Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Happy New Year....

...and happy new TV...soon.

We are almost back to our regularly scheduled programming - just one week away. During the spring we will be saying goodbye to 'Dirty/Sexy/Money' and hello to 'Scrubs', 'Lost', '24', and 'Dollhouse' -- as well as more 'Fringe' and more 'Life on Mars'. Color me excited for 2009 winter/spring programming. I assume we'll also see the return of 'Rules of Engagement' on CBS because everyone needs their David Spade and Patrick Warburton fix. We will also get the NFL Playoffs, the college basketball season, and the beginning of a new baseball season. I suppose the NBA is still playing too, I must have forgotten about it.

So its shaping up to be a fun year for TV and Op-Ed TV...see you soon.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Worst Blog Post Ever

There is nothing on TV right now. Not a thing. Oh there is football and basketball and porn, but I am not a blogger of these fine kinds of entertainment. If I was, I could probably do 10,000 words on yesterday's NFL action - but that is better left to Peter King. And really, does anyone blog about porn? I'd Google it, but the amount of computer viruses I might get wouldn't be worth it.

Total aside...someday I'd like a printout from Google of everything I've ever Googled. I hope the cops don't do this when they are investigating your murder.

"What do they know about Henderson?"

"Well, he was a huge Dolphins fan, was interested in stamp collecting, and had some sort of fascination with Miley Cirus + nude photos"

Sorry folks, that's all I got.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

HIMYM Correction

It's been bothering me for 3 days now....in the recent episode of 'HIMYM', at the Minnesota Vikings bar in New York City, they continually refer to the Vikings upset loss to the Falcons in the 1999 NFC Championship game. But you know what? It may have taken place in January of 1999, but it was the 1998 NFC Championship game -- that is how the NFL, and anybody who follows football, refers to the postseason -- its the year when the season itself took place.

This glaring and outlandish Minnesota-based mistake now replaces Brandon Walsh's mispronunication of 'Wayzata, MN' from season 1 of the original 90210. For the record, he said they were from 'Why-zay-ta'. I understand though, it was the early years of the FOX network and they probably couldn't afford long distance to ask anybody.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

MTV New 2009 Programming

The last thing I watched regularly on MTV was probably 'Remote Control'. I also enjoyed videos. From what my people tell me, with the cancellation of TRL, even those are gone now too. Here is their new schedule for 2009, perhaps you'll find something you might like. I did. Check out the synopsis for 'College Life' -- this one is right up my alley, hits close to home, and will either make me happy to be in my 30's, or yearning for the State Street Days of yesteryear...probably the latter.

The College Humor Show: An inside look at the lives of the twentysomethings who created CollegeHumor.com. The "characters infuse their workplace with a chaotic frat-house attitude." Sounds like: Animal House meets the Silicon Valley tech boom.

Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory: The pro skater from Rob & Big takes us into the "25,000 square foot industrial-complex-turned-funhouse" that houses his skateboard business, a concrete plaza (for skating, of course) and more. Sounds like: Life of Ryan, the working years.

College Life: Students at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, film themselves during freshman year. Expect tears, skin and — we'll go out on a limb here — emotional confrontations with pop songs playing in the background. Sounds like: The Hills with some education.

How's Your News?: South Park's Matt Stone and Trey Parker produce this documentary-style series in which reporters with disabilities do interviews with celebrities and regular people alike, at sites from red carpets to SXSW. Sounds like: A great idea.

Daddy's Girls: Angela and Vanessa Simmons leave Run's House to pursue their dreams in L.A., which include setting up a fashion line and acting. Diddy and Rev. Run produce. Sounds Like: Run's House in The Hills.

The Girls of Hedsor Hall (working title): Based on the UK's Ladette to Lady, Donald Trump's Hall ships 12 hard-partying American girls off to England to become proper ladies and compete for $100,000. Sounds like: My Fair Lady meets Charm School.

MTV's Untitled Performing Arts Show: Nick Lachey is goes behind the camera to executive produce a show that follows aspiring stars at the School for the Creative and Performing Arts. Sounds like: Fame

THANKS TO TVGUIDE.COM FOR THE SYNOPSIS AND COMMENTS.

HIMYM: Hello Vikings Bar...

Did not see that coming...An entire episode sub-plot dedicated to a Vikings bar in NYC, where any mention of the 1999 NFC Championship game gets a collective 'damn' throughout the bar. And everyone in a jersey or 'Helga braids'? Too funny. Lauren didn't laugh quite as much as I did, but for any real Vikings fan out there, this episode was very cathartic.

Also worth mentioning? 'The Big Bang Theory' has been hilarious this season. Monday night's episode is worth watching on CBS.com when you have 22 minutes...it is totally worth it and very, very funny. Really, trust me. Watch during lunch break or something.

Monday, December 15, 2008

SNL Sinks

So I haven't seen it yet, but if you haven't heard, SNL went after New York's governor for, you know, being blind. HEEE--LARRY---OUS. You see, the governor was hoping whomever he nominated for the senate seat could be impaired as well, maybe have a 'gamey arm' or something.

I am all for handicap humor when its appropriate. And of course, that level of appropriateness is different for each person. But somehow making fun of blind people for being blind is truly uninspired. Oh look, he doesn't know what camera to look into! Frickin' genius.

No one makes fun of Seth Meyers and his writing crew for being retarded do they?

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Pelican Larry's (Naples, FL)

I am sitting at 'Pelican Larry's Raw Bar and Grill' watching some professional football. Besides the wings, peel-and-eat shrimp, and fresh grouper, every table has its own 26" HDTV against the wall. And each TV has a printed channel guide for which game is on which channel.
I assume that Pelican Larry's is not heaven, but I would like to think that heaven is a little bit like Larry's.

Friday, December 12, 2008

One-Liner...

Does Jack Donaghy know the Postmaster General?
He does, but they are in a fight over the new Jerry Garcia stamp. Why you ask?

"If I want to lick a hippy, I'll just return Joan Baez's phone calls"

'30 Rock' -- Oh how I love thee...

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Is It Getting Hot in Here?

The answer is no.
Tonight there are three guys in my basement trying to fix the furnace. It started with one guy, and now we're pushing 11 PM and there are three trucks outside. I don't pretend to know anything about furnaces, but I am assuming a newer unit that is younger than most high school kids shouldn't be the cause of a city-wide APB. Now I have three trucks here. These fine gentlemen are off at midnight, so I am not sure if they are planning to sleep over or what the protocol is. I will be offering them beer if we get this thing fired up again.
So the TV watching has been a big fat zero tonight as there is no way I am watching the last 'The Office' and '30 Rock' of 2008 knowing that my house is 64 degrees and I might have to pretend to understand what the hell is going on. In related news, kudos to CenterPoint Energy and the Service Plus team for working on this a lot this week. Total number of man hours by my count? 16 since last week. I think we're getting close, we have to be....

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Who's a Genius?

Turns out my 'Gossip Girl' prediction of Lily and Rufus having a love child that Rufus didn't know about that sent Lily to the crazy house was pretty much what everyone thought. So I am not as smart as I thought - but I have still been around long enough to predict the outcome of teen drama plots weeks before they happen.

I think the night in college, while sitting in the Towers watching 'Melrose Place', when a very dead Kimberly showed up in the last scene looking at Michael's house is when it all came together for me. The older you get, the better your plot beacon becomes. If you are 15 years old though? That Liliy-Rufus news blew your mind.

So basically I watch the same TV shows as 15 year-olds. No wonder my parents continue to shame me for not watching NCIS: Geriatric Ward and Boston Legal.

BREAKING NEWS: Leno moving to prime time

BREAKING NEWS: Leno moving to prime time on NBC, 5 NIGHTS A WEEK!

OTHER BREAKING NEWS: Ed Hoffman will never be watching NBC again from 9-10 PM central time.

OTHER BREAKING NEWS: Because of this change, now everyone can enjoy Law and Order: Rape, Murder, and Child Molestation at the much more palatable hour of 8 PM central. This decision was for the kids....

Sunday, December 7, 2008

SNL Sucks + Molly Sims + Naked Girls

Now my blog is going to get even bigger! I've invited Google searches for naked girls!

No girls here unfortunately, only a very short review of SNL with John Malkovich.

Company holiday party last night and the Mrs. and I didn't get around to SNL until after 1 AM, so whatever I saw might have been better or worse, but I do know this:

-Great to see Amy Poehler surprise cold open -- she was very good and it was a good Clinton sketch.

-Malkovich had a nice monologue and the reading of 'Twas the night before Christmas' was good.

-Breathe Right for your butt? Ok, that one is for the kids...

-Hot office chick squats when she bends over and cannot sing or eat a banana? Fine, whatever...Malkovich was funny.

-Malkovich as a 14 year old girl at a slumber party? Again, sometimes the host makes more out of the material. REMEMBER THAT SNL NEXT TIME YOU CAST TIM MCGRAW.

-Weekend Update? Don't remember any jokes, great to see Amy back, maybe for the last time?

-J*zz In My Pants digital short? Here is the thing, and every podcast we did about SNL will confirm this, but the show is written by late 20/30 somethings making late 20/30 something pop culture references...except, they still love them some dick and fart jokes - as many as they can get into a 90 minute show. The video and song itself were super clever, and Samberg did a good job, and I loved 'D*ck in a Box', but this one just might have stepped over the line. Either that, or I am really in my mid-30s...

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

It All Adds Up...to cake

Do you watch 'Numbers', I mean 'Numb3rs'? I do. I think it is on Fridays, well, I know its on Friday, but I am trying to make a point -- who cares when its on, some nights I open the DVR like a refrigerator looking for some awesome leftovers, or maybe someone magically put some cold cuts in the meat drawer, or perhaps a rogue cake has taken up residence on a shelf...mmmm....cake. Well that's 'Numbers'. When its there, its like cake. Easy going down, doesn't hurt at all, a pleasant surprise you didn't expect.

I watched one last night because nothing else looked appealing at midnight...should I crack open this season of Earl? Nah....Should I watch Oliva Benson save another rape victim? Too late for that...should I go downstairs and watch 'Fringe'? I knew I should be double recording that one upstairs too....damn. And then there it is -- I like Rob Morrow, I like Dave Krumholtz, I like the FBI dudes, I like the storylines, and it makes me feel smart. Yeah, it does - even though its all bull shit and I retain none of it.

So watch 'Numbers' and enjoy some cake.

