pretty cool. It's easy to forget how many great moments this franchise brought us in the last 40 years.
10 Things I Hate About Commandments
I don't remember if I posted this one before. I ran across it again and thought I HAD to post this...
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Premieres and Notables, Sept 3-9, 2007
Monday, 9/3
Wordgirl; PBS. 2 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Fifth-grader Becky Botsford becomes WordGirl and uses her vocabulary to defeat her adversaries.
Digging For the Truth; History. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
The fourth season begins with a trip to Gibraltar in the search for evidence that Neanderthals existed longer than previous thought.
Tuesday, 9/4
Lincoln Heights; ABC Family. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
Season two begins.
Jail; MNT. 8:00 & 8:30 pm. Series Premiere.
A look at what happens to people after they get behind bars.
Have Fork, Will Travel; Food. 8:30. Series Premiere.
Zane Lamprey searches the globe for exotic foods.
Dale; CMT. 7 pm. Documentary.
A look at the life of Dale Earnhardt.
Neil Young: Heart of Gold; Showtime. 7 pm. Movie.
a 2006 concert film directed by Jonathan Demme.
Thursday, 9/6
Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?; FOX. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
Don't Forget the Lyrics!; FOX. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Timm Gunn's Guide to Style; Bravo. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Friday, 9/7
Presidential Libraries: History Uncovered; C-Span. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
A look at presidential libraries, beginning with Herbert Hoover's.
Dog Whisperer; National Geographic. 7 pm. Season premiere.
The fourth season begins.
Lockup; MSNBC. 10 pm. Season premiere.
A look at San Quentin.
Saturday, 9/8
Good Lord, the premieres... I'm doing 'em pellet-style:
Mama Mirabelle's Home Movies; PBS. 5 am (check listings). Series prem.
Thomas & Friends; PBS. 9:30 am. Season prem.
Bob the Builder; PBS. 10 am. Season prem.
iCarly; Nickelodeon. 7 & 7:30 pm. Series Premiere.
COPS; FOX. 7 pm. 20th season prem.
America's Most Wanted; FOX. 8 pm. 21st season prem.
Extreme Ghost Stories; WE. 7 pm. Series Prem.
Rescue Mediums; WE. 8 & 8:30 pm. Series prem.
John Edward Cross Country; WE. 9 pm. Season prem.
and
Torchwood; BBC America. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
This X-Files-ish Doctor Who spin-off looks pretty good. Might be worth checking out.
Sunday, 9/9
Deserving Design; HGTV. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Sounds like a poor-network's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition where deserving people get makeovers for rooms in their house.
Tell Me You Love Me; HBO. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Sex lives of three couples are examined (very thoroughly) in this drama. It's usually a bad sign when all I've heard about a show if how graphic the sex scenes are, but I hope that's just dumb-ass media hype (everyone's got to do a "Has TV Gone Too Far?" cover article).
Alive Day Memories: Home From Iraq; HBO. 9:30. Special.
The Sopranos' James Gandolfini has ten one-on-one interviews with wounded veterans. This special has gotten major hype. Should be worth checking out.
Curb Your Enthusiasm; HBO. 9 pm. Season premiere.
After 21 long months, we're finally treated to more Larry David hi-jinks. Highly recommended.
Wordgirl; PBS. 2 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Fifth-grader Becky Botsford becomes WordGirl and uses her vocabulary to defeat her adversaries.
Digging For the Truth; History. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
The fourth season begins with a trip to Gibraltar in the search for evidence that Neanderthals existed longer than previous thought.
Tuesday, 9/4
Lincoln Heights; ABC Family. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
Season two begins.
Jail; MNT. 8:00 & 8:30 pm. Series Premiere.
A look at what happens to people after they get behind bars.
Have Fork, Will Travel; Food. 8:30. Series Premiere.
Zane Lamprey searches the globe for exotic foods.
Dale; CMT. 7 pm. Documentary.
