Monday, 12/24
TBS' annual A Christmas Story marathon runs for the next 24 hours starting at 7pm.
A great How I Met Your Mother episode from last year finds Ted calling Lily a bad, bad word in this Christmas episode. How they skirt the censors is great-- no bleeps here. (CBS, 7 pm).
More marathons: Sci Fi is airing a 20-episode block of Stargate Atlantis, starting at 7 am. TNT airs nine Christmas episodes of ER, beginning at 9 am. And TV Land airs 24 hours of Christmas episodes of various series beginning at 4 pm. And the most bizarre "marathon": Sprout is airing 11 straight hours of host Nina and puppet Star sleeping-- awaiting Santa Claus-- beginning at 6 pm.
Tuesday, 12/25
The Best of Youth; Sundance. 8 pm. Mini-series
A four-part series taken from the (apparently long) film that won the Jury Prize at Cannes.
Sci Fi airs a 21-episode block of Stargate SG-1 at 7 am.
The Discovery Channel airs all 15 hours of Planet Earth starting at 8 am. I've only seen (so far) three episodes, but they were amazing. This series has made many Best of 2007 lists, so check it out.
And there's lots and lots of Christmas-themed specials and movies airing all day on many channels.
Wednesday, 12/26
Lots of college football bowl games. If you care, you'll know where to find them.
Kennedy Center Honors; CBS. 8 pm. Special
Martin Scorsese, Diana Ross, Leon Fleischer, Brian Wilson, and Steve Martin are honored.
Thursday, 12/27
Biography (Bio, 8 pm) looks at U2 front man and activist Bono.
Sunday, 12/30
A very King of the Hill-ish episode of King of the Hill finds Cotton dying in this repeat (FOX, 7:30 pm). It proves that this decade-old series has a big heart-- yet still won't give into schmaltz. I miss that shin-less bastard...
And Dale's act at the end is great...
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Monday, December 17, 2007
DARK KNIGHT Trailer
Here's a trailer for the upcoming Batman movie The Dark Knight. Lots of Heath Ledger as the Joker (and, Thank God, he was the Joker, not Jack Nicholson in face paint like the first movie).
Scary as Hell. And lots and lots of shit blowing up. I don't judge movies by their trailers (especially ones I'm really forward to), but this one looks good.
http://atasteforthetheatrical.com/deathtrap/default.htm
Scary as Hell. And lots and lots of shit blowing up. I don't judge movies by their trailers (especially ones I'm really forward to), but this one looks good.
http://atasteforthetheatrical.com/deathtrap/default.htm
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Premieres and Notables, December 17-23, 2007
Monday, 12/17
Clash of the Choirs; NBC. 7 pm CST. "Mini-Series"
Six choirs coached by "name" musicians (Patti LaBelle, Michael Bolton, Blake Shelton, Kelly Rowland, and Nick Lachey) compete the next four nights.
Duel; ABC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
And another game show... Twenty-four contestants answer trivia questions-- and try to manipulate each other.
Monday Night Football; ESPN. 7:30 pm. Special (Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears).
I'm in the Championship Game in one of my Fantasy Football Leagues, and I need everyone to think "Adrian Peterson needs to blow up". I'll settle for nothing less than 3 TDs by the guy. And if the Vikings DEF has a great game, that will be icing on the cake for both leagues I'm in.
Wednesday, 12/19
What could be the season (or series) finale for Journeyman airs tonight on NBC at 9 pm.
Friday, 12/21
The Next Great American Band (FOX, 8 pm) picks a winner. Seriously, I had no idea this show was still airing...
Saturday, 12/22
Saturday Night Live; NBC. 8:30 pm. Special
The Best of the 2006-2007 season. Do you think they had enough good (funny) sketches to fill the entire 90 minutes (60, if you take out time for commercials)?
Sunday, 12/23
Masterpiece Theatre; PBS. 8 pm (check local listings). Special
An encore airing of of the Prime Suspect finale "The Final Act". I've never seen the show, but I've read from more than one critic that this was an exceptional "movie" that closed out the series. Since there is so little else to watch, this is definitely something that deserves to be on the radar.
Elmo's Christmas Countdown; ABC. 6 pm. Special.
The Sesame Street gang (and more celebs than I'm willing to type here) help Elmo and Abby Cadabby save Christmas.
Clash of the Choirs; NBC. 7 pm CST. "Mini-Series"
Six choirs coached by "name" musicians (Patti LaBelle, Michael Bolton, Blake Shelton, Kelly Rowland, and Nick Lachey) compete the next four nights.
Duel; ABC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
And another game show... Twenty-four contestants answer trivia questions-- and try to manipulate each other.
Monday Night Football; ESPN. 7:30 pm. Special (Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears).
I'm in the Championship Game in one of my Fantasy Football Leagues, and I need everyone to think "Adrian Peterson needs to blow up". I'll settle for nothing less than 3 TDs by the guy. And if the Vikings DEF has a great game, that will be icing on the cake for both leagues I'm in.
Wednesday, 12/19
What could be the season (or series) finale for Journeyman airs tonight on NBC at 9 pm.
Friday, 12/21
The Next Great American Band (FOX, 8 pm) picks a winner. Seriously, I had no idea this show was still airing...
Saturday, 12/22
Saturday Night Live; NBC. 8:30 pm. Special
The Best of the 2006-2007 season. Do you think they had enough good (funny) sketches to fill the entire 90 minutes (60, if you take out time for commercials)?
Sunday, 12/23
Masterpiece Theatre; PBS. 8 pm (check local listings). Special
An encore airing of of the Prime Suspect finale "The Final Act". I've never seen the show, but I've read from more than one critic that this was an exceptional "movie" that closed out the series. Since there is so little else to watch, this is definitely something that deserves to be on the radar.
Elmo's Christmas Countdown; ABC. 6 pm. Special.
The Sesame Street gang (and more celebs than I'm willing to type here) help Elmo and Abby Cadabby save Christmas.
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
HIMYM Slaptastic vids
I've written before about the best comedy on network TV (that'd be How I Met Your Mother for those who have forgotten) and have explained the Slap Bet. But in case you're forgotten, here are some video links:
Here's a video primer from the first episode: The Slap Bet
And here is Barney's reaction to the mind games Marshall has played on him: Slapsgiving
And I just ran across the "music video" to the song Marshall sang in celebration for slapping Barney at Slapsgiving: You Just Got Slapped
Legen--wait for it-- dary.
Here's a video primer from the first episode: The Slap Bet
And here is Barney's reaction to the mind games Marshall has played on him: Slapsgiving
And I just ran across the "music video" to the song Marshall sang in celebration for slapping Barney at Slapsgiving: You Just Got Slapped
Legen--wait for it-- dary.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Premieres and Notables December 10-16, 2007
Monday, 12/10
Paranormal State; A&E. 9 and 9:30 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Penn State University's Paranormal Research Society members go looking for ghosts.
Yep, folks, "A & E" stands for "Arts & Entertainment"...
Tuesday, 12/11
Twister Sisters; WE. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A pair of Minnesota women chase storms.
Life on Mars; BBC America. 7:00 and 8:00 pm. 2nd Season premiere.
Yet another show I have on tape but haven't gotten to yet. I hear it's good. This begins the final season of the show that finds a cop who was in a hit-and-run waking up in the year 1973. He doesn't know how he got there or what he's trying to accomplish.
Wednesday, 12/12
Crowned: The Mother of All Pageants; CW. 8 pm. Series premiere.
Mothers and daughters team up in this beauty contest. Who wants to take bets there will be a season 2?
Party Mamas; WE. 9 pm. Series premiere.
Mothers throw lavish parties for their children.
I'm not the praying type, but I'm gonna give it a shot: "Dear God, please let this unholy writers strike end soon, so we can keep the stench of shit reality shows off the airwaves. Amen."
Friday, 12/14
2007 World Magic Awards; MyNetworkTV. 7 pm. Special.
Roger Moore hosts this award show (that features appearances by Neil Patrick Harris and Penn & Teller).
Sunday, 12/16
24/24 Rule; Court TV. 9 pm. Series premiere.
A show that looks at the last 24 hours of a murder victim's life, and then the first 24 hours of the investigation.
Extras: The Extra Special Series Finale; HBO. 8 pm. Special.
Just as he did with The Office, Ricky Gervais closes out his latest series (which he created 2 six-episode seasons for) with a special episode. I'm pretty bummed. I wasn't REALLY into the first season (although it had great moments), but I got more into the show during the second season. And now it's gone...
Paranormal State; A&E. 9 and 9:30 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Penn State University's Paranormal Research Society members go looking for ghosts.
Yep, folks, "A & E" stands for "Arts & Entertainment"...