Random 'Numbers' trivia nugget....Charlie's girlfriend on Numbers is the same woman who played Ryan's old girlfriend on the O.C. Why is this interesting you ask? It is interesting because on Numbers she is Indian (like from India) and on the O.C. she was hispanic. Wah? A little digging and I found out she is....Indian. I am sure it must have been thrilling for her to break into television as an Indian-American actress only to be cast as a hispanic. And vice-versa, it must be quite enjoyable for out of work latino actresses to see the Indian girl playing them. Just ask those two hot out-of-work latino girls from 'The Nine'...speaking of which, one of them was on 'Numbers' last week...and we've come full circle.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

'Gossip Girl' Spoiler Alert

-Girls looked hot
-Storyline continues to be blah
-Chuck wore a sequent tuxedo
-Bart Bass dies, I think, they don't show it and you don't see it, but its true
-Next week Chuck has his dad's dying secret to tell....my guess, and don't hold me to...Lilly and Rufus have a love child...and its going to be someone in their early 20's to 'wreak havoc' on the upper-east siders lives as we know it. I should write this shit for a living. If the secret is anything less impressive than that, then I'm moving on...

Monday, December 1, 2008

Not So Great

I just finished watching last week's 'Fringe' - I'll admit it, I am underwhelmed. Firstly, a serialized drama with conspiracy implications should be more compelling than this. I do like it, I am sticking with it, the shows are good -- I am just not hooked yet. Hopefully tomorrow night's episode will turn the page...it does keep getting better...I think. The good news is, FOX is sticking with it, so I will too.

Off to watch 'Gossip Girl' into the wee hours of the night, someone is going to die -- it might be my hopes and dreams for an alert morning.

Tiny Fey...

So Tiny Fey has that little scar on her face by her mouth - we've all noticed it. She has never talked about it, and why should she, right?
So of course Vanity Fair has to ask her husband about it because that seems like a relevant question:
Mr. Tina Fey, what do you think about your wife's success? How do you think she did as Palin? Aren't you glad she is so rich? What is with that scar on her face?
So he tells Vanity Fair that she was attacked and had her face slashed when she was 5. Woops - great job Vanity Fair.
I am sure this will become a Barbara Walters special that I won't watch and more people will tune into that instead of 30 ROCK WHICH IS SO DAMN GOOD AND GETS NO RATINGS!!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Things I am Thankful For (Television Edition)....

In no specific order...

DVR (recording, pausing, rewinding, etc...)
Expanded Basic Cable TV
On Demand
Lost
24
Fringe
Life on Mars
Law and Order: SVU
Criminal Intent reruns on USA
Cinemax OnDemand
The Office
30 Rock
MSNBC evening programming
The NFL on FOX and CBS and NBC and NFL Network
The Big Ten Network on Comcast
ESPN
ESPN2
ESPNNews
The Family Guy
HDTV

Monday, November 24, 2008

Entourage Season Review

I gave up HBO so I have no idea how it went. But my guess is, based on the previous five+ seasons that I paid for, that it goes something like this:

Very hip, very choppy, nothing happens, girls stay clothed, someone smokes pot, Drama says something funny, a celebrity or two make a cameo, Vince either loses a job, takes a job, quits a job, or something he made bombs. The End.

Am I close?

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Saturday Night Live Sucks + SNL Sucks + Banana Republic Coupons

Hello faithful SNL supporters who were once again disappointed. And hello to Banana Republic bargain hunters disappointed that this blog does not offer discounts - only opinions on lousy sketch comedy.
I actually thought the automakers bailout sketch was clever. They could have taken an easier route and just rehashed the actual preceedings from this past week - they were funny enough. Instead, they looked again to the proposed plan from the Big-3 and I give them credit for a sketch well played -- if not funny HA, it was at least funny HMMM....
Then Tim McGraw came out and the show lost me. I'm not say Kristen Wiig can't hold this show together, but maybe that is exactly what I am saying. And really there is no one or two strong male leads, just some good secondary talent.
I am not going to call out any of the sketches indivudally, as its not worth it and I cannot remember them. If there was anything worth watching post-weekend update, let me know -- I didn't bother to stay up for it.

24 MOVE IS TONIGHT.
24 MOVE IS TONIGHT.
24 MOVE IS TONIGHT.
24 MOVE IS TONIGHT.

Friday, November 21, 2008

And Here's To You, Steve Martin

You were great last night on '30 Rock'.
You should be on TV every week. Find a way. If we can put a man on the moon supposedly (shout out to OJ Simpson and the boys at Capricorn 1), we surely can find a way to get Steve Martin on TV more often, right? Movies come and go, his art was meant for Vegas, but his talent belongs on TV, where the common man can turn on the free tele and see a man spill scotch all over himself with complete and total dignity and class.

'The Office' was pretty damn good too. I once spent $500 on a bag of Capriese Salad when I thought it was pot, so I know how Michael Scott feels.

Cancellations?

DirtySexyMoney -- not picked up beyond initial 13 episodes.

Pushing Daises - not picked up beyond initial 13 episodes.

Eli Stone - not picked up beyond initial 13 episodes.

None are cancelled, but none will see air time beyond January/February 2009.

The odds of them coming back next year? Probably not so good.

ANALYSIS:
I don't think DSM was ever going to get back on track, I do like the show but I won't miss it.
I think Pushing Daises will be a great DVD watch, and the whole series will end being like 20 episodes which is a nice palatable number.
I didn't watch Eli Stone, but I am sad to think Katie Holmes won't be making a return, or George Michael for that matter.
I have been told to get back into Chuck -- perhaps there is no time like the present.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

The TV Blahs...

Yeah, I got em. Bad.

MONDAYS:
I look forward to HIMYM and Big Bang, but HIMYM is just not the same this year. It's coming back to form with a single Ted again, but still not there. I guess I still look forward to 'Gossip Girl' as well. This night is still a solid B+

TUESDAYS:
'Fringe' is one of my shows that I look forward to. It doesn't have 'hurry up and get home and put the kids to bed' status, but it has DVR-Triage status. It usually gets watched on its night of airing - that says a lot. Tuesday also gives us SVU, sick and sadistic as ever this year. But in a good way I suppose (whatever that means). I did not enjoy this recent outing about animal trafficking. Yuck.

WEDNESDAY:
I can take or leave the CBS comedy block. I usually take it when I need to fill 22 minutes before falling asleep. I do like me some 'Knight Rider' still. I know, I know, it's crap. Nobody says a little candy in one's diet is going to harm them. And I am back to watching the original 'Law and Order' again, but in three episodes I can tell you this -- still can't finish one in one sitting. Just not compelling TV anymore. But to me, any Law and Order episode is like Diet Pepsi, it's about 90 percent of my daily diet. 'DirtySexyMoney' has been disappointing, that's all I am going to say.

THURSDAY:
This day still gets an A, just for NBC 8-9 PM (central) comedy and 'Life on Mars'

FRIDAY:
I like the 'Numbers' program. What am I, 88 years old? I think I might be. No wonder I am compelled to buy Geritol and buy a health plan from Wilford Brimley or a laxative from Jamie Lee Curits, or some arthritis drug from Sally Field. I see these ads because I watch shows that old people watch I guess. I do however not watch the NCIS which everyone says is awesome.

SATURDAY:
SNL still sucks. It's going to suck this week with Tim McGraw. Book it.

SUNDAY:
Still watching the Housewives and the Bros/Sis bit, but I also get Mad Men (when its in season), Sunday Night Football (in season) and 'The Family Guy' which means I must still be in my 30's, since I really love this show. Read up on the success of Seth McFarlane (FamGuy creator), it is really interesting stuff.

I also probably watch about 10 more shows I didn't list here, but they must be so good I can't even remember their names. Thank goodness for college hoops season -- even more to watch 5-7 nights per week.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Life On Mars Comment

Just something I was thinking about while trying to figure out how I am going to pull some kind of fantasy football win out my rear end...

Last week's 'black power' episode featuring Whopi Goldberg was so damn good. And the cherry on top was when the 'black panther' holding Sam at gun point told him to rhyme or get shot. And how did Sam from 2008 stuck in 1973 save his hide? First verse of 'Ice Ice Baby' of course. Too good. It was great to watch him fumble through it while impressing the hell out of everyone in the room.

In a season of TV that kind of blows so far, this show (along with Fringe) are really standing out.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Reading While Watching

On Sunday nights, when I watch TV with the Mrs., I have found a way to also read the paper and pay attention...follow these simple instructions:

1. During 'Desperate Housewives', every time Susan Meyer (Terri Hatcher) comes on screen, read.

2. During 'Brothers and Sisters', every time Sally Field or Calista Flockhart begin to speak with a sad face over heavy orchestration, read.

Or, as many of my male friends have told me -- just stop watching those shows. Easier said than done my friends...

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

3rd Hand Breaking News

Ryan is leaving 'The Office'. Maybe.

He is for sure leaving to appear in a new Quentin Tarentino film. I am pretty sure I spelled both his first and last name incorrectly there. I'm not going to look it up though to be sure. But phonetically speaking, you get the point.

Some insiders are telling other insiders who posted stories from which I read and the repeat here, that he might be done for the season - OR - he might be done for good, at least as on-screen talent. Goodbye Ryan -- you were great last year, but honestly - your work here is done. And someone else needs to be sitting in that reception chair. We all know it.

Looking forward to your movie BJ Novak. And for all I know, it was your writing on 'The Office' that made me laugh the most -- I guess we'll see if we can survive without you.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Monday Rewind - Tuesday Preview

GOSSIP GIRL
This show is losing viewers by the week. My people tell me that last night's was the least watched episode of the year. Maybe it is because as shows often do in the second year -- they get away from what worked and send everybody off into crazy situations outside the canon of what worked. Save for Blair and Chuck -- they still rock. Also, they need to lose that girl who played Marissa's sister on the OC - she is just hard to watch. Good to look at, hard to watch.

HIMYM
Not my favorite episode of the year, but still NPHarris kills, week in and week out. Barney Stinson belongs in the 'Fonzie Hall-of-Fame' for the best TV sidekicks off all time. We'll make room for him right next to kramer, George, Norm, and the ex-husband and brother from 'Old Christrine' - those guys kill me. There are also about 100 people that should make this list. We'll blow it out someday. Two people not on this list - Skippy Handleman and Cockroach. Or Boner from 'Growing Pains'.

