Once in a while, I'll read a passage in a book or hear a line on TV that just makes me stop and think. I found this one in Tommy Lee's autobiography Tommyland.
He explains how he had to take anger management classes when he was released from jail. His class was at 6 pm-- right in the middle of rush hour. He believed the class was at that time because people would be jacked up and angry from the drive and had good odds of being late due to the traffic.
"I was late a few times and I always stayed, hoping to get credit for good behavior. I never did, and that made me really [f-bomb]ing angry. Thank God, I was learning how to deal with that."
It's not Shakespeare, but I thought it was pretty funny...
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Premieres and Notables; Jan. 14- Jan. 20, 2007
Monday, 1/14
American Experience; PBS. 8 pm. Season premiere.
The first ep looks at "Oswald's Ghost"-- the fallout and conspiracy theories of the assassination of JFK.
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles moves to its regular timeslot of 8 pm CST on FOX. I've been hearing good things: recommended.
Top Sniper; Military. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
I'm guessing the title says it all for this reality competition.
Prison Break (FOX, 7 pm) returns for a five-episode run. From what I've read, there are big things going down. Some prisoners get out (some in body bags), new prisoners arrive, Susan continues to find ways to get Lincoln to do her bidding, Sucre and Linc team up to cause trouble, T-Bag makes a move that gets him into the escape plan, and Linc and Whistler's lady start getting close. This show has its ups and downs, but I think we're getting into late-first season territory here-- the really good, exciting stuff.
Tuesday, 1/15
10 Items or Less; TBS. 10 pm. 2nd season premiere.
A show that had flashes of goodness (not greatness) last year-- but may be worth watching just because there's not much else on. Oh, and the premiere is supposed to have some good moments.
American Idol; FOX. 7 pm. 7th Season premiere.
The juggernaut that is Idol should decimate the TV landscape even more this season.
Wednesday, 1/16
Smash Lab; Discovery. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
I don't really get the concept here, but this is what TV Guide had to say: "Engineers take a fresh look at established products and technologies and think outside the box to find new uses for them. In the opener, the crew attempts to adapt aviation technology for use on the nation's roadways, thus preventing vehicles from veering into oncoming traffic."
They're going to do all that in an hour?
Reno 911!; Comedy Central. 9:30 pm. 5th season premiere.
Another up-and-down show, but with flashes of greatness.
Thursday, 1/17
American Chopper; TLC. 8 pm. 5th season premiere.
Friday, 1/18
George of the Jungle; Cartoon Network. 6:30 pm. Series Premiere.
I don't "get" these "kids networks" sometimes. The series premiere is tonight-- yet I recorded an episode for my kids last Friday.
Saturday, 1/19
About a Girl; The N. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
Husband For Hire; Oxygen. 7 pm. Movie
Included because I have a friend who digs My Name is Earl's Nadine Valazquez, and she stars in this made-for-TV movie. Now if Valazquez is enough to get you on the fence, but not over it, the movie also stars: Mario Lopez, Tempestt Bledsoe, Mark Consuelos, and-- wait for it-- Eric Estrada. Yeah, that's right. You're welcome...
Sunday, 1/20
Breaking Bad; AMC. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Bryan Cranston stars in this series about a chemistry teacher who is diagnosed with terminal cancer-- so he starts making crystal meth to provide for his family. The creator insists he came up with the idea before Weeds went into production, but it doesn't really matter. It sounds like a different type of show (weed is considered more harmless than meth, so expect a darker show here). I've read reviews which gave this show-- and Cranston-- good marks, and AMC may not churn out many scripted original shows, but what it has aired has been good. Recommended.
American Experience; PBS. 8 pm. Season premiere.
The first ep looks at "Oswald's Ghost"-- the fallout and conspiracy theories of the assassination of JFK.
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles moves to its regular timeslot of 8 pm CST on FOX. I've been hearing good things: recommended.
Top Sniper; Military. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
I'm guessing the title says it all for this reality competition.