A look at the life of Dale Earnhardt.
Neil Young: Heart of Gold; Showtime. 7 pm. Movie.
a 2006 concert film directed by Jonathan Demme.
Thursday, 9/6
Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?; FOX. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
Don't Forget the Lyrics!; FOX. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Timm Gunn's Guide to Style; Bravo. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Friday, 9/7
Presidential Libraries: History Uncovered; C-Span. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
A look at presidential libraries, beginning with Herbert Hoover's.
Dog Whisperer; National Geographic. 7 pm. Season premiere.
The fourth season begins.
Lockup; MSNBC. 10 pm. Season premiere.
A look at San Quentin.
Saturday, 9/8
Good Lord, the premieres... I'm doing 'em pellet-style:
Mama Mirabelle's Home Movies; PBS. 5 am (check listings). Series prem.
Thomas & Friends; PBS. 9:30 am. Season prem.
Bob the Builder; PBS. 10 am. Season prem.
iCarly; Nickelodeon. 7 & 7:30 pm. Series Premiere.
COPS; FOX. 7 pm. 20th season prem.
America's Most Wanted; FOX. 8 pm. 21st season prem.
Extreme Ghost Stories; WE. 7 pm. Series Prem.
Rescue Mediums; WE. 8 & 8:30 pm. Series prem.
John Edward Cross Country; WE. 9 pm. Season prem.
and
Torchwood; BBC America. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
This X-Files-ish Doctor Who spin-off looks pretty good. Might be worth checking out.
Sunday, 9/9
Deserving Design; HGTV. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Sounds like a poor-network's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition where deserving people get makeovers for rooms in their house.
Tell Me You Love Me; HBO. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Sex lives of three couples are examined (very thoroughly) in this drama. It's usually a bad sign when all I've heard about a show if how graphic the sex scenes are, but I hope that's just dumb-ass media hype (everyone's got to do a "Has TV Gone Too Far?" cover article).
Alive Day Memories: Home From Iraq; HBO. 9:30. Special.
The Sopranos' James Gandolfini has ten one-on-one interviews with wounded veterans. This special has gotten major hype. Should be worth checking out.
Curb Your Enthusiasm; HBO. 9 pm. Season premiere.
After 21 long months, we're finally treated to more Larry David hi-jinks. Highly recommended.
Saturday, September 01, 2007
More ONION-y Goodness
I'm on my semi-monthly theonion.com reading and found some gems:
Honey, Let's Never Pass Out Angry Again
Naked Man Only One Comfortable With His Body. R-Rated material in this one.
Harsh Light Of Morning Falls On One-Night Stand's DVD Collection
I Have To Admit: I Love The Nuts. It's not what you think.
And my favorite of this session:
Heartbroken Bush Runs After Departing Rove's Car
Ooo oo oo! I found my all-time FAVORITE Onion piece: You're Going To Love My Balls . And this is what you think-- but done beautifully. Pure genius. And this one is a hard-PG-13 rating.
Enjoy!
Honey, Let's Never Pass Out Angry Again
Naked Man Only One Comfortable With His Body. R-Rated material in this one.
Harsh Light Of Morning Falls On One-Night Stand's DVD Collection
I Have To Admit: I Love The Nuts. It's not what you think.
And my favorite of this session:
Heartbroken Bush Runs After Departing Rove's Car
Ooo oo oo! I found my all-time FAVORITE Onion piece: You're Going To Love My Balls . And this is what you think-- but done beautifully. Pure genius. And this one is a hard-PG-13 rating.
Enjoy!
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
PRISON BREAK Preview
My movie/internet guru, Tom, hooked me up with a link to a website showing the first seventeen minutes of the Prison Break season premiere.
It's a completely different animal, here. I hope the show gets back to reality a little bit more than last year, and it looks like they're on the right track with this sneak peek.
