Friday, March 30, 2007
What's on: Friday
New tonight: Six Degrees and 20/20 on ABC; Ghost Whisperer, Close to Home and Numbers; Wedding Bells on Fox; Identity, Raines and Law & Order on NBC; and the final Smackdown before Wrestlemania on CW.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
The following takes place between recess and geography class...
Every season I reach a point where I think to myself "South Park has lost it." Every season, without fail. And I've been a hardcore fan of the show since I sat marveling at the series premiere during my junior year of high school. Haven't missed an episode.
I've got different feelings toward this show than other shows I watch, where I know they're crap and I keep watching, or I keep giving them chances and keep getting disappointed. I've been with this show for 10 years, and I'm personally invested in this show. I've grown up watching it.
And because of that, I have faith in Matt and Trey. The latest example is last week's "Lice Capades" episode, which had the boys in a secondary role to the lice on Clyde's head, who were fighting a battle with the end of their world. The boys' storyline was funny, the lice, not so much -- it was basically a long way to go to make an Angelina Jolie joke.
And while I still laughed at the show, I had that moment of worry -- is this it? I'll bet everyone's had this issue with their favorite show., but that worry has ceased to worry me anymore, though, because they always come back the next week with more of their genius.
They did that this week with their spoof of another popular TV show (the realization of what show they were about to trash was the biggest laugh I got) "The Snuke," which I had to pause for a good five minutes I was laughing so hard. It was clever, it took on Hillary Clinton from a number of angles, it was impeccably written, and as far as late-model South Park eps go -- flawless.
I know I'll have another moment of worry -- but I get that thought and I'm still there watching it the next Wednesday, without fail, right after Lost. Wouldn't miss it. Matt and Trey are always there for me. I may not always agree with their politics or the pop culture points they choose to make fun of, but they know how to put together a show.
I'll get that moment of worry again, and it may even be this season. But there's really nothing to worry about.
I've got different feelings toward this show than other shows I watch, where I know they're crap and I keep watching, or I keep giving them chances and keep getting disappointed. I've been with this show for 10 years, and I'm personally invested in this show. I've grown up watching it.
And because of that, I have faith in Matt and Trey. The latest example is last week's "Lice Capades" episode, which had the boys in a secondary role to the lice on Clyde's head, who were fighting a battle with the end of their world. The boys' storyline was funny, the lice, not so much -- it was basically a long way to go to make an Angelina Jolie joke.
And while I still laughed at the show, I had that moment of worry -- is this it? I'll bet everyone's had this issue with their favorite show., but that worry has ceased to worry me anymore, though, because they always come back the next week with more of their genius.
They did that this week with their spoof of another popular TV show (the realization of what show they were about to trash was the biggest laugh I got) "The Snuke," which I had to pause for a good five minutes I was laughing so hard. It was clever, it took on Hillary Clinton from a number of angles, it was impeccably written, and as far as late-model South Park eps go -- flawless.
I know I'll have another moment of worry -- but I get that thought and I'm still there watching it the next Wednesday, without fail, right after Lost. Wouldn't miss it. Matt and Trey are always there for me. I may not always agree with their politics or the pop culture points they choose to make fun of, but they know how to put together a show.
I'll get that moment of worry again, and it may even be this season. But there's really nothing to worry about.
What's on: Thursday
Well, after a lazy week or so, CBS is the only network with all new content tonight. (Not that you should consider ever watching Shark. I'm serious, that show is awful.)
But CSI (CBS/9 p.m.) is back after an annoyingly long hiatus. The franchise hasn't ever had such an exciting storyline (that I've seen) like the miniature killer.
If you get the Travel Channel (I don't), they're kicking off a new series: 1,000 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE (9 p.m.), starting with Alaska this evening.
October Road on ABC; CBS' Shark and Survivor: Fiji; 5th Grader on Fox; Andy Barker P.I. on NBC; Showbiz Show on Comedy; Penn and Teller: Bull#@$% and This American Life on Showtime; TNA Impact and Pros vs Joes on Spike; and VH1's Celebrity Eye Candy.
But CSI (CBS/9 p.m.) is back after an annoyingly long hiatus. The franchise hasn't ever had such an exciting storyline (that I've seen) like the miniature killer.
If you get the Travel Channel (I don't), they're kicking off a new series: 1,000 PLACES TO SEE BEFORE YOU DIE (9 p.m.), starting with Alaska this evening.
October Road on ABC; CBS' Shark and Survivor: Fiji; 5th Grader on Fox; Andy Barker P.I. on NBC; Showbiz Show on Comedy; Penn and Teller: Bull#@$% and This American Life on Showtime; TNA Impact and Pros vs Joes on Spike; and VH1's Celebrity Eye Candy.
This is getting tedious
WARNING. SPOILER. BLAH BLAH BLAH.
NEW YORK (AP) -- It's over for Chris Sligh.Not that it wasn't deserved. And, America, I know he's an armed forces member, but stop voting for Phil.
Sligh, the curly-haired jokester who once claimed he was ''bringing chubby back,'' said goodbye to ''American Idol'' on Wednesday, becoming the latest singer bounced in viewer voting.
The sacking of Sligh, 28, who hails from Greenville, S.C., winnowed the number of ''Idol'' wannabes to nine. The winner will be chosen in May.
''I think it's bye-bye, curly,'' predicted Simon Cowell, before the results were announced.Cowell said on Tuesday's program that Sligh's rendition of the Police classic ''Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic'' was a ''mess.''
Haley Scarnato and Phil Stacey had the next-lowest vote tallies in the phone balloting, which drew more than 30 million calls and text messages.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
What's on: Wednesday
CBS's first bit of new content this week is a good one: JERICHO (8 p.m.) is back, and Jake (Skeet Ulrich) may have figured out the mysterious Hawkins's little secret.
ABC's GREAT AMERICAN DREAM VOTE (8 p.m.) has its actual premiere tonight, as opposed to the fake one at 10 p.m. last night...
And LOST (ABC/10 p.m.) flashbacks tonight focus on the new-ish, b-level castaways Nikki and Paulo for the first time. You'll see a couple faces you haven't seen in a while as well.
Also new: According to Jim and In Case of Emergency on ABC; Bones, Idol results and Til Death on Fox; Friday Night Lights, Crossing Jordan and Medium on NBC; Next Top Model on CW; South Park and Halfway Home on Comedy; Top Design on Bravo; Road Rules on MTV; and Sit-Down Comedy wraps up season 2 on TVLand.
ABC's GREAT AMERICAN DREAM VOTE (8 p.m.) has its actual premiere tonight, as opposed to the fake one at 10 p.m. last night...
And LOST (ABC/10 p.m.) flashbacks tonight focus on the new-ish, b-level castaways Nikki and Paulo for the first time. You'll see a couple faces you haven't seen in a while as well.
Also new: According to Jim and In Case of Emergency on ABC; Bones, Idol results and Til Death on Fox; Friday Night Lights, Crossing Jordan and Medium on NBC; Next Top Model on CW; South Park and Halfway Home on Comedy; Top Design on Bravo; Road Rules on MTV; and Sit-Down Comedy wraps up season 2 on TVLand.
Few bits of news
First of all, Fox announced today that it'll bring back the great-but-shelved Standoff on June 8 (a Friday), following Bones reruns. The show got very little respect during the early throes of the season and now its getting a Friday time slot during the summer? For shame, Fox. I realized it wasn't coming back next season a long time ago, but this gives the remaining produced episodes zero chance to succeed.
Also, MTV announced the last season of its Punk'd will premiere April 10, with a little catch. The entire final season will run in marathon form three days earlier, on April 7. The show made it through eight seasons, and was somewhat impressive: not for its role in showing celebrities getting the candid camera treatment (that's easy), but for its role in showing celebrities becoming mean and/or vulnerable when they just KNOW there's no cameras. I give Ashton Kutcher credit for that. Kutcher will conclude the show's final season with a special "Punk'd Awards" on June 5.
Inside the Actors Studio host James Lipton will receive a lifetime achievement award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, according to a Bravo release. Lipton is also the creator, executive-producer and writer of the 12-time Emmy-nominated series. The award will be presented to Lipton at the Creative Arts & Entertainment Emmy Awards on June 14 in Hollywood. you can read more about it here.
Also, MTV announced the last season of its Punk'd will premiere April 10, with a little catch. The entire final season will run in marathon form three days earlier, on April 7. The show made it through eight seasons, and was somewhat impressive: not for its role in showing celebrities getting the candid camera treatment (that's easy), but for its role in showing celebrities becoming mean and/or vulnerable when they just KNOW there's no cameras. I give Ashton Kutcher credit for that. Kutcher will conclude the show's final season with a special "Punk'd Awards" on June 5.
Inside the Actors Studio host James Lipton will receive a lifetime achievement award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, according to a Bravo release. Lipton is also the creator, executive-producer and writer of the 12-time Emmy-nominated series. The award will be presented to Lipton at the Creative Arts & Entertainment Emmy Awards on June 14 in Hollywood. you can read more about it here.
Yawn.
(Yes, I realize this is all I've posted about in a while... don't worry I'm cooking up some other ideas. Anyone has any, let me know.)
Also, I've noticed I haven't been addressing the fact that I'm watching this as more of a social experiment than for television enjoyment. I'm not sure if that speaks the fact that I'm somewhere deep inside enjoying myself or if this show is just so monotonous that there's nothing really surprising about the show each week -- which should be expected from a show that's such a big hit. There's no excitement to it at all.
As if Gwen Stefani didn't ruin my opinion of her with the arrival of No Doubt's Rocksteady and anything she's over done without that band behind her. Yech. Seriously. You'd have thought we'd see more modern stuff this evening, but no. Nor did we see anything really constructive from Coach Gwen.
Anyway, here's the short version of how tonight went:
Lakisha continues to get more and more boring, despite her killer voice. She's gonna find herself shockingly out of the competition sooner than later. Chris Sligh, on the other hand, sounded pretty awful. It annoys me that Paula gave him crap for his tempo when she was doing the white-boy concert dance. Gina sounded good. I was a little distracted by what looked like Paula's black eye. Any steps forward Sanjaya may have made last week were ruined by his hair this week, though he didn't sing as bad as one would expect. (Randy made the good point that, if the kid tries, he'd be doing so much better.)
Haley made me nauseous. Phil is awful and I never want to hear a Police song ever again. Melinda was good as always, but I wish she'd have done a more modern song. Would have been nice to see her do a No Doubt tune just to see if she could. Though, I'm starting to think her wide-eyed bit is sort of disingenuous.
Of course Blake's doing a Cure tune. Little boring for him, though. Jordin took a bad song and made it... well, not better. And Chris Richardson, well he surprised the hell outta me. Sorta ruined a good song, but he sounded good.
Should go: Haley
Will go: Jordin
Also, I've noticed I haven't been addressing the fact that I'm watching this as more of a social experiment than for television enjoyment. I'm not sure if that speaks the fact that I'm somewhere deep inside enjoying myself or if this show is just so monotonous that there's nothing really surprising about the show each week -- which should be expected from a show that's such a big hit. There's no excitement to it at all.
