"Back To You" won its timeslot last night, so that's a good way to start off. "Kitchen Nightmares" also had a demo victory, so both look to stick around a bit so long as they can keep this up.
"Gossip Girl" did well in the targeted demos of women and teen girls, but did lose a good chunk of the "Next Top Model" lead in.
"Kid Nation" won in the demo, but was behind "Deal" on NBC, and was nearly a quarter million viewers behind the "Jericho" premiere last year.
And tomorrow we hope to have our first reporter's review, R. Eanes with "Kid Nation" so stay tuned... The big fun starts next week!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
"Kitchen Nightmares" 1x1
KITCHEN NIGHTMARES 1x1 "Peter's"
(bleep)
One fun thing I noted when looking up the episode titles is that this appears to be the eighth episode produced. It makes me wonder why they had to do at least 8 shows to get the one they wanted to premiere with.
Reality shows seem to be geared around creating villans and we had a hell of a good one in this episode. I had a whole lot of fun watching this actually, but I can see it coming down the pike that this is probably going to fall into a real predictable pattern.
There are a whole category of shows that I watch obsessively when they come on, but once I absorb the format fully, I'm done with them. This tends to happen mostly with Game Shows and Reality shows. And I think I'm destined to have a hot and heavy, yet ultimately short lived affair with this one too.
****
(bleep)
One fun thing I noted when looking up the episode titles is that this appears to be the eighth episode produced. It makes me wonder why they had to do at least 8 shows to get the one they wanted to premiere with.
Reality shows seem to be geared around creating villans and we had a hell of a good one in this episode. I had a whole lot of fun watching this actually, but I can see it coming down the pike that this is probably going to fall into a real predictable pattern.
There are a whole category of shows that I watch obsessively when they come on, but once I absorb the format fully, I'm done with them. This tends to happen mostly with Game Shows and Reality shows. And I think I'm destined to have a hot and heavy, yet ultimately short lived affair with this one too.
****
"Private Practice" Special Episode
GREY'S ANATOMY/PRIVATE PRACTICE 4xS "Come Rain Or Come Shine" (Special Episode)
ABC has been padding their schedule with recap episodes and specials lately, and for shows like this, and Lost, where you're going to be lost if you missed a few shows, I think they're generally a good idea.
This episode serves as an introduction/refresher to Addison, the character being spun off from "Grey's" into "Private Practice" a show that I've decided to watch, even though I've never seen "Grey's" (The slight 'Veronica Mars' connection put over the edge).
The hour is basically a clip show framed with interviews of TV reviewers. If I knew this stuff I'd never watch this, but I'm actually glad to see it. It's alleviated some of my concern of being lost watching the spin off. I also have the backdoor pilot from "Grey's" last year downloaded and ready to watch sometime before next week (You know the one that everyone was appaled by and that got recast) I'll have a review of that on one of our days with no shows to talk about.
For "Grey's" fans = *
For the curious = ***
ABC has been padding their schedule with recap episodes and specials lately, and for shows like this, and Lost, where you're going to be lost if you missed a few shows, I think they're generally a good idea.
This episode serves as an introduction/refresher to Addison, the character being spun off from "Grey's" into "Private Practice" a show that I've decided to watch, even though I've never seen "Grey's" (The slight 'Veronica Mars' connection put over the edge).
The hour is basically a clip show framed with interviews of TV reviewers. If I knew this stuff I'd never watch this, but I'm actually glad to see it. It's alleviated some of my concern of being lost watching the spin off. I also have the backdoor pilot from "Grey's" last year downloaded and ready to watch sometime before next week (You know the one that everyone was appaled by and that got recast) I'll have a review of that on one of our days with no shows to talk about.
For "Grey's" fans = *
For the curious = ***
"Gossip Girl" 1x1
GOSSIP GIRL 1x1 "Pilot"
Even hearing Kristen Bell makes the loss of 'Veronica Mars' somehow more bearable. This show comes from the creator of "The O.C." And watching this reminds me why I wasn't ever too interested in that show. Which I can't even really figure out myself because I like soap operas. As the hour went along though, I found myself warming up to the show.