Check it out:
http://foxbc.edgeboss.net/wmedia/foxbc/episodes/prisonbreak/pb3_preview.wvx
It's a completely different animal, here. I hope the show gets back to reality a little bit more than last year, and it looks like they're on the right track with this sneak peek.
Check it out:
http://foxbc.edgeboss.net/wmedia/foxbc/episodes/prisonbreak/pb3_preview.wvx
Monday, August 27, 2007
Premieres and Notables Aug 27- Sept 2, 2007
Sorry this is late, but nothing new is going on except for what's on my "banned" list (MTV, VH1, CMT, Court TV-- the banned list gets bigger and bigger as the shows get crappier and crappier).
Tuesday, 8/28
The Education of Ms. Groves; Sundance. 7 pm. Mini-Series Premiere.
Documentary about a language-arts teacher who begins her career in a tough Atlanta middle school in a four-part series.
Wednesday, 8/29
Pantry Raid; Style. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Love the name; but the concept's been done before: a chef raids an average family's pantry to make a gourmet meal.
Sunday, 9/2
The Entourage season finale (HBO, 9 pm) is gonna bum me out. It'll be too long until it returns, I'm sure. I will be happy I won't have to hear the word "Medellin" anymore, though.
And that's it. I don't have a list yet, but you just know there will be lots of TV show marathons over the Labor Day weekend.
And tomorrow the Friday Night Lights Season One DVD set goes on sale. I saw Best Buy and Target has it for an unheard of $20. Pick it up. Major props to NBC for allowing retailers to sell it so cheaply (it's entirely possible there aren't many extras-- but so what? $20 is less than a dollar an episode). This show needs some big-time love. I didn't get to watch it yet, but it was pretty unanimous by critics I read and friends who did watch that it's excellent.
Tuesday, 8/28
The Education of Ms. Groves; Sundance. 7 pm. Mini-Series Premiere.
Documentary about a language-arts teacher who begins her career in a tough Atlanta middle school in a four-part series.
Wednesday, 8/29
Pantry Raid; Style. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Love the name; but the concept's been done before: a chef raids an average family's pantry to make a gourmet meal.
Sunday, 9/2
The Entourage season finale (HBO, 9 pm) is gonna bum me out. It'll be too long until it returns, I'm sure. I will be happy I won't have to hear the word "Medellin" anymore, though.
And that's it. I don't have a list yet, but you just know there will be lots of TV show marathons over the Labor Day weekend.
And tomorrow the Friday Night Lights Season One DVD set goes on sale. I saw Best Buy and Target has it for an unheard of $20. Pick it up. Major props to NBC for allowing retailers to sell it so cheaply (it's entirely possible there aren't many extras-- but so what? $20 is less than a dollar an episode). This show needs some big-time love. I didn't get to watch it yet, but it was pretty unanimous by critics I read and friends who did watch that it's excellent.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Movie Etiquette
Here's a video clip from the beginning of the Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film For Theatres that's pretty hilarious.
I think every film should run this at the beginning because sometimes people need to be reminded "Don't pull your penis out-- unless you really have to".
http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=8a25c392145e74420114604d869b0022
I think every film should run this at the beginning because sometimes people need to be reminded "Don't pull your penis out-- unless you really have to".
http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=8a25c392145e74420114604d869b0022
Premieres and Notables August 20-26, 2007
Monday, 8/20
Slap #2 of the slap bet happens at the end of this week's episode of How I Met Your Mother (CBS, 7:00 pm CST). It's a doozy-- and one of the funniest moments of last year.
As You Like It; HBO. 8 pm CST. Movie.
Shakespeare's classic, but set in 19th-Century Japan. Don't worry, if anyone can pull it off, it's director Kenneth Branagh.
On The Lot (FOX, 7 pm) finally comes to a close. It started out great, but has been kinda tedious the last few weeks.
Call 911; Court TV. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Hey! Look at this! Another freakin' new series on Court TV! Here's a tell-tale sign of a network: If they have to premiere a half-dozen new shows a week, then it means the shows they premiered a month ago have pretty much bombed and need to be replaced.
