more thoughts on television

A new show premiered last week called Kings. I was intrigued because it stars Ian McShane of "Deadwood" fame and we all know he's awesome. After a two hour premiere I can honestly say I'm... intrigued. Not sure I'd say I loved it but it was definitely interesting. And fairly ambitious. It's not quite HBO quality and depth but I'm pretty shocked NBC agreed to make this show. It's a biblical analogy with a lot of God-talk and a confusing alternate non-America setting. It debuted to crappy ratings which is sad because it's a show that deserves a chance.

Oddly enough, I'm slowly becoming a fan of Jimmy Fallon. When I first heard he was taking over Conan's late night spot, I was quite concerned. And he is everything I thought he was. But the thing is, he's soo...earnest. He wants to succeed and somehow he magically comes off as likable. I want him to succeed. Not sure how this happened, but I'm now rooting for him.

Only one more episode of Battlestar Galactica and I'm already sad. And the season finale of Big Love is coming up. If you're not watching that show, start. This season has been spectacular.

TV Highlights of 2008 - Part 2 - the Dramas

**I suppose this post contains spoilers if you haven't watched the most recent seasons of these shows....which is 99% of the people that read this blog. So this is mainly for me and the enjoyment I got out of rewatching these scenes.**

Lost
The Constant
For a show that went so completely downhill after Season 1, last year's Lost season was refreshing. Some good episodes. But it also included one of the best episodes I think they've ever done called "The Constant". It's the one that featured Desmond and Penny's love story and it's the only episode of this show that's ever made me cry.


The Wire
Late Editions
Ahh, my beloved Wire is gone. Season 5 wasn't as good as 3 or 4 but obviously it was fantastic. It did have one episode that I remember above all others. It was the penultimate episode and it showed Dukie turning into a sad street junkman, Michael killing Snoop, and lucky Namond succeeding at high school debate as Colvin's adopted son. My favorite scene though was the tragic Bubbles character attending a NA meeting and finally making forward progress. Great speech.


The Shield
Family Meeting
The Shield's series finale was miraculous. I enjoyed the final season more than almost any other show season ever and the finale was just breathtaking. Shane's character was the real standout of this season and his final showdown (on the phone no less) with Vic was just awesome.

TV Highlights of 2008 - Part 1 - the Comedies

It's that time of year again. Time for the Best Of lists. It's really all about the Best and Worst Movies of the Year but I need another couple of days on that one so I can see a few more. I'm almost there though. So I thought I'd start with the best of television.

But then I looked at my list and realized it was so boring because it was the same shows as every other year. Shows that include The Shield, The Wire, Battlestar Galactica, Lost, The Office, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and my one newcomer, True Blood. So instead of a list, I'm just going to highlight a few episodes of shows that I can clearly remember, even months later. That has to say something, right? Here's part 1...the Comedies.

Saturday Night Live
Anne Hathaway episode and Paul Rudd episode
Sure, SNL is an old show and any given episode is usually only about 25% funny. But this year I felt like the percentage shot up to about 50% which is enough to make me watch it on TiVo. Because there were some really great skits. The digital shorts like "Jizz in My Pants" made me laugh as did Tina Fey as Sarah Palin and Andy Samberg doing Mark Wahlberg. But here are the two sketches that I remember most clearly.
The first is Anne Hathaway in a "Lawrence Welk Show" parody. Kristen Wiig is so damn good.


And the second of course features Justin Timberlake. Sadly, host Paul Rudd is completely overshadowed by JT. And I hate myself for thinking he is awesome because I have a feeling he is one cocky son of a bitch. But his take on hosting SNL in two minutes is pretty damn fantastic.

The Colbert Report
David Simon episode and Charlie Kaufman episode
I watched a lot of The Daily Show and The Colbert Report this year because of the election and, I gotta say, Colbert overtook Stewart as funniest host. Sure, he has it easy because he gets to play a slightly over the top "character", but Colbert was absolutely hysterical this year. His interviews ALWAYS made me crack up too. Here are two of my favorites with David Simon, creator of the Wire, and crazy screenwriter/director Charlie Kaufman.

30 Rock
Succession
Season 1 of 30 Rock was awesome. Season 2 was very spotty. Don't even get me started on the current Season 3. But I did like one episode from Season 2 called Succession which was amazing. It's the one where Don Geiss goes into a diabetic coma. The real standout though is Dr. Spaceman coming to the rescue. "We have no way of knowing exactly where the heart is." "Is it 411 or 911?" "What listing please... Umm, diabetes repair I guess?"

It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia
The Gang Gets Extreme: Home Makeover Edition
This season wasn't as funny as last, but this episode was f-ing hysterical. If you don't laugh at the clip below even I can't save you.


