For those of you who became fans of the ABC burn-off Traveler this summer, you may want to check out this link with a TV Guide blog post by David DiGilio that outlines the plans for season two (which will never happen) as well as how he envisioned the finale.
I thought it was a cool move for the fans to write this, so if you were one of those fans, check it out:
http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/Celebrity-Blogs/Davids-Traveler-Blog/Closure/800023249
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Premieres and Notables, October 3-7, 2007
And we continue...
Wednesday, 10/3
South Park; Comedy Central. 9 pm CST. 11th (12th) Season Premiere.
I'm pretty sure the new season starts tonight. How could TV Guide neglect to mention the premiere of the best satire on television? I don't know.
The Sarah Silverman Program; Comedy Central. 9:30. 2nd Season premiere.
Yeah, Silverman resorts to juvenile comedy too often, but the show is otherwise very excellent.
Better Half; Bravo. 10 pm. Series Premiere.
Spouses are challenged to learn their significant others' jobs and then compete against others for $20,000.
Pushing Daisies; ABC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
The top choice of new shows for the critics I follow as best new show of the season. Lee Pace stars as a pie-maker who can bring back the dead with a touch. A second touch makes them die for good. It's a funny/quirky show that has everyone buzzing. Highly recommended.
Also, the TV Guide Channel's Infanity series looks at Prison Break at 7 pm (and probably repeats a dozen times in the next week). You just may catch a glimpse of good stuff by watching it.
Thursday, 10/4
30 Rock; NBC. 7:30. 2nd season premiere.
The most over-rated comedy of last year (yes, it did get better from a horrible start, but it's not the best comedy EVER like many people are saying) with an appearance by Jerry Seinfeld.
Law & Order: Criminal Intent; USA. 9 pm. 7th season premiere.
The former NBC show moves to USA to keep (creator) Dick Wolf happy.
Supernatural; CW. 8 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Carter Can; HGTV. 7:30. Series Premiere.
Carter Oostehouse helps homeowners with home renovation projects.
Last One Standing; Discovery. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Six athletes travel the world to learn ancient sparring techniques. Might be a good one to try out if you like the History Channel's excellent Human Weapon series.
And Clark's cousin, Kara, is introduced on Smallville (CW, 7 pm). Kara has also been known to call herself "Supergirl", so you can see why that's a big deal. And while the outfit is little weird, you can't say she doesn't look super in this pic from TV Guide:
Wednesday, 10/3
South Park; Comedy Central. 9 pm CST. 11th (12th) Season Premiere.
I'm pretty sure the new season starts tonight. How could TV Guide neglect to mention the premiere of the best satire on television? I don't know.
The Sarah Silverman Program; Comedy Central. 9:30. 2nd Season premiere.
Yeah, Silverman resorts to juvenile comedy too often, but the show is otherwise very excellent.
Better Half; Bravo. 10 pm. Series Premiere.
Spouses are challenged to learn their significant others' jobs and then compete against others for $20,000.
Pushing Daisies; ABC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
The top choice of new shows for the critics I follow as best new show of the season. Lee Pace stars as a pie-maker who can bring back the dead with a touch. A second touch makes them die for good. It's a funny/quirky show that has everyone buzzing. Highly recommended.
Also, the TV Guide Channel's Infanity series looks at Prison Break at 7 pm (and probably repeats a dozen times in the next week). You just may catch a glimpse of good stuff by watching it.
Thursday, 10/4
30 Rock; NBC. 7:30. 2nd season premiere.
The most over-rated comedy of last year (yes, it did get better from a horrible start, but it's not the best comedy EVER like many people are saying) with an appearance by Jerry Seinfeld.
Law & Order: Criminal Intent; USA. 9 pm. 7th season premiere.
The former NBC show moves to USA to keep (creator) Dick Wolf happy.
Supernatural; CW. 8 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Carter Can; HGTV. 7:30. Series Premiere.
Carter Oostehouse helps homeowners with home renovation projects.
Last One Standing; Discovery. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Six athletes travel the world to learn ancient sparring techniques. Might be a good one to try out if you like the History Channel's excellent Human Weapon series.
And Clark's cousin, Kara, is introduced on Smallville (CW, 7 pm). Kara has also been known to call herself "Supergirl", so you can see why that's a big deal. And while the outfit is little weird, you can't say she doesn't look super in this pic from TV Guide:
Damn...
Friday, 10/5
Degrassi: The Next Generation; The N. 7 pm. 7th Season Premiere.
About a Girl; The N. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Friday Night Lights; NBC. 8 pm. 2nd season premiere.
The critic's darling from last year either gets saved by moving it to the less-competitive Fridays or gets thrown under the bus by going to the less money-making Fridays.
Saturday, 10/6
Hammer Heads; HGTV. 9:30 am. Series Premiere.
Yet another show about stalled home renovation projects.
Sunday, 10/7
Life is Wild; CW. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
A family-friendly program about a man who brings his blended family to South Africa, so he can care for endangered animals.
Captured; Oxygen. 9:30. Series Premiere.
This show focuses on mysteries solved primarily by women.
Next Iron Chef; Food. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
A contest show to find the next Iron Chef.
Premieres and Notables October 1-2, 2007
Lots of new stuff-- and most of the summer shows that haven't ended yet are ending this week.
Sorry, but time's at a premium, so I have to break the week up again. Here's Monday and Tuesday:
Monday, 10/1
Everybody Hates Chris; CW. 7 pm CST. 3rd season premiere.
The most underrated comedy out there. It may not be the best or the funniest, but it is extremely consistent and doesn't use teasing humor at all. It's a well-done throwback to the innocent comedies of the 1980's. Check it out if you haven't yet.
Aliens in America; CW. 7:30. Series Premiere.
This is, unanimously, the critics' favorite new comedy of the season. I have heard nothing bad at all about it. Normally, that would mean a short life for the show. But it is on The CW, which needs all the critical acclaim it can get, so this show should last a while. Anyway, it's about a young man who doesn't fit into the norms of his high school (he's a "dweeb", "geek", whatever), and finds a common bond with a Pakistani exchange student who lives with his family, who's even more "out of touch" with the other kids. Highly recommended.
Girlfriends; CW. 8 pm. (4th, 5th, ?) Season premiere.
The Game; CW. 8:30. 2nd (3rd?) season premiere.
Celebrity Expose; MNT (My Network Television). 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Because there just aren't any shows about stars and their foibles... The premiere focuses on Lindsey Lohan, so it must be a 2 or 3-parter...
Control Room Presents; MNT. 8 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Live (on tape) shows by popular musicians. The premiere has Maroon 5 in Montreal.
Dr. Steve-O; USA. 10:05. Series Premiere.
Jackass star Steve-O challenges guys to participate in crazy stunts. I had heard that the real goal was to get timid men to become more manly. While I've never watched Steve-O's work, I did see him use a staple gun to pin his scrotum to his thigh on some late-nite talk show, so I guess there's no better person out there to give guys a shot of manliness.
Tuesday, 10/2
Cavemen; ABC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
This is the show every single critic I've read has said is the worst of the new season. I haven't heard a single good thing about it. It uses the Caveman character (times three) from the Geico commercials to show how there is intolerance in the human race. Great concept as I believe we have a lot of "growing up" to do as a species, but, if everything I've read is any clue, the execution of the concept is horrendous.
Carpoolers; ABC. 7:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Four guys discuss their lives and problems during their daily commute. Would be considered the worst new show of the year if Cavemen hadn't beaten it.
Queer Eye; Bravo. 8 & 9 pm. 5th season premiere.
Catch the last bit of tips from the Fab 5 while you can as this is the final season.
Jon & Kate Plus 8; Discovery. 9 & 9:30. 2nd season premiere.
Five Days; HBO. 7 pm. 5-part miniseries.
This mini hits on the five most important days in a search for a missing woman. This is a co-production with BBC, so you know it will be gutwrenching-- and fantastic. Recommended.
Sorry, but time's at a premium, so I have to break the week up again. Here's Monday and Tuesday:
Monday, 10/1
Everybody Hates Chris; CW. 7 pm CST. 3rd season premiere.
The most underrated comedy out there. It may not be the best or the funniest, but it is extremely consistent and doesn't use teasing humor at all. It's a well-done throwback to the innocent comedies of the 1980's. Check it out if you haven't yet.
Aliens in America; CW. 7:30. Series Premiere.