As if Gwen Stefani didn't ruin my opinion of her with the arrival of No Doubt's Rocksteady and anything she's over done without that band behind her. Yech. Seriously. You'd have thought we'd see more modern stuff this evening, but no. Nor did we see anything really constructive from Coach Gwen.
Anyway, here's the short version of how tonight went:
Lakisha continues to get more and more boring, despite her killer voice. She's gonna find herself shockingly out of the competition sooner than later. Chris Sligh, on the other hand, sounded pretty awful. It annoys me that Paula gave him crap for his tempo when she was doing the white-boy concert dance. Gina sounded good. I was a little distracted by what looked like Paula's black eye. Any steps forward Sanjaya may have made last week were ruined by his hair this week, though he didn't sing as bad as one would expect. (Randy made the good point that, if the kid tries, he'd be doing so much better.)
Haley made me nauseous. Phil is awful and I never want to hear a Police song ever again. Melinda was good as always, but I wish she'd have done a more modern song. Would have been nice to see her do a No Doubt tune just to see if she could. Though, I'm starting to think her wide-eyed bit is sort of disingenuous.
Of course Blake's doing a Cure tune. Little boring for him, though. Jordin took a bad song and made it... well, not better. And Chris Richardson, well he surprised the hell outta me. Sorta ruined a good song, but he sounded good.
Should go: Haley
Will go: Jordin
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
What's on: Tuesday
Another night of no new CBS content. But that's OK, because HOUSE (FOX/9 p.m.-ish) is back again! The while I may be annoyed at Fox for only tossing out one every few weeks, every episode has been pretty strong. They're back weekly for the next few weeks with Idol winding down.
DANCING WITH THE STARS (ABC/9 p.m.) will oust a contestant tonight after an hour-long recap show at 8 p.m., knocking two hours out of their schedule of creative content. That leads in to the "sneak peak," which is actually the premiere, of GREAT AMERICAN DREAM VOTE (10 p.m.). It'll be back on tomorrow in earlier hours.
OH! I almost forgot. DIRT (FX/10 p.m.) wraps up an awesome, if not very well received, first season with that over-publicized Courtney Cox/Jennifer Aniston hookup. But you should really be watching for a huge step forward in photographer Don Conkey's character arc. Gotta love when your schizo hallucinations tell you to kill your best friend.
American Idol on FOX; NBC's Dateline, Law and Order: CI and SVU; PBS's Frontline continues its News War series (this deserves to be in bold up there but I think there's too many items already); CW's Search for the Next Doll; Work Out on Bravo; Bam's Unholy Union and Two-a-Days on MTV; Miami Ink on TLC; the last ECW before Wrestlemania on SciFi; and The Agency on VH1.
DANCING WITH THE STARS (ABC/9 p.m.) will oust a contestant tonight after an hour-long recap show at 8 p.m., knocking two hours out of their schedule of creative content. That leads in to the "sneak peak," which is actually the premiere, of GREAT AMERICAN DREAM VOTE (10 p.m.). It'll be back on tomorrow in earlier hours.
OH! I almost forgot. DIRT (FX/10 p.m.) wraps up an awesome, if not very well received, first season with that over-publicized Courtney Cox/Jennifer Aniston hookup. But you should really be watching for a huge step forward in photographer Don Conkey's character arc. Gotta love when your schizo hallucinations tell you to kill your best friend.
American Idol on FOX; NBC's Dateline, Law and Order: CI and SVU; PBS's Frontline continues its News War series (this deserves to be in bold up there but I think there's too many items already); CW's Search for the Next Doll; Work Out on Bravo; Bam's Unholy Union and Two-a-Days on MTV; Miami Ink on TLC; the last ECW before Wrestlemania on SciFi; and The Agency on VH1.
Monday, March 26, 2007
What's on: Monday
CBS is the only one leaning on repeats this evening.
This may be your last chance to catch ABC's WHAT ABOUT BRIAN (10 p.m.). It's second season finale is tonight and it's one of the only current shows not to be picked up yet. Maybe its DANCING WITH THE STARS (8 p.m.) lead in will help its chances.
If you have Encore, they've got a Kevin Smith twofer with CLERKS and MALLRATS (8 and 9:30 p.m.)
Also, tonight's the last WWE RAW (USA/9 p.m.) before Wrestlemania.
CW's Everybody Hates Chris, All of Us, Girlfriends and The Game; NBC's Deal or No Deal and Black Donnellys; Fox's Prison Break and 24; FX's The Riches; the season finale of ABC Family's Wildfire; Futureweapons on Discovery; Super Sweet 16 and The Hills on MTV; and the season review of I Love New York on VH1.
This may be your last chance to catch ABC's WHAT ABOUT BRIAN (10 p.m.). It's second season finale is tonight and it's one of the only current shows not to be picked up yet. Maybe its DANCING WITH THE STARS (8 p.m.) lead in will help its chances.
If you have Encore, they've got a Kevin Smith twofer with CLERKS and MALLRATS (8 and 9:30 p.m.)
Also, tonight's the last WWE RAW (USA/9 p.m.) before Wrestlemania.
CW's Everybody Hates Chris, All of Us, Girlfriends and The Game; NBC's Deal or No Deal and Black Donnellys; Fox's Prison Break and 24; FX's The Riches; the season finale of ABC Family's Wildfire; Futureweapons on Discovery; Super Sweet 16 and The Hills on MTV; and the season review of I Love New York on VH1.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
What's on: Sunday
Sorry... out all day. Here's what's new tonight:
HBO's Rome wraps up its two-season run; Extreme Makeover: Home on ABC; the rhyming Amazing Race, Cold Case and Without a Trace for CBS; Simpsons, King of the Hill, Family Guy and American Dad on Fox; Grease and Apprentice on NBC; Comedy Central premieres Bill Engvall: 15 Degrees off Cool; and Discovery Channel kicks off its 11-part mini Planet Earth.
HBO's Rome wraps up its two-season run; Extreme Makeover: Home on ABC; the rhyming Amazing Race, Cold Case and Without a Trace for CBS; Simpsons, King of the Hill, Family Guy and American Dad on Fox; Grease and Apprentice on NBC; Comedy Central premieres Bill Engvall: 15 Degrees off Cool; and Discovery Channel kicks off its 11-part mini Planet Earth.
Friday, March 23, 2007
What's on: Friday
So, lazy me has given you nothing but Idol crap and these silly suggestions. Not that the audience is to blame but more feedback may urge me to be more talkative... or maybe just more free time. Yeah, free time would be nice.
Anyway, an odd Friday has me pulling out some serious suggestions for you, beginning with ABC's SIX DEGREES (9 p.m.), which is back after a long shelving. I'm not particularly confident it'll get a good audience or stick around past the few episodes already produced (even fans will probably find it hard to get back into after such a long hiatus), but it's a good show with some wonderful characters you should watch.
And, not that I'm condoning this as a good use of a Friday night, but MISS USA (NBC/9 p.m.) is back.
Also new: 20/20 on ABC; Wedding Bells on FOX; Identity on NBC; Smackdown on CW; E!'s The Soup; more MTV spring break crap; Acceptable TV and Best Week Ever on VH1.
Anyway, an odd Friday has me pulling out some serious suggestions for you, beginning with ABC's SIX DEGREES (9 p.m.), which is back after a long shelving. I'm not particularly confident it'll get a good audience or stick around past the few episodes already produced (even fans will probably find it hard to get back into after such a long hiatus), but it's a good show with some wonderful characters you should watch.
And, not that I'm condoning this as a good use of a Friday night, but MISS USA (NBC/9 p.m.) is back.
Also new: 20/20 on ABC; Wedding Bells on FOX; Identity on NBC; Smackdown on CW; E!'s The Soup; more MTV spring break crap; Acceptable TV and Best Week Ever on VH1.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
What's on: Thursday and "Idol" gossip
As exhausted as I know you probably are after last night's Lost (or maybe depressed over the Idol ouster -- and Peter Noone's horrendous performance) there's more good stuff you shouldn't miss tonight as the NCAA tournament continues on CBS.
(Incidentally, if you were paying attention you'd have seen ousted contestant Alaina Alexander on screen with "Chris' Family" on Idol last night after they announced he was staying. Maybe she was just there, and really, who cares? I just wanted to be able to say I noticed it and not write an entire blog about something so dumb. It also could be fun to start a stupid rumor about what the two might be doing together that starts another stupid national Idol scandal. Sorry, I'll stop now.)
Included in that is a Zach Braff-directed episode of SCRUBS (NBC/9 p.m.). And SMALLVILLE (CW/8 p.m.) with guest spots from WWE superstars Kane (star of See No Evil) and Ashley (star of this month's Playboy magazine). Kane plays a massive "Zoner" named Titan who hangs out in a fight club that's broadcasting its fights on the Web. Ashley clashes with Lois.
Plus the season/series premieres of BULLS**T/THIS AMERICAN LIFE (SHOWTIME/10 and 10:30 p.m.). Not having Showtime (or enough journalistic credibility to get screenings of any of these shows), can't really help as far as speaking to the new show's quality.
Also new: Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy and October Road on ABC; Fox's Fifth Grader; NBC's Andy Barker P.I. and Raines; CW's Supernatural; Comedy Central's Showbiz Show; True Life, Juvies and some spring break uselessness on MTV; Spike's TNA Impact and Pros vs. Joes.
(Incidentally, if you were paying attention you'd have seen ousted contestant Alaina Alexander on screen with "Chris' Family" on Idol last night after they announced he was staying. Maybe she was just there, and really, who cares? I just wanted to be able to say I noticed it and not write an entire blog about something so dumb. It also could be fun to start a stupid rumor about what the two might be doing together that starts another stupid national Idol scandal. Sorry, I'll stop now.)
Included in that is a Zach Braff-directed episode of SCRUBS (NBC/9 p.m.). And SMALLVILLE (CW/8 p.m.) with guest spots from WWE superstars Kane (star of See No Evil) and Ashley (star of this month's Playboy magazine). Kane plays a massive "Zoner" named Titan who hangs out in a fight club that's broadcasting its fights on the Web. Ashley clashes with Lois.
Plus the season/series premieres of BULLS**T/THIS AMERICAN LIFE (SHOWTIME/10 and 10:30 p.m.). Not having Showtime (or enough journalistic credibility to get screenings of any of these shows), can't really help as far as speaking to the new show's quality.
Also new: Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy and October Road on ABC; Fox's Fifth Grader; NBC's Andy Barker P.I. and Raines; CW's Supernatural; Comedy Central's Showbiz Show; True Life, Juvies and some spring break uselessness on MTV; Spike's TNA Impact and Pros vs. Joes.
Latest "Idol" cut
SPOILER BELOW. IF YOU HAVEN'T WATCHED, DON'T GET MAD AT ME IF THIS GIVES IT AWAY.
From AP:
From AP:
NEW YORK -- Is American Idol for real?
In a surprise, Stephanie Edwards -- one of this season's best singers -- was voted off the top-rated talent contest on Wednesday, while weak and sometimes unwatchable performers Sanjaya Malakar and Haley Scarnato were allowed to stay.