Wednesday, 8/22
Anchorwoman; FOX. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Yet another reality show. A former swimsuit model and WWE diva gets hired to be in a Texas-based CBS affiliate news show. I have no idea why I should care.
Thursday, 8/24
Real Time With Bill Maher; HBO. 10 pm. Return.
After a long summer break, the smartest show I watch is back to finish its fifth season. Thank God-- my brain is fried from all the sh** I watched since May.
Sunday, 8/26
Living With Ed; HGTV. 9 pm. Season premiere.
The second season of this Ed Begley, Jr. show begins.
Lots of Princess Diana specials going on.
Frisky Dingo; adult swim. 11pm. Season premiere.
I love this show. I can't explain it. It does have a plot-- kinda. It's got funny moments... And I love the animation style... I have no idea how a second season can begin since Simon triggered the explosion of the Annihilatrix while he, Killface, and Xander were on it, but I didn't know how they could explain the deaths of Hank & Dean on The Venture Bros. either, and they had a second season as well.
Slap #2 of the slap bet happens at the end of this week's episode of How I Met Your Mother (CBS, 7:00 pm CST). It's a doozy-- and one of the funniest moments of last year.
As You Like It; HBO. 8 pm CST. Movie.
Shakespeare's classic, but set in 19th-Century Japan. Don't worry, if anyone can pull it off, it's director Kenneth Branagh.
On The Lot (FOX, 7 pm) finally comes to a close. It started out great, but has been kinda tedious the last few weeks.
Call 911; Court TV. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Hey! Look at this! Another freakin' new series on Court TV! Here's a tell-tale sign of a network: If they have to premiere a half-dozen new shows a week, then it means the shows they premiered a month ago have pretty much bombed and need to be replaced.
Wednesday, 8/22
Anchorwoman; FOX. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Yet another reality show. A former swimsuit model and WWE diva gets hired to be in a Texas-based CBS affiliate news show. I have no idea why I should care.
Thursday, 8/24
Real Time With Bill Maher; HBO. 10 pm. Return.
After a long summer break, the smartest show I watch is back to finish its fifth season. Thank God-- my brain is fried from all the sh** I watched since May.
Sunday, 8/26
Living With Ed; HGTV. 9 pm. Season premiere.
The second season of this Ed Begley, Jr. show begins.
Lots of Princess Diana specials going on.
Frisky Dingo; adult swim. 11pm. Season premiere.
I love this show. I can't explain it. It does have a plot-- kinda. It's got funny moments... And I love the animation style... I have no idea how a second season can begin since Simon triggered the explosion of the Annihilatrix while he, Killface, and Xander were on it, but I didn't know how they could explain the deaths of Hank & Dean on The Venture Bros. either, and they had a second season as well.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Prison Break Season 3 Preview
ea186 gets my pick for favorite video of the week.
I will admit, I was let down quite a few times in season two, but this promo has me pumped up for the new one.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Elvis is Rolling Over in His Grave
Okay, I read about this on Matt Berry's Fantasy Blog, and I had to check it out, it was so f-bombed up.
Get this: Viagra did a little commerical where there's a group of guys in a cabin out in the woods singing "Viva Las Vegas"... Except it's not the Elvis song, but their version, which is "Viva Viagra".
Are you f-bombing kidding me?
I know erectile disfunction is serious, and can be an embarrassing thing for guys who suffer from it, but is a song like this the way to bring it all in the open? And not just making up a song-- noooooo, we have to commit a horrible travesty and ruin a classic Elvis tune. I'm not even an Elvis fan, and I'm offended.
And, seriously, what guy is gonna get a band together to sing about this miracle cure? Can you imagine that recruiting phase?
"Hey, would you like to join my band?"
"Sure, what songs do you play?"
"Oh, you, know, a little bit of everything, but mainly songs about E.D."