Do you live in Minnesota? Do you like sports? Do you like old white fat men in bad sweaters talking about sports on local cable-access quality TV? Then you should be watching 'The Sports Show' starring Mike Max, Sid Hartman, Darkstar, and Pat Reusse each Sunday night at 9:30 on the CW. Just to give you a sense of the production quality - Reusse's dog sits next to him on the set. And know this - Hartman is so old now that he doesn't even watch any games other than the local -- he had no idea the Bears lost this week and the Vikes were in first place. Frustrating yet funny.

Friday, November 7, 2008

Welcome Liz Lemmmmmmmoooooooon!

Oh Liz Lemon and your psychedelic anti-anxiety mood stabilizer pills. The things you think you see.
What a great 30 Rock, so smart and funny. Kudos to you Tiny Fey again for re-focusing the show back on a powerful Jack Donaghy and a centered Liz Lemon -- it makes all the other character's eccentricities work better, when there are two 'sane' people running the crazy house.
The Oprah cameo, like the previous Megan Mullaly cameo were perfect -- understated and not dominant. Appropriate for the storyline and not forced for the sake of the appearance. Me likes the 30 Rock so far.

The Office was on its game this week -- I wonder if its because this is the most screen time Pam-Jim have had together in a year, and their banter and reactions to the goings-0n were front and center again, like they used to be. BRING HER HOME.
I think this episode to me will always be remembered for the sales training -- in fact, I think it might just go down as one of the more classic The Office scenes of all time. In fact, "BUTTLICKER, OUR PRICES HAVE NEVER BEEN LOWER" is probably burned into my cultural lexicon from here until the end.

Fell asleep during 'Gary Unmarried' - I am pretty sure the freshness label on this show expired about 2 weeks ago, I will have to go check.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

The Best Political Team on Television

It's my own personal dream-team, and the recipe goes like this:

Over the course of 6 hours give me:

3 hours of ABC and NBC -- real 'hardcore' network news / I enjoyed their coverage and their anchors equally. I also enjoyed the giant Chuck Todd green-screen US Map and Greek Columns motif.

1 hour of MSNBC -- I love me some Keith and Rachel
1 hour of CNN -- I just love the top-of-the-hour projections-by-state like its Deal or No Deal

15 minutes of CBS -- for purely intentional comedy and sadness
30 minutes of Northwest Community Television -- I love me some school referendum updates
15 minutes of Comedy Central -- funny, but I will watch the rest tonight or tomorrow.

15 minutes of FOX News at the end of the night to see Rove and Coulter talk about how big of a D-Bag McCain is and how this election was unwinnable because of it.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

SNL Sucked....Shocker

Admittedly I watched it very late last night after a halloween party and I was pretty tired (see: wrecked) and it still wasn't all that funny. The opening skit with McCain and Fey was great, it really was. I paused it right in the middle to take a moment. There he is - John McCain, 7 points down, 3 days to go, in the biggest election of our lives (probably), standing next to Tina Fey flat-out mocking the woman John McCain risked his maverick status to choose for the VP. And there she is, off to the side of the camera selling her Palin 2012 T-Shirts....If I am McCain, I am sad that I did this skit. Sad that I smiled through it, and sad that I had to do it in the first place to try and garner some undecided votes -- all the while, the swingers are polling against Palin hard, and this skit didn't help one bit. I digress. Back to comedy....

The 'View' skit wasn't funny to me, sorry.
The Olbermann skit was actually very clever, and Affleck was very good, but it ran on way to long, right? Maybe I was tired.
I passed out during Weekend Update after McCain came back on talk about his strategies for the next couple of days. I can't judge weekend update yet, again...passing out...eyes closing....sleep.

Kids up already? Daylight Savings what? Oh crap...

Friday, October 31, 2008

A Note To Thursday Night...

"I worked the day shift at the graveyard and the graveyard shift at the Days Inn."

Oh Tina Fey, you and your writers slay me. Congrats on having your best ratings in a long time last night. I don't know if they were the best ever, but I know they are up over 50% from last years finale -- you deserve it. I missed your show and really had a few good laughs last night. Of course it wasn't as good as I had hoped, I think my expectations and excitement were too high. But none-the-less, I laughed, chuckled, and nodded -- especially at your joke about grad students -- its why your show is so great. Megan Mullally was very good as well, and I am so happy for Tracy's success with 'Dong Slayer'.

Oh Michael Scott, I feel for you. Long distance relationships never seem to work out, but your mix CD won me over. And seriously, I would have Darryl drive me everywhere if I could. The opening halloween bit was fabulous, and I am admittedly a little sad it didn't continue past the opening credits. Great costumes Dunder Mifflin - especially Jim, man after my own heart...

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Life on Mars is good...

"We're going to need that dewey eyed doo-doo that only you do."

Who else can pull this line off with class, grace, and perfect tone? Michael Imperioli of 'Life on Mars'. I didn't think Christopher Moltasante (of the Sopranos) could get any better...kudos to the casting director for 'Mars' for seeing an extension for Christopher's character as a cop in the 1970's. This show is really working for me right now. And Imperioli is perfect.

New episode tonight on ABC.

The Return of Grizz and Dotcom

'30 Rock' is back tonight. And all the critics agree, it is back on track and damn funny.
Bring it on I say. Has there ever been a smarter hour of comedy then 'Office' and '30 Rock'? I don't know....maybe. But I doubt it.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

'Greek' Season Finale Report Card

Might as well give it an 'A' right? You didn't watch it, so what do you care? I'm telling you though -- this show is well produced, well acted, a step above trash, and a quick study. College was fun, remember? I do - every Monday night from 7-8 PM central time. I will miss you 'Greek' and your end of show promotion for songs heard in the show by bands I have clearly never heard of. It turns out I can get their ringtones if I want from CW.com.
On an unrelated note, when my wife's phone rings, Cindy Lauper's 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun' kicks in and all I can think about is that night when Capt. Lou and Lauper brought out Windy Richter on WWF to fight female champion 'Fabulous Moolah'. It's nights like those that get burned into your mind for absolutely no reason...

In case you were wondering what ever happened to Windy Richter, I offer you her Wikipedia link. And it's Wendi Richeter Ed, jesus...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wendi_Richter

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

John Hamm + SNL Sucks + Podcast + Coldplay + Dining Room Furniture

Ok, so we have no dining room furniture for sale, but since this blog gets a lot of hits from search engines, I thought we'd try and attract some shoppers as well as those who are fed up with SNL. Here is the podcast from this weekends show. Its about 25 minutes this week, sorry for the length -- but really, there was a lot to rip on.



...OR DOWNLOAD THE PODCAST

Monday, October 27, 2008

Mad Men Season 2 Finale: Kevin Finnerty, meet Dick Whitman

When Tony Soprano found himself in a coma, he became regular-Joe salesman Kevin Finnerty, who while away at a convention, rediscovered who he is. When Tony woke up, Kevin was gone and his number one priority was family.
When Don Draper found himself at a crossroads, he became regular-Joe Dick Whitman (his real self), who while away in California, rediscovered who he is. When Don came home, Dick was gone and his number one priority was family.

Same writers.

Truthfully I enjoy Mr. Whitman much more than Mr. Finnerty, but the dramatic affect was none-the-less similar. Our hero has lost his way and needs to figure out what is most important to him. This whole season of Mad Men has been about the personal growth of three people who have been kidding themselves. And it was slow and dilberate, and in the end...fantastic.

Of course the three people I speak of are Don, Betty, and Peggy. When the season opened, Don was a family third workaholic philanderer, Betty was a subservient push-over, and Peggy was a lost girl in a mental institution. In the end it seems like Don had reversed his priorities entirely, perhaps even walking away from Sterling Cooper (yeah right)....and Betty grew up a lot. I guess banging some dude in the managers office at a bar doesn't necessarily qualify as growing up, but it was still some giant metaphor about revenge and inner-strength, yadda yadda...

Finally, Peggy with her appearance, attitude, and outward confidence has probably grown the most -- telling Pete about the baby, and that she could have had him if she wanted, then leaving was impressive. It was a good scene, well done, and 13 episodes in the making. This show is just fantastic and I already cannot wait for season 3.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

John Hamm SNL Breakdown Coming Tomorrow!

Probably somewhere in the podcast it might be mentioned that a guy named Finger running for city council in a town named Butts is pretty funny....if you're eight. But yeah, I laughed at it pretty hard anyway. It's also snowing outside right now. Really?

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Wednesday Night's Return of DirtySexyMoney

Once you pick up a season of a show on DVD it becomes like the last 50 pages of a great book, or perhaps Crack Cocaine. You can't get rid of it until its gone. Lauren and I experienced this with season one of DirtySexyMoney in which we knocked out 10+ episodes in three evenings. At least we didn't rock an all-night marathon like some have done with '24' and 'Lost'. So I guess our addiction was manageable. But now? Now we are in the methadone clinic of hell. There have been four episodes this year over 6 weeks, the show just doesn't play with the same excitmement that it once did. Perhaps it is because it is suffering a sophomore slump, or perhaps the writing and story lines just aren't as sharp. Uunfortunately I can't answer that for you, or me - because I am watching it differently now, so my context is shot. I do however still really like the program the characters, and the stories -- but the feeling of being compelled to the television just isn't there like it was on those three fateful nights this past summer.

Is there anything currently on TV so compelling that it remains 'night-of-broadcast' appointment television?
-'The Office', even in an uneven year I wait patiently for Thursday night
-'Fringe', I like where its going even as it has been losing its way a bit
-'Mad Men', although in all fairness, the last two are still sitting in the DVR awaiting me
'Life on Mars', you got me...now keep me
-'30 Rock', come back already
-'24', come back soon, hope the movie is good in a few weeks...
-Lost', come back soon

SOCIAL COMMENTARY HAVING NOTHING TO DO WITH TV
I listen to a lot of sports radio. Mostly national, but on the local front I enjoy most of the hosts on KFAN AM-1130. My fave is Barriero on the drive home, I have recently learned how to listen to Dan Cole and find the humor, and Hartman is pretty solid mid-afternoon. The morning show gets about 0.0% of my listening time, leaving PA and Dubay. It's exactly what you want from a couple of homers, some hardcore positivity about all thing local no matter how bad things are getting. I prefer the negativity, which is why a little change of pace can't hurt. I have always enjoyed Paul Allen, I think he is a great broadcaster, a great sports mind, master of the morning montage, and the first voice I will turn to when we win another title in this state. He carries his show masterfully (as well as Viking broadcasts). His parter, Jeff Dubay, to me was always along for the ride, but provided that 'rube on the street' take to sports. He was me, us, everyman. And now he is an admitted, arrested, former (or current) crack-addict. Honestly, I didn't see that one coming. Did you? It just doesn't fit the profile. A 40 year old Plymouth-living-Gopher-hockey-jersey-wearing-talk-sports-for-a-living guy gets himself addicted to Crack? I feel for him, his family, and his job -- but at the same time I don't. He's got the best gig in the world and he is smoking rocks out of a pipe. Maybe the Vikings drove him to it? Who knows...either way it is a sad story and I pray to god they don't move any of those morning show idiots into his seat. Find a fresh voice. Please.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

'The Office' is good, but not 'real good'

Is that a fair way to say it? I am laughing, the episodes of brought out some classic moments, particularly involving Merideth's ingenious way of finding discounts, and Dwight's product testing methods, but the way this show works is simple:
-office shenannigans go on, Pam and Jim observe them on our behalf as they are in on the joke along with us. Well guess what's wrong with this formula right now?