The untimely departure of Edwards, 19, of Savannah, Ga., narrowed the number of Idol contestants to 10. The winner will be chosen in May.
Simon Cowell said on Tuesday's show that Edwards' rendition of Dusty Springfield's ''You Don't Have to Say You Love Me'' lacked the edginess and youthful energy that she brought to her previous performances.
Paula Abdul echoed that sentiment, telling Edwards she should have ''more fun'' onstage.
Dodging viewer elimination was Chris Richardson, who had the next-lowest vote tally. Richardson, 22, of Chesapeake, Va., had impressed judges with his smooth take on ''Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying.'' Cowell called it his ''best performance so far,'' while Abdul praised him as ''charming and sexy."
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
ABC picks up the important shows
Not to mention a few unimportant ones. In a release today, ABC announced 11 more pick-ups for the 2007-08 season: Brothers & Sisters, Men in Trees, Ugly Betty, The Bachelor, Boston Legal, Dancing with the Stars, Desperate Housewives, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Grey's Anatomy, Jimmy Kimmel Live and Lost. They join the already re-upped America's Funniest Home Videos, Supernanny and Wife Swap.
Missing are most all ABC comedies (According to Jim, George Lopez, In Case of Emergency); shelved shows that didn't have much of a chance (Knights of Prosperity and The Nine); newbie October Road, which hasn't proven itself yet; and weak performers What About Brian and Six Degrees (which is getting a second chance starting this week).
Missing are most all ABC comedies (According to Jim, George Lopez, In Case of Emergency); shelved shows that didn't have much of a chance (Knights of Prosperity and The Nine); newbie October Road, which hasn't proven itself yet; and weak performers What About Brian and Six Degrees (which is getting a second chance starting this week).
What's on: Wednesday
Ok, so Wednesdays last year were the best night of TV -- there was no challenger (and nothing since Alias Sundays had been close before that). This year it's not as wondrous (made that way mostly by the lack of phenom-type shows like Lost. Which I'd like to put in big bold letters, but that would just be repetitive.
It's better than it has been tonight, though. Lots of new content to choose from, including a special episode of SURVIVOR: FIJI (CBS/8 p.m.) which is only on Wednesdays because of the NCAA tournament. Continuing the love for CBS (while still not condoning its writers' tact) it's nice to have CRIMINAL MINDS and CSI: NY (9 and 10 p.m.) back after annoying hiatuses.
Also new: George Lopez, In Case of Emergency and Lost on ABC; Bones, American Idol's results show and Til Death on Fox; Friday Night Lights and Crossing Jordan on NBC; CW's Next Top Model; Bravo's Top Design; Comedy Central's South Park and Halfway Home; Real World, Road Rules, X Effect's Spring Break and Three 6 Mafia's Adventures on MTV; Sit Down Comedy on TVLand.
It's better than it has been tonight, though. Lots of new content to choose from, including a special episode of SURVIVOR: FIJI (CBS/8 p.m.) which is only on Wednesdays because of the NCAA tournament. Continuing the love for CBS (while still not condoning its writers' tact) it's nice to have CRIMINAL MINDS and CSI: NY (9 and 10 p.m.) back after annoying hiatuses.
Also new: George Lopez, In Case of Emergency and Lost on ABC; Bones, American Idol's results show and Til Death on Fox; Friday Night Lights and Crossing Jordan on NBC; CW's Next Top Model; Bravo's Top Design; Comedy Central's South Park and Halfway Home; Real World, Road Rules, X Effect's Spring Break and Three 6 Mafia's Adventures on MTV; Sit Down Comedy on TVLand.
In which Matt grows increasingly tired of "American Idol"
I'm going to try to boil this one down a bit more than I have been, since the show's getting less and less interesting (and I'm hours behind the water cooler discussion curve anyway). British invasion week sounds interesting at least. So, how'd the would-be idols do this week?
Haley made a mistake by being "more aggressive," after a pretty sweet performance last week. She's back to her previous iffyness. Chris Richardson,who I've been down on, knocked out probably the best tune he's done so far. Stephanie? I was hoping she'd pick it up after last week, and she may have gone a little overboard. Still not as good as she was the first few weeks of the semifinals though.
(Side note: Product placement is lame.)
Blake picked one of my favorite old-school tunes, and I was really expecting him to screw it up. I was wrong again. He continues to show his voice transcends the beat box thing. Not going to say it was as good as the judges said, though. As for LaKisha, it's hard to keep the heat that she picked up early on in the season. Not a spectacular performance, but she doesn't need one to beat a lot of these people.
Phil, you suck. Jordin, meanwhile, beat the living crap out of everyone else. Awesome, awesome, awesome.
(Side note 2: Really, two hours of this show is unnecessary.)
Then there's Sanjaya, who did much better than he's ever done before. The gravely rocker voice works a lot better for him. Still not on par with everyone else, but he did just well enough to lose the vote support he's had from the let's-vote-for-the-worst crowd. Meanwhile, the sexy potential of Gina doing "Paint it Black" should be enough to push her through even though she didn't necessarily nail it. Chris Sligh, with another Zombies tune, and I don't think there's a better, cooler group for these guys to be picking from. Strong performance that may have put him in the running. Melinda probably should close the show every night. Even on an off night, she's better than everyone else. And this week was not an off night. Bit of a boring song, but she's the best.
(Side note 3 : Paula had some trouble talking all night, didn't she?)
Should go: Phil
Will go: Phil or Haley... sorry, I can't decide.
Haley made a mistake by being "more aggressive," after a pretty sweet performance last week. She's back to her previous iffyness. Chris Richardson,who I've been down on, knocked out probably the best tune he's done so far. Stephanie? I was hoping she'd pick it up after last week, and she may have gone a little overboard. Still not as good as she was the first few weeks of the semifinals though.
(Side note: Product placement is lame.)
Blake picked one of my favorite old-school tunes, and I was really expecting him to screw it up. I was wrong again. He continues to show his voice transcends the beat box thing. Not going to say it was as good as the judges said, though. As for LaKisha, it's hard to keep the heat that she picked up early on in the season. Not a spectacular performance, but she doesn't need one to beat a lot of these people.
Phil, you suck. Jordin, meanwhile, beat the living crap out of everyone else. Awesome, awesome, awesome.
(Side note 2: Really, two hours of this show is unnecessary.)
Then there's Sanjaya, who did much better than he's ever done before. The gravely rocker voice works a lot better for him. Still not on par with everyone else, but he did just well enough to lose the vote support he's had from the let's-vote-for-the-worst crowd. Meanwhile, the sexy potential of Gina doing "Paint it Black" should be enough to push her through even though she didn't necessarily nail it. Chris Sligh, with another Zombies tune, and I don't think there's a better, cooler group for these guys to be picking from. Strong performance that may have put him in the running. Melinda probably should close the show every night. Even on an off night, she's better than everyone else. And this week was not an off night. Bit of a boring song, but she's the best.
(Side note 3 : Paula had some trouble talking all night, didn't she?)
Should go: Phil
Will go: Phil or Haley... sorry, I can't decide.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
What's on: Tuesday
It makes me sad that we've yet another week without House. No matter, I suppose.
There's always really compelling television, like Bravo's WORK OUT (11 p.m.), which is back for its second season tonight.
But if you want good TV without the sarcasm, watch DIRT (FX/10 p.m.). The show has been getting progressively better -- which is insane considering how great it was at the beginning. Ian Hart as photographer Don Conkey is without a doubt the best actor on a cable show and it better than most, if not all, performers the networks have, too.
Also new: CW's Search for the Next Doll; NBC's Dateline; NCIS and The Unit on CBS; ABC's Primetime, Boston Legal; Fox's American Idol; Bravo's Housewives; TLC's Miami Ink; VH1's Agency; MTV's Two-a-Days and Parental Control.
There's always really compelling television, like Bravo's WORK OUT (11 p.m.), which is back for its second season tonight.
But if you want good TV without the sarcasm, watch DIRT (FX/10 p.m.). The show has been getting progressively better -- which is insane considering how great it was at the beginning. Ian Hart as photographer Don Conkey is without a doubt the best actor on a cable show and it better than most, if not all, performers the networks have, too.
Also new: CW's Search for the Next Doll; NBC's Dateline; NCIS and The Unit on CBS; ABC's Primetime, Boston Legal; Fox's American Idol; Bravo's Housewives; TLC's Miami Ink; VH1's Agency; MTV's Two-a-Days and Parental Control.
Monday, March 19, 2007
What's on: Monday
Don't complain tonight, everything's all new. DANCING WITH THE STARS (ABC/8 p.m.) has its two-hour premiere, so all the 17-year-old girls have something to do tonight.
The rest of us have better things to do, I think, as a few other shows -- HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER (CBS/8 p.m.) and PRISON BREAK (FOX/8 p.m.), to name a couple -- start their final runs of the season.
INSIDE THE ACTORS STUDIO (Bravo/8 p.m.) premieres it's 13th season with Mark Ruffalo (most recently of Zodiac). And CourtTV's 'TIL DEATH DO US PART (10 p.m.) -- starring John Waters -- has its series premiere.
Also new: ABC's What About Brian; New Adventures..., Rules of Engagement, Two and a Half Men and CSI: Miami on CBS; Fox's 24; Deal or No Deal and Black Donnellys on NBC; Everybody Hates Chris, All of Us, Girlfriends and The Game on CW; Futureweapons and Stunt Junkies on Discovery; FX's The Riches; Super Sweet 16, Engaged and Underage and two eps of The Hills; VH1's I Love New York; WWE Raw on USA.
The rest of us have better things to do, I think, as a few other shows -- HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER (CBS/8 p.m.) and PRISON BREAK (FOX/8 p.m.), to name a couple -- start their final runs of the season.
INSIDE THE ACTORS STUDIO (Bravo/8 p.m.) premieres it's 13th season with Mark Ruffalo (most recently of Zodiac). And CourtTV's 'TIL DEATH DO US PART (10 p.m.) -- starring John Waters -- has its series premiere.
Also new: ABC's What About Brian; New Adventures..., Rules of Engagement, Two and a Half Men and CSI: Miami on CBS; Fox's 24; Deal or No Deal and Black Donnellys on NBC; Everybody Hates Chris, All of Us, Girlfriends and The Game on CW; Futureweapons and Stunt Junkies on Discovery; FX's The Riches; Super Sweet 16, Engaged and Underage and two eps of The Hills; VH1's I Love New York; WWE Raw on USA.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
What's on: Sunday
Sunday shows are trickling back with new episodes. Watch HBO's ROME (10 p.m.) winding down (or up) to its series finale, which is supposed to be next week.
And, as if his administration wasn't a big enough joke, Arnold Schwarzenegger appears on THE APPRENTICE (NBC/10 p.m.).
Also new: CBS' Amazing Race, Cold Case and Without a Trace; two episodes of FOX's The Winner; NBC's Grease: You're the One That I Want; Sci-Fi's Dresden Files and Battlestar Galactica; Showtime's The L Word; MTV's I'm from Rolling Stone; E!'s Girls Next Door.