Tuesday, 12/11
Twister Sisters; WE. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A pair of Minnesota women chase storms.
Life on Mars; BBC America. 7:00 and 8:00 pm. 2nd Season premiere.
Yet another show I have on tape but haven't gotten to yet. I hear it's good. This begins the final season of the show that finds a cop who was in a hit-and-run waking up in the year 1973. He doesn't know how he got there or what he's trying to accomplish.
Wednesday, 12/12
Crowned: The Mother of All Pageants; CW. 8 pm. Series premiere.
Mothers and daughters team up in this beauty contest. Who wants to take bets there will be a season 2?
Party Mamas; WE. 9 pm. Series premiere.
Mothers throw lavish parties for their children.
I'm not the praying type, but I'm gonna give it a shot: "Dear God, please let this unholy writers strike end soon, so we can keep the stench of shit reality shows off the airwaves. Amen."
Friday, 12/14
2007 World Magic Awards; MyNetworkTV. 7 pm. Special.
Roger Moore hosts this award show (that features appearances by Neil Patrick Harris and Penn & Teller).
Sunday, 12/16
24/24 Rule; Court TV. 9 pm. Series premiere.
A show that looks at the last 24 hours of a murder victim's life, and then the first 24 hours of the investigation.
Extras: The Extra Special Series Finale; HBO. 8 pm. Special.
Just as he did with The Office, Ricky Gervais closes out his latest series (which he created 2 six-episode seasons for) with a special episode. I'm pretty bummed. I wasn't REALLY into the first season (although it had great moments), but I got more into the show during the second season. And now it's gone...
Monday, December 03, 2007
Premieres and Notables; Dec 3-9, 2007
Has it been a week already? Yeesh! The tapes and have been building up, so I can't say I'm upset that repeat season is in full swing.
But the strike talks didn't pan out, so maybe I'll be itching for new episodes in a month or so. Okay, probably not. I have a lot of tapes (and DVDs) to watch. The world could end, and all I'd need is a generator and a TV, and I'd be set with "new" episodes for a few years.
Oh yeah-- this week's new stuff:
Monday, 12/3
The Closer (TNT; 7-9 pm CST) and Saving Grace (TNT; 9 pm CST) return with new episodes.
And repeat season is a great time to try something you missed earlier. The funniest new show of the year, Aliens in America, repeats its pilot tonight (CW; 7:30). The scene between the two bullies and Justin when they're talking about his sister is priceless.
And my favorite comedy, How I Met Your Mother, repeats a great episode from last season where Marshall's beloved Fiero dies on him just short of hitting 200,000 miles (CBS; 7:00).
Life (NBC; 9 pm) begins a 2-parter that will be concluded this week in the show's normal timeslot (Wed @ 9).
Tuesday, 12/4
Bad Girls Club; Oxygen. 9 pm. 2nd season premiere.
Janice Dickenson Modeling Agency; Oxygen. 9:30. 3rd season premiere.
Everest: After the Climb; Discovery. 10 pm. (4-part) mini-series.
Phil Keoghan talks to hikers about their adventures.
Wednesday, 12/5
Julia Roberts Tribute; AMC. 7 pm. Special.
The America Cinematheque presents the award to Roberts. Last year's tribute to George Clooney was a hoot (yeah, I said "hoot", so what?), so it's probably a safe bet this one will be funny as well.
Million Dollar Christmas; TLC. 6 pm. Series premiere.
A series that looks at lottery jackpot winners and their first Christmases with the cha-ching.
Thursday, 12/6
Sand and Sorrow; HBO. 7 pm. Special.
A documentary that looks at the plight of the residents of Darfur.
Barbara Walters Presents: The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2007; ABC. 9:02. Special.
Walters gives us her yearly look who she feels are fascinating. Let's take a look: Bill Clinton (hmmm... maybe it's a repeat from ten years ago), David and Victoria Beckham (fascinating because they are, or fascinating because everyone in the media wants us to believe they are?), Justin Timberlake (maybe), Katherine Heigl (ABC does air the special), Jennifer Hudson (okay, props for Babs for going all the way back to the beginning of the year), Hugo Chavez (okay, here we go; I'm fascinated to know what kind of bottles he's got in this medicine cabinet), and MySpace founders Tom Anderson and Chris DeWolfe (wasn't YouTube the big web site this year?-- maybe I'm behind). And, of course, the mystery "most fascinating person" (I wonder if she'll consider Rosie O' Donnell for ratings; a 10 round match between the two would be fun).
Friday, 12/7
Christmas Out of the Box; National Geographic. 9 pm. Special.
The secrets of the season. Like: how Santa got the image he has, how stores entice shoppers, and the story behind the Star of Bethlehem.
And I'm not sure if I missed their returns the past few weeks, but I see Monk (USA, 8 pm) and Psych (USA, 9 pm) have new episodes tonight.
Movies Rock! A Celebration of Music and Film; CBS. 8 pm. Special.
Film's most memorable songs are celebrated in this concert performed by popular artists such as Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Fergie, Elton John, Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Lopez, Nelly, Carrie Underwood, and LeAnn Rimes. I normally wouldn't list them all, but doesn't it seem a little odd that all these really memorable songs will be performed by people who probably weren't alive when many of them were written? I mean, you got Elton, who just turned 60, and I was surprised to see J-Lo and Mary J. Blige are older than my 35 years, and then everyone else is younger than me. I guess I don't really have a point...
Sunday, 12/9
Dino Autopsy; National Geographic. 8 pm. Special.
Sounds Alien Autopsy fake, but I'm guessing Nat Geo's look at an especially well-preserved dinosaur fossil will be the real deal.
Robot Chicken's Half-Assed Christmas Special; Cartoon Network/[adult swim]. 10:30-10:45 pm. Special.
The Chicken crew eviscerate the Holiday Season's movies and specials.
But the strike talks didn't pan out, so maybe I'll be itching for new episodes in a month or so. Okay, probably not. I have a lot of tapes (and DVDs) to watch. The world could end, and all I'd need is a generator and a TV, and I'd be set with "new" episodes for a few years.
Oh yeah-- this week's new stuff:
Monday, 12/3
The Closer (TNT; 7-9 pm CST) and Saving Grace (TNT; 9 pm CST) return with new episodes.
And repeat season is a great time to try something you missed earlier. The funniest new show of the year, Aliens in America, repeats its pilot tonight (CW; 7:30). The scene between the two bullies and Justin when they're talking about his sister is priceless.
And my favorite comedy, How I Met Your Mother, repeats a great episode from last season where Marshall's beloved Fiero dies on him just short of hitting 200,000 miles (CBS; 7:00).
Life (NBC; 9 pm) begins a 2-parter that will be concluded this week in the show's normal timeslot (Wed @ 9).
Tuesday, 12/4
Bad Girls Club; Oxygen. 9 pm. 2nd season premiere.
Janice Dickenson Modeling Agency; Oxygen. 9:30. 3rd season premiere.
Everest: After the Climb; Discovery. 10 pm. (4-part) mini-series.
Phil Keoghan talks to hikers about their adventures.
Wednesday, 12/5
Julia Roberts Tribute; AMC. 7 pm. Special.
The America Cinematheque presents the award to Roberts. Last year's tribute to George Clooney was a hoot (yeah, I said "hoot", so what?), so it's probably a safe bet this one will be funny as well.
Million Dollar Christmas; TLC. 6 pm. Series premiere.
A series that looks at lottery jackpot winners and their first Christmases with the cha-ching.
Thursday, 12/6
Sand and Sorrow; HBO. 7 pm. Special.
A documentary that looks at the plight of the residents of Darfur.
Barbara Walters Presents: The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2007; ABC. 9:02. Special.
Walters gives us her yearly look who she feels are fascinating. Let's take a look: Bill Clinton (hmmm... maybe it's a repeat from ten years ago), David and Victoria Beckham (fascinating because they are, or fascinating because everyone in the media wants us to believe they are?), Justin Timberlake (maybe), Katherine Heigl (ABC does air the special), Jennifer Hudson (okay, props for Babs for going all the way back to the beginning of the year), Hugo Chavez (okay, here we go; I'm fascinated to know what kind of bottles he's got in this medicine cabinet), and MySpace founders Tom Anderson and Chris DeWolfe (wasn't YouTube the big web site this year?-- maybe I'm behind). And, of course, the mystery "most fascinating person" (I wonder if she'll consider Rosie O' Donnell for ratings; a 10 round match between the two would be fun).
Friday, 12/7
Christmas Out of the Box; National Geographic. 9 pm. Special.
The secrets of the season. Like: how Santa got the image he has, how stores entice shoppers, and the story behind the Star of Bethlehem.