Maybe they'll eventually expand into singing about male pattern baldness or something.
Anyway, if you want to to see this trainwreck, check out viagra.com.
Get this: Viagra did a little commerical where there's a group of guys in a cabin out in the woods singing "Viva Las Vegas"... Except it's not the Elvis song, but their version, which is "Viva Viagra".
Are you f-bombing kidding me?
I know erectile disfunction is serious, and can be an embarrassing thing for guys who suffer from it, but is a song like this the way to bring it all in the open? And not just making up a song-- noooooo, we have to commit a horrible travesty and ruin a classic Elvis tune. I'm not even an Elvis fan, and I'm offended.
And, seriously, what guy is gonna get a band together to sing about this miracle cure? Can you imagine that recruiting phase?
"Hey, would you like to join my band?"
"Sure, what songs do you play?"
"Oh, you, know, a little bit of everything, but mainly songs about E.D."
Maybe they'll eventually expand into singing about male pattern baldness or something.
Anyway, if you want to to see this trainwreck, check out viagra.com.
Monday, August 13, 2007
It's a Sad Day
I know I'm not very methodical with these. Many people come and go, and I don't have the time or ability to write about them all.
But this one is hitting me harder than most.
Mike Wieringo was a favorite comic book artist of mine. I didn't keep up with his output at times when my budget didn't allow it, but the books I did pick up he drew were always of excellent quality.
Wieringo died yesterday (Sunday, 8/12-- in case I don't post this until after midnight) of a massive heart attack. Friends are stunned that a young man of 44 years, who was a vegetarian as well as someone in great physical shape could just die like that.
The comic book world is equally stunned that such a great talent has left us.
His first big break was during Mark Waid's legendary run of The Flash (one of my all-time favorite comic book runs). He broke onto the scene in style-- and also co-created and developed an important character in the Flash Universe: Bart Allen, Barry's grandson and Wally's nephew. Bart became Impulse, then Kid Flash, and finally took on the mantle of The Flash when Wally retired.
Bart's first appearance, courtesy of Wieringo.
And more Flash work.
After The Flash, he moved to Marvel and did some work on the Spider-Man titles.
And teamed up with Waid again for a run on Fantastic Four.
But this one is hitting me harder than most.
Mike Wieringo was a favorite comic book artist of mine. I didn't keep up with his output at times when my budget didn't allow it, but the books I did pick up he drew were always of excellent quality.
Wieringo died yesterday (Sunday, 8/12-- in case I don't post this until after midnight) of a massive heart attack. Friends are stunned that a young man of 44 years, who was a vegetarian as well as someone in great physical shape could just die like that.
The comic book world is equally stunned that such a great talent has left us.
His first big break was during Mark Waid's legendary run of The Flash (one of my all-time favorite comic book runs). He broke onto the scene in style-- and also co-created and developed an important character in the Flash Universe: Bart Allen, Barry's grandson and Wally's nephew. Bart became Impulse, then Kid Flash, and finally took on the mantle of The Flash when Wally retired.
Bart's first appearance, courtesy of Wieringo.
And more Flash work.
After The Flash, he moved to Marvel and did some work on the Spider-Man titles.
And teamed up with Waid again for a run on Fantastic Four.
When Marvel announced they were replacing the team, fans went apeshit, and Marvel relented and kept the duo on the book.
I love this cover of The Thing and some monster. 
Mike also did other work, most notably on his creator-owned title Tellos he created with frequent collaborator Todd DeZago.
And the last sketch he posted on his website:
Wieringo had a great style that was very simple, yet dynamic. That is one of the marks of a great illustrator-- the ability to convey a picture with few lines. His style left nothing to hide.
If you liked what you saw and want to check out more, his website is mikewieringo.com.
My sympathies to his friends and family.
Rest in peace, 'Ringo...