The Office
Customer Survey
The Office had lots of great episodes this year thanks to Amy Ryan and the Burlington Coat Factory, but I really think Jim is awesome in this role playing scene where Michael is trying to teach Dwight about customer service. Mr. Buttlicker indeed.

Golden Globe noms for 2008

So the Golden Globe nominations were announced and the best thing is that there will be a lot of star power among the attendees. Which is all that really matters as an avid red carpet watcher. I haven't seen all the movies yet but let's do a little run down of the main categories...

Best Motion Picture, Drama
Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
The Reader
Revolutionary Road
Slumdog Millionaire
First off, I can say that Slumdog Millionaire is absolutely awesome. I am hoping this wins though I haven't seen the Reader and Benji Button yet. I can also add that the Frost/Nixon nom is well deserved but Revolutionary Road was not good. Just not a movie that needed to be made. It stole a nomination from Dark Knight and Milk as far as I'm concerned.

Best Motion Picture, Comedy/Musical
Burn After Reading
Happy Go Lucky
In Bruges
Mamma Mia
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Wow. I really can't comment on any of this. I missed Burn After Reading because I was in Europe and I hear that In Bruges and Vicky are really good. But I heard Mamma Mia sucked and I don't even know what Happy Go Lucky is. Damn Role Models was robbed and probably Tropic Thunder too. There is really no respect for the straight-up comedies.

Best Actor Drama
Leonardo DiCaprio in Revolutionary Road
Frank Langella in Frost/Nixon
Sean Penn in Milk
Brad Pitt in Benjamin Button
Mickey Rourke in The Wrestler
Well, Leo was good in Rev. Road but he won't win. Frank Langella was a great Nixon but I actually thought Michael Sheen was more impressive as Frost. No one listens to me though. I'm seeing Milk tonight but I'm sure Sean Penn is great. I'll weigh in on this later. Brad Pitt? Really? Haven't seen it but I have my doubts. And I hear the Wrestler is great and I should be seeing that next week. So I guess I'll weigh in on this category later....

Best Actress Drama
Anne Hathaway in Rachel Getting Married
Angelina Jolie in Changeling
Meryl Streep in Doubt
Kristin Scott Thomas in I've Loved You So Long
Kate Winslet in Revolutionary Road
So it's no secret that I didn't really enjoy Rachel Getting Married. And while I'm a huge fan of Anne Hathaway, I didn't really like this performance. It's good, but more overacting. Have I mentioned Changeling yet? Guess what everyone? Listen up. THIS MOVIE BLOWS GOATS. Ugh. What a mess. And I think Angelina is an overrated actress. She's fooling everyone but she can't act that well. I'll see Doubt next week but I'm sure Meryl is awesome. Haven't heard of the Thomas movie and while Kate Winslet is awesome as usual, I didn't find the movie that good. So who in the hell am I rooting for? I know Kate wants to win an Oscar so I guess I vote for her.

Best Actor Comedy
Javier Bardem in Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Colin Farrell in In Bruges
James Franco in Pineapple Express
Brendan Gleeson in In Bruges
Dustin Hoffman in Last Chance Harvey
Don't really have an opinion except that Javier Bardem is hot. Dustin is good in Last Chance Harvey but not award worthy.

Best Actress Comedy
Rebecca Hall in Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Sally Hawkins in Happy Go Lucky
Frances McDormand in Burn After Reading
Meryl Streep in Mamma Mia
Emma Thompson in Last Chance Harvey
I'm rooting for Meryl or Emma because I want to hear an acceptance speech from one of them.

Best Supporting Actor
Tom Cruise in Tropic Thunder
Robert Downey Jr in Tropic Thunder
Ralph Fiennes in the Duchess
Philip Seymour Hoffman in Doubt
Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight
Okay, this category is really offensive. Let's keep in mind this is a category that combines Comedy and Drama. But Tom Cruise in Tropic Thunder? It's an extended cameo for godsakes. And he's just dancing. He gets a nod instead of the Milk supporting cast or the kid in Slumdog? Offensive. I'm sure Heath Ledger will win and it's probably the most deserved.

Best Supporting Actress
Amy Adams in Doubt
Penelope Cruz in Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Viola Davis in Doubt
Marisa Tomei in The Wrestler
Kate Winslet in The Reader
Clearly I have to try to see this Vicky Cristina Barcelona movie. I have a soft spot for Marisa Tomei from My Cousin Vinny though.

Best TV series, Drama
Dexter
House
In Treatment
Mad Men
True Blood
Go True Blood!! Mad Men is overrated and I don't watch Dexter (I know, I know). In Treatment was decent but really an actor's showcase. I will not comment on House which took a spot from The Wire and The Shield. There are no words.

Best TV series, Comedy
30 Rock
Californication
Entourage
The Office
Weeds
The Office is consistently the best.

