Random thoughts since I just can't find the time to make a proper post:
Success breeds complacency: I won both Fantasy Football leagues I was in last year, and I realized last night at one of my league's drafts for this year that I'm getting lazy. I did no prep, got drunk, and then messed with my picks by taking 4 kickers (you're pretty much a jackass if you take your first kicker in anything but the last round, so four kickers is a bit of overkill).
I cared so little after round ten that I didn't even write my last eight picks in my roster sheet. It'll be like opening a Christmas present once the rosters get posted on our league site. I just hope I get a good surprise like a new TV and not a bad one like an ugly sweater.
But having four kickers was pretty funny. I kept insisting I picked them for "trade bait". (For you people not in the know, sometimes players load up on a position in the draft to force other players to make trades with you because you hogged all the good players.) Of course, with 32 kickers in the league, the "trade bait" excuse was just for laughs.
Not to brag or anything, but I still fully expect to finish in the top third of the league this year-- even if I did tank my draft.
Okay, enough about football and bragging about my Fantasy skillz. On to other things:
Check out the episode of Lawrence of America on Friday morning (Travel Channel, 8 am CST). I mentioned that I liked the show in a post a few weeks ago, and this episode about Nashville was the best of the bunch. Lawrence is very tongue-in-cheek on this show, so please understand he knows he's being ridiculous. It's not the best episode to see for the the first time, but it's too good to pass up.
I read somewhere that Amy Ryan will be in five episodes of The Office this season, which kicks ass. Her character in last season's finale was great, and I'm glad they got to keep her around a while longer.
I watched the first season of Battlestar Galactica. Damn. Good stuff.
Watched the first two seasons of The Wire. It's a different kind of show; it unfolds very slowly over 12-13 episodes, but it's extremely well-done-- and I heard it just gets better season by season.
Meghan from I Survived a Japanese Game Show took the #1 ranking of hottest woman on TV. Seriously, I had no other reason to waste a hour a week on the show other than to see her.
The Mole was pretty weak, which broke my heart as I loved the first few seasons.
Props to the people in the Big Brother house for not splitting over who is more Christian (and, thus, the "morally superior" alliance) and who's not. It's still a show I consider a guilty pleasure, but this season has been better than the last few.
I'm sorry to say Weeds just hasn't been great this year. I like Andy's storyline that has made him a coyote for Mexican illegals (becoming their version of Moses), but even the addition of Julie Bowen hasn't helped a weak status quo.
The Office and the Prison Break spin-offs have been shelved. Cool.
Speaking of Prison Break, I really hope this is the last season. I would hate to lose the great actors on the show (the show is pretty ridiculous, but you have to admit the actors are pretty damn good), but I would hate to see this show that had a fantastic first season continue to plummet in drama and suspense.
And if you haven't heard, Sara's back; rectifying one of last year's worst storyline decisions.
If you haven't seen Dark Knight yet, do so. It is amazing. All the hype is true. Ledger, Caine, Bale, Freeman, Oldman, Eckhart-- how can you not have a great movie? Add Nolan's direction, and it's a sure-thing. You owe it to yourself to see it. I had two quibbles with it, but it certainly didn't detract from my enjoyment of it.
For the first time in 25 years, I am pretty much completely out of the comic book scene. I had to stop buying them last summer, but I, at least, kept up with the news in the industry. But this summer, I slipped further and further away. It kinda bums me out, but it's also a relief to have the monkey off my back (the problem with being a comic book reader is it never stops-- every week is another comic or ten; every store has something you don't own). But I feel a loneliness without them. Maybe I'll get back into them when my kids grow up and move out...
And I guess the e-mail address I have to this blog had a problem, so anything I sent didn't actually send. I fixed the issue (I hope), so if you sent me something and wanted a response and never got one-- I'm sorry.
Okay, gotta go and load up on TV. I'm gonna be gone all weekend, and I need to get the Laurel and Hardy marathon (Saturday, 5 am on TCM) on the DVR. I usually am at 90% capacity on the DVR, so I have some TV to get through and delete.
Thank God for OnDemand. I can still catch the Penn & Teller's I haven't seen...
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Premieres and Notables, August 18-24, 2008
Monday, 8/18
Into the Unknown with Josh Bernstein; Discovery. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Bernstein investigates historical mysteries. In the premiere, he digs into Noah's Ark.
Wednesday, 8/20
Architecture School; Sundance. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
A group of Tulane students design low-income homes in New Orleans.
Dinner: Impossible; Food. 8 pm. Season premiere.
Family Foreman (TV Land; 9 pm). Season premiere.
Thursday, 8/21
Bad Girls; Logo. 8 pm. 5th season premiere.
The Principal's Office; TruTV. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
TruTV and schools.
Jacked: Auto Theft Task Force; A&E. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
I know I've said this before, but it doesn't get old in this instance: A&E used to stand for "arts & entertainment". Not so much anymore.
Tabitha's Salon Makeover; Bravo. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Yet another freakin' reality show spin-off... Tabitha Coffey (from Shear Genius) gets her own show.
MVP (SOAPnet; 10 pm). Season finale.
Friday, 8/22
Discovery's Planet Project; Discovery. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Eight scientists use Al Gore's environment proposal to try to effect climate change.
Who Are You Wearing? TLC. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Designers compete to make an outfit for a guest judge.
Saturday, 8/23
Making It Home: Greensburg; TLC. 6 pm. Series Premiere.
Two Trading Spaces guys go to Greensburg to help them rebuild after a tornado.
I wonder if this is the same Greensburg featured on a show on Planet Green, where it followed their efforts to rebuild itself as a "green" city...
Live Through This: Duff McKagen; Fuse. 10 pm. Series Premiere.
The former G'n'R bassist opens up about his struggles with booze and heroin.
And I have waited all summer for this. This is the shiznit, and needs to be on your radar:
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) is running a 24-hour marathon of Laurel & Hardy shorts and movies. It had been easily 15 years since I've seen those two geniuses, but I've tried catching up since this Spring. I'll give the complete rundown, and I'll point out the ones I know to be must-sees. (I haven't seen most of them lately, and I do know the movies are usually a little weaker than the shorts-- those darn plots that get in the way of the mayhem when they run an hour or more).
Seriously: watch some of these, put a tape in, or set the DVR. There is great stuff here, and it's a complete shame that this could never play in today's entertainment environment-- even though the best ones hold up extremely well (aside from the less-sophisticated movie-making).
Night Owls; 5:00 am
Blotto; 5:25 am (Stan steals his wife's liquor and goes out on the town).
Brats; 5:55 am
Hog Wild; 6:20 am
Be Big; 6:45 am
Laughing Gravy; 7:15 am
Our Wife; 7:50 am
Pardon Us; 8:15 am
One Good Turn; 9:30 am
Beau Hunks; 9:55 am (Ollie gets dumped and talks Stan into joining the French Foreign Legion-- and then they try to get out of it.)
Helpmates; 10:35 am
Bonnie Scotland; 11:00 am
The Fixer Uppers; 12:25 pm
Them Thar Hills; 12:50 pm (I haven't seen it lately, but it is considered a classic.)
Tit For Tat; 1:15 pm
The Live Ghost; 1:40 pm (pretty good; the guys help a sea captain shanghai a crew for a haunted ship.
The Devil's Brother; 2:05 pm
Me and My Pal; 3:40 pm
Their First Mistake; 4:10 pm
Pack Up Your Troubles; 4:35 pm
Scram!; 5:45 pm
County Hospital; 6:10 pm. (A classic. Stan visits Ollie in the hospital, and they pack in a feature-length movie's amount of mayhem and destruction in just 19 minutes. Check out where Stan keeps his condiments. And it features my sons' favorite line, "Hard boiled eggs and nuts.")
The Chimp; 6:30 pm
****The Music Box; 7:00 pm. (A masterpiece. Absolutely brilliant in so many ways. The guys try to deliver a piano to a house located at the top of a hill. It's a half-hour long, and gets my highest recommendation. C'mon, people-- you can afford a half hour. It's worth it.)
Sons of the Desert; 7:35 pm. (One of their hour-long movies that are entertaining the entire time-- usually there is a non-Laurel&Hardy plot wedged into their full-length movies, but this is all Stan & Ollie. The two lie to their wives about taking a vacation, so they can go to a Lodge convention. It, of course, goes completely awry. Good stuff.)
Way Out West; 8:45 pm. (Another good one that's over an hour long. The two try to get a deed for a gold mine to the right person. Not as much slapstick, but they still get into their share of mishaps.)
Swiss Miss; 10:00 pm
Block-Heads; 11:15 pm (Ollie tries to help his old war buddy Stan-- who guarded a trench for 20 years before he realized the war was over. He brings Stan home, and, of course, things go very badly. There's a great scene where Ollie visits Stan at the VA Hospital and thinks he lost a leg in the war, so he carries the completely healthy Stan around.)
The Flying Deuces; 12:15 am (I haven't seen it lately, but I know it's a fan favorite.)
A Chump at Oxford; 1:25 am (Pretty good. There's a good scene where the two get lost in a maze, and some frat boys(?) mess with them.)
Saps at Sea; 2:30 am (The two get stuck on a boat with a killer. But they have a secret weapon: a trombone. Stan's hysterics as he tries to play the trombone under pressure is good stuff.)
Air Raid Wardens; 3:30 am
Sunday, 8/24
Z Rock; IFC. 10:30 pm. Series Premiere.
A sitcom about three Brooklyn rockers who can be themselves as the band Z02 at night-- and then have to be kid rockers Z Brothers during the day to pay the bills.
The N's Student Body (The N; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Generation Kill (HBO; 8 pm). Series Finale.
Law & Order: Criminal Intent (USA; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Into the Unknown with Josh Bernstein; Discovery. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Bernstein investigates historical mysteries. In the premiere, he digs into Noah's Ark.
Wednesday, 8/20
Architecture School; Sundance. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
A group of Tulane students design low-income homes in New Orleans.
Dinner: Impossible; Food. 8 pm. Season premiere.
Family Foreman (TV Land; 9 pm). Season premiere.
Thursday, 8/21
Bad Girls; Logo. 8 pm. 5th season premiere.
The Principal's Office; TruTV. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
TruTV and schools.
Jacked: Auto Theft Task Force; A&E. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
I know I've said this before, but it doesn't get old in this instance: A&E used to stand for "arts & entertainment". Not so much anymore.
Tabitha's Salon Makeover; Bravo. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Yet another freakin' reality show spin-off... Tabitha Coffey (from Shear Genius) gets her own show.
MVP (SOAPnet; 10 pm). Season finale.
Friday, 8/22
Discovery's Planet Project; Discovery. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Eight scientists use Al Gore's environment proposal to try to effect climate change.
Who Are You Wearing? TLC. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Designers compete to make an outfit for a guest judge.
Saturday, 8/23
Making It Home: Greensburg; TLC. 6 pm. Series Premiere.
Two Trading Spaces guys go to Greensburg to help them rebuild after a tornado.
I wonder if this is the same Greensburg featured on a show on Planet Green, where it followed their efforts to rebuild itself as a "green" city...
Live Through This: Duff McKagen; Fuse. 10 pm. Series Premiere.
The former G'n'R bassist opens up about his struggles with booze and heroin.
And I have waited all summer for this. This is the shiznit, and needs to be on your radar:
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) is running a 24-hour marathon of Laurel & Hardy shorts and movies. It had been easily 15 years since I've seen those two geniuses, but I've tried catching up since this Spring. I'll give the complete rundown, and I'll point out the ones I know to be must-sees. (I haven't seen most of them lately, and I do know the movies are usually a little weaker than the shorts-- those darn plots that get in the way of the mayhem when they run an hour or more).
Seriously: watch some of these, put a tape in, or set the DVR. There is great stuff here, and it's a complete shame that this could never play in today's entertainment environment-- even though the best ones hold up extremely well (aside from the less-sophisticated movie-making).
Night Owls; 5:00 am
Blotto; 5:25 am (Stan steals his wife's liquor and goes out on the town).
Brats; 5:55 am
Hog Wild; 6:20 am
Be Big; 6:45 am
Laughing Gravy; 7:15 am
Our Wife; 7:50 am
Pardon Us; 8:15 am
One Good Turn; 9:30 am
Beau Hunks; 9:55 am (Ollie gets dumped and talks Stan into joining the French Foreign Legion-- and then they try to get out of it.)
Helpmates; 10:35 am
Bonnie Scotland; 11:00 am
The Fixer Uppers; 12:25 pm
Them Thar Hills; 12:50 pm (I haven't seen it lately, but it is considered a classic.)
Tit For Tat; 1:15 pm
The Live Ghost; 1:40 pm (pretty good; the guys help a sea captain shanghai a crew for a haunted ship.
The Devil's Brother; 2:05 pm
Me and My Pal; 3:40 pm
Their First Mistake; 4:10 pm
Pack Up Your Troubles; 4:35 pm
Scram!; 5:45 pm
County Hospital; 6:10 pm. (A classic. Stan visits Ollie in the hospital, and they pack in a feature-length movie's amount of mayhem and destruction in just 19 minutes. Check out where Stan keeps his condiments. And it features my sons' favorite line, "Hard boiled eggs and nuts.")
The Chimp; 6:30 pm
****The Music Box; 7:00 pm. (A masterpiece. Absolutely brilliant in so many ways. The guys try to deliver a piano to a house located at the top of a hill. It's a half-hour long, and gets my highest recommendation. C'mon, people-- you can afford a half hour. It's worth it.)
Sons of the Desert; 7:35 pm. (One of their hour-long movies that are entertaining the entire time-- usually there is a non-Laurel&Hardy plot wedged into their full-length movies, but this is all Stan & Ollie. The two lie to their wives about taking a vacation, so they can go to a Lodge convention. It, of course, goes completely awry. Good stuff.)
Way Out West; 8:45 pm. (Another good one that's over an hour long. The two try to get a deed for a gold mine to the right person. Not as much slapstick, but they still get into their share of mishaps.)
Swiss Miss; 10:00 pm
Block-Heads; 11:15 pm (Ollie tries to help his old war buddy Stan-- who guarded a trench for 20 years before he realized the war was over. He brings Stan home, and, of course, things go very badly. There's a great scene where Ollie visits Stan at the VA Hospital and thinks he lost a leg in the war, so he carries the completely healthy Stan around.)
The Flying Deuces; 12:15 am (I haven't seen it lately, but I know it's a fan favorite.)
A Chump at Oxford; 1:25 am (Pretty good. There's a good scene where the two get lost in a maze, and some frat boys(?) mess with them.)
Saps at Sea; 2:30 am (The two get stuck on a boat with a killer. But they have a secret weapon: a trombone. Stan's hysterics as he tries to play the trombone under pressure is good stuff.)
Air Raid Wardens; 3:30 am
Sunday, 8/24
Z Rock; IFC. 10:30 pm. Series Premiere.
A sitcom about three Brooklyn rockers who can be themselves as the band Z02 at night-- and then have to be kid rockers Z Brothers during the day to pay the bills.
The N's Student Body (The N; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Generation Kill (HBO; 8 pm). Series Finale.
Law & Order: Criminal Intent (USA; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Premieres and Notables; August 11-17, 2008
A light week because of the Olympics, I'll bet.
Monday, 8/11
Sesame Street; PBS. 8 am CST (check local listings). 39th season premiere.
Read the end of the above line. Un-bee-leevable!
The Mole (ABC; 9 pm CST). Season (series?) finale.
Tuesday, 8/12
Primetime: Medical Mysteries; ABC. 9 pm. Season premiere.
Thursday, 8/14
Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List (Bravo; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Friday, 8/15
Degrassi: The Next Generation (The N; 7 pm). Season Finale.
The Truth With Jeff Johnson; BET. 10 pm. Series Premiere.
Half-hour talk show, focusing on issues important to African Americans.
Saturday, 8/16
The Dish; Style. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Danielle Fishel hosts a The Soup-type show that skewers fashion. I'm in.
Sunday, 8/17
In Plain Sight (USA; 9 pm). Season Finale.
The Two Coreys (A&E; 9 pm). Season Finale.
And Chris Noth hangs up his detective Mike Logan suit after almost 20 years (with a break) on Law & Order: Criminal Intent (USA; 8 pm).
Monday, 8/11
Sesame Street; PBS. 8 am CST (check local listings). 39th season premiere.
Read the end of the above line. Un-bee-leevable!
The Mole (ABC; 9 pm CST). Season (series?) finale.
Tuesday, 8/12
Primetime: Medical Mysteries; ABC. 9 pm. Season premiere.
Thursday, 8/14
Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List (Bravo; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Friday, 8/15
Degrassi: The Next Generation (The N; 7 pm). Season Finale.
The Truth With Jeff Johnson; BET. 10 pm. Series Premiere.
Half-hour talk show, focusing on issues important to African Americans.
Saturday, 8/16
The Dish; Style. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Danielle Fishel hosts a The Soup-type show that skewers fashion. I'm in.
Sunday, 8/17
In Plain Sight (USA; 9 pm). Season Finale.
The Two Coreys (A&E; 9 pm). Season Finale.
And Chris Noth hangs up his detective Mike Logan suit after almost 20 years (with a break) on Law & Order: Criminal Intent (USA; 8 pm).
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Premieres and Notables; August 4-10, 2008
Monday, 8/4
American Gladiators (NBC; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Tuesday, 8/5
I Survived a Japanese Game Show (ABC; 8:01 CST). Season Finale.
Flipping Out (Bravo; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Smash Lab; Discovery. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Million Dollar Listing; Bravo. 10 pm. Season Premiere.
Wednesday, 8/6
Mythbusters; Discovery. 8 pm. 7th Season Premiere.
I haven't seen much of this show. I have liked what I've seen, though. Tonight, they're seeing if one can tenderize meat using explosives. I haven't heard that myth before, but it sounds fun.
Taboo; NGC. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Hard Knocks: Training Camp With the Dallas Cowboys; HBO. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Last season's camp with the Chiefs was interesting and mildly exciting. I expect no less this year. Remember, people, this is HBO Sports-- it's bound to have some good stuff.
Man Vs. Wild; Discovery. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Black Gold (Tru TV; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Thursday, 8/7
Last Comic Standing (NBC; 7 pm). Season Finale.
I'm pretty sure this time, it is the finale...
So You Think You Can Dance (FOX; 7 pm). Season Finale.
My Boys (TBS; 9 pm). Season Finale. Gone so soon...
Friday, 8/8
The 2008 Summer Olympics begin with NBC's coverage of the Opening Ceremonies (7 pm). Then for the next couple of weeks, NBC's family of networks (NBC, CNBC, MSNBC, USA, Oxygen, and Telmundo), some new cable and satellite channels created just for the Games, and live streaming video on nbcolympics.com will combine for 3600 hours of Olympics coverage. If that number wasn't huge enough, think of this: that's more coverage than all the other games since the first broadcasts on 1960 combined.