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Naming Is Half the Battle
I know I've been slacking big time, and seeing as how I'm actually getting some replies from people I don't know, there are even more than my usual four readers that actually read this thing (or use some sort of automated program to reply to things I post...)
So it's August, and that's Fantasy Football time for me. Being a Commissioner for one league takes up a huge chunk of time (so far) because it's only going into its second year. I spent two nights last week staying up late to pimp my site. Check it out (I hope this link works): 40 oz League.
This was be the first time I really felt the power of an Internet Community because I went on a fan board where the topic was pimping out sites, and these nice people posted the code for things and made them available to "steal"; which I did as you can tell (everything in the middle is add-ons beyond what the espn site offers).
Anyway, I decided this year to change the name of my teams. The past two years (in two leagues), my teams went by the name of Wu-Pass. It was tongue-in-cheek, and opened up a lot of opportunities to play with the name as I talked smack. "I'm opening a can of Wu-Pass" was a particular favorite. The first year I played, I really went hog-wild with the whole "backstory" concept, and it was a blast. Last year, I was too busy with two leagues (I was the high scorer in one league and won it all in the other) to play with the name too much.
But I decided this year to try something different. I paid attention to good names I read in books or ran across on the Internet-- or just plain popped in my head from reading other things.
Here's a list of favorites:
$2 Tug Jobs
Intelligent Design Can Lick My Balls (I almost stole it for my work league where I was going to substitute in the company I work for-- just because I thought it was funny).
Gay Homophobes
Uncle Bad Touch
Pigus Drunkus Maximus
Poop Flinging Monkeys
Alcoholics Unanimously
Trojan Rubber Company
Bad Monkey
Insanity Defense
Hanson Brothers Revenge (from Slap Shot)
Ass Chili
Al Sharpton's Smooth Love Machine
12" Ditka
Clinton's Hummer
Kurtis Interruptus
Springfield Isotopes
Loverboy Ruled
Sore Johnsons
I knew I needed to use Uncle Bad Touch because that's just a gem (so, so wrong, yet funny), so I elected to use it for the work league (since it's all guys, there's less chance it'll offend).
But what about my league: the 40 oz League? I thought and thought. Trojan Rubber Company was a front runner (and has the distinction of being a potential band name for what ultimately became Van Halen) as was the Poop Flinging Monkeys.
But I immediately decided to go with the Frisky Dingoes when it popped into my head one day. It's funny sounding-- and comes from one of my favorite shows. It's a keeper.
Having a good name is important because it showcases creativity. And if your team manages to win it all, you'll want a cool name to "go down in history" with.
I think I have two good choices that fit the bill.
So it's August, and that's Fantasy Football time for me. Being a Commissioner for one league takes up a huge chunk of time (so far) because it's only going into its second year. I spent two nights last week staying up late to pimp my site. Check it out (I hope this link works): 40 oz League.
This was be the first time I really felt the power of an Internet Community because I went on a fan board where the topic was pimping out sites, and these nice people posted the code for things and made them available to "steal"; which I did as you can tell (everything in the middle is add-ons beyond what the espn site offers).
Anyway, I decided this year to change the name of my teams. The past two years (in two leagues), my teams went by the name of Wu-Pass. It was tongue-in-cheek, and opened up a lot of opportunities to play with the name as I talked smack. "I'm opening a can of Wu-Pass" was a particular favorite. The first year I played, I really went hog-wild with the whole "backstory" concept, and it was a blast. Last year, I was too busy with two leagues (I was the high scorer in one league and won it all in the other) to play with the name too much.
But I decided this year to try something different. I paid attention to good names I read in books or ran across on the Internet-- or just plain popped in my head from reading other things.
Here's a list of favorites:
$2 Tug Jobs
Intelligent Design Can Lick My Balls (I almost stole it for my work league where I was going to substitute in the company I work for-- just because I thought it was funny).