Other things to touch on...I hope Anna Paquin wins for TV actress though I'm sad that no one else from True Blood got nominated. I also think that Danny Boyle deserves to win Best Director for Slumdog Millionaire. Amazing.

What do you think?

watching, playing, going, doing

Things I've been doing lately...

Watching a new show (new to me...it's in its 2nd season) - "Burn Notice" on USA. The billboards are all over town so I thought I'd check it out. Not bad actually.

Going to a (Hawaiian-themed) bridal shower for my soon to be new sister-in-law.

Booking tickets. Lots of tickets. Tickets to Colorado. Tickets to Austin, TX. Tickets to Italy. Tickets to Prague. I will take more flights in September and October than I usually take in two years. Racking up those frequent flier miles.

Visiting my parents' new vacation house on Lake Cuyamaca. PQ Posse, we have a new vacation destination!

Tuning in to David Simon's new project "Generation Kill" on HBO. Clearly I will watch anything from the team that brought me "The Wire". This miniseries did not disappoint though. Very well done as expected with moments of comedy and obvious drama.

Playing with the new iPhone software. More importantly, playing with the new iPhone application "Shazam". This shit has changed my life. No kidding. The iPhone changed my life and now this application has blown my mind. It's an app for identifying music. When you press a button on your phone, the application "listens" to the song playing and tells you the artist, song and album name. And I'm not just talking about the fact that it recognized the new Coldplay song. That's too easy. It also recognized covers of songs as well as random songs by French people that I have. !!?*&!! The future is now people.

end of an era

The era in question being the renaissance of television that was "The Wire". Its last episode ever aired last night and it was bittersweet. With the end of the Sopranos and now The Wire, I'm not sure what I'm supposed to look forward to on Sunday nights. While the last season was the weakest of the five, it was still damn good TV. Oh well, back to "The Gauntlet" on MTV and "Top Chef" on Bravo.

In other news, the hubby and I went to a UCLA event on Sunday. It was a viewing of the Harold Lloyd silent film classic "Safety Last", accompanied by a live organist. Actually a lot more fun that it sounds. Go figure.

Which TV Girl are you?

Turns out I'm a girl on a show I've never seen, "30 Rock"...

Liz Lemon ("30 Rock")

You are smart. You wear glasses. You are sassy. You are funny. You have a tiny New York apartment. You do not have a boyfriend, you are married to your job. You like writing and television and writing television. You have $12,000 in your checking account and no investments. You dress off the rack at The Gap or Macy's. You hoard wedding dresses and fear pop tarts. You love "Star Wars" (not "Star Trek" or at least you know the difference). You don't mind hanging out with fanboys. You are a fangirl. You sometimes eat from hot dog vendors.

Take the quiz and see who you are.

new television...part 2 of 2

Well, new and old television. Okay fine. One new and many old.

I watched the premiere of "Pushing Daisies" and I was excited because so many people said it was the best new show of the season. I don't know if that's true but I do know that it didn't wow me enough to keep watching the 2nd or 3rd weeks. I just thought it was a little too cutesy for television and I didn't know where the show would go after a couple of episodes. So, with that new show out and the shows I discussed last week on my blog, I have a grand total of ZERO new shows that made it to my Tivo season pass. Very very sad. What is not sad? Most of the returning shows.

"Brothers and Sisters" is back and I am thrilled because this show really entertains me for an hour. It's not breaking new ground or saving the world, but it does make me laugh and cry on a consistent basis and I love some of the characters. Season 2 has been just as solid as season 1 so I'm excited.

"Desperate Housewives" isn't a show I adore but I do tune in every week and it is generally pretty good. The addition of Dana Delany this year has been great because she certainly knows how to play a cold bitch. Bravo Dana.

Then there's my third soap, "Grey's Anatomy"... Time has not been kind to "Grey's". A great first half season, an amazing second season, a horrendous third season and now we're on the fourth. I guess the episodes thus far can be characterized as okay. Not fantastic appointment viewing, but better than terrible. Still, I'd like to aim a little higher. Sadly, I think this is as high as this show is going to go though. The actors are too famous, the behind the scenes drama is too in your face, and the creator is too full of herself at this point to really get back to excellent. Oh well.

Switching to comedy, "The Office" has been interesting this season. Every episode has been an hour which goes to show you that more isn't always better. There have been hysterical bits in each episode, but an hour is just too long for comedy...they need a shorter punch. What they should have done is put two half hours on in a row. Still, I look forward to it every week. Not as much as....

"It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia". Goddamn this show is funny. If you're not watching it, DO. It's on FX and it is fall-out-of-your-chair funny. In fact, I've almost rolled off the couch twice this season already. Night man anyone?

new television this week...part 1 of whatever

It's my favorite time of year because new shows are premiering and there is a hopefulness...a hope that maybe I'll like a new show as much as "The Shield" or "Brothers and Sisters" or the first season of "Grey's Anatomy". So far nothing has wowed me but here's what I've seen thus far.