Fans of "Brothers & Sisters" will recognize Matthew Settle, the Tom Welling lookalike that was Callista Flockhart's fiancee in the original aborted storyline of her character on that show. Speaking of lookalikes, Chace Crawford looks an awful lot like Ian Somerhalder.
The big test for this show is to engage me before I get burnt out on all the new stuf and begin to hone down what I'm watching. One last thing in the show's favor are two OLTL alums in minor roles, Florencia Lozano (former Tea) plays one of the girl's moms, and Connor Paolo (former Travis) is the main characters little brother. And the last actress driving me nuts (thank you Wikipedia...) Emily Rutherford from the forgotten classic "Homefront" is the main character's mother.
***
Even hearing Kristen Bell makes the loss of 'Veronica Mars' somehow more bearable. This show comes from the creator of "The O.C." And watching this reminds me why I wasn't ever too interested in that show. Which I can't even really figure out myself because I like soap operas. As the hour went along though, I found myself warming up to the show.
Fans of "Brothers & Sisters" will recognize Matthew Settle, the Tom Welling lookalike that was Callista Flockhart's fiancee in the original aborted storyline of her character on that show. Speaking of lookalikes, Chace Crawford looks an awful lot like Ian Somerhalder.
The big test for this show is to engage me before I get burnt out on all the new stuf and begin to hone down what I'm watching. One last thing in the show's favor are two OLTL alums in minor roles, Florencia Lozano (former Tea) plays one of the girl's moms, and Connor Paolo (former Travis) is the main characters little brother. And the last actress driving me nuts (thank you Wikipedia...) Emily Rutherford from the forgotten classic "Homefront" is the main character's mother.
***
"'Til Death" 2x1
'TIL DEATH 2x1 "Performance Anxiety"
I stopped watching this one last year because it was in one of those time-slot pileups, and it wasn't a top favorite. And I suspect it never will be, It's fun to watch but nothing that really stays with you. It coasts a lot on the appeal of Fisher and Garrett, the young couple I've always sort of been annoyed by, and if this episode is an indication of a shift in focus away from them, then I'm all for that.
It's a good fit with 'Back To You' And I suspect I'll stay tuned in so long as there aren't 2 other things on I'd rather see more.
***
I stopped watching this one last year because it was in one of those time-slot pileups, and it wasn't a top favorite. And I suspect it never will be, It's fun to watch but nothing that really stays with you. It coasts a lot on the appeal of Fisher and Garrett, the young couple I've always sort of been annoyed by, and if this episode is an indication of a shift in focus away from them, then I'm all for that.
It's a good fit with 'Back To You' And I suspect I'll stay tuned in so long as there aren't 2 other things on I'd rather see more.
***
"Back To You" 1x1
BACK TO YOU 1x1 "Pilot"
Last week I told a perfectly harmless PMS joke and she threw a bottle at me - who's point did she prove there!
It's always tricky when you approach something with big expectations. You probably know what I mean if you read my Commentary on the state of sitcoms. After actually seeing 'Back To You' now I can say that it's quite funny, quite well done, and quite traditional. However considering the dearth of traditional, it's quite comforting to see it here.
Pilots are always tricky too because you're trying to do so much in a limited time. I was glad to see that there was a major plot element that was kept completely out of the prerelease publicity and ads that will be a major component of the series. All you can really say about a show this early is if it looks like it has promise, and if it looks to improve.
When I think back to 30 Rock last year, and how I liked the early episodes but towards the end the show had reached a whole nother level, I think this show has the potential to show that kind of growth, and I think it will be fun to watch it while it does.
***
Last week I told a perfectly harmless PMS joke and she threw a bottle at me - who's point did she prove there!
It's always tricky when you approach something with big expectations. You probably know what I mean if you read my Commentary on the state of sitcoms. After actually seeing 'Back To You' now I can say that it's quite funny, quite well done, and quite traditional. However considering the dearth of traditional, it's quite comforting to see it here.
Pilots are always tricky too because you're trying to do so much in a limited time. I was glad to see that there was a major plot element that was kept completely out of the prerelease publicity and ads that will be a major component of the series. All you can really say about a show this early is if it looks like it has promise, and if it looks to improve.
When I think back to 30 Rock last year, and how I liked the early episodes but towards the end the show had reached a whole nother level, I think this show has the potential to show that kind of growth, and I think it will be fun to watch it while it does.
