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
Saturday, June 28, 2008
"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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