Private Practice - Garbage. I thought the backdoor pilot last spring was bad and they took all that criticism and grumbling and...did nothing. Oh wait, recast the black actress and then did nothing. In fact, I think the overall look of it got even worse. I could only watch 25 minutes but in those minutes I thought the lighting and look of the whole thing was terrible, the characters were still bland, and the situations were, at the same time, boring and ridiculous. They took one of the most charismatic likable characters I've seen in a few years and completely ruined her.

Dirty Sexy Money - I actually had fairly high hopes for this show. I was intrigued by the flashy cast and the soap aspect to it. And I admit that I was excited because they shoot next to our office and I'm jealous of all the golf carts that read "Dirty Sexy Wardrobe" and "Dirty Sexy Transpo". I want one of those. But this show was hugely disappointing. I didn't think it'd be so...cartoon-y. The characters were ridiculously one-dimensional with the exception of Sutherland and Krause. And the girl doing the Paris Hilton imitation is annoying as hell.

Gossip Girl - A total guilty pleasure show on the CW. It's trashy, people are hot, and I would probably watch if I had more time.

Chuck and Reaper - I grouped this together because everyone is comparing these two shows. Don't know if you know much about them but they both star geeky yet lovable 20 somethings who are working at pretty much exactly the same Best Buy clone. Then something extraordinary happens to them and they have to live this secret life while maintaining their geeky existence. These shows were called the best new shows of the year so I was curious. "Chuck" is the glossier show on NBC and it was directed by McG - the genius who brought you the Charlie's Angels movies. While I did love all the talk of Stanford (the main character went there), I thought the tone was totally uneven...half "Alias" and half sitcom...and everything was a bit off. The premise that he has seen the government's secrets on his computer and it's burned into his brain isn't the most interesting. The main guy really reminds me of Jim from "The Office" which is great but I can't say I'll keep watching this show.
Now "Reaper" is a different story. I really liked this one. It's an edgier, funnier version and the pilot was directed by Kevin Smith. The main guy is geeky and funny and adorable and his Kevin Smith/Jack Black-esque sidekick was entertaining as well. But this one has Ray Wise as the Devil which also adds something. And this likable guy hunting down people who have escaped from hell is pretty fun. Reminds me of Buffy a bit but funnier. Don't know...just like the even tone of this one more. (And there was a mention of Stanford in this one too.) :)

change of scene

The past few weeks I've been working in temporary offices on the Paramount lot and we're moving to our permanent home tomorrow. While I'll certainly miss seeing Donald Sutherland and Peter Krause talking outside my window, I think I'll be more upset to leave the fine interior decorating in my current office. I believe I'm occupying an office that used to be part of the television department because the walls are lined with sweet photos of old shows. "Taxi", "Mork and Mindy", "Happy Days", "Wings", "Becker" (?!), etc. The two sweetest though?





Please excuse the fluorescent light reflections...just wanted you to get a real feel for how amazing this office is....

emmys 2007 - fashion!

Well, as bad as the Emmy Awards were, at least the ladies mixed it up a little on the red carpet. I still wish there were less stylists and more train wrecks, but at least people discovered color this year. And there were LOTS of colors. Some prettier than others.

First category...

FABULOUS AND OVER 45

I give it up to the older women who still look damn good. Starting with the younger ones, Julia Louis-Dreyfus looked pretty damn good for 47. We all agreed that she clearly has fake boobs but the dress color was fantastic and so was her hair and makeup.

At 49, Michelle Pfeiffer sure knows how to stick with what works. The same little black dress, the same down and tussled hair. God knows how much botox she's had, but she's hot.

Glenn Close is apparently 60 and is so ripped she could kick my ass.

As usual, Helen Mirren rules the school. Her hair was a bit casual but her purple dress and clear plastic stripper shoes are awesome.

But my favorite mature woman has to be Sally Field. I know I have a soft spot for her but damn, I really respect that she hasn't gone under the knife, hasn't botoxed herself, and dresses like she should.

RED IS IN APPARENTLY

Red was all over the red carpet which is great because everyone looks good in red. The problem was that a lot of the red dresses looked the same - red unforgiving satin.

Ali Larter is tall, skinny, blonde, and young so she can pretty much where anything including just a drape of red satin. And it looks pretty great.

Ginnifer Goodwin from "Big Love" mixed up the cut a little bit and she looks pretty cute.

Mary Louise Parker is a striking woman and I like her in this dress but I wish she would stop being weird and start smiling. Also, FYI, she adopted a baby from Africa over the weekend. Who knew?

My favorite red satin dress is probably this PREGNANT woman from "entourage". Funny.

