KITCHEN NIGHTMARES 1x2 "Dillons"
I thought it was sort of fun that I recorded this on my kitchen DVR, the call came down because this show isn't in HD, but since I usually watch things in there while I'm cooking or eating, this isn't the show you want to be watching while conducting those activities.
That being said, I'm still loving this show. This week's restaurant featured a clueless owner and idot manager. The thing that creeped me out was that the walls had like hung sheets on them, which just did not look appetizing.
I very much fear that I'm going to run out of things to say about this show but I'll keep trying as long as I watch it...
***
Saturday, September 29, 2007
"Ugly Betty" 2x1
UGLY BETTY 2x1 "How Betty Got Her Grieve Back"
The hooker had her baby kidnapped and now she has tetanus? That's a pretty bad monday.
OMG What a great opening! The first successful show based on a telenovela does a parody of telenovelas. So that was a great start. But the sophomore slumpwatch isn't over yet...
My overall impression is that they're trying to do too much right now. Maybe they had everything pent up over the summer and things will calm a bit, but it seems that they're spreading themselves thin by telling too much story. I suppose it's like the snowball that rolls down the hill gathering speed and mass. It has to crash sometime.
I liked Illeana Douglas' bit, she's always good. I was also surprised they didn't kill off Kevin Allejandro, I guess he's going to do double duty here and on "Shark". at least they've let something lie by putting Rebecca Romjin in a coma.
I'm honestly interested in everything going on, but I just feel like things are thin, especially compared with the early shows last year before they'd built up so many complications. That's the one benefit for the daily soaps, they aren't obligated to deal with every storyline in each episode, where is the weekly nighttime series have never gone that route, that I know of. I think with this show it would actually be a good strategy, but I think it would also freak the viewers out.
I'll not soon give up on this show, but this is the first time I've ever been one of those people whining about how the first season was better. I guess I wouldn't really say anything that drastic yet, but it's just a feeling I have. Que sera sera.
****
The hooker had her baby kidnapped and now she has tetanus? That's a pretty bad monday.
OMG What a great opening! The first successful show based on a telenovela does a parody of telenovelas. So that was a great start. But the sophomore slumpwatch isn't over yet...
My overall impression is that they're trying to do too much right now. Maybe they had everything pent up over the summer and things will calm a bit, but it seems that they're spreading themselves thin by telling too much story. I suppose it's like the snowball that rolls down the hill gathering speed and mass. It has to crash sometime.
I liked Illeana Douglas' bit, she's always good. I was also surprised they didn't kill off Kevin Allejandro, I guess he's going to do double duty here and on "Shark". at least they've let something lie by putting Rebecca Romjin in a coma.
I'm honestly interested in everything going on, but I just feel like things are thin, especially compared with the early shows last year before they'd built up so many complications. That's the one benefit for the daily soaps, they aren't obligated to deal with every storyline in each episode, where is the weekly nighttime series have never gone that route, that I know of. I think with this show it would actually be a good strategy, but I think it would also freak the viewers out.
I'll not soon give up on this show, but this is the first time I've ever been one of those people whining about how the first season was better. I guess I wouldn't really say anything that drastic yet, but it's just a feeling I have. Que sera sera.
****
"Las Vegas" 5x1&2
LAS VEGAS 5x1&2 "A Hero Ain't Nothin' But A Sandwich" & "Shrink Rap"
I may have been tied up all summer!
One of the things I look for at the beginning of the new season is the revised credit sequences. This year "Las Vegas" ditched a couple more people in the name of budget (Nikki Cox) and desire to move on (James Caan). Josh Duhamel got moved up to the lead spot, which is nice, and Tom Selleck took the last spot.
They started things off in fourth wall style befitting the slight wackiness of this show, and thankfully addresses all the dangling threads from last season's over the top cliffhangers (Sam's locked in a trunk! Who Shot Mary's Dad! The Hotel blew up! Delinda's preggers! Jillian's leaving Ed! The Casino's getting robbed!) any one of which would have been enough, but the confluence left me dizzy.
I'm glad they got the Sam in a trunk thing over with very quickly (though the promos totally ruined the suprise of Burgi flying out of the plane) And I guess by quickly clearing the decks of a lot of this stuff it paves the way for the new season. It's definately good they were able to get the departing cast to come back for these shows to tie things up well (unlike the departure of Nessa between seasons 2&3). The only thing that causes concern is that such major things sort of got easily dealt with.
You have to love the campy Marlboro Man way they introduced Tom Selleck's character. He actually bought the hotel on horseback... It actually feel like something got lost, the way they sort of skipped over any further attempts by Sam to raise the money, and not having the deadline be clear as to when the taxes were due.
The way that Caan exited was really nice, totally in character and just plain classy. I hope he comes back for a visit sometime. And now they've just 'explained' the fourth wall by having Sam be talking to her shrink. Clever.
Another good sign was that part two was Directed by Timothy Busfield, who has become a very talented helmer working on Aaron Sorkin shows. Nice to see Geoffrey Owens (Elvin from "The Cosby Show") as a potential card counter, it's been a while since I saw him in anything.
I actually kind of dig the cliche they're doing with Selleck, like the way he eschews the title 'Mr.' "Just Cooper" he corrects the errant staff. Then he surprises again, showing up turned out in a fine suit. Then he begins his new ideas of Casino management. This guy is acting like the Willy Wonka of casinos. I must admit I'm titilated and dying to see what he'll do next...
Love seeing Polly the spa manager grab Cooper and drag him to the spa for a mani-pedi. It put me in mind of 'Mr. Baseball' to see her call him a 'big strong man'.
Reflecting back on these two episodes, it's almost more like the first one is the final episode of last season, and the second is more like the premiere. This is going to be a great season. Anything can happen...
****
I may have been tied up all summer!
One of the things I look for at the beginning of the new season is the revised credit sequences. This year "Las Vegas" ditched a couple more people in the name of budget (Nikki Cox) and desire to move on (James Caan). Josh Duhamel got moved up to the lead spot, which is nice, and Tom Selleck took the last spot.
They started things off in fourth wall style befitting the slight wackiness of this show, and thankfully addresses all the dangling threads from last season's over the top cliffhangers (Sam's locked in a trunk! Who Shot Mary's Dad! The Hotel blew up! Delinda's preggers! Jillian's leaving Ed! The Casino's getting robbed!) any one of which would have been enough, but the confluence left me dizzy.
I'm glad they got the Sam in a trunk thing over with very quickly (though the promos totally ruined the suprise of Burgi flying out of the plane) And I guess by quickly clearing the decks of a lot of this stuff it paves the way for the new season. It's definately good they were able to get the departing cast to come back for these shows to tie things up well (unlike the departure of Nessa between seasons 2&3). The only thing that causes concern is that such major things sort of got easily dealt with.
You have to love the campy Marlboro Man way they introduced Tom Selleck's character. He actually bought the hotel on horseback... It actually feel like something got lost, the way they sort of skipped over any further attempts by Sam to raise the money, and not having the deadline be clear as to when the taxes were due.
The way that Caan exited was really nice, totally in character and just plain classy. I hope he comes back for a visit sometime. And now they've just 'explained' the fourth wall by having Sam be talking to her shrink. Clever.
Another good sign was that part two was Directed by Timothy Busfield, who has become a very talented helmer working on Aaron Sorkin shows. Nice to see Geoffrey Owens (Elvin from "The Cosby Show") as a potential card counter, it's been a while since I saw him in anything.
I actually kind of dig the cliche they're doing with Selleck, like the way he eschews the title 'Mr.' "Just Cooper" he corrects the errant staff. Then he surprises again, showing up turned out in a fine suit. Then he begins his new ideas of Casino management. This guy is acting like the Willy Wonka of casinos. I must admit I'm titilated and dying to see what he'll do next...
Love seeing Polly the spa manager grab Cooper and drag him to the spa for a mani-pedi. It put me in mind of 'Mr. Baseball' to see her call him a 'big strong man'.
Reflecting back on these two episodes, it's almost more like the first one is the final episode of last season, and the second is more like the premiere. This is going to be a great season. Anything can happen...
****
Friday, September 28, 2007
"Private Practice" 1x1
PRIVATE PRACTICE 1x1 "In Which We Meet Addison, A Nice Girl From Somewhere Else"
I want his sperm now!
I think that coming into this fresh and not from the same place as all the disappointed "Grey's" fans allows me to perhaps evaluate this show more objectively. I did finally get to watch the two backdoor pilot episodes (which I won't separately review, as they're technically part of last season) and I enjoyed watching them actually. I don't have the preconceptions about Addison that seem to have irritated people in what I've read.
I liked this more than I thought I would, and the scene with the OCD mother actually brought tears to my eyes (bonus star for that). I'm looking forward to watching this one develop. It actually feels a lot like a David E. Kelley show with the artful blend of the serious and the silly.