This is, unanimously, the critics' favorite new comedy of the season. I have heard nothing bad at all about it. Normally, that would mean a short life for the show. But it is on The CW, which needs all the critical acclaim it can get, so this show should last a while. Anyway, it's about a young man who doesn't fit into the norms of his high school (he's a "dweeb", "geek", whatever), and finds a common bond with a Pakistani exchange student who lives with his family, who's even more "out of touch" with the other kids. Highly recommended.
Girlfriends; CW. 8 pm. (4th, 5th, ?) Season premiere.
The Game; CW. 8:30. 2nd (3rd?) season premiere.
Celebrity Expose; MNT (My Network Television). 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Because there just aren't any shows about stars and their foibles... The premiere focuses on Lindsey Lohan, so it must be a 2 or 3-parter...
Control Room Presents; MNT. 8 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Live (on tape) shows by popular musicians. The premiere has Maroon 5 in Montreal.
Dr. Steve-O; USA. 10:05. Series Premiere.
Jackass star Steve-O challenges guys to participate in crazy stunts. I had heard that the real goal was to get timid men to become more manly. While I've never watched Steve-O's work, I did see him use a staple gun to pin his scrotum to his thigh on some late-nite talk show, so I guess there's no better person out there to give guys a shot of manliness.
Tuesday, 10/2
Cavemen; ABC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
This is the show every single critic I've read has said is the worst of the new season. I haven't heard a single good thing about it. It uses the Caveman character (times three) from the Geico commercials to show how there is intolerance in the human race. Great concept as I believe we have a lot of "growing up" to do as a species, but, if everything I've read is any clue, the execution of the concept is horrendous.
Carpoolers; ABC. 7:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Four guys discuss their lives and problems during their daily commute. Would be considered the worst new show of the year if Cavemen hadn't beaten it.
Queer Eye; Bravo. 8 & 9 pm. 5th season premiere.
Catch the last bit of tips from the Fab 5 while you can as this is the final season.
Jon & Kate Plus 8; Discovery. 9 & 9:30. 2nd season premiere.
Five Days; HBO. 7 pm. 5-part miniseries.
This mini hits on the five most important days in a search for a missing woman. This is a co-production with BBC, so you know it will be gutwrenching-- and fantastic. Recommended.
Drunk Driving
This, truly, is one of the wrongest things I've ever read, but since it was done for The Onion, it's frickin' hilarious.
No Police Report Can Truly Capture My Love Of Drunk Driving
No Police Report Can Truly Capture My Love Of Drunk Driving
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Premieres & Notables Sept 29-30, 2007
Okay, I'll finish this week here. Promise.
Saturday, 9/29
(Supposedly) CBS will reair this week's Moonlight (7pm) and Cane (8 pm) and NBC will reair Heroes (7 pm) and Bionic Woman (8 pm).
Saturday Night Live; NBC. 10:19 pm CST. 33rd (about 10 too many) season premiere.
Hosted by LeBron James, who I'm sure is s great guy, but how bad is it if NBC can't even get one of its own stars to host this show at the beginning of a new television season???
Blogger Perez Hilton hosts the third MadTV compilation (FOX, 10 pm), which focuses on pop culture parodies. Cross your fingers the classic Jessica Alba/Ike Berenholtz take-off on the Jessica Simpson/Nick Lachey show Newlyweds is there. The line "She's dumber than a box of hammers," is one I use in my everyday life.
48 Hours Mystery; CBS. 9 pm. 4th Season Premiere.
Back in the Barnyard; Nickelodeon. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
New series based on the Barnyard film of last year.
The Shopping Detective; Fine Living. 10 pm. Series Premiere.
My favorite shows are ones where I get to watch others shop. Seriously. Watching grass grow, paint dry, and other people f-bombing shopping! "Fine Living" indeed.
The Victory Garden; PBS. 10:30 (check local listings). 33rd season premiere.
With new host Jamie Durie.
Sunday, 9/30
Pellet returns:
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition; ABC. 6 & 7 pm. 5th season premiere.
Desperate Housewives; ABC. 8 pm. 4th season premiere.
(with new cast members Dana Delany and Nathan Fillion)
Dexter; Showtime. 8 pm. 2nd season premiere.
I hope to catch this while I've got Showtime-- got a good deal three weeks ago and added it.
Brotherhood; Showtime. 9 pm. 2nd season premiere.
American Dad; FOX. 8:30 pm. 4th season premiere.
Brothers and Sisters; ABC. 9:01 pm. 2nd season premiere.
(now, with even more angst; it's a wonder these guys haven't participated in a suicide pact. [I do like the show; it's just a bit much sometimes.]).
That's it for this week. Next week should be a little easier.
Saturday, 9/29
(Supposedly) CBS will reair this week's Moonlight (7pm) and Cane (8 pm) and NBC will reair Heroes (7 pm) and Bionic Woman (8 pm).
Saturday Night Live; NBC. 10:19 pm CST. 33rd (about 10 too many) season premiere.
Hosted by LeBron James, who I'm sure is s great guy, but how bad is it if NBC can't even get one of its own stars to host this show at the beginning of a new television season???
Blogger Perez Hilton hosts the third MadTV compilation (FOX, 10 pm), which focuses on pop culture parodies. Cross your fingers the classic Jessica Alba/Ike Berenholtz take-off on the Jessica Simpson/Nick Lachey show Newlyweds is there. The line "She's dumber than a box of hammers," is one I use in my everyday life.
48 Hours Mystery; CBS. 9 pm. 4th Season Premiere.
Back in the Barnyard; Nickelodeon. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
New series based on the Barnyard film of last year.
The Shopping Detective; Fine Living. 10 pm. Series Premiere.
My favorite shows are ones where I get to watch others shop. Seriously. Watching grass grow, paint dry, and other people f-bombing shopping! "Fine Living" indeed.
The Victory Garden; PBS. 10:30 (check local listings). 33rd season premiere.
With new host Jamie Durie.
Sunday, 9/30
Pellet returns:
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition; ABC. 6 & 7 pm. 5th season premiere.
Desperate Housewives; ABC. 8 pm. 4th season premiere.
(with new cast members Dana Delany and Nathan Fillion)
Dexter; Showtime. 8 pm. 2nd season premiere.
I hope to catch this while I've got Showtime-- got a good deal three weeks ago and added it.
Brotherhood; Showtime. 9 pm. 2nd season premiere.
American Dad; FOX. 8:30 pm. 4th season premiere.
Brothers and Sisters; ABC. 9:01 pm. 2nd season premiere.
(now, with even more angst; it's a wonder these guys haven't participated in a suicide pact. [I do like the show; it's just a bit much sometimes.]).
That's it for this week. Next week should be a little easier.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Premieres and Notables, Sept 27-28
Hopefully for the last time this week:
Thursday, 9/27
My Name Is Earl; NBC. 7 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Who saw last season's finale coming? I certainly didn't. Earl got his life together, then he ended up taking the fall for Joy's crime (so she wouldn't get her "third strike") and landed in jail. Producers say Earl will be in jail a while. They also said we'll find out why Crab Man (Darnell) is in Witness Protection. Oh yeah-- there will be an hour-long Cops-themed episode this season focusing on the gang like last year. Cool.
The Office; NBC. 8 pm. 4th season premiere.
This begins the four hour-long episode run for the show. Producers say they won't be padding the show for extra time, but will keep them very tight. We'll see what happens when Jan moves into Michael's condo; what happened on Jim & Pam's date; and the fall-out of Jim and Karen's breakup. Oh yeah-- Creed, Andy, and Darrell's actors become series regulars, so we should see more of them. Extra cool.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation; CBS. 8 pm. 8th season premiere.
Grey's Anatomy; ABC. 8 pm. 4th season premiere.
Big Shots; ABC. 9:01. Series Premiere.
Another great cast; but this Sex in the City-esque show about men doesn't excite me too much. I'll check it out; we'll see how long I last.
Without a Trace; CBS. 9 pm. 6th season premiere.
ER; NBC. 9 pm. 13th season premiere.
Who would have thought the show would make it this long? Everyone was writing it off at this time last year, and now it looks to have reinvigorated itself.
Ugly Betty; ABC. 7 pm. 2nd season premiere.
This is a great show. If you're not watching, try it. It's a little cartoony, but it works.
Smallville; CW. 7 pm. 7th season premiere.
And who would have thought that an "UnSuperman" Superman show would last this long?
Friday, 9/28
Las Vegas; NBC. 8 pm. 5th season premiere.
Five years? Wow.
Fun Shui; HGTV. 8:30. Series Premiere.
Oh, I see HGTV got some stones; trying to horn in on the networks.