Prison Break (FOX, 7 pm) returns for a five-episode run. From what I've read, there are big things going down. Some prisoners get out (some in body bags), new prisoners arrive, Susan continues to find ways to get Lincoln to do her bidding, Sucre and Linc team up to cause trouble, T-Bag makes a move that gets him into the escape plan, and Linc and Whistler's lady start getting close. This show has its ups and downs, but I think we're getting into late-first season territory here-- the really good, exciting stuff.
Tuesday, 1/15
10 Items or Less; TBS. 10 pm. 2nd season premiere.
A show that had flashes of goodness (not greatness) last year-- but may be worth watching just because there's not much else on. Oh, and the premiere is supposed to have some good moments.
American Idol; FOX. 7 pm. 7th Season premiere.
The juggernaut that is Idol should decimate the TV landscape even more this season.
Wednesday, 1/16
Smash Lab; Discovery. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
I don't really get the concept here, but this is what TV Guide had to say: "Engineers take a fresh look at established products and technologies and think outside the box to find new uses for them. In the opener, the crew attempts to adapt aviation technology for use on the nation's roadways, thus preventing vehicles from veering into oncoming traffic."
They're going to do all that in an hour?
Reno 911!; Comedy Central. 9:30 pm. 5th season premiere.
Another up-and-down show, but with flashes of greatness.
Thursday, 1/17
American Chopper; TLC. 8 pm. 5th season premiere.
Friday, 1/18
George of the Jungle; Cartoon Network. 6:30 pm. Series Premiere.
I don't "get" these "kids networks" sometimes. The series premiere is tonight-- yet I recorded an episode for my kids last Friday.
Saturday, 1/19
About a Girl; The N. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
Husband For Hire; Oxygen. 7 pm. Movie
Included because I have a friend who digs My Name is Earl's Nadine Valazquez, and she stars in this made-for-TV movie. Now if Valazquez is enough to get you on the fence, but not over it, the movie also stars: Mario Lopez, Tempestt Bledsoe, Mark Consuelos, and-- wait for it-- Eric Estrada. Yeah, that's right. You're welcome...
Sunday, 1/20
Breaking Bad; AMC. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Bryan Cranston stars in this series about a chemistry teacher who is diagnosed with terminal cancer-- so he starts making crystal meth to provide for his family. The creator insists he came up with the idea before Weeds went into production, but it doesn't really matter. It sounds like a different type of show (weed is considered more harmless than meth, so expect a darker show here). I've read reviews which gave this show-- and Cranston-- good marks, and AMC may not churn out many scripted original shows, but what it has aired has been good. Recommended.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
The Decision
A man wakes up in the hospital, bandaged from head to foot.
The doctor comes in and says, "Ah, I see you've regained
consciousness. Now, you probably won't remember, but you were in a pile-up on the freeway. You're going to be okay, you'll walk again
and everything, but..... Something happened. I'm trying to break
this gently, but the fact is, your willy was chopped off in the
wreck, and we were unable to find it."
The man groans, but the doctor goes on, "You've got $9000 in
insurance compensation coming to you, and we have the technology now to build you a new willy that will work as well as your old one did - better in fact! But the thing is, it doesn't come cheap. It's $1000 an inch."
The man perks up at this.
"So," the doctor says, "it's for you to decide how many inches you
want. But it's something you'd better discuss with your wife. I mean, if
you had a five inch one before, and you decide to go for a nine incher,
she might be a bit put out. But if you had a nine inch one before, and
you decide only to invest in a five incher this time, she might be
disappointed. So it's important that she plays a role in helping you make the decision."
The man agrees to talk with his wife. The doctor comes back the next
day.
"So," says the doctor, "have you spoken with your wife?"
"I have," says the man.
"And has she helped you in making the decision?"
"She has," says the man.
"And what is it?" asks the doctor.
"We're getting a new kitchen."
The doctor comes in and says, "Ah, I see you've regained
consciousness. Now, you probably won't remember, but you were in a pile-up on the freeway. You're going to be okay, you'll walk again
and everything, but..... Something happened. I'm trying to break
this gently, but the fact is, your willy was chopped off in the
wreck, and we were unable to find it."
The man groans, but the doctor goes on, "You've got $9000 in
insurance compensation coming to you, and we have the technology now to build you a new willy that will work as well as your old one did - better in fact! But the thing is, it doesn't come cheap. It's $1000 an inch."