These shows are delecate, nearly every soapy sort of show lately seems to have a difficult time in the second or third year, they do something to piss off the loyal hordes and the backlash. I'm glad to see Marti Noxon back on a show, I always liked her work in the Whedonverse, and we'll see how she steers this ship while Shonda Rhimes focuses on the mothership.
**** (with crying bonus star)
I want his sperm now!
I think that coming into this fresh and not from the same place as all the disappointed "Grey's" fans allows me to perhaps evaluate this show more objectively. I did finally get to watch the two backdoor pilot episodes (which I won't separately review, as they're technically part of last season) and I enjoyed watching them actually. I don't have the preconceptions about Addison that seem to have irritated people in what I've read.
I liked this more than I thought I would, and the scene with the OCD mother actually brought tears to my eyes (bonus star for that). I'm looking forward to watching this one develop. It actually feels a lot like a David E. Kelley show with the artful blend of the serious and the silly.
These shows are delecate, nearly every soapy sort of show lately seems to have a difficult time in the second or third year, they do something to piss off the loyal hordes and the backlash. I'm glad to see Marti Noxon back on a show, I always liked her work in the Whedonverse, and we'll see how she steers this ship while Shonda Rhimes focuses on the mothership.
**** (with crying bonus star)
"Smallville" 7x1
SMALLVILLE 7x1 "Bizarro"
Man, how can a guy miss what's been right in front of him the whole time.
All I cared about for this episode was that Chloe wasn't dead. They could do whatever they wanted so long as they didn't bump off my Chloe. I had to not think about this show all summer in case it was true.
I was secretly hoping that Lana would really be dead, but they'd never kill her off. So she's decided to hide in China. With a blonde wig. 'Cause that's how you blend in in China.
It's always good when we get evil Clarks to play with, and after Chloe regenerated or whatever, then it was somooth sailing. I was surprised to see that Annette O'Toole is actually gone from the show now. I guess she's permanently moved to Washington, but it's odd that they wouldnt keep her on. I'm hoping for some guest spots - we all know how often congresspeople actually stay in DC right? Aaron Ashmore has also been bumped up to regular along with the girl playing Supergirl, err Kara.
The real fun of this season will be seeing Clark deal with another Kryptonian in more than just one episode, and they didn't really get into that at all in this episode, as is so typical of these first shows it's all about putting away the mess you made last finale so things can be all neat and tidy and ready for this year.
***
Man, how can a guy miss what's been right in front of him the whole time.
All I cared about for this episode was that Chloe wasn't dead. They could do whatever they wanted so long as they didn't bump off my Chloe. I had to not think about this show all summer in case it was true.
I was secretly hoping that Lana would really be dead, but they'd never kill her off. So she's decided to hide in China. With a blonde wig. 'Cause that's how you blend in in China.
It's always good when we get evil Clarks to play with, and after Chloe regenerated or whatever, then it was somooth sailing. I was surprised to see that Annette O'Toole is actually gone from the show now. I guess she's permanently moved to Washington, but it's odd that they wouldnt keep her on. I'm hoping for some guest spots - we all know how often congresspeople actually stay in DC right? Aaron Ashmore has also been bumped up to regular along with the girl playing Supergirl, err Kara.
The real fun of this season will be seeing Clark deal with another Kryptonian in more than just one episode, and they didn't really get into that at all in this episode, as is so typical of these first shows it's all about putting away the mess you made last finale so things can be all neat and tidy and ready for this year.
***
Thursday, September 27, 2007
The Office 4.01 - Fun Run
Wow. Just wow. So, I didn't really expect for The Office's fourth season opener to address almost all the points in my "What do I want from Season Four?" paragraph in my Office Commentary but that's just what they seemed to do. As requested, Jim and Pam are together (I realize it's just the first episode, but after a nice fake out where they're trying to hide their relationship, it was quite nice to find them dating, and happy.) Jan slides further and further from her put together role in seasons past as she snores, ass in the air on Michael's bed in the cold open and bitches Pam right the hell out because she saw Michael's penis (long story, I'll tell ya later.) Pam did continue to be more aggressive, taking charge of situations and looking overall more confident. Hair being down does wonders for this girl. Angela confirmed to Pam that she and Dwight are dating. Toby and Creed both had big moments in this ep with Michael trying to convince the staff that Toby is the devil and Creed revealing that he's in his eighties. Oh, and the documentary crew did something they haven't done since pointing out to Pam that Dwight and Angela were acting funny together, got involved in the plot of the episode and acknowledged that there IS in fact a documentary being shot at Dunder Mifflin.
So, that leaves two points. Ryan shaking things up at Dunder Mifflin (which spoilers suggest will happen next week) and Michael getting fired. Those are the ONLY two things I asked of Season Four that didn't happen in this hour long episode. Man oh man, does this show GET me or what?
So, as suspected, Jan is living with Michael, and, from the looks of it, sleeping all day. Michael catches us up a bit, reminding us of what happened last year on his drive to work, distracted enough to HIT MEREDITH WITH HIS CAR in the biggest jump scare moment I've ever seen on network television, complete with Meredith slamming into the windshield of Michael's Seabring. So, Michael goes into the office and announces himself a hero for getting injured Meredith to the hospital in record time. Then he reveals why he was able to do so and the office turns on him.
Both Pam and Jim separately address the events of the summer, both claiming they're not together. Kevin is on the case though, trying to slip them up. He stalks them to the point of hiding in his car to watch Pam leave the office. Even the documentary crew doesn't buy their story and they follow Pam who drives a few blocks away and picks up Jim, where they kiss. Later, the crew shows the tape to Jim and Pam who try to weasel their way out of this before Pam drops the big secret bomb, they're dating, and very happy together.
Angela's cat Sprinkles isn't doing well, and while she and the rest of the staff go to visit Meredith in the hospital, she sends Dwight to give Sprinkles her medication and treatments for her MANY ailments. When Dwight returns, he reveals that the cat is dead and in the freezer. And, as I suspected, this is due to Dwight putting her there to "take care of her." This rips their relationship apart (as you might imagine) and causes the shocking moment of revelation to Pam that her boyfriend is Dwight.
With the death of the cat, Meredith's misfortune, OH! And Pam clicking an email link to buy a celebrity sex tape causing her computer to melt down, Michael declares a state of emergency. The office is cursed. So he calls a meeting to determine the office religion, wondering if anyone has desecrated any Indian burial grounds recently and accuses Toby of being the devil.
Meanwhile, Michael finds that Meredith may have rabies from a bizarre streak of animal bites
starting with last year's bat attack in the Joss Whedon directed "Business School" leading Michael to presume that thanks to him, she wound up in the hospital, and will now get the help she deserves.
But that's not enough. So Michael organizes a Fun Run to benefit people with "incurable" rabies and manages to scrounge together $700 to donate (mostly from his and Jan's pockets). When all is said and done, however, only $300 and change get there because $200 was spent on the over sized check and the rest on hiring a stripper last seen in the bachelor party episode "Ben Franklin" last year.
Quite an episode. Overall, I'd give it 4 out of 5 stars, while feeling a bit long at times, it certainly delivered across the board, reminding us why we love these characters so much, and showing us what great television comedy looks like.
So, that leaves two points. Ryan shaking things up at Dunder Mifflin (which spoilers suggest will happen next week) and Michael getting fired. Those are the ONLY two things I asked of Season Four that didn't happen in this hour long episode. Man oh man, does this show GET me or what?
So, as suspected, Jan is living with Michael, and, from the looks of it, sleeping all day. Michael catches us up a bit, reminding us of what happened last year on his drive to work, distracted enough to HIT MEREDITH WITH HIS CAR in the biggest jump scare moment I've ever seen on network television, complete with Meredith slamming into the windshield of Michael's Seabring. So, Michael goes into the office and announces himself a hero for getting injured Meredith to the hospital in record time. Then he reveals why he was able to do so and the office turns on him.
Both Pam and Jim separately address the events of the summer, both claiming they're not together. Kevin is on the case though, trying to slip them up. He stalks them to the point of hiding in his car to watch Pam leave the office. Even the documentary crew doesn't buy their story and they follow Pam who drives a few blocks away and picks up Jim, where they kiss. Later, the crew shows the tape to Jim and Pam who try to weasel their way out of this before Pam drops the big secret bomb, they're dating, and very happy together.
Angela's cat Sprinkles isn't doing well, and while she and the rest of the staff go to visit Meredith in the hospital, she sends Dwight to give Sprinkles her medication and treatments for her MANY ailments. When Dwight returns, he reveals that the cat is dead and in the freezer. And, as I suspected, this is due to Dwight putting her there to "take care of her." This rips their relationship apart (as you might imagine) and causes the shocking moment of revelation to Pam that her boyfriend is Dwight.
