Fantastic News about NBC's new Thursday comedy block:
It was a success! Each show experienced some of their the highest ratings of the season.
My Name Is Earl had 9.5 million total viewers; best since Oct 12.
The Office had 9.7 mil; best since Sept 21 (awesome as that was the season premiere that "answered" the Jim/Pam finale).
Scrubs had 7.7 mil; best since Feb 28.
30 Rock had about 6.56 million-- and got a full-season pickup on Friday after the numbers came in.
The numbers aren't fantastic, but we all should be happy that if NBC stuck with the shows with lower numbers, that's pretty good news for these four shows (especially with 30's back nine pickup).
To put things in perspective, Ugly Betty had 13.85 million viewers and Grey's Anatomy had 24.27 million. But, other than Betty, there are no other comedies airing that night, so the counter-programming attempt seems to have worked-- thankfully (especially for Scrubs, which is continually on the verge of non-renewal).
Good news for the first episode of Men In Trees to air on Thursday as well: it had its highest numbers since its premiere (11.85 mil) and took second in its slot (Shark was a repeat, BTW).
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Friday, December 01, 2006
NBC Mid-Season News
Finally, a network stepped up and announced its mid-season schedule. Predictably, it's NBC, which has some hits again-- but not a good schedule to fit them in yet.
Dateline NBC takes over the Tuesdays at 7 pm spot beginning Dec 26.
Friday Night Lights moves to Wednesdays at 7 pm starting Jan 10, followed by Deal or No Deal. The move should keep it out of the horrorshow that American Idol would inflict upon it on Tuesdays. But it still has to lead off the night, which is gonna be tough.
Grease: You're the One That I Want (a reality contest to find actors for the Broadway revival) begins Sunday, Jan 7 at 7 pm followed by the show that should just die already: The Apprentice (Season 6 in L.A.) at 8:30 pm. Crossing Jordan takes the Sunday at 9 pm slot starting Jan 21.
The supposed-to-be-good Black Donnellys will finally premiere in early March and will take Studio 60's spot (leaving four episodes unaired-- unless they find another spot for it; it's a very lucky show to enjoy the Heroes lead-in for much longer than most people would have expected). And Raines will take over Las Vegas' timeslot in early March as well.
Dateline NBC takes over the Tuesdays at 7 pm spot beginning Dec 26.
Friday Night Lights moves to Wednesdays at 7 pm starting Jan 10, followed by Deal or No Deal. The move should keep it out of the horrorshow that American Idol would inflict upon it on Tuesdays. But it still has to lead off the night, which is gonna be tough.
Grease: You're the One That I Want (a reality contest to find actors for the Broadway revival) begins Sunday, Jan 7 at 7 pm followed by the show that should just die already: The Apprentice (Season 6 in L.A.) at 8:30 pm. Crossing Jordan takes the Sunday at 9 pm slot starting Jan 21.
The supposed-to-be-good Black Donnellys will finally premiere in early March and will take Studio 60's spot (leaving four episodes unaired-- unless they find another spot for it; it's a very lucky show to enjoy the Heroes lead-in for much longer than most people would have expected). And Raines will take over Las Vegas' timeslot in early March as well.
Maybe It's Cursed
3 lbs got the ax after three episodes.
Oddly enough, it was in the Tuesday at 9 pm slot that Smith resided in for all of three episodes earlier this season.
Two shows down in less than three months, both starring great actors. How did Jericho make it at this network?
Thankfully, CBS has planty of CSI-related shows they can throw in there-- assuming they don't think the timeslot is cursed.
Oddly enough, it was in the Tuesday at 9 pm slot that Smith resided in for all of three episodes earlier this season.
Two shows down in less than three months, both starring great actors. How did Jericho make it at this network?
Thankfully, CBS has planty of CSI-related shows they can throw in there-- assuming they don't think the timeslot is cursed.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
A MUST SEE show to watch out for
One of the best shows I watched all year, Bodies, is re-airing on BBC America Tuesday am (Dec 5) from 2 am to 5 am (episodes 1-3) and Wednesday am (Dec 6) from 2 am to 5 am (episodes 4-6). That's right: over the course of two mornings, the entire series is airing. Put a tape in or set the DVR.
This six-episode series is amazing. It is truly one of the best shows I've ever watched.
The show follows Rob Lake, a new doctor in the Ob Gyn department of a city hospital as he runs up against his incompetent boss, Roger Hurley. Rob makes a mistake, and Roger covers it up. Roger makes a mistake, and Rob looks the other way. Roger makes another mistake and Rob starts to question his boss' abilities. More and more mistakes, and Rob finds himself in a no-win situation: report his boss and lose his job and career or keep quiet and lose his soul.
You'd think you could easily guess how the story will go, but this isn't American TV. Rob Lake is no Doug Ross (George Clooney's flawed, but heroic character on ER). He doesn't want to lose his job-- especially knowing that Hurley could and will bury his career. He also isn't the most moral man, either; letting a mistake he made be covered up-- or having an affair with a married woman.
As with many BBC America shows, it takes an episode or two to get into. DON'T be discouraged if you aren't feeling a pay-off by the end of the first hour. Most times, a BBC America series is made to be 6 or so episodes long, start to finish, so they often utilize the full episode order to tell a complete story; a luxury American shows don't have.
But be warned: this is a very dark show. Very bloody and very emotional (could they have chosen a more heart-wrenching place to have these mistakes than a birthing unit?).
If you can stomach the blood, the emotions, and the nebulous morality of this show, the rewards will be tremendous.
Seriously, record it and give yourself an afternoon or evening to watch it, start to finish. It gets my highest recommendation. This was the show that made me buy a cable box, so I could record the series to tape to keep (until a DVD set is released, of course).
For added fun, you might recognize the actor who plays Roger Hurley. Yes, it's Patrick Baladi from BBC America's The Office. He played David Brent's boss Neil Godwin on the second season; a nice bloke, who was very friendly and down-to-earth. In Bodies, Baladi plays Hurley as a similar character, outwardly (nice, caring), but Hurley will do anything to maintain his status at the hospital, and there's a very dark side to this character.
This six-episode series is amazing. It is truly one of the best shows I've ever watched.
The show follows Rob Lake, a new doctor in the Ob Gyn department of a city hospital as he runs up against his incompetent boss, Roger Hurley. Rob makes a mistake, and Roger covers it up. Roger makes a mistake, and Rob looks the other way. Roger makes another mistake and Rob starts to question his boss' abilities. More and more mistakes, and Rob finds himself in a no-win situation: report his boss and lose his job and career or keep quiet and lose his soul.
You'd think you could easily guess how the story will go, but this isn't American TV. Rob Lake is no Doug Ross (George Clooney's flawed, but heroic character on ER). He doesn't want to lose his job-- especially knowing that Hurley could and will bury his career. He also isn't the most moral man, either; letting a mistake he made be covered up-- or having an affair with a married woman.
As with many BBC America shows, it takes an episode or two to get into. DON'T be discouraged if you aren't feeling a pay-off by the end of the first hour. Most times, a BBC America series is made to be 6 or so episodes long, start to finish, so they often utilize the full episode order to tell a complete story; a luxury American shows don't have.
But be warned: this is a very dark show. Very bloody and very emotional (could they have chosen a more heart-wrenching place to have these mistakes than a birthing unit?).
If you can stomach the blood, the emotions, and the nebulous morality of this show, the rewards will be tremendous.
Seriously, record it and give yourself an afternoon or evening to watch it, start to finish. It gets my highest recommendation. This was the show that made me buy a cable box, so I could record the series to tape to keep (until a DVD set is released, of course).
For added fun, you might recognize the actor who plays Roger Hurley. Yes, it's Patrick Baladi from BBC America's The Office. He played David Brent's boss Neil Godwin on the second season; a nice bloke, who was very friendly and down-to-earth. In Bodies, Baladi plays Hurley as a similar character, outwardly (nice, caring), but Hurley will do anything to maintain his status at the hospital, and there's a very dark side to this character.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Hey, I read a little, too
I know I focus on TV, big time. Especially during the Fantasy Football season when most of my computer time is spent on my teams (I'm #1 in one league and #2 in the other, so it's paying off).
But I also find time to read. I go on spurts where I read a ton. The last month has been one of those times.
I've promoted library use before, and I will again. If libraries have done anything for me beyond expanding my horizons, so to speak, they also force me to read. Because unlike when I buy books (which doesn't happen so much anymore-- which is okay since I've got hundreds on shelves at home), when I borrow them from the library, I have to take them back.
So I usually end up reading them.
Here's what I've read in the last few weeks:
The Van Halen Encyclopedia, C. J. Chilvers.
I'm a big Van Halen fan. Probably a bigger fan than most. I have every album, nearly every solo work any member has done, an enormous collection of magazines with interviews of any band member, and I've also tried to keep up on the goings on of the members throughout the years.