Ghost Whisperer; CBS. 7 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Jennifer Love Hewitt and her boobs are back.
[I'm not sure what that means, but every parody of the show I've seen focuses on her boobs.]
HA!!! Check this out: The National Geographic channel has a documentary about bras (The Secret History of the Bra) at 9 pm. Get revved up watching Ghost Whisperer and then learn about the device used to contain Miss Hewitt's assets an hour later...
Moonlight; CBS. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
I'm not gonna be a hater because this show focuses on a vampire who becomes a private eye in L.A., but c'mon! I'll tell you what-- I'll watch this show (which I am not expecting to like much), and you go and watch the brilliant series Angel (about a vampire private eye in L.A.) on DVD or FX. Trust me...
Numb3rs; BCS. 9 pm. 4th season premiere.
This series with the stupid "3" for "e" in the title has Val Kilmer as a criminal mastermind.
Stargate Atlantis; Sci Fi. 9 pm. 4th season premiere.
Nope-- not gonna finish the week with this post. Sorry-- I'm fried...
Thursday, 9/27
My Name Is Earl; NBC. 7 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Who saw last season's finale coming? I certainly didn't. Earl got his life together, then he ended up taking the fall for Joy's crime (so she wouldn't get her "third strike") and landed in jail. Producers say Earl will be in jail a while. They also said we'll find out why Crab Man (Darnell) is in Witness Protection. Oh yeah-- there will be an hour-long Cops-themed episode this season focusing on the gang like last year. Cool.
The Office; NBC. 8 pm. 4th season premiere.
This begins the four hour-long episode run for the show. Producers say they won't be padding the show for extra time, but will keep them very tight. We'll see what happens when Jan moves into Michael's condo; what happened on Jim & Pam's date; and the fall-out of Jim and Karen's breakup. Oh yeah-- Creed, Andy, and Darrell's actors become series regulars, so we should see more of them. Extra cool.
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation; CBS. 8 pm. 8th season premiere.
Grey's Anatomy; ABC. 8 pm. 4th season premiere.
Big Shots; ABC. 9:01. Series Premiere.
Another great cast; but this Sex in the City-esque show about men doesn't excite me too much. I'll check it out; we'll see how long I last.
Without a Trace; CBS. 9 pm. 6th season premiere.
ER; NBC. 9 pm. 13th season premiere.
Who would have thought the show would make it this long? Everyone was writing it off at this time last year, and now it looks to have reinvigorated itself.
Ugly Betty; ABC. 7 pm. 2nd season premiere.
This is a great show. If you're not watching, try it. It's a little cartoony, but it works.
Smallville; CW. 7 pm. 7th season premiere.
And who would have thought that an "UnSuperman" Superman show would last this long?
Friday, 9/28
Las Vegas; NBC. 8 pm. 5th season premiere.
Five years? Wow.
Fun Shui; HGTV. 8:30. Series Premiere.
Oh, I see HGTV got some stones; trying to horn in on the networks.
Ghost Whisperer; CBS. 7 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Jennifer Love Hewitt and her boobs are back.
[I'm not sure what that means, but every parody of the show I've seen focuses on her boobs.]
HA!!! Check this out: The National Geographic channel has a documentary about bras (The Secret History of the Bra) at 9 pm. Get revved up watching Ghost Whisperer and then learn about the device used to contain Miss Hewitt's assets an hour later...
Moonlight; CBS. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
I'm not gonna be a hater because this show focuses on a vampire who becomes a private eye in L.A., but c'mon! I'll tell you what-- I'll watch this show (which I am not expecting to like much), and you go and watch the brilliant series Angel (about a vampire private eye in L.A.) on DVD or FX. Trust me...
Numb3rs; BCS. 9 pm. 4th season premiere.
This series with the stupid "3" for "e" in the title has Val Kilmer as a criminal mastermind.
Stargate Atlantis; Sci Fi. 9 pm. 4th season premiere.
Nope-- not gonna finish the week with this post. Sorry-- I'm fried...
Premieres and Notables, Sept 25-26, 2007
Okay, picking up where I left off...
Tuesday, 9/25
Bones; FOX. 7 pm CST. 3rd season premiere.
NCIS; CBS. 7 pm. 5th season premiere.
House; FOX. 8 pm. 4th season premiere.
I just started watching this show a month ago (I'm through most of the first season), and I found it interesting, if a bit routine (every plot is roughly the same). This season shakes things up a bit. In the finale last season, House lost his team, and now he has to make a new one. And he goes about it only as House would: by making a "reality show" of it (he snuffs out bunsen burners a la Survivor and hands out roses like on The Bachelor). Sounds funny-- and there are few minor "name" guest stars who act as the people trying to get the job.
The Unit; CBS. 8 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Boston Legal; ABC. 8:30 pm. 4th season premiere.
I know this show draws snickers because it does well at the Emmys even though it's not, really, the highest-quality show out there. But I like it. I'm a little pissed that Constance Zimmer, Mark Valley, and (the worst blow) Julie Bowen were left packing, but they're trying to mix it up. Adding John Larroquette (who was amazing in guest stints on The Practice) should help ease the pain.
Singing Bee; NBC. 8:30. 2nd season premiere.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit; NBC. 9 pm. 9th season premiere.
Hey-- NEW SHOWS:
Cane; CBS. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Jimmy Smits leads a pretty darn good cast in this drama about the family business: rum and sugar. I think it'll be good. Recommended.
And, for my other of my two most-anticipated new shows of the season:
Reaper; CW. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
One of my favorite young actors, Bret Harrison, plays a slacker who finds out that his parents sold his soul to Satan (Ray Wise-- perfect). And, on his 21st birthday, Satan comes to collect. Sam can stay out of Hell if he becomes the Devil's bounty hunter and retrieves souls that have escaped Hell.
This looks great. If you need any more incentive, Kevin Smith directed the pilot. Yes, "Silent Bob" Kevin Smith. Highly recommended.
Wednesday, 9/26
Bionic Woman; NBC. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
I wrote about this reimagining of the '70s show. Scroll down a little on the blog (sorry-- running out of time). I didn't have great things to say, but I think this show will find itself after a few episodes. It was good-- I'm just hoping for better. Recommended.
Life; NBC. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
I wrote about this show below, too-- not as far as Bionic Woman. You can't miss it... Recommended.
Private Practice; ABC. Series Premiere.
This Grey's Anatomy spin-off finds Kate Walsh's Addison moving to L.A. and hooking up with an amazing cast (Taye Diggs, Tim Daly, Amy Brenneman-- are you freakin' kidding me with this cast?). My "don't drop after the pilot" theory I wrote about earlier applies here. I've read that the pilot is weak, but the second episode is worlds better. And we can only assume it'll just keep getting better after that. Recommended.
CSI: NY; 9 pm. 4th season premiere.
Dirty Sexy Money; ABC. 9:01. Series Prmeiere.
Another great cast, but this one is about a wealthy, dysfunctional family. I'll check it out, but I have a feeling I won't be watching long.
Criminal Minds; CBS. 8 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Patinkin is out (he just up and left the show), and his "replacement" Joe Mantegna debuts on 10/31.
Gotta run-- Frisky Dingo's on. Best line this season so far goes to Xander, when told Killface has a documentary. "What's it called? 'Check This Out I Suck'? Glug glug."
Tuesday, 9/25
Bones; FOX. 7 pm CST. 3rd season premiere.
NCIS; CBS. 7 pm. 5th season premiere.
House; FOX. 8 pm. 4th season premiere.
I just started watching this show a month ago (I'm through most of the first season), and I found it interesting, if a bit routine (every plot is roughly the same). This season shakes things up a bit. In the finale last season, House lost his team, and now he has to make a new one. And he goes about it only as House would: by making a "reality show" of it (he snuffs out bunsen burners a la Survivor and hands out roses like on The Bachelor). Sounds funny-- and there are few minor "name" guest stars who act as the people trying to get the job.
The Unit; CBS. 8 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Boston Legal; ABC. 8:30 pm. 4th season premiere.
I know this show draws snickers because it does well at the Emmys even though it's not, really, the highest-quality show out there. But I like it. I'm a little pissed that Constance Zimmer, Mark Valley, and (the worst blow) Julie Bowen were left packing, but they're trying to mix it up. Adding John Larroquette (who was amazing in guest stints on The Practice) should help ease the pain.
Singing Bee; NBC. 8:30. 2nd season premiere.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit; NBC. 9 pm. 9th season premiere.