Gay Homophobes
Uncle Bad Touch
Pigus Drunkus Maximus
Poop Flinging Monkeys
Alcoholics Unanimously
Trojan Rubber Company
Bad Monkey
Insanity Defense
Hanson Brothers Revenge (from Slap Shot)
Ass Chili
Al Sharpton's Smooth Love Machine
12" Ditka
Clinton's Hummer
Kurtis Interruptus
Springfield Isotopes
Loverboy Ruled
Sore Johnsons
I knew I needed to use Uncle Bad Touch because that's just a gem (so, so wrong, yet funny), so I elected to use it for the work league (since it's all guys, there's less chance it'll offend).
But what about my league: the 40 oz League? I thought and thought. Trojan Rubber Company was a front runner (and has the distinction of being a potential band name for what ultimately became Van Halen) as was the Poop Flinging Monkeys.
But I immediately decided to go with the Frisky Dingoes when it popped into my head one day. It's funny sounding-- and comes from one of my favorite shows. It's a keeper.
Having a good name is important because it showcases creativity. And if your team manages to win it all, you'll want a cool name to "go down in history" with.
I think I have two good choices that fit the bill.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Premieres and Notables August 13-19, 2007
Monday, 8/13
Sesame Street; PBS. 8 am CST (check your local listings). Season Premiere.
Season thirty-eight (!!!) begins with a visit from Tina Fey.
Slacker Cats; ABC Family. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
All I know is it's about two slacker cats-- and it's animated.
Weeds; Showtime. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
The third season of the show starring drop dead gorgeous Mary-Louise Parker as a ganja-peddling mom begins.
Californication; Showtime. 9:30 pm. Series Premiere.
David Duchovny stars a s a hack writer who nails any female with a heartbeat. Okay, I'm sure there's more to it; I just haven't heard more about it.
Tuesday 8/14
I Wanna Be a Soap Star; Soapnet. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
Wow-- this show made it through three seasons?
Tori & Dean: Inn Love; Oxygen. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
And this show actually made it through one season and is working on Season Two?
Thursday, 8/16
Today is the 30th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death, and there will be lots of his movies on TCM from 5 am until about 11 pm.
TV Land will be airing Elvis specials from 11 am to 9:30 pm.
Sunday, 8/19
American Princess; WE. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
These women compete for a chance to win a $50 grand, a date with a European aristocrat, and a British title? Wow...
2007 Fall First Look; TVGuide Network. 7 pm. Special.
Here's an early look at the new shows coming up in the 2007-2008 TV season.
Sesame Street; PBS. 8 am CST (check your local listings). Season Premiere.
Season thirty-eight (!!!) begins with a visit from Tina Fey.
Slacker Cats; ABC Family. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
All I know is it's about two slacker cats-- and it's animated.
Weeds; Showtime. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
The third season of the show starring drop dead gorgeous Mary-Louise Parker as a ganja-peddling mom begins.
Californication; Showtime. 9:30 pm. Series Premiere.
David Duchovny stars a s a hack writer who nails any female with a heartbeat. Okay, I'm sure there's more to it; I just haven't heard more about it.
Tuesday 8/14
I Wanna Be a Soap Star; Soapnet. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
Wow-- this show made it through three seasons?
Tori & Dean: Inn Love; Oxygen. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
And this show actually made it through one season and is working on Season Two?
Thursday, 8/16
Today is the 30th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death, and there will be lots of his movies on TCM from 5 am until about 11 pm.
TV Land will be airing Elvis specials from 11 am to 9:30 pm.
Sunday, 8/19
American Princess; WE. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
These women compete for a chance to win a $50 grand, a date with a European aristocrat, and a British title? Wow...
2007 Fall First Look; TVGuide Network. 7 pm. Special.
Here's an early look at the new shows coming up in the 2007-2008 TV season.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
That Ellis Guy is a Little Off
I know none of my known readerbase reads comic books, but once in a whiole I like to throw it in here.