C.J. Chilvers is a mega-fan. This labor of love must have been an enormous undertaking. He's listed every album, release dates, dates they went gold, platinum, diamond. He's got every album of every member (including Hagar and Roth's solo work, and albums Cherone has been on). He's got as many tour dates as he could dig up (and even gives the usual set list-- or any aberrations).
There's a ton of info in this book.
I plan to hunt down a copy and buy it for my book shelf someday. That's probably the highest recommendation I can give.
Sir Apropos of Nothing, Peter David.
I'm a long-time Peter David fan. It began when he revolutionized the comic book The Incredible Hulk (which I was really lucky to get in on just as he started his 10-year run). I was the owner of some of his earliest work in books (the great Knight Life) until a copy I lent out never came back (it took me years to track down another copy). I can't/won't claim to have read all of his novel work; I'm probably closer to having read about half his work. Apropos, at 500 pages, is, by far, his longest work, and did he ever pack in the story.
Apropos is about as low in the medieval food-chain as one can get (bastard son of a whore who lives in the back room of a tavern), and he's not a very heroic character by any means. In fact, his entire existence is to exist. So he's not about to stick his neck out for someone else. David uses a first person narrative, which is about the only way an outwardly unsympathetic character can gain any possibility of sympathy from the reader. It works very well.
As can be expected in a fantasy novel (which this one is very accessible to any reader), Apropos finds himself in an adventure (actually, a long string of many adventures). I won't go into detail, but let's just say there's enough here to sustain an entire series of books.
As with most Peter David books I've read, the tone of the book is very playful. There's loads of humor and wordplay, and that can be a little offputting to some. I'll admit, once in a while the names pulled me out of the book briefly. Names like Apropos, Sir Umbrage (Apropos "had to take Umbrage"), Queen Beatrice (who likes to be known as Bea; Queen Bea), and King Meander (whose kingdom is a gypsy-like caravan; you know, it meanders from place to place). But that's a small quibble. There's also a number of pretty graphic scenes, some of which involve battles (or Apropos' ways of getting out of battles) and some of which involve sex (no Penthouse-style stuff, but it was in stark contrast to the rest of the book) which probably hit so hard because the book is so playful otherwise.
But I really did like this book, and I've got the next in the series (Woad to Wuin) on hold at the library.
Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth About Pregnancy and Childbirth, Jenny McCarthy.
Yes, that Jenny McCarthy. The hot blonde, who may not be a great actress, but knows what she's good at-- being funny.
McCarthy took a chance and wrote this book for women. It's a chance because she can pretty much hook a readership of men (although there's no pictures in this book), but women are usually a little less forgiving to let a "hot chick" with no medical or writing experience tell them about pregnancy.
But McCarthy immediately puts herself down and shows she's no different than any other woman, and I'm sure she did a good job (as she's got two more books published since this one). You see, she had the worst pregnancy of anyone I've ever read or heard about. I can't imagine everything that goes on to women when they're pregnant-- even though I'm married to a mother of two-- but Jenny let me into her world.
And she didn't use flowery language. She had to pee like crazy, she puked, she was constipated, she feared crapping on the bed at the hospital (which many women do when giving birth, I guess) and she had much, much more bodily stuff go on that I probably should know.
I can't say this was a great book, but it was fun-- and very easy (and fast) to read. I liked it enough to start reading her next book Baby Laughs.
And saving the best for last:
World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War, Max Brooks
I don't really dig zombie movies. I've seen a few of the better ones (the original Night of the Living Dead and the comedy Shaun of the Dead) and I like the comic book series The Walking Dead, but zombies don't really do it for me.
But I really, really liked this book.
Brooks takes a very unique approach to this book. Imagine the earth was overrun by zombies, and humans had to fight back. Imagine the humans won (at least have made the planet nearly 100% zombie-free). Now imagine a journalist travelling the world and recording the stories of politicians, soldiers, military leaders, fathers, mothers, children, heroes, scumbags, astronauts, and on and on about their experiences during the Zombie War.
This entire book reads like dozens of people telling their stories. Each story is a few pages long, and all together, they tell a very whole tale.
I found the premise brilliant and very engaging. Each story tells a different piece of the war, or how the zombies acted, or how people reacted. Each storyteller comes from a different walk of life. Many stories move the plot along, others tell a very emotional tale, and a few even gave me the creeps.
I highly recommend this book. It's another easy one to read. As I said, each story is only a few pages long, so it's easy to find a break to set the book down if you're short on time.
But I'll say it is a very difficult book to put down. It pulls you in.
The only quibble I have is that there wasn't a timeline at the end of the book. It's not necessary to the story, but as a reader who was fascinated by the world, I was hoping for a way to really see how long the war took (was it three years? five? it was less than ten?) and how the zombie invasion progressed and then was repelled.
But I suppose I'll have to read it again, and maybe this time, I'll note the places/events as they're told so I can have a concise overview of the war.
Or maybe I'll cheat and Google it...
But I also find time to read. I go on spurts where I read a ton. The last month has been one of those times.
I've promoted library use before, and I will again. If libraries have done anything for me beyond expanding my horizons, so to speak, they also force me to read. Because unlike when I buy books (which doesn't happen so much anymore-- which is okay since I've got hundreds on shelves at home), when I borrow them from the library, I have to take them back.
So I usually end up reading them.
Here's what I've read in the last few weeks:
The Van Halen Encyclopedia, C. J. Chilvers.
I'm a big Van Halen fan. Probably a bigger fan than most. I have every album, nearly every solo work any member has done, an enormous collection of magazines with interviews of any band member, and I've also tried to keep up on the goings on of the members throughout the years.
C.J. Chilvers is a mega-fan. This labor of love must have been an enormous undertaking. He's listed every album, release dates, dates they went gold, platinum, diamond. He's got every album of every member (including Hagar and Roth's solo work, and albums Cherone has been on). He's got as many tour dates as he could dig up (and even gives the usual set list-- or any aberrations).
There's a ton of info in this book.
I plan to hunt down a copy and buy it for my book shelf someday. That's probably the highest recommendation I can give.
Sir Apropos of Nothing, Peter David.
I'm a long-time Peter David fan. It began when he revolutionized the comic book The Incredible Hulk (which I was really lucky to get in on just as he started his 10-year run). I was the owner of some of his earliest work in books (the great Knight Life) until a copy I lent out never came back (it took me years to track down another copy). I can't/won't claim to have read all of his novel work; I'm probably closer to having read about half his work. Apropos, at 500 pages, is, by far, his longest work, and did he ever pack in the story.
Apropos is about as low in the medieval food-chain as one can get (bastard son of a whore who lives in the back room of a tavern), and he's not a very heroic character by any means. In fact, his entire existence is to exist. So he's not about to stick his neck out for someone else. David uses a first person narrative, which is about the only way an outwardly unsympathetic character can gain any possibility of sympathy from the reader. It works very well.
As can be expected in a fantasy novel (which this one is very accessible to any reader), Apropos finds himself in an adventure (actually, a long string of many adventures). I won't go into detail, but let's just say there's enough here to sustain an entire series of books.
As with most Peter David books I've read, the tone of the book is very playful. There's loads of humor and wordplay, and that can be a little offputting to some. I'll admit, once in a while the names pulled me out of the book briefly. Names like Apropos, Sir Umbrage (Apropos "had to take Umbrage"), Queen Beatrice (who likes to be known as Bea; Queen Bea), and King Meander (whose kingdom is a gypsy-like caravan; you know, it meanders from place to place). But that's a small quibble. There's also a number of pretty graphic scenes, some of which involve battles (or Apropos' ways of getting out of battles) and some of which involve sex (no Penthouse-style stuff, but it was in stark contrast to the rest of the book) which probably hit so hard because the book is so playful otherwise.
But I really did like this book, and I've got the next in the series (Woad to Wuin) on hold at the library.
Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth About Pregnancy and Childbirth, Jenny McCarthy.
Yes, that Jenny McCarthy. The hot blonde, who may not be a great actress, but knows what she's good at-- being funny.
McCarthy took a chance and wrote this book for women. It's a chance because she can pretty much hook a readership of men (although there's no pictures in this book), but women are usually a little less forgiving to let a "hot chick" with no medical or writing experience tell them about pregnancy.
But McCarthy immediately puts herself down and shows she's no different than any other woman, and I'm sure she did a good job (as she's got two more books published since this one). You see, she had the worst pregnancy of anyone I've ever read or heard about. I can't imagine everything that goes on to women when they're pregnant-- even though I'm married to a mother of two-- but Jenny let me into her world.
And she didn't use flowery language. She had to pee like crazy, she puked, she was constipated, she feared crapping on the bed at the hospital (which many women do when giving birth, I guess) and she had much, much more bodily stuff go on that I probably should know.
I can't say this was a great book, but it was fun-- and very easy (and fast) to read. I liked it enough to start reading her next book Baby Laughs.