And I'm not sure if I missed their returns the past few weeks, but I see Monk (USA, 8 pm) and Psych (USA, 9 pm) have new episodes tonight.
Movies Rock! A Celebration of Music and Film; CBS. 8 pm. Special.
Film's most memorable songs are celebrated in this concert performed by popular artists such as Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Fergie, Elton John, Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Lopez, Nelly, Carrie Underwood, and LeAnn Rimes. I normally wouldn't list them all, but doesn't it seem a little odd that all these really memorable songs will be performed by people who probably weren't alive when many of them were written? I mean, you got Elton, who just turned 60, and I was surprised to see J-Lo and Mary J. Blige are older than my 35 years, and then everyone else is younger than me. I guess I don't really have a point...
Sunday, 12/9
Dino Autopsy; National Geographic. 8 pm. Special.
Sounds Alien Autopsy fake, but I'm guessing Nat Geo's look at an especially well-preserved dinosaur fossil will be the real deal.
Robot Chicken's Half-Assed Christmas Special; Cartoon Network/[adult swim]. 10:30-10:45 pm. Special.
The Chicken crew eviscerate the Holiday Season's movies and specials.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Odds and Ends
Rumors are the writer's stike may be ending soon. Don't hold your breath as no one's willing to say it on the record, but we can always hope.
Here's an updated link to Michael Ausiello's blog post with the number of new episodes some (many more than last time) shows have left. It's getting close for some...
http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Ausiello-Report/Strike-Chart-Long/800026937
And-- maybe it's just high hopes the strike will end soon-- NBC has given Chuck and Life full-season orders. Who's gonna write the episodes? I don't know.
Here's an updated link to Michael Ausiello's blog post with the number of new episodes some (many more than last time) shows have left. It's getting close for some...
http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Ausiello-Report/Strike-Chart-Long/800026937
And-- maybe it's just high hopes the strike will end soon-- NBC has given Chuck and Life full-season orders. Who's gonna write the episodes? I don't know.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Premieres and Notables Nov. 26- Dec 2, 2007
Not many premieres and an odd amount of finales this week.
Monday, 11/26
Nimrod Nation; Sundance. 8:00 & 8:30 pm CST. Mini-series (4 week run).
A documentary about the residents of Waterstreet, MI. [The "Nimrods" of the title are the local high-school basketball team.]
Notes From the Underbelly; ABC. 8:30. 2nd season premiere.
Another surprise renewal by ABC. I dropped it after two painful episodes last year, but I may try it again...
October Road; ABC. 9 pm. New regular timeslot.
Tuesday, 11/27
A Charlie Brown Christmas; ABC. 7 pm. Special.
The classic is back.
Dancing With the Stars season finale on ABC at 8:00 pm.
And House finally finalizes his staff on House (FOX; 8 pm).
Wednesday, 11/28
Eric Clapton gets some of the greatest guitarists alive to join him in this performance from July on Great Performances (PBS; 8 pm-- check local listings). Guests include: B.B. King, Jeff Beck, Buddy Guy, and John Mayer.
Shrek the Halls; ABC. 7 pm. Special.
If you didn't get enough of the green one from his third movie (and countless advertising) this summer, here's a little more from the same people as the feature films (meaning no lame attempts at replicating voices).
How the Grinch Stole Christmas; ABC. 7:30. Special.
The classic 1966 cartoon I watch a few times every year. Genius...
Christmas in Rockefeller Center; NBC. 7 pm. Special.
The 75th annual lighting of the tree.
Thursday, 11/29
Iconoclasts (Sundance, 9 pm) has its finale with a pairing between actress (and activist) Ashley Judd and former secretary of state Madeleine Albright.
Friday, 11/30
Class of 3000 Christmas Special; Cartoon Network. 7 pm. Special.
Probably not destined to be a classic-- but it's got Santa voiced by Lil Jon. Wish it were Dave Chappelle doing Lil Jon as Santa-- YAY-Yeah!
Two Lifetime finales: Lisa Williams: Life Among the Dead (8 pm) and America's Psychic Challenge (9 pm).
Saturday, 12/1
Radio City Music Hall's 75th Anniversary Special ; NBC. 7 pm. Special
Torchwood (BBC America; 8 pm) ends its first season.
And Mad TV repeats the season opener with a look at their most outrageous skits from the past 13 years. It's awesome. We have everything from from "What Can Brown Do For You?" to the classic "Shake-powered Flashlight" bits. Highly Recommended.
Sunday, 12/2
Last Laugh '07 Starring Lewis Black; Comedy Central. 9 pm. Special
Don't you hate it when networks run "best of the year" shows with an entire month left of the year?
Tin Man; Sci Fi. 8 pm. Mini-series (three nights).
A modern take on The Wizard of Oz.
Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project; HBO. 7 pm. Special
Profile of the comedian directed by John Landis.
Desperate Housewives (ABC; 8 pm) airs its big sweeps episode in December. A tornado blows through town and leaves at least two regular characters dead.
And Brotherhood (Showtime; 9 pm) ends its second season.
Monday, 11/26
Nimrod Nation; Sundance. 8:00 & 8:30 pm CST. Mini-series (4 week run).
A documentary about the residents of Waterstreet, MI. [The "Nimrods" of the title are the local high-school basketball team.]
Notes From the Underbelly; ABC. 8:30. 2nd season premiere.
Another surprise renewal by ABC. I dropped it after two painful episodes last year, but I may try it again...
October Road; ABC. 9 pm. New regular timeslot.
Tuesday, 11/27
A Charlie Brown Christmas; ABC. 7 pm. Special.
The classic is back.
Dancing With the Stars season finale on ABC at 8:00 pm.
And House finally finalizes his staff on House (FOX; 8 pm).
Wednesday, 11/28
Eric Clapton gets some of the greatest guitarists alive to join him in this performance from July on Great Performances (PBS; 8 pm-- check local listings). Guests include: B.B. King, Jeff Beck, Buddy Guy, and John Mayer.
Shrek the Halls; ABC. 7 pm. Special.
If you didn't get enough of the green one from his third movie (and countless advertising) this summer, here's a little more from the same people as the feature films (meaning no lame attempts at replicating voices).
How the Grinch Stole Christmas; ABC. 7:30. Special.
The classic 1966 cartoon I watch a few times every year. Genius...
Christmas in Rockefeller Center; NBC. 7 pm. Special.
The 75th annual lighting of the tree.
Thursday, 11/29
Iconoclasts (Sundance, 9 pm) has its finale with a pairing between actress (and activist) Ashley Judd and former secretary of state Madeleine Albright.
Friday, 11/30
Class of 3000 Christmas Special; Cartoon Network. 7 pm. Special.
Probably not destined to be a classic-- but it's got Santa voiced by Lil Jon. Wish it were Dave Chappelle doing Lil Jon as Santa-- YAY-Yeah!
Two Lifetime finales: Lisa Williams: Life Among the Dead (8 pm) and America's Psychic Challenge (9 pm).
Saturday, 12/1
Radio City Music Hall's 75th Anniversary Special ; NBC. 7 pm. Special
Torchwood (BBC America; 8 pm) ends its first season.
And Mad TV repeats the season opener with a look at their most outrageous skits from the past 13 years. It's awesome. We have everything from from "What Can Brown Do For You?" to the classic "Shake-powered Flashlight" bits. Highly Recommended.
Sunday, 12/2
Last Laugh '07 Starring Lewis Black; Comedy Central. 9 pm. Special
Don't you hate it when networks run "best of the year" shows with an entire month left of the year?
Tin Man; Sci Fi. 8 pm. Mini-series (three nights).
A modern take on The Wizard of Oz.
Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project; HBO. 7 pm. Special
Profile of the comedian directed by John Landis.
Desperate Housewives (ABC; 8 pm) airs its big sweeps episode in December. A tornado blows through town and leaves at least two regular characters dead.
And Brotherhood (Showtime; 9 pm) ends its second season.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Premieres and Notables, November 19-25, 2007
[Note: just going with what TV Guide and Entertainment Weekly printed. Can't promise all these are correct due to network changes due to the strike.]
Monday, 11/19
First Frisky Dingo, then It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, then The Office (even though it had an off year), and now Weeds has its season-ender (Showtime; 9 pm CST). TV is getting less funny by the week.
Odd bit of coincidence: the Weeds season finale features a wildfire that threatens Agresta/Majestic-- and Nancy's grow house. But losing her crop may not be the worst thing in the world as the Feds are about to investigate the house because they used heat sensors and found the gigantic cross Doug stole and then used to help the crop grow.
Tuesday, 11/20
Frank TV; TBS. 10 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Frank Caliendo impersonates/mimics famous people.