There's a writer named Warren Ellis who has a big following because he's great (think Spielberg for comics). He also gives great interviews. You don't have to be a comic fan to laugh at this dude's answers.
http://www.newsarama.com/Comic-Con_07/Marvel/AXMEllis.html
There's a writer named Warren Ellis who has a big following because he's great (think Spielberg for comics). He also gives great interviews. You don't have to be a comic fan to laugh at this dude's answers.
http://www.newsarama.com/Comic-Con_07/Marvel/AXMEllis.html
Carl Rules
I have so many other things to do, but I have to post some more Aqua Teen Hunger Force clips, beginning with one of my favorite lines (about a baby arm). I'm gonna be lazy and not "sexy up" the link names. Just straight, boring webpage links. Sorry...
http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=aba5f30ab33e2011e739f1db0030b00c
Frylock tries to get his game on:
http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=feb5e902f0b027301aa30d1d1f0600ee
Carl makes some booty calls:
http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=4ca0b1bea06cde9f0211e2bc03050309
Carl is a Green Earth Informercial:
http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=1ac0ef0050029bdea0cd1e801f20b36d
Carl is asked to join the trivia team. You must watch it all; the line at the end is awesome:
http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=60bde00e112a55d0a01f38f3800549aa
Carl names the trivia team. Classic...:
http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=1c0004950ad0da12880ad1ba5f6c3e00
Carl uses the enlarging ray:
http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=050c53b01b100e2b91e001b0e8af3dd5
Master Shake flash fries the meal:
http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=0a9132211ad50eb202b0e1ecf00d0a0a
Zakk Wylde finds out he's been had:
http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=00010f1450dda3aa0809c1005bed8512
Shake writes a new birthday song. It's long (3 mins) but funny:
http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=e952d0d3058be1d00bf05d1016b0ba40
Carl takes the South Bronx diet:
http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=92eeffdc100e5f840013b00731030aba
The Moonites steal Carl's porn:
http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=93e00e53bdd101381a051feb1002709d
God-- I gotta stop...
http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=aba5f30ab33e2011e739f1db0030b00c
Frylock tries to get his game on:
http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=feb5e902f0b027301aa30d1d1f0600ee
Carl makes some booty calls:
http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=4ca0b1bea06cde9f0211e2bc03050309
Carl is a Green Earth Informercial:
http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=1ac0ef0050029bdea0cd1e801f20b36d
Carl is asked to join the trivia team. You must watch it all; the line at the end is awesome:
http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=60bde00e112a55d0a01f38f3800549aa
Carl names the trivia team. Classic...:
http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=1c0004950ad0da12880ad1ba5f6c3e00
Carl uses the enlarging ray:
http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=050c53b01b100e2b91e001b0e8af3dd5
Master Shake flash fries the meal:
http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=0a9132211ad50eb202b0e1ecf00d0a0a
Zakk Wylde finds out he's been had:
http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=00010f1450dda3aa0809c1005bed8512
Shake writes a new birthday song. It's long (3 mins) but funny:
http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=e952d0d3058be1d00bf05d1016b0ba40
Carl takes the South Bronx diet:
http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=92eeffdc100e5f840013b00731030aba
The Moonites steal Carl's porn:
http://www.adultswim.com/video/?episodeID=93e00e53bdd101381a051feb1002709d
God-- I gotta stop...
Ahhhhh-- don't read below.
Son... of... a... Bitch!!!!
Well, I obviously don't understand the posting order of this blog.
Sorry, but the next post is the Star Wars Sacrifice review with spoilers, and the one after it is without spoilers. After that is the premieres post for this week I posted last night, and before that are some links to [adult swim] clips I really liked that started last week but posted today.
Sorry for the confusion.
Well, I obviously don't understand the posting order of this blog.
Sorry, but the next post is the Star Wars Sacrifice review with spoilers, and the one after it is without spoilers. After that is the premieres post for this week I posted last night, and before that are some links to [adult swim] clips I really liked that started last week but posted today.
Sorry for the confusion.
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