***
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
"Curb Your Enthusiasm" 6x1&2
CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM 6x1 "Meet The Blacks"
Funkhouser! He knowingly served us penis!
After nearly a 2 year hiatus, Larry David is back in top form with the premiere of the sixth series of "Curb". I've been a fan of this ever since the original 1 hour special that spawned it, and I think for a student of television it's fascinating to see how this show grew from Seinfeld, and how it can help you realize how David and Seinfeld were such a perfect mix.
The beauty of this improv series is how tightly plotted it is, David breaks the script out just as he did in the Seinfeld days, and the major difference is just that the actors construct the dialogue based on the plot objectives of the scene at hand.
This episode features another plot concept worthy of George Costanza (who's character was based on David), the theory of appearing the day after a party you missed at the host's house, and pretending you had the wrong day. Out of such a simple conceit comes a puzzle plot constructed so perfectly that every seemingly innocuous event ends up coming into play by the end. Part of the fun with this series becomes trying to figure out how it's all going to merge into the perfect little ending.
I won't spoil any more of the plot, but I laughed out loud screaming several times during this - partly, I'm sure, at the joys of seeing these people again after such an absence, but it's a classic "Curb".
*****
CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM 6x2 "The Anonymous Donor"
I've had drinks before, but I didn't go into their guest room and masturbate.
The thing I'm really liking about this season so far is that by now "Curb" has built up a good bench of characters and catchphrases, Last episode bringing back Bob "SuperDave" Einstein as Mary Funkhouser, and this time we get to see Gina Gershon's Hassidic Dry Cleaner. Both episodes have also featured series stalwart guest Ted Danson. I also have to admit that I love seeing my car (Toyota Prius) driven in shows and movies.
You may have noticed that I didn't talk about the content of this episode so much, and that's because it's just a shade above ok, especially after watching it directly after "Meet The Blacks" it pales in comparison. This episode focuses on Anonymous philanthropy and Anonymous personal stains. As always Susie Essman's strident Susie Greene's berating of her husband Jeff and Larry is a highlight of this episode, as is the appearance of Senator Barbra Boxer (D-CA). Even though this wasn't the strongest Curb ever, you have to give them props for getting away with a KKK joke.
There's another eerily relevant 'ripped from the headlines' aspect to this one. You'll know what I mean if you've been following OJ Simpson's latest escapades. If you're wondering where you've seen 'Leon' before, and you watch SNL, he's a former writer, and he used to appear occasionally with fellow writer Paula Pell in monologue jokes as 'audience members'.
And on a personal note, I directed a short film when I lived in LA, and one of my actors was comic Cathy Ladman, she has an appearance in this episode as the woman on the street that congratuates Larry. "Curb" also shot a scene in season 4 at the same diner that I filmed Cathy's scene in, so I thought that was a nice coincidence.
I'm actually thinking about if there's anything they can't successfully make fun of on this show, they're so far over the line at this point that there are no limits, and that's one of the things I love best about watching it.
***
Funkhouser! He knowingly served us penis!
After nearly a 2 year hiatus, Larry David is back in top form with the premiere of the sixth series of "Curb". I've been a fan of this ever since the original 1 hour special that spawned it, and I think for a student of television it's fascinating to see how this show grew from Seinfeld, and how it can help you realize how David and Seinfeld were such a perfect mix.
The beauty of this improv series is how tightly plotted it is, David breaks the script out just as he did in the Seinfeld days, and the major difference is just that the actors construct the dialogue based on the plot objectives of the scene at hand.
This episode features another plot concept worthy of George Costanza (who's character was based on David), the theory of appearing the day after a party you missed at the host's house, and pretending you had the wrong day. Out of such a simple conceit comes a puzzle plot constructed so perfectly that every seemingly innocuous event ends up coming into play by the end. Part of the fun with this series becomes trying to figure out how it's all going to merge into the perfect little ending.
I won't spoil any more of the plot, but I laughed out loud screaming several times during this - partly, I'm sure, at the joys of seeing these people again after such an absence, but it's a classic "Curb".
*****
CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM 6x2 "The Anonymous Donor"
I've had drinks before, but I didn't go into their guest room and masturbate.