Hey-- NEW SHOWS:
Cane; CBS. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Jimmy Smits leads a pretty darn good cast in this drama about the family business: rum and sugar. I think it'll be good. Recommended.
And, for my other of my two most-anticipated new shows of the season:
Reaper; CW. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
One of my favorite young actors, Bret Harrison, plays a slacker who finds out that his parents sold his soul to Satan (Ray Wise-- perfect). And, on his 21st birthday, Satan comes to collect. Sam can stay out of Hell if he becomes the Devil's bounty hunter and retrieves souls that have escaped Hell.
This looks great. If you need any more incentive, Kevin Smith directed the pilot. Yes, "Silent Bob" Kevin Smith. Highly recommended.
Wednesday, 9/26
Bionic Woman; NBC. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
I wrote about this reimagining of the '70s show. Scroll down a little on the blog (sorry-- running out of time). I didn't have great things to say, but I think this show will find itself after a few episodes. It was good-- I'm just hoping for better. Recommended.
Life; NBC. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
I wrote about this show below, too-- not as far as Bionic Woman. You can't miss it... Recommended.
Private Practice; ABC. Series Premiere.
This Grey's Anatomy spin-off finds Kate Walsh's Addison moving to L.A. and hooking up with an amazing cast (Taye Diggs, Tim Daly, Amy Brenneman-- are you freakin' kidding me with this cast?). My "don't drop after the pilot" theory I wrote about earlier applies here. I've read that the pilot is weak, but the second episode is worlds better. And we can only assume it'll just keep getting better after that. Recommended.
CSI: NY; 9 pm. 4th season premiere.
Dirty Sexy Money; ABC. 9:01. Series Prmeiere.
Another great cast, but this one is about a wealthy, dysfunctional family. I'll check it out, but I have a feeling I won't be watching long.
Criminal Minds; CBS. 8 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Patinkin is out (he just up and left the show), and his "replacement" Joe Mantegna debuts on 10/31.
Gotta run-- Frisky Dingo's on. Best line this season so far goes to Xander, when told Killface has a documentary. "What's it called? 'Check This Out I Suck'? Glug glug."
JOURNEYMAN and LIFE quickies
Yesterday, I checked out the Journeyman and Life pilots.
Journeyman stars Kevin McKidd as Dan Vassar, a newspaperman who finds himself traveling through time. In the pilot, he traveled between eight and ten years back in time. While he's away in the past, time keeps moving, so he, essentially, disappears from the present. It seems he had a bit of a drug problem in his past, so his friends and family think he's using again when he drops of the earth for days at a time.
I had a few "problems" with the plot; namely, how is he going to convince his family he's not insane or using during the run of this series when they thought both within fifteen minutes of the pilot? Also, when he travelled in his past, he bumped into the "love of his life", so there was also that little bit of drama/complication that could get annoying.
But I'm happy to say there are a few twists in the second half that ease those problems. And the ending, while sappy, had a beautiful moment with his wife that hooked me.
It's a show that I hope has some sort of pay-off for people. (I don't see this becoming a big hit because it can be complicated).
Journeyman premieres Monday, 9/24 at 9 pm CST.
Life finds Damian Lewis as Charlie Crews, a former detective who might have been framed for murder and spent 12 years in jail before being released when new evidence came to light. He scored a big settlement and decided to go back to the force and solve crimes. His time in prison has given him a Zen-like approach to life and the crimes.
The premise sounds pretty simple, but there are a whole crew of people who roam within and without Charlie's life. His partner got him as a punishment for "screwing up" and now has to report to their superior officer about any misdeeds by Charlie. His financial advisor (played by Adam Arkin) lives in a room about Charlie's garage. And Charlie's old partner seems to not believe he really was innocent.
Oh, yeah, Charlie is also trying to secretly find out who framed him.
Life's pilot was funny. I, actually, hadn't intended on watching the series at first, but I liked what I saw in the promos and also liked this pilot. I hope the show can maintain the balance between the fish out of water Charlie (imagine the technology that has arisen in the past dozen years-- a camera in a phone for one) as well as his outlook on life and the crimes that he and his partner will solve (I'm kinda "done" with procedurals).
This will probably be another tough one to break big for NBC. But I give the network props for trying something different.
Life premieres Wednesday at 9 pm CST.
Both these shows are above average and deserve a look.
Journeyman stars Kevin McKidd as Dan Vassar, a newspaperman who finds himself traveling through time. In the pilot, he traveled between eight and ten years back in time. While he's away in the past, time keeps moving, so he, essentially, disappears from the present. It seems he had a bit of a drug problem in his past, so his friends and family think he's using again when he drops of the earth for days at a time.
I had a few "problems" with the plot; namely, how is he going to convince his family he's not insane or using during the run of this series when they thought both within fifteen minutes of the pilot? Also, when he travelled in his past, he bumped into the "love of his life", so there was also that little bit of drama/complication that could get annoying.
But I'm happy to say there are a few twists in the second half that ease those problems. And the ending, while sappy, had a beautiful moment with his wife that hooked me.
It's a show that I hope has some sort of pay-off for people. (I don't see this becoming a big hit because it can be complicated).
Journeyman premieres Monday, 9/24 at 9 pm CST.
Life finds Damian Lewis as Charlie Crews, a former detective who might have been framed for murder and spent 12 years in jail before being released when new evidence came to light. He scored a big settlement and decided to go back to the force and solve crimes. His time in prison has given him a Zen-like approach to life and the crimes.
The premise sounds pretty simple, but there are a whole crew of people who roam within and without Charlie's life. His partner got him as a punishment for "screwing up" and now has to report to their superior officer about any misdeeds by Charlie. His financial advisor (played by Adam Arkin) lives in a room about Charlie's garage. And Charlie's old partner seems to not believe he really was innocent.
Oh, yeah, Charlie is also trying to secretly find out who framed him.
Life's pilot was funny. I, actually, hadn't intended on watching the series at first, but I liked what I saw in the promos and also liked this pilot. I hope the show can maintain the balance between the fish out of water Charlie (imagine the technology that has arisen in the past dozen years-- a camera in a phone for one) as well as his outlook on life and the crimes that he and his partner will solve (I'm kinda "done" with procedurals).
This will probably be another tough one to break big for NBC. But I give the network props for trying something different.
Life premieres Wednesday at 9 pm CST.
Both these shows are above average and deserve a look.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
PRISON BREAK love songs
The Michael/Sara "love story" that runs in and out of Prison Break isn't one I usually look for, but some fans are way into it (which is okay-- if that's what keeps some coming back week after week).
Check out some of the videos of the show that this 16 year old from Iceland made using clips from the show and love songs. Very impressive.
Here's the link to her YouTube page:
http://youtube.com/user/martajohanns
Check out some of the videos of the show that this 16 year old from Iceland made using clips from the show and love songs. Very impressive.
Here's the link to her YouTube page:
http://youtube.com/user/martajohanns
Premieres and Notables; Sept 24, 2007
Crap! Ran out of time. Here's tomorrow's premieres. I'll keep the others coming.
Big, big week... All times are in CST as always.
I didn't mention this last week, but always try to keep an open mind when watching a series pilot. I have a policy to never "drop" a show I didn't like after just the pilot (yes, there have been rare exceptions). Most shows take a good 6-8 episodes to get running and obtain the look and feel it will have during its run (some shows you just know in 2-3 though).
Don't give up too early-- especially the ones I recommend. :)
I'm a "professional"...
Monday, 9/24
How I Met Your Mother; CBS. 7 pm. 3rd season premiere.
My favorite network show of last year returns. Robin has a new beau, and that prompts Ted to "out-Barney" Barney and find a rebound partner of his own. Rumor has it that we may actually find out who the "mother" in the title is this season. Usually I save this for new shows, but I have to give it here: Highly recommended.
Big Bang Theory; CBS. 7:30. Series Premiere.
Two nerdy guys get a hot neighbor. Hilarity ensues. If the promos are any indication, this show has limited laughs. I'm a fan of Johnny Galecki from Roseanne and his hilarious appearances on My Boys, so I hope the show is better than it looks-- for his sake. I'll be checking it out.
Two and a Half Men; CBS. 8 pm. 5th season premiere.
I've tried this show three times and never got hooked. I think I'm in the minority, though. Maybe I'll try it again...
Rules of Engagement; CBS. 8:30. 2nd season premiere.
This hit-and-miss show gets brought back before The New Adventures of Old Christine? Hopefully it will improve. I like Patrick Warburton, David Spade, and Megyn Price, so it'd be nice to see them have a nice run on this show. It does need to be more creative; I thought it hit a rut in a (shortened) first season.
