Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Final Mars Tomorrow

Yes, I am fired up for 'Lost' as usual, but tomorrow is the final 'Life on Mars'.
Here is a short interview with Mars creators on EW.com
Here is a short interview with Mars creators on TVguide.com

Did you know that TV Guide and Tvguide.com are two separate companies who no longer share talent cross-platform? Weird right?

Jack Bauer (SPOILER ALERT) might be dying. Somehow an antidote should arrive in the nick of time I suppose. He did sign on for one more year. Kudos to the makeup crew for creating a very believable upper body for Jack -- a man who has been as beaten and tortured as Jack should have as many scars as they gave him. Solid work.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Rodman Meltdown

If you didn't see it last night on 'Celebrity Apprentice', which you probably didn't...it was epic. It was a car accident on the side of the road with injuries. It was comedy, tragedy, frustration, disaster, and an intervention all in one.

I have been waiting for Trump to kick off this idiot for weeks, but the wait was worth it for this. I know it is sad to see someone in this bad shape and denial - but I believe Dennis sees nothing wrong with it, and no matter how you edit this show - he is a disaster. You might want to watch online. You will also gain a new appreciation for hotel management - room service, concierge service, and housekeeping. As poker champion Annie Duke said, "after this, I am going to leave a $100 tip everytime for housekeeping." I used quotes, but I was paraphrasing.

In other news: Clint Black is still worthless, Jesse James is growing on me a little, Brandy Roderick is still super hot, T-Boz actually was fairly impressive, Khloe Kardashian is the biggest waste of space (a lot of space) on television, Brian McKnight is better than I thought, I still love Joan Rivers, and Stephen Baldwin is lucky he has Donald Trump to put him on television.

New 24, HIMYM, TBBT, and Gossip Girl tonight. AND THE SEASON PREMIERE OF 'GREEK'.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Life Off Mars: One Week

Start packing your bags kids, I think we are going back to 2008. At least I think so. I am going to assume that 'Life on Mars' is going to give us a very satisfying conclusion -- it has a successful show to model itself after, and it ran about as long as the model did. I have purposely kept myself spoiler-free since September so that I wouldn't know the ending - assuming they keep it the same -- so only one more week to go. I hope the resolution involves Sam killing his father, changing his own childhood and ending up with Annie in 2008 -- but I assume that all cannot happen.
I did really enjoy the ep last night, and as I was sitting there in awe of the exposition from the FBI agent who was explaining the whole conspiracy to Sam, it was deflated when Annie reminded him that it was all in the psych file. Damn psych file. I am glad Ray and Chris didn't die either -- I would think Sam might visit them when he gets home.

LOST
As always, I don't have a lot of comments, I save those for the experts, but I thought the episode was just OK with a crazy ending...WTF? I will borrow one theory I read and write the following words: Paging Doctor Shepard...again...

From Doc Jensen on EW.com

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Thoughts on a Dreary Tuesday

The worst 5 words you could ever read in an entertainment headline:

"Robert Wuhl developing HBO series"

(segue)
Kieffer Sutherland says he will do an 8th season of '24' next year. Way to ruin last night's cliffhanger about whether he will die from chemical exposure. I really thought this was it for him...he only evaded what amounts to 1000 bullets last night fired at him by 5 trucks and a copter -- and fired by ex-military mercenaries. So yeah, that one made sense. I was very proud of Jack last night for growing a conscience for once...but Tony was right, saving one man (in this case) may end up killing many, and Tony too, instead...DUMB Jack...keep killing the few to save the many, that is how we roll on 24. I also think the President's daughter is in deeper than we know right now. And finally, I love how Ethan decided to clean out his office last night by taking one picture out of a frame and taking one book -- guess he packs light. When I move out of my office one day its going to take a moving van.

Monday, March 23, 2009

The Shocking Death and a sale at Target

Cute way to kill of Edie on the Housewives program...I guess. To be honest, I was reading the paper during the show last night, and by reading the paper I mean looking at the advertisement inserts. So from what I recall, Carlos is a pushover at work until its a matter of his children and there is a sale on softball pants at Dicks. I also see Target is featuring $9.99 Welcome mats for the front entry. Oh, and Roundy's is running 10 for 10 right now which includes 6 17 oz. bottles of reverse osmosis Roundy's water for a buck.

Edie is gone, Dave is still on the loose, Orson is crazy, Susan is still annoying, Lynette is just as annoying, and Dana Delaney is like wallpaper that was much better looking when it was on 'China Beach'.

'Brothers and Sisters' was just as interesting....during that show I found out that 40 inch Sony Bravia TVs 1080i are under $1000 -- this breaking news was 10x more interesting than Holly Harper getting the charges dropped on Tommy who has disappeared to Mexico. And for those of us who enjoy mixing real-life with fiction, this means Tommy is now on a boat somewhere with a topless Siena Miller ruining his life.