Wednesday, 11/21
Ben 10: Race Against Time; Cartoon Network. 7 pm. Movie
Cartoon network takes yet another step away from its name and airs this live action movie based on its popular cartoon series.
Rise of the Videogame; Discovery. 7 pm. Mini-series.
A five week look at videogames, beginning in the 1970's.
Paul "Pee Wee" Reubens guest stars on Pushing Daisies (ABC, 7 pm).
Thursday, 11/22
Countless specials and Thanksgiving episodes.
October Road; ABC. 9:02 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
I have no idea how this show got renewed... Ratings were decent, but it sucked. Maybe it'll be better, but I'm not going to try it to find out for myself.
Friday, 11/23
Star Trek: Enterprise Marathon; Sci Fi Channel. 7 am-12:30 am.
Seventeen episode block from Season 3 & 4 (the last-- and best-- seasons).
SpongeBob SquarePants Marathon; Nickelodeon. 6 am-9 pm.
Fifteen hours of the bizarre one. Great for kids and stoners!
Fashionably Late With Stacy London; TLC. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
What Not to Wear's co-host gets her own show.
Saturday, 11/24
Battlestar Galactica: Razor; Sci Fi. 8 pm. Movie.
I haven't gotten around to watching the series yet, but I know this made-for-TV movie has been eagerly awaited by fans for a while now.
Sunday, 11/25
John Mahoney joins David Hyde Pierce and Kelsey Grammer as guests on The Simpsons (FOX; 7 pm).
Monday, 11/19
First Frisky Dingo, then It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, then The Office (even though it had an off year), and now Weeds has its season-ender (Showtime; 9 pm CST). TV is getting less funny by the week.
Odd bit of coincidence: the Weeds season finale features a wildfire that threatens Agresta/Majestic-- and Nancy's grow house. But losing her crop may not be the worst thing in the world as the Feds are about to investigate the house because they used heat sensors and found the gigantic cross Doug stole and then used to help the crop grow.
Tuesday, 11/20
Frank TV; TBS. 10 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Frank Caliendo impersonates/mimics famous people.
Wednesday, 11/21
Ben 10: Race Against Time; Cartoon Network. 7 pm. Movie
Cartoon network takes yet another step away from its name and airs this live action movie based on its popular cartoon series.
Rise of the Videogame; Discovery. 7 pm. Mini-series.
A five week look at videogames, beginning in the 1970's.
Paul "Pee Wee" Reubens guest stars on Pushing Daisies (ABC, 7 pm).
Thursday, 11/22
Countless specials and Thanksgiving episodes.
October Road; ABC. 9:02 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
I have no idea how this show got renewed... Ratings were decent, but it sucked. Maybe it'll be better, but I'm not going to try it to find out for myself.
Friday, 11/23
Star Trek: Enterprise Marathon; Sci Fi Channel. 7 am-12:30 am.
Seventeen episode block from Season 3 & 4 (the last-- and best-- seasons).
SpongeBob SquarePants Marathon; Nickelodeon. 6 am-9 pm.
Fifteen hours of the bizarre one. Great for kids and stoners!
Fashionably Late With Stacy London; TLC. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
What Not to Wear's co-host gets her own show.
Saturday, 11/24
Battlestar Galactica: Razor; Sci Fi. 8 pm. Movie.
I haven't gotten around to watching the series yet, but I know this made-for-TV movie has been eagerly awaited by fans for a while now.
Sunday, 11/25
John Mahoney joins David Hyde Pierce and Kelsey Grammer as guests on The Simpsons (FOX; 7 pm).
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Legendary Hagar
A few weeks ago, I wrote about seeing The Mighty Van Halen in Minneapolis. Well, last week, I got to catch Sammy Hagar and Wabos (along with Michael Anthony's Mad Anthony Express) in Green Bay at the Oneida Bingo and Casino.
I cut and edited an e-mail I sent my friend Brian about it. Apologies if I didn't edit it well enough:
There are a number of things that can "make" a show great: the energy of the place, the song list, how well the band seems to be gelling. Van Halen in Minneapolis was historic, legendary, tight. A must-see.
But Hagar last week was special. Green Bay is becoming one of those "must stops" for him. It's quickly becoming like St. Louis or California's Bay Area for him. He said as much when he said he HAS to stop in Green Bay because he loves the place and the fans. It was not the usual artist B.S. they say on stage to get a big pop. He took the time between the end of the show and the encore to just say how much he loves coming here and gave a number of singular reasons why.
The show began with a 10-15 minute video piece put together for his birthday with best wishes from friends and fans (ZZ Top, James Hetfield, David Hasselhoff, Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus, and many more). Nothing groundbreaking, but had a few laughs-- and it also helped pass the time before the show started.
Then The Mad Anthony Express (consisting of Michael Anthony, Victor Johnson, and J.D.) played a few songs. Mostly old VH but a ZZ TOP and a Zepplin one as well. New Wabos percussionist J.D. is still kind of an enigma to me, but he was POUNDING the skins during the set. Vic showed he's grown as a showman by sharing vocals on "Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers" (good voice for that song, BTW) as well as rapping with Mike between songs. Mikey is no Roth in the singing department, but he chose songs that he didn't need to reach too much on. And you gotta appreciate the hard work the members of a "power trio" do for a show.
After that was the 10 or so minute video piece from Cabo he had last year. Again-- nice to have something to do other than look at a dark stage and wait.
Then Hagar and The Wabos came out. I don't remember them all, but here's a little taste: Started with "Sam I Am" and then kicked into "One Way To Rock" and just took it from there. Sang "Piece of My Heart", "I'll Fall in Love Again" (one of my favorite songs), "The Girl Gets Around", "Open", "Serious Juju" (another favorite-- but unlike the Ten13 tour where it didn't work so well, this time it REALLY cooked).
Then he asked Mona to go potty and to send Mike in, and they did "Good Enough" (not a classic song, but one that has major history for me), "Why Can't This Be Love?", and "Poundcake" (Vic didn't have a drill for the opening, but he got a very similar effect from just his fingers). Can't remember off-hand what else. Maybe another song or two-- wasn't a long set for The Other Half.
Then back to the Wabos with "I Can't Drive 55" and "Heavy Metal" followed by "Mas Tequila" and "Three Lock Box". He did a lot more playing around with the waitresses . There was a great moment when he had one pour water on his hands (to get some spilled margarita cleaned off), and he pulled out his waistband to his capri pants (why, oh God why, do these old rockers wear those ridiculous things?) for her to pour on his junk, which she did, and he got surprised when the water came from the one she was holding for him to drink-- and it was really cold.
Then he closed out the show with the thank yous. And improvised a little (Mona had to switch gear) and they played a song ("When the Sun Don't Shine") he wrote for this tour because it's not during the summer time (his usual tour time), but the weather has been so nice, he's only played it in Detroit before Green Bay. Doesn't sound like it'll be a song that'll be on the next disc; he kept saying it was just a tour song. It had a pretty heavy country bent with Vic and his twangy guitar.
And then he stopped and rapped about how sometimes how he feels about a song can change over the years. He wrote this song 20 years ago but it means something different to him now, so he decided to change it up. Then Vic and Mona started on the acoustic guitars (yep, bassist Mona had a six-string), Mike had his electric bass (which he didn't touch until half-way through the song), and David and J.D. played softer drums. Sammy started singing this slow, soft tune, and the words were from "Dreams". It was great. He took a song that I've all heard hundreds of times, and made it fresh again. I really wish that could go on a disc, but I doubt it.
Sam was as youthful as ever. Wore sunglasses the entire show. Vic was all over his part as usual, and like I said, he seems to be stepping out a little and becoming more of a showman. Mona was as solid as ever. Played bass for her parts and played percussion with J.D. here and there and even picked up a six-string for the finale. Still have no idea how someone with hair that long can handle being that warm (it was cozy in that room-- I had on jeans, a T-shirt, and my Cabo beach shirt, and I was sweating). Lauser was the backbone of the group as always. I like the rapport he and J.D. have. I find it amazing that those two can keep in time with each other; there were a few songs when both were smashing their kits exactly the same. I guess I don't understand music well enough, so I find it amazing. Even more amazing: J.D. was chewing gum (with a bubble once in a while) while he was drumming-- I can't get my hands and feet to work together on a drum kit, and he's doing both AND chewing gum!
And, finally, Michael Anthony was Mike. I thought Wolfgang did an admirable job during the VH show, but Mike knows how to work a crowd (something Wolfie will pick up with experience, I'm sure). When he's crankin' on the bass, it's as if every note is like firing a gun for him. The guy puts on a show. More than once he and Sammy looked at each other and you knew neither had anywhere else they wanted to be.