Chuck; NBC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
This and Reaper are the two shows I'm most excited about, and if the pilot I saw is any indication, then I'll have made the right choice again. I wrote more here. Highly recommended.
Heroes; NBC. 8 pm. 2nd season premiere.
The new season picks up four months after last season's finale, and the first few episodes explore what happened in those four months.
Journeyman; NBC. 9 pm. Series premiere.
Kevin McKidd plays a newspaper reporter who inexplicably begins to travel through time. I hope to have time to give a review of the pilot (which was much better than I expected-- the end had a moment that "got" to me). It may be a tough one for some people, but I will give it a recommended based on the pilot ep.
CSI: Miami; CBS. 9 pm. 6th season premiere.
Horatio comes across a young man he believes to be his son.
Dancing With the Stars; ABC. 7 pm. Season premiere.
Results show on Wed @ 7 pm.
The Bachelor; ABC. 8:30. Season Premiere.
How is this show still on the air?
Big, big week... All times are in CST as always.
I didn't mention this last week, but always try to keep an open mind when watching a series pilot. I have a policy to never "drop" a show I didn't like after just the pilot (yes, there have been rare exceptions). Most shows take a good 6-8 episodes to get running and obtain the look and feel it will have during its run (some shows you just know in 2-3 though).
Don't give up too early-- especially the ones I recommend. :)
I'm a "professional"...
Monday, 9/24
How I Met Your Mother; CBS. 7 pm. 3rd season premiere.
My favorite network show of last year returns. Robin has a new beau, and that prompts Ted to "out-Barney" Barney and find a rebound partner of his own. Rumor has it that we may actually find out who the "mother" in the title is this season. Usually I save this for new shows, but I have to give it here: Highly recommended.
Big Bang Theory; CBS. 7:30. Series Premiere.
Two nerdy guys get a hot neighbor. Hilarity ensues. If the promos are any indication, this show has limited laughs. I'm a fan of Johnny Galecki from Roseanne and his hilarious appearances on My Boys, so I hope the show is better than it looks-- for his sake. I'll be checking it out.
Two and a Half Men; CBS. 8 pm. 5th season premiere.
I've tried this show three times and never got hooked. I think I'm in the minority, though. Maybe I'll try it again...
Rules of Engagement; CBS. 8:30. 2nd season premiere.
This hit-and-miss show gets brought back before The New Adventures of Old Christine? Hopefully it will improve. I like Patrick Warburton, David Spade, and Megyn Price, so it'd be nice to see them have a nice run on this show. It does need to be more creative; I thought it hit a rut in a (shortened) first season.
Chuck; NBC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
This and Reaper are the two shows I'm most excited about, and if the pilot I saw is any indication, then I'll have made the right choice again. I wrote more here. Highly recommended.
Heroes; NBC. 8 pm. 2nd season premiere.
The new season picks up four months after last season's finale, and the first few episodes explore what happened in those four months.
Journeyman; NBC. 9 pm. Series premiere.
Kevin McKidd plays a newspaper reporter who inexplicably begins to travel through time. I hope to have time to give a review of the pilot (which was much better than I expected-- the end had a moment that "got" to me). It may be a tough one for some people, but I will give it a recommended based on the pilot ep.
CSI: Miami; CBS. 9 pm. 6th season premiere.
Horatio comes across a young man he believes to be his son.
Dancing With the Stars; ABC. 7 pm. Season premiere.
Results show on Wed @ 7 pm.
The Bachelor; ABC. 8:30. Season Premiere.
How is this show still on the air?
Monday, September 17, 2007
Quick BIONIC WOMAN Review
After I checked out the Chuck pilot, I watched the Bionic Woman pilot. Although both shows are "genre" shows, they couldn't be more different.
Where Chuck had rough edges to the plot and effects, Bionic was slick and polished. Where Chuck was light, Bionic was dark. Where many Chuck characters were likable, Bionic's characters didn't make me care about them at all.
I have to give the edge to Chuck.
That's not to say Bionic Woman wasn't good. It's perfectly suitable for watching (it'll get recommended on the Premieres post), but it's going to have to stop taking itself so seriously before I'll ache to go a week without watching it.
The tone is dark; very dark. The scenes were mostly in the dark. The voices were often hard to hear because many characters talk softly as to seem more mysterious. Speaking of mystery, the show also used the "let's throw lots of crap out there" philosophy in order to get the more rabid fans on the Internet to talk about it-- and trying to lure viewers back the next week. That's all well and good, but you also need to establish your characters and the tone of the series in the first few episodes. I think the show is trying to create its mythology before anyone cares.
I guess I was just hoping for something more fun and relatable. I have NOTHING against dark shows, but this one just seemed too pretentious for me. As if we were supposed to care because they told us to.
But you should never judge a series solely on its pilot. I think the show will work out its kinks and get us to know the characters (the main character seems much too undeveloped) somewhere around the middle of this season and then it can take off. I hope so. The show is well-done (just a few oddball camera tricks in the pilot) and it's got a good pedigree.
I just hope the pilot won't turn off too many people before the show gets a chance.
Bionic Woman premieres on Wed, 9/26 at 8 pm on NBC.
Where Chuck had rough edges to the plot and effects, Bionic was slick and polished. Where Chuck was light, Bionic was dark. Where many Chuck characters were likable, Bionic's characters didn't make me care about them at all.
I have to give the edge to Chuck.
That's not to say Bionic Woman wasn't good. It's perfectly suitable for watching (it'll get recommended on the Premieres post), but it's going to have to stop taking itself so seriously before I'll ache to go a week without watching it.
The tone is dark; very dark. The scenes were mostly in the dark. The voices were often hard to hear because many characters talk softly as to seem more mysterious. Speaking of mystery, the show also used the "let's throw lots of crap out there" philosophy in order to get the more rabid fans on the Internet to talk about it-- and trying to lure viewers back the next week. That's all well and good, but you also need to establish your characters and the tone of the series in the first few episodes. I think the show is trying to create its mythology before anyone cares.
I guess I was just hoping for something more fun and relatable. I have NOTHING against dark shows, but this one just seemed too pretentious for me. As if we were supposed to care because they told us to.
But you should never judge a series solely on its pilot. I think the show will work out its kinks and get us to know the characters (the main character seems much too undeveloped) somewhere around the middle of this season and then it can take off. I hope so. The show is well-done (just a few oddball camera tricks in the pilot) and it's got a good pedigree.
I just hope the pilot won't turn off too many people before the show gets a chance.
Bionic Woman premieres on Wed, 9/26 at 8 pm on NBC.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Premieres and Notables, Sunday, Sept 23, 2007
And here's Sunday (9/23)
The Simpsons; FOX. 7:00 pm CST. 19th season premiere.
The King of the Hill; FOX. 7:30. 12th season premiere.
The Family Guy; FOX. 8-9 pm. 6th season premiere.
Featuring a Lucas-approved Star Wars spoof.
Cold Case; CBS. 8 pm. 5th season premiere.
Shark; CBS. 9 pm. 2nd season premiere.
60 Minutes; CBS. 6 pm. 40th-mother grabbin'- season premiere.
CW Now; CW. 6 pm. Series Premiere.
Hot trends and fashion are the focus this show. Tonight's pilot features Halo 3 and 24-karat gold facials.
Online Nation; CW. 6:30. Series Premiere.
This show explores the hottest web-based content.
Property Virgins; HGTV. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Nice how HGTV "sexed up" the title, hunh? Don't get your hopes up-- this show follows first-time home buyers.
Bret Michaels asks that last girl to "rock his world" on Rock of Love (VH1, 8 pm) and they ride off into the sunset together-- until season 2 comes out.
The War; PBS. 7 pm (check local listings). Miniseries.
Ken Burns' latest (fifteen hour) documentary looks at World War II. Check it out; it's bound to win tons of awards. Airs Sun-Wed this week and Sun-Tues next week.
Finally, Metalocalypse; Cartoon Network {adult swim]. 10:45 CST. 2nd season premiere.
The heaviest band in the world is also the biggest band in the world. People literally live and die by this band. And they are f-bombing morons...
This is a hard one to describe, but if you love metal music, you should get something out of it. If you love violence, then you should get something out of it. If you love laughing hysterically at things you'd never thought you'd see, then you should get something from this.
Season One had some funny moments and lines, but the one that stands out to me right now is when the guys told Murderface he didn't have to wear underwear; he could go "commando". And Murderface fell in love with the concept because "Now, when I look down, I see a distinguished older gentleman sitting on two duffel bags."