Desperate Housewives
I am sorry, but the flash-forward five years thing was cute for an episode, now this show is just grating. It is painful to watch, and any scene involving the once lovely Terri Hatcher causes me to fast-forward without pause (no pun intended).

Brothers and Sisters
If Rebecca wasn't so damn hot I would forced to focus only on Calista Flockhart's awful botox and plot lines that eventually lead toward a Sally Field 'emmy-worthy tear speech'. Week after week after week after week after week...

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Palin on SNL --> It still sucked

Don't mean to give too much away, because I think this weeks 'SNL Week-In-Review Podcast' says it all, but anywho -- it had some very, very well done moments, and then as usual it was bogged down by total crap. Tim Calhoun anyone?
I invite you to spend 12 minutes with this weeks podcast -- it's not going to change your life, but when else do you get to listen to me and Dave C. break down TV? And if you work with us, don't answer...because we know, you are sick of us. We get it.



...OR DOWNLOAD THE PODCAST

Friday, October 17, 2008

SNL Sucked Tonight

Say it isn't so Joe....the plumber.
We get it, it's funny, for like a minute, not 10.

Weekend Update was so-so, I applauded a few jokes, and mostly looked on awkwardly wondering if Seth Myers was channeling his inner 1970's SNL cast member and was strung out on cocaine. Most likely he was just hopped up on Starbucks and wanting to end the show so he could get back to watching his beloved Red Sox. Which by the way...OH MY FRICKING GOD. I have seen a lot of things, and I know that in both Red Sox World Series wins they were down 3-1 during the ALCS, but a 7-0 comeback from the seventh inning on? Really? It was pretty neat to watch and I don't even like those fans anymore. They've won enough, someone elses turn please.

LIFE ON MARS
Watched the first two episodes tonight. Me likes. Very much. I bless this show with a long life, but maybe not more than two solid seasons. This mystery can only be intriguing through one season ending cliff hanger, then it needs to end. Memo to ABC, milk it, cherish it, make it end before it is too late.

The Office
I enjoyed this episode very much, I laughed a few times. But seriously, bring back Pam, the whole office chemistry is off right now.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Debate Rider

I think the best part of the debate was when Obama jumped into the Ford Mustang and it shape-shifted into a police car in order for him to escape unnoticed.
Yes, that's me turning off the debate to watch Knight Rider. And why? I am addicted to spin doctors. I am addicted to Anderson Cooper and his 12 in-studio analysts and their laptops. Yes, 12! They were even one seat short last night and some dude had to stand on the end. I am addicted to Olbermann, Maddow, Gregory, and Matthews. I am even semi-interested in Hannity, Colmes, and VanSusteren (but only for the unintentional comedy). I am addicted to the quick-hit CBS undecided voters poll, and the CNN focus-group in Ohio, and the super partisan analysts on all the networks (other than CNN, which at least pretends to have non-affiliated commentary).
So I stopped watching and picked up Knight Rider -- it was brainless, dumb, and surprisingly entertaining. I then went back to the post-debate coverage at 9:30 and watched it like it was SportsCenter for the next three hours. By the end of it, I had basically seen the whole debate, and I was told what the 'American People' are thinking. And as I have said before, if you are watching a 'news' show talking about 'the American people', most likely you are not who they are talking about.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Monday, Monday

Three shows to review from last night...

1. WhoBob WhatPants: Yeah that's right, I watched it. The young child asked for it, and as a special treat, got to stay up and watch the live premiere of Spongebob loses his memory. OUTCOME: Wasn't very funny, they say 'idiot' too much, and young child wanted me to fast forward the commercials. In the end, we were all let down.

2. HIMYM: Now called 'Not-as-funny-as-it-used-to-be-HIMYM' is having a tough time this year getting focused I think. A lot of change is coming to our characters and I am not sure if the writers know how to make it work. The basic premise of Ted finding his wife is now hampering a show once really all about dating and being 25 with your friends in NYC. One thing remains constant though - Neil Patrick Harris is so frickin good. He is this show now. Barney Stinson will go down as one of the best TV characters in history. We will debate this another day.
If I could get Barney and Larry from Threes Company together for a night out, that might be tremendous TV fun. We could even go to the Beagle.

3. Gossip Girl: Good episode, chick fights always rate high with me. Some very illogical moments, but I have learned not to think too hard about this show. But I will say one thing...this show might proliferate teen sexuality, and materialism, and social hierarchyism, or eating disorderism, but it does one thing most teen shows do not: IT MAKES BEING SMART COOL. Yes, everyone on this show is going Ivy League and almost everyone studies their ass off to get there. So basically Gossip Girl teaches us to be mean, eat less, screw more....and oh, hit the books hard to be successful. I like the message!

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Must See TV?

So we watched the premiere of 'Kath and Kim'. Is it a positive review to say that Selma Blair is kind of hot? I don't think this is breaking news, we all knew this about 10+ years ago when she filmed 'Cruel Intentions'. And I think if you have seen the movie then you are only thinking of one scene. And yeah, today that scene would get cut from an episode of a 7 PM show for being too boring -- but back then, in the good old days? Gold.
And really, that is all I have to say about Kath and Kim. Really.

Speaking of 'really'...SNL Thursday night was great. Slap some water on me, yes, it was great. The extended Weekend Update was very good, the 'Really' segment always gets me and this one was no expection -- I will miss Poehler a lot when she is gone. Spent Saturday night dining with a Kristin Wiig apologist, and he assures me she can carry this thing. She's not as versatile - I think it will be pretty obvious and glaring. Some of these dudes are going to have to step up, and yes I am talking to you Andy Samberg.

'Life on Mars' has not been watched by this guy yet, not a lot of TV time allotted to me this past weekend, what a waste I know. Most word-of-mouth reviews have been very positive, so I think we might have a winner here. This show was very successful in the UK, and it had a plan and an end date from the get go. The writers knew how long they had to tell a story, and they worked in into two short UK seasons. Here in America where the government does not pay for our TV, we don't get said luxury -- so the one thing that can really kill this show is success. If it keeps going, they will have to extend the story, and then folks...we get X-Files, Alias, and 'Lost' until they were able to do the unthinkable and land an end date.

QUESTION FOR YOU? Would you rather pay a tax to watch TV like in the UK, or do you prefer your advertising driven 'free' TV? The tax-for-TV model allows shows to make less episodes in an more movie-style formula. It seems to work pretty well for them. HBO attempts to model the short-runs, but like 'Curb', 'Entourage', and 'Sopranos' - they have no problem bleeding these shows dry.

Friday, October 10, 2008

The Office: Rewind

Second episode this year that was very solid, very uncomfortable, and not all that laugh-out-loud funny. It totally had its moments though as it always does, and it never disappoints. I am loving Amy Ryan as the HR Manager, and her and Michael together is fantastic. Love the lobster choice at lunch.

I think this show is lacking in Pam Beasley time right now. Bring her back, and maybe a little more Ryan would be nice. The ethics immunity was top notch, and the way Dunder Mifflin corporate was just happy to have the supplier discount was unexpected and pretty funny. Yeah Office, glad to have you back.

-Didn't watch 'Kath and Kim' yet, heard it was awful
-Didn't watch 'SNL Thursday' yet, perhaps tonight...
-Didn't watch 'SouthPark' season premiere 145 yet, heard it was awful
-Didn't watch 'The Sarah Silverman Program' premiere yet, heard it wasn't funny
-Didn't watch 'Life on Mars' premiere yet, heard it was awesome
-Didn't watch 'Til Death' because its now the worst sitcom on television
-Didn't watch 'Knight Rider' yet, its not ranking very high on the must-see list
-Didn't watch 'Mad Men' from last week yet.

Did watch 'Dirty, Sexy, Money' week 2 and liked it very much. This show was fun to watch 10 hours in a row, but now that the novelty is gone, its just sort of benign. It is entertaining though -- looking forward to more Darling-Elder boardroom drama and less bedroom.

SNL+Saturday Night Live + Sucks+ Awful + Bottomed Out

The podcast you have been clamoring for is back. Dave and I take a second stab at breaking down this past week's SNL with Anne Hathaway. It was a very good episode and I think they might actually be on a roll again the past couple of weeks. Of course when you have two good shows in 10 years its more of a blind squirrel situation than a positive pattern, but anywho...here we go.



...OR DOWNLOAD THE PODCAST

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Blogger Tease

If you come here often looking for some television wisdom, or programming guidance, or perhaps to just procrastinate for 3 minutes because looking at your 401K statement no longer holds the same excitement it once did, then I am sorry.

I am sorry that I never podcasted last weeks SNL. I really, really, really liked it. This was the one with the 'Sarah Palin-Kate Couric' interview that involved phoning a friend. I watched it through the news all the way to the end. It wasn't half bad and that is saying a lot. Then, out of nowhere, Anne Hathaway blew me away with a great performance...I will be podcasting this one tomorrow.

I am sorry that I didn't get to tell you how awesome 'Mad Men' has been the last two weeks and how sad I am its almost over again....season 3 should be green-lighted though, and even though Don Draper is a total douche this year, its all for a good cause -- how good is January Jones as Betty Draper? So good.