So: great energy from the crowd the band fed off and gave back; tight setlist with some surprising songs (he seems to be rotating out some-- no Montrose, no Capitol/70's stuff-- and working others in-- never heard him sing "Piece of My Heart" before that I recall); great place to play-- nice and cozy but still had room.
It truly ranks up there as one of the best shows I've seen. The guy just turned sixty years old, and he rocks just as much as he ever did. He's been with the Wabos for ten years now, and they just get better and better. I highly recommend anyone check out his show. He's not in it for the money ($25 tickets, for cryin' out loud), and I don't think he'd have it any other way.
I cut and edited an e-mail I sent my friend Brian about it. Apologies if I didn't edit it well enough:
There are a number of things that can "make" a show great: the energy of the place, the song list, how well the band seems to be gelling. Van Halen in Minneapolis was historic, legendary, tight. A must-see.
But Hagar last week was special. Green Bay is becoming one of those "must stops" for him. It's quickly becoming like St. Louis or California's Bay Area for him. He said as much when he said he HAS to stop in Green Bay because he loves the place and the fans. It was not the usual artist B.S. they say on stage to get a big pop. He took the time between the end of the show and the encore to just say how much he loves coming here and gave a number of singular reasons why.
The show began with a 10-15 minute video piece put together for his birthday with best wishes from friends and fans (ZZ Top, James Hetfield, David Hasselhoff, Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus, and many more). Nothing groundbreaking, but had a few laughs-- and it also helped pass the time before the show started.
Then The Mad Anthony Express (consisting of Michael Anthony, Victor Johnson, and J.D.) played a few songs. Mostly old VH but a ZZ TOP and a Zepplin one as well. New Wabos percussionist J.D. is still kind of an enigma to me, but he was POUNDING the skins during the set. Vic showed he's grown as a showman by sharing vocals on "Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers" (good voice for that song, BTW) as well as rapping with Mike between songs. Mikey is no Roth in the singing department, but he chose songs that he didn't need to reach too much on. And you gotta appreciate the hard work the members of a "power trio" do for a show.
After that was the 10 or so minute video piece from Cabo he had last year. Again-- nice to have something to do other than look at a dark stage and wait.
Then Hagar and The Wabos came out. I don't remember them all, but here's a little taste: Started with "Sam I Am" and then kicked into "One Way To Rock" and just took it from there. Sang "Piece of My Heart", "I'll Fall in Love Again" (one of my favorite songs), "The Girl Gets Around", "Open", "Serious Juju" (another favorite-- but unlike the Ten13 tour where it didn't work so well, this time it REALLY cooked).
Then he asked Mona to go potty and to send Mike in, and they did "Good Enough" (not a classic song, but one that has major history for me), "Why Can't This Be Love?", and "Poundcake" (Vic didn't have a drill for the opening, but he got a very similar effect from just his fingers). Can't remember off-hand what else. Maybe another song or two-- wasn't a long set for The Other Half.
Then back to the Wabos with "I Can't Drive 55" and "Heavy Metal" followed by "Mas Tequila" and "Three Lock Box". He did a lot more playing around with the waitresses . There was a great moment when he had one pour water on his hands (to get some spilled margarita cleaned off), and he pulled out his waistband to his capri pants (why, oh God why, do these old rockers wear those ridiculous things?) for her to pour on his junk, which she did, and he got surprised when the water came from the one she was holding for him to drink-- and it was really cold.
Then he closed out the show with the thank yous. And improvised a little (Mona had to switch gear) and they played a song ("When the Sun Don't Shine") he wrote for this tour because it's not during the summer time (his usual tour time), but the weather has been so nice, he's only played it in Detroit before Green Bay. Doesn't sound like it'll be a song that'll be on the next disc; he kept saying it was just a tour song. It had a pretty heavy country bent with Vic and his twangy guitar.
And then he stopped and rapped about how sometimes how he feels about a song can change over the years. He wrote this song 20 years ago but it means something different to him now, so he decided to change it up. Then Vic and Mona started on the acoustic guitars (yep, bassist Mona had a six-string), Mike had his electric bass (which he didn't touch until half-way through the song), and David and J.D. played softer drums. Sammy started singing this slow, soft tune, and the words were from "Dreams". It was great. He took a song that I've all heard hundreds of times, and made it fresh again. I really wish that could go on a disc, but I doubt it.
Sam was as youthful as ever. Wore sunglasses the entire show. Vic was all over his part as usual, and like I said, he seems to be stepping out a little and becoming more of a showman. Mona was as solid as ever. Played bass for her parts and played percussion with J.D. here and there and even picked up a six-string for the finale. Still have no idea how someone with hair that long can handle being that warm (it was cozy in that room-- I had on jeans, a T-shirt, and my Cabo beach shirt, and I was sweating). Lauser was the backbone of the group as always. I like the rapport he and J.D. have. I find it amazing that those two can keep in time with each other; there were a few songs when both were smashing their kits exactly the same. I guess I don't understand music well enough, so I find it amazing. Even more amazing: J.D. was chewing gum (with a bubble once in a while) while he was drumming-- I can't get my hands and feet to work together on a drum kit, and he's doing both AND chewing gum!
And, finally, Michael Anthony was Mike. I thought Wolfgang did an admirable job during the VH show, but Mike knows how to work a crowd (something Wolfie will pick up with experience, I'm sure). When he's crankin' on the bass, it's as if every note is like firing a gun for him. The guy puts on a show. More than once he and Sammy looked at each other and you knew neither had anywhere else they wanted to be.
So: great energy from the crowd the band fed off and gave back; tight setlist with some surprising songs (he seems to be rotating out some-- no Montrose, no Capitol/70's stuff-- and working others in-- never heard him sing "Piece of My Heart" before that I recall); great place to play-- nice and cozy but still had room.
It truly ranks up there as one of the best shows I've seen. The guy just turned sixty years old, and he rocks just as much as he ever did. He's been with the Wabos for ten years now, and they just get better and better. I highly recommend anyone check out his show. He's not in it for the money ($25 tickets, for cryin' out loud), and I don't think he'd have it any other way.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Premieres and Notables, November 12-18, 2007
Monday, 11/12
SpongeBob SquarePants; Nickelodeon. 7 pm CST. Special.
An eleven-hour marathon beginning at 8 am culminates in a new one-hour "movie" called "Atlantis SquarePantis".
Thursday, 11/15
A great season of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX, 9 pm) ends. Try to catch it in repeats or on DVD.
Wednesday, 11/14
Project Runway; Bravo. 9 pm. 4th Season premiere.
I can't get myself to watch this show, but many critics I respect seem to like it.
Friday, 11/16
Frank Caliendo: All Over the Place; TBS. 9 pm. Special.
The comic gives a stand-up special on the home of his new show Frank TV (premiering 11/20).
Sunday, 11/18
Kenny vs. Spenny; Comedy Central. 10:30 pm. Series Premiere.
TV Guide calls this the premiere, Entertainment Weekly says it's 11:30 pm on Wednesday (11/14). This Canadian import (brought to us through Trey Parker and Matt Stone) pits two friends against each other in ridiculous competitions (who can eat the most meat?, who can produce the biggest fart?).
I don't have high hopes for this, but the spin-off called Ed vs. Spencer BBC America aired last year was pretty entertaining, so maybe this one will be good, too.
SpongeBob SquarePants; Nickelodeon. 7 pm CST. Special.
An eleven-hour marathon beginning at 8 am culminates in a new one-hour "movie" called "Atlantis SquarePantis".
Thursday, 11/15
A great season of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX, 9 pm) ends. Try to catch it in repeats or on DVD.
Wednesday, 11/14
Project Runway; Bravo. 9 pm. 4th Season premiere.
I can't get myself to watch this show, but many critics I respect seem to like it.
Friday, 11/16
Frank Caliendo: All Over the Place; TBS. 9 pm. Special.
The comic gives a stand-up special on the home of his new show Frank TV (premiering 11/20).
Sunday, 11/18
Kenny vs. Spenny; Comedy Central. 10:30 pm. Series Premiere.
TV Guide calls this the premiere, Entertainment Weekly says it's 11:30 pm on Wednesday (11/14). This Canadian import (brought to us through Trey Parker and Matt Stone) pits two friends against each other in ridiculous competitions (who can eat the most meat?, who can produce the biggest fart?).
I don't have high hopes for this, but the spin-off called Ed vs. Spencer BBC America aired last year was pretty entertaining, so maybe this one will be good, too.
Possible Strike Questions Answered
TVGuide.com has had pretty good coverage of the WGA strike. Check it out.
Here are a few links to good Q&A posts:
Network Plans
How Many New Episodes Are Left?