With the death of the cat, Meredith's misfortune, OH! And Pam clicking an email link to buy a celebrity sex tape causing her computer to melt down, Michael declares a state of emergency. The office is cursed. So he calls a meeting to determine the office religion, wondering if anyone has desecrated any Indian burial grounds recently and accuses Toby of being the devil.
Meanwhile, Michael finds that Meredith may have rabies from a bizarre streak of animal bites
starting with last year's bat attack in the Joss Whedon directed "Business School" leading Michael to presume that thanks to him, she wound up in the hospital, and will now get the help she deserves.
But that's not enough. So Michael organizes a Fun Run to benefit people with "incurable" rabies and manages to scrounge together $700 to donate (mostly from his and Jan's pockets). When all is said and done, however, only $300 and change get there because $200 was spent on the over sized check and the rest on hiring a stripper last seen in the bachelor party episode "Ben Franklin" last year.
Quite an episode. Overall, I'd give it 4 out of 5 stars, while feeling a bit long at times, it certainly delivered across the board, reminding us why we love these characters so much, and showing us what great television comedy looks like.
- Dave Grelck is a writer/filmmaker/photographer. His film White Out is being released this winter. His web television series Irving Renquist, Ghost Hunter goes live on Halloween!
"Cane" 1x1
CANE 1x1 "Pilot"
The government is now ready to support the production of ethanol from sugar instead of corn, it's ten times more efficient.
How happy I would be if that were true, and this show gets a bonus star for that line. Corn ethanol is a sham. Something "The West Wing" went into in it's final era, which also starred Jimmy Smits. The wheel comes full circle...
I sort of put this one off. After hearing everything about how dense and overstuffed the pilot is, I was wary. This was a real marginal pick for me to begin with so I didn't need much of an excuse to put it off. However I decided that as I try to get sleepy (I work overnights now) and there was nothing in the DVR but this and "Private Practice" (which is essentially a 3 hour commitment to view including the backdoor pilot), and so I threw it on.
One FANTASTIC surprise, the wonderful and underrated Ken Howard appears as the evil patriarch of the rival sugar family - I had no idea he was in this until I saw him. I was happy enough to see Polly Walker (another "Rome" veteran) as the daughter of this family, but seeing Ken perked me up to this show incredibly. I've had the opportunity of working with him in LA, and he's just great.
I don't think it's as hard to follow as some have made out, but, aside from the abovementioned guest actor, I don't feel any great connection to this one. it's still on the roster but more of a utility player, not a star.
*** (including sugar ethanol and Ken Howard subsidy)
The government is now ready to support the production of ethanol from sugar instead of corn, it's ten times more efficient.
How happy I would be if that were true, and this show gets a bonus star for that line. Corn ethanol is a sham. Something "The West Wing" went into in it's final era, which also starred Jimmy Smits. The wheel comes full circle...
I sort of put this one off. After hearing everything about how dense and overstuffed the pilot is, I was wary. This was a real marginal pick for me to begin with so I didn't need much of an excuse to put it off. However I decided that as I try to get sleepy (I work overnights now) and there was nothing in the DVR but this and "Private Practice" (which is essentially a 3 hour commitment to view including the backdoor pilot), and so I threw it on.
One FANTASTIC surprise, the wonderful and underrated Ken Howard appears as the evil patriarch of the rival sugar family - I had no idea he was in this until I saw him. I was happy enough to see Polly Walker (another "Rome" veteran) as the daughter of this family, but seeing Ken perked me up to this show incredibly. I've had the opportunity of working with him in LA, and he's just great.
I don't think it's as hard to follow as some have made out, but, aside from the abovementioned guest actor, I don't feel any great connection to this one. it's still on the roster but more of a utility player, not a star.
*** (including sugar ethanol and Ken Howard subsidy)
"Life" 1x1
LIFE 1x1 "Pilot"
Did you ask the dog?
No sir, we did not ask the dog.
This show was more appealing the more I learned about it. I like the fact that they're mixing in a little documentary style footage to cover backstory. It's very efficient. I also like how they started off the investigation with a severed finger, presumably the killer. This way we don't have all this meeting of 20 possible suspects - we can just look for the dude with a bloody stump on his hand. Now we can focus on the characters. Good cop show, good.
Amazingly enough, I got too caught up in this show to write about it. The story was elegantly crafted, plenty of fodder for the season has been established, and I'm waiting zen like to see how it will unfold.
****
Did you ask the dog?
No sir, we did not ask the dog.
This show was more appealing the more I learned about it. I like the fact that they're mixing in a little documentary style footage to cover backstory. It's very efficient. I also like how they started off the investigation with a severed finger, presumably the killer. This way we don't have all this meeting of 20 possible suspects - we can just look for the dude with a bloody stump on his hand. Now we can focus on the characters. Good cop show, good.
Amazingly enough, I got too caught up in this show to write about it. The story was elegantly crafted, plenty of fodder for the season has been established, and I'm waiting zen like to see how it will unfold.
****
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
"Dirty Sexy Money" 1x1
DIRTY SEXY MONEY 1x1 "Pilot"
Please, God, tell me we'll never have to see these people again!
How wonderful to see one of my main Soap actors get a juicy one off role. Trevor St. John plays Peter Krause's father in the opening segment of the pilot. The resemblance is uncanny, and TSJ is a great actor. He's the second Todd but I like him best.
But here I am talking about that when after just a few brief minutes before the first commercial I'm already thinking this is THE new show of the year. It's got everything going for it, great cast, great people behind the scenes, great script, and ABC is behind the show.
Just watching the way everything was set up, I felt the sure hand of competent talented storytellers guiding me into this fun and exciting new world. I was worried when I heard that Berlanti was leaving "Brothers & Sisters" day to day to do this show, and we'll see if that show suffers too badly for it this Sunday, but my excitement over this show has just been growing with each minute of watching.
The scene where Sutherland is drawing Krause into the Devil's pact to work for The Family is wonderful. I also really like that they didn't make him all angsty about the job for the whole episode which is the obvious way to go.
There were a couple people I recognized but I needed IMDB to remind me from whence they came - Glenn Fitzgerald who plays the psychotic reverend son was the lead in 'Series 7' that neat indie movie from a few years ago, and the eldest sister's fiancee was one of the leads of "In Justice" a neat summer series from ABC a few seasons back. It's also fascinating to watch Billy Baldwin morphing into Alec.
I think at this point I need to make one thing perfectly clear ABC hasn't bribed me to shamelessly gush about this show. It's just how I feel. Ok - there is one bad thing, I really really hate the title. Henceforth it shall always be referred to as DSM
*****
Please, God, tell me we'll never have to see these people again!
How wonderful to see one of my main Soap actors get a juicy one off role. Trevor St. John plays Peter Krause's father in the opening segment of the pilot. The resemblance is uncanny, and TSJ is a great actor. He's the second Todd but I like him best.
But here I am talking about that when after just a few brief minutes before the first commercial I'm already thinking this is THE new show of the year. It's got everything going for it, great cast, great people behind the scenes, great script, and ABC is behind the show.
Just watching the way everything was set up, I felt the sure hand of competent talented storytellers guiding me into this fun and exciting new world. I was worried when I heard that Berlanti was leaving "Brothers & Sisters" day to day to do this show, and we'll see if that show suffers too badly for it this Sunday, but my excitement over this show has just been growing with each minute of watching.
The scene where Sutherland is drawing Krause into the Devil's pact to work for The Family is wonderful. I also really like that they didn't make him all angsty about the job for the whole episode which is the obvious way to go.
There were a couple people I recognized but I needed IMDB to remind me from whence they came - Glenn Fitzgerald who plays the psychotic reverend son was the lead in 'Series 7' that neat indie movie from a few years ago, and the eldest sister's fiancee was one of the leads of "In Justice" a neat summer series from ABC a few seasons back. It's also fascinating to watch Billy Baldwin morphing into Alec.
I think at this point I need to make one thing perfectly clear ABC hasn't bribed me to shamelessly gush about this show. It's just how I feel. Ok - there is one bad thing, I really really hate the title. Henceforth it shall always be referred to as DSM
*****
"Gossip Girl" 1x2
GOSSIP GIRL 1x2 "The Wild Brunch"
anytime, pal - that one black eye looks a little lonely
I started to watch "Private Practice" then I realized I want to watch those backdoor pilot shows first. Then that left this and "Cane" and I'm not super anxious to watch that, I would be watching "Reaper" but I'm catching that tomorrow on the repeat, due to the 90 minute Boston Legal there was a timeslot pileup last night... so here I am in front of "Gossip Girl"
The camera work and cutting is so hyper here it's messing with my DVR's encoding and macroblocking like crazy. That's not the best way to start an episode...
I've been amused reading how some people are shocked at the level of bedhopping and whatnot on display here. I guess it's been toned down from the books, but it doesn't seem like anything beyond what kids today do, if anything it's tamer. And thats just the way it is, sorry prudish values police types.