The man perks up at this.
"So," the doctor says, "it's for you to decide how many inches you
want. But it's something you'd better discuss with your wife. I mean, if
you had a five inch one before, and you decide to go for a nine incher,
she might be a bit put out. But if you had a nine inch one before, and
you decide only to invest in a five incher this time, she might be
disappointed. So it's important that she plays a role in helping you make the decision."
The man agrees to talk with his wife. The doctor comes back the next
day.
"So," says the doctor, "have you spoken with your wife?"
"I have," says the man.
"And has she helped you in making the decision?"
"She has," says the man.
"And what is it?" asks the doctor.
"We're getting a new kitchen."
Something New
So I've got these really big ideas for posts, right, but I don't often have the time to type, edit, and post them, so I thought, "If people are going to read this thing, then post something. So I thought "Why not these joke e-mails I get?
They're funny and they're easy to post. So here goes one for today (and I apologize for any I may repeat in the future).
Why Men Don't Write Advice Columns
Dear Walter:
I hope you can help me here.
The other day I set off for work leaving my husband in the house watching the TV as usual. I hadn't gone more than a mile down the road when my engine conked out and the car shuddered to a halt. I walked back home to get my husband's help.
When I got home I couldn't believe my eyes. He was in the bedroom with a neighbor lady making mad passionate love to her. I am 32, my husband is 34 and we have been married for twelve years. When I confronted him, he broke down and admitted that he'd been having an affair for the past six months. I told him to stop or I would leave him.
He was let go from his job six months ago and he says he has been feeling increasingly depressed and worthless. I love him very much, but ever since I gave him the ultimatum he has become increasingly distant. I don't feel I can get through to him anymore. Can you please help?
Sincerely,
Mrs. Sheila
Dear Sheila: A car stalling after being driven a short distance can be caused by a variety of faults with the engine. Start by checking that there is no debris in the fuel line. If it is clear, check the jubilee clips holding the vacuum pipes onto the inlet manifold. If none of these approaches solves the problem, it could be that the fuel pump itself is faulty, causing low delivery pressure to the carburetor float chamber.
I hope this helps.
Walter
They're funny and they're easy to post. So here goes one for today (and I apologize for any I may repeat in the future).
Why Men Don't Write Advice Columns
Dear Walter:
I hope you can help me here.
The other day I set off for work leaving my husband in the house watching the TV as usual. I hadn't gone more than a mile down the road when my engine conked out and the car shuddered to a halt. I walked back home to get my husband's help.
When I got home I couldn't believe my eyes. He was in the bedroom with a neighbor lady making mad passionate love to her. I am 32, my husband is 34 and we have been married for twelve years. When I confronted him, he broke down and admitted that he'd been having an affair for the past six months. I told him to stop or I would leave him.
He was let go from his job six months ago and he says he has been feeling increasingly depressed and worthless. I love him very much, but ever since I gave him the ultimatum he has become increasingly distant. I don't feel I can get through to him anymore. Can you please help?
Sincerely,
Mrs. Sheila
Dear Sheila: A car stalling after being driven a short distance can be caused by a variety of faults with the engine. Start by checking that there is no debris in the fuel line. If it is clear, check the jubilee clips holding the vacuum pipes onto the inlet manifold. If none of these approaches solves the problem, it could be that the fuel pump itself is faulty, causing low delivery pressure to the carburetor float chamber.
I hope this helps.
Walter
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Premieres and Notables; Jan 7-13, 2008
I don't remember if I had ABC's Cashmere Mafia premiere tonight on last week's post, but it premieres tonight at 9:01 CST.
Monday, 1/7
Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations; Travel. 9 pm CST. 4th season premiere.
Medium; NBC. 9 pm. 4th season premiere.
Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann; ABC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Two judges from Dancing With the Stars find something to do until the March premiere of that show.
Tuesday, 1/8
How Much is Enough?; GSN. 8 pm. Series premiere.
Corbin Bernsen hosts this gameshow that has four people competing to not be the greediest...