And saving the best for last:
World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War, Max Brooks
I don't really dig zombie movies. I've seen a few of the better ones (the original Night of the Living Dead and the comedy Shaun of the Dead) and I like the comic book series The Walking Dead, but zombies don't really do it for me.
But I really, really liked this book.
Brooks takes a very unique approach to this book. Imagine the earth was overrun by zombies, and humans had to fight back. Imagine the humans won (at least have made the planet nearly 100% zombie-free). Now imagine a journalist travelling the world and recording the stories of politicians, soldiers, military leaders, fathers, mothers, children, heroes, scumbags, astronauts, and on and on about their experiences during the Zombie War.
This entire book reads like dozens of people telling their stories. Each story is a few pages long, and all together, they tell a very whole tale.
I found the premise brilliant and very engaging. Each story tells a different piece of the war, or how the zombies acted, or how people reacted. Each storyteller comes from a different walk of life. Many stories move the plot along, others tell a very emotional tale, and a few even gave me the creeps.
I highly recommend this book. It's another easy one to read. As I said, each story is only a few pages long, so it's easy to find a break to set the book down if you're short on time.
But I'll say it is a very difficult book to put down. It pulls you in.
The only quibble I have is that there wasn't a timeline at the end of the book. It's not necessary to the story, but as a reader who was fascinated by the world, I was hoping for a way to really see how long the war took (was it three years? five? it was less than ten?) and how the zombie invasion progressed and then was repelled.
But I suppose I'll have to read it again, and maybe this time, I'll note the places/events as they're told so I can have a concise overview of the war.
Or maybe I'll cheat and Google it...
PRISON BREAK-- non spoilers
Holy Sh**!!!!
Okay, I did not see that coming (until 30 seconds before it happened).
But I wish I would have told SOMEONE about my prediction as I was hoping/expecting one of the characters to do what he ended up doing.
I even e-mailed my friend, Tom, today and almost told him my prediction, but since I didn't know if he's been watching, I didn't mention it.
Well, the producers said "no one is safe", and this episode proves it.
Did anyone else notice the last shot of Bellick was an identical one of Schofield very early on in the series? I really dig Wade (Bellick) Williams, so I hope we continue to see more of him.
Thankfully, we only have until Jan 29 to see what happens (I know FOX was touting Jan 22, but I've been reading that the first date is a recap show to get us primed for the remaining episodes).
Okay, I did not see that coming (until 30 seconds before it happened).
But I wish I would have told SOMEONE about my prediction as I was hoping/expecting one of the characters to do what he ended up doing.
I even e-mailed my friend, Tom, today and almost told him my prediction, but since I didn't know if he's been watching, I didn't mention it.
Well, the producers said "no one is safe", and this episode proves it.
Did anyone else notice the last shot of Bellick was an identical one of Schofield very early on in the series? I really dig Wade (Bellick) Williams, so I hope we continue to see more of him.
Thankfully, we only have until Jan 29 to see what happens (I know FOX was touting Jan 22, but I've been reading that the first date is a recap show to get us primed for the remaining episodes).
Premieres and Notables 11/27- 12/3
Big Week; I'll try to get through them all. If not, expect Part 2 a little later.
Monday, 11/27
The Fall Season of Prison Break ends tonight in what's supposed to be a pretty high-octane episode (I've heard rumblings that another major character bites it this ep) loaded with cliff-hangers. It's been confirmed that the break will be a short one this year, as the show comes back on 1/22 to a recap show, and then with new eps starting 1/29-- with no repeats until the season ends.
For those of you wondering-- The conspiracy storyline is supposed to end this season, so there will be a close to the two-year storyline. Things are hush-hush on next year's storyline, but the body count is supposed to be so high that there are only a handful of characters left to embark on the new story next season. I'm hoping it'll be Schofield hunting T-Bag.
My Super Sweet 16, MTV. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Fourth season? Seriously?
10 Items or Less, TBS. 10 pm. Series Premiere.
Another partly-improvised comedy; this time, a guy returns home to run the family store.
Tuesday, 11/28
My Boys, TBS. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Comedy about a tomboy sports journalist and the male friends she hangs with. It's gotten good reviews so far. Check it out.
Dirty Jobs, Discovery. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
American Gangster, BET. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Profiles on infamous black criminals and their stories, while taking pains to not glorify them.
Wednesday, 11/29
My Celebrity Home, Style. 8 pm. Season premiere
Undercover History, National Geographic. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Fresh perspecitves on unsolved events in history.
Corkscrewed, FOX Reality. 7:30. Series Premiere.
Reality series of two American Idol producers and their efforts to buy and maintain a vineyard.
Thursday, 11/30
NBC gets back "Must See TV" with My Name is Earl, The Office, 30 Rock, and the season Premiere of Scrubs.
***Alert: the episode of The Office is written by the original series creator: Ricky Gervais. This is MUST SEE TV, right here.***
Crimes That Shook the World, Discovery. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Horrifying crimes are recalled. This week's ep: the BTK killer.
Friday, 12/1
BBC America is running new series and season premieres in it's Friday comedy block.
My Family (8 pm), The Worst Week of My Life (8:40), and Black Book (10:30)
I love this channel, and will be checking out most of these.
That's it. Unless you want to check out the new The Librarian: The Return to King Solomon's Mines (Sunday, TNT, 7 pm) or Big in '06 Awards (Sunday, VH1, 8 pm). I'm sure they're both garbage...
Monday, 11/27
The Fall Season of Prison Break ends tonight in what's supposed to be a pretty high-octane episode (I've heard rumblings that another major character bites it this ep) loaded with cliff-hangers. It's been confirmed that the break will be a short one this year, as the show comes back on 1/22 to a recap show, and then with new eps starting 1/29-- with no repeats until the season ends.
For those of you wondering-- The conspiracy storyline is supposed to end this season, so there will be a close to the two-year storyline. Things are hush-hush on next year's storyline, but the body count is supposed to be so high that there are only a handful of characters left to embark on the new story next season. I'm hoping it'll be Schofield hunting T-Bag.
My Super Sweet 16, MTV. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Fourth season? Seriously?
10 Items or Less, TBS. 10 pm. Series Premiere.
Another partly-improvised comedy; this time, a guy returns home to run the family store.
Tuesday, 11/28
My Boys, TBS. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Comedy about a tomboy sports journalist and the male friends she hangs with. It's gotten good reviews so far. Check it out.
Dirty Jobs, Discovery. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
American Gangster, BET. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Profiles on infamous black criminals and their stories, while taking pains to not glorify them.
Wednesday, 11/29
My Celebrity Home, Style. 8 pm. Season premiere
Undercover History, National Geographic. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Fresh perspecitves on unsolved events in history.
Corkscrewed, FOX Reality. 7:30. Series Premiere.
Reality series of two American Idol producers and their efforts to buy and maintain a vineyard.
Thursday, 11/30
NBC gets back "Must See TV" with My Name is Earl, The Office, 30 Rock, and the season Premiere of Scrubs.
***Alert: the episode of The Office is written by the original series creator: Ricky Gervais. This is MUST SEE TV, right here.***
Crimes That Shook the World, Discovery. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Horrifying crimes are recalled. This week's ep: the BTK killer.
Friday, 12/1
BBC America is running new series and season premieres in it's Friday comedy block.
My Family (8 pm), The Worst Week of My Life (8:40), and Black Book (10:30)
I love this channel, and will be checking out most of these.
That's it. Unless you want to check out the new The Librarian: The Return to King Solomon's Mines (Sunday, TNT, 7 pm) or Big in '06 Awards (Sunday, VH1, 8 pm). I'm sure they're both garbage...
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Premieres & Notables 11/20- 11/26
Sorry I'm late.
At least it's Thanksgiving Week, and very little new stuff is happening aside from Holiday Specials.
Wednesday, 11/22
Real World: Denver; MTV. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Season 18 begins. Remember when this show meant something beyond gettin' drunk and gettin laid? Heck, remember when MTV was innovative? 'Been a long time, hasn't it?
Thursday, 11/23
I love Thanksgiving Week. It used to mean I'd have less to tape/watch. I finally got a little break from the craziness of the past three months because TV shows took a 1-3 week rest and aired repeats. Somehow that all changed the past few years. New episodes are airing tonight for Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy, Survivor, CSI, Shark, Deal or No Deal, and ER. And that's just on the major networks!
Friday, 11/24
Off The Record, HBO. 10 pm. Series Premiere.
A preview of next year's new show. This pilot features Dave Stewart of The Eurythmics interviewing Bono and The Edge of U2.
Sunday, 11/26
Assy McGee, Cartoon Network [adult swim]. 10:30 pm. Series Premiere.
I'm not sure if this is a worthy replacement for Robot Chicken, but a show about a vigilante shaped like two butt cheeks is something I'm going to have to check out. I tend to watch almost all of the Sunday [swim] shows because they make me laugh. And a couple make me think. And a few make me go: "What the f*** was that?"