Saturday, 8/9
Primeval; BBC America. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Time anomalies and dinosaurs mix as a zoologist tries to link his wife's disappearance to the appearance of a dinosaur.
{Geez-- sounds like a no-brainer. Did anyone check the dino's stomach?}
Sunday, 8/10
The Inspector Lynley Mysteries; PBS. 8 pm (check local listings). Season Premiere.
American Gladiators (NBC; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Tuesday, 8/5
I Survived a Japanese Game Show (ABC; 8:01 CST). Season Finale.
Flipping Out (Bravo; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Smash Lab; Discovery. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Million Dollar Listing; Bravo. 10 pm. Season Premiere.
Wednesday, 8/6
Mythbusters; Discovery. 8 pm. 7th Season Premiere.
I haven't seen much of this show. I have liked what I've seen, though. Tonight, they're seeing if one can tenderize meat using explosives. I haven't heard that myth before, but it sounds fun.
Taboo; NGC. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Hard Knocks: Training Camp With the Dallas Cowboys; HBO. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Last season's camp with the Chiefs was interesting and mildly exciting. I expect no less this year. Remember, people, this is HBO Sports-- it's bound to have some good stuff.
Man Vs. Wild; Discovery. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Black Gold (Tru TV; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Thursday, 8/7
Last Comic Standing (NBC; 7 pm). Season Finale.
I'm pretty sure this time, it is the finale...
So You Think You Can Dance (FOX; 7 pm). Season Finale.
My Boys (TBS; 9 pm). Season Finale. Gone so soon...
Friday, 8/8
The 2008 Summer Olympics begin with NBC's coverage of the Opening Ceremonies (7 pm). Then for the next couple of weeks, NBC's family of networks (NBC, CNBC, MSNBC, USA, Oxygen, and Telmundo), some new cable and satellite channels created just for the Games, and live streaming video on nbcolympics.com will combine for 3600 hours of Olympics coverage. If that number wasn't huge enough, think of this: that's more coverage than all the other games since the first broadcasts on 1960 combined.
Saturday, 8/9
Primeval; BBC America. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Time anomalies and dinosaurs mix as a zoologist tries to link his wife's disappearance to the appearance of a dinosaur.
{Geez-- sounds like a no-brainer. Did anyone check the dino's stomach?}
Sunday, 8/10
The Inspector Lynley Mysteries; PBS. 8 pm (check local listings). Season Premiere.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
PSAs You May Not Have Seen
Our friends at the Middleman TV show (ABC Family; Mondays at 9 pm CST) have taken the time to warn us about such things as vampire cows, probes, the dangers of copying, and others.
Check out this link to the vampire cows PSA, and then click on the others (they're all less than 30 seconds).
http://abcfamily.go.com/abcfamily/path/section_Shows+Middleman/page_Video-Middleman_PSA4
Then check out the show. It's low budget, but it has fun with that. After watching a few in a row, I appreciate that there is quite a lot of heart in this little show about two people who are "consultants" to things that can't be explained.
Check out this link to the vampire cows PSA, and then click on the others (they're all less than 30 seconds).
http://abcfamily.go.com/abcfamily/path/section_Shows+Middleman/page_Video-Middleman_PSA4
Then check out the show. It's low budget, but it has fun with that. After watching a few in a row, I appreciate that there is quite a lot of heart in this little show about two people who are "consultants" to things that can't be explained.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Premieres and Notables; July 28-August 3, 2008
Monday, 7/28
Paranormal State; A&E. 9 pm CST. 2nd season premiere.
Elvis has his work cut out for him as he tries to get Quentin Tarantino to open up about about the movie industry on Elvis Mitchel: Under the Influence (TCM; 7 pm CST).
{I don't understand why shows still book the tight-lipped writer/director...}
Tuesday, 7/29
I normally wouldn't even mention that this turd was having its season finale tonight, but TV Guide's blurb about this episode of Celebrity Family Feud (CBS, 7 pm) said that the American Chopper (Teutul) clan had never seen the show before, so they "had to explain the concept several times." Where the f-bomb do these people live that they've never seen an episode of this game show in thirty-some years?
I haven't watched the show in twenty years, but I bet I could play on a moment's notice...
Jurassic Fight Club; History. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
I don't know what it's about because, you know, the first rule of Jurassic Fight Club is...
{Yes, it was a corny/stupid joke, but I had to go there. It's mandatory with a set-up like that.}
Eureka; Sci Fi. 8 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Yet another show I have on tape, just waiting to be watched. I've heard good things. It's low budget, but it's supposed to be just funny/silly enough to get away with it.
It's Not Easy Being Green; Sundance. 8 pm. Season premiere.
Wednesday, 7/30
Lewis Black's Root of All Evil; Comedy Central. 9:30 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
Baby Borrowers (NBC; 8 pm). Season finale.
Thursday, 7/31
Hopkins (ABC; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Friday, 8/1
Dr Who (Sci Fi; 7:30 pm). Season finale. It's old friends galore as Donna, Martha, Rose, Sarah Jane, and Captain Jack all return to help out the Doc.
Saturday, 8/2
Long Way Down; FOX Reality. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
For those of you who liked 2004's Long Way Round (where buddies Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman rode motorbikes across Asia and America)-- or even if you didn't see it-- this "sequel" finds them riding 15,000 miles from Scotland to South Africa.
Robin Hood (BBC America; 8 pm). Season finale.
Sunday, 8/3
Summer Showdown; HGTV. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A reality show with two competitors who need to makeover some rooms.
Novel concept!
Wedding Central; WE. 10 pm. 2nd season premiere.
Design Star (HGTV; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Battleground Earth; Planet Green. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Tommy Lee and Ludacris compete to see who can be "greener". Lee is pretty funny, so it should be entertaining, and if it's anything like Alter Eco, it should also be informative. I've kinda felt like being more "green" this summer (and have done small things to accomplish it), so I'll be checking this show out.
L.A. Hard Hats; NGC (National Geographic?). 8 pm. Series Premiere.
The Deadliest Catch crew follow the construction workers who are building an eco-friendly high-rise in La-la Land.
Pam: Girl on the Loose; E!. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Another f-bombing reality show about someone who needs to be in the spotlight so much, they'll have cameras follow them around everywhere. This one is on Pam Anderson.
{If there's any good that will come from this show, it's that Chelsea Lately and The Soup are both to be sure to rail on it. BTW: both shows are great. I f-bombing HATE E! and it's moronic programming, but I love that the network does allow those two shows to rip them to shreds...}
Sunset Tan; E!. 9:30. Season Premiere.
And speaking of E!'s moronic programming...
Paranormal State; A&E. 9 pm CST. 2nd season premiere.
Elvis has his work cut out for him as he tries to get Quentin Tarantino to open up about about the movie industry on Elvis Mitchel: Under the Influence (TCM; 7 pm CST).
{I don't understand why shows still book the tight-lipped writer/director...}
Tuesday, 7/29
I normally wouldn't even mention that this turd was having its season finale tonight, but TV Guide's blurb about this episode of Celebrity Family Feud (CBS, 7 pm) said that the American Chopper (Teutul) clan had never seen the show before, so they "had to explain the concept several times." Where the f-bomb do these people live that they've never seen an episode of this game show in thirty-some years?
I haven't watched the show in twenty years, but I bet I could play on a moment's notice...
Jurassic Fight Club; History. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
I don't know what it's about because, you know, the first rule of Jurassic Fight Club is...
{Yes, it was a corny/stupid joke, but I had to go there. It's mandatory with a set-up like that.}
Eureka; Sci Fi. 8 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Yet another show I have on tape, just waiting to be watched. I've heard good things. It's low budget, but it's supposed to be just funny/silly enough to get away with it.
It's Not Easy Being Green; Sundance. 8 pm. Season premiere.
Wednesday, 7/30
Lewis Black's Root of All Evil; Comedy Central. 9:30 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
Baby Borrowers (NBC; 8 pm). Season finale.
Thursday, 7/31
Hopkins (ABC; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Friday, 8/1
Dr Who (Sci Fi; 7:30 pm). Season finale. It's old friends galore as Donna, Martha, Rose, Sarah Jane, and Captain Jack all return to help out the Doc.
Saturday, 8/2
Long Way Down; FOX Reality. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
For those of you who liked 2004's Long Way Round (where buddies Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman rode motorbikes across Asia and America)-- or even if you didn't see it-- this "sequel" finds them riding 15,000 miles from Scotland to South Africa.
Robin Hood (BBC America; 8 pm). Season finale.
Sunday, 8/3
Summer Showdown; HGTV. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A reality show with two competitors who need to makeover some rooms.
Novel concept!
Wedding Central; WE. 10 pm. 2nd season premiere.
Design Star (HGTV; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Battleground Earth; Planet Green. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Tommy Lee and Ludacris compete to see who can be "greener". Lee is pretty funny, so it should be entertaining, and if it's anything like Alter Eco, it should also be informative. I've kinda felt like being more "green" this summer (and have done small things to accomplish it), so I'll be checking this show out.
L.A. Hard Hats; NGC (National Geographic?). 8 pm. Series Premiere.
The Deadliest Catch crew follow the construction workers who are building an eco-friendly high-rise in La-la Land.
Pam: Girl on the Loose; E!. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Another f-bombing reality show about someone who needs to be in the spotlight so much, they'll have cameras follow them around everywhere. This one is on Pam Anderson.
{If there's any good that will come from this show, it's that Chelsea Lately and The Soup are both to be sure to rail on it. BTW: both shows are great. I f-bombing HATE E! and it's moronic programming, but I love that the network does allow those two shows to rip them to shreds...}
Sunset Tan; E!. 9:30. Season Premiere.
And speaking of E!'s moronic programming...
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Premieres and Notables, July 21-27, 2008
Monday, 7/21
Wanna Bet?; ABC. 8 pm CST. Series Premiere.
British TV comics Anthony "Ant" McPartlin and Declan "Dec" Donnelly host this show which sees celebs such as Drew Lachey, George Wendt, Tom Green, and Jerry Rice place wagers to see if people can perform outrageous stunts.
Catch 21; GSN. 6:30. Series Premiere.
A blackjack game show.
Date My Ex: Jo and Slade; Bravo. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
I guess these two were once a couple on the Real Housewives of Orange County, and now they're broken up. But in order to stay in the public eye {okay, that's my take on it}, Slade agrees to live in a house with suitors for Jo, and help her pick the right man for her.
...At least until Season Two.
{Bravo-- how far can you fall?}
Extreme Forensics; ID (sorry, no idea what channel that is). 9 pm CST. Series Premiere.
A look at real forensic scientists.
{I wonder if they, too, can solve a crime in an hour.}
Take Home Nanny; TLC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Just what the world needs: another nanny show.
Tuesday, 7/22
Highway 18; Golf. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Golfers travel the state of Florida in a golf marathon across the links.
General Hospital: Night Shift; SoapNet. 10 pm. 2nd season premiere.
Antonio Sapato Jr. returns to Port Charles.
Road Tested With the Neelys; Food. 8:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Pat and Gina Neely travel the country to find the best local food. The premiere has whiskey s'mores, found in Minneapolis, MN.
How to Look Good Naked; Lifetime. 9 pm. 2nd season premiere.
Wednesday, 7/23
Sordid Lives: The Series; LOGO. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A series based on a 1999 film starring Olivia Newton (who also stars in the series).
Chris Angel: Mindfreak; A&E. 9 pm. 4th season premiere.
Sunday, 7/27
Jingles; CBS. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Contestants write and perform jingles for various products.
{I smell a Survivor-level amount of product placements...}
Mad Men; AMC. 9 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
The critical (and now Emmy) darling is back. Yet another in an ever-growing numbers of shows I've taped but haven't watched-- but I really want to. I haven't heard a bad thing about it.
Tim and Eric's Awesome Show, Great Job!; [adult swim]. 11:30 pm. 3rd season premiere.
I just don't get it. Some mildly amusing stuff, but some people worship this program. It's worth checking out as it's only 15 minutes long.
And "Shark Week" begins today on the Discovery Channel.
Wanna Bet?; ABC. 8 pm CST. Series Premiere.
British TV comics Anthony "Ant" McPartlin and Declan "Dec" Donnelly host this show which sees celebs such as Drew Lachey, George Wendt, Tom Green, and Jerry Rice place wagers to see if people can perform outrageous stunts.
Catch 21; GSN. 6:30. Series Premiere.
A blackjack game show.
Date My Ex: Jo and Slade; Bravo. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
I guess these two were once a couple on the Real Housewives of Orange County, and now they're broken up. But in order to stay in the public eye {okay, that's my take on it}, Slade agrees to live in a house with suitors for Jo, and help her pick the right man for her.
...At least until Season Two.
{Bravo-- how far can you fall?}
Extreme Forensics; ID (sorry, no idea what channel that is). 9 pm CST. Series Premiere.
A look at real forensic scientists.
{I wonder if they, too, can solve a crime in an hour.}
Take Home Nanny; TLC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Just what the world needs: another nanny show.
Tuesday, 7/22
Highway 18; Golf. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Golfers travel the state of Florida in a golf marathon across the links.
General Hospital: Night Shift; SoapNet. 10 pm. 2nd season premiere.
Antonio Sapato Jr. returns to Port Charles.
Road Tested With the Neelys; Food. 8:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Pat and Gina Neely travel the country to find the best local food. The premiere has whiskey s'mores, found in Minneapolis, MN.
How to Look Good Naked; Lifetime. 9 pm. 2nd season premiere.
Wednesday, 7/23
Sordid Lives: The Series; LOGO. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A series based on a 1999 film starring Olivia Newton (who also stars in the series).
Chris Angel: Mindfreak; A&E. 9 pm. 4th season premiere.
Sunday, 7/27
Jingles; CBS. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Contestants write and perform jingles for various products.
{I smell a Survivor-level amount of product placements...}
Mad Men; AMC. 9 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
The critical (and now Emmy) darling is back. Yet another in an ever-growing numbers of shows I've taped but haven't watched-- but I really want to. I haven't heard a bad thing about it.
Tim and Eric's Awesome Show, Great Job!; [adult swim]. 11:30 pm. 3rd season premiere.
I just don't get it. Some mildly amusing stuff, but some people worship this program. It's worth checking out as it's only 15 minutes long.
And "Shark Week" begins today on the Discovery Channel.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Summer Surprises
Gonna just do a "off the top of my head" list of things I'm really digging this summer:
Middleman; Monday, 7 pm CST, ABC Family. This show wasn't on my radar at all, but I heard a few good things right before it debuted, so I checked it out. Low budget cool. Funny, a bit silly, and an all-around good time. Check it out.
Wipeout; Tuesday, 7 pm CST, ABC. There is nothing about this show I'd like enough to watch more than once, but my six-year-old loves it. The fact that he and I can laugh at these people getting brutalized on those stupid obstacle courses makes it worth "wasting" an hour on something I wouldn't come near normally. It's a sad comment on the state of TV and entertainment in general that my kids and I can't watch TV together, for the most part. This show is safe enough. Any risque jokes go way over his head. And what guy isn't going to like the fact that he can say "big balls" during the show without it meaning anything other than the Big Balls area of the course?
I checked out Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog at drhorrible.com, and it's another low budget, fun project. Ep One went online yesterday (and completely crashed their server; which is not fixed), Ep Two is due tomorrow, and Ep Three goes up on Saturday. All three are free to stream until Sunday. You can also download each ep (or the entire 3 ep season) on iTunes (where it immediately became the #1 download yesterday). It start Neil Patrick Harris as a mad scientist/villain wannabe.
Finally, I was checking out G4 TV's coverage of E3, and I realized that I had forgotten that I love Morgan Webb. I don't know how I could forget such a thing, and go more than a year without watching the channel, but I remember now: I love Morgan Webb. Better put XPlay on the DVR "to record" list, so I don't chance forgetting that again...
Middleman; Monday, 7 pm CST, ABC Family. This show wasn't on my radar at all, but I heard a few good things right before it debuted, so I checked it out. Low budget cool. Funny, a bit silly, and an all-around good time. Check it out.
Wipeout; Tuesday, 7 pm CST, ABC. There is nothing about this show I'd like enough to watch more than once, but my six-year-old loves it. The fact that he and I can laugh at these people getting brutalized on those stupid obstacle courses makes it worth "wasting" an hour on something I wouldn't come near normally. It's a sad comment on the state of TV and entertainment in general that my kids and I can't watch TV together, for the most part. This show is safe enough. Any risque jokes go way over his head. And what guy isn't going to like the fact that he can say "big balls" during the show without it meaning anything other than the Big Balls area of the course?
I checked out Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog at drhorrible.com, and it's another low budget, fun project. Ep One went online yesterday (and completely crashed their server; which is not fixed), Ep Two is due tomorrow, and Ep Three goes up on Saturday. All three are free to stream until Sunday. You can also download each ep (or the entire 3 ep season) on iTunes (where it immediately became the #1 download yesterday). It start Neil Patrick Harris as a mad scientist/villain wannabe.
Finally, I was checking out G4 TV's coverage of E3, and I realized that I had forgotten that I love Morgan Webb. I don't know how I could forget such a thing, and go more than a year without watching the channel, but I remember now: I love Morgan Webb. Better put XPlay on the DVR "to record" list, so I don't chance forgetting that again...
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Premieres and Notables; July 14-20, 2008
Monday, 7/14
Emeril Green; Planet Green. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Emeril Lagasse teaches people how to use the most healthful ingredients in his new cooking show.
Top Gear; BBC America. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
The Closer; TNT. 8 pm CST. 4th season premiere.
Saving Grace; TNT. 9 pm CST. 2nd season premiere.
Tuesday, 7/15
The Cleaner; A&E. 9 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Benjamin Bratt stars as a recovering addict who leads an "extreme interventionist" team who get addicts treatment.
Say Yes to the Dress; TLC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Life at a New York City bridal shop. I am so setting my DVR for this...
{Sarcasm just doesn't translate well on a blog, does it?}
Hurl!; G4. 8:00. Series Premiere.
A gameshow where people who eat the most and puke the least are rewarded.
Wednesday, 7/16
Dog the Bounty Hunter; A&E. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Project Runway; Bravo. 8 pm. 5th season premiere.
This last season on Bravo has already stirred up fans. All I have to say is chill out; it's a freakin' reality show.
Family Foreman; TV Land. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A look at the life at the George Foreman house. I expect fun times when the phone rings, and the caller asks to speak to "George", 'cause, you know, there are six George's in the family...
Celebrity Circus (NBC; 9 pm) Season premiere. {It was still airing?}
Thursday, 7/17
The Gong Show With Dave Attell; Comedy Central. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Uhhhhh...