Overall, late night chatfests have already been airing repeats, but also will, most likely, come back without writers if the strike goes on too long. I don't remember the last strike, but I read that even Johnny Carson suffered when he did shows without writers.
Dramas mostly have enough episodes in the can to air new episodes until Year's End, but comedies are mostly produced closer to their air date, and have fewer in the can (except Everybody Hates Chris, which has a full season already produced).
New shows that don't have great ratings (Bionic Woman, Life, Journeyman, et al) will probably have a tough time coming back if there is too long before new episodes. And don't expect them to return at all if the season is lost.
And comic book writer and TV writer Brian K. Vaughn does a Q&A-type blog post of his own. In it, he explains that writers want their four cent payment per DVD to increase to eight cents! Oh, those greedy bastards! He also echoed what I've read in a number of other blogs-- the news outlets we see on TV or hear on the radio are usually owned by the companies the writers are striking against, so take that into account.
Check it out here:
http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=135331
I also found it interesting that the actors and directors guild contracts are up next summer, so this strike will probably play a large part in those negotiations.
Here are a few links to good Q&A posts:
Network Plans
How Many New Episodes Are Left?
Overall, late night chatfests have already been airing repeats, but also will, most likely, come back without writers if the strike goes on too long. I don't remember the last strike, but I read that even Johnny Carson suffered when he did shows without writers.
Dramas mostly have enough episodes in the can to air new episodes until Year's End, but comedies are mostly produced closer to their air date, and have fewer in the can (except Everybody Hates Chris, which has a full season already produced).
New shows that don't have great ratings (Bionic Woman, Life, Journeyman, et al) will probably have a tough time coming back if there is too long before new episodes. And don't expect them to return at all if the season is lost.
And comic book writer and TV writer Brian K. Vaughn does a Q&A-type blog post of his own. In it, he explains that writers want their four cent payment per DVD to increase to eight cents! Oh, those greedy bastards! He also echoed what I've read in a number of other blogs-- the news outlets we see on TV or hear on the radio are usually owned by the companies the writers are striking against, so take that into account.
Check it out here:
http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=135331
I also found it interesting that the actors and directors guild contracts are up next summer, so this strike will probably play a large part in those negotiations.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Premieres and Notables November 5-11, 2007
NBC's "Green Week" begins. Most shows will have some sort of ecological "message" in them. I think it's a great concept just to remind people about the issue, but usually these theme weeks bomb in a bad way (and NBC has been involved with most of those failures).
Monday, 11/5
Murder by the Book; Court TV. 9 pm CST. 2nd season premiere.
Prison Break airs for 2 hours (FOX, 7-9 pm).
Tuesday, 11/6
Frontline/World; PBS. 8 pm CST (check local listings). Season Premiere.
Real Housewives of Orange County; Bravo. 9 pm. 3rd Season Premiere.
Sports Unfiltered With Dennis Miller; Vs. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Miller gives monologues, interviews, and checks headlines in this sports-based show.
Wednesday, 11/7
Swinging; Sundance. 10 pm. 2nd season premiere.
I liked BBC America's similar sketch comedy, Spoons, better, but the plot to one of the sketches in this premiere is a woman brings her dad to a porn film audition. Could be funny.
Clean House; Style. 9 pm. 6th season premiere.
And there's The 41st Annual CMA Awards is you're jonesing for awards shows (CBS, 7 pm).
Thursday, 11/8
NBC comedy highlights: Craig T. Nelson's warden makes a return appearance in My Name is Earl (7 pm); David Schwimmer makes a guest appearance on 30 Rock (7:30); Micheal is barred from the wilderness retreat, but goes into the forest on his own anyway on The Office (8:00); and Tom Cavanaugh returns as J.D.'s brother on Scrubs (8:30). Should be a good night.
And CBS airs a case that has CSI (8 pm) crossing over with Without a Trace (9 pm).
Friday, 11/9
Band of Bloggers; History. 7 pm. Special
A look at how blogging has given soldiers a chance to give the public a first-hand account of the war in Iraq.
Man vs. Wild; Discovery. 8 pm. 2nd season premiere.
And in sad news, Real Time With Bill Maher's (HBO, 10 pm) season concludes-- but he's got guests George Carlin (who should be better than last week's Martin Short) and Tom Brokaw to send him off.
Saturday, 11/10
C.O.P.S. airs its 7ooth episode at 7 pm (FOX). Let's say that number again: seven hundred!
Sunday, 11/11
Fearless Planet; Discovery. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Six-part look at some of the world's most awe-inspiring wonders. The premiere looks at Hawaii's geological history.
Cotton might be headed to the grave on King of the Hill (FOX, 7:30) and the American Idol judges make an appearance on Family Guy (FOX, 8 pm).
Curb Your Enthusiasm and Tell Me You Love Me (HBO, 9 pm & 8 pm) end their current seasons.
And keep in mind the WGA strike, so expect lots of repeats of the live shows you may be looking for. Saturday Night Live is a definite for airing repeats until the strike is resolved. Most late-night shows will also go into immediate repeats starting Monday (I know that Jay Leno is supporting the strike by not offering new eps); I've read that Jimmy Kimmel's show may still offer new eps for a time (not sure how; could be that he's the main/sole writer himself). I would imagine The Daily Show and The Colbert Report will also be unable to air new episodes.
So take the time to catch up on shows you've previously recorded when other shows you watch are in repeat mode. (I'd recommend DVD box sets, but since that's the big sticking point for the WGA, it'd be kinda ironic if I sent you in that direction.)
Monday, 11/5
Murder by the Book; Court TV. 9 pm CST. 2nd season premiere.
Prison Break airs for 2 hours (FOX, 7-9 pm).
Tuesday, 11/6
Frontline/World; PBS. 8 pm CST (check local listings). Season Premiere.
Real Housewives of Orange County; Bravo. 9 pm. 3rd Season Premiere.
Sports Unfiltered With Dennis Miller; Vs. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Miller gives monologues, interviews, and checks headlines in this sports-based show.
Wednesday, 11/7
Swinging; Sundance. 10 pm. 2nd season premiere.
I liked BBC America's similar sketch comedy, Spoons, better, but the plot to one of the sketches in this premiere is a woman brings her dad to a porn film audition. Could be funny.
Clean House; Style. 9 pm. 6th season premiere.
And there's The 41st Annual CMA Awards is you're jonesing for awards shows (CBS, 7 pm).
Thursday, 11/8
NBC comedy highlights: Craig T. Nelson's warden makes a return appearance in My Name is Earl (7 pm); David Schwimmer makes a guest appearance on 30 Rock (7:30); Micheal is barred from the wilderness retreat, but goes into the forest on his own anyway on The Office (8:00); and Tom Cavanaugh returns as J.D.'s brother on Scrubs (8:30). Should be a good night.
And CBS airs a case that has CSI (8 pm) crossing over with Without a Trace (9 pm).
Friday, 11/9
Band of Bloggers; History. 7 pm. Special
A look at how blogging has given soldiers a chance to give the public a first-hand account of the war in Iraq.
Man vs. Wild; Discovery. 8 pm. 2nd season premiere.
And in sad news, Real Time With Bill Maher's (HBO, 10 pm) season concludes-- but he's got guests George Carlin (who should be better than last week's Martin Short) and Tom Brokaw to send him off.
Saturday, 11/10
C.O.P.S. airs its 7ooth episode at 7 pm (FOX). Let's say that number again: seven hundred!
Sunday, 11/11
Fearless Planet; Discovery. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Six-part look at some of the world's most awe-inspiring wonders. The premiere looks at Hawaii's geological history.
Cotton might be headed to the grave on King of the Hill (FOX, 7:30) and the American Idol judges make an appearance on Family Guy (FOX, 8 pm).
Curb Your Enthusiasm and Tell Me You Love Me (HBO, 9 pm & 8 pm) end their current seasons.
And keep in mind the WGA strike, so expect lots of repeats of the live shows you may be looking for. Saturday Night Live is a definite for airing repeats until the strike is resolved. Most late-night shows will also go into immediate repeats starting Monday (I know that Jay Leno is supporting the strike by not offering new eps); I've read that Jimmy Kimmel's show may still offer new eps for a time (not sure how; could be that he's the main/sole writer himself). I would imagine The Daily Show and The Colbert Report will also be unable to air new episodes.
So take the time to catch up on shows you've previously recorded when other shows you watch are in repeat mode. (I'd recommend DVD box sets, but since that's the big sticking point for the WGA, it'd be kinda ironic if I sent you in that direction.)
Saturday, November 03, 2007
You Fool!
Ran across this link to a funny Hollywood Squares show that no one wanted to win.