And, as if his administration wasn't a big enough joke, Arnold Schwarzenegger appears on THE APPRENTICE (NBC/10 p.m.).
Also new: CBS' Amazing Race, Cold Case and Without a Trace; two episodes of FOX's The Winner; NBC's Grease: You're the One That I Want; Sci-Fi's Dresden Files and Battlestar Galactica; Showtime's The L Word; MTV's I'm from Rolling Stone; E!'s Girls Next Door.
Friday, March 16, 2007
"Road" to nowhere
It's not an easy thing to mix good TV drama with the right amount of endearing, yet goofy comedy. The writers of October Road must know that, because they failed. What they got was a show that can't decide how dramatic it wants to be.
The story is centered around Nick (Brian Greenberg), a writer in his late 20s who comes home after hitting it big with a book based loosely on his home town and friends. No one's really mad about the book, though. It's the abandonment -- that he didn't come back after a backpacking trip in Europe -- that the people closest to him can't stand.
I shudder to compare the show to Ed, as I've been told it has been. Ed was genius beyond its years and its viewers. October will get that label only because it's using the premise of a successful main character coming home and reconnecting with a life left behind.
The shows, though, are exact opposites. Nick doesn't want to go home, and honestly, no one in their right mind would stay considering the heaps of animosity he faces -- but of course there's a game-changing plot point that I'll save in case you actually care to watch the show. It's not much of a surprise though.
The show's biggest failure is that you won't really care about Nick, or any of the other characters you meet in the pilot episode. There's little room for development in any of them, and very little in the way of obstacles for them to overcome. The one shining participant is Sam (Slade Pierce), son of Nick's ex girlfriend (Laura Prepon), who's the only character to show any amount of genuine wit or smarts.
It's better than some of the other 10 p.m.-type dramas ABC has (Brothers and Sisters, Men in Trees), but it's nothing remarkable... nothing you haven't seen before.
The story is centered around Nick (Brian Greenberg), a writer in his late 20s who comes home after hitting it big with a book based loosely on his home town and friends. No one's really mad about the book, though. It's the abandonment -- that he didn't come back after a backpacking trip in Europe -- that the people closest to him can't stand.
I shudder to compare the show to Ed, as I've been told it has been. Ed was genius beyond its years and its viewers. October will get that label only because it's using the premise of a successful main character coming home and reconnecting with a life left behind.
The shows, though, are exact opposites. Nick doesn't want to go home, and honestly, no one in their right mind would stay considering the heaps of animosity he faces -- but of course there's a game-changing plot point that I'll save in case you actually care to watch the show. It's not much of a surprise though.
The show's biggest failure is that you won't really care about Nick, or any of the other characters you meet in the pilot episode. There's little room for development in any of them, and very little in the way of obstacles for them to overcome. The one shining participant is Sam (Slade Pierce), son of Nick's ex girlfriend (Laura Prepon), who's the only character to show any amount of genuine wit or smarts.
It's better than some of the other 10 p.m.-type dramas ABC has (Brothers and Sisters, Men in Trees), but it's nothing remarkable... nothing you haven't seen before.
What's on: Friday
More bleak than normal this evening. But WEDDING BELLS (FOX/9 p.m.) moves into its regular time slot. Tough spot to succeed in, but it's enjoyable enough that it should get a better spot in the fall.
You can also pick up on reruns of the newest Grey's Anatomy and the premiere of Raines (which, if you missed it, you should be sorry).
Also new: Well, there's NBC's game shows Identity and 1 vs. 100; and... 20/20 on ABC; Smackdown on CW. Um. Yeah, Wedding Bells is pretty much it.
You can also pick up on reruns of the newest Grey's Anatomy and the premiere of Raines (which, if you missed it, you should be sorry).
Also new: Well, there's NBC's game shows Identity and 1 vs. 100; and... 20/20 on ABC; Smackdown on CW. Um. Yeah, Wedding Bells is pretty much it.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
What's on: Thursday
Three brand new shows on the networks tonight, in case you're looking to try something new. Couple that with a bunch of new episodes of strong established shows and the NCAA Tournament.
I've already talked about ANDY BARKER P.I. (9:30 p.m.) and RAINES (10 p.m.), both on NBC. There's also ABC's OCTOBER ROAD (10 p.m.).
But, that's not even all! HBO premiere's its much-touted doc, ADDICTION (9 p.m.). The film's an hour and a half centerpiece of what HBO's site calls "an unprecedented multi-platform campaign aimed at helping Americans understand addiction as a chronic but treatable brain disease." The Web site, here, includes additional content and listings of when the film's rerunning and the sidebar-umentaries will air.
Also new: Ugly Betty and Grey's Anatomy on ABC; Fox's Fifth Grader; Scrubs on NBC; CW's Smallville and Supernatural; David Spade's Showbiz Show debuts its third season on Comedy Central; True Life and Juvies on MTV; TNA Impact and Pros vs. Joes on Spike.
I've already talked about ANDY BARKER P.I. (9:30 p.m.) and RAINES (10 p.m.), both on NBC. There's also ABC's OCTOBER ROAD (10 p.m.).
But, that's not even all! HBO premiere's its much-touted doc, ADDICTION (9 p.m.). The film's an hour and a half centerpiece of what HBO's site calls "an unprecedented multi-platform campaign aimed at helping Americans understand addiction as a chronic but treatable brain disease." The Web site, here, includes additional content and listings of when the film's rerunning and the sidebar-umentaries will air.
Also new: Ugly Betty and Grey's Anatomy on ABC; Fox's Fifth Grader; Scrubs on NBC; CW's Smallville and Supernatural; David Spade's Showbiz Show debuts its third season on Comedy Central; True Life and Juvies on MTV; TNA Impact and Pros vs. Joes on Spike.
When it "Raines"
If I have to see the preview for Dead Silence again I think I may go nuts. But that was honestly the worst part of watching the Raines pilot (NBC.com has had it up for a few weeks and it's split into 4 parts... with the same commercial in between each).
But the show's the important part, and it's a perfectly good one. Jeff Golblum stars as the title character, an LAPD detective who, for lack of a better cliche, sees dead people. It's a tip of the hat to noir-ish murder mysteries that used to be the biggest thing in film and have since died off, for the most part, and it succeeds exactly where ABC's Dragnet remake failed a few years back.
Not that it's all smoky, brooding bar scenes and aha moments. It's much deeper steeped in sarcasm than it is in dark depression. But, how else could a viewer seriously take any dialogue Jeff Goldblum delivers?
Goldblum's very good, and a great fit to lead an hour-long drama that is luckily able to buck the procedural-cop-show quagmire that's overtaken CBS. It's also not a supernatural show like Medium. In fact, if Raines didn't make the point of dismissing the supernatural before the first commercial break, there would be absolutely nothing remarkable about the show. It'd be just another psychic detective show.
Raines' experience is the real hook to the show. He's not a grizzled veteran, but he's good enough at his job that what manifests as hallucination is merely his own crazy way of solving a case. As he says, probably much more eloquently and sarcastically than I'm transcribing here, there's no better way to solve a murder than to see it through the victim's eyes.
The supporting cast, including a very oddly serious Nicole Sullivan, complements Goldblum well, and tonight's pilot (beginning at 10 p.m. on NBC) shows a show with real promise. So, of course, it'll be canceled by April.
But the show's the important part, and it's a perfectly good one. Jeff Golblum stars as the title character, an LAPD detective who, for lack of a better cliche, sees dead people. It's a tip of the hat to noir-ish murder mysteries that used to be the biggest thing in film and have since died off, for the most part, and it succeeds exactly where ABC's Dragnet remake failed a few years back.
Not that it's all smoky, brooding bar scenes and aha moments. It's much deeper steeped in sarcasm than it is in dark depression. But, how else could a viewer seriously take any dialogue Jeff Goldblum delivers?
Goldblum's very good, and a great fit to lead an hour-long drama that is luckily able to buck the procedural-cop-show quagmire that's overtaken CBS. It's also not a supernatural show like Medium. In fact, if Raines didn't make the point of dismissing the supernatural before the first commercial break, there would be absolutely nothing remarkable about the show. It'd be just another psychic detective show.
Raines' experience is the real hook to the show. He's not a grizzled veteran, but he's good enough at his job that what manifests as hallucination is merely his own crazy way of solving a case. As he says, probably much more eloquently and sarcastically than I'm transcribing here, there's no better way to solve a murder than to see it through the victim's eyes.
The supporting cast, including a very oddly serious Nicole Sullivan, complements Goldblum well, and tonight's pilot (beginning at 10 p.m. on NBC) shows a show with real promise. So, of course, it'll be canceled by April.
"Barker's" beauties
Expectations don't get much lower than mine were as I sat down to watch NBC's Andy Barker, P.I. As far as I've been aware, star Andy Richter hasn't been funny since leaving Conan, and he has (or doesn't have, depending on your point of view) two failed sitcoms as proof. But Barker's got a lot going for it -- not the least of which is a big NBC push with a cushy Office/Scrubs lead in tonight.
Andy is an accountant, just starting his own business. He moves into a second floor suite in a pleasant strip mall (above a video store and across from an Afghan restaurant). As you begin to get the feeling he'll never have an account, he's visited by a beautiful woman who needs his help finding her husband. (She's in his office because it used to be a private detective's.)
The show's filled with the goof factor that permeates Conan O'Brien on a nightly basis, and its feel and dialogue are that of a really good YouTube video (though, to be fair, I watched it through the free iTunes download, so it's possible my brain just made an odd connection).
It's funny, though. I know I sound wishy washy about it, but it's definitely strong, and it's filled with some great gags, making it easy to look past the convoluted case the reluctant investigator is looking in to. Andy's buddy Simon (Tony Hale -- Arrested Development's Buster), who owns the video store below the accounting office is an especially welcome, if not necessary, addition, and the gruff P.I. who used to work out of Andy's office is perfect.
Plus, it's not every day you see a chubby private investigator -- or any P.I. for that matter -- on a high speed chase in his Saturn. Veronica Mars at least has an XTerra.
Oh, yeah. The show premieres at 9:30 tonight on NBC.
Andy is an accountant, just starting his own business. He moves into a second floor suite in a pleasant strip mall (above a video store and across from an Afghan restaurant). As you begin to get the feeling he'll never have an account, he's visited by a beautiful woman who needs his help finding her husband. (She's in his office because it used to be a private detective's.)
The show's filled with the goof factor that permeates Conan O'Brien on a nightly basis, and its feel and dialogue are that of a really good YouTube video (though, to be fair, I watched it through the free iTunes download, so it's possible my brain just made an odd connection).
It's funny, though. I know I sound wishy washy about it, but it's definitely strong, and it's filled with some great gags, making it easy to look past the convoluted case the reluctant investigator is looking in to. Andy's buddy Simon (Tony Hale -- Arrested Development's Buster), who owns the video store below the accounting office is an especially welcome, if not necessary, addition, and the gruff P.I. who used to work out of Andy's office is perfect.