The thing I'm really liking about this season so far is that by now "Curb" has built up a good bench of characters and catchphrases, Last episode bringing back Bob "SuperDave" Einstein as Mary Funkhouser, and this time we get to see Gina Gershon's Hassidic Dry Cleaner. Both episodes have also featured series stalwart guest Ted Danson. I also have to admit that I love seeing my car (Toyota Prius) driven in shows and movies.
You may have noticed that I didn't talk about the content of this episode so much, and that's because it's just a shade above ok, especially after watching it directly after "Meet The Blacks" it pales in comparison. This episode focuses on Anonymous philanthropy and Anonymous personal stains. As always Susie Essman's strident Susie Greene's berating of her husband Jeff and Larry is a highlight of this episode, as is the appearance of Senator Barbra Boxer (D-CA). Even though this wasn't the strongest Curb ever, you have to give them props for getting away with a KKK joke.
There's another eerily relevant 'ripped from the headlines' aspect to this one. You'll know what I mean if you've been following OJ Simpson's latest escapades. If you're wondering where you've seen 'Leon' before, and you watch SNL, he's a former writer, and he used to appear occasionally with fellow writer Paula Pell in monologue jokes as 'audience members'.
And on a personal note, I directed a short film when I lived in LA, and one of my actors was comic Cathy Ladman, she has an appearance in this episode as the woman on the street that congratuates Larry. "Curb" also shot a scene in season 4 at the same diner that I filmed Cathy's scene in, so I thought that was a nice coincidence.
I'm actually thinking about if there's anything they can't successfully make fun of on this show, they're so far over the line at this point that there are no limits, and that's one of the things I love best about watching it.
***
News & Comment 9-18-07
It looks like some more early results are in. Fox has started its premieres a week early, and in a contrast to "Nashville" K-Ville has done better, with Fox's lineup coming second to CBS, but winning the more important 18-49 demo. Even better news for the fledgling cop drama is that it not only built on its "Prison Break" lead-in, but outperformed anything in its timeslot from last year. That's the way you want to start out a new series (especially on Fox, who likes to kill it's young at the slightest sign of weakness)
For "Star Trek" fans, Zoe Saldana, who you may remember from films "Guess Who" and "Center Stage" has been announced as the new Uhura in the J.J. Abrams franchise reboot. I don't plan to regularly comment on news from Film and other media, but when there's a decent TV link I'll mention things.
Stay tuned tonight for the first reviews of "Curb Your Enthusiasm"
For "Star Trek" fans, Zoe Saldana, who you may remember from films "Guess Who" and "Center Stage" has been announced as the new Uhura in the J.J. Abrams franchise reboot. I don't plan to regularly comment on news from Film and other media, but when there's a decent TV link I'll mention things.
Stay tuned tonight for the first reviews of "Curb Your Enthusiasm"
Monday, September 17, 2007
News & Comment - 9-17-07
Not too much going on today - it's the calm before the storm.
The biggest news is a minor scheduling change, NBC has decided to flip "Singing Bee" and "Biggest Loser", now Tuesdays will start off with the former. I guess the numbers are so shockingly good they thought it would be a better lead in.
Our reviews and discussion of new shows will begin tomorrow, when I talk with you about the long overdue return of one of my favorite comedies "Curb Your Enthusiasm". I'll be going over the first 2 episodes of the 6th season, now airing on HBO on Sunday nights (and of course repeated dozens of times throughout the week) I'm very much looking forward to seeing what Larry David has come up with for us this time around.
After that Wednesday will launch our full on TV season coverage!
The biggest news is a minor scheduling change, NBC has decided to flip "Singing Bee" and "Biggest Loser", now Tuesdays will start off with the former. I guess the numbers are so shockingly good they thought it would be a better lead in.
Our reviews and discussion of new shows will begin tomorrow, when I talk with you about the long overdue return of one of my favorite comedies "Curb Your Enthusiasm". I'll be going over the first 2 episodes of the 6th season, now airing on HBO on Sunday nights (and of course repeated dozens of times throughout the week) I'm very much looking forward to seeing what Larry David has come up with for us this time around.
After that Wednesday will launch our full on TV season coverage!
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Site News: Meet Your Reporters
As crazy obsessed with TV as I am, I can't (and won't in some cases) watch every show on TV.