A big disappoint for me though was Kate Walsh. She is beautiful but I am not digging this dress on her. The red is nice of course but everything is too droopy...the fabric and her boobs. I would like everything to be lifted. And the make-up is too extreme I think. More on the hair later.

WHEN BAD CLOTHES HAPPEN TO GOOD PEOPLE

Jenna Fischer again picks a terrible terrible dress to wear. What's with this girl? She's funny, she seems nice and down to earth, yet she keeps picking dresses that look like bed linens with huge bows. Poor girl.

Now who doesn't love them some good Minnie Driver? I usually do but I was not into this color. No, no, no. And even the cut of the dress is unflattering. Show off that surfer bod Minnie!

I usually give it up for my larger lady love Sara Ramirez but I couldn't get behind this one. I don't get all the layers and the cut, don't like the peek-a-boo hole, and I'm not in love with the hair. Bummer.

And speaking of... I've seen America Ferrara look gorgeous and lovely in some very flattering kick-ass dresses. This is not one of those times.

Felicity Huffman needs to start eating.

MOST IMPROVED

These ladies surprised me because I usually don't like they're wearing.

Debra Messing for instance usually looks like crap but I liked this.

And, granted, Kathy Griffin is no supermodel but she's really trying here.

Sandra Oh has made some weird choices but I thought this looked nice.

You may disagree with me, but I don't hate Teri Hatcher here.

BAD, BAD, WORST

Hated Vanessa Williams' feather dress.

Tina Fey should never try to dress up.

Hey, Rebecca Romijn, you're supposed to be a model. This is unflattering and unattractive and your hair and make-up is scaring me.

Patricia Heaton's dress looks like puke green.

Kyra Sedgwick has a horrible trumpeted and fringe thing going on here. No good.

Paula Abdul. Yup.

This yellow piece of fabric on Lara Spencer from "The Insider" is one of the most heinous excuses for a dress I've ever seen.

Hayden Panettiere lost my vote twice...once for this awards dress which overwhelms her tiny body and once for this after party dress which appears to have feathers glued on.

Kate Walsh disappointed me with her dress but her bigger crime was the hair. What in the f*&% is going on here? Is that a hairstyle I didn't know about? Hairspraying one piece of hair to hell on the side of your face? And she may be hitting the botox which also makes me sad. Dammit. Used to be one of my favorite people on TV...

I didn't love Ellen Pompeo's dress but even if I had, her hair would have scared me enough to make me take it back. Mother of God, how did she do that too herself?

YAY!

Yay for Kristin Bell from one of my favorite shows "Veronica Mars".

Yay for Katherine Heigl even though she overacts.

Yay for Marcia Cross for looking fab a few months after having twins. (The jury's still out on the earrings though.)

Yay for Eva Longoria. She may be annoying and over-exposed, but she usually looks damn good.

Now, this is a risky Yay, but I'm giving it to Becki Newton from "Ugly Betty". Yes, the dress is weird, but I like her hair and I think she looks lovely.

My biggest, loudest YAY definitely goes to Rashida Jones from "The Office". Maybe a weird choice but I liked the color, like the twisted braided straps, and just thought it was a flattering choice for her.

emmys 2007 - the awards

I know some of you (okay, 2 people) are waiting for an Emmy post. I have a lot to say but work is kicking my ass so I might not be able to get to it until tonight...

Wait for it...

Okay, a blurb about the awards. I'm sure I say this every year (though I'm too lazy to check archived posts) but this was probably the worst year for the emmys ever. Between the travesty of the nominations (see previous post), the ridiculous theater in the round, the awkwardness of Seacrest, and the all around terrible winners, it was a low point. I mean, who in the HELL picks these winners? They get the nominees wrong and then they can't even pick the best out of those people? With the exception of one category, I disagreed wholeheartedly.

Best Drama - The Sopranos. The only award I agreed with. Eight years, ten years, or however many years of just amazing television and all they got was this award and some ridiculous "tribute" to them with Jersey Boys singing old pop hits from Frankie Valli while the video montage showed murders, attempted suicides and beatings. What the f*&^!

Best Comedy - 30 Rock. I don't watch this, I know it's funny, blah, blah, blah. I was bummed "The Office" didn't win.

Best Actor Comedy - Ricky Gervais over Steve Carrell and Alec Baldwin. I don't know if I mentioned it but I hate his show "Extras" and I'm beginning to think he's a cocky blowhard. Lame.

Best Actress Comedy - America Ferrera. Fine. She seems like a nice girl. But I really do think the voters are always swayed when there is an hour long show in this category. It just gives them an edge.

Best Supp. Actor Comedy - Jeremy Piven AGAIN over Rainn Wilson. Piven at this point thinks he's god so I'm sure this didn't do anyone any favors. Poor Rainn Wilson. So funny...even when he's put in a ridiculous Kanye West skit.