Plus, it's not every day you see a chubby private investigator -- or any P.I. for that matter -- on a high speed chase in his Saturn. Veronica Mars at least has an XTerra.
Oh, yeah. The show premieres at 9:30 tonight on NBC.
"Halfway" dumb... but halfway not
If Halfway Home has anything down, it's the Real World-like camera work that it rips off seamlessly. But the residents of Comedy Central's prison rehab center don't have the luxury of a jacuzzi or any of the other amenities that the kids on MTV get. But, like on MTV, they get to crash in the same place of a bunch of other derelicts and have their lives taped.
But that camera work isn't the only thing the show has going for it. It's faux reality show premise is vaguely Office-like, but instead of easing the audience into its not necessarily classy jokes (and cringes) like Michael Scott and the gang, Halfway Home skips all that and shows you the large black woman (aptly named Serenity) beating the living puff out of the nerdy, Napoleon-Dynamite's-brother-type character (a fire-obsessed arsonist) during a a group exercise.
The show isn't what you'd call edgy (especially not when it follows directly on the heels of the South Park that ran Wednesday night), but it certainly has its funny spots. It's leaps beyond the annoyingly bad Sarah Silverman Program that Comedy Central quickly embraced, and much more brilliant in its idiocy. Not that it's in the same league as shows like Office, Always Sunny or Arrested Development.
I really wanted to dislike it, thinking the show would disappoint me the way a lot of other Comedy Central offerings (and really, most comedic television offerings) have. But the partially improvised, stupid comedy makes no attempts to be anything but stupid. Which is fine, as long as it's funny.
But that camera work isn't the only thing the show has going for it. It's faux reality show premise is vaguely Office-like, but instead of easing the audience into its not necessarily classy jokes (and cringes) like Michael Scott and the gang, Halfway Home skips all that and shows you the large black woman (aptly named Serenity) beating the living puff out of the nerdy, Napoleon-Dynamite's-brother-type character (a fire-obsessed arsonist) during a a group exercise.
The show isn't what you'd call edgy (especially not when it follows directly on the heels of the South Park that ran Wednesday night), but it certainly has its funny spots. It's leaps beyond the annoyingly bad Sarah Silverman Program that Comedy Central quickly embraced, and much more brilliant in its idiocy. Not that it's in the same league as shows like Office, Always Sunny or Arrested Development.
I really wanted to dislike it, thinking the show would disappoint me the way a lot of other Comedy Central offerings (and really, most comedic television offerings) have. But the partially improvised, stupid comedy makes no attempts to be anything but stupid. Which is fine, as long as it's funny.
First blood
SPOILERS ARE DIRECTLY BELOW THIS GRAF, SO IF YOU HAVEN'T WATCHED AMERICAN IDOL YET AND YOU'RE PLANNING ON IT, STOP READING.
Not much to analyze, though I'm glad to see all of the bottom three were guys and all of them deserved their spot. Phil didn't go home, but you came close, America. Good work. Here's the story, via AP:
Not much to analyze, though I'm glad to see all of the bottom three were guys and all of them deserved their spot. Phil didn't go home, but you came close, America. Good work. Here's the story, via AP:
NEW YORK -- Brandon Rogers, who forgot the words to his song on Tuesday's American Idol, had a feeling he wouldn't last. He got confirmation Wednesday.
Rogers, a former backup singer from Los Angeles, became the first of the final dozen to be voted off the top-rated Fox network sing-off.
"I have no hard feelings," Rogers, 28, said before leaving the stage. "I kind of expected it."
Rogers said he committed a "cardinal sin" by stumbling with some of the lyrics of the Motown classic "You Can't Hurry Love." Judge Simon Cowell, who has routinely criticized Rogers for a lack of charisma, said his performance was dull and uninspired.
Sanjaya Malakar and Phil Stacey had the next-lowest vote tallies in the phone ballotting, which drew about 28 million calls and text messages.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
What's on: Wednesday
More new than old tonight for the first time in a couple weeks. Starting with the end of the evening, there's the premiere of HALFWAY HOME (COMEDY/10:30 p.m.), another brand new South Park (more on both later or tomorrow). The show's the type of absurd stuff you'd expect to see from Comedy Central and follows a group of convicts fishing up their time in a rehab facility. It's billed as being improv, which makes it a bit more interesting. You'll also recognize a face from The Office on there.
And, after last week's LOST (ABC/10 p.m.), the only mystery anyone should care about is: What was Locke thinking when he blew up yet another station.
Also new: Bones, Idol (which will drop a contestant and feature a Diana Ross performance) and 'Til Death on FOX; Next Top Model on CW; George Lopez, According to Jim and In Case of Emergency on ABC; NBC's Crossing Jordan; Top Design on Bravo; Mythbusters on Discovery; Real World and Road Rules on MTV; Sit Down Comedy on TV Land.
And, after last week's LOST (ABC/10 p.m.), the only mystery anyone should care about is: What was Locke thinking when he blew up yet another station.
Also new: Bones, Idol (which will drop a contestant and feature a Diana Ross performance) and 'Til Death on FOX; Next Top Model on CW; George Lopez, According to Jim and In Case of Emergency on ABC; NBC's Crossing Jordan; Top Design on Bravo; Mythbusters on Discovery; Real World and Road Rules on MTV; Sit Down Comedy on TV Land.
Idol too long
Editor's note: Matt's made it through to the top 12 on "American Idol!" Ok, so really he's just been watching the show for the first time and made it through this far without giving up for fear of losing his mind. He probably should have done an overall review before the top 12, but we don't think the show's THAT important. Plus, his reviews are too long as it is.
I can honestly say I thought I'd have tapped out by now. But I'm still watching (and, sadly, discussing the show with co-workers). I've even taken a shine to a contestant or two. All of this against my own better judgement.
They were led by Diana Ross as celebrity coach this week. Not necessarily a help for the guys, who've had a miserable few weeks and probably only have a shot at keeping one or two around when this group is halved.
Brandon opened the show with a spotty at best performance of Can't Hurry Love. Not a significant showcase of his talents, and he's been on a bad streak in the past couple weeks. Bad, bad day for him. Which is too bad, this probably my favorite Ross tune. On the other side of the spectrum, Melinda's less energetic tune had all the energy Brandon was missing. It's shocking to me that she's not already a pro singer, and the sheer surprise on her face for the applause she got is significantly entertaining.
(Quick notes: I don't like that they have to all sing tunes by the same artist and I don't like the fact that Simon gets his wardrobe from Hanes. Nor do I enjoy the gratuitous shots of the Bones cast in the audience.)
Chris Sligh needs to lose the Old Navy t-shirt with the cassettes on it. Past that, his tune was solid. Nothing impressive, but certainly not what you'd expect from the big doof singing Diana Ross. Didn't do great in front of the judges. He'll stick around and get another chance, though. So will Gina, who'd been showed up the past few weeks up by the other girls. I liked her song a lot.
As if Sanjaya wasn't in bad enough shape, he's pulled out the curlers. He's not the best singer, he's not the best personality and he's not going to win. This may have been the first time he sang a tune that required him to belt out more than one note, and even so, he butchered it. I wish the judges would stop trying to sugar coat it. I've heard better karaoke singers. And, in some evil torture scene (that's right, American Idol more torturous than 24) Haley's up next. Not a happy prospect. Her pre-song interview was girly-lame and annoying. Her actual performance was pretty much the same. It showed some promise before reaching a screeching halt. Literally. (Simon makes some good points about her performance, but I'm not sure she's got much of a chance. She's up against Sanjaya for the booting.)
(Side note 2: Can you use the word schmuck on live TV?)
Before kicking off Haley and Sanjaya, I need for you to get rid of Phil, America. He's lame and I don't like him. Sadly, he's a decent singer and put in a good performance this week. Maybe ya'll will make another bad choice and take him out for me.
Billie Holiday via Diana Ross is exactly the type of tune you'd hope to hear from LaKisha -- from an entertainment standpoint. At this juncture she's guaranteed to stick around for a while, you're just waiting for her spot every week because you know you'll see a good performance.
Blake's nowhere near LaKisha's league. But he knows more about music, I think, than probably all of his competition. He put together a good arrangement and is among the top guy vocals on the show and I think he may be the only guy with a shot at winning.
Third member of the big four, Stephanie, was good. Just not as good as Melinda or LaKisha. Unimpressive compared to what she's done in the past. On a completely different note, Chris Richardson is a dweeb. He's got a good voice but he just wasn't that great this week.
(Side note 3: Paula dances like Will Ferrell doing Janet Reno.)
Lucky Jordin gets to close the show. Darkhorse girls competitor. She didn't really perform per se, but her singing was spot on and awesome and she held her own against some strong competition.
In summation: Thumbs up: Jordin, LaKisha, Melinda; OK: Chris Sligh, Stephanie, Phil, Blake, Gina; Thumbs down: Sanjaya, Chris Richardson, Brandon, Haley
Should go: Sanjaya
Will go: Haley
It's tiring going through 12 singers doing almost full songs. Especially when half of them are lame. It'll be interesting to see how things go for the kids who don't deserve to be there. Now I need a nap.
I can honestly say I thought I'd have tapped out by now. But I'm still watching (and, sadly, discussing the show with co-workers). I've even taken a shine to a contestant or two. All of this against my own better judgement.
They were led by Diana Ross as celebrity coach this week. Not necessarily a help for the guys, who've had a miserable few weeks and probably only have a shot at keeping one or two around when this group is halved.
Brandon opened the show with a spotty at best performance of Can't Hurry Love. Not a significant showcase of his talents, and he's been on a bad streak in the past couple weeks. Bad, bad day for him. Which is too bad, this probably my favorite Ross tune. On the other side of the spectrum, Melinda's less energetic tune had all the energy Brandon was missing. It's shocking to me that she's not already a pro singer, and the sheer surprise on her face for the applause she got is significantly entertaining.
(Quick notes: I don't like that they have to all sing tunes by the same artist and I don't like the fact that Simon gets his wardrobe from Hanes. Nor do I enjoy the gratuitous shots of the Bones cast in the audience.)
Chris Sligh needs to lose the Old Navy t-shirt with the cassettes on it. Past that, his tune was solid. Nothing impressive, but certainly not what you'd expect from the big doof singing Diana Ross. Didn't do great in front of the judges. He'll stick around and get another chance, though. So will Gina, who'd been showed up the past few weeks up by the other girls. I liked her song a lot.
As if Sanjaya wasn't in bad enough shape, he's pulled out the curlers. He's not the best singer, he's not the best personality and he's not going to win. This may have been the first time he sang a tune that required him to belt out more than one note, and even so, he butchered it. I wish the judges would stop trying to sugar coat it. I've heard better karaoke singers. And, in some evil torture scene (that's right, American Idol more torturous than 24) Haley's up next. Not a happy prospect. Her pre-song interview was girly-lame and annoying. Her actual performance was pretty much the same. It showed some promise before reaching a screeching halt. Literally. (Simon makes some good points about her performance, but I'm not sure she's got much of a chance. She's up against Sanjaya for the booting.)
(Side note 2: Can you use the word schmuck on live TV?)