I am sorry that I didn't write to tell you that 'Knight Rider' might be the worst show on television in the last 20 years, and that is including Baywatch, Worst Week, Do Not Disturb, and VIP (Valerie Irons Protection) starring Pam Anderson. Worse than Little Bush, worse than Viva Laughlin, worse than pretty much everything the UPN network ever gave us....but I cannot stop watching. WHA? Call it 2 parts nostaliga (gets me everytime) and 189 parts Deanna Russo, who seriously has to be the best looking female on television. With apologies to Anne Hathaway on SNL, Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, January Jones, Mariska Hargitay, the new girl on 90210 that weighs 80 pounds, iCarly (just kidding), Emily Procter, Vanessa Marcil, and anyone else I missed - this girl is smokin' hot. I think that is the professional and classly term for it -- yes, smokin' hot. Series Record please.

I am sorry that I haven't gotten you prepped for 'Life on Mars' yet. So consider yourself prepped. Thursday night, ABC, 9 central. THIS SHOW WILL ROCK AND HAS A SICK CAST. Just watch it, even if you don't like TV, or cop shows, or time travel, or mysteries, or 1973 -- just frickin watch it. That way, you'll understand my review on Friday. Series Record Please.

I am sorry that I didn't write last week to say that 'Gary Unmarried' starring Jay Mohr isn't half bad. It is the perfect compliment to Old Christine, which is still funny, and Jay Mohr isn't so bad...and I like his ex-wife Paula Marshall who used to be on....hang on.....looking it up....yep, just as I thought, she was the NYU student who wrote that Jerry Seinfeld was dating George Constanza. Ha.

I am sorry that I didn't get a chance to break down that Palin-Biden debate. Close your eyes and it sounds like someone is watching Fargo.

I am sorry that I didn't let you know that HIMYM continues to rock. Best burger in NYC? Ted hates New Jersey? Price Club? All good stuff.

It must be the High Holidays because I am apologizing a lot today. Well I am off to watch the post-debate talking heads to see what I should have been thinking had I watched them.

Friday, September 26, 2008

State of Mind

I think the first 'The Office' was funnier than I think it was. We missed the first five minutes -- I was busy setting up the TIVO to get the Twins game after I watched them go down 6-1.
So admittedly I was a little annoyed with their defense and I was watching the show knowing that I couldn't wait to get back to the game to see if we could pull out a comeback. We did. It was beautiful and hands-down the best non-playoff Twins game ever. But I didn't laugh as much at 'The Office' because I had baseball on the brain. After the miraculous comeback and I settled into bed for the eveing, me and the Mrs. pulled up the missing five minutes from 'The Office' off the bedroom TV and I laughed about six times. At that point I knew I could never give this episode the fair review it deserves, and I cheated myself out a show I had looked forward to watching for months. The moral? Don't watch 'Lost' at midnight just to get through it, don't watch comedy when you are waiting for something else....enjoy the shows you enjoy when you are ready to enjoy them. Profound.

STAT OF THE WEEK
(courtesy of the StarTrib)

The (Twins) game had a 13.5 rating on the regional sports network, winning the prime-time slot during season premier week and beating "Grey's Anatomy" on ABC affiliate KSTP (Ch. 5) and "The Office" on NBC affiliate KARE (Ch. 11). The rating means 230,405 households were watching.

The highest-rated quarter-hour for Thursday's game was an eye-popping 19.9 from 10:30 to 10:45 p.m. That means 339,633 households were watching as Alexi Casilla drove in Nick Punto with the winning run.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

What Are 5-Year-Olds Watching?

I have no idea. I know what my 5 year old is watching, and I know we are very careful about we let him watch. Careful in terms of vetting new shows first, and sitting with the kid(s) through the first couple of episodes. Careful in terms of content he isn't ready for, and understanding that some content will be over his head regardless. And if he actually picks up on it, we'll talk about it.

Here is the list:
-Sid the Science Kid (PBS) - this show is great and my son is learning a ton from it.
-Cyberchase (PBS)
-WordGirl (PBS) - a spelling superhero - no issues here
-Ben 10 / Ben 10: Alien Force (Cartoon) - as far as 'violent' cartoons go, this one registers as low impact. They reinforce teamwork which is nice.
-Transformers (Cartoon) - Again, the violence is against machines and the lessons are about teamwork and the environment
-SpongeBob (Nick) - I hate this show, I hate that they use the word 'stupid' all the time, but we've talked about it and other than that this show is just kind of funny.
-Batman / SpiderMan (KidsWB) - these superhero cartoons are geared toward the younger set.
-Spiderman and His Amazing Friends (JETIX) - remember this one from Saturday morning? Yep, same one. Too awesome for words. The boy loves it, and its straight early 80's cheese.
-Barn Yard (Nick) - this is one of those shows that is great for parents too -- the jokes are way over the kids heads, but my kids laugh out loud more at this show than any other.
-Drake and Josh (Nick) - this is an example of how you cannot control every aspect of your kids life. They will have playdates and they will come home having seen something new that is probably not age appropriate, but they beg, and you recant a little. Its actually not so bad, a little slap-sticky, kind of silly, and only one time did I see someone kiss a transvestite.
Yeah, I know. Really?
Anyway, this is the list, give-or-take, that you will find in our DVR at any given time. Oh, we also don't watch them all at once in a row. Stop judging me.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Quick Mid-Week Observations...

This is premiere week coupled with Twins-WhiteSox week. I am going to be very tired by Friday, I can already tell. A couple of quick thoughts on some new and returning shows:

90210: I gave up. Gave up about 18 minutes into episode 3. Deleted episode 3 and a waiting #4 on the spot. That's it. Good night. Found out Kelly's kid belongs to Dylan. DELETE FOREVER. Someone page me on my beeper when Luke Perry decides to show up for one night.

Worst Week: My least favorite thing on TV are uncomfortable circumstances that could have easily been avoided with some common sense and simple communication. I know, I know, 90% of sitcoms and soap operas rely on this method to create storylines - call it the 'Diff'rent Strokes Approach', but Worst Week is an entire show built on the premise of nothing going right for the protagonist. Within 4 minutes I knew this might be the most impossible show to watch of all time. That was that. DELETE FOREVER.

Til Death: Yes yes, we're still watching. And guess what, it has become unwatchable. The original premise, of a young and old married couple living across the street from each other is long gone -- the young couple having been dismissed in favor of Brad Garrett and Joley Fisher and their new found token black friend JB Smoove (Curb Your Enthusiasm). I thought he was great as Larry's house guest. He is nails on a chalkboard this time around. DELETE FOREVER.

SVU: What? Luke Perry is working? And not on 90210 but instead on SVU as a sick rapist? And sick is an understatement for this episode. I think since Ice-T cut off his pony tail he has lost all his strength, but that might just be me. Welcome back SVU, I missed you. And hello to new young hot district attorney, we're glad you are aboard. With all respect to Diann Neil, something has been lacking since Stephanie March left to pursue a movie career that didn't happen. Someone page my beeper when/if she shows up on Cinemax.

Fringe: Love it. Two great jokes this week to lighten up the mood had me laughing out loud. When the Harvard freshmen interupted the brain surgery, and finally when Dr. Crazy realized he might be able to use the metal in his patients brain to steal satellite TV. This show is a litle gross, way out there, and super compelling. Each week's episode is stand alone, but they do a nice job of slowly building a mythology as well -- no time is wasted here. I really like Josh Jackson (eek) and the tall black dude from 'The Wire' is great. This is going to be a great show, in it for the long haul.

Bones: I am just going to say it. This season has sucked so far. Without Zach, the rythym is off. Sweets is a fine character, but he is on too much now. Its time for Booth and Bones to get together, it won't ruin the show, it will take it in a new direction because the current direction is on year four and I am getting bored with a show I really, really like. Come one Hart Hanson, shake it up some, will ya?

If you haven't listened to the Podcast yet, please do -- its actually pretty good (all things considered). There will be a new one on Monday following Anna Farris this week on SNL.

Tomorrow night is the return of 'The Office'. Color me fired up.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

SNL+Saturday Night Live + Sucks+ Awful + Bottomed Out

BREAKING NEWS: Stop me if you've heard this before, SNL was awful again. I am not purposely trying to be snarky, I am just a loyal fan waiting around for one of his favorite programs to find its way again.

And so without further ado...here is the first ever, first time, Saturday Night Live Review PODCAST with special guest Dave C from www.doodledee.com.

What? A Podcast? Yes. Click and listen. And please remember, this is the first one. So even though we're mocking SNL, we're aware our podcast is not very good either. But were new here, unlike SNL which has been on the air for 30 years. And remember this, the first Seinfeld was awful, as was the first Buffy, as was the first Cheers...

You know what, just listen and enjoy:


...OR DOWNLOAD THE PODCAST

Monday, September 22, 2008

DirtySexyWeekend

Took the kids away this weekend to your standard hotel-water park-arcade combo. Once the kids were tucked in bed and finally asleep (turns out room service brownies and ice cream at 8 PM does not make for a hasty bed time...note to self) Mrs. OpEd and I decided we would rent the first season of DirtySexyMoney and see if we wanted to get involved this year in season 2. The strike shortened season 1 was only 10 episodes - and we knocked out 8 over the two nights and finished the last two last night. Wow.

First of all, I love watching a TV show this way. Save for an Alias marathon on ABC Family in 2001, we haven't done anything like this since. It was great. I feel like I have a whole new way of enjoying programming I either gave up on or never got around to in years past. Its not that I was opposed to it, its just no one ever forced me to sit in a room and have 4+ hours per night to kill for two straight nights. I could read, but that doesn't sound like fun. No, instead, two adults should lie in bed watching a 15" laptop screen raised up on a suitcase with two sets of headphones. Cute.

I liked this show a lot. I thought Donald Sutherland was great, and that's saying a lot. I thought Peter Krause did a nice job in his boring role as basically the mcguffin to take us from Darling family member to family member, as our lense into their rich and complicated world. And one thing I found refreshing about this show -- secrets don't last very long, everyone tells everyone everything very quickly and the lines of communication seem to be very open on the small week-to-week stuff. The bigger mysteries are just beginning to become clear, but I don't feel like a carrot is being dangled in front of you and then pulled out week-to-week. Kudos. I like Billy Baldwin, I love the evil minister brother's character, I love the twins, and I really like Karen (played by Natalie Zea from 'Passions' which I may or may not have watched a ton of episodes during an unemployment stint in 2001).
This show is being added to the TIVO for 2008 season 2, and of course, its going to suck having to watch it every week instead of 4 per night...I think maybe I will stockpile a few, just to give it that old feeling. And now I wonder which show is next?