Best Supp. Actress Comedy - Jaime Pressley over Jenna Fischer and Elizabeth Perkins. I know Pressley is funny on "Earl" but Jenna Fischer was so good this year with her confession at the beach day and...well...dammit people! She broke her back this summer from trying to walk in high heels! Give her an award.

Best Actress Drama - Sally Field over Edie Falco. Now, you know I love the "Brothers and Sisters". And you know I love Sally Field ever since I interned for her back when I was a wee lass. But Edie Falco. Man, she blew me away every single season on "Sopranos" and it was just a slap in the face not to give it to her for her last year.

Best Actor Drama - James Spader over Gandolfini, Denis Leary, and Hugh Laurie. Speaking of slaps in the face, this was more like a ninja kick to the groin. Bad enough that Gandolfini lost. Just impossible to fathom. But then to give it to James f*&%ing Spader. At least he had the decency to be embarrassed. I quite enjoyed that he said the theater in the round was stupid and he had no idea who in the hell voted for these things. I agree James.

Best Supp. Actor Drama - Terry O'Quinn over Michael Imperioli and Michael Emerson. Again, what a weird choice! Michael Imperioli doesn't get the nostaglia vote but then they give it to O'Quinn over Emerson who really was electrifying on "Lost" this season.

And now what I believe to be the worst choice of the evening...

Best Supp. Actress Drama - Katherine Heigl over Rachel Griffiths, Sandra Oh, Chandra Wilson, Aida Turturro, and Lorraine Bracco. Before they announced the winner I thought, well Heigl is the worst of all of them. And guess who they chose? She almost single-handedly ruined "Grey's" for me this past season with her whining, her overacting, and her pouting. And lately in interviews she's just been rubbing me the wrong way. I don't know if it's the "Knocked Up" success or the whole vindication for the TR Knight thing. But goddamn!!

BSG

Well, I have to admit it. For...well, years, I've heard people say how awesome the tv show Battlestar Galactica is. And for years I've dismissed it, assuming these were the same people who loved "Star Trek" and other dorky sci-fi things. But as the husband and I sat around the house for the past week, unemployed, not wanting to spend money, with no new television episodes airing, we became bored. So bored that we signed up for a free trial of netflix and decided to try out this so-called "Best Show You're Not Watching". And guess what? I am obsessed.

Not a little obsessed, but a lot obsessed. In the past week we've watched 25 episodes. Netflix couldn't even keep up with us so we had to download some episodes from itunes because we couldn't wait to see what happened. I have to admit, the first episode was a little jarring because, compared to some shows like "The Wire" and "Lost", it looks like it cost about 10% of what those shows cost. And the acting can be, at times, a bit like watching an amateur theater production. But as I've progressed, those moments are now fewer and farther between. Mary McDonnell is fantastic and British actor James Callis who I recognized from "Bridget Jones" is hysterical. If you've been afraid to watch this show, don't be. It's really engaging and the plotlines and characters are great. In short, this show frakking rocks. Yes, I am officially a dork.

earning a paycheck

While I have been enjoying my time off immensely, I got a call from my old boss asking me a favor. Someone on his staff left quite suddenly and he asked me to fill in. So here I am, day one at DTJ: Tampa. Well, that's not really what it's called. But I can't go around just name dropping one of CBS' top rated shows. Part of a dynasty of shows really. I know at least one of my blog readers loves this show. Can't figure out why, except that it seems insanely cheesy. I read one episode script and just cracked up everytime the main character had an "scene out" line. I did get to go down to the set today and saw the fairly cool and sleek headquarters set. And saw a petite blonde acting very serious as she performed an autopsy.
As much fun as this is though, I can't wait to leave. There's nothing good about walking into an established crew of about 100 people, some of whom have been here for 5 years. I prefer to start fresh so I can establish my greatness early.

The Academy makes my blood boil

Right now I'm sitting at my desk, pissed off once again that the Academy of Television could get the Emmy nominations sooooo wrong. It's as if they are watching television in 2001 and can't move past that date. This year was like every other year in that they completely sucked when it came to judging talent and innovation. The full list of nominees are here but let me highlight some travesties...

Best Actor in a Comedy includes Ricky Gervais for "Extras" which, if I remember correctly, had about 6 20-minute episodes in the season and he didn't make me laugh once. Then there's the obligatory nomination for Tony Shaloub for "Monk" (is that show STILL on?) and, god forbid we forget, the great comic stylings of Charlie Sheen.

Best Actor in a Drama really pisses me off because they completely ignored shows like "The Wire", "Deadwood", Chiklis on "The Shield", and Izzard on "The Riches" in favor of James Spader on "Boston Legal" (goddamnit!!) and Kiefer Sutherland on "24" (when will people realize he's just shouting!!!!). I won't get into the Hugh Laurie "House" nomination because I know my audience, but I have to say that he is not as good as some of the actors omitted. The only bright spot here was that Denis Leary as nominated for "Rescue Me" though I think Gandolfini should win for his last season of "The Sopranos".