Wrecked; Speed. 9 & 9:30. Series Premiere.
A look at the dangerous work of Chicago tow truck drivers.
What Horse of the Apocalypse am I up to now? Third, fourth? Fifth? Whatever; I'm sure this is one of them.
Last Comic Standing (NBC, 7 pm) did not have its season finale last week. Sorry, but I get my info from other, apparently not 100% accurate, sources.
Reality Bites Back; Comedy Central. 9:30. Series Premiere.
A reality spoof hosted by Michael Ian Black. I'm sure it'll be pretty bad, but I gotta watch because of MIB.
Friday, 7/18
Monk; USA. 8 pm. 7th season premiere.
Monk's back-- with new therapist Hector Elizondo.
Psych; USA. 9 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Sunday, 7/20
Shameless; Sundance. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
The Stagers; HGTV. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Let's take a guess. Does this show have anything to do with trying to sell a house?
Ding ding ding!
It sure does.
High School Musical: Get in the Picture; ABC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
C'mon, like Disney wasn't going to milk the Hell out of this franchise...
This reality competition is for the starring role of a music video that will run after the High School Musical 3 film in October. Yes, that's right: this entire show is for a f-bombing music video.
Squeeze, Mickey, squeeeeeze.
Emeril Green; Planet Green. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Emeril Lagasse teaches people how to use the most healthful ingredients in his new cooking show.
Top Gear; BBC America. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
The Closer; TNT. 8 pm CST. 4th season premiere.
Saving Grace; TNT. 9 pm CST. 2nd season premiere.
Tuesday, 7/15
The Cleaner; A&E. 9 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Benjamin Bratt stars as a recovering addict who leads an "extreme interventionist" team who get addicts treatment.
Say Yes to the Dress; TLC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Life at a New York City bridal shop. I am so setting my DVR for this...
{Sarcasm just doesn't translate well on a blog, does it?}
Hurl!; G4. 8:00. Series Premiere.
A gameshow where people who eat the most and puke the least are rewarded.
Wednesday, 7/16
Dog the Bounty Hunter; A&E. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Project Runway; Bravo. 8 pm. 5th season premiere.
This last season on Bravo has already stirred up fans. All I have to say is chill out; it's a freakin' reality show.
Family Foreman; TV Land. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A look at the life at the George Foreman house. I expect fun times when the phone rings, and the caller asks to speak to "George", 'cause, you know, there are six George's in the family...
Celebrity Circus (NBC; 9 pm) Season premiere. {It was still airing?}
Thursday, 7/17
The Gong Show With Dave Attell; Comedy Central. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Uhhhhh...
Wrecked; Speed. 9 & 9:30. Series Premiere.
A look at the dangerous work of Chicago tow truck drivers.
What Horse of the Apocalypse am I up to now? Third, fourth? Fifth? Whatever; I'm sure this is one of them.
Last Comic Standing (NBC, 7 pm) did not have its season finale last week. Sorry, but I get my info from other, apparently not 100% accurate, sources.
Reality Bites Back; Comedy Central. 9:30. Series Premiere.
A reality spoof hosted by Michael Ian Black. I'm sure it'll be pretty bad, but I gotta watch because of MIB.
Friday, 7/18
Monk; USA. 8 pm. 7th season premiere.
Monk's back-- with new therapist Hector Elizondo.
Psych; USA. 9 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Sunday, 7/20
Shameless; Sundance. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
The Stagers; HGTV. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Let's take a guess. Does this show have anything to do with trying to sell a house?
Ding ding ding!
It sure does.
High School Musical: Get in the Picture; ABC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
C'mon, like Disney wasn't going to milk the Hell out of this franchise...
This reality competition is for the starring role of a music video that will run after the High School Musical 3 film in October. Yes, that's right: this entire show is for a f-bombing music video.
Squeeze, Mickey, squeeeeeze.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Premieres and Notables; July 7-13, 2008
Monday, 7/7
Emeril Live!; Fine Living. 6 pm. Network change.
TCM Presents Elvis Mitchell: Under the Influence; TCM. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
And longest title goes to...
Okay, I'm looking forward to this. I don't follow Mitchell's work very much, but I have liked what I've seen. And the dude's got kick-ass hair.
He's also got one of Sydney Pollock's last interviews in this episode.
How'd That Get on My Plate?; Food. 8:30. Series Premiere.
Sunny Anderson looks at how things get from one place to another in the food world. First up: how honey gets from Hawaiian bee farms to cream soda.
Tuesday, 7/8
30 Days (FX; 9:05 pm). Season finale. Morgan said this 30 day episode living with the Navajoes was the one that has affected him the most.
Not Going Out; BBC America. 7:40 pm. 2nd season premiere.
Out is the American roommate and in is the U.K. Office's Sally Bretton (who played Donna the Intern). The show is medium-level quality for me, but it's the summer, and comedies are rare. It's worth watching.
AFI Life Achievement Award; USA. 8 pm. Special.
Are these only yearly? I swear I just typed the above not too long ago.
Anyway, Warren Beatty gets the award this time.
Hell's Kitchen (FOX; 7 pm). Season finale.
Wednesday, 7/9
Click and Clack's As the Wrench Turns; PBS. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
Scare Tactics; Sci Fi. 9 & 9:30 pm CST. Season Premiere.
New host: Tracy Morgan.
WTF........?
Koppel: The People's Republic of Capitalism; Discovery. 9 pm. 4-part series.
Ted Koppel looks at the changing culture in China.
Martin Lawrence Presents 1st Amendment Standup; Starz. 9 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Thursday, 7/10
Greatest American Dog; CBS. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Twelve people and their dogs live together and vote each other out one by one. Uhmmm... Is Big Brother really the show they should be emulating?
Burn Notice; USA. 9 pm. 2nd season premiere.
Yet another show "on my list to watch", but I've heard it's really good. Check it out.
And: it's got Bruce Campbell. Everybody loves Bruce Campbell.
And2: it's also going to have Battlestar Galactica's Tricia Helfer for parts of the season.
Reno 911 (Comedy Central; 9:30). Season finale.
Last Comic Standing (NBC; 7 pm). Season finale. For real? I've three eps behind, but I haven't even seen the real competition yet. Weeks and weeks of barely humorous auditions, a few weeks of the competition, and then done?
Friday, 7/11
Queen Bees; The N. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Seven selfish girls live together, and, hopefully, will grow up a little bit after the experience. If this was MTV or CBS, I'd say "fat chance", but maybe because this show airs on The N, we may actually see progress.
Ashley Paige: Bikini or Bust; TLC. 9 & 9:30. Series Premiere.
Apparently Paige is a swimsuit designer, and this show follows her efforts to run her own business. I don't care, I just think the title of the show is stupidly funny.
The N's Student Body; The N. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Laila Ali gives tough love and warm advice while motivating a dozen overweight teens to get fit.
Flashpoint; CBS. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
An elite team of police make the world safer. Stars Enrico Colantoni, Hugh Dillon, and Amy Jo Johnson. Looks like it may be okay. Don't know what to make of the Friday night timeslot, though...
Stargate Atlantis; Sci Fi. 9 pm. 5th season premiere.
Saturday, 7/12
I Want That! Kitchens; Fine Living. 8 am. Season Premiere.
Zula Patrol; NBC. 9:30 am. Season Premiere.
Sunday, 7/13
Big Brother 10; CBS. 7 pm. 10th season premiere.
This is usually my one big summer guilty pleasure, but this year I am not excited for it at all. Could be because we just had a Winter edition of the show, or it could be because the last two seasons were boring as Hell. Sell me on this, CBS, or it'll probably be the last summer I waste three hours of my week watching. And for those of you wondering: yes, there's a bound to be stupid "twist" as usual. CBS just isn't letting the cat out the bag yet (which lowers my expectations even more).
Earth: The Biography; National Geographic. 8 & 9 pm. 5-part series.
A look at how amazing nature can be. First up: volcanoes.
Generation Kill; 8 pm. HBO. 7-part Series Premiere.
The Wire creators' new series about an elite Marine team's missions in the early stages of the Iraq War. This will be a good show. Check it out. The review I read said it starts out slow, but by the second hour, it gets really good.
Emeril Live!; Fine Living. 6 pm. Network change.
TCM Presents Elvis Mitchell: Under the Influence; TCM. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
And longest title goes to...
Okay, I'm looking forward to this. I don't follow Mitchell's work very much, but I have liked what I've seen. And the dude's got kick-ass hair.
He's also got one of Sydney Pollock's last interviews in this episode.
How'd That Get on My Plate?; Food. 8:30. Series Premiere.
Sunny Anderson looks at how things get from one place to another in the food world. First up: how honey gets from Hawaiian bee farms to cream soda.
Tuesday, 7/8
30 Days (FX; 9:05 pm). Season finale. Morgan said this 30 day episode living with the Navajoes was the one that has affected him the most.
Not Going Out; BBC America. 7:40 pm. 2nd season premiere.
Out is the American roommate and in is the U.K. Office's Sally Bretton (who played Donna the Intern). The show is medium-level quality for me, but it's the summer, and comedies are rare. It's worth watching.
AFI Life Achievement Award; USA. 8 pm. Special.
Are these only yearly? I swear I just typed the above not too long ago.
Anyway, Warren Beatty gets the award this time.
Hell's Kitchen (FOX; 7 pm). Season finale.
Wednesday, 7/9
Click and Clack's As the Wrench Turns; PBS. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
Scare Tactics; Sci Fi. 9 & 9:30 pm CST. Season Premiere.
New host: Tracy Morgan.
WTF........?
Koppel: The People's Republic of Capitalism; Discovery. 9 pm. 4-part series.
Ted Koppel looks at the changing culture in China.
Martin Lawrence Presents 1st Amendment Standup; Starz. 9 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Thursday, 7/10
Greatest American Dog; CBS. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Twelve people and their dogs live together and vote each other out one by one. Uhmmm... Is Big Brother really the show they should be emulating?
Burn Notice; USA. 9 pm. 2nd season premiere.
Yet another show "on my list to watch", but I've heard it's really good. Check it out.
And: it's got Bruce Campbell. Everybody loves Bruce Campbell.
And2: it's also going to have Battlestar Galactica's Tricia Helfer for parts of the season.
Reno 911 (Comedy Central; 9:30). Season finale.
Last Comic Standing (NBC; 7 pm). Season finale. For real? I've three eps behind, but I haven't even seen the real competition yet. Weeks and weeks of barely humorous auditions, a few weeks of the competition, and then done?
Friday, 7/11
Queen Bees; The N. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Seven selfish girls live together, and, hopefully, will grow up a little bit after the experience. If this was MTV or CBS, I'd say "fat chance", but maybe because this show airs on The N, we may actually see progress.
Ashley Paige: Bikini or Bust; TLC. 9 & 9:30. Series Premiere.
Apparently Paige is a swimsuit designer, and this show follows her efforts to run her own business. I don't care, I just think the title of the show is stupidly funny.
The N's Student Body; The N. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Laila Ali gives tough love and warm advice while motivating a dozen overweight teens to get fit.
Flashpoint; CBS. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
An elite team of police make the world safer. Stars Enrico Colantoni, Hugh Dillon, and Amy Jo Johnson. Looks like it may be okay. Don't know what to make of the Friday night timeslot, though...
Stargate Atlantis; Sci Fi. 9 pm. 5th season premiere.
Saturday, 7/12
I Want That! Kitchens; Fine Living. 8 am. Season Premiere.
Zula Patrol; NBC. 9:30 am. Season Premiere.
Sunday, 7/13
Big Brother 10; CBS. 7 pm. 10th season premiere.
This is usually my one big summer guilty pleasure, but this year I am not excited for it at all. Could be because we just had a Winter edition of the show, or it could be because the last two seasons were boring as Hell. Sell me on this, CBS, or it'll probably be the last summer I waste three hours of my week watching. And for those of you wondering: yes, there's a bound to be stupid "twist" as usual. CBS just isn't letting the cat out the bag yet (which lowers my expectations even more).
Earth: The Biography; National Geographic. 8 & 9 pm. 5-part series.
A look at how amazing nature can be. First up: volcanoes.
Generation Kill; 8 pm. HBO. 7-part Series Premiere.
The Wire creators' new series about an elite Marine team's missions in the early stages of the Iraq War. This will be a good show. Check it out. The review I read said it starts out slow, but by the second hour, it gets really good.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Teameck's Top Ten of the 2007-2008 TV Season (R-Z)
Now the second half of my list of top ten shows I watched this past year (in alphabetical order).
Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel; HBO. What every sports news show should aspire to be. The team of reporters are all at the head of their class, and they dig deeply into a story; most of which you’d never hear of outside of this venue. The pure range of stories is amazing, and within a single hour, it can bring you to any number of emotional responses. Just this last year, I got to see the former circus ringleader of FOX Sunday football coverage, James Brown, have a very touching discussion with a severely disabled little girl who explains her equine therapy. Or the difficulties the soccer team plane-crash survivors, who were stranded on a mountaintop and had to resort to cannibalism, had when they returned back to civilization. Or the heartbreaking story of former NFL players in their 40s and 50s who have brain deterioration found in the average 80 year old due to countless head injuries—or just injuries in general. When you see Conrad Dobler, one of the fiercest men who ever stepped on the field, using a cane to walk—due to extremely swollen knees which have had a half-dozen surgeries in the past couple of years—say he’d take his own life if he could, it’s chilling. And then it can bring tears to your eyes when they spotlight a five-year-old boy who watched Tiger Woods on TV and somehow picked up the perfect golf swing. Just an amazing story about an amazing kid that warms the heart. And then they hit you with the fact that he had cancer in his eye and nearly died twice. Now he has a glass eye—and the kid just lives life and still golfs with a swing that others would pay unlimited money to have.
Reaper; CW. There are a handful of shows that could be on this list instead, but I think Reaper has lots of untapped potential that needs an audience, so it can grow. Bret Harrison is one of the best young comedic actors out there right now, and even though this is a drama, his humor makes Sam more believable and relatable. Tyler Labine gets the best lines, and uses them masterfully. Rick Gonzalez is finally getting something more to do than just being the pensive one of the group. And you can’t mention acting on this show without mentioning Ray Wise’s Devil, who is spot-on (as “spot on” as one can be to a character that has many interpretations).
The show floundered about a bit at first, but then it had an inspired storyline about demons banding together to overthrow the Devil. This is the type of mythology a genre show needs to survive. I think it’ll be great—even if they killed off Michael Ian Black’s demon in the process.
Slings and Arrows; Sundance. Quite a bit was packed into this six episode season. Geoffrey prepares a production of King Lear and hires a major star to lead it. The problem is said star knows this is his last production, and he wants everyone’s “A” game; and he doesn’t care that most of the others have nowhere near his experience. Oh yeah, the star also is dying of cancer and shoots up heroin to keep going. Geoffrey’s inability to control the star causes a rift between he and Ellen, and his dead friend Oliver is haunting him more and more. Richard makes some adjustments to the concurrently running musical and finds himself finally doing some creative work, which comes at the expense of his financial work that needs to be done. And it wouldn’t be S&A without a young love storyline.
It was a bittersweet season as the series came to a close, but it ended well. Sadness mixing with happiness. Just like life.
This American Life; Showtime. I got on this train a little late, but I was instantly attracted to it. This NPR show transplant works just fine on television. Each episode has a theme, and 2-3 stories that fit into that theme. The thing is: usually these stories are very “small”, but the show makes them vastly interesting. It’s not exciting, it’s just stories about American lives done very well.
Weeds; Showtime. Season Three got a little loopy, but it held together. After two seasons of Nancy's new career being explored, the stakes got higher when she got involved with big time dealers and really started to move her own strain of pot ("MILF Weed"). And then things came crashing down. The season finale was one of the most series changing episodes I've ever seen. Things would not be the way they were-- ever again.
Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel; HBO. What every sports news show should aspire to be. The team of reporters are all at the head of their class, and they dig deeply into a story; most of which you’d never hear of outside of this venue. The pure range of stories is amazing, and within a single hour, it can bring you to any number of emotional responses. Just this last year, I got to see the former circus ringleader of FOX Sunday football coverage, James Brown, have a very touching discussion with a severely disabled little girl who explains her equine therapy. Or the difficulties the soccer team plane-crash survivors, who were stranded on a mountaintop and had to resort to cannibalism, had when they returned back to civilization. Or the heartbreaking story of former NFL players in their 40s and 50s who have brain deterioration found in the average 80 year old due to countless head injuries—or just injuries in general. When you see Conrad Dobler, one of the fiercest men who ever stepped on the field, using a cane to walk—due to extremely swollen knees which have had a half-dozen surgeries in the past couple of years—say he’d take his own life if he could, it’s chilling. And then it can bring tears to your eyes when they spotlight a five-year-old boy who watched Tiger Woods on TV and somehow picked up the perfect golf swing. Just an amazing story about an amazing kid that warms the heart. And then they hit you with the fact that he had cancer in his eye and nearly died twice. Now he has a glass eye—and the kid just lives life and still golfs with a swing that others would pay unlimited money to have.
Reaper; CW. There are a handful of shows that could be on this list instead, but I think Reaper has lots of untapped potential that needs an audience, so it can grow. Bret Harrison is one of the best young comedic actors out there right now, and even though this is a drama, his humor makes Sam more believable and relatable. Tyler Labine gets the best lines, and uses them masterfully. Rick Gonzalez is finally getting something more to do than just being the pensive one of the group. And you can’t mention acting on this show without mentioning Ray Wise’s Devil, who is spot-on (as “spot on” as one can be to a character that has many interpretations).
The show floundered about a bit at first, but then it had an inspired storyline about demons banding together to overthrow the Devil. This is the type of mythology a genre show needs to survive. I think it’ll be great—even if they killed off Michael Ian Black’s demon in the process.
Slings and Arrows; Sundance. Quite a bit was packed into this six episode season. Geoffrey prepares a production of King Lear and hires a major star to lead it. The problem is said star knows this is his last production, and he wants everyone’s “A” game; and he doesn’t care that most of the others have nowhere near his experience. Oh yeah, the star also is dying of cancer and shoots up heroin to keep going. Geoffrey’s inability to control the star causes a rift between he and Ellen, and his dead friend Oliver is haunting him more and more. Richard makes some adjustments to the concurrently running musical and finds himself finally doing some creative work, which comes at the expense of his financial work that needs to be done. And it wouldn’t be S&A without a young love storyline.
It was a bittersweet season as the series came to a close, but it ended well. Sadness mixing with happiness. Just like life.
This American Life; Showtime. I got on this train a little late, but I was instantly attracted to it. This NPR show transplant works just fine on television. Each episode has a theme, and 2-3 stories that fit into that theme. The thing is: usually these stories are very “small”, but the show makes them vastly interesting. It’s not exciting, it’s just stories about American lives done very well.