One Tree Hill; CW. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
In a ballsy move, the show jumps forward four years in time, to the post-college years of the characters. Kinda cool-- it avoids the whole B.S. "everyone ended up going to the same college" storyline that other shows have fallen into.
Street Patrol; MNT. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
This COPS knock-off is brought to you by COPS creator John Langely.
Parking Wars; A&E. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
This reality show looks at the Philadelphia Parking Authority officers who enforce parking laws. [Are you f-bombing kidding me?]
Carpoolers (ABC, 8:30) returns from a brief hiatus, and the pilot episode of House airs tonight on FOX at 8:00 pm.
CBS tries to air the People's Choice Awards at 8 pm. Somehow it's "hosted" by Queen Latifah (without help by the striking writers) and will incorporate acceptance video clips by the winners since no one will cross the picket line.
Wednesday, 1/9
Ghost Hunters International; Sci Fi. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
A ghostbuster team investigates the paranormal. Geez... and I thought the network's endless airing of s-bomb-y made-for-TV movies was bad.
The Jewish Americans; PBS. 8 pm (check listings). Mini-series.
This three-part series explores Jewish-American history.
And Cashmere Mafia goes to its regular timeslot (9 pm, ABC).
Thursday, 1/10
Live From Lincoln Center; PBS. 7 pm (check local listings). 33rd season premiere.
Thirty-three seasons? Dang!
Soundstage; PBS. 9 pm (check listings). 6th season premiere.
The first two weeks feature a Tom Petty concert in Florida.
Make Me a Supermodel; Bravo. 9 pm. Bravo.
Well, Thank God Bravo finally stepped up to the plate and responded to the dearth of modeling reality shows. Now young women have a show to go on and compete for a modeling contract. Pretty ingenious idea...
And it just may be possible that one of the the Charisma Carpenter guest-starring episodes of Big Shots that ABC keeps pulling from the schedule just may air tonight at 9:02.
Friday, 1/11
Comedy Central Presents; Comedy central. 9 pm. 12th season premiere.
Stephen Lynch opens the season. [I thought Com Central had given up the stand-up shows... Nice to see they're still there once in a while.]
My Big Redneck Wedding; CMT. 8:30. Series Premiere.
I usually don't include CMT programs in these posts but I had to mention this one. As if redneck weddings weren't cool enough, the show is hosted by Tom Arnold. I just may watch this one.
Monk has some premiere of some sort (season premiere?) on USA at 8 pm. It's hard to tell with all the premieres and specials and all that where this show lies in the "premiere" department.
Real Time With Bill Maher; HBO. 10. 6th season premiere.
Oh good! I was feeling less informed than usual of late. I can't wait until this show comes back. Recommended (wow, it's been a long time since I wrote that in one of these posts).
Saturday, 1/12
Jamie at Home; Food Network. 8:30 am. Series Premiere.
Chef Jamie Oliver lives in a farmhouse, grows his own vegetables, and then cooks 'em up.
Rachael's Vacation; Food Network. 8 am. Series Premiere.
Rachael Ray milks one more second of her fifteen minutes of fame in yet another show.
Sunday, 1/13
Masterpiece; PBS. 8 pm. 38th season premiere
The formerly named Masterpiece Theatre splits its shows up into thirds this season. The first third is classic dramas. Tonight opens with Jane Austin's "Persuasion".
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles; FOX. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Tonight and tomorrow launches one of the most-anticipated (even more so now that the strike has killed many shows) new shows of the year. Sarah and John try to rebuild their lives while avoiding the Terminators sent to kill them.
I have a few friends who watch this, so I'll mention it: VH1 airs a second season of Rock of Love, where 20 new skanks and media whores are trotted out so Bret Michaels can eventually drop them all and have a season three. The fun begins at 8 pm.
And NBC will air the very quiet Golden Globes at 7 pm. Writers won't be writing for the show, and the Screen Actors Guild announced that their members will not cross the picket lines this week. At least this way, the show shouldn't run over 3 hours...
Monday, 1/7
Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations; Travel. 9 pm CST. 4th season premiere.
Medium; NBC. 9 pm. 4th season premiere.
Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann; ABC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Two judges from Dancing With the Stars find something to do until the March premiere of that show.