Every square was filled except Gilbert Gottfried's, and it went back and forth because each player kept getting it wrong (prompting Gottfried to yell: "You Fool!" after each incorrect answer).
Not LOL hilarious, but enough to get a few chuckles.
The clip is six minutes long, and the video quality sucks, but if you're bored...
http://youtube.com/watch?v=FkkMkefwa8k
Every square was filled except Gilbert Gottfried's, and it went back and forth because each player kept getting it wrong (prompting Gottfried to yell: "You Fool!" after each incorrect answer).
Not LOL hilarious, but enough to get a few chuckles.
The clip is six minutes long, and the video quality sucks, but if you're bored...
http://youtube.com/watch?v=FkkMkefwa8k
Writers Go On Strike
Yesterday, the Writer's Guild (WGA) elected to go on strike on Monday.
What that means is no new scripts will be written for television or motion pictures until the strike is over. Studios have been expecting this for some time and have ordered a more-than-usual amount of movie scripts in preparation, so the motion picture industry probably won't be affected too much in the short-term. But the television industry will be adversely affected if the strike goes on for longer than a few weeks just due to the nature of television production.
If the strike goes on a while (at least a month, but assuredly by year's end), there will be long-term effects to this year's TV season. Shows are already bracing for the impact of having no new scripts. The "arc" finale of Heroes that is due to air on Dec. 3 will also have an alternate ending shot soon that will allow the ep to be a season finale if the strike isn't ended in time for more scripts. It's unknown what will happen to shows like Lost and 24, that work in season-long arcs and haven't premiered yet.
So, what's the strike about? Basically, the writers believe that they should benefit from the alternate media outlets that weren't prevalent when their current contract was written, namely through DVD and Internet. They haven't seen the money that comes from DVDs or iTunes.
Here is a link to WGA member Mark Evanier's (a sometimes comic book writer, and a great columnist) take on the situation:
http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2007_10_31.html#014277
And here's another post from him that tries to eliminate some of the myths surrounding the situation and the union:
http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2007_11_03.html#014294
I'm a nobody (from an industry perspective), but the writers have my full support on the strike, and I hope the producers loosen the strings to the purses they've kept the DVD and iTunes money for themselves thus far.
And let's get this worked out sooner rather than later because no one wants a bunch of the shit reality shows the networks are gearing up for if they don't get new scripted fare.
What that means is no new scripts will be written for television or motion pictures until the strike is over. Studios have been expecting this for some time and have ordered a more-than-usual amount of movie scripts in preparation, so the motion picture industry probably won't be affected too much in the short-term. But the television industry will be adversely affected if the strike goes on for longer than a few weeks just due to the nature of television production.
If the strike goes on a while (at least a month, but assuredly by year's end), there will be long-term effects to this year's TV season. Shows are already bracing for the impact of having no new scripts. The "arc" finale of Heroes that is due to air on Dec. 3 will also have an alternate ending shot soon that will allow the ep to be a season finale if the strike isn't ended in time for more scripts. It's unknown what will happen to shows like Lost and 24, that work in season-long arcs and haven't premiered yet.
So, what's the strike about? Basically, the writers believe that they should benefit from the alternate media outlets that weren't prevalent when their current contract was written, namely through DVD and Internet. They haven't seen the money that comes from DVDs or iTunes.
Here is a link to WGA member Mark Evanier's (a sometimes comic book writer, and a great columnist) take on the situation:
http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2007_10_31.html#014277
And here's another post from him that tries to eliminate some of the myths surrounding the situation and the union:
http://www.newsfromme.com/archives/2007_11_03.html#014294
I'm a nobody (from an industry perspective), but the writers have my full support on the strike, and I hope the producers loosen the strings to the purses they've kept the DVD and iTunes money for themselves thus far.
And let's get this worked out sooner rather than later because no one wants a bunch of the shit reality shows the networks are gearing up for if they don't get new scripted fare.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
The Mighty Van Halen is Back
Due to the generosity of a friend (shout out to Brian), I was able to check out Van Halen's concert in Minneapolis this past Wednesday.
It was the fifth time I'd seen the band-- but the first with David Lee Roth singing. I've been a Van Halen fan for about twenty years, so I just missed the original Roth Days, but I have heard numerous stories about the legendary shows the band put on at that time.
I'm not sure if I experienced one of those "legendary" shows, but I did see a great one. They went way back-- nothing was played that was newer than 1984-- but it seemed new. I'd heard some of the songs before when Sammy Hagar or Gary Cherone sang them, but this time, we got the guy who wrote the words singing. There was a big difference. Yeah, Dave's voice isn't what it was. He can't hit those high notes or sustain the ones he used to carry a while, but, let's face it, the dude is 53 years old. It got kinda annoying that he went "lounge act" on a more than a few songs (to cover the voice), but if that's how we can hear the songs, I could deal with it.
And while Dave didn't rap too much during the show (the band was all about the music), one of the highlights of the night for me was a story that he told during his solo that had nothing to do with anything, but he just told it in such a way that I was hooked. The guy has the gift of gab for sure. And I could tell he just loves what he's doing.
Edward was amazing. I've seen him live before and I've watched the live-show DVDs and videos, so I shouldn't be surprised by what he can do, but I was. The guy can cook-- and he hasn't lost a step. If anything, he has perfected himself even more. I was enthralled by him the whole night, but one of my usually least favorite parts of a show-- the guitar solo-- blew me away. In the past, Ed worked in a lot of the "classic" riffs in his solo, but since the rest of the show was of the "classic" songs, he was unleashed. [I half-joked to Brian that it'd be cool if he did the Hagar-era riffs during the solo, but I knew that wouldn't happen.] Ed punished his guitar during the solo; just crazy stuff.
So: Dave and Ed? They looked like they were having the times of their lives. I've seen Ed fake it with Hagar before , but I really think he was loving doing what he was doing up on stage-- with Dave right next to him. More than once, they seemed almost playful with each other. They did a pretty wild motorcycle impersonation "contest" that freaked me out (Dave would use his mouth and the mic to sound like a starting engine-- and Ed would then counter with the same sounds using the guitar).
Alex was in a little "cage" of drums, pushed back by the second level of the stage, so it was hard to see what he was up to, but being a drummer for a rock band... he was pretty busy. And, unfortunately, the rhythm section is a bit of the mystery to me, so it's hard for me to say how effective he was. I'm going to guess he too, hasn't lost a step.
And the newest and most controversial member: Wolfgang Van Halen. He's no Michael Anthony, but he held his own. Mike was not only an essential member of the band vocal-wise, but he put on a show just as much as the others did. Wolfgang didn't stand out, but, let's face it, this tour is the "Dave and Ed Show", so anyone that band would have tapped to replace Mike would have been in the shadows. The kid can play (as much as I can tell), and he's only sixteen, so I can only imagine he'll get better at working the crowd over time. For now, he was happy (and effective) moving a little outside his area and otherwise standing with legs together in front of his microphone. Considering he was playing with a group that has over twice his age in the business, he did well.
And what is probably Wolf's most important contribution: his beamingly proud father on the other end of the stage.
It's a travesty how Van Halen has handled their business as it pertains to Mike, but I'm trying to come to terms with it. The band definitely needs to get a better P.R. firm to handle what's been going on. Here's the best way to deal with it: VH says they're happy Mike has been playing with Hagar the past few years-- and that they know he has a steady gig-- because Ed wants nothing more than to play with his son while he can. Done deal. Ed & Al-- if you need someone to handle your business, e-mail me.
And one last side note: since Wolfgang is such a new entity to not only Van Halen, but the industry, some loathsome people out there have reviewed him by making jokes that he's overweight. It's despicable. For those lazy writers out there: try doing your jobs. The kid is not (that) overweight-- and he's sixteen. How would you have felt reading something like that-- that has NOTHING to do with your job-- in a paper or online? Grow up.
So all I've got left is: try to see if this show if you can. It may not be what is was in 1984, but it's still damn good.
And, knowing the track history of this band, you may not get the chance ever again.
It was the fifth time I'd seen the band-- but the first with David Lee Roth singing. I've been a Van Halen fan for about twenty years, so I just missed the original Roth Days, but I have heard numerous stories about the legendary shows the band put on at that time.
I'm not sure if I experienced one of those "legendary" shows, but I did see a great one. They went way back-- nothing was played that was newer than 1984-- but it seemed new. I'd heard some of the songs before when Sammy Hagar or Gary Cherone sang them, but this time, we got the guy who wrote the words singing. There was a big difference. Yeah, Dave's voice isn't what it was. He can't hit those high notes or sustain the ones he used to carry a while, but, let's face it, the dude is 53 years old. It got kinda annoying that he went "lounge act" on a more than a few songs (to cover the voice), but if that's how we can hear the songs, I could deal with it.