Weeds; Showtime. Season Three got a little loopy, but it held together. After two seasons of Nancy's new career being explored, the stakes got higher when she got involved with big time dealers and really started to move her own strain of pot ("MILF Weed"). And then things came crashing down. The season finale was one of the most series changing episodes I've ever seen. Things would not be the way they were-- ever again.
Teameck's Top Ten of the 2007-2008 TV Season (A-P)
And, finally, my list of top ten shows I watched this past year, starting with the first five (listed alphabetically).
Aliens in America; CW. It’s a crime this show didn’t attract more viewers. An overly worried mom wants her unpopular son, Justin, to have a handsome and popular best friend, so she signs up her family to host an exchange student. Unfortunately for her plan, the exchange student is from Pakistan (he’s mistaken for a terrorist a lot and dresses differently than most of the rest of the world). But what started out as disappointment ends up being a learning experience for everyone. And while Justin didn’t get more popular, he did have a few adventures he wouldn’t have had, and Rajah helped him out of.
The humor was edgy at times (like when bullies accused Justin of being gay because he wasn’t attracted to his hot sister), but the crux of the show was heart. Rajah became a member of the family, and had to experience the good and the bad of it.
How I Met Your Mother; CBS. Repeats as my favorite network comedy (only [adult swim’s] Frisky Dingo comes close) for the second straight year. This season just got better. First we saw Ted & Robin deal with their breakup as well as their attempts to move on. We saw Marshall and Lily deal with the problems at their dream place. Barney took Ted on a whirlwind spree of serial dating/getting laid and then hooked up with Robin himself. Ted fell in love with a new woman; one who just might be the titular mother.
I don’t know why this show isn’t more popular. The cast is great, the writing is amazing. It has a progression to the storylines like the best episodes of Friends had, and it could add to the classic television lexicon much the same way that Seinfeld did. Each episode stands on its own, yet each episode also carries the thrust of the series a step further. And, waiting in the wings, is the mother we are supposed to meet by the conclusion of the series. I just love that this show has a map of where it’s been and where it’s going. Part of the fun is when someone refers back to an episode months or years in the past, and you say to yourself “I remember that”. And there’s the occasional referral to something that will happen in the future that makes you say, “Oh yeah, ‘Old Ted’ said that was going to happen."
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia; FX. Bring Seinfeld into basic cable and make it a one-camera show, and you’re just hitting the tip of the iceberg of this show. These five characters are about as self-involved as you can get, and will stab anyone in the back to get what they want. But as repulsive as they are as people, they sure can make me laugh. It helps that they always get what’s coming to them by the end of the episode.
The New Adventures of Old Christine; CBS. I was a bit surprised to see this one make the cut, but I had to remind myself what I told a friend of mine during this latest season—this show makes me laugh harder than most any I can remember. I mean, really laugh out loud laughs, not the chuckles most other great comedies get out of me. The show has really grown the past few years, and this season was very tight. The focus is now-- finally-- solely on Christine, and they’re not trying to force New Christine, the ex, or the son into every episode. It has strengthened the entire show by making the supporting characters actually support Old Christine instead of being a focus themselves. And they’ve gotten funnier as a result.
The biggest credit needs to be put on Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who I’ll go on a limb and say is the funniest female in a comedy. I know Tina Fey is the “hot” one to praise, but Louis-Dreyfus has more range right now (yes, much of that is how the character is written, but she can take even the most humiliating of situations, and make them funnier than many others could).
Phineas and Ferb; Disney. Every once in a while, a show “made for kids” just blows me away. This one is definitely made for kids, but there is a maturity and sophistication to it that an adult like me can love. The premise is very simple: two boys decide not to sit around during summer vacation, so they make these gigantic plans every single day in order to live life to the fullest. Disregard the fact that they must be super-geniuses—and super-rich—to even accomplish these ideas; just bask in the idea that every single day should be one of adventure and learning.
The zealousness of the main characters and funny “throw away” lines by everyone make this an infectious show, but take one step back and see how each episode is constructed, and the show becomes that much more fun and sophisticated. I’ll say 90% of each episode contains the following: Phineas and Ferb come up with an idea. Their sister Candace finds out about it, and tells their mom. Mom doesn’t believe her. Phineas asks, “Where’s Perry?” Their pet Perry the Platypus sneaks off to get his orders from Major Monogram. Monogram tells Perry what Dr. Doofenshmirtz has planned, and sends Perry to stop him. P&F continue to work on the day’s project, and someone they have to get materials from asks, “Aren’t you a little young to be doing [whatever they’re doing]?”, and Phineas responds with, “Yes. Yes I am.” Isabella, the cute neighbor girl with a crush on Phineas arrives and asks, “Whatcha dooooin’?” and Phineas answers, and oftentimes drags her into the plan. Candice gets a step closer to “busting” them but mom still doesn’t believe her. Perry breaks into Doofenshmitrtz’s lair and Dr. D. captures him. Dr. D. does something stupid, and Perry escapes, and turns the tables on Dr. D. Dr. D.’s plans fall apart just as Phineas and Ferb finish their adventure for the day, which is just when Candice convinces her mom to see what the boys are doing. And somehow, Perry and Dr. Doofenshmirtz destroy whatever the boys had created just seconds before their mom shows up.
And every episode also contains at least one short, original song in the spirit of the episode.
And what’s even more amazing—every episode feels different. It follows a formula, but it’s always presented in a different way.
Aliens in America; CW. It’s a crime this show didn’t attract more viewers. An overly worried mom wants her unpopular son, Justin, to have a handsome and popular best friend, so she signs up her family to host an exchange student. Unfortunately for her plan, the exchange student is from Pakistan (he’s mistaken for a terrorist a lot and dresses differently than most of the rest of the world). But what started out as disappointment ends up being a learning experience for everyone. And while Justin didn’t get more popular, he did have a few adventures he wouldn’t have had, and Rajah helped him out of.
The humor was edgy at times (like when bullies accused Justin of being gay because he wasn’t attracted to his hot sister), but the crux of the show was heart. Rajah became a member of the family, and had to experience the good and the bad of it.
How I Met Your Mother; CBS. Repeats as my favorite network comedy (only [adult swim’s] Frisky Dingo comes close) for the second straight year. This season just got better. First we saw Ted & Robin deal with their breakup as well as their attempts to move on. We saw Marshall and Lily deal with the problems at their dream place. Barney took Ted on a whirlwind spree of serial dating/getting laid and then hooked up with Robin himself. Ted fell in love with a new woman; one who just might be the titular mother.
I don’t know why this show isn’t more popular. The cast is great, the writing is amazing. It has a progression to the storylines like the best episodes of Friends had, and it could add to the classic television lexicon much the same way that Seinfeld did. Each episode stands on its own, yet each episode also carries the thrust of the series a step further. And, waiting in the wings, is the mother we are supposed to meet by the conclusion of the series. I just love that this show has a map of where it’s been and where it’s going. Part of the fun is when someone refers back to an episode months or years in the past, and you say to yourself “I remember that”. And there’s the occasional referral to something that will happen in the future that makes you say, “Oh yeah, ‘Old Ted’ said that was going to happen."
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia; FX. Bring Seinfeld into basic cable and make it a one-camera show, and you’re just hitting the tip of the iceberg of this show. These five characters are about as self-involved as you can get, and will stab anyone in the back to get what they want. But as repulsive as they are as people, they sure can make me laugh. It helps that they always get what’s coming to them by the end of the episode.
The New Adventures of Old Christine; CBS. I was a bit surprised to see this one make the cut, but I had to remind myself what I told a friend of mine during this latest season—this show makes me laugh harder than most any I can remember. I mean, really laugh out loud laughs, not the chuckles most other great comedies get out of me. The show has really grown the past few years, and this season was very tight. The focus is now-- finally-- solely on Christine, and they’re not trying to force New Christine, the ex, or the son into every episode. It has strengthened the entire show by making the supporting characters actually support Old Christine instead of being a focus themselves. And they’ve gotten funnier as a result.
The biggest credit needs to be put on Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who I’ll go on a limb and say is the funniest female in a comedy. I know Tina Fey is the “hot” one to praise, but Louis-Dreyfus has more range right now (yes, much of that is how the character is written, but she can take even the most humiliating of situations, and make them funnier than many others could).
Phineas and Ferb; Disney. Every once in a while, a show “made for kids” just blows me away. This one is definitely made for kids, but there is a maturity and sophistication to it that an adult like me can love. The premise is very simple: two boys decide not to sit around during summer vacation, so they make these gigantic plans every single day in order to live life to the fullest. Disregard the fact that they must be super-geniuses—and super-rich—to even accomplish these ideas; just bask in the idea that every single day should be one of adventure and learning.
The zealousness of the main characters and funny “throw away” lines by everyone make this an infectious show, but take one step back and see how each episode is constructed, and the show becomes that much more fun and sophisticated. I’ll say 90% of each episode contains the following: Phineas and Ferb come up with an idea. Their sister Candace finds out about it, and tells their mom. Mom doesn’t believe her. Phineas asks, “Where’s Perry?” Their pet Perry the Platypus sneaks off to get his orders from Major Monogram. Monogram tells Perry what Dr. Doofenshmirtz has planned, and sends Perry to stop him. P&F continue to work on the day’s project, and someone they have to get materials from asks, “Aren’t you a little young to be doing [whatever they’re doing]?”, and Phineas responds with, “Yes. Yes I am.” Isabella, the cute neighbor girl with a crush on Phineas arrives and asks, “Whatcha dooooin’?” and Phineas answers, and oftentimes drags her into the plan. Candice gets a step closer to “busting” them but mom still doesn’t believe her. Perry breaks into Doofenshmitrtz’s lair and Dr. D. captures him. Dr. D. does something stupid, and Perry escapes, and turns the tables on Dr. D. Dr. D.’s plans fall apart just as Phineas and Ferb finish their adventure for the day, which is just when Candice convinces her mom to see what the boys are doing. And somehow, Perry and Dr. Doofenshmirtz destroy whatever the boys had created just seconds before their mom shows up.
And every episode also contains at least one short, original song in the spirit of the episode.
And what’s even more amazing—every episode feels different. It follows a formula, but it’s always presented in a different way.
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Teameck TV 2007-2008 Awards
Taking a page fro the Comic Shop News and its "Red Kryptonite Awards", I'm going to do some goofy "awards" of my own from the past TV season (June 2007-May 2008).
Here we go:
Best Comedy: How I Met Your Mother
Best New Comedy: Aliens in America
Most Anticipated New Season: Frisky Dingo
Most Improved Comedy: It’s Sunny in Philadelphia
Most Improved Dramedy: Desperate Housewives
Most “Wrong” Show: Moral Orel
Comedy MVP: J.B. Smoove; Curb Your Enthusiasm, ‘Til Death, and Everybody Hates Chris
Dramedy MVP: Chi McBride, Pushing Daisies
Multi-genre MVP: Blair Underwood; New Adventures of Old Christine and Dirty Sexy Money (and In Treatment-- which I didn't watch).
Recurring guest star MVPs: Michael Ian Black and Tony Moreno; Reaper
Biggest Crime: Inside the NFL gets cancelled.
I can now cripple someone because I watched this show: Human Weapon
Show that can make me laugh, cry, uplifted, and outraged all in 60 minutes: Real Sports
Biggest Surprise (show I hadn’t planned on watching, but ended up loving): Phineas and Ferb
Biggest Surprise (show that made me laugh much more than I expected): New Adventures of Old Christine
I appreciate the attempts, but they just didn’t work out: All the “outside the box” storyarcs on My Name is Earl
Show I should have loved but didn’t “get”: Spaced
Show I love that needs to end soon before it gets so ridiculous even I won’t watch it: Prison Break
Show that should have been saved: Aliens in America
Hottest mom: Mary-Louse Parker on Weeds
Show I would have liked to see go on, even though it ended well enough: Journeyman
Show that best found its voice from pilot to season finale: Big Bang Theory
Character I wish I could see more of, but know too much of something isn’t always a good thing: Marmaduke from Carpoolers
Show that makes me laugh, even though I should feel dirty that I do: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Show that is lucky to be on adult swim because Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton would crucify it were it anywhere else: Boondocks
Show that tells me what’s really going on in the world: Real Time with Bill Maher
Show that was pretty funny last season and pretty not this season: Head Cases
Show whose pilot was just too good to live up to: Reaper
Show whose pilot was just too good to live up to— and somehow did: Pushing Daisies
Worst behind the scenes problem that ended up affecting a show: Sarah Wayne Calles and Prison Break producers cannot agree on a work schedule or a story arc.
Channel I wish I had more time to watch: History
Most misleading title: John Safran vs. God (he’s not challenging God; he’s exploring religion)
Best Save: ABC, for letting Scrubs finish out its run on its own terms.
2nd Best Save: Reaper getting some show mythology.
Where did all the great shows go? BBC America, which was my favorite of all channels two years ago, but doesn’t have any more than one series at a time that I watch now.
The season finale that most brought its show back to where it needed to be: My Name is Earl
Season finale with the most promise for next year: Desperate Housewives
Season finale that has me the most afraid things will change too much: Weeds
Here we go:
Best Comedy: How I Met Your Mother
Best New Comedy: Aliens in America
Most Anticipated New Season: Frisky Dingo
Most Improved Comedy: It’s Sunny in Philadelphia
Most Improved Dramedy: Desperate Housewives
Most “Wrong” Show: Moral Orel
Comedy MVP: J.B. Smoove; Curb Your Enthusiasm, ‘Til Death, and Everybody Hates Chris
Dramedy MVP: Chi McBride, Pushing Daisies
Multi-genre MVP: Blair Underwood; New Adventures of Old Christine and Dirty Sexy Money (and In Treatment-- which I didn't watch).
Recurring guest star MVPs: Michael Ian Black and Tony Moreno; Reaper
Biggest Crime: Inside the NFL gets cancelled.
I can now cripple someone because I watched this show: Human Weapon
Show that can make me laugh, cry, uplifted, and outraged all in 60 minutes: Real Sports
Biggest Surprise (show I hadn’t planned on watching, but ended up loving): Phineas and Ferb
Biggest Surprise (show that made me laugh much more than I expected): New Adventures of Old Christine
I appreciate the attempts, but they just didn’t work out: All the “outside the box” storyarcs on My Name is Earl
Show I should have loved but didn’t “get”: Spaced
Show I love that needs to end soon before it gets so ridiculous even I won’t watch it: Prison Break
Show that should have been saved: Aliens in America
Hottest mom: Mary-Louse Parker on Weeds
Show I would have liked to see go on, even though it ended well enough: Journeyman
Show that best found its voice from pilot to season finale: Big Bang Theory
Character I wish I could see more of, but know too much of something isn’t always a good thing: Marmaduke from Carpoolers
Show that makes me laugh, even though I should feel dirty that I do: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
Show that is lucky to be on adult swim because Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton would crucify it were it anywhere else: Boondocks
Show that tells me what’s really going on in the world: Real Time with Bill Maher
Show that was pretty funny last season and pretty not this season: Head Cases
Show whose pilot was just too good to live up to: Reaper
Show whose pilot was just too good to live up to— and somehow did: Pushing Daisies
Worst behind the scenes problem that ended up affecting a show: Sarah Wayne Calles and Prison Break producers cannot agree on a work schedule or a story arc.
Channel I wish I had more time to watch: History
Most misleading title: John Safran vs. God (he’s not challenging God; he’s exploring religion)
Best Save: ABC, for letting Scrubs finish out its run on its own terms.
2nd Best Save: Reaper getting some show mythology.
Where did all the great shows go? BBC America, which was my favorite of all channels two years ago, but doesn’t have any more than one series at a time that I watch now.
The season finale that most brought its show back to where it needed to be: My Name is Earl
Season finale with the most promise for next year: Desperate Housewives
Season finale that has me the most afraid things will change too much: Weeds
Monday, June 30, 2008
Another Free Album
Gotta give a shout out to my pal, Brian, who gave me a link to Duff McKagen's band Loaded's new album DARK DAYS.
As with Nine Inch Nails' album THE SLIP (which I wrote about here ), it's free to download. I've had in the background the past half hour, and it's decent. I'll probably burn it to a CD and listen to it in the car to see if I really like it or not.
But, hey-- it's free. You can't go wrong with that price while trying it out. The link isn't working for me when I post this, so try a cut and paste in your browser window:
idolmanagement.com/duffmckagan's/loadeddarkdays.htm
As with Nine Inch Nails' album THE SLIP (which I wrote about here ), it's free to download. I've had in the background the past half hour, and it's decent. I'll probably burn it to a CD and listen to it in the car to see if I really like it or not.
But, hey-- it's free. You can't go wrong with that price while trying it out. The link isn't working for me when I post this, so try a cut and paste in your browser window:
idolmanagement.com/duffmckagan's/loadeddarkdays.htm
So... What Do YOU Do During the Writer's Strike?
If your name is Joss Whedon, you made a pet project with some friends, will let everyone in the universe see it for free for a few days, then will make it available for download, and finally put it on DVD with scads of extras.
The project is called Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog. Part 1 premieres on July 15, Part 2 on July 17, and the third and final part on July 19. It'll be free until midnight on July 20.
So why should you care? Joss Whedon. The guy is a fanboy wet dream. And you know if he put the time into this project without any guarantee of compensation, he must believe in it.
If that's not good enough, how about Nathan Filion as Captain Hammer, Felicia Day as Penny, and NPH himself as Dr. Horrible? Yep, the former Doogie Howser and current Barney Stinson plays the titular character.
It's a comedy; it's a musical; it's probably going to be pretty good.
Here's the link to the site: http://www.drhorrible.com/
Here's a link to TV Guide's Matt Roush's chat with Whedon: http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Roush-Dispatch/Joss-Whedon-Dr/800042425
The project is called Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog. Part 1 premieres on July 15, Part 2 on July 17, and the third and final part on July 19. It'll be free until midnight on July 20.
So why should you care? Joss Whedon. The guy is a fanboy wet dream. And you know if he put the time into this project without any guarantee of compensation, he must believe in it.
If that's not good enough, how about Nathan Filion as Captain Hammer, Felicia Day as Penny, and NPH himself as Dr. Horrible? Yep, the former Doogie Howser and current Barney Stinson plays the titular character.
It's a comedy; it's a musical; it's probably going to be pretty good.
Here's the link to the site: http://www.drhorrible.com/
Here's a link to TV Guide's Matt Roush's chat with Whedon: http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Roush-Dispatch/Joss-Whedon-Dr/800042425
Teameck's 2007-2008 TV Awards: Series List
Better (way) late than never.
I worked on this most of May and then never put the finishing touches on it (story of the life of this blog). But as a bit of fun, I compiled a list of all the television shows I could remember watching from June 2007-May 2008 and then made a few comments on them.