'Celebrity Apprentice' was 2 hours again -- shame on you NBC. Shame, Shame, Shame....The reason editors were invented was to take hours of boring footage and package it tightly and professionally into 1 hour. Its cheating when they give you 2 hours JUST TO FILL TIME ON AN EMPTY NIGHT IN AN EMPTY TIMESLOT ON AN EMPTY NETWORK. I remember when NBC used to take themselves seriously and put effort into their programming. Now its like they are taking a crap right on the TV Guide.
2 hours....we watched the whole thing in 20 minutes on Fast Forward and MISSED NOTHING. Also this, I won't be buying a video phone, Joan Rivers is funny, and Dennis Rodman needs to go. Clint Black can go with him.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

A Very Special Victims Unit

Can I just say how great it is to have Stephanie March back on SVU. She is so awesome. I know, that was a very impressive and objective and well thought out sentence. But you know what, just having her presence on screen again makes me feel like the victims voices will be heard in a court of law. She is also pretty hot.
Who is writing this blog? A 12 year old?

Anyway -- here is some insightful adult writing:

I thought 'The Mentalist' was excellent last night. The writing was crisp, sharp, witty and didn't really exploit a sweeps stunt like temporary blindness in a way we're used to. It worked within the storyline, was used sparingly and effectively, and actually helped to tell a good story. Other than 'Bones', this is the best week-to-week procedural on TV. Great cast, good stories, and makes 'Monk' look like cable access.

I continually laugh at 'Rules of Engagement'. I tried not to again, but it's funny. At this point I will just deal with it and try not to fight it anymore.

We watched the 3rd episode of 'Celebrity Apprentice' last night and (spoiler alert) Tom Green was sent home. I think there is a business term to describe his performance as a PM, and I think that term is 'inadequate in every way, shape, and form. The funny thing is, Dennis Rodman is 10x worse and keeps getting saved by Trump. Closed circuit to Trump: Rodman is the worst contestant in the history of the show, please eliminate him so we can return to enjoying the competition.

Final 'Apprentice' thought...every time Brandy Roderick comes on screen it is such a treat. She is naturally gorgeous, very smart, savvy, calm and collected, and doesn't mind taking her clothes off (from what I am told). On the contrary, every time Joan or Melissa Rivers comes on screen, a little part of my eye balls die.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Monday Night Madness

It's going to be a busy week what with the Tourney starting on Thursday. For now, I need to make sure I make it through this week's programming and don't get too backed up. Speaking of DVR constipation, here is a current tally (top of mind):

-Bones (1 episode)
-Numbers (1 episode)
-SVU (1 episode)
-Dollhouse (4 episodes)
-Celebrity Apprentice (1 episode)
-CSI:Miami (4 episodes)
-Earl (whole season)

Last night we were given the gift of CBS programming for those under the age of 40. Both 'Big Bang' and 'HIMYM' were fantastic. Kaley Cuoco is getting a lot of props lately by critics for her role as Penny on 'BBT' and it is deserved. She plays that role so well I couldn't imagine anyone else playing off Leonard and Sheldon as creatively and appropriately as she does. I wasn't sure of the show or her character at first, but both have made believers out of me.

HIMYM is so good - they can really do no wrong...and that's saying something considering how annoying they made Laura Prepon's character. I loved all the jammies. And of course, as usual, NP Harris kills.

'24' is really good this year. Last night was a filler episode -- they happen. You need them to bridge one story to another. I get it, I respect it, I dealt with it. I will however say that Jack's total murder count this year is up in the high double digits -- these pesky bad guys and red shirts keep getting in his way.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Tracy Morgan on SNL

For the love of God, please be funny tonight...

You know what, Tracy wasn't all that funny unless he was Star Jones or Brain Fellows. And Brian Fellows was only funny because of how awful it was. So, I have no idea if this is going to work out. But my expectations couldn't be lower.

If McGruber shows up, I am immediately out. We get it, Lee Majors is available and will work for free Pepsi and Ludes.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Wednesday night without Lost was not lost

or something clever like that. I really enjoyed 'Life on Mars' last night and have some mixed emotions regarding its cancellation. At this point, its kind of nice to know a show can realized its beginning middle and end without having to stretch the methdology too far. The British version only went 24 episodes or so, so have 22 American episodes is kind of the right idea. If you aren't watching now, come on board for a few more weeks and see how Sam gets out of 1973. This past week's 'swingers' episode was great and made me miss 'Swingtown'.