EXTRA EXTRA: I also wanted to comment on the Emmy's really quickly. They were awful, awful, awful. Spending all that time on those five idiot hosts and their idiot category while speeding through the rest of the show and the big awards was a disaster. Congrats to Alec Baldwin who deserved this win for his scene at the Shrinks office with Tracy Morgan from last fall, and to Tina Fey who deserves all the accolades she gets. I used to hate her on SNL, now she has become a comedy god to me....hmmm....I wonder how that happened? Anyway, The Office should have won best comedy because they had a better year than 30 Rock, but that's ok....and YES YES to Mad Men who deserved to win best drama. Great to see the cast up there, they deserved everything they got. Jon Hamm got robbed, but there is always next year.

Weekend Placeholder

I have so much to say and so little time right now, I needed to make a list. Here is what to expect at some point today:

1. SNL, worse that ever. And a special treat as part of the review...
2. Emmys. Disaster hosts, disaster writing...some decent wins though...
3. DirtySexyMoney -- would I be lying if I said I watched the whole first season this weekend? And that I really, really liked it?

I guess it is only three topics, but a lot to tackle none the less.
Tomorrow I will debuting the daily -- 'WHAT SHOWS START TONIGHT?' segment. If I was debuting that today I would be telling you that tonight you should expect brand new:

Big Bang (in)
HIMYM (in)
Gossip Girl (in)
Heroes (out)
Dancing with Warren Sapp and Jeff Ross (out)
Boston Legal (out)
CSI: Miami (will catch it OnDemand)
Worst Week (NEW SHOW, no chance)
2 1/2 Men (never watched it, never will)

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Fringe is Growing on Me (and You)...

Fringe, at 13.36 million viewers, picked up a 48 percent increase over its week-ago debut. This would be due to carry over from 'House'. And if you could make it past the disgusting opening scene in 'Fringe', then you were locked in. I like this show.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Why is this so compelling?

First a note on last evening's 'Gossip Girl'. No redeeming value what-so-ever, but just a solid mindless hour following a tough Fantasy Football finish. Let me tell you folks, if you need to know whether or not to bet the over, just call me and find out if I need a low scoring game in order to win. Anywho, 'GG' is as good as ever now that they are back in Manhattan. Dan and Serena still bring everything to a grinding halt, but when Blair, Chuck, Nate, Rufus, or Jenny are on-screen, this show is very entertaining. The people are good looking too, should I mention that?

So - what is so compelling that it qualified for headline status today? 'Golden Girls' of course. And here is the thing, you love it. Everyone loves it. Everyone loved it, and everyone is still loving it. Old, young, middle aged -- everyone.

When you were 12 you watched it every Saturday night. And you liked it then too. Can you imagine a show about four grandmas living together in Miami being pitched to the networks today? They would have cast it with Loni Anderson, Jaclyn Smith, Kate Jackson, and Cheryl Ladd. Back then though (all the way back to 1985) all you needed was a little cougar named Rue McClanahan and you had all the sexual tension you needed, and with a strong male lead like Bea Arther, this show was destined to succeed. Hey-Oh.

So why is this show so magnetic that when you are flipping channels and land on Lifetime, you have to stick it out, just to see what crazy idea Rose has this week? Because I think we all picture these ladies as our grandmothers, and their stories were endearing and simple. Unless your fetish was Estelle Getty in a wig, then there was something else that drew you, or draws you in, even 20 years later...and its the comfort one gets from old ladies with a good sense of humor and self awareness. I love this show and so do you, I am just willing to admit it. You should too and we should all celebrate the geriatric television gift that keeps on giving.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Wow, SNL Still Sucks

Quick post in-between setting fantasy lineups and raising children...SNL, as usual, really disappointed.

Did I like the Palin sketch? Sure. Was it clever and did I laugh a little and nod my head in agreement several times. Yep. Was Fey dead-on? Of course. And that was 3 of 90 minutes. The rest was your standard disaster. Phelps couldn't act or be funny. The sketches were as pedestrian and uninspired as the last 10+ years. And the worst part is that they had the whole summer to come up with a second sketch better than high school quiz bowl with the home schooled amish kids. Yikes. Really?

Weekend Update has its moments, but few. I will tell you this fair readers, when Poheler leaves after the new year to have a baby and a sitcom, this show is going to suffer. Suffer greatly. And that is saying a lot for a ahow that is the television equivalent to anything you can think of that is not funny at all.

Friday, September 12, 2008

The End of Swingtown?

As far as easygoing summer drama is concerned, Swingtown was a welcome change of pace. A lot of people I know were turned off by the stories, the acting, and in some cases the content. I somehow enjoyed all three very much. I actually thought the acting was pretty solid, and the story lines got quite compelling as the short summer season moved along. I think mostly I was just impressed that old man CBS took a shot at a show like this on network TV.

At a minimum you could say this -- the music was great, the outfits fantastic, and deep down I think we all wish we could spend a weekend in 1976 - especially with Tom and Trina.

There is a solid chance this show will never be back again, and a very slim one that it will. I would welcome one more summer with the North Shore Chicago swingers to see how things are going in 1977, but if not -- it was a nice diversion into another world for 13 weeks over the summer. Also this, Grant Show looked awesome with that 'stache.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Fringe-tastic

I'll be brief. 'Fringe' was fantastic. It was compelling, well-acted, fast-paced, energetic, and deep. Yes, the opening music and graphics might as well be ripped right from the X-Files vault, but that's ok -- because so is the premise. But throw in JJ Abrams storytelling and a little music from 'Lost' and you've got something. The opening scene was disgusting to say the least, but the premise is exciting and even if you don't love sci-fi, this show can be for you.
They introduce the heroes and villans during a great 90 minute narrative and I recommend that if you missed it, you catch the encore on Sunday night. Fox. 7 Central. Watch it.

Monday, September 8, 2008

Scrubs News

From the Aussielo Files on EW.com:

"(In the)comedy's likely series finale on ABC, which was shot last week for a probable spring airing, series creator Bill Lawrence gathered all of the significant guest stars from the past eight years for a jaw-dropping scene that'll rival the mass reunion in Seinfeld's sendoff..."

Color me excited. This show has survived unbelievable odds to stay on the air this long...NBC tried to kill it like...well eight times. Now ABC will give it the proper send-off. In like 9 months.

Racial Profiling

Someone asked me today what 'House of Payne' was. They asked me because it turns out to be the number one rated program on cable, but it was unknown to them. I explained that 'House of Payne' is an African-American sitcom from Tyler Perry. The follow up question was two-fold: Who is Tyler Perry and does that mean 'How I Met Your Mother' is a Caucasian sitcom?

Firstly, Tyler Perry is a mega-successful, mega-millionaire who cranks out theater, TV, and movies about African-American families. You may have seen his 'Madea' movies -- think 'Big Mommas House' with a real story. You should read up on him via Wikipedia - he has had an interesting, challenging life, and he has become uber-successful.

Secondly, I guess I never spent that much time thinking about TV shows in terms of racial lines. I don't watch many of the WB/CW African-American-centric sitcoms because I don't really relate to them, nor do I expect 'Friends', 'HIMYM', or 'Gossip Girl' to appeal to many African-Americans. I think we all know the TV landscape does not 'look' like the real America. If you asked Asian-American, Hispanic-Americans, or those of Indian or Pakistiani descent, they might to inform you that TV doesn't look much like them at all. Oh sure, TV shows have gone out of their way lately to insert some ethnic characters, but how many of them have become leads? Very few -- Ugly Betty comes to mind as an excellent example of a mainstream hit whose lead is not 'white', but not many others.

I don't have a thesis, a point, or a lesson to teach here -- just commenting on an observation that was made to me. I do however believe that with the proliferation of genre-specific cable channels, we will come to find less and less diversity on mainstream television as non-white writers, directors, producers, and actors can find critical and mass success, for the genre they are writing/performing for, on cable. And channels like BET, TNT, TBS, etc. can take a chance on a genre-specific show because their ratings don't have to compete with the big boys.

Let me say this, I don't, have not, or ever will I turn off a show based on the race or ethnicity of the cast -- I choose my TV based on whether or not it provides with me the compelling drama, comedy, or entertainment I want. I am just as happy with a rerun of 'Family Ties' as I am with a rerun of 'Good Times'. That being said, you watch what you can relate to or what interests you -- and even if 'House of Payne' is a good and funny show, I am probably not going to watch it. I didn't grow up in a black family with 'the dominant black grandma', but somehow I do relate to Grace Adler's family issues on 'Will & Grace' It's not racist, it's just reality. Trust me, I don't expect the African-American community to embrace east-coast comedy like Will & Grace, Seinfeld, or Curb -- it probably isn't all that compelling.

I think there are shows that find common ground like Scrubs, ER, Lost, Law/Order, Ugly Betty, and more that I can't think of. But as I was typing this list, I will tell you that about 100 shows popped into my head and 99% of those casts and leads were white as snow. So someday I will figure out what that all means. Not today though.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Look-Ahead

Next week marks the debut of 'Fringe' - be looking for it. HBO has some new Vampire show, but I cannot afford HBO. I think I will still watch Entourage though thanks to the magic of my brother-in-laws SlingBox. God bless technology.

So by my count, the first-run shows I am currently watching are:
-Mad Men
-Gossip Girl
-Greek
-Bones
-9021-no (this could be it for me after this week)
-Fringe

Wow, thats a lot of fluff along with the best drama on television. As I look at this list, I have grisly and nasty with Bones, dramatic and daring with Mad Men, and fluffy crap with the three teen shows....and now I know why I am staying away from any real substance -- I am watching way to much political TV right now.

I try and get to Keith Olbermann every night, Anderson Cooper every night, and of course the Daily Show. Like most elections, this one has not disappointed with its own drama and soap operas. And call me crazy, but I will take a good James Carville/Chris Matthews fight any night. The conventions have been great and all, but I look forward to the return of 'Countdown w/ Keith Olbermann' on Monday.

Final convention coverage thought: The Daily Show killed. Every night was better than the next. They seriously deliver more news, commentary, and biting opinion / political reality that any other 'news' network. Jon Stewart is a genius. If you are bored, check out the behind-the-scenes USA Today article about Stewart from last week.