Lots of critics (not that I am one) make Top Ten Lists of shows, but they're usually done in December. In December, I'm too busy, so I thought I'd go against the grain and do it after what is recognized as the "television season" (in May). I included the shows that aired in the summer of 2007 because in August/September, I'm way too busy to do this.
For those of you new to my lists, I give the rundown of everything I watched during the time period. Why, you ask? Because I cannot possibly watch every single show. Hopefully, those of you who think I'm crazy for not including The Sopranos or Lost can see that I didn't watch either during this season (they're on my "to watch" list).
Here's the list of shows I watched from June 2007 through May 2008 (at least the ones I could remember) as well as the ones I tried (2 or more episodes). Shows in italics are ones I didn't watch every episode of.
Aliens in America; CW
American Dad; FOX
Aqua Teen Hunger Force; adult swim
The Big Bang Theory; CBS
Big Brother 8; CBS
Big Brother 9; CBS
Big Shots; ABC
Boondocks; adult swim
Boston Legal; ABC (up until the the post-strike shows; I'll be getting to the rest.)
Californication; Showtime (halfway through the first season; I'll be getting to the rest)
Carpoolers; ABC
Cavemen; ABC
Chuck; NBC
Costas Now; HBO
Curb Your Enthusiasm; HBO
Curious George; PBS
Desperate Housewives; ABC
Dirty Sexy Money, ABC
Entourage; HBO
Everybody Hates Chris; CW
Extras, HBO
Family Guy; FOX
Fantasy Insider; ESPN2
Frisky Dingo; adult swim
Hard Knocks: Kansas City Chiefs; HBO
Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law; adult swim
Head Cases; Starz
Hollywood Residential; Starz
How I Met Your Mother; CBS
Human Weapon; History
Inside the NFL; HBO
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia; FX
John Safran vs. God; Sundance
Journeyman; NBC
King of the Hill; FOX
Last Comic Standing; NBC
Lewis Black’s Root of All Evil; Comedy Central
Life; NBC
The Loop; FOX
Metalocalypse; adult swim
Miss Guided; ABC
Moral Orel; adult swim
My Boys; TBS
My Name is Earl; NBC
The New Adventures of Old Christine; CBS
The Office; NBC
Penn & Teller: Bullshit; Showtime
Phineas and Ferb; Disney
Pushing Daisies; ABC
Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel; HBO
Real Time with Bill Maher; HBO
Reaper; CW
Robot Chicken; adult swim
Rules of Engagement; CBS
The Sarah Silverman Program; Comedy Central
Samantha Who?; ABC
Scrubs; NBC
The Simpsons; FOX
Slings and Arrows; Sundance
South Park; Comedy Central
Spaced; BBC America (just wasn't into it after four eps)
10 Items or Less; TBS
That Mitchel and Webb Look; BBC America (just wasn't into it after five eps)
30 Rock; NBC
This American Life; Showtime
Tim and Eric Awesome Show; adult swim
Unhitched; FOX
Weeds; Showtime
And some not-new seasons I watched for the first time in the past year:
Alias Season 4
Dexter Season 1
I worked on this most of May and then never put the finishing touches on it (story of the life of this blog). But as a bit of fun, I compiled a list of all the television shows I could remember watching from June 2007-May 2008 and then made a few comments on them.
Lots of critics (not that I am one) make Top Ten Lists of shows, but they're usually done in December. In December, I'm too busy, so I thought I'd go against the grain and do it after what is recognized as the "television season" (in May). I included the shows that aired in the summer of 2007 because in August/September, I'm way too busy to do this.
For those of you new to my lists, I give the rundown of everything I watched during the time period. Why, you ask? Because I cannot possibly watch every single show. Hopefully, those of you who think I'm crazy for not including The Sopranos or Lost can see that I didn't watch either during this season (they're on my "to watch" list).
Here's the list of shows I watched from June 2007 through May 2008 (at least the ones I could remember) as well as the ones I tried (2 or more episodes). Shows in italics are ones I didn't watch every episode of.
Aliens in America; CW
American Dad; FOX
Aqua Teen Hunger Force; adult swim
The Big Bang Theory; CBS
Big Brother 8; CBS
Big Brother 9; CBS
Big Shots; ABC
Boondocks; adult swim
Boston Legal; ABC (up until the the post-strike shows; I'll be getting to the rest.)
Californication; Showtime (halfway through the first season; I'll be getting to the rest)
Carpoolers; ABC
Cavemen; ABC
Chuck; NBC
Costas Now; HBO
Curb Your Enthusiasm; HBO
Curious George; PBS
Desperate Housewives; ABC
Dirty Sexy Money, ABC
Entourage; HBO
Everybody Hates Chris; CW
Extras, HBO
Family Guy; FOX
Fantasy Insider; ESPN2
Frisky Dingo; adult swim
Hard Knocks: Kansas City Chiefs; HBO
Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law; adult swim
Head Cases; Starz
Hollywood Residential; Starz
How I Met Your Mother; CBS
Human Weapon; History
Inside the NFL; HBO
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia; FX
John Safran vs. God; Sundance
Journeyman; NBC
King of the Hill; FOX
Last Comic Standing; NBC
Lewis Black’s Root of All Evil; Comedy Central
Life; NBC
The Loop; FOX
Metalocalypse; adult swim
Miss Guided; ABC
Moral Orel; adult swim
My Boys; TBS
My Name is Earl; NBC
The New Adventures of Old Christine; CBS
The Office; NBC
Penn & Teller: Bullshit; Showtime
Phineas and Ferb; Disney
Pushing Daisies; ABC
Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel; HBO
Real Time with Bill Maher; HBO
Reaper; CW
Robot Chicken; adult swim
Rules of Engagement; CBS
The Sarah Silverman Program; Comedy Central
Samantha Who?; ABC
Scrubs; NBC
The Simpsons; FOX
Slings and Arrows; Sundance
South Park; Comedy Central
Spaced; BBC America (just wasn't into it after four eps)
10 Items or Less; TBS
That Mitchel and Webb Look; BBC America (just wasn't into it after five eps)
30 Rock; NBC
This American Life; Showtime
Tim and Eric Awesome Show; adult swim
Unhitched; FOX
Weeds; Showtime
And some not-new seasons I watched for the first time in the past year:
Alias Season 4
Dexter Season 1
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Premieres and Notables, June 30-July 4, 2008
Not much this week (Thank God).
Monday, 6/30
History Detectives; PBS. 8 pm CST (check local listings). 6th Season Premiere.
The War of the World; PBS. 9 pm (check local listings). Three-part Series.
Historian Niall Ferguson challenges assumptions about World War II.
46664: A Concert For Nelson Mandela; VH1. 8 pm. Special.
Normally, I don't mention VH1, but this 90th-birthday tribute sounds pretty cool. This special features two hours of highlights of the show, hosted by Will Smith, and scheduled appearances by Leona Lewis, Amy Winehouse, Annie Lennox, and Queen with Paul Rodgers among others.
Friday, 7/4
Lots of marathons, specials, fireworks, concerts and the like all over the airwaves.
Pick your favorite channel, and you'll probably find something you'll like.
Sunday, 7/6
Extreme Living; HGTV. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A look at "extreme" house, like the one on a bridge that's seen in the premiere.
Monday, 6/30
History Detectives; PBS. 8 pm CST (check local listings). 6th Season Premiere.
The War of the World; PBS. 9 pm (check local listings). Three-part Series.
Historian Niall Ferguson challenges assumptions about World War II.
46664: A Concert For Nelson Mandela; VH1. 8 pm. Special.
Normally, I don't mention VH1, but this 90th-birthday tribute sounds pretty cool. This special features two hours of highlights of the show, hosted by Will Smith, and scheduled appearances by Leona Lewis, Amy Winehouse, Annie Lennox, and Queen with Paul Rodgers among others.
Friday, 7/4
Lots of marathons, specials, fireworks, concerts and the like all over the airwaves.
Pick your favorite channel, and you'll probably find something you'll like.
Sunday, 7/6
Extreme Living; HGTV. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A look at "extreme" house, like the one on a bridge that's seen in the premiere.
Destined to be a Classic
Sorry for the PG-13 nature of the joke. It's just so much funnier with the word in it...
Recently I was asked to run a marathon.
At first I said, "Naaahhh!"
Then they said to me, "Come on, it's for handicapped and blind kids."
Then I thought, Fuck...I could win this..!
Recently I was asked to run a marathon.
At first I said, "Naaahhh!"
Then they said to me, "Come on, it's for handicapped and blind kids."
Then I thought, Fuck...I could win this..!
Another Reason to Buy a Wii
Maybe it's old news, but I just ran across this:
http://www.newsarama.com/games/080619-wii-lightsaber.html
http://www.newsarama.com/games/080619-wii-lightsaber.html
He Used to Be a Doctor... For Pretend
Check out this Old Spice commerical, featuring the former Doogie Howser, Neil Patrick Harris (or NPH, as he's increasingly becoming known).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TusJ8HSLaUs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TusJ8HSLaUs
"Chigurh" Takes on a Whole New Meaning
Check out this No Country For Old Men clip with a different voice added in.
Amazing how one of the most unsettling scenes in the film can be reworked with the exact same lines but a completely different voice, and the whole mood of it changes. Even the reactions by the shopkeeper still work in the scene.
http://fourthgradegladiators.com/awesome/?p=7
Amazing how one of the most unsettling scenes in the film can be reworked with the exact same lines but a completely different voice, and the whole mood of it changes. Even the reactions by the shopkeeper still work in the scene.
http://fourthgradegladiators.com/awesome/?p=7
Friday, June 27, 2008
Preliminary EMMY noms
tvguide.com reported that the Emmy folks made the unprecedented move of revealing the top ten comedies and dramas in the initial voting.
Outstanding Comedy Series Finalists:
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Entourage
Family Guy
Flight of the Conchords
The Office
Pushing Daisies
30 Rock
Two and a Half Men
Ugly Betty
Weeds
Outstanding Drama Series Finalists:
Boston Legal
Damages
Dexter
Friday Night Lights
Grey’s Anatomy
House
Lost
Mad Men
The Tudors
The Wire
Blue Ribbon Panel screenings will be combined with these tallies to come up with the final five to be nominated. Emmy noms will be announced July 17.
Thoughts?
I watch every comedy except Flight of the Conchords (I hope to catch up this summer) and Two and a Half Men (tried to like it three different times over the years and found it juvenile and not very funny). I thought Ugly Betty and Entourage had off years. And I enjoy Family Guy, but it's certainly not worthy of an Emmy. Weeds got a little wacky, but held up okay. Curb was a little off, but once J.B. Smoove showed up, it got much funnier (same with 'Til Death-- not that I'm saying that show deserves an Emmy.
But what else could have been up there? I like My Boys, but it doesn't get love 'cause it's on basic cable (and the scenes without Kyle Howard or Jim Gaffigan just aren't as funny as the ones with them). Same with It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (although I'd imagine screening that show for the Emmy voters just might make their heads explode). I thought Aliens in America would make a great choice, but it's dead in the water, so Emmy doesn't "need" to show the love. The New Adventures of Old Christine was really good this season. How I Met Your Mother was its usual strong self-- but it just cannot get the respect it deserves.
Dramas on the other hand... The only one I'm almost current on (the post-strike eps are still on my "to watch" pile) is Boston Legal. And while I like it quite a bit, I don't think it deserves to be on the list. Most of the others on the list are on my "to watch" list. What's not on there? Journeyman was very good, but since it was cancelled long ago, I'm sure it's been forgotten about.
Overall, I think the nominees are worthy. Now we just have to wait and see who makes the finals (in these and all the other categories).
Outstanding Comedy Series Finalists:
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Entourage
Family Guy
Flight of the Conchords
The Office
Pushing Daisies
30 Rock
Two and a Half Men
Ugly Betty
Weeds
Outstanding Drama Series Finalists:
Boston Legal
Damages
Dexter
Friday Night Lights
Grey’s Anatomy
House
Lost
Mad Men
The Tudors
The Wire
Blue Ribbon Panel screenings will be combined with these tallies to come up with the final five to be nominated. Emmy noms will be announced July 17.
Thoughts?
I watch every comedy except Flight of the Conchords (I hope to catch up this summer) and Two and a Half Men (tried to like it three different times over the years and found it juvenile and not very funny). I thought Ugly Betty and Entourage had off years. And I enjoy Family Guy, but it's certainly not worthy of an Emmy. Weeds got a little wacky, but held up okay. Curb was a little off, but once J.B. Smoove showed up, it got much funnier (same with 'Til Death-- not that I'm saying that show deserves an Emmy.
But what else could have been up there? I like My Boys, but it doesn't get love 'cause it's on basic cable (and the scenes without Kyle Howard or Jim Gaffigan just aren't as funny as the ones with them). Same with It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (although I'd imagine screening that show for the Emmy voters just might make their heads explode). I thought Aliens in America would make a great choice, but it's dead in the water, so Emmy doesn't "need" to show the love. The New Adventures of Old Christine was really good this season. How I Met Your Mother was its usual strong self-- but it just cannot get the respect it deserves.
Dramas on the other hand... The only one I'm almost current on (the post-strike eps are still on my "to watch" pile) is Boston Legal. And while I like it quite a bit, I don't think it deserves to be on the list. Most of the others on the list are on my "to watch" list. What's not on there? Journeyman was very good, but since it was cancelled long ago, I'm sure it's been forgotten about.
Overall, I think the nominees are worthy. Now we just have to wait and see who makes the finals (in these and all the other categories).
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Catch THE SLIP
While I'm not an industrial music fan, when I heard that Nine Inch Nails was giving away its latest album The Slip online, I had to try it out.
I listened to it yesterday, and I had to say I liked it more than I thought I would. I really liked track #2 "1,000,000". And while the rest wasn't completely my cup of tea, it was pretty good.
I've read a couple of reviews of the album, and most of them agreed this was the best NIN album since Downward Spiral. I listened to (most of) Downward yesterday as well, and I have to say Slip is the clear winner between the two. Take that for what it's worth (again-- I'm not an industrial fan, and I have very little knowledge of it), but it's what I've got to say about it.
So check it out. I like that NIN let us download the entire album instead of giving us a listen through MySpace or YouTube or whatever. My computer speakers are adequate, but I have to say, being able to get the album into iTunes and then burning it to CD to listen to through the Bose stereo in my car allowed me to have about the best way to listen to it.
Sure, there was probably a purpose for the "stunt": giving people who would never have tried their music a chance because of the price, but it's also a really cool thank you to fans who have bought previous album, and would have plunked down their money for this one. So hat's off to the band for doing it.
Like I said, it's being given away. There isn't even a "if you feel guilty, you can give us a few bucks" button. It's absolutely free. Click the link below, give your e-mail address, and an e-mail with the link to five download options will arrive in your inbox.
Here's the link:
http://http://theslip.nin.com/
And since I'm talking about Nine Inch Nails, here is the a link to one of the craziest YouTube concoctions I've ever seen. Take NIN's "Closer" (you know, the one that states "I want to [f-bomb] you like an animal.") and mix it with Star Trek with Spock acting amorous (pon far, maybe? And I'm not claiming that I'm even close. I'm too lazy to look it up out in the InterWeb.)
I like Trek, but I thought this was pretty funny-- even if this thing doesn't put the characters in the best light. Just remember: it's funny. That's all it is.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=3uxTpyCdriY
I listened to it yesterday, and I had to say I liked it more than I thought I would. I really liked track #2 "1,000,000". And while the rest wasn't completely my cup of tea, it was pretty good.
I've read a couple of reviews of the album, and most of them agreed this was the best NIN album since Downward Spiral. I listened to (most of) Downward yesterday as well, and I have to say Slip is the clear winner between the two. Take that for what it's worth (again-- I'm not an industrial fan, and I have very little knowledge of it), but it's what I've got to say about it.
So check it out. I like that NIN let us download the entire album instead of giving us a listen through MySpace or YouTube or whatever. My computer speakers are adequate, but I have to say, being able to get the album into iTunes and then burning it to CD to listen to through the Bose stereo in my car allowed me to have about the best way to listen to it.
Sure, there was probably a purpose for the "stunt": giving people who would never have tried their music a chance because of the price, but it's also a really cool thank you to fans who have bought previous album, and would have plunked down their money for this one. So hat's off to the band for doing it.
Like I said, it's being given away. There isn't even a "if you feel guilty, you can give us a few bucks" button. It's absolutely free. Click the link below, give your e-mail address, and an e-mail with the link to five download options will arrive in your inbox.
Here's the link:
http://http://theslip.nin.com/
And since I'm talking about Nine Inch Nails, here is the a link to one of the craziest YouTube concoctions I've ever seen. Take NIN's "Closer" (you know, the one that states "I want to [f-bomb] you like an animal.") and mix it with Star Trek with Spock acting amorous (pon far, maybe? And I'm not claiming that I'm even close. I'm too lazy to look it up out in the InterWeb.)
I like Trek, but I thought this was pretty funny-- even if this thing doesn't put the characters in the best light. Just remember: it's funny. That's all it is.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=3uxTpyCdriY
Premieres and Notables; June 23-29, 2008
Monday, 6/23
101 Cars You Must Drive; Speed. 8 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Sounds pretty straightforward. The Plymouth Superbird gets the focus in the premiere.
Wimbledon; ESPN2. 6 am CST. Sports.
ESPN2 gets the tourney all week, then NBC picks it up on Saturday.
And I want to give a shout-out to a show I'm really starting to like: Travel Channel's Lawrence of America. Englishman Lawrence Beldon-Smythe travels to American cities to look at distinctly American customs and places. So far he's seen Vegas strip clubs, Civil War reenactments, sorority houses, a NASCAR weekend, college football games, NASA, and many more.
Just a few days ago, I kinda talked it down to a friend; but since then, I watched a 3 ep marathon, and I really am starting to think it's worth mentioning. It's not flashy or even great, but Beldon-Smythe is very witty, and I just love the way he goes about talking about the things he's witnessing as if he was watching some lost jungle tribe in some instances and overemphasizing things in other instances.
It airs on Travel at 10 and 10:30 pm on Tuesdays, and in an odd move for a cable network, it doesn't air the eps again at all during the week, so 10 & 10:30 pm Tuesdays are currently the only time to catch the show.
It's worth a look.
Tuesday, 6/24
Wipeout; ABC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
You know those Japanese obstacle course game show imports G4 and Spike air? This is the American version.
I Survived a Japanese Game Show; ABC. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
You know those Japanese game shows that air on G4 and Spike? ABC is sending 10 Americans to Japan to try 'em out.
Primetime: The Outsiders; ABC. 9 pm CST. Season Premiere.
Rescue Me; FX. 9 pm. Minisode.