Speaking of making me laugh, was Monday's How I Met Your Mother not the funniest thing you've seen in a long while? When Barney slapped Marshall three times in succession, I almost fell off the couch from laughing so hard. And then the ending when Marshall backhanded Barney off the chair was a riot as well.
What wasn't funny on Monday is how hardcore Sara showed she is on Prison Break this week. Daaaaaamn!
(SPOILERS)
First, she tries to iron Kellerman's shirt-- while the dude is still wearing it!. Then she stitches a gash on her own arm in a bathroom stall using a needle and thread. Girl is taking herself to a whole 'nother level...
(END SPOILERS)
And I've got to say: Prison Break is gonna rock next week. I've been hearing big hints that someone major is supposed to die. Also, every character will find themselves in some sort of cliffhanger to make us wait in agony until the back-half of the season airs.
I also gotta say I'm glad I called how Bellick got in trouble a few weeks ago (no, I didn't read the details on a spoiler website).
At least it's Thanksgiving Week, and very little new stuff is happening aside from Holiday Specials.
Wednesday, 11/22
Real World: Denver; MTV. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Season 18 begins. Remember when this show meant something beyond gettin' drunk and gettin laid? Heck, remember when MTV was innovative? 'Been a long time, hasn't it?
Thursday, 11/23
I love Thanksgiving Week. It used to mean I'd have less to tape/watch. I finally got a little break from the craziness of the past three months because TV shows took a 1-3 week rest and aired repeats. Somehow that all changed the past few years. New episodes are airing tonight for Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy, Survivor, CSI, Shark, Deal or No Deal, and ER. And that's just on the major networks!
Friday, 11/24
Off The Record, HBO. 10 pm. Series Premiere.
A preview of next year's new show. This pilot features Dave Stewart of The Eurythmics interviewing Bono and The Edge of U2.
Sunday, 11/26
Assy McGee, Cartoon Network [adult swim]. 10:30 pm. Series Premiere.
I'm not sure if this is a worthy replacement for Robot Chicken, but a show about a vigilante shaped like two butt cheeks is something I'm going to have to check out. I tend to watch almost all of the Sunday [swim] shows because they make me laugh. And a couple make me think. And a few make me go: "What the f*** was that?"
Speaking of making me laugh, was Monday's How I Met Your Mother not the funniest thing you've seen in a long while? When Barney slapped Marshall three times in succession, I almost fell off the couch from laughing so hard. And then the ending when Marshall backhanded Barney off the chair was a riot as well.
What wasn't funny on Monday is how hardcore Sara showed she is on Prison Break this week. Daaaaaamn!
(SPOILERS)
First, she tries to iron Kellerman's shirt-- while the dude is still wearing it!. Then she stitches a gash on her own arm in a bathroom stall using a needle and thread. Girl is taking herself to a whole 'nother level...
(END SPOILERS)
And I've got to say: Prison Break is gonna rock next week. I've been hearing big hints that someone major is supposed to die. Also, every character will find themselves in some sort of cliffhanger to make us wait in agony until the back-half of the season airs.
I also gotta say I'm glad I called how Bellick got in trouble a few weeks ago (no, I didn't read the details on a spoiler website).
Saturday, November 18, 2006
VANISHED Vanishes
Another one bites the dust...
FOX pulled Vanished, finally, and will air the rest of the episodes on its website (and maybe myspace.com's as well).
I gave this show a lot of chances. I tried really hard to like it, but it was a mess. Even killing off the main character (a radical move that allowed the show a chance to change direction) didn't do it for me.
Add it to the graveyard and bring on another...
FOX pulled Vanished, finally, and will air the rest of the episodes on its website (and maybe myspace.com's as well).
I gave this show a lot of chances. I tried really hard to like it, but it was a mess. Even killing off the main character (a radical move that allowed the show a chance to change direction) didn't do it for me.
Add it to the graveyard and bring on another...
NBC Opens Doors to Immigration
NBC is hoping the success they found with The Office can allow lightning to strike twice.
It's developing a BBC Three show called I'm With Stupid with the Farrelly Brothers, which should be interesting. It's also looking to snatch a Channel 4 show called The IT Crowd and an Australian show called Kath & Kim.
I don't know what I'm With Stupid is about, but I'm sure it'll be over-the-top with the Farrellys on board. The IT Crowd is about three IT-support workers who are exiled to the basement of their company's otherwise posh office building and is being adapted by Just Shoot Me veterans. I've actually seen Kath & Kim since The Sundance Channel airs it, and it'll be interesting to see how they translate it since I found the original slow (it's faux-documentary/reality show where cameras follow around a woman and her adult daughter).
Now, NBC scored with The Office, but let's not forget the disasters that were Coupling and Men Behaving Badly; two other BBC shows it tried to adapt. BTW: I watched the original, BBC version of Coupling over the summer and found it absolutely hilarious; truly one of the best comedies I've ever seen. Check it out if you have a chance. It's not currently on the BBC America rotation, but I'm sure they'll air it again soon.
I got on a BBC America search today, looking for other shows to record, and I see it's airing the first three eps of Rocketman again this week . I have all six eps in my DVR as I haven't gotten to them yet-- but I did see the first episode, and it was very good. It brought tears to my eyes a couple times (it's a very rare show that can get that reaction from me). It's about a man's quest to send his wife's ashes into space-- just as they always wished-- but he doesn't have the funds or the proper equipment to make it happen. But that doesn't stop him from trying, again and again. But it is taking a toll on him emotionally, as well as on his children, who he has practically abandoned while he pursued his quixotic quest.
December 1 has the premieres of two promising-looking BBC America shows.
First is Hardware starring The (original) Office's Martin Freeman (who played the "Jim" inspiration "Tim"), which airs at 10pm on December 1. It's about four hardware store employees who help their customers and annoy each other.
Second is the second season of Worst Week of My Life. I didn't see the first season (the first three eps of which re-air Monday morning from 2-4 am). Each seven episode "season" follows a week in a new couple's life (the couple are played by Ben Miller and Sarah Alexander; Alexander is all over the BBC, having starred in Coupling and Green Wing as well as NBC's Teachers from last year-- but don't blame her for that NBC garbage). Week (Season) One was about their wedding, and this new season follows the week leading up to the birth of their baby. The second season begins at 8:40m on December 1, and runs the next seven weeks.
I'm trying both shows out, for sure.
I highly recommend trying out various shows on BBC America. It's not the Monty Python or Benny Hill- only network it once was. I've seen tremendous shows on it the past year and a half. Not every show is for everybody, but there are very "American-feeling" shows on it that aren't as foreign as past shows were (even The Office took me a while to "get", but "get it" I did after I understood the language differences).
Just a short list of shows I'd recommend: The Office (the first, and the harshest), Conviction (a morality tale about a guy who had a terrible secret-- has NOTHING to do with the piece-of-crap show of the same name NBC aired last spring), Coupling (seriously, one of the best comedies I've ever seen), Bodies (an extremely dark show about cover-ups, lying, and how far can one person let it go before taking action-- one of my Top Ten shows of the past year), Green Wing (Think Scrubs mixed with the attitude of M.A.S.H. and take away the FCC-- and make some of the characters bat-sh** insane), Ed vs. Spencer (two guys compete to see who is better-- or worse in various contests; a real life "Goofus and Gallant" strip), and Bromwell High (England's answer to South Park and The Simpsons; off-the-wall animation; bad-ass Keisha is one of my favorite characters of the year).
It's developing a BBC Three show called I'm With Stupid with the Farrelly Brothers, which should be interesting. It's also looking to snatch a Channel 4 show called The IT Crowd and an Australian show called Kath & Kim.
I don't know what I'm With Stupid is about, but I'm sure it'll be over-the-top with the Farrellys on board. The IT Crowd is about three IT-support workers who are exiled to the basement of their company's otherwise posh office building and is being adapted by Just Shoot Me veterans. I've actually seen Kath & Kim since The Sundance Channel airs it, and it'll be interesting to see how they translate it since I found the original slow (it's faux-documentary/reality show where cameras follow around a woman and her adult daughter).
Now, NBC scored with The Office, but let's not forget the disasters that were Coupling and Men Behaving Badly; two other BBC shows it tried to adapt. BTW: I watched the original, BBC version of Coupling over the summer and found it absolutely hilarious; truly one of the best comedies I've ever seen. Check it out if you have a chance. It's not currently on the BBC America rotation, but I'm sure they'll air it again soon.
I got on a BBC America search today, looking for other shows to record, and I see it's airing the first three eps of Rocketman again this week . I have all six eps in my DVR as I haven't gotten to them yet-- but I did see the first episode, and it was very good. It brought tears to my eyes a couple times (it's a very rare show that can get that reaction from me). It's about a man's quest to send his wife's ashes into space-- just as they always wished-- but he doesn't have the funds or the proper equipment to make it happen. But that doesn't stop him from trying, again and again. But it is taking a toll on him emotionally, as well as on his children, who he has practically abandoned while he pursued his quixotic quest.