Check out Metalocalypse (or the band of the show: Dethklok) on the Internet, and you will see way more sites than possible for an [adult swim] show. On 9/25, there's even an album coming out with expanded songs from the "band". Here's the link. There's no video or audio, but check out some of the song titles:
http://tviv.org/Metalocalypse/The_Dethalbum
The Simpsons; FOX. 7:00 pm CST. 19th season premiere.
The King of the Hill; FOX. 7:30. 12th season premiere.
The Family Guy; FOX. 8-9 pm. 6th season premiere.
Featuring a Lucas-approved Star Wars spoof.
Cold Case; CBS. 8 pm. 5th season premiere.
Shark; CBS. 9 pm. 2nd season premiere.
60 Minutes; CBS. 6 pm. 40th-mother grabbin'- season premiere.
CW Now; CW. 6 pm. Series Premiere.
Hot trends and fashion are the focus this show. Tonight's pilot features Halo 3 and 24-karat gold facials.
Online Nation; CW. 6:30. Series Premiere.
This show explores the hottest web-based content.
Property Virgins; HGTV. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Nice how HGTV "sexed up" the title, hunh? Don't get your hopes up-- this show follows first-time home buyers.
Bret Michaels asks that last girl to "rock his world" on Rock of Love (VH1, 8 pm) and they ride off into the sunset together-- until season 2 comes out.
The War; PBS. 7 pm (check local listings). Miniseries.
Ken Burns' latest (fifteen hour) documentary looks at World War II. Check it out; it's bound to win tons of awards. Airs Sun-Wed this week and Sun-Tues next week.
Finally, Metalocalypse; Cartoon Network {adult swim]. 10:45 CST. 2nd season premiere.
The heaviest band in the world is also the biggest band in the world. People literally live and die by this band. And they are f-bombing morons...
This is a hard one to describe, but if you love metal music, you should get something out of it. If you love violence, then you should get something out of it. If you love laughing hysterically at things you'd never thought you'd see, then you should get something from this.
Season One had some funny moments and lines, but the one that stands out to me right now is when the guys told Murderface he didn't have to wear underwear; he could go "commando". And Murderface fell in love with the concept because "Now, when I look down, I see a distinguished older gentleman sitting on two duffel bags."
Check out Metalocalypse (or the band of the show: Dethklok) on the Internet, and you will see way more sites than possible for an [adult swim] show. On 9/25, there's even an album coming out with expanded songs from the "band". Here's the link. There's no video or audio, but check out some of the song titles:
http://tviv.org/Metalocalypse/The_Dethalbum
Premieres and Notables, Sept 17-23, 2007
Well, the Fall Season looks to be hitting full-swing already. For me, fall premiere season is like birthday, Christmas, and President's Day all rolled into one.
Monday, 9/17
Between the Lions; PBS. 5:30 am CST (check local listings). 7th season premiere.
Barney & Friends; PBS. 1 pm. (check listings). 11th season premiere.
Deal or No Deal; NBC. 7 pm. 3rd season premiere.
This is a "special" ep as Donald Trump sits in for the Banker. Who does Trump have pictures of over at NBC? They should have cut that jackass loose a long time ago.
Truth About Food; Discovery Health. 7 & 8 pm. Mini-Series Premiere.
This 6-episode series (2 eps a night, Mon-Wed) follows nine volunteers who eat a half-ton of vegetables in 12 days in an effort to explore nutrition.
Prison Break; FOX. 7 pm. 3rd season premiere.
After a rocky 2nd season, I think the show is back on track. Schofield is in a Panamanian prison where the prisoners run the show. Mahone and a beaten Bellick are with him-- but they are not immediately working together. Lincoln is working on the outside to get him out, but he has an "adventure" of his own searching for the missing Sarah. T-Bag is not on the scene as of yet, but its presumed he's still in prison. He does have a storyline this season.
K-Ville; FOX. 8 pm. Series premiere.
Anthony Anderson and Cole Hauser are two cops who are trying to put a post-Katrina New Orleans together. Something interesting about this is show is they're actually filming in the city. I've heard good things. Recommended.
Tuesday, 9/18
Big Brother 8 (8 pm, CBS) has its season finale tonight. One of the two Donatos will win. Hopefully, when everyone is reunited, the evicted guests will put a beating on them. One can dream...
Beauty and the Geek; CW. 7 pm-9pm. 4th season premiere.
Wow, a fourth season? This year they mix it up when a geeky girl and a hunky guy compete. My goodness, those producers are wacky...
The Contender; ESPN. 9 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Wednesday, 9/19
Back to You; FOX. 7 pm. Series premiere.
Kelsey Grammer's L.A. newsman gets fired, so he returns to Pittsburgh and his coachor (played by Patricia Heaton). I'm hesitant about it, but I have heard some good things-- and I think both actors know a little something about comedies (I believe Grammer-- if not both he and Heaton-- is a producer). Recommended.
'Til Death; FOX. 7:30. 2nd season premiere.
This show actually got better as the first season went on. Should be worth watching.
America's Next Top Model; CW. 7 pm. 9th season premiere.
Maybe we'll actually get America's Next Top Model this season. Inhale... Exhale... (That's me not holding my breath).
Gossip Girl; CW. 8 pm. Series premiere.
The O.C. creator, Josh Schwartz, adapts the book series. It sounds decent-- I know some industry fans are looking forward to it-- but rich, too good looking teenagers and their problems? Not my world.
Kid Nation; CBS. 7 pm. Series premiere.
This show sounds promising-- 40 children (aged 8 to 15) try to make an abandoned New Mexico town work . The experiment appealed to me, but now the show is all about the controversy (which I don't think is that controversial), so CBS should be doing something about it other than sitting back and trying to get publicity from it. I don't have high hopes it'll last the season-- too much damage-- and I don't see CBS picking it up for a second.
Kitchen Nightmares; FOX. 8 pm. Series premiere.
A Brit import that finds Gordon Ramsey helping restaurants solve their problems. I'm sure that classy FOX network will make it helpful as opposed to mean...
Ultimate Fighter: Team Serra vs. Team Hughes; Spike. 10 pm. 6th season premiere.
Thursday, 9/20
Survivor: China; CBS. 7 pm. 15th "season" premiere.
The show makes history as being the first American series to film in the country. I don't know if that's enough to get me watching again...
Burn Notice (USA, 8 pm) ends its first season.
Friday, 9/21
Avatar: The Last Airbender; Nickelodeon. 7:30 pm. 3rd season premiere.
And Real Time With Bill Maher (HBO, 10 pm) has Salman Rushdie. I hope Bill gets to the real issue: how Rushdie scored that hot (ex-)wife.
Saturday, 9/22
The Kid's WB on CW (beginning at 6am) all premiere today. I watch Legion of Super-Heroes (which gets a neat addition in a future Superman to go with the Superman of the past).
Sorry-- there are a lot of premieres on Sunday. I'll have to write that day up later because I am out of time...
Monday, 9/17
Between the Lions; PBS. 5:30 am CST (check local listings). 7th season premiere.
Barney & Friends; PBS. 1 pm. (check listings). 11th season premiere.
Deal or No Deal; NBC. 7 pm. 3rd season premiere.
This is a "special" ep as Donald Trump sits in for the Banker. Who does Trump have pictures of over at NBC? They should have cut that jackass loose a long time ago.
Truth About Food; Discovery Health. 7 & 8 pm. Mini-Series Premiere.
This 6-episode series (2 eps a night, Mon-Wed) follows nine volunteers who eat a half-ton of vegetables in 12 days in an effort to explore nutrition.
Prison Break; FOX. 7 pm. 3rd season premiere.
After a rocky 2nd season, I think the show is back on track. Schofield is in a Panamanian prison where the prisoners run the show. Mahone and a beaten Bellick are with him-- but they are not immediately working together. Lincoln is working on the outside to get him out, but he has an "adventure" of his own searching for the missing Sarah. T-Bag is not on the scene as of yet, but its presumed he's still in prison. He does have a storyline this season.
K-Ville; FOX. 8 pm. Series premiere.
Anthony Anderson and Cole Hauser are two cops who are trying to put a post-Katrina New Orleans together. Something interesting about this is show is they're actually filming in the city. I've heard good things. Recommended.
Tuesday, 9/18
Big Brother 8 (8 pm, CBS) has its season finale tonight. One of the two Donatos will win. Hopefully, when everyone is reunited, the evicted guests will put a beating on them. One can dream...