Before kicking off Haley and Sanjaya, I need for you to get rid of Phil, America. He's lame and I don't like him. Sadly, he's a decent singer and put in a good performance this week. Maybe ya'll will make another bad choice and take him out for me.
Billie Holiday via Diana Ross is exactly the type of tune you'd hope to hear from LaKisha -- from an entertainment standpoint. At this juncture she's guaranteed to stick around for a while, you're just waiting for her spot every week because you know you'll see a good performance.
Blake's nowhere near LaKisha's league. But he knows more about music, I think, than probably all of his competition. He put together a good arrangement and is among the top guy vocals on the show and I think he may be the only guy with a shot at winning.
Third member of the big four, Stephanie, was good. Just not as good as Melinda or LaKisha. Unimpressive compared to what she's done in the past. On a completely different note, Chris Richardson is a dweeb. He's got a good voice but he just wasn't that great this week.
(Side note 3: Paula dances like Will Ferrell doing Janet Reno.)
Lucky Jordin gets to close the show. Darkhorse girls competitor. She didn't really perform per se, but her singing was spot on and awesome and she held her own against some strong competition.
In summation: Thumbs up: Jordin, LaKisha, Melinda; OK: Chris Sligh, Stephanie, Phil, Blake, Gina; Thumbs down: Sanjaya, Chris Richardson, Brandon, Haley
Should go: Sanjaya
Will go: Haley
It's tiring going through 12 singers doing almost full songs. Especially when half of them are lame. It'll be interesting to see how things go for the kids who don't deserve to be there. Now I need a nap.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Slow start for "Riches"
FX's new series is unremarkable on first glance. It's not as easy to take to as other recent FX offerings have been. That being said, it operates on an interesting premise -- what star Eddie Izzard deems "the theft of the American dream."
The show is centered on a family of grifters, members of a community of gypsies (so-called Irish Travelers) who're parked in Alabama. Mom, Dahlia, (Minnie Driver) fresh out of jail with Dad, Wayne, (Izzard) running the family's three kids around the South working their grifts. The community doesn't sit well with Wayne, so a few thousand dollars from the boss' safe and a few thousand miles later the family finds itself in Louisiana.
Coincidentally enough, they fall upon a dead couple with a brand new mansion. It's a big leap to make for viewers who have trouble with much easier suspensions of disbelief, and the subsequent identity assumption seems done before.
If the show steps out of the cookie-cutter assimilation plots -- it has one advantage in that its assimilating Americans into America and many basics are already established in the family's lives -- it will have a chance to succeed. But we'll see as, predictably, the kids try to make friends, Mom (while kicking heroin) joins a book club or something, Dad has to learn to be a lawyer, and they all have to learn to stop being thieves.
At a time in the artistic growth of American entertainment media where stories you see are rehashes of rehashes, what sets things off is their ability to be unique. That's what this show needs. It has the talented cast and the dedicated network promoting it. It just needs to stand out.
The show is centered on a family of grifters, members of a community of gypsies (so-called Irish Travelers) who're parked in Alabama. Mom, Dahlia, (Minnie Driver) fresh out of jail with Dad, Wayne, (Izzard) running the family's three kids around the South working their grifts. The community doesn't sit well with Wayne, so a few thousand dollars from the boss' safe and a few thousand miles later the family finds itself in Louisiana.
Coincidentally enough, they fall upon a dead couple with a brand new mansion. It's a big leap to make for viewers who have trouble with much easier suspensions of disbelief, and the subsequent identity assumption seems done before.
If the show steps out of the cookie-cutter assimilation plots -- it has one advantage in that its assimilating Americans into America and many basics are already established in the family's lives -- it will have a chance to succeed. But we'll see as, predictably, the kids try to make friends, Mom (while kicking heroin) joins a book club or something, Dad has to learn to be a lawyer, and they all have to learn to stop being thieves.
At a time in the artistic growth of American entertainment media where stories you see are rehashes of rehashes, what sets things off is their ability to be unique. That's what this show needs. It has the talented cast and the dedicated network promoting it. It just needs to stand out.
Why you shouldn't like the FCC
Because they fold like a greeting card. (Automatically.)
There are crybaby watchdog groups out there complaining about the portrayal of torture on television. It's a more focused version of the attack on sex and violence in movies, TV and video games -- specialty crybabying, if you will. But soon after complaints arose in early February, more news reports started to filter out on the FCC's side of the story.
From AP, via CNN:
That is, apparently, the fault of screenwriters and television fans and not that of the soldiers whose parents didn't teach them how to be humans -- at least teach them the difference between television/film/video games and reality.
But that brings me to the problem of parents monitoring the TV habits of their child, which is too much trouble, I guess. The v-chip and ratings system don't do enough of the work. Let's just let the government raise our kids the way it sees fit. Don't worry, I understand how hard it is to tell the difference between family content and adult content.
What crybabies don't understand is that violence and sex (and torture) and whatever else they're looking to cut out of entertainment media are usually an integral part of the image these shows or films are trying to portray. Most of the time, you don't see this stuff added gratuitously unless it's an underfunded movie looking to make a splash on video. Whatever hole the FCC thinks it's found in the First Amendment isn't really there. There's no "unless" in the Bill of Rights.
For the record, I heard no whimpers or moans about the reasonably frequent use of torture as a plot device in Alias during that spy show's reasonably long run. I don't believe it ever had the numbers of a 24, but it employed torture scenes just as much, if not more.
Try telling 7th Heaven it's 18th season can't have any mention of religion. It's the same thing.
There are crybaby watchdog groups out there complaining about the portrayal of torture on television. It's a more focused version of the attack on sex and violence in movies, TV and video games -- specialty crybabying, if you will. But soon after complaints arose in early February, more news reports started to filter out on the FCC's side of the story.
From AP, via CNN:
WASHINGTON -- Television networks are free to sprinkle their programs with shootings, slashings, torture and other gore because the government has no regulatory authority over violent programming.
But a draft report being circulated at the Federal Communications Commission says Congress can change that, without violating the First Amendment.
The long-overdue report suggests Congress could craft a law that would let the agency regulate violent programming much like it regulates sexual content and profanity -- by barring it from being aired during hours when children may be watching, for example.
"In general, what the commission's report says is that there is strong evidence that shows violent media can have an impact on children's behavior and there are some things that can be done about it," FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said.
What they're talking about is lessening the amount of violence broadcast on public airwaves during safe harbor hours (which is the part of the seemingly unending and confusing pit of FCC regulations that regulates when you can do certain "indecent" things on the air). Not mentioned is the fact that most networks follow the current rules 24/7 anyway. You never see Basic Instinct on CBS at 2 a.m.
Just what we need is more of the government deciding what can be shown on television and what can be classified as decent. When they pass this, no show will ever get edgier than Saved By the Bell.
That is, apparently, the fault of screenwriters and television fans and not that of the soldiers whose parents didn't teach them how to be humans -- at least teach them the difference between television/film/video games and reality.
But that brings me to the problem of parents monitoring the TV habits of their child, which is too much trouble, I guess. The v-chip and ratings system don't do enough of the work. Let's just let the government raise our kids the way it sees fit. Don't worry, I understand how hard it is to tell the difference between family content and adult content.
What crybabies don't understand is that violence and sex (and torture) and whatever else they're looking to cut out of entertainment media are usually an integral part of the image these shows or films are trying to portray. Most of the time, you don't see this stuff added gratuitously unless it's an underfunded movie looking to make a splash on video. Whatever hole the FCC thinks it's found in the First Amendment isn't really there. There's no "unless" in the Bill of Rights.
For the record, I heard no whimpers or moans about the reasonably frequent use of torture as a plot device in Alias during that spy show's reasonably long run. I don't believe it ever had the numbers of a 24, but it employed torture scenes just as much, if not more.
Try telling 7th Heaven it's 18th season can't have any mention of religion. It's the same thing.
What to watch: Tuesday
Every single scripted show on networks tonight is in reruns. It's a desolate frontier. There are a few "unscripted" "reality" shows, but really nothing special.
AMERICAN IDOL (FOX/8 p.m.) kicks off its final round, as the top 12 sing tonight. Probably the reason none of the other networks feel like wasting new material.
On cable? Not much either, but I feel compelled to point out the season finale of REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY (BRAVO/10 p.m.). They're running the show ALL DAY, in case one episode isn't enough for you.
New: Dateline on NBC; Primetime: Outsiders on ABC; Dirt on FX; Pussycat Dolls on CW; Dirty Jobs on Discovery; HBO's Costas Now; Bam's Unholy Union and Two-a-Days on MTV; VH1's The Agency
AMERICAN IDOL (FOX/8 p.m.) kicks off its final round, as the top 12 sing tonight. Probably the reason none of the other networks feel like wasting new material.
On cable? Not much either, but I feel compelled to point out the season finale of REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY (BRAVO/10 p.m.). They're running the show ALL DAY, in case one episode isn't enough for you.
New: Dateline on NBC; Primetime: Outsiders on ABC; Dirt on FX; Pussycat Dolls on CW; Dirty Jobs on Discovery; HBO's Costas Now; Bam's Unholy Union and Two-a-Days on MTV; VH1's The Agency
Monday, March 12, 2007
What's on: Monday
It's a Monday characterized by the annoying absence of Heroes (which, of course, left us hanging with Peter and Mohinder in the clutches of Sylar). Not helping is the fact that there's still mid-half-season (quarter-season?) lull in new product. Wait, what am I talking about? There's two whole hours of Deal or No Deal...
NBC DOES have THE BLACK DONNELLYS (NBC/10 p.m.). I'm past my anger at the theft of Studio 60's time slot. It's a decent dramatic take on criminals' lives without all the gushy existentialism of Sopranos.
More importantly -- a new FX series!!! That's right, I'm so excited I used three exclamation points. THE RICHES (FX/10 p.m.), starring Minnie Driver and comedian Eddie Izzard, premieres tonight. This network, like HBO, doesn't make bad shows (Rescue Me, Always Sunny). Even the ones that get canceled are awesome (Starved).
Also new: ABC's Supernanny and What About Brian; 24 on FOX; New Adventures (times two) and Rules of Engagement on CBS; Deal or No Deal on NBC; Wildfire on ABC Family; James Lipton talks with Chris Rock on Bravo's Inside the Actors Studio; Future Weapons and Stunt Junkies on Discovery; Super Sweet 16, Engaged & Underage and The Hills on MTV; Monday Night Raw on USA (Donald Trump's on hand for a contract signing); VH1's I Love New York.
Quick note to readers: I know there aren't many of you yet, but please, feel free to leave comments and definitely tell your friends if you like the blog. The Press' sports guys are the only blogs who get on the APP.COM daily hit list and we all know no one REALLY cares about high school sports. Any hit is a good hit and even bad comments are welcome and encouraged. Look for an angry, anti-FCC blog later this afternoon.
NBC DOES have THE BLACK DONNELLYS (NBC/10 p.m.). I'm past my anger at the theft of Studio 60's time slot. It's a decent dramatic take on criminals' lives without all the gushy existentialism of Sopranos.