December 1 has the premieres of two promising-looking BBC America shows.
First is Hardware starring The (original) Office's Martin Freeman (who played the "Jim" inspiration "Tim"), which airs at 10pm on December 1. It's about four hardware store employees who help their customers and annoy each other.
Second is the second season of Worst Week of My Life. I didn't see the first season (the first three eps of which re-air Monday morning from 2-4 am). Each seven episode "season" follows a week in a new couple's life (the couple are played by Ben Miller and Sarah Alexander; Alexander is all over the BBC, having starred in Coupling and Green Wing as well as NBC's Teachers from last year-- but don't blame her for that NBC garbage). Week (Season) One was about their wedding, and this new season follows the week leading up to the birth of their baby. The second season begins at 8:40m on December 1, and runs the next seven weeks.
I'm trying both shows out, for sure.
I highly recommend trying out various shows on BBC America. It's not the Monty Python or Benny Hill- only network it once was. I've seen tremendous shows on it the past year and a half. Not every show is for everybody, but there are very "American-feeling" shows on it that aren't as foreign as past shows were (even The Office took me a while to "get", but "get it" I did after I understood the language differences).
Just a short list of shows I'd recommend: The Office (the first, and the harshest), Conviction (a morality tale about a guy who had a terrible secret-- has NOTHING to do with the piece-of-crap show of the same name NBC aired last spring), Coupling (seriously, one of the best comedies I've ever seen), Bodies (an extremely dark show about cover-ups, lying, and how far can one person let it go before taking action-- one of my Top Ten shows of the past year), Green Wing (Think Scrubs mixed with the attitude of M.A.S.H. and take away the FCC-- and make some of the characters bat-sh** insane), Ed vs. Spencer (two guys compete to see who is better-- or worse in various contests; a real life "Goofus and Gallant" strip), and Bromwell High (England's answer to South Park and The Simpsons; off-the-wall animation; bad-ass Keisha is one of my favorite characters of the year).
Friday, November 17, 2006
Welcome PRISON BREAK news
Sounds like FOX doesn't have much in the pipeline for mid-season-- which isn't helped by the failures of their new shows thus far, so they may have to bring back an All-Star early.
Prison Break was supposed to disappear until March after it's Nov. 27 episode, but now there's talk of bringing it back in late-January.
Good news to not have such a huge gap in the middle of the season, but it could mean the show will wrap early (in March; with a killer cliff-hanger, for sure) or air repeats in between new episodes.
Another tricky thing about it: apparently the show is running really tight now, with very little time between wrapping and airing an episode. The moved-up second half of the season could wreak havok on the filming schedule.
Oh well, I'll take my Break wherever I can get it.
Prison Break was supposed to disappear until March after it's Nov. 27 episode, but now there's talk of bringing it back in late-January.
Good news to not have such a huge gap in the middle of the season, but it could mean the show will wrap early (in March; with a killer cliff-hanger, for sure) or air repeats in between new episodes.
Another tricky thing about it: apparently the show is running really tight now, with very little time between wrapping and airing an episode. The moved-up second half of the season could wreak havok on the filming schedule.
Oh well, I'll take my Break wherever I can get it.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Some pick ups-- and drops
It's the mid-season point of the new TV season, and we have four cancelled shows: Smith, Runaway, Kidnapped, and Happy Hour and three that are "on hiatus": Twenty Good Years, Six Degrees, and the latest, Justice, which was pulled from tonight's lineup at the last second.
These shows were given full-season pickups: Men In Trees, Studio 60, Ugly Betty, Friday Night Lights (picked up just today), The Game, Brothers and Sisters, Shark, and Jericho (which, it was just announced, will go the Lost and Prison Break route and air in two repeat-free blocks).
To follow up with Jericho: the last episode this year will be on Nov 29 and then the aging King of Queens will air in its timeslot until Jericho returns in late-February.
These shows were given full-season pickups: Men In Trees, Studio 60, Ugly Betty, Friday Night Lights (picked up just today), The Game, Brothers and Sisters, Shark, and Jericho (which, it was just announced, will go the Lost and Prison Break route and air in two repeat-free blocks).
To follow up with Jericho: the last episode this year will be on Nov 29 and then the aging King of Queens will air in its timeslot until Jericho returns in late-February.
A Good TV Night
Well, the kids went to bed (and stayed there), and the wife is working late, so what's a boy to do? Watch the tube. And tonight had some good stuff.
First off is Prison Break (no spoilers beyond what you'd see in the previews). Man, what a jam-packed episode ("Bolshoi Booze"). Michael makes the final arrangements to get across the border, Lincoln has to make a tough choice, Sara and Kellerman square off, more and more is learned about Mahone, T-Bag tries to escape in a stomach-turning scene, Bellick threatens Geary, Geary livin' large. A horror movie-level scary visitor...
Twists, turns, revelations, foreshadowing. Only two more episodes this fall and then a too long wait for the rest of the season.
I also checked out a bunch of [adult swim] episodes from last night. Fantastic stuff.
First off was Moral Orel; my goodness, if I actually believed in Hell, I'd be afraid I was headed there after watching this. Take a kid who loooooves church, and mix in an astounding amount of naivete and the ability to COMPLETELY misinterpret the teachings he hears in church, and you get Orel.
This week, he heard that God made people in his own image, and his pastor said some are more in his image than others, so when the local Italian family 's skin doesn't match the color of his "God approved" bandaids, he decides that they are different enough to be separated from the rest of the town.
A wonderful commentary on the devisiveness of people, whether it be skin color, class, religion, or whatever.
Metalocalypse had a religious theme as well in the "Religionklok" episode from last night. William Murderface had a near-death experience and decided that he needed something more from life; something spiritual. So he decides to try out religion.
He (and the others in his band Dethklok) goes to a Christian rock gathering-- and chaos ensues. Then they visit an atheist church where they pray to "no one" and a group of protesting agnostics (with signs that say "maybe God") riot at the atheist service. But the last, and funniest, is when they visit a Church of Satan, and the service is led by a pansy and is even more boring than any other service he attended. Murderface stands up in the middle of the service and asks where the nearest bar is-- because he's so bored.
No real commentary to this one (other than worship services are boring, maybe), but it's still funny.
And my new favorite [adult swim] show now that The Venture Brothers' season is done: Frisky Dingo. Last night's episode ("Kidnapped") was the usual crazy antics of the villianous (but lazy/incompetent) Killface as he attempts to get the $12 billion he needs to finish his giant "Annihilatrix" rocket to send the planet into the sun. Since he crossed paths with billionaire playboy Xander Crews (aka super-hero Awesome X) last episode, Killface figures he should kidnap Crews to get the money. Meanwhile, the ants in the computer keyboard form the invention contest last week became super-intelligent ("because they were working with computers") and Watley, whom Xander grafted giant lobster claws onto, is charged with getting the ants-- and the nuclear waste he's got in his office-- to the dump. And hot news reporter (and Xander's girlfriend) Grace Ryan gets an interview with Killface.
All the major players converge at the end, and everything that can go wrong, does.
Check it out. It's a great show with killer lines (usually from Xander) and very realistic animation (at least the characters who are human). But as is most [adult swim] shows, it's bizarre.
First off is Prison Break (no spoilers beyond what you'd see in the previews). Man, what a jam-packed episode ("Bolshoi Booze"). Michael makes the final arrangements to get across the border, Lincoln has to make a tough choice, Sara and Kellerman square off, more and more is learned about Mahone, T-Bag tries to escape in a stomach-turning scene, Bellick threatens Geary, Geary livin' large. A horror movie-level scary visitor...
Twists, turns, revelations, foreshadowing. Only two more episodes this fall and then a too long wait for the rest of the season.
I also checked out a bunch of [adult swim] episodes from last night. Fantastic stuff.
First off was Moral Orel; my goodness, if I actually believed in Hell, I'd be afraid I was headed there after watching this. Take a kid who loooooves church, and mix in an astounding amount of naivete and the ability to COMPLETELY misinterpret the teachings he hears in church, and you get Orel.
This week, he heard that God made people in his own image, and his pastor said some are more in his image than others, so when the local Italian family 's skin doesn't match the color of his "God approved" bandaids, he decides that they are different enough to be separated from the rest of the town.
A wonderful commentary on the devisiveness of people, whether it be skin color, class, religion, or whatever.
Metalocalypse had a religious theme as well in the "Religionklok" episode from last night. William Murderface had a near-death experience and decided that he needed something more from life; something spiritual. So he decides to try out religion.
He (and the others in his band Dethklok) goes to a Christian rock gathering-- and chaos ensues. Then they visit an atheist church where they pray to "no one" and a group of protesting agnostics (with signs that say "maybe God") riot at the atheist service. But the last, and funniest, is when they visit a Church of Satan, and the service is led by a pansy and is even more boring than any other service he attended. Murderface stands up in the middle of the service and asks where the nearest bar is-- because he's so bored.