Beauty and the Geek; CW. 7 pm-9pm. 4th season premiere.
Wow, a fourth season? This year they mix it up when a geeky girl and a hunky guy compete. My goodness, those producers are wacky...
The Contender; ESPN. 9 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Wednesday, 9/19
Back to You; FOX. 7 pm. Series premiere.
Kelsey Grammer's L.A. newsman gets fired, so he returns to Pittsburgh and his coachor (played by Patricia Heaton). I'm hesitant about it, but I have heard some good things-- and I think both actors know a little something about comedies (I believe Grammer-- if not both he and Heaton-- is a producer). Recommended.
'Til Death; FOX. 7:30. 2nd season premiere.
This show actually got better as the first season went on. Should be worth watching.
America's Next Top Model; CW. 7 pm. 9th season premiere.
Maybe we'll actually get America's Next Top Model this season. Inhale... Exhale... (That's me not holding my breath).
Gossip Girl; CW. 8 pm. Series premiere.
The O.C. creator, Josh Schwartz, adapts the book series. It sounds decent-- I know some industry fans are looking forward to it-- but rich, too good looking teenagers and their problems? Not my world.
Kid Nation; CBS. 7 pm. Series premiere.
This show sounds promising-- 40 children (aged 8 to 15) try to make an abandoned New Mexico town work . The experiment appealed to me, but now the show is all about the controversy (which I don't think is that controversial), so CBS should be doing something about it other than sitting back and trying to get publicity from it. I don't have high hopes it'll last the season-- too much damage-- and I don't see CBS picking it up for a second.
Kitchen Nightmares; FOX. 8 pm. Series premiere.
A Brit import that finds Gordon Ramsey helping restaurants solve their problems. I'm sure that classy FOX network will make it helpful as opposed to mean...
Ultimate Fighter: Team Serra vs. Team Hughes; Spike. 10 pm. 6th season premiere.
Thursday, 9/20
Survivor: China; CBS. 7 pm. 15th "season" premiere.
The show makes history as being the first American series to film in the country. I don't know if that's enough to get me watching again...
Burn Notice (USA, 8 pm) ends its first season.
Friday, 9/21
Avatar: The Last Airbender; Nickelodeon. 7:30 pm. 3rd season premiere.
And Real Time With Bill Maher (HBO, 10 pm) has Salman Rushdie. I hope Bill gets to the real issue: how Rushdie scored that hot (ex-)wife.
Saturday, 9/22
The Kid's WB on CW (beginning at 6am) all premiere today. I watch Legion of Super-Heroes (which gets a neat addition in a future Superman to go with the Superman of the past).
Sorry-- there are a lot of premieres on Sunday. I'll have to write that day up later because I am out of time...
Thursday, September 13, 2007
CHUCK Premiere
In the spring of 2005, I knew The Office was gonna be hot. In the Fall of 2005, I knew Prison Break was gonna be hot. In 2006, I was looking forward to Friday Night Lights and Heroes (both of which I haven't watched beyond the pilot, but they got buzz from critics and fans for being high quality shows). I watched most everything new in each of those seasons, but I targeted those shows as the ones I knew I'd like.
This fall, I'm looking forward to two shows: CW's Reaper and NBC's Chuck.
My cable company's On Demand feature has some of NBC's pilot episodes, and I was able to check out Chuck tonight.
I think I got it "right" again-- this is a show I'll be watching all season.
Zachary Levi (formerly the great "Kipp Steadman" in the not-so-great Less Than Perfect) plays Chuck. He's a nerd; in fact, he's a member of the Best Buy-esque's "Nerd Herd" tech department. Chuck's old college roommate, who went on to be a CIA agent, sent Chuck an e-mail that contained all of the CIA and NSA's secrets. Chuck opened the e-mail and was flooded with the information that worked its way into his brain. Now the CIA and NSA both want him for what is contained in his mind.
The pilot had a great mix of humor, drama, and action. My only quibble is that the camerawork was sometimes disorienting (which didn't seem to have a purpose). But all in all, this pilot was a great start to the show.
I'm a bit tired of how being a tech/comic/scifi/fantasy "geek" is played for laughs the last few years, but Levi plays Chuck a little more "normal" than Hollywood usually lets its "geeks" get. That is a welcome change. And while I loved his Kipp Steadman, I can see myself growing to like his Chuck just as much.
And I can't go without mentioning Yvonne Strzechowski as the CIA agent who saves Chuck's life. She has the incredibly rare traits of both (extreme) beauty and talent. I checked her out on imdb.com. and she didn't have many entries at all, which made her all the more impressive to me. The chemistry she has with Levi is great. She's definitely got "it", and I'll be looking forward to watching her career.
Rounding out the main players are Joshua Gomez as Chuck's geekier friend Morgan (who had some good parts and some bad parts), Sarah Lancaster (playing another doctor) as Chuck's sister Ellie, and Adam Baldwin as NSA agent John Casey (who seems to be playing ally and antagonist to Chuck).
And I do have to mention one of the funnier parts of the pilot: Ellie's boyfriend, who Chuck has dubbed with an appropriate nickname. One that I'm not going to spoil here.
If you want to know the joke, you've gotta watch the pilot.
Chuck premieres on my birthday, Sept 24, on NBC at 7 pm CST. Nice present for me.
If you didn't get the hint, this show is highly recommended.
This fall, I'm looking forward to two shows: CW's Reaper and NBC's Chuck.
My cable company's On Demand feature has some of NBC's pilot episodes, and I was able to check out Chuck tonight.
I think I got it "right" again-- this is a show I'll be watching all season.
Zachary Levi (formerly the great "Kipp Steadman" in the not-so-great Less Than Perfect) plays Chuck. He's a nerd; in fact, he's a member of the Best Buy-esque's "Nerd Herd" tech department. Chuck's old college roommate, who went on to be a CIA agent, sent Chuck an e-mail that contained all of the CIA and NSA's secrets. Chuck opened the e-mail and was flooded with the information that worked its way into his brain. Now the CIA and NSA both want him for what is contained in his mind.
The pilot had a great mix of humor, drama, and action. My only quibble is that the camerawork was sometimes disorienting (which didn't seem to have a purpose). But all in all, this pilot was a great start to the show.
I'm a bit tired of how being a tech/comic/scifi/fantasy "geek" is played for laughs the last few years, but Levi plays Chuck a little more "normal" than Hollywood usually lets its "geeks" get. That is a welcome change. And while I loved his Kipp Steadman, I can see myself growing to like his Chuck just as much.
And I can't go without mentioning Yvonne Strzechowski as the CIA agent who saves Chuck's life. She has the incredibly rare traits of both (extreme) beauty and talent. I checked her out on imdb.com. and she didn't have many entries at all, which made her all the more impressive to me. The chemistry she has with Levi is great. She's definitely got "it", and I'll be looking forward to watching her career.
Rounding out the main players are Joshua Gomez as Chuck's geekier friend Morgan (who had some good parts and some bad parts), Sarah Lancaster (playing another doctor) as Chuck's sister Ellie, and Adam Baldwin as NSA agent John Casey (who seems to be playing ally and antagonist to Chuck).
And I do have to mention one of the funnier parts of the pilot: Ellie's boyfriend, who Chuck has dubbed with an appropriate nickname. One that I'm not going to spoil here.
If you want to know the joke, you've gotta watch the pilot.
Chuck premieres on my birthday, Sept 24, on NBC at 7 pm CST. Nice present for me.
If you didn't get the hint, this show is highly recommended.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Premieres and Notables Pt 2-- Sept 13-16, 2007
And here's the rest of the week...
Thursday, 9/13
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia; FX. 9 & 9:30 CST. 3rd Season Premiere.
It's mean-spirited-- and funny. If you gave up during Season One, check it out because Season Two was much improved. Recommended.
Friday 9/14
Out of Jimmy's Head; Cartoon. 6 pm. Series Premiere.
Cartoon Network has been hyping this like crazy as "the network's first live-action show". Why? Your network is called the freakin' CARTOON Network. [adult swim] went live action for a couple horseshit shows, so let's learn from that, and keep live action off this network.
Nashville; FOX. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
And the fall season has begun (I'm not counting gameshows that premiered earlier-- why should I?). Laguna Beach producers follow singers trying to catch a break in Nashville. Snore...
Saturday, 9/15
Mad TV; FOX. 10 pm. 13th Season premiere.