Finally, I am just going to assume that when SNL returns next week, Tina Fey will show up to play Sarah Palin. It seems like it should be a law or something.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

9021 Oh My God That was Awful

Seriously, I think I just might not have any more room in my early 30's brain for teen angst high school dramas. I just wasn't compelled. At all. I will give it one more week as a regular 60 minute drama, and then it goes into the can. Don't get me wrong, it had great moments of nostalgia, but that was about it. Here are my quick-hit thoughts:

-The new Brenda Walsh, Annie, is super cute and likable. She has a future.
-I didn't really like any of the other characters at all. Not memorable or likable.
-Hey everyone, its a character named Erin Silver. Quickly my brain opened the vault and within moments I shouted out "oh my god, I forgot that Jackie Taylor and Mel Silver had a daughter, Kelly's sister!" To which I then shouted out, "oh my god, how do I know these peoples names after 12 years, I don't even know the names of the people I work with."
-Oh look, Erin Silver has a video blog where she quickly whips up animated attacks of her school mates which characters show each other on their wireless traveling laptops. How cute, thanks for the concept Gossip Girl!
-Kelly Taylor looks awful. There, I said it.
-Brenda Walsh (Shannen Doherty) looks worse, there I said that too. She has more plastic and tightened edges on her late-30's face than my Honda.
-Great to see Nat, he runs a night club with underage drinking and a coffee shop. I wonder if Dylan or Valerie still have a share. Or did Noah end up as the owner? I can't remember all that.
-Hey everyone, its Andrea Zuckerman's kid doing the local school newscast. How cute. I laughed. Then the teacher says, "what is that girl, 30?" Then I laughed even harder at the shout out to us old-school fans who always wondered why Gabrielle Cartiers was 29 already when they started this show. Then I stopped laughing.
-Hey everyone, its Rob Estes as the dad....but wait, wasn't he some chef on Melrose Place? Yes, yes he was. Wasn't Melrose a spin-off of 90210 so they live in the same TV universe? Yes, yes they do. Shouldn't continuity count for anything in the TV business anymore? No, no it shouldn't. I don't really care one bit, I just thought I would point it out because its almost an interesting factoid.
-Back to Nat, same old Nat...man I missed him
-Jessica Walter was funny, Lori Laughlin was barely used at all
-I think that is about it, other than Kelly has a four year old son that is probably Brandon's, and all the characters on this show are awful.
-This viewing also solidified for me how good Gossip Girl really is. I think that is my limit for high school shows.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

We're Back and Better Than Ever

90210 returned last night. When we set our clocks back for Fall, I don't think they meant Fall 1994 - but OK, I will take a flyer. Of course, I have nothing first-hand to report since I didn't watch it yet -- 2 hours? Really? This one is going to have to wait a couple of days. But the early reviews this morning in the papers were clearly positive, which is a good sign. I plan to give this show a serious shot, but my current teen love drama money is still on 'Gossip Girl'.

GOSSIP GIRL, premiered Monday September 1, 2008
This was the 'what I did on my summer vacation' episode, and to be honest, it sort of sucked. Let's get these kids out of the Hamptons and back to the city where they belong. When they aren't in school, they are just playing grown-up in silly outfits saying silly things to silly music -- I will give them a pass on this one as I am just happy to see everyone survived the summer. If you missed it, Blair and Chuck love each other but can't admit it (at least Chuck can't). Serena and Dan missed each other and have rediscovered each other. Jenny was an intern, Nate banged some cougar, and Rufus is on the road with his band. By next week we can start senior year and I hope to never see Chuck in a green suit ever, ever, ever again.

MAD MEN, premiered about four weeks ago
This show is genius, the way Sopranos was genius. Its a slow moving character study that has no problem moving new and old characters in and out all the time. Sometimes a storyline is left for dead, other times we spend a whole hour with almost all new people. But the acting is so superb, the stories so well told, and the unintentional comedy off the charts. I love the fact that when Pete went to see the smoking fertility doctor, they discussed whether his standing near the Xerox machine could cause sterility.
The show is just hitting its stride this year and the critics love it. The same 1 million people who loved it last year are back too, so I am sure we will ride out a great second season with no worries about not getting a third. Thanks AMC!

GREEK, premiered on ABC Family two weeks ago
Ahh the college life. I miss it. These zany kids just keep getting into more and more trouble during Greek Week. You know what, if liking this show is a crime, I will do 8 to 10. I just channeled Gene Shalit for that one.

BONES, premieres tonight.
Watch it -- its the best procedural on TV and its very clever and very funny.

FRINGE, premieres on 9.8.08 on FOX
From JJ Abrams who brought you Alias and Lost, and FOX who brought you the X-Files --- Fringe is the X-Files meets Alias and Lost.

That's really it for now. Baseball is in high-gear every night, Football starts this week, the College game has already kicked off, and were getting some great early shows to get us ready for the big year. No more books, no more Criminal Intent reruns, no more late night conversation -- TV is back.

Monday, June 2, 2008

SUMMER HIATUS 2008

Here is the thing, for me, summer TV is all about baseball, football pre-season games, and no commitments to the DVR. I plan to finish the season of 'Greek', get involved in AMC's 'Mad Men' season 2. Pretend that I am going to rent 'Weeds' or 'Rescue Me' which I never do, and then occassionaly pick up a rerun of a non-serialzed show like 'CSI:Anything' or 'Cold Case' -- other than that, consider me hibernating.

YEAR ONE STATS
I enjoyed writing this blog over the past nine months -- I actually had some OK readership, 5 readers on a slow day, 25 on a good day. About 75% of my readership were folks who know me, and 25% were web searches that landed here. Most of those were using the key words 'SNL Sucks', 'Saturday Night Live Sucks', or 'HIMYM' -- which is kind of funny overall. I have no way of knowing whether those folks came back for more, but hopefully they weren't too disappointed. The good news (or bad) is, they didn't land here and find a video of a woman having a three-way with a goat and a horse - I hate it when that happens.
Most of my readership was in Minnesota and NYC with a few dedicated followers in Virgina and Texas. I also had some interesting European hits this year, probably looking for that three-way video I spoke of earlier.

I will be back for season 2, it was a nice creative outlet. Hope you enjoyed reading, we'll see you in August with the FALL/WINTER PREVIEW 2008-2009. Until then, only 200+ plus days until the return of 'Lost' and '24' finally.

Friday, May 30, 2008

Lost Finale -- the mini-breakdown

Wow. I loved it. It wasn't a game changer per-se, but it was extremely satisfying and answered many questions. As usual, it leaves us with even more questions, but I do like the direction we are heading, I am all for it.

Things we know or learned worth noting:
-Jin and Michael are dead. I am sure Jin could have survived if they wanted him to. I wouldn't be upset if it turns out he jumped off the boat....oh wait, the island is gone, there is nowhere he could have gone. That would also be a problem for Farraday and the remaining people on the little boat. Interesting to see where they end up.

-Michael is never coming back. Yeah, I read an interview with Harold Perrineau who plays Michael. Not only is he dead, but Harold hated the story line, is pissed Michael got killed, is pissed he never reunited with Walt, and went as far as to call it racist on the part of the producers. Uh-huh. Racist. Yep. Sour grapes? Yep.
You can find it on TVGuide.com

-Locke is dead, and he is Jeremy Bentham. If you haven't done your Bentham research yet, he was a utilitarian philosopher -- "greatest good for the greatest number"...hmm, very much not Locke's style, unless you believe his actions to-date have been about the ends justifying his means...wonder what has happened over the last three years once Locke is in charge? Based on what Jack said, 'very bad things'.

-I went to the website for Octagonglobalrecruiting.com -- this was the 'fake' Lost commercial they showed during the show. And yes, its a Dharma shoot-off, and yes you can leave your email address for more information. Looks like maybe a new summer game is coming for Lost fans -- I assume this Octagon group will fold into the story.

-Well, the island is gone and moved. Love it or hate it, the island moves. Yes it does. Perhaps next year we will learn that where the island once was is the home of the 'other foot'. Remember the statue of the 4-toe foot? Assuming there is another foot somewhere else which would help explain if the island was once attached to land? A lot of online posters are postulating this theory now.

-Penny and Des, Des and Penny. I am happy for them. Looking forward to see how Des re-assimilates back to life in the 'real world' -- I assume he will show down with Ben at some point when he comes looking for Penny. I wonder if we'll ever see Kenny Rogers helicopter pilot again.

-Charles Widmore has a terrible accent

I love this show, and this episode did not disappoint. I hate the hiatus, but this season was outstanding and I look forward to the last two.

For more lost news, and theories to keep you busy this summer... definitely check out these links:

USA Today Pop Candy Lost Blog

Television Without Pity Lost Forum

Friday, May 23, 2008

More Season Finale Grades -- The Report Card Continued

The following three season finales all score a world class C-/D+

All three shows had good to excellent creative seasons.
All three shows were hitting their stride post-strike.
All three shows served up brutal unbelievable season finale stinkers.

DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES

So let me get this straight, Katherine left her abusive husband the police officer and town to get away from him, then came back to town again a few years later thinking he wouldn't notice (what being a police officer and all). Then he comes to visit the daughter and after he leaves, in a terrible tragic accident, she climbs the furniture to grab a doll and gets crushed and dies. Katherine then decides the best approach here is to bury her, get another daughter as a replacement from Romania, and then raise her as the same kid. BUT WAIT, there's more....then years later she decides it is ok to come back again to the SAME HOUSE in the SAME TOWN where her husband is STILL A COP -- and it only took him 9 months to find them. And the only reason he is still stalking his Ex is so he can see his kid, who by the way is really dead in the back yard. Did I lose you yet? Yeah? Thought so.

I bet you thought I was going to rip the finale for taking us five years into the future starting next season. If anything, I applaud the effort. I can't wait to see if they can pull it off and make it work. Creatively, the show has nothing left to give in the present - I look forward to this decision.

BROTHERS AND SISTERS

So let me get this straight, Rebecca is NOT the Walker child fathered out-of-wedlock by William Walker with the first name beginning with 'R'. It is someone else? So William Walker had two affairs, had two love children, and BOTH of them have a name starting with 'R' (Rebecca and Ryan). Well, it turns out Rebecca is not the daughter which means her and Justin can now make out. Which is wierd, because seeing them kiss wierded me out more than Kevin and Scotty's 'commitment ceremony' kiss (not that there is anything wrong with that). But seriously -- another Walker kid needs to be found for next season? Jesus Christ, what a joke. I will miss Steven Weber and assume they will phase Rob Lowe out or make him permanent at this point...