Enter Your Reporters, they'll be discussing other shows, and offering second opinions on shows that I cover, but that they are passionate about. We're starting with four contributors, and this number will grow as we still have 40 shows out of the 85 Primetime Network shows uncovered. However, don't hold your breath for someone working on "Deal Or No Deal"
David B. Grelck
Dave will be writing about "The Office" and "CSI", as well as making whatever interesting comments he deems neccessary. Dave has written numerous produced screenplays and formerly wrote about "Gilmore Girls" and "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" for another website.
R. Eanes
Mr. Eanes will be writing about "Kid Nation", and hopefully more if he can make the time. Mr. Eanes works in New York in media, and is completing a Masters degree. He has also hosted his own talk show.
X. Alexander
Mr. Alexander will be writing about "Nip/Tuck", as well as commenting on "Heroes" and "How I Met Your Mother" as his schedule allows. He has been writing about TV on his own blog for years, and will now be sharing his talents with us.
Jake Fox
Jake will be writing about "Friday Night Smackdown" for us, since he's a talented writer and I don't know anyone else that watches wrestling! Jake has a deep history of writing for websites about Wrestling and brings his vast knowledge of the subject and impassioned opinions to you.
Glenna Wilkinson
Glenna will be commenting on "Cavemen", "NCIS", "Cold Case", "Criminal Minds", "Grey's Anatomy", "Without A Trace", "Cold Case", and "Numb3rs". No coincidence, this is my mom. When I was talking to her about this site she gave such an impassioned and well reasoned defense of "Numb3rs" I realized that she could cover a few of the shows that I'd never watch. I have to thank her for letting me get addicted to TV at a young age and I know I get some of my writing talent from her. She'll just be checking in with a brief note on those shows each week.
We still have several shows uncovered, and we will continue to add new correspondents as we grow, and hopefully we will be able to cover most shows (I doubt we'll find anyone interested in covering "Deal Or No Deal" however, but who knows). If you think you have what it takes, leave us some comments so we can see how you write, and find a show that's not been claimed. If you're passionate, talented and able to come up with a weekly opinion, you're just the sort of person we're looking for.
Enter Your Reporters, they'll be discussing other shows, and offering second opinions on shows that I cover, but that they are passionate about. We're starting with four contributors, and this number will grow as we still have 40 shows out of the 85 Primetime Network shows uncovered. However, don't hold your breath for someone working on "Deal Or No Deal"
David B. Grelck
Dave will be writing about "The Office" and "CSI", as well as making whatever interesting comments he deems neccessary. Dave has written numerous produced screenplays and formerly wrote about "Gilmore Girls" and "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" for another website.
R. Eanes
Mr. Eanes will be writing about "Kid Nation", and hopefully more if he can make the time. Mr. Eanes works in New York in media, and is completing a Masters degree. He has also hosted his own talk show.
X. Alexander
Mr. Alexander will be writing about "Nip/Tuck", as well as commenting on "Heroes" and "How I Met Your Mother" as his schedule allows. He has been writing about TV on his own blog for years, and will now be sharing his talents with us.
Jake Fox
Jake will be writing about "Friday Night Smackdown" for us, since he's a talented writer and I don't know anyone else that watches wrestling! Jake has a deep history of writing for websites about Wrestling and brings his vast knowledge of the subject and impassioned opinions to you.
Glenna Wilkinson
Glenna will be commenting on "Cavemen", "NCIS", "Cold Case", "Criminal Minds", "Grey's Anatomy", "Without A Trace", "Cold Case", and "Numb3rs". No coincidence, this is my mom. When I was talking to her about this site she gave such an impassioned and well reasoned defense of "Numb3rs" I realized that she could cover a few of the shows that I'd never watch. I have to thank her for letting me get addicted to TV at a young age and I know I get some of my writing talent from her. She'll just be checking in with a brief note on those shows each week.
We still have several shows uncovered, and we will continue to add new correspondents as we grow, and hopefully we will be able to cover most shows (I doubt we'll find anyone interested in covering "Deal Or No Deal" however, but who knows). If you think you have what it takes, leave us some comments so we can see how you write, and find a show that's not been claimed. If you're passionate, talented and able to come up with a weekly opinion, you're just the sort of person we're looking for.
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