More importantly -- a new FX series!!! That's right, I'm so excited I used three exclamation points. THE RICHES (FX/10 p.m.), starring Minnie Driver and comedian Eddie Izzard, premieres tonight. This network, like HBO, doesn't make bad shows (Rescue Me, Always Sunny). Even the ones that get canceled are awesome (Starved).
Also new: ABC's Supernanny and What About Brian; 24 on FOX; New Adventures (times two) and Rules of Engagement on CBS; Deal or No Deal on NBC; Wildfire on ABC Family; James Lipton talks with Chris Rock on Bravo's Inside the Actors Studio; Future Weapons and Stunt Junkies on Discovery; Super Sweet 16, Engaged & Underage and The Hills on MTV; Monday Night Raw on USA (Donald Trump's on hand for a contract signing); VH1's I Love New York.
Quick note to readers: I know there aren't many of you yet, but please, feel free to leave comments and definitely tell your friends if you like the blog. The Press' sports guys are the only blogs who get on the APP.COM daily hit list and we all know no one REALLY cares about high school sports. Any hit is a good hit and even bad comments are welcome and encouraged. Look for an angry, anti-FCC blog later this afternoon.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
What's on: Sunday
Look who's guest starring (not really) on FAMILY GUY (FOX/9 p.m.) -- President Clinton! While I'd rather see him show up on American Dad, this'll suffice.
A little more seriously, is KOPPEL ON DISCOVERY (DSC/9 p.m.) in which the veteran TV news guy takes a look at "Our Children's Children's War." It's billed as analysis of the open-endedness of the war on terrorism.
Also new: You're the One that I Want, Deal or No Deal and The Apprentice on NBC; Fox's Simpsons and two episodes of The Winner; Amazing Race; Cold Case and Without a Trace on CBS; Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and ABC; Girls Next Door and Paradise City on E!; Rome on HBO; L Word on Showtime; Dresden Files and Battlestar Galactica on Sci-Fi; VH1's I Love New York.
A little more seriously, is KOPPEL ON DISCOVERY (DSC/9 p.m.) in which the veteran TV news guy takes a look at "Our Children's Children's War." It's billed as analysis of the open-endedness of the war on terrorism.
Also new: You're the One that I Want, Deal or No Deal and The Apprentice on NBC; Fox's Simpsons and two episodes of The Winner; Amazing Race; Cold Case and Without a Trace on CBS; Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and ABC; Girls Next Door and Paradise City on E!; Rome on HBO; L Word on Showtime; Dresden Files and Battlestar Galactica on Sci-Fi; VH1's I Love New York.
Friday, March 9, 2007
Brief "Idol" analysis
It's hard -- even having only watched this season -- to not expect some dimwittedness from the voters on Idol. But you can't necessarily fault the decisions they made this week, ousting Antonella, Sundance, Jared and Sabrina in the last set of cuts before the final round.
Obviously, Antonella was way out of her league. That she stuck around as long as she did had more to do with media hype for her, *ahem*, photogenic personality, her cuteness, and, more than likely, votes from Idol haters hoping to crown the worst as the winner. There's no argument from anyone who's watching the show seriously (though there're probably some sad faces around Red Bank Catholic today). Sundance, also, not a terribly big surprise. He rocked his original audition, but never again proved himself as deserving, despite his mediocre appearances over the past two weeks.
The other two oustings, while troubling, can't be discounted as completely crazy. Both Jared and Sabrina deserved to be in the finals (Jared's better than he was this week and Sabrina was amazing on Wednesday). With Sanjaya and Haley both sticking around, you have to feel for these two. (I'd like to point out that I called Sabrina's ousting.) But, that reasoning aside, neither had a true shot at the title -- not with Melinda, LaKisha and Stephanie around. No one does. They could toss half the girls and all of the guys right now. But those who don't belong there will be gone soon enough.
Obviously, Antonella was way out of her league. That she stuck around as long as she did had more to do with media hype for her, *ahem*, photogenic personality, her cuteness, and, more than likely, votes from Idol haters hoping to crown the worst as the winner. There's no argument from anyone who's watching the show seriously (though there're probably some sad faces around Red Bank Catholic today). Sundance, also, not a terribly big surprise. He rocked his original audition, but never again proved himself as deserving, despite his mediocre appearances over the past two weeks.
The other two oustings, while troubling, can't be discounted as completely crazy. Both Jared and Sabrina deserved to be in the finals (Jared's better than he was this week and Sabrina was amazing on Wednesday). With Sanjaya and Haley both sticking around, you have to feel for these two. (I'd like to point out that I called Sabrina's ousting.) But, that reasoning aside, neither had a true shot at the title -- not with Melinda, LaKisha and Stephanie around. No one does. They could toss half the girls and all of the guys right now. But those who don't belong there will be gone soon enough.
What's on: Friday
New: 20/20 on ABC; CBS' Close to Home and Numbers; 1 vs. 100 and Las Vegas on NBC; Smackdown on CW.
Yeah, boring I know. A House rerun and a rebroadcast of the Wedding Bells premiere, both on Fox, are probably the most interesting things this evening... at least check out Wedding Bells if you missed it.
Yeah, boring I know. A House rerun and a rebroadcast of the Wedding Bells premiere, both on Fox, are probably the most interesting things this evening... at least check out Wedding Bells if you missed it.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Final "Idol" cuts
OBVIOUSLY FROM THE TITLE OF THIS ENTRY, IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN AMERICAN IDOL YET AND DON'T WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS, STOP READING.
Here's the scoop, from AP:
Here's the scoop, from AP:
"American Idol" slimmed down the competition Thursday night, leaving 12 finalists to compete for the ultimate prize -- a record contract.I'll analyze later... I've got a paper to put out.
Antonella Barba, Sabrina Sloan, Jared Cotter and Jason ''Sundance'' Head were voted off Thursday in phone voting, which drew about 37 million calls and text messages from viewers.
The performers who made the cut are Blake Lewis, LaKisha Jones, Chris Sligh, Jordin Sparks, Phil Stacey, Melinda Doolittle, Brandon Rogers, Gina Glocksen, Chris Richardson, Stephanie Edwards, Haley Scarnato and Sanjaya Malakar.
When the dozen finalists return Tuesday, the sexes will be blended, with one singer voted off each week. The winner will be crowned during the finale in May. "American Idol" is again dominating the ratings, attracting between 27 million and 37 million viewers per telecast this season.
What's on: Thursday
So there's nearly nothing new on this evening. So if you still haven't taken my advice: SCRUBS and 30 ROCK (NBC/9 and 9:30 p.m.). Scrubs remains the best comedy on television and 30 Rock's Tina Fey has finally broken out of her writing-to-please-NBC phase and is now in her writing-like-Tina-Fey phase. I'm not joking. Watch. There's nothing else on and you know it.
Fox's American Idol and Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?; CBS's Survivor: Fiji; TLC's American Hot Rod; TNA Impact and Pros vs. Joes on Spike; True Life and Juvies on MTV.
Fox's American Idol and Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?; CBS's Survivor: Fiji; TLC's American Hot Rod; TNA Impact and Pros vs. Joes on Spike; True Life and Juvies on MTV.
With "Bells" on...
Producer David E. Kelley does workplace dramas. That's basically his MO. But there's always that not so subtle subplot to his shows -- sprinkled with a signature oddness -- that makes them sort of unique from a lot of other TV guys. Fox's new series The Wedding Bells (which premiered Wednesday after Idol) does the same.
While Kelley may have taken on family before (I'm not up on Picket Fences, but I think that may have been the focus there) and has certainly taken on relationships (Ally McBeal -- which did what it did years before Sex and the City ripped it off), he's found a way to conglomerate it all together with the Bells' family business -- The Wedding Palace. You get family (three sisters of divorced parents who've came home to take over the Palace after their parents split), relationships (of the three: one is married, one's a promiscuous young'un, and one's pretty hung up on her ex -- an employee), and a workplace (one that hasn't really been explored in network TV fiction).
That workplace is, of course, complete with some of the character types that Kelley loves and has used before in one way or another -- the oversexed foreign cook, the underachieving wedding singer, the constantly annoyed black woman ("Smell that shoe!"). Also there are the signature Kelley guest spots, who usually throw quirk into a whole new gear -- Missy Pyle, who has since been added to the show as a regular, was the focal guest of the pilot. But Delta Burke, an acquired taste, stole the show as Pyle's mom.
(Incidentally, I wish someone would let Missy Pyle actually play a person instead of a caricature. She should never have become as pigeonholed as she has.)
It is, in general, an endearing show that has a lot of potential. The opening episode was slow, but what pilot isn't? It did serve to seamlessly get you acquainted with the characters and definitely left the door open for viewers to show up again next week.
(Side note No. 2: I was wondering what it would be like to have family members snapping at each other like Principal Steven Harper and Vice Principal Scott Guber (Chi McBride and Anthony Heald) on Boston Public, it fits perfectly with the Bell sisters.)
It's nice to see Kelley step away from the law office and courtroom. While I've only recently picked up on the genius of Boston Legal, I recognize that its politics are enough to scare away a lot of the audience it could have. Boston Public, the best, in my opinion, of the Kelley shows I've seen, also had to work with politics, though not to the extent of James Spader and William Shatner.
Public was more successful in its endearing, make-the-world-a-better-place way. That's what made it special. Ally won with its attempt to make light of the absolute insanity of single professional life. Legal is more a flat out farcical comedy.
In that respect, Bells, if it's successful, will be a success in its adult look at family -- a family that you can never quite get away from without seeking out a whole new career.
While Kelley may have taken on family before (I'm not up on Picket Fences, but I think that may have been the focus there) and has certainly taken on relationships (Ally McBeal -- which did what it did years before Sex and the City ripped it off), he's found a way to conglomerate it all together with the Bells' family business -- The Wedding Palace. You get family (three sisters of divorced parents who've came home to take over the Palace after their parents split), relationships (of the three: one is married, one's a promiscuous young'un, and one's pretty hung up on her ex -- an employee), and a workplace (one that hasn't really been explored in network TV fiction).
That workplace is, of course, complete with some of the character types that Kelley loves and has used before in one way or another -- the oversexed foreign cook, the underachieving wedding singer, the constantly annoyed black woman ("Smell that shoe!"). Also there are the signature Kelley guest spots, who usually throw quirk into a whole new gear -- Missy Pyle, who has since been added to the show as a regular, was the focal guest of the pilot. But Delta Burke, an acquired taste, stole the show as Pyle's mom.
(Incidentally, I wish someone would let Missy Pyle actually play a person instead of a caricature. She should never have become as pigeonholed as she has.)
It is, in general, an endearing show that has a lot of potential. The opening episode was slow, but what pilot isn't? It did serve to seamlessly get you acquainted with the characters and definitely left the door open for viewers to show up again next week.
(Side note No. 2: I was wondering what it would be like to have family members snapping at each other like Principal Steven Harper and Vice Principal Scott Guber (Chi McBride and Anthony Heald) on Boston Public, it fits perfectly with the Bell sisters.)