Since the show doesn't return until next year, you can get your fix the next ten weeks with these five minute mini-sodes.
Wednesday, 6/25
Baby Borrowers; NBC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Adolescent couples gets a taste of adult life when they get children to watch over.
Primetime: Crime; ABC. 9 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
Shear Genius; Bravo. 9 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
Wife Swap (ABC; 7 pm). Season finale.
Farmer Wants a Wife (CW; 8 pm). Season finale. [This show was, seriously, still on?]
Thursday, 6/26
Hopkins; ABC. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Six-part look at the doctors of Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Instant Star (The N; 7 pm). Series Finale.
Friday, 6/27
Dance Machine; ABC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Yet another dance competition. But wait!-- there is something different here. You see, these contestants have to use props. Yeah. Suck on that, So You Think You Can Dance.
Saturday, 6/28
Groomer Has It (Animal Planet; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Sunday, 6/29
The Singing Office; TLC. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Joey Fatone, who has never met a reality competition he didn't like, apparently, and Mel B. look for singers in offices to compete against each other in a sing-off.
The Factory; Spike. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A partially-improvised sitcom about four factory workers.
101 Cars You Must Drive; Speed. 8 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Sounds pretty straightforward. The Plymouth Superbird gets the focus in the premiere.
Wimbledon; ESPN2. 6 am CST. Sports.
ESPN2 gets the tourney all week, then NBC picks it up on Saturday.
And I want to give a shout-out to a show I'm really starting to like: Travel Channel's Lawrence of America. Englishman Lawrence Beldon-Smythe travels to American cities to look at distinctly American customs and places. So far he's seen Vegas strip clubs, Civil War reenactments, sorority houses, a NASCAR weekend, college football games, NASA, and many more.
Just a few days ago, I kinda talked it down to a friend; but since then, I watched a 3 ep marathon, and I really am starting to think it's worth mentioning. It's not flashy or even great, but Beldon-Smythe is very witty, and I just love the way he goes about talking about the things he's witnessing as if he was watching some lost jungle tribe in some instances and overemphasizing things in other instances.
It airs on Travel at 10 and 10:30 pm on Tuesdays, and in an odd move for a cable network, it doesn't air the eps again at all during the week, so 10 & 10:30 pm Tuesdays are currently the only time to catch the show.
It's worth a look.
Tuesday, 6/24
Wipeout; ABC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
You know those Japanese obstacle course game show imports G4 and Spike air? This is the American version.
I Survived a Japanese Game Show; ABC. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
You know those Japanese game shows that air on G4 and Spike? ABC is sending 10 Americans to Japan to try 'em out.
Primetime: The Outsiders; ABC. 9 pm CST. Season Premiere.
Rescue Me; FX. 9 pm. Minisode.
Since the show doesn't return until next year, you can get your fix the next ten weeks with these five minute mini-sodes.
Wednesday, 6/25
Baby Borrowers; NBC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Adolescent couples gets a taste of adult life when they get children to watch over.
Primetime: Crime; ABC. 9 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
Shear Genius; Bravo. 9 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
Wife Swap (ABC; 7 pm). Season finale.
Farmer Wants a Wife (CW; 8 pm). Season finale. [This show was, seriously, still on?]
Thursday, 6/26
Hopkins; ABC. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Six-part look at the doctors of Johns Hopkins Hospital.
Instant Star (The N; 7 pm). Series Finale.
Friday, 6/27
Dance Machine; ABC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Yet another dance competition. But wait!-- there is something different here. You see, these contestants have to use props. Yeah. Suck on that, So You Think You Can Dance.
Saturday, 6/28
Groomer Has It (Animal Planet; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Sunday, 6/29
The Singing Office; TLC. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Joey Fatone, who has never met a reality competition he didn't like, apparently, and Mel B. look for singers in offices to compete against each other in a sing-off.
The Factory; Spike. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A partially-improvised sitcom about four factory workers.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Premieres and Notables June 16-22, 2008
First, a little thing people forget about: if you're typing a blog post that's lengthy, make sure it's auto-saving-- or save it manually-- as you type. I lost 45 minutes of genius, and I'm sorry to say I'm not going to duplicate the efforts because I don't have the time. There are lots of things to note; I'm just going to keep my comments sparse this time around...
Get ready for the bombardment...
Monday, June 16
The Middleman; ABC Family. 7 pm CST. Series Premiere.
This based-on-a-comic-book family-friendly series about a super agent who teams up with an artist sounds a lot like Men in Black. I've heard good things. Worth checking out.
Intervention; A&E. 8 pm CST. 5th season premiere.
Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal; A&E. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
I have no real idea what this show is about, but I'm going to guess the title is a little clue...
Weeds; Showtime. 9 pm. 4th season premiere.
In the third season finale, wildfires threatened Agrestic, Nancy's grow house was discovered by the Feds, and Nancy torched her home to get rid of any evidence. Time for the Botwins to move... to a border town. Highly recommended (*snicker* I said "high").
I've heard lots of good stuff about this season: the series moves away from the played-out suburbs. The family moves to Nancy's father-in-law's (Albert Brooks) house near Mexico. Kevin Nealon's Doug finds a reason to tag along. And Nancy now has an even more troubling decision to make: whether to take the next step and move into harder drugs (the concept was Nancy started dealing weed-- and just weed-- to support her family after her husband's death).
The bad stuff: possibly less of Elizabeth Perkin's Celia with the new locale (although the trailers I've seen of the new season has her defending herself; sounds as if everyone believes she was the pot dealer in Agrestic).
The terrible stuff: one of the coolest quirks of the show was the opening credits for seasons 2 and 3, where they used many different singers/bands to sing the "Little Boxes" theme song is now a thing of the past with season 4. I'll withhold my final grade until I see what they do with the opening credits tomorrow. Maybe it'll be even cooler.
The kick-ass stuff: Julie Bowen has a recurring role. Oh, and my cable company now includes Showtime HD in my package. That means Mary-Louise Parker in high def. I don't think I need to explain further.
Secret Diary of a Call Girl; Showtime. 9:30. Series Premiere.
By 9:38 CST, expect to hear a collective moan caused by a nerdgasm when Doctor Who fans see the Doc's former partner in little-- if any-- clothing. In all seriousness, I've read that Billie Piper is very good in this series imported from the U.K. Sure, it's about being a high-class prostitute, but it's also about her trying to juggle that with her personal life. I've heard good things.
Tuesday, 6/17
America's Got Talent; NBC. 8 pm. 3rd season premiere.
AFI's 10 Top 10; CBS. 7 pm. Special
AFI throws another list at us; this time the top ten movies in ten genres: animation, courtroom drama, epic, fantasy, gangster, romantic comedy, science fiction, sports, and Western.
Black Gold; TRU TV. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Yet another dangerous job series. This one looks at Texas oil drillers.
I wonder if anyone will say "I drink your milkshake!," during the season. If someone does, I swear I'll watch it...
Flipping Out; Bravo. 9 pm. season premiere.
Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood; Oxygen. 9 pm. season premiere.
They've sold the inn and moved back to Hollywood. Raise your hand if you give a crap.
Wednesday, 6/18
Tyler Perry's House of Payne; TBS. 9 pm. Return.
Thursday, 6/19
Live From Abbey Road; Sundance. 9 pm. 2nd season premiere.
The prem has Mary J. Blige, Dashboard Confessional, and James Blunt
MVP; Soapnet. 10 pm. Series premiere.
This Canadian hockey team Footballers Wive$ didn't even score a second season Up North.
Penn & Teller's Bullshit! Showtime. 9 pm. season premiere.
Notice how I can fully spell out the title in this blog? Suck on that, Entertainment Weekly!
Friday, 6/20
Camp Rock; Disney. 7 pm. Special.
Before The Mouse milks High School Musical completely dry, they're trying on a new franchise. This one stars the Jonas Brothers and all sorts of Disney Channel vets. They've been hyping this movie for months, and I expect it to be huge.
Daytime Emmy Awards; ABC. 7 pm. Special.
Here's how much faith ABC has in this program:
1. It's airing on Friday (Kiss of Death)
2. It's airing in the summer (Kiss of Death Pt 2)
3. They're putting it up against their sister channel's tentpole movie (Camp Rock)
Sunday, 6/22
I Can't Believe I'm Still Single; Showtime. 10:30. Series Premiere.
Actor-writer Eric Schaeffer (Starved; Century City) hits the road to find love in this tongue-in-cheek docu-series.
Inspector Lewis; PBS. 8 pm (check local listings). Season premiere.
The Two Coreys; A&E. 9 pm. 2nd season premiere.
Sounds like Haim and Feldman are on the outs. But not enough to keep them off this little television gem... Hey, if Paris and Nicole could work a series together while separate, so can the Coreys.
Get ready for the bombardment...
Monday, June 16
The Middleman; ABC Family. 7 pm CST. Series Premiere.
This based-on-a-comic-book family-friendly series about a super agent who teams up with an artist sounds a lot like Men in Black. I've heard good things. Worth checking out.
Intervention; A&E. 8 pm CST. 5th season premiere.
Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal; A&E. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
I have no real idea what this show is about, but I'm going to guess the title is a little clue...
Weeds; Showtime. 9 pm. 4th season premiere.
In the third season finale, wildfires threatened Agrestic, Nancy's grow house was discovered by the Feds, and Nancy torched her home to get rid of any evidence. Time for the Botwins to move... to a border town. Highly recommended (*snicker* I said "high").
I've heard lots of good stuff about this season: the series moves away from the played-out suburbs. The family moves to Nancy's father-in-law's (Albert Brooks) house near Mexico. Kevin Nealon's Doug finds a reason to tag along. And Nancy now has an even more troubling decision to make: whether to take the next step and move into harder drugs (the concept was Nancy started dealing weed-- and just weed-- to support her family after her husband's death).
The bad stuff: possibly less of Elizabeth Perkin's Celia with the new locale (although the trailers I've seen of the new season has her defending herself; sounds as if everyone believes she was the pot dealer in Agrestic).
The terrible stuff: one of the coolest quirks of the show was the opening credits for seasons 2 and 3, where they used many different singers/bands to sing the "Little Boxes" theme song is now a thing of the past with season 4. I'll withhold my final grade until I see what they do with the opening credits tomorrow. Maybe it'll be even cooler.
The kick-ass stuff: Julie Bowen has a recurring role. Oh, and my cable company now includes Showtime HD in my package. That means Mary-Louise Parker in high def. I don't think I need to explain further.
Secret Diary of a Call Girl; Showtime. 9:30. Series Premiere.
By 9:38 CST, expect to hear a collective moan caused by a nerdgasm when Doctor Who fans see the Doc's former partner in little-- if any-- clothing. In all seriousness, I've read that Billie Piper is very good in this series imported from the U.K. Sure, it's about being a high-class prostitute, but it's also about her trying to juggle that with her personal life. I've heard good things.
Tuesday, 6/17
America's Got Talent; NBC. 8 pm. 3rd season premiere.
AFI's 10 Top 10; CBS. 7 pm. Special
AFI throws another list at us; this time the top ten movies in ten genres: animation, courtroom drama, epic, fantasy, gangster, romantic comedy, science fiction, sports, and Western.
Black Gold; TRU TV. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Yet another dangerous job series. This one looks at Texas oil drillers.
I wonder if anyone will say "I drink your milkshake!," during the season. If someone does, I swear I'll watch it...
Flipping Out; Bravo. 9 pm. season premiere.
Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood; Oxygen. 9 pm. season premiere.
They've sold the inn and moved back to Hollywood. Raise your hand if you give a crap.
Wednesday, 6/18
Tyler Perry's House of Payne; TBS. 9 pm. Return.
Thursday, 6/19
Live From Abbey Road; Sundance. 9 pm. 2nd season premiere.
The prem has Mary J. Blige, Dashboard Confessional, and James Blunt
MVP; Soapnet. 10 pm. Series premiere.
This Canadian hockey team Footballers Wive$ didn't even score a second season Up North.
Penn & Teller's Bullshit! Showtime. 9 pm. season premiere.
Notice how I can fully spell out the title in this blog? Suck on that, Entertainment Weekly!
Friday, 6/20
Camp Rock; Disney. 7 pm. Special.
Before The Mouse milks High School Musical completely dry, they're trying on a new franchise. This one stars the Jonas Brothers and all sorts of Disney Channel vets. They've been hyping this movie for months, and I expect it to be huge.
Daytime Emmy Awards; ABC. 7 pm. Special.
Here's how much faith ABC has in this program:
1. It's airing on Friday (Kiss of Death)
2. It's airing in the summer (Kiss of Death Pt 2)
3. They're putting it up against their sister channel's tentpole movie (Camp Rock)
Sunday, 6/22
I Can't Believe I'm Still Single; Showtime. 10:30. Series Premiere.
Actor-writer Eric Schaeffer (Starved; Century City) hits the road to find love in this tongue-in-cheek docu-series.
Inspector Lewis; PBS. 8 pm (check local listings). Season premiere.
The Two Coreys; A&E. 9 pm. 2nd season premiere.
Sounds like Haim and Feldman are on the outs. But not enough to keep them off this little television gem... Hey, if Paris and Nicole could work a series together while separate, so can the Coreys.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
OFFICE Spin-off Hire
Even though producers haven't hammered out a premise yet, they are starting to hire actors for the show.
Aziz Ansari of MTV's Human Giant and the upcoming final season of Scrubs is the first actor aboard the show without a defined concept. According to his imdb profile, he is also a writer (following in The Office tradition).
The little fan reaction I've read pretty much agree that this is a quality hire, so I'm not real worried. And even though I've made a couple of "they still don't know what the show is about" comments, I'm confident the team can pull off a good show.
It's just that this whole thing feels like a network thing and not a creative thing.
But that's TV for you...
Aziz Ansari of MTV's Human Giant and the upcoming final season of Scrubs is the first actor aboard the show without a defined concept. According to his imdb profile, he is also a writer (following in The Office tradition).
The little fan reaction I've read pretty much agree that this is a quality hire, so I'm not real worried. And even though I've made a couple of "they still don't know what the show is about" comments, I'm confident the team can pull off a good show.
It's just that this whole thing feels like a network thing and not a creative thing.
But that's TV for you...
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Casting Odds and Ends
Just some things I'm trying to remember I've read the past few weeks-- nothing new here; sometimes I get behind...
I just read that Ray Stevenson has the lead role in the new Punisher War Zone film. I liked Thomas Jane well enough in the last Punisher movie, but anyone who saw Stevenson's work on Rome knows this new Punisher will be scary. I'm digging that casting.
In that same article I read, I found out that the talented-- and hot- Julie Benz is in it; as is Dominic West. Looks like Marvel Studios is really committed to putting the best talent they can get on the silver screen.
Michael Rapaport will play a government agent that will help out Michael and Linc on Prison Break. I really like Rapaport, and even though I'm not sure his style fits in with the show, I'm looking forward to it.
Jimmy Smits will be in most of Dexter Season 3's episodes this Fall.
Gary Cole is signed up to costar on ABC's Good Behavior pilot. I dig Gary Cole.
Tony Hale (Arrested Development's Buster) gets a recurring role on Chuck.
And my favorite casting news: Julie Bowen (Ed, Boston Legal) will be in the fourth season of Weeds as a single mother friend-- and eventual love interest-- for the 17-year old Silas. You just gotta love these MILF plotlines-- especially ones featuring someone as gorgeous as Bowen. (And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention how talented she is as an actress as well.)
I just read that Ray Stevenson has the lead role in the new Punisher War Zone film. I liked Thomas Jane well enough in the last Punisher movie, but anyone who saw Stevenson's work on Rome knows this new Punisher will be scary. I'm digging that casting.
In that same article I read, I found out that the talented-- and hot- Julie Benz is in it; as is Dominic West. Looks like Marvel Studios is really committed to putting the best talent they can get on the silver screen.
Michael Rapaport will play a government agent that will help out Michael and Linc on Prison Break. I really like Rapaport, and even though I'm not sure his style fits in with the show, I'm looking forward to it.
Jimmy Smits will be in most of Dexter Season 3's episodes this Fall.
Gary Cole is signed up to costar on ABC's Good Behavior pilot. I dig Gary Cole.
Tony Hale (Arrested Development's Buster) gets a recurring role on Chuck.
And my favorite casting news: Julie Bowen (Ed, Boston Legal) will be in the fourth season of Weeds as a single mother friend-- and eventual love interest-- for the 17-year old Silas. You just gotta love these MILF plotlines-- especially ones featuring someone as gorgeous as Bowen. (And I'd be remiss if I didn't mention how talented she is as an actress as well.)
Premieres and Notables; June 9-15, 2008
Looks like I somehow missed the season 2 premiere of Army Wives (Lifetime; 9 pm CST) on Sunday, 6/8 on last week's post.
Monday, 6/9
Alter Eco; Planet Green. 8 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Entourage's Adrian Grenier and his posse show us how we can live more green. I don't know much about it, but Grenier's involvement has me sold. Recommended..
Nashville Star; NBC. 8 pm. 6th season premiere.
After five seasons on cable, the show moves to a big network-- all with new host Billy Ray Cyrus.
Roman Polanksi: Wanted and Desired; HBO. 8 pm. Special.
A compelling documentary that investigates the talented director's legal problems.
Greek (ABC Family; 7 pm). Season finale.
Gimme Sugar; Logo. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Here's what Entertainment Weekly had to say about the show: "Five lesbian friends try to launch a club night."
I have no idea what that means.
Quads With 2 Moms; Discovery Health. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
A lesbian couple gets fertility treatments, and they both end up pregnant-- with twins.
I swear, people will do anything to get a reality show...
Tuesday, 6/10
Comic Books Unbound; STARZ. 9 pm. Special.
A documentary looking at the influence of comic books in Hollywood.
Work Out (Bravo; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Wednesday, 6/11
Celebrity Circus; NBC. 8:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Another network takes the "let's throw minor-celeb shit on the wall to see what sticks"; this time with people like Rachel Hunter, Christopher Knight, and Antonio Sabato Jr training to be circus performers.
Men in Trees (ABC; 9 pm). Series Finale. After much abuse, ABC takes it behind the barn and puts it out of its misery.
Top Chef (Bravo; 9 pm). Season finale.
Thursday, 6/12
The Road Hammers; GAC. 7:30 pm. Mini-series.
Jason Priestly directs this 8-part series that follows a Canadian country-western group that tries to make it in Nashville.
Bill Engvall Show; TBS. 8 pm. 2nd season premiere.
Here's what's on my sign: "This show sucks!" (at least the first two eps of last season that I suffered through did).
Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List; Bravo. 8 pm. 4th season premiere.
I gave up on this show half-way through last year. I may actually give it another chance this time.
My Boys; TBS. 8:30. 2nd season premiere.
One of the best summer shows out there. Check it out. Highly Recommended.