Best Actress in a Comedy is so pathetic that I can't even comment. The real problem is that there's not much to choose from.

Best Actress in a Drama got it a little bit right, only because they included Sally Field from "Brothers and Sisters" and Minnie Driver from "The Riches". But the yearly nominating of Patricia Arquette, Kyra Sedgwick, and Mariska Hargitay has to stop. Stop the madness people!!

Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy is a joke though I'm happy Rainn Wilson got nominated from "The Office". Hope he wins.

Best Supporting Actor in a Drama is a real travesty. They have a chance to really single out some of the great unknowns that turned in amazing performances and who do they recognize? William Shatner (yeah, he's in his prime) and TR Knight from "Grey's" which I feel bad saying may have been a sympathy vote. None of the excellent male actors from "Brothers and Sisters", nobody from "The Shield" which had an outstanding season... Argh!! I'm rooting for Michael Emerson on "Lost" because he was the bright spot in last year's season.

Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy may be the biggest joke category of all time. I am thrilled Pam was nominated from "the Office" but Vanessa Williams? Holland Taylor and Conchata Ferrell from "Two and a Half Men"? Yowzah.

Best Supporting Actress in a Drama is interesting because they got it right with Rachel Griffiths and I guess I support the nominating of THREE "Grey's" people though Sandra Oh is the only one that deserves it. But the two "Sopranos" nominations are kind of a stretch since Aida Turturro was only in about two of the episodes and Lorraine Bracco barely had five lines all season.

Best Drama Series...here's where it all gets summed up. "Boston Legal" gets nominated and "The Wire" does not. "Heroes" (while some of you may think it's entertaining, it's certainly not good) gets nominated and "The Shield" does not. "House" (while also entertaining is only a procedural medical drama) gets nominated while "The Riches" and "Rescue Me" does not. "Grey's Anatomy" gets nominated (for a season which, all in all, SUCKED) and "Brothers and Sisters" does not.

I can't even begin to talk about how Debra Messing's piece of garbage mini-series called "The Starter Wife" got nominated for about 9 things including her acting. I guess what I'm saying is, we need a separate underground awards shows which bans the likes of "Boston Legal", "Two and a Half Men", "Medium", "The Closer" and "Monk" so we can give out some meaningful awards based on quality.

And, yes, I will still watch the show. There's fashion to be had people!!

tv flashbacks

Summer is notoriously a crappy time for television. In the past year of two, the networks have attempted to minimize reruns by putting on crappy reality shows. If I had to choose, I wouldn't opt to be at home all summer without excellent television to distract me. At the same time, there have been some gems that I've discovered.

I've already mentioned my love of "Shaq's Big Challenge" but I've also gotten into "Top Chef" thanks to speakmemory's recommendation. The host and main judge leave a bit to be desired in the personality department, but I keep watching. I also checked out Victoria Beckham's one-hour special and I have to admit, she came off as fairly funny and charming. I can't become a fan until she rises above the 95 lb mark, but she was entertaining.

There are two shows though I want to bring to your attention. The first is "Scott Baio...45 and Single." Amazing. All I really knew about Baio is that he was on "Happy Days", he ruled the school on "Charles in Charge" and he has slept with most actresses in town. I've only seen the one aired episode, but he came off as normal, funny, seriously New York-y and Italian, and a manwhore. All things which I find entertaining. Check it out.

But mainly, I want to point you in the direction of "John From Cincinnati" on HBO. Truthfully, it's too late to start now as too much has happened. This is, without a doubt, the most bizarre show I've ever seen on television. Yes, more bizarre than "Twin Peaks". I don't know whether it's brilliant or terrible but it is interesting and it is different, and that's enough this summer. There is some seriously fantastic acting and there is also the worst acting I've ever seen on screen. Some of the guilty parties are non-actors that David Milch decided to cast...some are...well, Rebecca De Mornay. But the excellent actors make up for it. As well as the intricate story lines and characters. If you aren't convinced this show is great, please join me as I list the 80s and 90s greats who have resurfaced to make an appearance.

Dylan from "90210"
Al Bundy from "Married with Children"
Baby from "Dirty Dancing"
Zack Morris from "Saved by the Bell"
Stanford from "Sex in the City"

I hope that's enough to make you tune in. Especially if you like it when Jesus is channeled by an idiot savant played by a good looking Jake Gyllenhaal type.

Shaq makes me cry

A quick story before I head off to a long fun wedding weekend in Santa Barbara. And I also want to post about the great Simon Okuma and the summer of fun, but all that will have to wait until I download pictures.