At some of my more recent jobs I've had occasion to work alongside younger folk, and so I feel my knowledge is fairly up to date, but watching this show is making me ever so conscious that I'm much closer to 30 than I am to 20...
But it's harmless enough fun I suppose. I wouldn't say I'm caught up in it at all but it's enjoyable enough to keep up with for now.
***
anytime, pal - that one black eye looks a little lonely
I started to watch "Private Practice" then I realized I want to watch those backdoor pilot shows first. Then that left this and "Cane" and I'm not super anxious to watch that, I would be watching "Reaper" but I'm catching that tomorrow on the repeat, due to the 90 minute Boston Legal there was a timeslot pileup last night... so here I am in front of "Gossip Girl"
The camera work and cutting is so hyper here it's messing with my DVR's encoding and macroblocking like crazy. That's not the best way to start an episode...
I've been amused reading how some people are shocked at the level of bedhopping and whatnot on display here. I guess it's been toned down from the books, but it doesn't seem like anything beyond what kids today do, if anything it's tamer. And thats just the way it is, sorry prudish values police types.
At some of my more recent jobs I've had occasion to work alongside younger folk, and so I feel my knowledge is fairly up to date, but watching this show is making me ever so conscious that I'm much closer to 30 than I am to 20...
But it's harmless enough fun I suppose. I wouldn't say I'm caught up in it at all but it's enjoyable enough to keep up with for now.
***
"'Til Death" 2x2
'TIL DEATH 2x2 "Four Neighbors And A Funeral"
Ok, well, let's get going - that hoagie in your pants isn't getting any younger
Actively watching this show again after I ditched it last year is reminding me how much I like Brad and Joely and how irritating the younger couple are. I dream of an episode where the Woodcock's house burns down and Eddie and Joy sit down on lawn chairs with popcorn and enjoy the toasty flames.
Antisocial generally "bad" people are just so much more fun to watch in a sitcom than lame whiny "good" people. The only fun about this is when the "bad" people attempt to fight their nature and be gooder than the good people and make asses of themselves.
This show is like the bad marraige you're too lazy to leave. You know it could be better, but you're satisfied enough that you're probably not going anywhere.
***
Ok, well, let's get going - that hoagie in your pants isn't getting any younger
Actively watching this show again after I ditched it last year is reminding me how much I like Brad and Joely and how irritating the younger couple are. I dream of an episode where the Woodcock's house burns down and Eddie and Joy sit down on lawn chairs with popcorn and enjoy the toasty flames.
Antisocial generally "bad" people are just so much more fun to watch in a sitcom than lame whiny "good" people. The only fun about this is when the "bad" people attempt to fight their nature and be gooder than the good people and make asses of themselves.
This show is like the bad marraige you're too lazy to leave. You know it could be better, but you're satisfied enough that you're probably not going anywhere.
***
"Back To You" 1x2
BACK TO YOU 1x2 "Fish Story"
If I had my way, I would be having this conversation with a turkey baster.
I'm beginning to remember my thought that you can't really tell a show until the first actual episode. Pilots are about shooting your wad, getting the network to please please pick you up and the onerous task of introducing everything. The first real episode, the pressure is off, you don't have to cram in 18 minutes of backstory and you can just use everything you've set up to tell a good story.
Another thing I realized I like about this show. Most people would have had an obvious theme that sounded like overly majestic local tv news music. But they use a restrained and hip music that reminds me a bit of John Williams' score for 'Catch Me If You Can'. It gives me hope that they won't be going for the obvious route on things.
As for this episode particularly, I never knew there were so many ways you could do that to a goldfish! I like that theyre mixing silly jokes with their overall character stories. It's basically impossible to judge what a series is going to become from just 2 shows. Looking back at the end of the first season, and judging the growth curve tells up so much more (look at the growth of '30 Rock' over the season last year). I'm looking forward to watching this one grow. I'm also trying to take it on it's own merits and not make it the great white hope of sitcoms everywhere.
This show has tased my heart.
****
If I had my way, I would be having this conversation with a turkey baster.
I'm beginning to remember my thought that you can't really tell a show until the first actual episode. Pilots are about shooting your wad, getting the network to please please pick you up and the onerous task of introducing everything. The first real episode, the pressure is off, you don't have to cram in 18 minutes of backstory and you can just use everything you've set up to tell a good story.
Another thing I realized I like about this show. Most people would have had an obvious theme that sounded like overly majestic local tv news music. But they use a restrained and hip music that reminds me a bit of John Williams' score for 'Catch Me If You Can'. It gives me hope that they won't be going for the obvious route on things.
As for this episode particularly, I never knew there were so many ways you could do that to a goldfish! I like that theyre mixing silly jokes with their overall character stories. It's basically impossible to judge what a series is going to become from just 2 shows. Looking back at the end of the first season, and judging the growth curve tells up so much more (look at the growth of '30 Rock' over the season last year). I'm looking forward to watching this one grow. I'm also trying to take it on it's own merits and not make it the great white hope of sitcoms everywhere.
This show has tased my heart.
****
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
PULLED! "Nashville"
Sound the first mourning trumpets of the 07-08 season - technically still in its first week. Say goodbye to Fox's "Nashville" - at least for now. Fox swears its coming back - but that's what they said about "Drive". Stay tuned...
"Boston Legal" 4x1
BOSTON LEGAL 4x1 "Beauty And The Beast"
Change of plans, Jeffrey, take me to Jail. Here we go again...
I've so been looking forward to this - even seeing the new main titles with our new regulars brings a smile to my face! And for a show known, nay, prided for it's constant churning of cast, this new lineup is perhaps the most extensive changeover yet. But because of the way this show operates, something that would be seen as an indicator of major problems is business as usual at Crane, Poole, & Schmidt. Last season there was a fantastic referrence to this, when a few new people showed up in Episode 2, Denny said that it was impossible that they were new, or else they'd have been introduced in the season premiere. This show has destroyed the fourth wall to great effect.
We welcome the great John Larroquette to his second role in this universe (He was probably the greatest guest star ever on "The Practice" the evil genius murderer Joey Heric). He's going to be Denny's new foil in from the NY office. Jerry "Hands" Espenson has been promoted to regular in another wonderful move. This show has the pattern of bringing on interesting people and sort of trying them out, and then if it works they move up and if not they move out.
I'm sort of confused that they've demoted Constance Zimmer yet kept Gary Anthony Williams. The two of them seemed linked in story, so I'm curious to see where that's going. Clarence is certainly more of the traditional quirky David E. Kelley character though. It seems that his new 'girlfriend' is going to be "Hands". Buckle up for this coupling, this show surely knows how to do hetrosexual male couples right!
We have two new girls, Tara Summers and Saffron Burrows here to keep that area of things warm until a few more actresses are hired to replace them later this year or in the fifth season premiere (The only lady around here with staying power is the queen bee Candice Bergen, and that's fine with me)
The only demotion I'm sad about is Rene Auberjonois, but it's totally understandable since they hadn't given him a thing to do all last year. I read he'll recur when needed, and hopefully he'll have more to do now that they don't feel forced to wedge him in here and there. That's something I've dubbed "Lorne Syndrome". On "Angel" Lorne was a delightful guest star, appearing when required, and he did so well he was promoted to series regular. Unfortunately once he was there when not required for story he became a millstone, as they couldn't always find a good reason for him to be there, and eventually stopped trying. On the flip side, I hope Jerry Espenson doesn't become a 'Lorne'.
I read something in EW recently that was basically telling the Emmy people "how dare you give all this recognition to 'Boston Legal' when all these other shows I love got bupkis" and that pisses me off. Just because this show is clever and joyous and fun, it somehow isn't worthy of adulation. Its the same way I get defensive when people reflexively dig at soaps. This show is fantastic and it's closing in on stellar this year with the cast they've got, and all of Kelley's attention.
This last 90 minutes has just reminded me that this is one of the shows I'd never miss, and if it was gone I'd surely miss.
*****
Change of plans, Jeffrey, take me to Jail. Here we go again...
I've so been looking forward to this - even seeing the new main titles with our new regulars brings a smile to my face! And for a show known, nay, prided for it's constant churning of cast, this new lineup is perhaps the most extensive changeover yet. But because of the way this show operates, something that would be seen as an indicator of major problems is business as usual at Crane, Poole, & Schmidt. Last season there was a fantastic referrence to this, when a few new people showed up in Episode 2, Denny said that it was impossible that they were new, or else they'd have been introduced in the season premiere. This show has destroyed the fourth wall to great effect.
We welcome the great John Larroquette to his second role in this universe (He was probably the greatest guest star ever on "The Practice" the evil genius murderer Joey Heric). He's going to be Denny's new foil in from the NY office. Jerry "Hands" Espenson has been promoted to regular in another wonderful move. This show has the pattern of bringing on interesting people and sort of trying them out, and then if it works they move up and if not they move out.