BONES
So let me get this straight, the serial killer we have been following all season has an apprentice and it turns out to be Zach? Sorry, not buying it - no one is. We get it, Zach is a loner and might be easily swayed or talked into something...oh wait, he wouldn't -- he is Zach, the smartest person in the world who examines the dead for a living and solves crimes -- he is not going to be swayed by some guy with a flesh eating fettish. Goodbye Zach, I wish they would have written you a more suitable ending and then made Sweets the bad guy -- at least that made sesne and we all thought we saw it coming. But taking a 180 in the last hour of the season and putting it on Zach in the last five minutes was weak. Sorry. Thanks for playing.
Also this, faking Booth's death to catch a predator who had gone underground? Fine. Having Booth be the one to catch him at his own funeral? Weak. Having Booth suffering no ill effects from being shot in the chest one week earlier? Cheap writing. I love this show -- please come back with better crap than that.

Have a good holiday everyone -- see you for the Fall Schedule breakdown and LOST recap next week.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Season Finale Report Card....So Far

Here is the OP-EDTV schedule for the next week or two:

Today: Season Finale Report Card Part 1

Friday: Season Finale Report Card Part 2

next Tuesday: Fall Lineup breakdown and Links

next Friday: 'Lost' Finale breakdown

June-August: HIATUS

August 15: Why TV in the summer sucks and how the Twins are miraculously in first place in the Central


SEASON FINALE REPORT CARD (Part 1)

Saturday Night Live: B-
This show still sucks. Steve Carrell carried the show entirely (which was great), and I actually enjoyed the 'graduation' cold open. It was juvenile and easy, but I was up for a cheap laugh.
'Two A-Holes Karaoke' was terrible. That bit has played its course.
'Bloody CPR' bit was unoriginial -- but I guess it has been some time since they did the whole' just spray lots of fake blood around and when it gets in peoples faces, that will be hillarious'. I did like the Clinton/Obama face-split commerical (a la the NBA playoff commercials). Now that was very clever.
I also thought John McCain's appearance was forced, lame, and a little sad. Oh, and not funny.

The Office: A-
The minus was for the hour-long episode. As we've said many times before, this show works much better in a 30 minute window. But the opening scene where Jim paired his headset with Dwight's phone was genius. The new HR woman believing that Kevin is retarded was double genius, and Michael and Toby's farewell was quite enjoyable. It was nice to find out Dwight and Angela can still get it on.
A lot of people think there is too much Pam and Jim -- I actually think it has been played up just enough, but it has not dominated any episodes (which is great).

30 Rock: D+
I may have already broken this down, but the show has taken a huge dive since the strike. They have gone away from what worked -- Liz running a show among crazy people and circumstances, and her relationship with her mentor/boss Jack Donaghy. When those two become the butt of their own jokes and 'leave the nest' so to speak, the show sucks. I am sure they will correct it. I am not the only one who thinks this -- USA Today devoted almost an entire page to this problem.

Scrubs: D
NBC or the producers decided that they should run some episodes out of order and even though Kelso was retired, there he was back at Sacred Heart in the finale. The finale was a fantasy episode and I got bored and shut it off. I look forward to the move to ABC -- maybe they will give this show the respect it deserves. If the Kelso retirement episodes were the finale, then I would have given it an A.

HIMYM: A+++++

Maybe I am just happy that I think we finally met the mother. I hope we did. I am all for this creative choice and direction. I really liked this episode, enjoyed the 'miracle' flashbacks, and look forward to next year. This season was the best by far and will be hard to top next year -- but none-the-less, I am glad the show has gained momentum and was picked up for another season.

Gossip Girl: A

Extremely satisfying season finale. The Georgina story wrapped up within the first 15 minutes and had a very funny, enjoyable, and realistic conclusion. Watching Dan and Blair working together was great. Dan did the right thing getting rid of Serena, because she might be hot, but her drama just isn't worth it. I was glad to see Rufus and Lily together and will look forward to this storyline next season. And since everyone is going to play musical couples over the summer, then we will have a lot to work with for next year. I am glad we didn't get a cliff-hanger, and I am glad we got Chuck Bass back - damn he is totally awesome.

MORE LATER....

Friday, May 16, 2008

Lost In Transition

Cute headline. Proud of it.
Best line: "Jesus Christ is not a weapon"
I really only have two thoughts on 'Lost' from this week -- it was obviously a transition episode meant to get us ready for the two hour finale which we have to wait two weeks for unfortunately. But que sara, we waited 36 weeks for these 12 episodes, so what is two more? As a stand-alone episode it was all about the flash-forward this week and admittedly it was a little dusty in my living room if you catch my drift. Nice to see Sun's parents, and a nice little storyline there for Sun. Great to see Sayid and Nadia, especially when they showed up at Hurley's party.
Matthew Fox's non-verbal acting was fantastic when he found out about Claire. Wow, that was an awesome moment.
Cheech Marin's hair was also fantastic.
So in two weeks we find out what's going on in the Orchid, we find out about Richard and his Others, we find out the fate of the army dudes, we find out how the 6 were chosen and rescued, we find out about if the freighter blows, and I was told we would find out about WHO was in the casket at the end of last season. Good times.

I leave you with some interesting theories I found scattered on the net:
-When Locke moves the island, whoever is still on, is in theory, lost again. This theory would assume that the Oceanic 6 were already off, and most likely the freighter blew up, and now no one knows where the island is. Ben seems to get on and off at his leisure regardless. Richard too.
-Richard is the father of both Locke and Ben. For sure Locke.
-The 'Others', the original island inhabitants don't age, but unfortunately they cannot have children either. So they leave the island to do so -- seems like Richard might get around that way...
-Locke and John are brothers -- both born to an 'Emily'. Or....
-Locke and John were both born 3 months premature to an Emily, and Richard was sent to find the chosen child who was a preemie born to an Emily. He tested both Locke and Ben, chose Ben, and later has come to find that, in fact, Locke was the true chosen one all along. It explains why the island wanted Ben to get sick and John to get well.
-Locke choosing the knife is a foreshadow that even in the end, he will do things his way, and it may involve violence.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Something I Have Never Said Before...

Britney Spears was good last night.

She was. She did a nice job as Abby on HIMYM, as she turned out to be the girl warning all of New York about Barney's evil ways. NPH was great last night as 'couple-Barney' showing Ted how lame it is to be in a couple. The matching sweaters with the beefy Spears was great. By the way, I am not judging her size or anything, she can be as fat as she wants to be...but in the grocery store line yesterday I saw no less than four magazine covers claiming her super Hollywood diet has worked. I know they filmed this show about 4 weeks ago...so unless she found the one-month miracle, I am going to say no.

The show was great -- I think maybe we learned why Marshall and Lily are rich in the future. I was told from the previews that we would learn something important on this episode about the future of the show -- and it it ain't Marshall and Lily, then I missed it completely, because this episode had nothing to do with Ted.

GOSSIP GIRL was good yesterday -- I admit that I really enjoy this show. The plot last night was a bit brutal as Serena's big secret all year and the focus of the drama over the last couple weeks was resolved in about 4 minutes -- but that doesn't mean its not fun watching Chuck and Blaire and their bizarre upper east side outfits. Being that I am closer to 40 than 17, I find myself intrigued by the adult characters -- so I would like to see more Bart Bass moving forward, he seems evil enough for a spin-off at some point.

BIG BANG: Laughed out loud more at this episode than any other in the past, especially with Sheldon helping out at Best Buy and pretty much anything that comes out of Howard's mouth.

The ABC upfront was today. As reported, Scrubs is moving to ABC for mid-season and they are running with an American adaptation of 'Life on Mars' being run by David E. Kelly. If you haven't seen the BBC version of this cop show, do yourself a favor and go get the two seasons on DVD.
Here is the link to some ABC fall schedule details:

http://community.tvguide.com/blog/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Todays-News/700000044

Friday, May 9, 2008

Lost: Yawn?

I don't know - I wish I could be more confident in my thoughts and opinions today, but I am not. You see, I know when 'Lost' is great, we all do. But when it's just good, or its more of a transition/set-up episode, do I still need to love it because its 'Lost' and its still 10x better than other other dreck out there? I am not sure. What I do know, is that I am bored with the Freighter-folk and that storyline, and when 'Lost' goes sci-fi, I just need to buckle up and hope it doesn't go off the deep end.

You may recall a week or two I go I said that the show goes two ways -- Ben vs. Widmore and the Island Mystery. The Losties-going-home story lands somewhere in the middle, but leans more toward what I just referred to as 'Ben vs. Widmore' a.k.a. the main storyline. Last night played into the mystery angle and you just have to be OK with it if its not your favorite plot. Here is what I think we learned in an episode that was just OK but better than anything else...

ISLAND MYSTERY
-Richard never ages. He is a super-being, end of story. He will end up being just as big as Jacob or bigger when its all said and done.

-Locke being on the island was destiny as we always thought it was. They've known about him since his birth. Everything in Locke's life (sad as it was) is all about this moment now. Like it or hate it -- that's where they are taking this storyline.

-Locke drew the smoke monster as a kid

-Jack's dad is not dead, Claire is with her dad, and WTF comments were coming out of my mouth for about an hour. Jack's dad is one with Jacob and the island -- I will be very interested to see how that plays out. But now we know the plane crashed to get Locke, Jack, AND HIS DEAD DAD onto the island. Or so we can assume. Claire sure looked comfy didn't she? That was weird.

-Locke is going to move the island - cute.

I am very excited for next week as perhaps we can be done with the current freigter story with the attitude and the shootings and the beatings and the sweat and the testosterone, and move on to the rescue and the conspiracy.

More on The Office and 30 Rock later. But I loved one and loathed the other -- can you guess which was which this week?

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Shame on You Fake TIVO

So all this time I thought that How I Met Your Mother was on hiatus these last couple of weeks, but nope. I looked online at CBS.com and guess what - I have missed the last two episodes -- more importantly, the frickin DVR missed them. You see, once 'Greek' came back on the air, the TIVO decided to keep Gossip Girl and Greek and de-prioritize HIMYM....Greek and Gossip Girl huh? I guess we now know the sex of the DVR -- all girl, 15 year old girl.

So now to the silver lining in all of this. I am proud to announce that it's not so bad catching up on your favorite shows online. CBS.com streams a beautiful (TV quality) picture to the screen and the total amount of commercial time was about one minute. Genius. I admit its not ideal, but its free, it quality, its not commercially intrusive, and I liked it. I just watched the 'goat' episode with the 'Bro Code'. What a great show, seriously.