No real commentary to this one (other than worship services are boring, maybe), but it's still funny.
And my new favorite [adult swim] show now that The Venture Brothers' season is done: Frisky Dingo. Last night's episode ("Kidnapped") was the usual crazy antics of the villianous (but lazy/incompetent) Killface as he attempts to get the $12 billion he needs to finish his giant "Annihilatrix" rocket to send the planet into the sun. Since he crossed paths with billionaire playboy Xander Crews (aka super-hero Awesome X) last episode, Killface figures he should kidnap Crews to get the money. Meanwhile, the ants in the computer keyboard form the invention contest last week became super-intelligent ("because they were working with computers") and Watley, whom Xander grafted giant lobster claws onto, is charged with getting the ants-- and the nuclear waste he's got in his office-- to the dump. And hot news reporter (and Xander's girlfriend) Grace Ryan gets an interview with Killface.
All the major players converge at the end, and everything that can go wrong, does.
Check it out. It's a great show with killer lines (usually from Xander) and very realistic animation (at least the characters who are human). But as is most [adult swim] shows, it's bizarre.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Premieres and Notables for 11/13-11/19
Tuesday, 11-14
City of Men; Sundance. 8 pm, Season Premiere.
Third Season Premiere.
Show Me The Money; ABC. 8:31pm, Series Premiere.
A quiz-style game show hosted by William Shatner (could... there... be... a more perfect... game show host?).
3 Lbs; CBS. 9 pm, Series Premiere.
Smith's demise led to CBS fast-tracking this House-ian show about a neurosurgeon starring the great Stanley Tucci.
Everest: Beyond the Limit; Discovery. 9 pm, Series Premiere.
Six-part series about a 2006 ascent to the world's tallest peak.
Wednesday, 11/15
Dancing With the Stars (ABC, 7 pm), Laguna Beach (MTV, 9 pm), and I Pity The Fool (TV Land, 9 pm) all have their season finales.
Medium; NBC. 8 pm, Season Premiere.
The "little show that could" comes soon after Kidnapped's demise in a 2-hour premiere.
Day Break; ABC. 8 pm, Series Premiere.
Taye Diggs stars in this new series about an LAPD cop who gets framed for murder-- and keeps reliving the day over and over. Sounds cool, and the promos for it have rocked, but the only "review" I read of it said it was "silly". I'm still trying it.
Thursday, 11/16
My Name is Earl sees Randy munching on the wrong thing-- and then start seeing the others as "Claymation-esque" characters. Christian Slater guest stars.
And all of NBC's sitcoms are "supersized", so watch out for weird start and end times (Earl: 7pm- 7:36; Office: 7:36-8:20; 30 Rock: 8:20-9:01).
Friday, 11/17
Foxworthy's Big Night Out, Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders: Making the Team, Ice-T's Rap School, Air: America's Investigative Reports, and Real Time With Bill Maher all have their season finales tonight. The only one I'll be sad about is Real Time.
Saturday, 11/18
After a few years of not having one, Comic Relief returns, this time in aid of Hurricane Katrina survivors. HBO and TBS are simultaneously airing the benefit (I'll be watching HBO-- just in case someone "goes blue"). 8 pm.
Sunday, 11/19
Reba, CW. 6 pm and 6:30 pm, Season Premiere.
Reba comes back because of a huge deal The WB made before combining with UPN to make the CW. See, it would cost a lot more for CW to dump the show, so they brought it back. In a sh**ty timeslot. This is a classic example of "burning off" episodes. Two in a row this week, and then paired up with Reba repeats in subsequent weeks.
And, finally, just because I had to mention it. I read in this week's TV Guide that Flava Flav is expecting his seventh child in January. The unidentified woman is not a winner-- or one of the contestants-- of his show Flavor of Love.
Just wanted to mention what a classy guy Flav is, supposedly looking for love on a national (albiet cable) TV show, while hittin' it on the side. Maybe he should hollow out the clock on his neck and fill it with condoms.
Just a thought.
Or maybe a checkbook. I'd imagine child support, even for a washed up rapper, would be costly. Especially when he's got six others running around...
City of Men; Sundance. 8 pm, Season Premiere.
Third Season Premiere.
Show Me The Money; ABC. 8:31pm, Series Premiere.
A quiz-style game show hosted by William Shatner (could... there... be... a more perfect... game show host?).
3 Lbs; CBS. 9 pm, Series Premiere.
Smith's demise led to CBS fast-tracking this House-ian show about a neurosurgeon starring the great Stanley Tucci.
Everest: Beyond the Limit; Discovery. 9 pm, Series Premiere.
Six-part series about a 2006 ascent to the world's tallest peak.
Wednesday, 11/15
Dancing With the Stars (ABC, 7 pm), Laguna Beach (MTV, 9 pm), and I Pity The Fool (TV Land, 9 pm) all have their season finales.
Medium; NBC. 8 pm, Season Premiere.
The "little show that could" comes soon after Kidnapped's demise in a 2-hour premiere.
Day Break; ABC. 8 pm, Series Premiere.
Taye Diggs stars in this new series about an LAPD cop who gets framed for murder-- and keeps reliving the day over and over. Sounds cool, and the promos for it have rocked, but the only "review" I read of it said it was "silly". I'm still trying it.
Thursday, 11/16
My Name is Earl sees Randy munching on the wrong thing-- and then start seeing the others as "Claymation-esque" characters. Christian Slater guest stars.
And all of NBC's sitcoms are "supersized", so watch out for weird start and end times (Earl: 7pm- 7:36; Office: 7:36-8:20; 30 Rock: 8:20-9:01).
Friday, 11/17
Foxworthy's Big Night Out, Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders: Making the Team, Ice-T's Rap School, Air: America's Investigative Reports, and Real Time With Bill Maher all have their season finales tonight. The only one I'll be sad about is Real Time.
Saturday, 11/18
After a few years of not having one, Comic Relief returns, this time in aid of Hurricane Katrina survivors. HBO and TBS are simultaneously airing the benefit (I'll be watching HBO-- just in case someone "goes blue"). 8 pm.
Sunday, 11/19
Reba, CW. 6 pm and 6:30 pm, Season Premiere.
Reba comes back because of a huge deal The WB made before combining with UPN to make the CW. See, it would cost a lot more for CW to dump the show, so they brought it back. In a sh**ty timeslot. This is a classic example of "burning off" episodes. Two in a row this week, and then paired up with Reba repeats in subsequent weeks.
And, finally, just because I had to mention it. I read in this week's TV Guide that Flava Flav is expecting his seventh child in January. The unidentified woman is not a winner-- or one of the contestants-- of his show Flavor of Love.
Just wanted to mention what a classy guy Flav is, supposedly looking for love on a national (albiet cable) TV show, while hittin' it on the side. Maybe he should hollow out the clock on his neck and fill it with condoms.
Just a thought.
Or maybe a checkbook. I'd imagine child support, even for a washed up rapper, would be costly. Especially when he's got six others running around...
Friday, November 10, 2006
The November Sweeps Bloodbath
Just a quick one tonight (starting to become the norm, I know...)
We're ten days into November, and we've already had some casualties:
Happy Hour came back from its baseball hiatus for one week-- and then it got the boot. What a waste of airtime (although I hope hottie Beth Lacke finds something else to work on; she actually had some talent). It's timeslot is going to be airing 'Til Death reruns for the foreseeable future (I'm sure that'll help the ailing The O.C.).
Six Degrees got yanked. ABC says it'll come back in January, but it's struggled since the first week, getting trounced by ER of all shows. Men in Trees will take its spot (don't know if they are repeats or new episodes yet).
Kidnapped was finally brought around back and put out of its misery as it couldn't even maintain a decent enough audience in the Saturday wasteland. At least NBC is going to get some use out of what's "in the can" by having the unaired episodes on its website to watch (I think it'll have up to "magical" episode #13, which was to be the episode that ended the series anyway). As to what's going to go in Kidnapped's timeslot?-- pick a Law & Order series, and I'm sure it'll air there sometime.
We're ten days into November, and we've already had some casualties:
Happy Hour came back from its baseball hiatus for one week-- and then it got the boot. What a waste of airtime (although I hope hottie Beth Lacke finds something else to work on; she actually had some talent). It's timeslot is going to be airing 'Til Death reruns for the foreseeable future (I'm sure that'll help the ailing The O.C.).
Six Degrees got yanked. ABC says it'll come back in January, but it's struggled since the first week, getting trounced by ER of all shows. Men in Trees will take its spot (don't know if they are repeats or new episodes yet).
Kidnapped was finally brought around back and put out of its misery as it couldn't even maintain a decent enough audience in the Saturday wasteland. At least NBC is going to get some use out of what's "in the can" by having the unaired episodes on its website to watch (I think it'll have up to "magical" episode #13, which was to be the episode that ended the series anyway). As to what's going to go in Kidnapped's timeslot?-- pick a Law & Order series, and I'm sure it'll air there sometime.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Premieres and notables for 11/6 - 11/12
Sorry for no posts last week. Really sh**ty week. Maybe I'll write about it (I've got a good line about a Halloween costume).