I'm sort of confused that they've demoted Constance Zimmer yet kept Gary Anthony Williams. The two of them seemed linked in story, so I'm curious to see where that's going. Clarence is certainly more of the traditional quirky David E. Kelley character though. It seems that his new 'girlfriend' is going to be "Hands". Buckle up for this coupling, this show surely knows how to do hetrosexual male couples right!
We have two new girls, Tara Summers and Saffron Burrows here to keep that area of things warm until a few more actresses are hired to replace them later this year or in the fifth season premiere (The only lady around here with staying power is the queen bee Candice Bergen, and that's fine with me)
The only demotion I'm sad about is Rene Auberjonois, but it's totally understandable since they hadn't given him a thing to do all last year. I read he'll recur when needed, and hopefully he'll have more to do now that they don't feel forced to wedge him in here and there. That's something I've dubbed "Lorne Syndrome". On "Angel" Lorne was a delightful guest star, appearing when required, and he did so well he was promoted to series regular. Unfortunately once he was there when not required for story he became a millstone, as they couldn't always find a good reason for him to be there, and eventually stopped trying. On the flip side, I hope Jerry Espenson doesn't become a 'Lorne'.
I read something in EW recently that was basically telling the Emmy people "how dare you give all this recognition to 'Boston Legal' when all these other shows I love got bupkis" and that pisses me off. Just because this show is clever and joyous and fun, it somehow isn't worthy of adulation. Its the same way I get defensive when people reflexively dig at soaps. This show is fantastic and it's closing in on stellar this year with the cast they've got, and all of Kelley's attention.
This last 90 minutes has just reminded me that this is one of the shows I'd never miss, and if it was gone I'd surely miss.
*****
"House" 4x1
HOUSE 4x1 "Alone"
If you're broke, I can lend you a tiny bit of the money I owe you.
I remember thinking at the end of last year that they can't really be getting rid of EVERYONE. It was either the smartest or the dumbest thing you could do, and we've had to wait out the summer to find out which.
Theres a game that each loyal viewer plays with the beginning of every House episode - can we figure out where this weeks illness will come from before they show it? There's always a fakeout - 'look, she sneezed!' then the guy next to her passes out. 'haha' the show says to you - 'you thought it was the sneezer - DIDN'T YOU!'
This time it's fun to see House working without the team, having to improvise their usual functions. All long running formula shows like this need a little format bender now and then to cleanse the pallate.
One thing I must denounce in this episode is giving people the idea of using TiVos for retaliatory weapons. Take my money, take my children, but if you ever touch my TiVo, you will live to regret it, but not for long.
But I digress - this show is really hitting a classic stride. Last season really only went off the rails with the horrible David Morse arc (why is it that he irritates me so intensely?) If this episode is an indication of the level of the new season then I'll be guarding this season pass from any potential vandals with my last breath.
*****
If you're broke, I can lend you a tiny bit of the money I owe you.
I remember thinking at the end of last year that they can't really be getting rid of EVERYONE. It was either the smartest or the dumbest thing you could do, and we've had to wait out the summer to find out which.
Theres a game that each loyal viewer plays with the beginning of every House episode - can we figure out where this weeks illness will come from before they show it? There's always a fakeout - 'look, she sneezed!' then the guy next to her passes out. 'haha' the show says to you - 'you thought it was the sneezer - DIDN'T YOU!'
This time it's fun to see House working without the team, having to improvise their usual functions. All long running formula shows like this need a little format bender now and then to cleanse the pallate.
One thing I must denounce in this episode is giving people the idea of using TiVos for retaliatory weapons. Take my money, take my children, but if you ever touch my TiVo, you will live to regret it, but not for long.
But I digress - this show is really hitting a classic stride. Last season really only went off the rails with the horrible David Morse arc (why is it that he irritates me so intensely?) If this episode is an indication of the level of the new season then I'll be guarding this season pass from any potential vandals with my last breath.
*****
Commentary: Why “The Office” is Better Than Sex
(or a desperate attempt to use a ridiculous claim to get you to read my article)
Commentary on the story so far.
My first experience with The Office was a love affair with the original British series. (which I’ll not discuss here, as I’ve already waxed long about it HERE) Suffice to say, I loved it dearly. I’ve rewatched the series more times than I can count. So, I was excited to see what we’d do with it over here. Excited, but cautious. I’d been burned before. Most notably by Coupling, another Brit-com I adored that, despite the EXACT same scripts was no longer funny in
Through a bit of subterfuge and wink-wink spying, I procured NBC’s up-fronts pilot demo DVD and managed to get a copy of (then called) An American Office’s pilot. There it was, reproduced in full, almost line for line again, the British Office, with an American cast. It was funny. It was better than a lot of the previous fall’s line-up. It just wasn’t what I wanted. I guess I was looking for transcendence. Which is sorta unfair of me.
- Dave Grelck is a writer/filmmaker/photographer. His film White Out is being released this winter. His web television series Irving Renquist, Ghost Hunter goes live on Halloween!
"Journeyman" 1x1
JOURNEYMAN 1x1 "Pilot"
There's a lot of time left on the clock.
I think the reason that I'm giving this one a go is due to the really solid work Kevin McKidd put in on "Rome". Other than that, it just seemed like a "Quantum Leap" retread without Al and Ziggy. The first thing I paid attention to, of course, was the accent. It's one of the weirdest I've yet heard. It sounds like when I do Australian. It's ok but horribly bad at certain moments. I don't know that I agree that we must enforce overseas actors into doing American accents. Maybe I'm just so used to his British voice from "Rome".
As I watch this I'm just sort of struck by how weird this is. I'm slightly comforted by seeing one other name I recognized, Director Alex Grave, veteran of many a "West Wing" I'm sure that by the end of the hour there will be some sort of explanation - there's a woman in the ads that seems to be explaining the rules to our hero, but so far nothing.
Something I should note is that, in general, both to keep fresh, and keep up with all the shows, I write these mostly while I'm watching them. It's working well so far, and I like that it's a live record of my thoughts as I watch these shows.
So this is nearly over and it's still weird. I really want to know the mechanics and rules of this show. This is turning into this year's "Vanished" I didn't especially like the show but curiosity was just enough to keep me tuned in.
**
There's a lot of time left on the clock.
I think the reason that I'm giving this one a go is due to the really solid work Kevin McKidd put in on "Rome". Other than that, it just seemed like a "Quantum Leap" retread without Al and Ziggy. The first thing I paid attention to, of course, was the accent. It's one of the weirdest I've yet heard. It sounds like when I do Australian. It's ok but horribly bad at certain moments. I don't know that I agree that we must enforce overseas actors into doing American accents. Maybe I'm just so used to his British voice from "Rome".
As I watch this I'm just sort of struck by how weird this is. I'm slightly comforted by seeing one other name I recognized, Director Alex Grave, veteran of many a "West Wing" I'm sure that by the end of the hour there will be some sort of explanation - there's a woman in the ads that seems to be explaining the rules to our hero, but so far nothing.
Something I should note is that, in general, both to keep fresh, and keep up with all the shows, I write these mostly while I'm watching them. It's working well so far, and I like that it's a live record of my thoughts as I watch these shows.
So this is nearly over and it's still weird. I really want to know the mechanics and rules of this show. This is turning into this year's "Vanished" I didn't especially like the show but curiosity was just enough to keep me tuned in.
**
"Heroes" 2x1
HEROES 2x1 "Chapter One : Four Months Later..."
Are you the hero Kensei?
Let the sophomore slumpwatch begin... The pressure is on for Kring & co. to keep up the amazing level of storytelling in "Book Two". From what I understand they've had a plan of where to go for future seasons, so here's hoping they can defy expectations and equal or better the freshman season.
So let's spot the new faces - Stephen Tobolowski (from last season's "Big Day" and eternally remembered as Werner Brandes from 'Sneakers') as the man stalking Mohinder. There are a couple new folks on the run from murder charges in Honduras, complete with yellow subtitles that I'm sure we'll become better acquainted with, a new boy companion for Claire (her story seems to be an attempt to square one things with her, with the exception of not making her the queen bee at school.) And in casting that has both puzzled and excited me, David Anders (the tasty Mr. Sark of "Alias") as Samurai Warrior Takezo Kensei (he of Hiro's magical time control sword), as there aren't too many naturally blonde Japanese folk around.
So this is going well so far, things have picked up where they left off (quality wise, not time wise - I read they're going to go back to immediately after the end of last season in the near future) And I think it's a savvy move to jump forward. The pilot dropped us into the story and went from there, and that's what they're doing this year too.
All I have to wait for now is the first appearance of my Veronica...
****
Are you the hero Kensei?
Let the sophomore slumpwatch begin... The pressure is on for Kring & co. to keep up the amazing level of storytelling in "Book Two". From what I understand they've had a plan of where to go for future seasons, so here's hoping they can defy expectations and equal or better the freshman season.