And while Dave didn't rap too much during the show (the band was all about the music), one of the highlights of the night for me was a story that he told during his solo that had nothing to do with anything, but he just told it in such a way that I was hooked. The guy has the gift of gab for sure. And I could tell he just loves what he's doing.
Edward was amazing. I've seen him live before and I've watched the live-show DVDs and videos, so I shouldn't be surprised by what he can do, but I was. The guy can cook-- and he hasn't lost a step. If anything, he has perfected himself even more. I was enthralled by him the whole night, but one of my usually least favorite parts of a show-- the guitar solo-- blew me away. In the past, Ed worked in a lot of the "classic" riffs in his solo, but since the rest of the show was of the "classic" songs, he was unleashed. [I half-joked to Brian that it'd be cool if he did the Hagar-era riffs during the solo, but I knew that wouldn't happen.] Ed punished his guitar during the solo; just crazy stuff.
So: Dave and Ed? They looked like they were having the times of their lives. I've seen Ed fake it with Hagar before , but I really think he was loving doing what he was doing up on stage-- with Dave right next to him. More than once, they seemed almost playful with each other. They did a pretty wild motorcycle impersonation "contest" that freaked me out (Dave would use his mouth and the mic to sound like a starting engine-- and Ed would then counter with the same sounds using the guitar).
Alex was in a little "cage" of drums, pushed back by the second level of the stage, so it was hard to see what he was up to, but being a drummer for a rock band... he was pretty busy. And, unfortunately, the rhythm section is a bit of the mystery to me, so it's hard for me to say how effective he was. I'm going to guess he too, hasn't lost a step.
And the newest and most controversial member: Wolfgang Van Halen. He's no Michael Anthony, but he held his own. Mike was not only an essential member of the band vocal-wise, but he put on a show just as much as the others did. Wolfgang didn't stand out, but, let's face it, this tour is the "Dave and Ed Show", so anyone that band would have tapped to replace Mike would have been in the shadows. The kid can play (as much as I can tell), and he's only sixteen, so I can only imagine he'll get better at working the crowd over time. For now, he was happy (and effective) moving a little outside his area and otherwise standing with legs together in front of his microphone. Considering he was playing with a group that has over twice his age in the business, he did well.
And what is probably Wolf's most important contribution: his beamingly proud father on the other end of the stage.
It's a travesty how Van Halen has handled their business as it pertains to Mike, but I'm trying to come to terms with it. The band definitely needs to get a better P.R. firm to handle what's been going on. Here's the best way to deal with it: VH says they're happy Mike has been playing with Hagar the past few years-- and that they know he has a steady gig-- because Ed wants nothing more than to play with his son while he can. Done deal. Ed & Al-- if you need someone to handle your business, e-mail me.
And one last side note: since Wolfgang is such a new entity to not only Van Halen, but the industry, some loathsome people out there have reviewed him by making jokes that he's overweight. It's despicable. For those lazy writers out there: try doing your jobs. The kid is not (that) overweight-- and he's sixteen. How would you have felt reading something like that-- that has NOTHING to do with your job-- in a paper or online? Grow up.
So all I've got left is: try to see if this show if you can. It may not be what is was in 1984, but it's still damn good.
And, knowing the track history of this band, you may not get the chance ever again.
Australia-- Where Even the Women are Manly
Check out this link to a woman who crushes beer cans in an unusual way:
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22651127-5001021,00.html
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22651127-5001021,00.html
Premieres and Notables October 29-November 4, 2007
Monday, 10/29
Runnin' Down a Dream: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers; Sundance. 6 pm CST. Special.
Director Peter Bogdanovich's four-hour documentary of the artist.
American Masters (PBS. 8 pm CST-- check local listings) takes a 90-minute look at Charles Schultz.
Wednesday, 10/31
MonsterQuest; History. 9 pm. Series premiere.
A look at the world's most legendary creatures. You know, like Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and tonight's creature: "Champ".
Thursday, 11/1
Some special episodes on NBC: The hour-long My Name is Earl (7 pm) sees the Cops reality series visit town again and Rashida "Karen" Jones returns for a brief visit on The Office (8 pm), but it's not Jim she's after, and Kim goes into labor on Scrubs (8:30).
And Smallville (CW, 7 pm) keeps paying homage to the Superman past when Helen Slater (Supergirl of the Supergirl movie) begins a two-episode arc as Clark's Kryptonian mother, Lara.
Friday, 11/2
Orangutan Island; Animal Planet. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Thirty-five orphaned orangutans are moved to a protected island sanctuary in Borneo. Think Meerkat Manor but with apes.
Sunday, 11/4
FOX has some special episodes tonight: The Treehouse of Horror XVIII airs tonight on The Simpsons (7 pm) and Family Guy (7:30) celebrates its 100th episode.
Runnin' Down a Dream: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers; Sundance. 6 pm CST. Special.
Director Peter Bogdanovich's four-hour documentary of the artist.
American Masters (PBS. 8 pm CST-- check local listings) takes a 90-minute look at Charles Schultz.
Wednesday, 10/31
MonsterQuest; History. 9 pm. Series premiere.
A look at the world's most legendary creatures. You know, like Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and tonight's creature: "Champ".
Thursday, 11/1
Some special episodes on NBC: The hour-long My Name is Earl (7 pm) sees the Cops reality series visit town again and Rashida "Karen" Jones returns for a brief visit on The Office (8 pm), but it's not Jim she's after, and Kim goes into labor on Scrubs (8:30).
And Smallville (CW, 7 pm) keeps paying homage to the Superman past when Helen Slater (Supergirl of the Supergirl movie) begins a two-episode arc as Clark's Kryptonian mother, Lara.
Friday, 11/2
Orangutan Island; Animal Planet. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Thirty-five orphaned orangutans are moved to a protected island sanctuary in Borneo. Think Meerkat Manor but with apes.
Sunday, 11/4
FOX has some special episodes tonight: The Treehouse of Horror XVIII airs tonight on The Simpsons (7 pm) and Family Guy (7:30) celebrates its 100th episode.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Premieres and Notables; October 22-28, 2007
Monday, 10/22
No premieres (of note), but Prison Break (FOX, 7 pm CST) and K-Ville (FOX, 8 pm CST) air new episodes after last week's postponement and fanboy dreamgirl Kristen Bell joins the cast of Heroes (NBC, 8 pm).
Wednesday, 10/24
Marriage Camp; TLC. 6 pm CST. Series premiere.
Couples go to a camp in Texas to work on their marriages. Ugh...
Phenomenon; NBC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Criss Angel and Uri Geller mentor ten mentalists in this reality (*snicker*) competition.
Thursday, 10/25
Iconoclasts; Sundance. 9 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Novelist Jon Krakauer and Sean Penn discuss Penn's film Into the Wild while they travel to Alaska. This show is up and down for me, but the ups are very good; you aren't going to get the insight to people this show gives you nearly anywhere else.
Sunday, 10/28
Nature; PBS. 7 pm (check local listings). 26th season premiere.
The premiere looks at the bee epidemic that I first heard about on Real Time With Bill Maher last spring but have heard a lot more often of late.
No premieres (of note), but Prison Break (FOX, 7 pm CST) and K-Ville (FOX, 8 pm CST) air new episodes after last week's postponement and fanboy dreamgirl Kristen Bell joins the cast of Heroes (NBC, 8 pm).
Wednesday, 10/24
Marriage Camp; TLC. 6 pm CST. Series premiere.
Couples go to a camp in Texas to work on their marriages. Ugh...
Phenomenon; NBC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Criss Angel and Uri Geller mentor ten mentalists in this reality (*snicker*) competition.
Thursday, 10/25
Iconoclasts; Sundance. 9 pm. 3rd season premiere.
Novelist Jon Krakauer and Sean Penn discuss Penn's film Into the Wild while they travel to Alaska. This show is up and down for me, but the ups are very good; you aren't going to get the insight to people this show gives you nearly anywhere else.
Sunday, 10/28
Nature; PBS. 7 pm (check local listings). 26th season premiere.
The premiere looks at the bee epidemic that I first heard about on Real Time With Bill Maher last spring but have heard a lot more often of late.
VH Toon
My friend Brian sent me this link to a short (3 min) cartoon about the latest Van Halen tour. Yeah, the jokes are cheap/expected, but still funny.
(Doesn't discourage me at all about seeing them. Just three more days...)
http://videos.newsobserver.com:80/vmix_hosted_apps/p/media?id=1515880
(Doesn't discourage me at all about seeing them. Just three more days...)
http://videos.newsobserver.com:80/vmix_hosted_apps/p/media?id=1515880
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