Tuesday, 1/8
How Much is Enough?; GSN. 8 pm. Series premiere.
Corbin Bernsen hosts this gameshow that has four people competing to not be the greediest...
One Tree Hill; CW. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
In a ballsy move, the show jumps forward four years in time, to the post-college years of the characters. Kinda cool-- it avoids the whole B.S. "everyone ended up going to the same college" storyline that other shows have fallen into.
Street Patrol; MNT. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
This COPS knock-off is brought to you by COPS creator John Langely.
Parking Wars; A&E. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
This reality show looks at the Philadelphia Parking Authority officers who enforce parking laws. [Are you f-bombing kidding me?]
Carpoolers (ABC, 8:30) returns from a brief hiatus, and the pilot episode of House airs tonight on FOX at 8:00 pm.
CBS tries to air the People's Choice Awards at 8 pm. Somehow it's "hosted" by Queen Latifah (without help by the striking writers) and will incorporate acceptance video clips by the winners since no one will cross the picket line.
Wednesday, 1/9
Ghost Hunters International; Sci Fi. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
A ghostbuster team investigates the paranormal. Geez... and I thought the network's endless airing of s-bomb-y made-for-TV movies was bad.
The Jewish Americans; PBS. 8 pm (check listings). Mini-series.
This three-part series explores Jewish-American history.
And Cashmere Mafia goes to its regular timeslot (9 pm, ABC).
Thursday, 1/10
Live From Lincoln Center; PBS. 7 pm (check local listings). 33rd season premiere.
Thirty-three seasons? Dang!
Soundstage; PBS. 9 pm (check listings). 6th season premiere.
The first two weeks feature a Tom Petty concert in Florida.
Make Me a Supermodel; Bravo. 9 pm. Bravo.
Well, Thank God Bravo finally stepped up to the plate and responded to the dearth of modeling reality shows. Now young women have a show to go on and compete for a modeling contract. Pretty ingenious idea...
And it just may be possible that one of the the Charisma Carpenter guest-starring episodes of Big Shots that ABC keeps pulling from the schedule just may air tonight at 9:02.
Friday, 1/11
Comedy Central Presents; Comedy central. 9 pm. 12th season premiere.
Stephen Lynch opens the season. [I thought Com Central had given up the stand-up shows... Nice to see they're still there once in a while.]
My Big Redneck Wedding; CMT. 8:30. Series Premiere.
I usually don't include CMT programs in these posts but I had to mention this one. As if redneck weddings weren't cool enough, the show is hosted by Tom Arnold. I just may watch this one.
Monk has some premiere of some sort (season premiere?) on USA at 8 pm. It's hard to tell with all the premieres and specials and all that where this show lies in the "premiere" department.
Real Time With Bill Maher; HBO. 10. 6th season premiere.
Oh good! I was feeling less informed than usual of late. I can't wait until this show comes back. Recommended (wow, it's been a long time since I wrote that in one of these posts).
Saturday, 1/12
Jamie at Home; Food Network. 8:30 am. Series Premiere.
Chef Jamie Oliver lives in a farmhouse, grows his own vegetables, and then cooks 'em up.
Rachael's Vacation; Food Network. 8 am. Series Premiere.
Rachael Ray milks one more second of her fifteen minutes of fame in yet another show.
Sunday, 1/13
Masterpiece; PBS. 8 pm. 38th season premiere
The formerly named Masterpiece Theatre splits its shows up into thirds this season. The first third is classic dramas. Tonight opens with Jane Austin's "Persuasion".
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles; FOX. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Tonight and tomorrow launches one of the most-anticipated (even more so now that the strike has killed many shows) new shows of the year. Sarah and John try to rebuild their lives while avoiding the Terminators sent to kill them.
I have a few friends who watch this, so I'll mention it: VH1 airs a second season of Rock of Love, where 20 new skanks and media whores are trotted out so Bret Michaels can eventually drop them all and have a season three. The fun begins at 8 pm.
And NBC will air the very quiet Golden Globes at 7 pm. Writers won't be writing for the show, and the Screen Actors Guild announced that their members will not cross the picket lines this week. At least this way, the show shouldn't run over 3 hours...