So let's spot the new faces - Stephen Tobolowski (from last season's "Big Day" and eternally remembered as Werner Brandes from 'Sneakers') as the man stalking Mohinder. There are a couple new folks on the run from murder charges in Honduras, complete with yellow subtitles that I'm sure we'll become better acquainted with, a new boy companion for Claire (her story seems to be an attempt to square one things with her, with the exception of not making her the queen bee at school.) And in casting that has both puzzled and excited me, David Anders (the tasty Mr. Sark of "Alias") as Samurai Warrior Takezo Kensei (he of Hiro's magical time control sword), as there aren't too many naturally blonde Japanese folk around.
So this is going well so far, things have picked up where they left off (quality wise, not time wise - I read they're going to go back to immediately after the end of last season in the near future) And I think it's a savvy move to jump forward. The pilot dropped us into the story and went from there, and that's what they're doing this year too.
All I have to wait for now is the first appearance of my Veronica...
****
"Chuck" 1x1
CHUCK 1x1 "Pilot"
Don't puke on the C4
Monday has become the night of CBS and NBC for me. I've just gone through the CBS lineup (save CSI:Miami which I won't be watching. ever.) And so now it's time for the new NBC rundown.
Monday's 2/3 new this year, last year's megahit Heroes anchors the night and they're starting out with the first new show "Chuck". Yes it's true this show and "Gossip Girl" were created by the same person... Draw from this what you will.
Couple familliar faces, I'm always thrilled to see Ryan McPartlin in anything (I miss "Living With Fran") and the asian girl nerd that works with Chuck is Julia Ling, who I worked with on a short film in LA, and had a multi episode arc on "Studio 60" last year. And last but not least, Bryce the Rogue CIA agent and Chuck's college roommate was Matthew Bomer, former soap actor as well as lead contender to be the new Superman (of course another former soap opera actor got the part - Brandon Routh)
The thing I'm struck with watching this after "Big Bang Theory" is that Chuck is like the Hollywood version of a nerd - kinda nerdy but still really a cool leading man underneath (and not very far underneath) I suppose in a comedy it's better to have "realer" nerds, cause you know, they're funnier. Most people won't have to make this comparison since the two shows air at the same time...
Overall I'm intrigued with this show, I'll mainly be waiting to see if it stays interesting or just devolves into a weekly "use Chuck's secrets to stop the bomb" type of show. They've appropriated the "Alias" hidden secret agent thing, so that's a good place to start. The quirkiness really works well too, it's well integrated and not cutesy. Like I imagine "Pushing Daisies" will be.
***
Don't puke on the C4
Monday has become the night of CBS and NBC for me. I've just gone through the CBS lineup (save CSI:Miami which I won't be watching. ever.) And so now it's time for the new NBC rundown.
Monday's 2/3 new this year, last year's megahit Heroes anchors the night and they're starting out with the first new show "Chuck". Yes it's true this show and "Gossip Girl" were created by the same person... Draw from this what you will.
Couple familliar faces, I'm always thrilled to see Ryan McPartlin in anything (I miss "Living With Fran") and the asian girl nerd that works with Chuck is Julia Ling, who I worked with on a short film in LA, and had a multi episode arc on "Studio 60" last year. And last but not least, Bryce the Rogue CIA agent and Chuck's college roommate was Matthew Bomer, former soap actor as well as lead contender to be the new Superman (of course another former soap opera actor got the part - Brandon Routh)
The thing I'm struck with watching this after "Big Bang Theory" is that Chuck is like the Hollywood version of a nerd - kinda nerdy but still really a cool leading man underneath (and not very far underneath) I suppose in a comedy it's better to have "realer" nerds, cause you know, they're funnier. Most people won't have to make this comparison since the two shows air at the same time...
Overall I'm intrigued with this show, I'll mainly be waiting to see if it stays interesting or just devolves into a weekly "use Chuck's secrets to stop the bomb" type of show. They've appropriated the "Alias" hidden secret agent thing, so that's a good place to start. The quirkiness really works well too, it's well integrated and not cutesy. Like I imagine "Pushing Daisies" will be.
***
"Rules Of Engagement" 2x1
RULES OF ENGAGEMENT 2x1 "Flirting With Disaster"
Oh! Whoa! Cherry - clearly the sluttiest member of the pie family.
It's always weird when shows premiere midseason or in summer, they seem to always have an extra season under their belt. This one had a first season of six episodes, and so even though we're technically in season two, I feel like they're still in the first season figuring of things out.
I'm also trying not to hold a grudge against this show for murdering my favorite new comedy last year (The Class). And I'm also trying not to wonder where my "Christine" is...
But this is another one of those sitcoms that is ok to watch, so long as there's nothing better on. And there really isn't at this point. But at least Spade is still funny.
**
Oh! Whoa! Cherry - clearly the sluttiest member of the pie family.
It's always weird when shows premiere midseason or in summer, they seem to always have an extra season under their belt. This one had a first season of six episodes, and so even though we're technically in season two, I feel like they're still in the first season figuring of things out.
I'm also trying not to hold a grudge against this show for murdering my favorite new comedy last year (The Class). And I'm also trying not to wonder where my "Christine" is...
But this is another one of those sitcoms that is ok to watch, so long as there's nothing better on. And there really isn't at this point. But at least Spade is still funny.
**
"Two And A Half Men" 5x1
TWO AND A HALF MEN 5x1 "Large Birds, Spiders and Mom"
It's more... meatball-adjacent
Never saw this one before, and it was funny. I was a little disappointed that the lady I love wasn't in this episode (Holland Taylor), but this was like harmless mindless fun. I suppose there's more to it if you know the series, and I welcome enlightenment on this point.
It's like when I was at my folks' house for dinner with a friend from out of town, and "Raymond" was on. He basically said it was a dumb sitcom, and then I told him about all the complex family dynamics that were examined in the show, in addition to it being very funny. He liked the rest of the show better after that I think.
***
It's more... meatball-adjacent
Never saw this one before, and it was funny. I was a little disappointed that the lady I love wasn't in this episode (Holland Taylor), but this was like harmless mindless fun. I suppose there's more to it if you know the series, and I welcome enlightenment on this point.
It's like when I was at my folks' house for dinner with a friend from out of town, and "Raymond" was on. He basically said it was a dumb sitcom, and then I told him about all the complex family dynamics that were examined in the show, in addition to it being very funny. He liked the rest of the show better after that I think.
***
"The Big Bang Theory" 1x1
THE BIG BANG THEORY 1x1 "Pilot"
Is This the High IQ Sperm Bank?
If you have to ask, maybe you shouldn't be here.
I think it's cute how they named the lead characters after legendary TV producer Sheldon Leonard (plus "Sheldon" and "Leonard" are good geek first names). And watching this I think it's benefitted from the concentration of three camera talent. This was pretty good for a pilot.
I think in any sort of storytelling good characters are important, and I haven't seen people like this around, though some of the things they talk about hit a bit close to home... But its the little touches like, one of the guys has a belt made out of an old NES controller, and I first thing - oooh that's cool! then I catch myself and remember that these are the geeky guys.
But eh I run a TV blog, I'm not gonna throw stones in this glass house.
***
Is This the High IQ Sperm Bank?
If you have to ask, maybe you shouldn't be here.
I think it's cute how they named the lead characters after legendary TV producer Sheldon Leonard (plus "Sheldon" and "Leonard" are good geek first names). And watching this I think it's benefitted from the concentration of three camera talent. This was pretty good for a pilot.
I think in any sort of storytelling good characters are important, and I haven't seen people like this around, though some of the things they talk about hit a bit close to home... But its the little touches like, one of the guys has a belt made out of an old NES controller, and I first thing - oooh that's cool! then I catch myself and remember that these are the geeky guys.
But eh I run a TV blog, I'm not gonna throw stones in this glass house.
***
Kid Nation: An Introduction
This season's newest reality television offering "Kid Nation" certainly hasn't suffered from a lack of publicity. Indeed, it's been virtually impossible to look at the news without seeing a new angle on the show, and the media attention the program has been garnering hasn't been that positive. But is the criticism merited?
The concept is this: 40 kids, ranging in age from eight to fifteen, "rebuild a town" (a former ghost town called Bonanza City once used as a movie set for Western films as recently as the 1980s); of course, the show isn't a documentary series, so there is some degree of artificial structure imposed on the proceedings.
Truth be told, it's more like "Survivor for Kids." There's a Jeff Probst-lite host who pops in and provides instructions and commentary from time to time, introducing the various team-building games that also determine where each of the four color-coded teams (inexplicably referred to as "districts") will fall in the four-tiered caste system that the producers have arbitrarily imposed. Laborers, at the bottom of the food chain, get a generous salary of ten cents for washing dishes, doing laundry and cleaning outhouses; on the other hand, the "upper class" gets a dollar to do nothing (allegedly they can "pitch in as they see fit").