Friday, 6/13
Battlestar Galactica (Sci Fi; 9 pm). End of Season Four, Pt 1. It's supposed to be huge. And those dicks at Sci Fi haven't announced when the final episodes of BSG will air, so it may be a while until you see it again.
Sunday, 6/15
The Tony Awards; CBS. 7 pm. Special.
I don't go to the theatre, but it may be cool to hear what Patrick Stewart has to say if he wins one.
Jammin; Si TV. 8 pm. Season premiere.
Monday, 6/9
Alter Eco; Planet Green. 8 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Entourage's Adrian Grenier and his posse show us how we can live more green. I don't know much about it, but Grenier's involvement has me sold. Recommended..
Nashville Star; NBC. 8 pm. 6th season premiere.
After five seasons on cable, the show moves to a big network-- all with new host Billy Ray Cyrus.
Roman Polanksi: Wanted and Desired; HBO. 8 pm. Special.
A compelling documentary that investigates the talented director's legal problems.
Greek (ABC Family; 7 pm). Season finale.
Gimme Sugar; Logo. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Here's what Entertainment Weekly had to say about the show: "Five lesbian friends try to launch a club night."
I have no idea what that means.
Quads With 2 Moms; Discovery Health. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
A lesbian couple gets fertility treatments, and they both end up pregnant-- with twins.
I swear, people will do anything to get a reality show...
Tuesday, 6/10
Comic Books Unbound; STARZ. 9 pm. Special.
A documentary looking at the influence of comic books in Hollywood.
Work Out (Bravo; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Wednesday, 6/11
Celebrity Circus; NBC. 8:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Another network takes the "let's throw minor-celeb shit on the wall to see what sticks"; this time with people like Rachel Hunter, Christopher Knight, and Antonio Sabato Jr training to be circus performers.
Men in Trees (ABC; 9 pm). Series Finale. After much abuse, ABC takes it behind the barn and puts it out of its misery.
Top Chef (Bravo; 9 pm). Season finale.
Thursday, 6/12
The Road Hammers; GAC. 7:30 pm. Mini-series.
Jason Priestly directs this 8-part series that follows a Canadian country-western group that tries to make it in Nashville.
Bill Engvall Show; TBS. 8 pm. 2nd season premiere.
Here's what's on my sign: "This show sucks!" (at least the first two eps of last season that I suffered through did).
Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List; Bravo. 8 pm. 4th season premiere.
I gave up on this show half-way through last year. I may actually give it another chance this time.
My Boys; TBS. 8:30. 2nd season premiere.
One of the best summer shows out there. Check it out. Highly Recommended.
Friday, 6/13
Battlestar Galactica (Sci Fi; 9 pm). End of Season Four, Pt 1. It's supposed to be huge. And those dicks at Sci Fi haven't announced when the final episodes of BSG will air, so it may be a while until you see it again.
Sunday, 6/15
The Tony Awards; CBS. 7 pm. Special.
I don't go to the theatre, but it may be cool to hear what Patrick Stewart has to say if he wins one.
Jammin; Si TV. 8 pm. Season premiere.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Premieres and Notables June 2-8, 2008
If you still haven't caught on that summer is no longer the repeat Hell it used to be, then you're in for a surprise. This week sees many premieres.
Firstly, a premiere snuck in on me since last week, so I'm going to start with tonight:
Sunday, 6/1
The Venture Brothers; Cartoon Network/[adult swim]. 11 pm CST. 3rd series premiere.
I haven't been this excited for a premiere all year. It's been too long since this show last aired a new ep (I believe in the Fall of 2006). It's always hard to recommend a [swim] show, but this is a pretty straightforward series that's not "out there". It's a take-off of Johnny Quest, but this series has two naive teens (Hank and Dean) who have a super-genius (yet completely inept) father (Dr. Venture) who get into trouble. Add a badass bodyguard (Brock Samson) to the mix as well as a nemesis (The Monarch) who just can't seem to close the deal when it comes to killing Dr. Venture, and you've got it all: action, humor, and completely strange situations. Recommended.
Monday, 6/2
New episodes of Spongebob Squarepants debut on Nick at 4 pm CST every day this week.
Instant Star; The N. 7 pm CST. 4th season premiere.
The Mole; ABC. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
After a four year hiatus (and two years of Celebrity editions before that-- ugh), my favorite reality competition returns. This is gonna be good...
And the Sci Fi Channel is now airing Star Trek: The Next Generation episodes. Looks like they'll be doing 4 hour blocks on Mondays, starting at 6 pm. This is great stuff. And I fell in love with the series after watching the DVDs-- 3-4 episodes at a time-- so this should be perfect.
Tuesday, 6/3
30 Days; FX. 9 pm. 3rd season premiere.
After way too long (almost two years) Morgan Spurlock's show about taking someone out of their element and putting them somewhere else for 30 days is back. Tonight, Morgan himself spends a month as a coal miner. I honestly believe this series should be mandatory viewing for people. It will open your eyes to other ideas, beliefs, and concepts, and it never goes for the cheap moment other reality shows throw out where someone goes off (such as the "Oh no, you di'n't" moment). This is a grown-up show that just wants us to walk a mile in someone else's shoes. Highest possible recommendation.
Lawrence of America; Travel. 10 & 10:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Englishman Lawrence Beldon-Smythe pokes fun at American culture. The pilot episode has him passing up Vegas casinos, so he can visit strip clubs instead.
Season finale:
Deion & Pilar: Prime Time Love (Oxygen; 9:30). Are we sure it's just the season premiere?
Wednesday, 6/4
Making News: Savannah Style; TV Guide Network. 7 pm. 2nd season premiere.
On the Road in America; Sundance. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Twelve-part documentary about four young Arabs who travel around America to learn about our culture.
She's Got the Look; TV Land. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Yet another modeling competition-- but this one features "real women" over 35.
Thursday, 6/5
Fear Itself; NBC. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Twelve-part anthology series that features a one-hour "horror movie" every week.
Swingtown; CBS. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
This show had some buzz as a mid-season replacement last season, but now it's premiering in the summer. Not a good sign. This drama, set in the '70s, follows three married couples as they traverse the drugs, horrible fashion, and swinger-style sex of that decade.
The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack; Cartoon Network. 7:30. Series Premiere.
A boy who lives in a whale goes on adventures with his dog.
Step It Up and Dance (Bravo, 9 pm). Season finale.
Friday, 6/6
Meerkat Manor; Animal Planet. 8 pm. 4th season premiere.
I've never caught this show, but I have heard many good things about it.
Live at Gotham; Comedy Central. 9 pm. Season premiere
Naked Brothers Band (Nick; 6:30). Season finale
Saturday, 6/7
Housecat Housecall; Animal Planet. 8 am. Series Premiere.
A veterinarian helps cat owners having problems with their pets.
It's Easy Being Green; Fine Living. 11:30 am. Series Premiere.
Celebs explain how average Joes (and Janes) can live more green.
Sunday, 6/8
Your Place or Mine; TLC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Something about a dude giving away furniture...
When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions; Discovery. 8 & 9 pm. Mini-series
This six-part series looks at the history of NASA. I've read Discovery had total access to archive NASA footage, so that should just add to what looks to be a great series. Recommended
Law and Order: Criminal Intent; USA. 8 pm. 7th season premiere
HGTV Design Star; HGTV. 8 pm. Season premiere
Design Star; HGTV. 8 pm. 3rd season premiere
Ice Road Truckers; History. 8 pm. 2nd season premiere
Ax Men (History; 9 pm). Season finale
The American Life (Showtime; 9 pm). Season finale. Damn! I was just starting to get into this show.
Firstly, a premiere snuck in on me since last week, so I'm going to start with tonight:
Sunday, 6/1
The Venture Brothers; Cartoon Network/[adult swim]. 11 pm CST. 3rd series premiere.
I haven't been this excited for a premiere all year. It's been too long since this show last aired a new ep (I believe in the Fall of 2006). It's always hard to recommend a [swim] show, but this is a pretty straightforward series that's not "out there". It's a take-off of Johnny Quest, but this series has two naive teens (Hank and Dean) who have a super-genius (yet completely inept) father (Dr. Venture) who get into trouble. Add a badass bodyguard (Brock Samson) to the mix as well as a nemesis (The Monarch) who just can't seem to close the deal when it comes to killing Dr. Venture, and you've got it all: action, humor, and completely strange situations. Recommended.
Monday, 6/2
New episodes of Spongebob Squarepants debut on Nick at 4 pm CST every day this week.
Instant Star; The N. 7 pm CST. 4th season premiere.
The Mole; ABC. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
After a four year hiatus (and two years of Celebrity editions before that-- ugh), my favorite reality competition returns. This is gonna be good...
And the Sci Fi Channel is now airing Star Trek: The Next Generation episodes. Looks like they'll be doing 4 hour blocks on Mondays, starting at 6 pm. This is great stuff. And I fell in love with the series after watching the DVDs-- 3-4 episodes at a time-- so this should be perfect.
Tuesday, 6/3
30 Days; FX. 9 pm. 3rd season premiere.
After way too long (almost two years) Morgan Spurlock's show about taking someone out of their element and putting them somewhere else for 30 days is back. Tonight, Morgan himself spends a month as a coal miner. I honestly believe this series should be mandatory viewing for people. It will open your eyes to other ideas, beliefs, and concepts, and it never goes for the cheap moment other reality shows throw out where someone goes off (such as the "Oh no, you di'n't" moment). This is a grown-up show that just wants us to walk a mile in someone else's shoes. Highest possible recommendation.
Lawrence of America; Travel. 10 & 10:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Englishman Lawrence Beldon-Smythe pokes fun at American culture. The pilot episode has him passing up Vegas casinos, so he can visit strip clubs instead.
Season finale:
Deion & Pilar: Prime Time Love (Oxygen; 9:30). Are we sure it's just the season premiere?
Wednesday, 6/4
Making News: Savannah Style; TV Guide Network. 7 pm. 2nd season premiere.
On the Road in America; Sundance. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Twelve-part documentary about four young Arabs who travel around America to learn about our culture.
She's Got the Look; TV Land. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Yet another modeling competition-- but this one features "real women" over 35.
Thursday, 6/5
Fear Itself; NBC. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Twelve-part anthology series that features a one-hour "horror movie" every week.
Swingtown; CBS. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
This show had some buzz as a mid-season replacement last season, but now it's premiering in the summer. Not a good sign. This drama, set in the '70s, follows three married couples as they traverse the drugs, horrible fashion, and swinger-style sex of that decade.
The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack; Cartoon Network. 7:30. Series Premiere.
A boy who lives in a whale goes on adventures with his dog.
Step It Up and Dance (Bravo, 9 pm). Season finale.
Friday, 6/6
Meerkat Manor; Animal Planet. 8 pm. 4th season premiere.
I've never caught this show, but I have heard many good things about it.
Live at Gotham; Comedy Central. 9 pm. Season premiere
Naked Brothers Band (Nick; 6:30). Season finale
Saturday, 6/7
Housecat Housecall; Animal Planet. 8 am. Series Premiere.
A veterinarian helps cat owners having problems with their pets.
It's Easy Being Green; Fine Living. 11:30 am. Series Premiere.
Celebs explain how average Joes (and Janes) can live more green.
Sunday, 6/8
Your Place or Mine; TLC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Something about a dude giving away furniture...
When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions; Discovery. 8 & 9 pm. Mini-series
This six-part series looks at the history of NASA. I've read Discovery had total access to archive NASA footage, so that should just add to what looks to be a great series. Recommended
Law and Order: Criminal Intent; USA. 8 pm. 7th season premiere
HGTV Design Star; HGTV. 8 pm. Season premiere
Design Star; HGTV. 8 pm. 3rd season premiere
Ice Road Truckers; History. 8 pm. 2nd season premiere
Ax Men (History; 9 pm). Season finale
The American Life (Showtime; 9 pm). Season finale. Damn! I was just starting to get into this show.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Premieres, Finales, and Notables-- May 26- June 1, 2008
Monday, 5/26
The Andromeda Strain; A&E. 8 pm CST. 2-part mini-series.
Adaptation of Michael Critchon's novel. Part 2 on Tuesday.
Denise Richards: It's Complicated; E!. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
What's "complicated"? It's easy: your career fell into the toilet, so you set up a reality show with that honest and reliable network E!. Funny thing, Denise, now Charlie actually looks like the stable one in your former relationship.
Living Lohan; E!. 9:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Lindsey Lohan's f-bombing MOM gets a reality show. I'm sure it'll be classy.
Series Finale:
Wildfire; ABC Family. 8 pm.
Tuesday, 5/27
The Moment of Truth; FOX. 7 pm. Return.
Like you missed it...
Season Finales:
According to Jim; ABC. 7 & 7:30 pm. James Lipton shows up as The Devil (so that's how this show has stayed on the air this long).
College Hill: Atlanta; BET. 9 pm.
Reaper's great pilot repeats at 8 pm (CW).
Wednesday, 5/28
Men in Trees (ABC, 9 pm) has three more eps to air, and the first one airs tonight. Who wants to take a bet that ABC won't actually air all three in the next three weeks? What a shitty way to treat a show...
Dress My Nest; Style. 10 pm. 3rd Season Premiere.
Thursday, 5/29
Season Finale:
Lost; ABC. 8 pm
Friday, 5/30
Next Food Network Star; Food Network. 9 pm. 4th Season Premiere.
Season Finale:
Sarah Jane Adventures; Sci Fi. 7:30 pm
Sunday, 6/1
Bridezillas; WE. 8 pm. 5th Season Premiere
Platinum Weddings; WE. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Code Monkeys; G4. 6 pm. Season Premiere.
In Plain Sight; USA. 9 pm. Series Premiere
Mary McCormack plays a marshall with the Witness Protection Program. USA has a good track record for original dramas, and McCormack is usually pretty great, so check it out.
Million Dollar Password; CBS. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Regis Philbin stars in another game show that promises a cool mil for a lucky winner.
The Andromeda Strain; A&E. 8 pm CST. 2-part mini-series.
Adaptation of Michael Critchon's novel. Part 2 on Tuesday.
Denise Richards: It's Complicated; E!. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
What's "complicated"? It's easy: your career fell into the toilet, so you set up a reality show with that honest and reliable network E!. Funny thing, Denise, now Charlie actually looks like the stable one in your former relationship.
Living Lohan; E!. 9:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Lindsey Lohan's f-bombing MOM gets a reality show. I'm sure it'll be classy.
Series Finale:
Wildfire; ABC Family. 8 pm.
Tuesday, 5/27
The Moment of Truth; FOX. 7 pm. Return.
Like you missed it...
Season Finales:
According to Jim; ABC. 7 & 7:30 pm. James Lipton shows up as The Devil (so that's how this show has stayed on the air this long).
College Hill: Atlanta; BET. 9 pm.
Reaper's great pilot repeats at 8 pm (CW).
Wednesday, 5/28
Men in Trees (ABC, 9 pm) has three more eps to air, and the first one airs tonight. Who wants to take a bet that ABC won't actually air all three in the next three weeks? What a shitty way to treat a show...
Dress My Nest; Style. 10 pm. 3rd Season Premiere.
Thursday, 5/29
Season Finale:
Lost; ABC. 8 pm
Friday, 5/30
Next Food Network Star; Food Network. 9 pm. 4th Season Premiere.
Season Finale:
Sarah Jane Adventures; Sci Fi. 7:30 pm
Sunday, 6/1
Bridezillas; WE. 8 pm. 5th Season Premiere
Platinum Weddings; WE. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Code Monkeys; G4. 6 pm. Season Premiere.
In Plain Sight; USA. 9 pm. Series Premiere
Mary McCormack plays a marshall with the Witness Protection Program. USA has a good track record for original dramas, and McCormack is usually pretty great, so check it out.
Million Dollar Password; CBS. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Regis Philbin stars in another game show that promises a cool mil for a lucky winner.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Premieres, Finales, etc: May 19-25, 2008
Monday, 5/19
American Gladiators; NBC. 7 pm CST. 2nd season premiere.
The Bachelorette; ABC. 8:02 CST. season premiere.
Season Finales:
The Big Bang Theory (CBS, 7 pm)
Bones (FOX, 7 pm)
Gossip Girl (CW, 7 pm)
How I Met Your Mother (CBS, 7:30)-- Season finale, thank God
House (FOX, 8 pm)
One Tree Hill (CW, 8 pm)
Two and a Half Men (CBS, 8 pm)
Rules of Engagement (CBS, 8:30)
CSI: Miami (CBS, 9 pm)
Tuesday, 5/20
Not Going Out; BBC America. 7:40 pm. Series Premiere
Lee Mack stars as a guy who gets caught in a love triangle when he moves in with a woman who happens to be his best friend's ex.
Season Finales:
NCIS (CBS, 7 pm)
Dancing With the Stars (ABC, 8 pm)
Reaper (CW, 8 pm)
Shark (CBS, 9 pm)
Wednesday, 5/21
MI-5; BBC America. 8 pm. Season premiere.
I haven't watched it yet, but I hear it's a great show.
Mind of Mencia; Comedy Central. 9:30 pm. 4th season premiere.
Reno 911; Comedy Central. 9 pm. Return.
Season Finales:
American Idol (FOX, 7 pm)-- two of the longest hours in television. BTW: last year ran a few minutes long, so if you're recording it, make sure to record the few minutes after 9 pm.
Criminal Minds (CBS, 8 pm)
CSI: NY (CBS, 9 pm)
Law & Order (NBC, 9 pm)
Thursday, 5/22
So You Think You Can Dance; FOX. 7 pm. 4th season premiere.
Last Comic Standing; NBC. 8:30. 6th season premiere.
Let's hope they learned their lessons from the last few boring-ass seasons, and actually show some of their comedy routines this year.
Season Finales:
Ugly Betty (ABC, 7 pm)
Grey's Anatomy (ABC, 8 pm)-- now two hours long (Lost's finale is next week)
Friday, 5/23
USA could possibly destroy the world today. They're airing a Walker, Texas Ranger marathon from 5 am to 11 am. Can humanity stand that much ass-kickery at one time?
On a related note: did you hear that Chuck Norris visited the Virgin Islands?
Now they're just called The Islands.
Dr G Medical Examiner; Discovery Health. 8 pm. Season premiere.
Saturday, 5/24
Austin City Limits; PBS. 8 pm (check local listings). 34th Season premiere.
An 2008 concert by R.E.M. starts out the season.
Mary Louise Parker alert! For you poor slobs who don't get Showtime (or the Weeds DVDs) get a little MLP fix on CBS at 7 pm for a movie called Vinegar Hill. It didn't get a great review in Entertainment Weekly, but so what? -- It's Mary Louise Parker!