Monday, 11/6
Sarah and Schofield finally meet up in Prison Break. All of you looking for a romantic getaway shouldn't be surprised if it doesn't happen. Let's see, since Schofield escaped, Sarah's had to deal with the knowledge that she helped 6 others escape (including T-Bag), she lost her job, father was killed, she was almost killed-- twice so far, and on and on. Yeah, I don't see a passionate lovemaking happening soon.
Vincent, BBC America. 8 pm CST. Series premiere.
Crime drama from one of the best "networks" around.
American Chopper, Discovery. 8 pm CST. Season premiere.
Fourth season already?
Tuesday, 11/7
Go vote.
Don't know who to vote for? Do what I do: do not vote for an incumbent. Preferably a non Dem or Repub if you have those options. You vote isn't wasted if it's not going to one of the two major (only) parties. If enough people keep smacking the elephants and the donkey, we may actually get something accomplished.
Is your state voting on the insidious gay marriage ban? C'mon... This is America: whether you think gays are icky or going to Hell, do you really want to deprive people of their basic rights? Vote Hell No (against a ban) for that one...
There you go: no reason not to vote now.
Thursday, 11/9
Nickelodeon is airing 26 straight hours of Spongebob Squarepants. I like the show, but by the fifth or so hour, I'd be mentally fried. I should take the day off, and try it...
Jenny McCarthy guest stars on My Name is Earl, and our favorite supporting character, Crabman, gets a storyline.
And on The Office, the Scranton branch is closing (so that's how they'll bring Jim back), and Michael tries to cheer everyone up.
Friday, 11/10
Jenna Fischer (The Office) is a guest on Letterman.
Cinemax begins its weekend-long Star Wars movie marathon in order, beginning with Episode One at 11pm. Cinemax has some great commericals touting it. And if you've got Cinemax HD-- your eyes might melt. Be careful...
Sunday, 11/12
See footage from next summer's Simpsons movie during tonight's episode (7:00 CST).
All right. Gotta fly!
Monday, 11/6
Sarah and Schofield finally meet up in Prison Break. All of you looking for a romantic getaway shouldn't be surprised if it doesn't happen. Let's see, since Schofield escaped, Sarah's had to deal with the knowledge that she helped 6 others escape (including T-Bag), she lost her job, father was killed, she was almost killed-- twice so far, and on and on. Yeah, I don't see a passionate lovemaking happening soon.
Vincent, BBC America. 8 pm CST. Series premiere.
Crime drama from one of the best "networks" around.
American Chopper, Discovery. 8 pm CST. Season premiere.
Fourth season already?
Tuesday, 11/7
Go vote.
Don't know who to vote for? Do what I do: do not vote for an incumbent. Preferably a non Dem or Repub if you have those options. You vote isn't wasted if it's not going to one of the two major (only) parties. If enough people keep smacking the elephants and the donkey, we may actually get something accomplished.
Is your state voting on the insidious gay marriage ban? C'mon... This is America: whether you think gays are icky or going to Hell, do you really want to deprive people of their basic rights? Vote Hell No (against a ban) for that one...
There you go: no reason not to vote now.
Thursday, 11/9
Nickelodeon is airing 26 straight hours of Spongebob Squarepants. I like the show, but by the fifth or so hour, I'd be mentally fried. I should take the day off, and try it...
Jenny McCarthy guest stars on My Name is Earl, and our favorite supporting character, Crabman, gets a storyline.
And on The Office, the Scranton branch is closing (so that's how they'll bring Jim back), and Michael tries to cheer everyone up.
Friday, 11/10
Jenna Fischer (The Office) is a guest on Letterman.
Cinemax begins its weekend-long Star Wars movie marathon in order, beginning with Episode One at 11pm. Cinemax has some great commericals touting it. And if you've got Cinemax HD-- your eyes might melt. Be careful...
Sunday, 11/12
See footage from next summer's Simpsons movie during tonight's episode (7:00 CST).
All right. Gotta fly!
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
PRISON BREAK direction
Just got off a spoiler website, and let's just say that by the end of Episode 13 (11/27/06), things will look very different. That's the last show of the front half of the season (before it goes on hiatus for a few months).
There's one plotline that will leave us hanging as hard as the fixed drain pipe did for the cliffhanger in the middle of the first season.
Keep reading for a look at the direction the show will take as of Episode 13 ("The Killing Box")...
Prison Break executive producer/creator Paul Scheuring is making plans for the third season already. What we know: the current storyline will end at the end of this season. Also, the next season will only focus on one or two of the characters, so it's expected that there will be a number of deaths this season as characters are written out of the show.
Okay, the direction of the show (probably classified as "teasers" since they don't spoil anything) as of Episode 13 is:
"Two escapees are recaptured and sent back towards Fox River. One man gets new living arrangements. Sara must make alterations to stay alive. One escapee commits a crime."
Now for more details about the teaser. This one is a definite spoiler, so page down a little to get to the "good stuff". And, as always, this is the end of the post, so if you really don't want spoilers, you aren't going to miss anything by not scrolling down:
"Two escapees are recaptured and sent back": Lincoln and Schofield get recaptured. They do not actually wind up back in prison.
"One man gets new living situations": Bellick ends up in Fox River with a 25 year sentence. My speculation based on bits and pieces I've gathered: he gets blamed for killing Geary (a homicide I imagine T-Bag actually committed). It's a stretch as I don't know that Geary dies or anything-- just speculation I want to post before the truth comes out.
Sara's alterations: I'm guessing an extreme makeover since she's on the run, too (from Kellerman's goons).
"One escapee commits a crime": Could be anyone. T-Bag seems the most reasonable.
There's one plotline that will leave us hanging as hard as the fixed drain pipe did for the cliffhanger in the middle of the first season.
Keep reading for a look at the direction the show will take as of Episode 13 ("The Killing Box")...
Prison Break executive producer/creator Paul Scheuring is making plans for the third season already. What we know: the current storyline will end at the end of this season. Also, the next season will only focus on one or two of the characters, so it's expected that there will be a number of deaths this season as characters are written out of the show.
Okay, the direction of the show (probably classified as "teasers" since they don't spoil anything) as of Episode 13 is:
"Two escapees are recaptured and sent back towards Fox River. One man gets new living arrangements. Sara must make alterations to stay alive. One escapee commits a crime."
Now for more details about the teaser. This one is a definite spoiler, so page down a little to get to the "good stuff". And, as always, this is the end of the post, so if you really don't want spoilers, you aren't going to miss anything by not scrolling down:
"Two escapees are recaptured and sent back": Lincoln and Schofield get recaptured. They do not actually wind up back in prison.
"One man gets new living situations": Bellick ends up in Fox River with a 25 year sentence. My speculation based on bits and pieces I've gathered: he gets blamed for killing Geary (a homicide I imagine T-Bag actually committed). It's a stretch as I don't know that Geary dies or anything-- just speculation I want to post before the truth comes out.
Sara's alterations: I'm guessing an extreme makeover since she's on the run, too (from Kellerman's goons).
"One escapee commits a crime": Could be anyone. T-Bag seems the most reasonable.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Premieres and notables 10/30- 11/05
Monday, 10/30
Remember, as I posted a few days ago: "The Slutty Pumpkin" epsiode of How I Met Your Mother airs tonight.
Schofield goes on the offensive tonight on Prison Break.
Friday Night Lights airs in Studio 60's spot tonight. The episode is supposed to reair tomorrow in its normal timeslot.
Tuesday, 10/31
House returns in it's normal 8 pm CST timeslot.
Standoff returns to a new timeslot (7pm). No need to remember the change; I'm sure it still sucks.
Wednesday, 11/1
Rich List, FOX. 8 pm. Series Premiere
Get ready for the gameshow glut...
Thursday, 11/2
Fat Friends; BBC America. 9 pm. Series Premiere
A British drama about the ups anddowns of the members of a dieting club. (I wonder if it'll be funier than FX's horrible "comedy" Starved.)
And showing that anyone can get a reality show:
Rob & Big; MTV. 9:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Skateboarder Rob Drydek and his bodyguard share a house. I have an in-law connection to the show, so I have to check it out. I'll let you know what I think.
'Til Death and Happy Hour return from the baseball hiatus. Catch 'em while you can. I doubt they are long for this world. (Because they suck; not because viewers "just don't get it").
Roseanne Barr guests on My Name Is Earl as a woman who once believed Earl was God. Seeing as how the celeb guests on this show have absolutely ruled so far, I expect Rosie to do the same.
Friday, 11/3
Chevy Chase does his guest-starring role on Law & Order as a celeb who gives a Mel Gibson-styled rant after he's arrested.