But what's money without something to spend it on? Again, inexplicably there are three fully-stocked shops in the middle of town--a candy store, a "dry goods" store (more like an Old West toy store than anything), and a "soda saloon," all to be run by the "merchant" class (one step below the "upper class"). The prices have been adjusted to fit the salaries, thankfully.
So what of the controversy, then? I can't help but wonder if most of it is nothing more than hot air. Considering that 40 kids were largely left unsupervised for the better part of two months, shouldn't we regard it as a miracle that none of them was seriously injured (one child was mildly burned by some hot grease; two others accidentally drank a tiny bit of bleach, but didn't even require any treatment)? I, personally, am quite impressed by the kids' resilience and determination--in fact, the kids are allowed to decide to go home every few days, and only one particularly homesick 8-year-old decided to exit during the first episode.
So what, then, do the parents think? Apparently they feel it was a worthwhile endeavor. On a recent interview on the CBS Early Show, a couple of the parents of two of the participants encouraged the wider viewing public to give the show a chance, and they both emphasized that all of the parents knew exactly what they were getting into, even meeting with the show's executive producer before production began. The parents even noted that they had a chance to let their own lawyers review the production contract; when Harry Shearer noted that the contract said that the parents wouldn't be able to sue CBS if their children died, they didn't even flinch, noting it's just "standard contract" boilerplate: "When Mark goes out skateboarding at the skate park, I have to sign a contract that says I won't sue them if he dies, too, so I'm not going to make light of the language in the contract, but it really is standard," she said.
So if the parents of the participants, who, from what I can tell, seem to be level-headed, caring individuals, were OK with this process, why in the world has the show garnered so much negative attention? It's hard to say, but the formula for the show seems to work, even just one episode in. We'll see where it goes in the coming weeks.
The concept is this: 40 kids, ranging in age from eight to fifteen, "rebuild a town" (a former ghost town called Bonanza City once used as a movie set for Western films as recently as the 1980s); of course, the show isn't a documentary series, so there is some degree of artificial structure imposed on the proceedings.
Truth be told, it's more like "Survivor for Kids." There's a Jeff Probst-lite host who pops in and provides instructions and commentary from time to time, introducing the various team-building games that also determine where each of the four color-coded teams (inexplicably referred to as "districts") will fall in the four-tiered caste system that the producers have arbitrarily imposed. Laborers, at the bottom of the food chain, get a generous salary of ten cents for washing dishes, doing laundry and cleaning outhouses; on the other hand, the "upper class" gets a dollar to do nothing (allegedly they can "pitch in as they see fit").
But what's money without something to spend it on? Again, inexplicably there are three fully-stocked shops in the middle of town--a candy store, a "dry goods" store (more like an Old West toy store than anything), and a "soda saloon," all to be run by the "merchant" class (one step below the "upper class"). The prices have been adjusted to fit the salaries, thankfully.
So what of the controversy, then? I can't help but wonder if most of it is nothing more than hot air. Considering that 40 kids were largely left unsupervised for the better part of two months, shouldn't we regard it as a miracle that none of them was seriously injured (one child was mildly burned by some hot grease; two others accidentally drank a tiny bit of bleach, but didn't even require any treatment)? I, personally, am quite impressed by the kids' resilience and determination--in fact, the kids are allowed to decide to go home every few days, and only one particularly homesick 8-year-old decided to exit during the first episode.
So what, then, do the parents think? Apparently they feel it was a worthwhile endeavor. On a recent interview on the CBS Early Show, a couple of the parents of two of the participants encouraged the wider viewing public to give the show a chance, and they both emphasized that all of the parents knew exactly what they were getting into, even meeting with the show's executive producer before production began. The parents even noted that they had a chance to let their own lawyers review the production contract; when Harry Shearer noted that the contract said that the parents wouldn't be able to sue CBS if their children died, they didn't even flinch, noting it's just "standard contract" boilerplate: "When Mark goes out skateboarding at the skate park, I have to sign a contract that says I won't sue them if he dies, too, so I'm not going to make light of the language in the contract, but it really is standard," she said.
So if the parents of the participants, who, from what I can tell, seem to be level-headed, caring individuals, were OK with this process, why in the world has the show garnered so much negative attention? It's hard to say, but the formula for the show seems to work, even just one episode in. We'll see where it goes in the coming weeks.
Monday, September 24, 2007
"How I Met Your Mother" 3x1
HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER 3x1 "Wait For It"
What do you mean 'win the breakup' old-timey inventor?
I spent some time this summer and I watched the first 2 seasons back to back, and realized how great this show is. Most producers would have never attempted this sort of idea, because how long can you go before you reveal the title character?
I've always been pissed off at the people that INSISTED that it was Robin - they debunked that in episode one (remember the closing line? "And that's how I met your Aunt Robin") but all the conspiracy theories just show how invested people have become in this neverending story.
For me the moment of total commitment came with "Slap Bet" last season. I must have watched that Robin Sparkles video a dozen times that night... A show where that can happen is my kind of show.
They started off the season this year by reminding us that, yes, they will be getting to the mother at some point before they go off the air, but stop bugging us already and just enjoy the ride.
****
What do you mean 'win the breakup' old-timey inventor?
I spent some time this summer and I watched the first 2 seasons back to back, and realized how great this show is. Most producers would have never attempted this sort of idea, because how long can you go before you reveal the title character?
I've always been pissed off at the people that INSISTED that it was Robin - they debunked that in episode one (remember the closing line? "And that's how I met your Aunt Robin") but all the conspiracy theories just show how invested people have become in this neverending story.
For me the moment of total commitment came with "Slap Bet" last season. I must have watched that Robin Sparkles video a dozen times that night... A show where that can happen is my kind of show.
They started off the season this year by reminding us that, yes, they will be getting to the mother at some point before they go off the air, but stop bugging us already and just enjoy the ride.
****
"Curb Your Enthusiasm" 6x3
CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM 6x3 "The Ida Funkhouser Roadside Memorial"
Okay, Little Orphan Funkhouser
Just from the title of this one I felt like I'd love this episode. The mere mention of Bob Einstein's imminent appearance makes me smile. I will go on a limb and say that Marty Funkhouser is the best invented character on this show. He's that friend that thinks he's really close to you but you sort of tolerate and use him. The sort of sick relationship you never see explored on TV, but is just right at home here.
The whole "shoe money" thing made me think of Aaron Sorkin's production company he used for "Studio 60" (which in turn came from a line from "Sports Night") See how my TV addled mind works? I must also say I barely recognized Ken Hudson Campbell, he looks a bit like Kubrick here. You may remember him from "Herman's Head" or as the guy that greets Bill Murray on the stairs in 'Groundhog Day'
I debated the quote for the top of this post, I suppose the traditional reviewer would have used "She abused the sampling privilege!" but that's about the plot, and I don't want to just talk what happened on the show. The other contender was "I don't particularly like children, but I like being called 'Daddy'" I had to go with the one I picked because I've thought about the fact that I'm going to be an orphan when my mom dies, but then I think it's silly to think of myself as an orphan at this point. The fact that something so odd that I've actually thought about appears nearly verbatim in this show, just proves to me why I love it so dearly.
This episode is yet another sublime example of the idiosyncracies of Larry David's mind making for classic TV. I have to start finding other things to write about or I'll end up just talking about his Prius. But who cares, I love this show.
And don't forget, we've learned a great truth here: even though nobody wants shoe money, you never know when it might come in handy.
*****
Okay, Little Orphan Funkhouser
Just from the title of this one I felt like I'd love this episode. The mere mention of Bob Einstein's imminent appearance makes me smile. I will go on a limb and say that Marty Funkhouser is the best invented character on this show. He's that friend that thinks he's really close to you but you sort of tolerate and use him. The sort of sick relationship you never see explored on TV, but is just right at home here.
The whole "shoe money" thing made me think of Aaron Sorkin's production company he used for "Studio 60" (which in turn came from a line from "Sports Night") See how my TV addled mind works? I must also say I barely recognized Ken Hudson Campbell, he looks a bit like Kubrick here. You may remember him from "Herman's Head" or as the guy that greets Bill Murray on the stairs in 'Groundhog Day'
I debated the quote for the top of this post, I suppose the traditional reviewer would have used "She abused the sampling privilege!" but that's about the plot, and I don't want to just talk what happened on the show. The other contender was "I don't particularly like children, but I like being called 'Daddy'" I had to go with the one I picked because I've thought about the fact that I'm going to be an orphan when my mom dies, but then I think it's silly to think of myself as an orphan at this point. The fact that something so odd that I've actually thought about appears nearly verbatim in this show, just proves to me why I love it so dearly.
This episode is yet another sublime example of the idiosyncracies of Larry David's mind making for classic TV. I have to start finding other things to write about or I'll end up just talking about his Prius. But who cares, I love this show.
And don't forget, we've learned a great truth here: even though nobody wants shoe money, you never know when it might come in handy.