There's a Law & Order: Criminal Intent marathon on USA, from 8 am to 11 pm. It's a viewer's choice marathon, so expect some fanboy goodness.
Sunday, 5/25
Recount; HBO. 8 pm. Movie
Hey kids! Let's look at the 2000 Presidential Election again!
I'm torn here.
On the one hand, it's HBO; and it's stars Laura Dern, Kevin Spacey, and a slew of top talent.
On the other hand: I really don't want to go back to that time when Emperor Rove, along with the loyal Darth Cheney, and the easily-controlled Darth Bush stole the presidency and gave us at least eight years of tyranny that set the United States back a few decades, if not centuries.
[On a completely unrelated note: Is it just me, or does anyone else out there hear the "Imperial March"-- Darth Vader's theme music-- played with banjos whenever that retarded president we have is on TV?]
[No disrepect to those mentally-challenged people who used to be known as "retards" in our less culturally-sensitive Dark Ages of not long ago. Let's just get over that whole bigotry thing right now. I think we should limit the word "retard" to complete f-bombing idiots who have no excuse for being idiots.
You know, like Dubya...]
American Gladiators; NBC. 7 pm CST. 2nd season premiere.
The Bachelorette; ABC. 8:02 CST. season premiere.
Season Finales:
The Big Bang Theory (CBS, 7 pm)
Bones (FOX, 7 pm)
Gossip Girl (CW, 7 pm)
How I Met Your Mother (CBS, 7:30)-- Season finale, thank God
House (FOX, 8 pm)
One Tree Hill (CW, 8 pm)
Two and a Half Men (CBS, 8 pm)
Rules of Engagement (CBS, 8:30)
CSI: Miami (CBS, 9 pm)
Tuesday, 5/20
Not Going Out; BBC America. 7:40 pm. Series Premiere
Lee Mack stars as a guy who gets caught in a love triangle when he moves in with a woman who happens to be his best friend's ex.
Season Finales:
NCIS (CBS, 7 pm)
Dancing With the Stars (ABC, 8 pm)
Reaper (CW, 8 pm)
Shark (CBS, 9 pm)
Wednesday, 5/21
MI-5; BBC America. 8 pm. Season premiere.
I haven't watched it yet, but I hear it's a great show.
Mind of Mencia; Comedy Central. 9:30 pm. 4th season premiere.
Reno 911; Comedy Central. 9 pm. Return.
Season Finales:
American Idol (FOX, 7 pm)-- two of the longest hours in television. BTW: last year ran a few minutes long, so if you're recording it, make sure to record the few minutes after 9 pm.
Criminal Minds (CBS, 8 pm)
CSI: NY (CBS, 9 pm)
Law & Order (NBC, 9 pm)
Thursday, 5/22
So You Think You Can Dance; FOX. 7 pm. 4th season premiere.
Last Comic Standing; NBC. 8:30. 6th season premiere.
Let's hope they learned their lessons from the last few boring-ass seasons, and actually show some of their comedy routines this year.
Season Finales:
Ugly Betty (ABC, 7 pm)
Grey's Anatomy (ABC, 8 pm)-- now two hours long (Lost's finale is next week)
Friday, 5/23
USA could possibly destroy the world today. They're airing a Walker, Texas Ranger marathon from 5 am to 11 am. Can humanity stand that much ass-kickery at one time?
On a related note: did you hear that Chuck Norris visited the Virgin Islands?
Now they're just called The Islands.
Dr G Medical Examiner; Discovery Health. 8 pm. Season premiere.
Saturday, 5/24
Austin City Limits; PBS. 8 pm (check local listings). 34th Season premiere.
An 2008 concert by R.E.M. starts out the season.
Mary Louise Parker alert! For you poor slobs who don't get Showtime (or the Weeds DVDs) get a little MLP fix on CBS at 7 pm for a movie called Vinegar Hill. It didn't get a great review in Entertainment Weekly, but so what? -- It's Mary Louise Parker!
There's a Law & Order: Criminal Intent marathon on USA, from 8 am to 11 pm. It's a viewer's choice marathon, so expect some fanboy goodness.
Sunday, 5/25
Recount; HBO. 8 pm. Movie
Hey kids! Let's look at the 2000 Presidential Election again!
I'm torn here.
On the one hand, it's HBO; and it's stars Laura Dern, Kevin Spacey, and a slew of top talent.
On the other hand: I really don't want to go back to that time when Emperor Rove, along with the loyal Darth Cheney, and the easily-controlled Darth Bush stole the presidency and gave us at least eight years of tyranny that set the United States back a few decades, if not centuries.
[On a completely unrelated note: Is it just me, or does anyone else out there hear the "Imperial March"-- Darth Vader's theme music-- played with banjos whenever that retarded president we have is on TV?]
[No disrepect to those mentally-challenged people who used to be known as "retards" in our less culturally-sensitive Dark Ages of not long ago. Let's just get over that whole bigotry thing right now. I think we should limit the word "retard" to complete f-bombing idiots who have no excuse for being idiots.
You know, like Dubya...]
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
The Deal With SCRUBS
Here's a link to Michael Ausiello's interview with Scrubs creator/producer Bill Lawrence (who quite possibly became my favorite behind-the-scenes person with this interview). This dude lays it straight out there. If you have any qualms about the move to ABC for a final season, read this.
And NBC: if what Lawrence said you did to this show is even half-true, you suck ass.
http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Ausiello-Report/Ausiello-Scoop-Lawrence/800039701
And NBC: if what Lawrence said you did to this show is even half-true, you suck ass.
http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Ausiello-Report/Ausiello-Scoop-Lawrence/800039701
Monday, May 12, 2008
SCRUBS news
It's (almost) official: Scrubs is moving to ABC for its 8th-- and final-- season.
Bravo to ABC for letting the show end on its own terms (and not with rushed storylines forced by a strike).
Bravo to ABC for letting the show end on its own terms (and not with rushed storylines forced by a strike).
Prelim Upfront News
Not much went on today at the Upfronts, which I believe was NBC's day (if you recall, they gave their "in front" last month), but here are some renewals and cancellations (as reported by TV Guide's Michael Ausiello:
Renewed:
Eli Stone (Hell yes!)
The Unit (possibly on Fridays at 8 pm CST-- scaring all the Moonlight fans on the planet)
'Til Death
How I Met Your Mother has very good odds of renewal
Could go either way:
New Adventures of Old Christine (seriously, CBS? idiots... At least ABC will likely pick it up).
Cancelled:
Back to You
October Road (shoulda happened last year)
Women's Murder Club
Renewed:
Eli Stone (Hell yes!)
The Unit (possibly on Fridays at 8 pm CST-- scaring all the Moonlight fans on the planet)
'Til Death
How I Met Your Mother has very good odds of renewal
Could go either way:
New Adventures of Old Christine (seriously, CBS? idiots... At least ABC will likely pick it up).
Cancelled:
Back to You
October Road (shoulda happened last year)
Women's Murder Club
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Premieres and Notables; May 12-18, 2008
Lots of goings this week; let's jump in.
Monday, 5/12
American Gladiators; NBC. 7 pm CST. 2nd season premiere.
Who'da thunk it?
Season Finales:
Medium (NBC, 9 pm)
Samantha Who? (ABC, 8:32)
The Bachelor: London Calling (ABC, 9:02)
And Britney Spears reprises her role as receptionist Abby, as she and Barney team up to annoy Ted on How I Met Your Mother (CBS, 7:30).
Tuesday, 5/13
Season Finales:
Beauty and the Geek (CW, 7 pm)
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (NBC, 9 pm)
Women's Murder Club (ABC, 9:02)
Wednesday, 5/14
Season Finales:
America's Next Top Model (CW, 7 pm)
'Til Death (FOX, 7 pm)-- J.B. Smoove's hilarious Kenny is back.
Back to You (FOX, 7:30)-- this would be the series finale
Thursday, 5/15
Season Finales:
Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader (FOX, 7 pm)-- for the record: yes, I am
My Name is Earl (NBC, 7 pm)-- hour-long ep
Smallville (CW, 7 pm)-- Lex, Lana, and maybe even Chloe's last ep as series regulars.
CSI (CBS, 8 pm)-- Gary Dourdan's last ep
Don't Forget the Lyrics! (FOX, 8 pm)
Supernatural (CW, 8 pm)
The Office (NBC, 8 pm)-- hour-long ep
ER (NBC, 9 pm)
Without a Trace (CBS, 9 pm)
Friday, 5/16
Mobile Home Disaster; CMT. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Mobile Homes get the Extreme Home Makeover treatment. [I don't make these up, people.]
Season Finales:
Ghost Whisperer (CBS, 7 pm)
America's Funniest Home Videos (ABC, 7 pm)-- That show is still airing new eps?
Moonlight (CBS, 8 pm)
Numb3rs (CBS, 9 pm)
Saturday, 5/17
Season Finales:
Mad TV (FOX, 10 pm)-- guest-starring Dave Navarro
Saturday Night Live (NBC, 10:30)-- Starring Steve Carell
Talkshow With Spike Feresten (FOX, 11 pm)
Sunday, 5/18
Metalocalypse; adult swim. 11 pm. 2nd season premiere
Dethklok travels to Wisconsin for Pickles' brother's wedding.
Season Finales:
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (ABC, 6 pm)
Everybody Hates Chris (CW, 7 pm)
The Simpsons (FOX, 7 pm)
Aliens in America (CW, 7:30)-- series finale
King of the Hill (FOX, 7:30)
Desperate Housewives (ABC, 8 pm)-- two hour ep
The Game (CW, 8 pm)
American Dad (FOX, 8:30)
Monday, 5/12
American Gladiators; NBC. 7 pm CST. 2nd season premiere.
Who'da thunk it?
Season Finales:
Medium (NBC, 9 pm)
Samantha Who? (ABC, 8:32)
The Bachelor: London Calling (ABC, 9:02)
And Britney Spears reprises her role as receptionist Abby, as she and Barney team up to annoy Ted on How I Met Your Mother (CBS, 7:30).
Tuesday, 5/13
Season Finales:
Beauty and the Geek (CW, 7 pm)
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (NBC, 9 pm)
Women's Murder Club (ABC, 9:02)
Wednesday, 5/14
Season Finales:
America's Next Top Model (CW, 7 pm)
'Til Death (FOX, 7 pm)-- J.B. Smoove's hilarious Kenny is back.
Back to You (FOX, 7:30)-- this would be the series finale
Thursday, 5/15
Season Finales:
Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader (FOX, 7 pm)-- for the record: yes, I am
My Name is Earl (NBC, 7 pm)-- hour-long ep
Smallville (CW, 7 pm)-- Lex, Lana, and maybe even Chloe's last ep as series regulars.
CSI (CBS, 8 pm)-- Gary Dourdan's last ep
Don't Forget the Lyrics! (FOX, 8 pm)
Supernatural (CW, 8 pm)
The Office (NBC, 8 pm)-- hour-long ep
ER (NBC, 9 pm)
Without a Trace (CBS, 9 pm)
Friday, 5/16
Mobile Home Disaster; CMT. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Mobile Homes get the Extreme Home Makeover treatment. [I don't make these up, people.]
Season Finales:
Ghost Whisperer (CBS, 7 pm)
America's Funniest Home Videos (ABC, 7 pm)-- That show is still airing new eps?
Moonlight (CBS, 8 pm)
Numb3rs (CBS, 9 pm)
Saturday, 5/17
Season Finales:
Mad TV (FOX, 10 pm)-- guest-starring Dave Navarro
Saturday Night Live (NBC, 10:30)-- Starring Steve Carell
Talkshow With Spike Feresten (FOX, 11 pm)
Sunday, 5/18
Metalocalypse; adult swim. 11 pm. 2nd season premiere
Dethklok travels to Wisconsin for Pickles' brother's wedding.
Season Finales:
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (ABC, 6 pm)
Everybody Hates Chris (CW, 7 pm)
The Simpsons (FOX, 7 pm)
Aliens in America (CW, 7:30)-- series finale
King of the Hill (FOX, 7:30)
Desperate Housewives (ABC, 8 pm)-- two hour ep
The Game (CW, 8 pm)
American Dad (FOX, 8:30)
ALIENS Exiled
I knew it was coming, but I still held out hope that some miracle would happen...
The fantastic Aliens in America is not being renewed for next year. I'm totally bummed out. I haven't sorted out all the TV I've watched in the last year in my head yet, but Aliens was probably my favorite new show of the year.
It was funny, it was sweet, and it also said a little something about the human condition. You can't ask for more than that.
And it got "bumped" so we could see more Beauty and the Geek and Pussycat Dolls garbage. Life's just not fair.
If you missed it while it aired (and you probably did), I'm crossing my fingers there will be a DVD set of the series someday.
In related news, the other big bubble show on CW, Reaper, has a good shot at returning. We'll know soon as upfronts are being presented this week.
And, finally, FOX's up-and-down Back to You also got the no renewal. I like the cast, but that show was pretty inconsistent-- and rarely funny.
The fantastic Aliens in America is not being renewed for next year. I'm totally bummed out. I haven't sorted out all the TV I've watched in the last year in my head yet, but Aliens was probably my favorite new show of the year.
It was funny, it was sweet, and it also said a little something about the human condition. You can't ask for more than that.
And it got "bumped" so we could see more Beauty and the Geek and Pussycat Dolls garbage. Life's just not fair.
If you missed it while it aired (and you probably did), I'm crossing my fingers there will be a DVD set of the series someday.
In related news, the other big bubble show on CW, Reaper, has a good shot at returning. We'll know soon as upfronts are being presented this week.
And, finally, FOX's up-and-down Back to You also got the no renewal. I like the cast, but that show was pretty inconsistent-- and rarely funny.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
One Leg at a Time
Check out this 2 minute video of guys putting on jeans in onorthodox ways. The last one is pretty amazing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pShf2VuAu_Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pShf2VuAu_Q
Monday, May 05, 2008
ABC Fells TREES
It was announced today that Men in Trees is not getting picked up for next year.
Luckily (smartly) enough a series ending was filmed, just in case. Trees will finish out its run beginning at the end of May.
Creators and fans are blaming ABC for the shoddy treatment (six time changes and two extra-long hiatuses over barely two seasons), and that's partly to blame.
But I'm going to go on a limb here and say the second season was quite a bit a letdown when compared to the first. The cast was great, and the storylines are okay, but something really was missing. Was it Patrick's moronic amnesia? Partly. Or the fact that Jack was getting pretty unlikeable (especially compared to Cash)? For me, yes. Or the silly fish out of water moments Sam ("Plow Guy") had with whatever her name was.
Anyway, I would have liked to see the show continue if only to see if it could right itself. Now we won't get the chance.
But we will get an ending, and that's pretty unusual, so I'll take it.
Luckily (smartly) enough a series ending was filmed, just in case. Trees will finish out its run beginning at the end of May.
Creators and fans are blaming ABC for the shoddy treatment (six time changes and two extra-long hiatuses over barely two seasons), and that's partly to blame.
But I'm going to go on a limb here and say the second season was quite a bit a letdown when compared to the first. The cast was great, and the storylines are okay, but something really was missing. Was it Patrick's moronic amnesia? Partly. Or the fact that Jack was getting pretty unlikeable (especially compared to Cash)? For me, yes. Or the silly fish out of water moments Sam ("Plow Guy") had with whatever her name was.
Anyway, I would have liked to see the show continue if only to see if it could right itself. Now we won't get the chance.
But we will get an ending, and that's pretty unusual, so I'll take it.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Premieres and Notables May 5-11, 2008
Monday, 5/5
Life's a Trip (Travel). 10 pm. Series premiere.
I would have loved to sit in this pitch meeting... "Hey, boss, new show idea: let's film peoples' vacations and then air the footage!" I mean, that's just ratings gold right there. Who wouldn't want to see other people on vacation?
This week, CSI and Two and a Half Men trade writers. Tonight we see the CSI crew tackle Men (CBS, 8:00 pm CST). I tried and gave up on this show three times over the years, but I have to check this out. One of the coolest behind-the-scenes ideas of the year.
Tuesday, 5/6
One of my favorite TV actresses joins Shark (CBS, 9 pm) while Jeri Ryan is on maternity leave. I almost started watching the series last year, but decided against it when I didn't hear great things. But Paula Marshall pitching in for a while means I'll be watching. I love Paula Marshall.
Wednesday, 5/7
Secrets of the Dead; PBS. 7 pm (check local listings). Season premiere.
Thursday, 5/8
Together in Alaska; History. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
NPR commentator and newspaper columnist Geo Beach takes on jobs in Alaska, beginning with gold prospector.
Scrubs has its season finale (and probable series finale on NBC) at 7:30 when they blow their budget doing a Princess Bride-esque fairy tale told by Dr. Cox to his son.
Two and a Half Men's creators take a whack at writing CSI (CBS, 8 pm).
Another season finale:
30 Rock (NBC, 8:31)
Saturday, 5/10
Big Girl's Blouse; Sundance. 8 pm. (American) series premiere.
This Australian sketch series come to the U.S. for a six ep tryout.
Sunday, 5/11
Season Finales:
Survivor (CBS, 7 pm)
Brothers and Sisters (ABC, 9:02)
Life's a Trip (Travel). 10 pm. Series premiere.
I would have loved to sit in this pitch meeting... "Hey, boss, new show idea: let's film peoples' vacations and then air the footage!" I mean, that's just ratings gold right there. Who wouldn't want to see other people on vacation?
This week, CSI and Two and a Half Men trade writers. Tonight we see the CSI crew tackle Men (CBS, 8:00 pm CST). I tried and gave up on this show three times over the years, but I have to check this out. One of the coolest behind-the-scenes ideas of the year.
Tuesday, 5/6
One of my favorite TV actresses joins Shark (CBS, 9 pm) while Jeri Ryan is on maternity leave. I almost started watching the series last year, but decided against it when I didn't hear great things. But Paula Marshall pitching in for a while means I'll be watching. I love Paula Marshall.
Wednesday, 5/7
Secrets of the Dead; PBS. 7 pm (check local listings). Season premiere.
Thursday, 5/8
Together in Alaska; History. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
NPR commentator and newspaper columnist Geo Beach takes on jobs in Alaska, beginning with gold prospector.
Scrubs has its season finale (and probable series finale on NBC) at 7:30 when they blow their budget doing a Princess Bride-esque fairy tale told by Dr. Cox to his son.
Two and a Half Men's creators take a whack at writing CSI (CBS, 8 pm).
Another season finale:
30 Rock (NBC, 8:31)
Saturday, 5/10
Big Girl's Blouse; Sundance. 8 pm. (American) series premiere.
This Australian sketch series come to the U.S. for a six ep tryout.
Sunday, 5/11
Season Finales:
Survivor (CBS, 7 pm)
Brothers and Sisters (ABC, 9:02)
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