The new season begins with a clip show spotlighting the most memorable skits. I so hope the Jessica Alba/Ike Berinholtz as Brit & K-Fed skit is included. I still use the phrase "dumber than a box of hammers" in casual conversation. Anyway, check it out. Like SNL, it kinda has boring moments, but I think the cast is stellar.
Talkshow With Spike Feresten; FOX. 11 pm. 2nd season premiere.
This show got renewed?
Sunday, 9/16
The 59th Annual Emmy Awards; FOX. 7 pm. Special.
I'll DVR it, and then FF through most of it. Meh...
Finales:
Design Star, The 4400, The Dead Zone.
And don't forget, Curb Your Enthusiasm is back. Last night's premiere was awesome. Check it out. Buy/rent the DVDs.
And I can't go without mentioning Frisky Dingo. Last night's ep had me roaring, especially when Xander humiliates his girlfriend during a press conference: "That's how she sounds when I'm bangin' her."
It's much funnier than it looks on paper...
Thursday, 9/13
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia; FX. 9 & 9:30 CST. 3rd Season Premiere.
It's mean-spirited-- and funny. If you gave up during Season One, check it out because Season Two was much improved. Recommended.
Friday 9/14
Out of Jimmy's Head; Cartoon. 6 pm. Series Premiere.
Cartoon Network has been hyping this like crazy as "the network's first live-action show". Why? Your network is called the freakin' CARTOON Network. [adult swim] went live action for a couple horseshit shows, so let's learn from that, and keep live action off this network.
Nashville; FOX. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
And the fall season has begun (I'm not counting gameshows that premiered earlier-- why should I?). Laguna Beach producers follow singers trying to catch a break in Nashville. Snore...
Saturday, 9/15
Mad TV; FOX. 10 pm. 13th Season premiere.
The new season begins with a clip show spotlighting the most memorable skits. I so hope the Jessica Alba/Ike Berinholtz as Brit & K-Fed skit is included. I still use the phrase "dumber than a box of hammers" in casual conversation. Anyway, check it out. Like SNL, it kinda has boring moments, but I think the cast is stellar.
Talkshow With Spike Feresten; FOX. 11 pm. 2nd season premiere.
This show got renewed?
Sunday, 9/16
The 59th Annual Emmy Awards; FOX. 7 pm. Special.
I'll DVR it, and then FF through most of it. Meh...
Finales:
Design Star, The 4400, The Dead Zone.
And don't forget, Curb Your Enthusiasm is back. Last night's premiere was awesome. Check it out. Buy/rent the DVDs.
And I can't go without mentioning Frisky Dingo. Last night's ep had me roaring, especially when Xander humiliates his girlfriend during a press conference: "That's how she sounds when I'm bangin' her."
It's much funnier than it looks on paper...
Premieres and Notables, September 10-16, 2007
Sorry for the late post. I'll try to get as far as I can.
Monday 9/10
Sin City Law; Sundance. 8 & 9:00 pm CST. Series Premiere.
An eight-part doc about the Las Vegas justice system.
Fat March, History Detectives, Greek, The Closer, and one of my favorites: My Boys, close out their seasons today.
Tuesday, 9/11
Lots of 9/11, 2001 specials-- many on The History Channel.
The Biggest Loser; NBC. 7 pm. Fourth Season Premiere.
Wednesday, 9/12
Decision House; MNT. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
This show locks troubled couples in a house for observation and intervention.
Inside the NFL; HBO. 9 pm. 31st Season Premiere.
The granddaddy of football shows begins a third decade.
Rescue Me and America's Next Top Producer wrap their seasons up.
Well, that's it for now. I'll finish the week a little later.
Monday 9/10
Sin City Law; Sundance. 8 & 9:00 pm CST. Series Premiere.
An eight-part doc about the Las Vegas justice system.
Fat March, History Detectives, Greek, The Closer, and one of my favorites: My Boys, close out their seasons today.
Tuesday, 9/11
Lots of 9/11, 2001 specials-- many on The History Channel.
The Biggest Loser; NBC. 7 pm. Fourth Season Premiere.
Wednesday, 9/12
Decision House; MNT. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
This show locks troubled couples in a house for observation and intervention.
Inside the NFL; HBO. 9 pm. 31st Season Premiere.
The granddaddy of football shows begins a third decade.
Rescue Me and America's Next Top Producer wrap their seasons up.
Well, that's it for now. I'll finish the week a little later.
Monday, September 03, 2007
My Favorite Things-- Theme Songs
As each TV season passes, so, too does the TV show theme song. It's an unfortunate thing it seems to be dying off. Thinking of my favorite shows of all time, most of them had a memorable theme song (and no, not those moronic "jingle-style" theme songs that stick in your head-- "Facts of Life", Growing Pains", "Family Ties"). What will fans of the future get?
Two of my current favorites theme songs somehow worked themselves into my head the past few weeks.
Ever since I started watching Entourage, I've been in love with the theme song "Superhero". It took years, but I finally found out who sang it (oddly enough, when the series soundtrack got released, it didn't have the song in the track list, and someone commented on it-- that's how I found out who did it). Why, it was Jane's Addiction. Who woulda thunk?
Here's a clip to it (kinda grainy, but it's what I found).
http://youtube.com/watch?v=BQ0sV4s-jzA
Is that not the coolest TV series theme song and credits on the air right now?
Next, when I watched Frisky Dingo for the third time last month, the song at the end of the pilot really bore itself into my brain. It's not the show's theme song, per se, but I think it can count.
I have no affinity for rap music, but this tune had a great hook. So I went on a search, which didn't pan out very early because there is nowhere you can download this song. Apparently, a guy named Killer Mike created the tune for the show, and "sang it" as the character Ta'Quil. Unfortunately, it's a pretty raw song (called "All That Jizz"-- it must be a love song) that is pretty much talking about spraying one's "man milk" all over his partner, so I'm guessing that's why I can't find a damn place where I can download it.
I learned something, though. I had no idea that "skeet" was a colloquialism for ejaculation until I put aside the music and listened to the lyrics.
Here's a link to a video from someone much more talented that I, who found a way to get it using other means I don't have. --Just in case you want to have idea what I'm talking about. I'm telling you, it's pretty raw. I find it funny, but I'm sure others won't.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=T--N4j74-WY&mode=related&search=
And if that didn't offend you, how 'bout taking the song, and mixing it with a perfectly innocent old school cartoon. Seriously, if you don't have a liberal sense of humor, don't click on this. It's way wrong.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=meePPXqlTWc&mode=related&search=
Two of my current favorites theme songs somehow worked themselves into my head the past few weeks.
Ever since I started watching Entourage, I've been in love with the theme song "Superhero". It took years, but I finally found out who sang it (oddly enough, when the series soundtrack got released, it didn't have the song in the track list, and someone commented on it-- that's how I found out who did it). Why, it was Jane's Addiction. Who woulda thunk?
Here's a clip to it (kinda grainy, but it's what I found).
http://youtube.com/watch?v=BQ0sV4s-jzA
Is that not the coolest TV series theme song and credits on the air right now?
Next, when I watched Frisky Dingo for the third time last month, the song at the end of the pilot really bore itself into my brain. It's not the show's theme song, per se, but I think it can count.
I have no affinity for rap music, but this tune had a great hook. So I went on a search, which didn't pan out very early because there is nowhere you can download this song. Apparently, a guy named Killer Mike created the tune for the show, and "sang it" as the character Ta'Quil. Unfortunately, it's a pretty raw song (called "All That Jizz"-- it must be a love song) that is pretty much talking about spraying one's "man milk" all over his partner, so I'm guessing that's why I can't find a damn place where I can download it.
I learned something, though. I had no idea that "skeet" was a colloquialism for ejaculation until I put aside the music and listened to the lyrics.
Here's a link to a video from someone much more talented that I, who found a way to get it using other means I don't have. --Just in case you want to have idea what I'm talking about. I'm telling you, it's pretty raw. I find it funny, but I'm sure others won't.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=T--N4j74-WY&mode=related&search=
And if that didn't offend you, how 'bout taking the song, and mixing it with a perfectly innocent old school cartoon. Seriously, if you don't have a liberal sense of humor, don't click on this. It's way wrong.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=meePPXqlTWc&mode=related&search=
Duncan Hill Coffee
I couldn't dig up a clip from the actual show, but here's the audio from METALOCALYPSE's jingle for coffee mixed in with pics form the show.
I love "Do you like COFFEE???!!!"
Metalocalypse Brutal and Funny Moments (Season 1) [Part 2]
A pretty good collection from the adult swim show METALOCALYPSE.
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