Saturday, January 05, 2008
A cool clip
Check out this clip from marvelkids.com. It's really good for something designed for an internet site.
It's less than 2 minutes and features Spider-Man and Iron Man.
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1358321660/bctid1364171698
It's less than 2 minutes and features Spider-Man and Iron Man.
http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1358321660/bctid1364171698
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Premieres and Notables, Dec. 31, 2007- Jan. 6, 2008
I'm back! Sorry for the extended absence, but I needed a little computer break.
Good news: the Fantasy Football season is over (and I not-so-humbly boast I am the League Champ for both leagues I play in), so I should have some more time to post. Let's hope I actually type something as opposed to just writing them in my head (my current actual output to ideas is about 1:8).
Okay, on to the last day of the year, and the end of the easy weeks as networks now scramble to fill their slots with something other than scripted fare.
Monday, 12/31
Lots of New Years Eve specials starting around 10 pm CST-- and if you like college football, you should be able to find something to watch with the ludicrous number of ridiculously titled Bowl games being played the next two days.
Sci Fi runs its annual Twilight Zone marathon from 7 am today to 9 pm Tuesday night-- Eighty-Four episodes of classic Zone goodness!
HBO airs the last twenty episodes of Entourage, beginning at 6 pm (with a break at 11:05 for an ep of Cathouse).
TBS gears up for the Jan. 15th premiere of the second season of 10 Items or Less by airing the first five episodes of the series, beginning at 10 pm.
Tuesday, 1/1
Desperate Spaces; HGTV. 12 noon. Series Premiere.
Two designers visit three homes who each need a room makeover, plans are drawn up, and only one house gets the makeover. Niiiice. May be worth watching to see two couples' dreams shattered each episode. Cruelty know no bounds in reality TV.
The Biggest Loser; NBC. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
Is it too late to use the "No, this isn't an MTV/VH1 reality show featuring old reality TV 'stars'"? You know what this is; the rub this time is that contestants are partnered-up, Amazing Race style.
Ocean Force: Huntington Beach, OC; Tru TV (formerly Court TV). 7 & 7:30 pm. Series Premiere.
A real-life Baywatch.
The Music of Seal on Ice; NBC. 3 pm. Special.
Seal's Music + Figure Skating = Something to watch other than college football...
Wednesday, 1/2
Power of 10; CBS. 7 pm. Season premiere.
Whacked Out Videos; MNT. 7 & 7:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Yet another TV show that broadcasts video clips YouTube-style.
Futurama begins a run on Comedy Central at 7 pm (and, most assuredly, many, many reairings after that). Com Central has the rights to all 72 episodes as well as the direct-to-DVD-movies.
Pioneers of Television; PBS. 7 pm (check local listings). Mini-series.
This four-part series looks at early television.
Law & Order; NBC. 8 & 9 pm. 18th Season Premiere.
Thursday, 1/3
Celebrity Apprentice; NBC. 8 pm. 7th season premiere.
I got nothin' to say. Every time I think of this show, I get horrible stomach pains...
Friday, 1/4
Goodbye Zoey; Nickelodeon. 7 pm. Movie.
I betcha Nick is happy as Hell this series finale is all they have left to air of the show. I suppose they would have liked star Jamie Lynn Spears to have gotten knocked up just a few months later, though...
1 vs. 100; NBC. 7 pm. Season premiere.
See what gets to come back when there is a writer's strike?
Ugliest House on the Block; WE. 7 & 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Residents vote on which house in the area is the ugliest-- and then they-- wait for it...-- give it a makeover!
DogTown; National Geographic. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
A look at Utah's DogTown animal sanctuary.
Matched in Manhattan; Lifetime. 8:30. Series Premiere.
A real-life Hitch, except without the witty Will Smith as the matchmaker.
Saturday, 1/5
Alien Abductions: True Confessions; WE. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Women talk about their alien abductions. I need to throw up...
Sunday, 1/6
American Gladiators; NBC. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Beefed up athletes try to crush their "average" opponents in this remake of the '90s show. This time around, Hulk Hogan is brought in to add some class to the show.
The Wire; HBO. 8 pm. 5th season premiere.