*****
"The Simpsons" 19x1
THE SIMPSONS 19x1 "He Loves To Fly, And He Doh's"
Homer! You smell like Chicago! Did you fly there in a Commercial Airline?
No Way! Commercial is for losers and terrorists!
Nineteen years and still going strong. I'm so sick of all the people that don't watch shows like this and SNL and bitch about how they're not good anymore. Sure things aren't the same, how could they be after 400 episodes? The Simpsons evolves in humor and style, and has reached a place where the foundation of characters and talent has produced a consistently high level of achievement, and I'm hoping that the success of the Movie will remind the naysayers that there's still plenty of life in this old girl.
The season premieres with an episode that immediately builds on the movie, with the opening credits. I would have thought they'd never top the "live action" version that was done for British TV then used on the Ricky Gervais penned episode, but this was stellar. It's also interesting to watch the style of it, as you can really see how they've started using computers to do a lot on the show (We can thank "Futurama" for a lot of that I think). You can really spot it when you compare these shots that are similar to the old traditionally animated versions you're used to seeing for those shots in the opening.
Simpsons episodes are done in advance as I'm sure most know, and usually the first chunk of episodes were actually produced in the previous season, which is why the plots of these shows won't directly refer to the Movie.
I think one of the best things about the current style of the show is seeing how the first few minutes set up a story, then the rest of it has absolutely nothing to do with that setup. You'd think a show like this would hold onto any plot they came up with and milk it for all it's worth, but they happily use up plots as if they have a neverending bag filled with them.
My biggest question about this episode was "is it going to grab people giving the show another chance?" And I think the answer is, yes.
****
Homer! You smell like Chicago! Did you fly there in a Commercial Airline?
No Way! Commercial is for losers and terrorists!
Nineteen years and still going strong. I'm so sick of all the people that don't watch shows like this and SNL and bitch about how they're not good anymore. Sure things aren't the same, how could they be after 400 episodes? The Simpsons evolves in humor and style, and has reached a place where the foundation of characters and talent has produced a consistently high level of achievement, and I'm hoping that the success of the Movie will remind the naysayers that there's still plenty of life in this old girl.
The season premieres with an episode that immediately builds on the movie, with the opening credits. I would have thought they'd never top the "live action" version that was done for British TV then used on the Ricky Gervais penned episode, but this was stellar. It's also interesting to watch the style of it, as you can really see how they've started using computers to do a lot on the show (We can thank "Futurama" for a lot of that I think). You can really spot it when you compare these shots that are similar to the old traditionally animated versions you're used to seeing for those shots in the opening.
Simpsons episodes are done in advance as I'm sure most know, and usually the first chunk of episodes were actually produced in the previous season, which is why the plots of these shows won't directly refer to the Movie.
I think one of the best things about the current style of the show is seeing how the first few minutes set up a story, then the rest of it has absolutely nothing to do with that setup. You'd think a show like this would hold onto any plot they came up with and milk it for all it's worth, but they happily use up plots as if they have a neverending bag filled with them.
My biggest question about this episode was "is it going to grab people giving the show another chance?" And I think the answer is, yes.
****
"Real Time with Bill Maher" 5x19
REAL TIME with BILL MAHER 5x19 "September 21, 2007"
This is one of those shows I always enjoy watching, but it's hard to really talk about without going into the funny jokes or recaping the show, which I don't plan to do much here, if you saw the show then you know already.
Reaction wise, the opening interview was unusally chilly, the author an expert on the middle east that got the audience into scattered applause and equally scattered boos.
I think this show is immensely important because of the issues that get raised, and discussed intelligently. It's better than the sunday morning shows in general, and at the worst at least you get some good jokes. Bill Maher is someone I admire, though I don't always agree with.
The world would be a better place if there could be more people that we could admire, even when we disagree with them.
****
This is one of those shows I always enjoy watching, but it's hard to really talk about without going into the funny jokes or recaping the show, which I don't plan to do much here, if you saw the show then you know already.
Reaction wise, the opening interview was unusally chilly, the author an expert on the middle east that got the audience into scattered applause and equally scattered boos.
I think this show is immensely important because of the issues that get raised, and discussed intelligently. It's better than the sunday morning shows in general, and at the worst at least you get some good jokes. Bill Maher is someone I admire, though I don't always agree with.
The world would be a better place if there could be more people that we could admire, even when we disagree with them.
****
"Brothers & Sisters" Special Episode
BROTHERS & SISTERS 2xS "Family Album" (Special Episode)
This is the one I thought would be the most useless, for me personally, having been rapt at each episode of this series last year. I'd say this is a series that has great potential to become a long running classic of the genre, and I hope they can lick the sophomore slump.
This special left me hopeful because this time around along with the clips the interviews weren't with random people but the cast and creators, giving some good insights. I had no idea the guy that played Kevin was South African! I always knew he sounded a bit off. Rachael Griffiths has been mastering her American accent for years, but I knew about her being Australian. Now I know how people feel when I lay it on them that House is British...
So this was a good way to reacquaint oneself with the show and whet the appetite for the season to come. Well done.
***
This is the one I thought would be the most useless, for me personally, having been rapt at each episode of this series last year. I'd say this is a series that has great potential to become a long running classic of the genre, and I hope they can lick the sophomore slump.
This special left me hopeful because this time around along with the clips the interviews weren't with random people but the cast and creators, giving some good insights. I had no idea the guy that played Kevin was South African! I always knew he sounded a bit off. Rachael Griffiths has been mastering her American accent for years, but I knew about her being Australian. Now I know how people feel when I lay it on them that House is British...
So this was a good way to reacquaint oneself with the show and whet the appetite for the season to come. Well done.
***
"Shark" 2x1
SHARK 2x1 "Gangster Movies"
This is probably my fenciest series, and could topple off at any moment. I love watching James Woods work, and I had to see how they'd resolve the thing with Jeri Ryan losing the DA race. So they've brought Kevin Pollack in to play a prick DA, and they're going to get her on the team. They fired the cute guy lawyer so thats a strike, and they've brought in the lately overexposed Kevin Allejandro to be a mini Shark protoge.
Yawn.
This series on life support with me
**
This is probably my fenciest series, and could topple off at any moment. I love watching James Woods work, and I had to see how they'd resolve the thing with Jeri Ryan losing the DA race. So they've brought Kevin Pollack in to play a prick DA, and they're going to get her on the team. They fired the cute guy lawyer so thats a strike, and they've brought in the lately overexposed Kevin Allejandro to be a mini Shark protoge.
Yawn.
This series on life support with me
**
Sunday, September 23, 2007
"Desperate Houswives" Special Episode
DESPERATE HOUSWIVES 4xs "Secrets & Lies" (Special Episode)
Another ABC clipfest, this one I've enjoied watching because I'd probably seen less than half the clips. Somewhere between the Private Practice one where it was all new and the one I'll watch next, Brothers & Sisters where I've seen every episode.
I started out with Housewives last season, having missed the first 2 seasons. Considering the soap nature of this, it was a bit of a trick to get into, and seeing some of the backstory in this clip orgy has explained a few things.
It's laid out by houswife, with narration from the usual dead housewife, voiced by Brenda Strong (who's corporeal form you may recognize as Seinfeld's Braless Wonder Sue-Ellen Mischke).
Plus I'm glad to see yet another airing of Tina Fey's AmEx ad - it's a reason not to fast forward every commercial, and just as good as the Wes Anderson one from last year. And it makes me long for 30 Rock's premiere...
Oh yeah, Housewives. Really looking forward to this year - and this hour was a good way to get back into the mood. I've really been conscious of how tricky it is to get back into some of the stories after such a long layoff. I'm glad my daytime Soap doesn't take months off at a time (even though some cast members do from time to time *cough*plasticsurgery*cough*)
***
Another ABC clipfest, this one I've enjoied watching because I'd probably seen less than half the clips. Somewhere between the Private Practice one where it was all new and the one I'll watch next, Brothers & Sisters where I've seen every episode.
I started out with Housewives last season, having missed the first 2 seasons. Considering the soap nature of this, it was a bit of a trick to get into, and seeing some of the backstory in this clip orgy has explained a few things.
It's laid out by houswife, with narration from the usual dead housewife, voiced by Brenda Strong (who's corporeal form you may recognize as Seinfeld's Braless Wonder Sue-Ellen Mischke).
Plus I'm glad to see yet another airing of Tina Fey's AmEx ad - it's a reason not to fast forward every commercial, and just as good as the Wes Anderson one from last year. And it makes me long for 30 Rock's premiere...
Oh yeah, Housewives. Really looking forward to this year - and this hour was a good way to get back into the mood. I've really been conscious of how tricky it is to get back into some of the stories after such a long layoff. I'm glad my daytime Soap doesn't take months off at a time (even though some cast members do from time to time *cough*plasticsurgery*cough*)
***
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