We watched Christine and Gary Unmarried last night. I fell asleep during Christine and didn't really enjoy Kristen Johnston's performance. I did however think she was great on '3rd Rock From the Sun'. 'Gary Unmarried' cracks me up -- there, I said it.

And like I said last year, Patrick Warburton could read the dictionary and I would stand and applaud, so that is why season 3 (wow) of 'Rules of Engagement' gets a thumbs up from this guy.

Also this, Dwayne Johnson's SNL last week was not funny. Shocker.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

I Love '24'

The first 11 minutes were unreal last night. The President was saved thanks to the savvy thinking of Jack Bauer and an unbelievable sacrifice from Bill Buchanan. Rest in Peace Buck, you will be missed. Once Jack took out Juma, I found myself chanting USA back at the screen. I am a loser.

The show is now focused for the next few hours with Bauer on the run, FBI Lady gone rogue (probably), John Voight trying to loosen up his face, Rory Cochrane trying to act, and a new overall threat involving weapons and killing people. Also this, the Prez's daughter is a BITCH. Awesome.

You can still start watching -- its compelling and easy to catch up.

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Quick Week In Review

1. HIMYM -- funny, clever, very clever Karate Kid jokes.
2. Big Bang -- funny, clever, show is just hitting its stride
3. 24 -- great 2 hour episode -- I wish we could rock 2 hours every week.
4. Lost -- a very nice change-of-pace episode and a great finish
5. Life On Mars -- another good episode, American's are stupid for not watching these well produced shows, and then they get canceled. Too bad, but at least we will get our proper ending.
6. The Office and 30 Rock -- both good as always, neither was too memorable this week.

Wow, I didn't watch much of anything this week...something must be wrong with me and I will fix it for next week.

I still have to watch Celebrity Apprentice and the Mrs. is excited that 'Rules of Engagement' is back....

The next couple of weeks are all about college hoops -- get fired up.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Lost Must Wait

I am out of town today on business and won't be watching 'Lost' tonight. Of course the promos, teasers, interviews, etc. say that tonight is another game-changer, jaw-dropping whopper of an episode...so here is hoping I can ride this train spoiler free until I get back the midwest tomorrow.

good luck to all of us sharing the same fate.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

LIFE ON MARS DEAD

Excuse me from swearing, but Fuck You ABC. There, I said it. I appreciate all you have done for 'Lost', but you bagged 'The Nine' too early and you are now killing 'Mars'....you know what -- just stop doing serialized dramas. You also KILLED 'Dirty, Sexy, Money' and 'Pushing Daises' this year. So yeah, FU.

That being said, I am thankful you told the producers now so that they can tidy up the show and give it a proper ending like it deserves. You didn't immediately kill it, you just didn't renew it. So whatever, I guess I am less pissed then a minute ago. I apologize for swearing at you, I wish I could go back and change it - but it is too late - I said it and it is out there. Now stop pushing serialized dramas on us - you don't have the stomach for them.

FROM TVGUIDE.com today:

ABC has canceled Life on Mars, but will allow the cop drama to complete its full one-season run. The network has opted not to extend the series beyond 17 episodes, according to Variety.

It's not all bad news, though. Rather than wait until May when on-the-bubble shows are typically told whether or not they'll be renewed or canceled, ABC told the producers now, so that they can plan for a proper series finale — a courtesy not extended to the recently unplugged ABC shows Pushing Daisies, Dirty Sexy Money and Eli Stone. "We felt it was the right thing to do for the producers and the fans and creatively," ABC Entertainment Group President Steve McPherson told TelevisionWeek. Calls to ABC were not yet returned.

This is particularly important for Mars, as its mysterious premise — an NYPD cop is hit by a car and spontaneously time-travels back to 1973 — requires some explaining. Is Sam Tyler (Jason O'Mara) in a coma, at the mercy of supernatural forces or something else entirely?

For now, it seems, the fans will get that answer.

Monday, March 2, 2009

B+S Death Shocker was total BS

I skipped the two hour premiere of Celebrity Apprentice last night to watch the 2-hour game changing watercooler moment episode(s) of Brothers and Sisters.

Someone was supposed to die and the show was to be launched in a new direction. OK, so the new direction is launched:
-Tommy is going to jail
-Ryan has showed
-The Walkers vs. the Harpers is about to get ugly

But who died? Oh yeah, Rob Lowe...he flat lined for five seconds, then was shocked back to life in the ER, had open heart surgery, and was totally fine like 5 minutes later. So yeah, quite the shocking death. Unfortunately it didn't stick and unfortunately the ABC promo department pretty much cast a cloud over what would otherwise have qualified as semi-entertaining if not too over-the-top sappy evening programming with good acting. Instead I am left to wonder what that crappy stunt was all about.