Outkast's Andre 3000 cocreation Class of 3000 begins on the Cartoon Network at 7 pm.
Two new History Channel shows premiere as well: The Lost Evidence (famous campaigns through combat footage, 8 pm) and Dog Fights (famous air-to-air battles via compter graphics, 9 pm).
Sunday, 11/5
FOX Sunday returns with The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror 17. American Dad, Family Guy, and (shudder) The War at Home also return with new eps.
And someone's supposed to bite it on Desperate Housewives in the storyline that begins tonight. Everything's pointing to Lynette, so it probably won't go that way (also Felicity Huffman should be begging to be off that show since they don't know what to do with the character). Also, the previews look like Susan's daughter (Julie?) could be the one, but that's pretty hardcore. May I recommend the psycho ex of Lynette's husband?
Remember, as I posted a few days ago: "The Slutty Pumpkin" epsiode of How I Met Your Mother airs tonight.
Schofield goes on the offensive tonight on Prison Break.
Friday Night Lights airs in Studio 60's spot tonight. The episode is supposed to reair tomorrow in its normal timeslot.
Tuesday, 10/31
House returns in it's normal 8 pm CST timeslot.
Standoff returns to a new timeslot (7pm). No need to remember the change; I'm sure it still sucks.
Wednesday, 11/1
Rich List, FOX. 8 pm. Series Premiere
Get ready for the gameshow glut...
Thursday, 11/2
Fat Friends; BBC America. 9 pm. Series Premiere
A British drama about the ups anddowns of the members of a dieting club. (I wonder if it'll be funier than FX's horrible "comedy" Starved.)
And showing that anyone can get a reality show:
Rob & Big; MTV. 9:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Skateboarder Rob Drydek and his bodyguard share a house. I have an in-law connection to the show, so I have to check it out. I'll let you know what I think.
'Til Death and Happy Hour return from the baseball hiatus. Catch 'em while you can. I doubt they are long for this world. (Because they suck; not because viewers "just don't get it").
Roseanne Barr guests on My Name Is Earl as a woman who once believed Earl was God. Seeing as how the celeb guests on this show have absolutely ruled so far, I expect Rosie to do the same.
Friday, 11/3
Chevy Chase does his guest-starring role on Law & Order as a celeb who gives a Mel Gibson-styled rant after he's arrested.
Outkast's Andre 3000 cocreation Class of 3000 begins on the Cartoon Network at 7 pm.
Two new History Channel shows premiere as well: The Lost Evidence (famous campaigns through combat footage, 8 pm) and Dog Fights (famous air-to-air battles via compter graphics, 9 pm).
Sunday, 11/5
FOX Sunday returns with The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror 17. American Dad, Family Guy, and (shudder) The War at Home also return with new eps.
And someone's supposed to bite it on Desperate Housewives in the storyline that begins tonight. Everything's pointing to Lynette, so it probably won't go that way (also Felicity Huffman should be begging to be off that show since they don't know what to do with the character). Also, the previews look like Susan's daughter (Julie?) could be the one, but that's pretty hardcore. May I recommend the psycho ex of Lynette's husband?
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Quick notables coming soon
I'll be posting the premieres and notables soon, but I wanted to make sure I posted ones on the tip of my brain as they come soon.
Sunday, 10/29:
BBC America is running a Hex marathon. All nine episodes of the first (only?) season from 10 am CST to 8 pm. I only saw the pilot (have the others in my "to watch" tape pile), but the commercials had a big Buffy vibe. It was promoted heavily during its run this past summer. May be worth checking out.
Monday, 10/30
CBS is repeating the "Slutty Pumpkin" episode of How I Met Your Mother. This was the episode that sold me on the show. It was very well-written, and the show pulled me in every direction it wanted me to go (will he or won't he find her?). And check out Barney's tactic to hook up with a woman by changing costumes frequently and giving her a different pick-up line.
This is a highly recommended episode of a highly recommended show. It isn't as "sexy" as The Office or My Name is Earl, but it's one of the best-written comedies out there when it's firing on all cylinders.
Now this ep is from last year, so Ted's a lot more pathetic in that ep than he is now. Just keep that in mind.
Sunday, 10/29:
BBC America is running a Hex marathon. All nine episodes of the first (only?) season from 10 am CST to 8 pm. I only saw the pilot (have the others in my "to watch" tape pile), but the commercials had a big Buffy vibe. It was promoted heavily during its run this past summer. May be worth checking out.
Monday, 10/30
CBS is repeating the "Slutty Pumpkin" episode of How I Met Your Mother. This was the episode that sold me on the show. It was very well-written, and the show pulled me in every direction it wanted me to go (will he or won't he find her?). And check out Barney's tactic to hook up with a woman by changing costumes frequently and giving her a different pick-up line.
This is a highly recommended episode of a highly recommended show. It isn't as "sexy" as The Office or My Name is Earl, but it's one of the best-written comedies out there when it's firing on all cylinders.
Now this ep is from last year, so Ted's a lot more pathetic in that ep than he is now. Just keep that in mind.
24 Trailer and Ausiello interviews
Just a quick one.
There's huge buzz surrounding the 24 trailer that was just released. I just want to know how many hours/episodes will be spent shaving Jack's face.
Here's the link:
http://www.24trailer.com/
And TV Guide's Michael Ausiello interviewed a number of FOX stars at a recent gathering, and he hit up five Prison Break members for a few minutes each. Minor spoilers in them (not here), but nothing you probably already didn't know-- or won't know long before they air.
Notables:
Wentworth Miller seems like a guy you could sit and talk with for hours. He's always seemed that way to me in any interview I've ever seen him give. Dude's smart and extremely articulate. And he seems to know his way around Michael Schofield (the Ausiello clip caught Miller saying Schofield and Mahone are almost like two sides of the same coin-- except Mahone went to the dark side).
Sarah Callies took the obvious question Ausiello had to ask and stopped him in his tracks. It was pretty good to see-- and reminded us of how much has happened to her since Schofield betrayed her.
Dominic Purcell was humorously underdressed compared to the others.
Marshall Allman seemed comfortable with his continued existence on the show.
William Fichtner cut Ausiello NO slack. He chewed him up and spit him out. Either Fichtner knows something about Mahone we've never seen, or he's deluded himself as much as Mahone has had to. I also liked how Fichtner did everything except say "stop letting the major plot beats dictate the characters," by saying, "I don't know what show you've been watching."
And Invasion fans may not want to stay to the end of the Fichtner interview. Let's just say he's not upset the show didn't get renewed.
Those were the Prison Break clips, but I also checked out the David Boreanez clip about Bones. "TV Geek" Ausiello asks him if he'd ever consider doing a Buffy The Vampire Slayer movie, and you could feel the temperature drop as he said, "I don't know." I don't what happened on that show or Angel (other than maybe he felt he was typecast for a while), but it seems as if he has no desire to go back. Bummer.
Anyway, here's the link to the clips. Most are about in the 2 minute range.
http://www.tvguide.com/News-Views/Columnists/Ausiello.aspx
There's huge buzz surrounding the 24 trailer that was just released. I just want to know how many hours/episodes will be spent shaving Jack's face.
Here's the link:
http://www.24trailer.com/
And TV Guide's Michael Ausiello interviewed a number of FOX stars at a recent gathering, and he hit up five Prison Break members for a few minutes each. Minor spoilers in them (not here), but nothing you probably already didn't know-- or won't know long before they air.
Notables:
Wentworth Miller seems like a guy you could sit and talk with for hours. He's always seemed that way to me in any interview I've ever seen him give. Dude's smart and extremely articulate. And he seems to know his way around Michael Schofield (the Ausiello clip caught Miller saying Schofield and Mahone are almost like two sides of the same coin-- except Mahone went to the dark side).
Sarah Callies took the obvious question Ausiello had to ask and stopped him in his tracks. It was pretty good to see-- and reminded us of how much has happened to her since Schofield betrayed her.
Dominic Purcell was humorously underdressed compared to the others.
Marshall Allman seemed comfortable with his continued existence on the show.
William Fichtner cut Ausiello NO slack. He chewed him up and spit him out. Either Fichtner knows something about Mahone we've never seen, or he's deluded himself as much as Mahone has had to. I also liked how Fichtner did everything except say "stop letting the major plot beats dictate the characters," by saying, "I don't know what show you've been watching."
And Invasion fans may not want to stay to the end of the Fichtner interview. Let's just say he's not upset the show didn't get renewed.
Those were the Prison Break clips, but I also checked out the David Boreanez clip about Bones. "TV Geek" Ausiello asks him if he'd ever consider doing a Buffy The Vampire Slayer movie, and you could feel the temperature drop as he said, "I don't know." I don't what happened on that show or Angel (other than maybe he felt he was typecast for a while), but it seems as if he has no desire to go back. Bummer.
Anyway, here's the link to the clips. Most are about in the 2 minute range.
http://www.tvguide.com/News-Views/Columnists/Ausiello.aspx
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