What many, many critics call the best show on television begins its final season.
Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam; HBO. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
After a two-year hiatus, the show returns.
The L Word; Showtime. 8 pm. 5th season premiere.
Good news: the Fantasy Football season is over (and I not-so-humbly boast I am the League Champ for both leagues I play in), so I should have some more time to post. Let's hope I actually type something as opposed to just writing them in my head (my current actual output to ideas is about 1:8).
Okay, on to the last day of the year, and the end of the easy weeks as networks now scramble to fill their slots with something other than scripted fare.
Monday, 12/31
Lots of New Years Eve specials starting around 10 pm CST-- and if you like college football, you should be able to find something to watch with the ludicrous number of ridiculously titled Bowl games being played the next two days.
Sci Fi runs its annual Twilight Zone marathon from 7 am today to 9 pm Tuesday night-- Eighty-Four episodes of classic Zone goodness!
HBO airs the last twenty episodes of Entourage, beginning at 6 pm (with a break at 11:05 for an ep of Cathouse).
TBS gears up for the Jan. 15th premiere of the second season of 10 Items or Less by airing the first five episodes of the series, beginning at 10 pm.
Tuesday, 1/1
Desperate Spaces; HGTV. 12 noon. Series Premiere.
Two designers visit three homes who each need a room makeover, plans are drawn up, and only one house gets the makeover. Niiiice. May be worth watching to see two couples' dreams shattered each episode. Cruelty know no bounds in reality TV.
The Biggest Loser; NBC. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
Is it too late to use the "No, this isn't an MTV/VH1 reality show featuring old reality TV 'stars'"? You know what this is; the rub this time is that contestants are partnered-up, Amazing Race style.
Ocean Force: Huntington Beach, OC; Tru TV (formerly Court TV). 7 & 7:30 pm. Series Premiere.
A real-life Baywatch.
The Music of Seal on Ice; NBC. 3 pm. Special.
Seal's Music + Figure Skating = Something to watch other than college football...
Wednesday, 1/2
Power of 10; CBS. 7 pm. Season premiere.
Whacked Out Videos; MNT. 7 & 7:30 pm. Series Premiere.
Yet another TV show that broadcasts video clips YouTube-style.
Futurama begins a run on Comedy Central at 7 pm (and, most assuredly, many, many reairings after that). Com Central has the rights to all 72 episodes as well as the direct-to-DVD-movies.
Pioneers of Television; PBS. 7 pm (check local listings). Mini-series.
This four-part series looks at early television.
Law & Order; NBC. 8 & 9 pm. 18th Season Premiere.
Thursday, 1/3
Celebrity Apprentice; NBC. 8 pm. 7th season premiere.
I got nothin' to say. Every time I think of this show, I get horrible stomach pains...
Friday, 1/4
Goodbye Zoey; Nickelodeon. 7 pm. Movie.
I betcha Nick is happy as Hell this series finale is all they have left to air of the show. I suppose they would have liked star Jamie Lynn Spears to have gotten knocked up just a few months later, though...
1 vs. 100; NBC. 7 pm. Season premiere.
See what gets to come back when there is a writer's strike?
Ugliest House on the Block; WE. 7 & 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Residents vote on which house in the area is the ugliest-- and then they-- wait for it...-- give it a makeover!
DogTown; National Geographic. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
A look at Utah's DogTown animal sanctuary.
Matched in Manhattan; Lifetime. 8:30. Series Premiere.
A real-life Hitch, except without the witty Will Smith as the matchmaker.
Saturday, 1/5
Alien Abductions: True Confessions; WE. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Women talk about their alien abductions. I need to throw up...
Sunday, 1/6
American Gladiators; NBC. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Beefed up athletes try to crush their "average" opponents in this remake of the '90s show. This time around, Hulk Hogan is brought in to add some class to the show.
The Wire; HBO. 8 pm. 5th season premiere.
What many, many critics call the best show on television begins its final season.
Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam; HBO. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
After a two-year hiatus, the show returns.
The L Word; Showtime. 8 pm. 5th season premiere.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Premieres and Notables: December 24-30, 2007
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...
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...
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.)
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