This afternoon I sat down for the second episode of "Shaq's Big Challenge". If you haven't seen this masterpiece on television, you're missing out. Bball player Shaq (who I've always found surprisingly hysterical) takes 6 overweight kids and tries to get them into shape. And we're not talking about chubby kids...these are "morbidly obese" kids whose backstories let me know that they get made fun of, they feel bad about themselves, etc. This is course makes me cry because it breaks your heart to see young 11-year olds who are having such a hard time.

So here I am watching an episode and tearing up a bit. Then the doorbell rings. Crap. I get up to answer but realize I'm crying and look ridiculous. So I madly try to dry my eyes and make it look like I wasn't crying. I answer the door and it's an old friend who moved away and who I haven't seen for a year. Oh, and he has his new 10 month old baby. Surprise!! Yes, surprise! Surprise because I'm at the door, I look like I've been crying, alone, at home, while unemployed, while Shaq is paused on the big screen. Oh, and did I mention that I rubbed my eyes so much that one of my contact lenses popped out? Yup. So I spent the next 30 minute visit playing with the baby and catching up while I was blind in one eye. Damn you Shaq!

the future of tv - an addendum

So I must profusely apologize because I neglected to mention this gem of the fall season in my earlier post. Shockingly, it's on CBS so I may have to amend my opinion on them. I can't remember the last time I was disgusted by a show's premise, then thought it was hysterical, then was suddenly so moved I was tearing up. It's called "Kid Nation" and it's basically a real life "Lord of the Flies". Check it out.

the future of tv

Now is about the time when networks trot out their current stars and showcase their new shows on the schedule next fall. It's a time full of hope and optimism, as I am not yet aware of which shows will TOTALLY BLOW in September. I haven't deleted unwatched shows from my playlist yet and my hopes haven't been dashed by shows like "Six Degrees". On the other hand, one of these shows could be the next "Brothers and Sisters" or "Grey's Anatomy" (1st and 2nd seasons ONLY). Here's what I'm looking forward to and what I will definitely set my Tivo for...

CBS continues it's tradition of bringing to the screen "Shows I Never Want to Watch". The one tiny exception (and I do mean tiny) may be "Viva Laughlin"...
The Americanized twist on BBC’s quirky musical mystery drama “Viva Blackpool” uses dark comedy and pop songs to tell the story of cockeyed Nevada casino mogul wanna-be Ripley Holden (Lloyd Owen) and his debonair moneybags nemesis Nicky Fontana, played with sarcastic flair by executive producer, Broadway baby and “X-Men” star Hugh Jackman.
Okay, so that sounds terrible but I heard that this show has some musical aspects and that Hugh Jackman may occasionally appear and do a little song and dance. That would be sweet.

NBC, to be honest, kind of sucks too. I am happy that they gave "The Office" even more episodes (some of which will be an hour!) But other than that I think I'll pass on "The Bionic Woman", "Life", and "Journeyman". Does not sound good. There is this mid-season replacement called "The IT Crowd" that deals with some tech people that may be funny in an Office-y way. I'll hold out hope for that. Oh, and I have to skip "Lipstick Jungle" with Brooke Shields. She freaks me out.

CW it seems is out to piss me off by canceling "Veronica Mars", one of my favorite shows. So they are dead to me. (Well, with the exception of "America's Next Top Model" which I can't abandon.)

Then there's ABC. Could this be my favorite basic cable station? Definitely. While I am boycotting the Grey's spinoff "Private Practice", some of their new shows look decent. You can see previews here. I have to say that I will probably watch the pilots of "Big Shots" (god, I have a soft spot for Dylan McDermott), "Dirty Sexy Money" (an equally soft though more shameful spot for Billy Baldwin), "Cashmere Mafia" (an small spot for women who might actually be smart and likeable), "Miss/Guided" (despite the forward slash in the show's title, Judy Greer will always have a spot in my heart from "13 Going On 30").
But, please, most importantly, watch the "Eli Stone" preview and tell me what you think. I am into it. I have been oddly fascinated with Jonny Lee Miller since my semester at Oxford and I can not believe he is staring in an American TV show. I mean, this is the man who inspired Angelina Jolie to tattoo his name on her arm. Regardless, the totally and utterly bizarre clip of the show cracked me up. George Michael! I'll be watching.

proud of myself

Don't get too excited...I'm just proud of myself because 5 minutes into the new "Veronica Mars" one of the episode's supporting characters comes on. About 30 seconds later, I proclaim that the woman HAS to be Roxie from "Mannequin". Sure, I haven't seen her since 1987 and she was rocking some terrible Arab-American accent on "VMars", but that was Roxie. Yup, give it up. Carole Davis should know she still has fans.
My mind really does need to clear out some of this useless knowledge to make way for more important things. Like how to work my pool.