It's nice to see Kelley step away from the law office and courtroom. While I've only recently picked up on the genius of Boston Legal, I recognize that its politics are enough to scare away a lot of the audience it could have. Boston Public, the best, in my opinion, of the Kelley shows I've seen, also had to work with politics, though not to the extent of James Spader and William Shatner.
Public was more successful in its endearing, make-the-world-a-better-place way. That's what made it special. Ally won with its attempt to make light of the absolute insanity of single professional life. Legal is more a flat out farcical comedy.
In that respect, Bells, if it's successful, will be a success in its adult look at family -- a family that you can never quite get away from without seeking out a whole new career.
W-O-M-A-N
Thankfully, the viewer looking for the musical merits of the show can enjoy Idol again this evening with the girls being back. Enough that I'm going to stick it out and watch before I go to bed (though not enough that I haven't already watched Lost and South Park).
Jordin was a significantly dissapointing opening singer, though, especially considering how great she's been the past two weeks. Impossibly wrong tune for her, though she may have caught up to herself by the end. I'm not necessarily a Sabrina fan, but wow. It took her a long time to be noticable among a ton of really talented women. Great song.
Antonella, dear, please -- if you're still around next week -- pick a bad song. Butchering Corrine Bailey Rae's music sould be a misdemeanor. For the record, I'm not going to coddle the hometown favorite anymore Jersey. Seriously. We all know she doesn't belong. It's nothing personal.
And Haley is in trouble of heading the same way. That's two performances in a row where she's just been blah. This one could hurt her in the overall picture, despite her good voice. As for Stephanie, I was hoping she'd come back from a lame performance last week, and she sure did. Of all the girls she's got the "it" thing that producers look for. I'm pretty sure the crowd's picking up on that.
But even with a middle-of-the-road performance from LaKisha, she's topped everyone else who sang before her. She may have hurt herself with that opening performance a couple of weeks ago, but I think she'll stick around long enough to prove that statement wrong.
Gina came out firing, which she needs to do. Though, I don't know if she nailed it -- her voice didn't show as well as it has. The energy was really welcome. Doesn't help she's got Melinda right after her... just like LaKisha, Melinda's performances pretty much erase everyone else before her. Not her best tune, but man she's my favorite.
Thumbs up: Melinda, LaKisha, Sabrina
OK: Gina, Stephanie
Thumbs down Haley, Antonella, Jordin
Should go: Antonella, Haley
Will go: Haley, Sabrina
Look out tomorrow (today... Thursday) for the update on who got kicked off and probably a look at the Wedding Bells premiere.
Jordin was a significantly dissapointing opening singer, though, especially considering how great she's been the past two weeks. Impossibly wrong tune for her, though she may have caught up to herself by the end. I'm not necessarily a Sabrina fan, but wow. It took her a long time to be noticable among a ton of really talented women. Great song.
Antonella, dear, please -- if you're still around next week -- pick a bad song. Butchering Corrine Bailey Rae's music sould be a misdemeanor. For the record, I'm not going to coddle the hometown favorite anymore Jersey. Seriously. We all know she doesn't belong. It's nothing personal.
And Haley is in trouble of heading the same way. That's two performances in a row where she's just been blah. This one could hurt her in the overall picture, despite her good voice. As for Stephanie, I was hoping she'd come back from a lame performance last week, and she sure did. Of all the girls she's got the "it" thing that producers look for. I'm pretty sure the crowd's picking up on that.
But even with a middle-of-the-road performance from LaKisha, she's topped everyone else who sang before her. She may have hurt herself with that opening performance a couple of weeks ago, but I think she'll stick around long enough to prove that statement wrong.
Gina came out firing, which she needs to do. Though, I don't know if she nailed it -- her voice didn't show as well as it has. The energy was really welcome. Doesn't help she's got Melinda right after her... just like LaKisha, Melinda's performances pretty much erase everyone else before her. Not her best tune, but man she's my favorite.
Thumbs up: Melinda, LaKisha, Sabrina
OK: Gina, Stephanie
Thumbs down Haley, Antonella, Jordin
Should go: Antonella, Haley
Will go: Haley, Sabrina
Look out tomorrow (today... Thursday) for the update on who got kicked off and probably a look at the Wedding Bells premiere.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
What's on: Wednesday
David E. Kelley, one of my favorite TV guys, has another show, Fox's WEDDING BELLS (9 p.m.) premiering tonight. It follows a family of wedding planners through their work. Kelley usually knocks it out of the park (Boston Public, Boston Legal), so definitely check this out.
Even better? Brand spankin' new SOUTH PARK (COMEDY/10 p.m.). I realize the show's sense of humor isn't for everyone, but there's no better cartoon on television, and I have a ton of respect for creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone for never pulling a punch and making a point to take on absolutely everyone. Tonight they're taking on the "n" word. I'm already cringing with joy.
You'll notice Knights of Prosperity missing... ABC's pulled it, and there's no return in sight.
Also new: ABC's George Lopez, In Case of Emergency, According to Jim and Lost; CBS' Jericho; American Idol on Fox; Dateline, Crossing Jordan and Medium on NBC; Next Top Model on CW; Bravo's Top Design; Comedy Central's Sarah Silverman Program wraps up its first season; Mythbusters and Futureweapons on Discovery; Real World and Road Rules on MTV.
Even better? Brand spankin' new SOUTH PARK (COMEDY/10 p.m.). I realize the show's sense of humor isn't for everyone, but there's no better cartoon on television, and I have a ton of respect for creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone for never pulling a punch and making a point to take on absolutely everyone. Tonight they're taking on the "n" word. I'm already cringing with joy.
You'll notice Knights of Prosperity missing... ABC's pulled it, and there's no return in sight.
Also new: ABC's George Lopez, In Case of Emergency, According to Jim and Lost; CBS' Jericho; American Idol on Fox; Dateline, Crossing Jordan and Medium on NBC; Next Top Model on CW; Bravo's Top Design; Comedy Central's Sarah Silverman Program wraps up its first season; Mythbusters and Futureweapons on Discovery; Real World and Road Rules on MTV.
Eight guys enter, six guys leave
So I had to watch last night's House (with an interesting Dave Matthews guest spot -- probably the best one-shot episode of the show in a while) before I could get the energy to get through Idol.
But it was guys night, which means at least one enjoyable train wreck. Last chance for these goofs to make it to the finals.
Blake is one of the only contestants picking really great, pop songs and I think it's helping him despite the fact he's not the greatest singer in the competion. Though he seemed to lack the energy the song needed, he's certainly the most deserving of the guys to make it to the next round.
I've been behind Sanjaya for the past weeks despite performances that have been considered sub-par. He finally picked a song from the last decade, but he certainly doesn't have the energy that a Mayer tune like that needs. If he does stick around for another week (I think he will), he needs to sing out -- he doesn't belt out the songs like he needs to. Also, his decision to pick a modern song may hurt him with the older crowd of voters that I think were keeping him around.
With the third straight recent (sort of) song (and third straight rock song) Sundance kept up the good vibe of the show this week. It wasn't awesome, but it had energy that he hasn't shown in a while.
Chris Richardson's Keith UR&Ban tune was a lame choice. He might be near the top of the pile for the guys vocally, but I don't think he's got it.
The best voice on the guys' side? Jared. I'd put some money down on him making it to the end (not that he'll beat the girls). Corny song this week, though, and, as Simon said, not a big wow.
Brandon dropped off over the past few weeks. This week -- not especially impressive either. Could see him go home.
I'll continue to dislike Phil, especially after this week. Awful, awful singer, in my opinion. Yech. And Meatloaf Jr., Chris Sligh, while a good singer, keeps picking boring -- so very boring -- songs.
Thumbs up: No one, really.
OK: Blake, Sundance, Chris Richardson, Jared, Chris Sligh
Thumbs down: Phil, Brandon, Sanjaya
Should go home: Sanjaya, Phil
Will go home: Brandon, Phil
But it was guys night, which means at least one enjoyable train wreck. Last chance for these goofs to make it to the finals.
Blake is one of the only contestants picking really great, pop songs and I think it's helping him despite the fact he's not the greatest singer in the competion. Though he seemed to lack the energy the song needed, he's certainly the most deserving of the guys to make it to the next round.
I've been behind Sanjaya for the past weeks despite performances that have been considered sub-par. He finally picked a song from the last decade, but he certainly doesn't have the energy that a Mayer tune like that needs. If he does stick around for another week (I think he will), he needs to sing out -- he doesn't belt out the songs like he needs to. Also, his decision to pick a modern song may hurt him with the older crowd of voters that I think were keeping him around.
With the third straight recent (sort of) song (and third straight rock song) Sundance kept up the good vibe of the show this week. It wasn't awesome, but it had energy that he hasn't shown in a while.
Chris Richardson's Keith UR&Ban tune was a lame choice. He might be near the top of the pile for the guys vocally, but I don't think he's got it.
The best voice on the guys' side? Jared. I'd put some money down on him making it to the end (not that he'll beat the girls). Corny song this week, though, and, as Simon said, not a big wow.
Brandon dropped off over the past few weeks. This week -- not especially impressive either. Could see him go home.
I'll continue to dislike Phil, especially after this week. Awful, awful singer, in my opinion. Yech. And Meatloaf Jr., Chris Sligh, while a good singer, keeps picking boring -- so very boring -- songs.
Thumbs up: No one, really.
OK: Blake, Sundance, Chris Richardson, Jared, Chris Sligh
Thumbs down: Phil, Brandon, Sanjaya
Should go home: Sanjaya, Phil
Will go home: Brandon, Phil
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
What's on: Tuesday
The mid-second-half-of-the-season slowdown has reared it's ugly head. Even most of the talk shows are in reruns.
There's still the happy return of an all-new HOUSE (FOX/9 p.m.) after a few weeks of uselessly long Idol episode chewing up Tuesday nights. You still get a new Idol, mind you.
And not that I'm particularly enthused, seeing as how it's on in Veronica Mars' time slot while that spectacular show is on hiatus AGAIN, but PUSSYCAT DOLLS PRESENT: THE SEARCH FOR THE NEXT DOLL (CW/9 p.m.). Can't we all just agree on the creation of the NEXT cable channel, where we just find the next Pussycat Doll, Broadway star, pop idol, No Doubt lead singer, assistant to David Geffen, CIA chief and host of Next Top Model all in the same place?
Also new: Primetime: The Outsiders on NBC; 48 Hours Mystery on CBS; American Idol on Fox; Dateline NBC; Gilmore Girls on CW; Real Housewives on BRAVO; Dirty Jobs and Survive This on Discovery; Dirt on FX; Bam's Unholy Union and Two-a-Days on MTV; The Agency on VH1; Miami Ink on TLC.
Just a heads up,. I may be late with my Idol report for tonight...
There's still the happy return of an all-new HOUSE (FOX/9 p.m.) after a few weeks of uselessly long Idol episode chewing up Tuesday nights. You still get a new Idol, mind you.
And not that I'm particularly enthused, seeing as how it's on in Veronica Mars' time slot while that spectacular show is on hiatus AGAIN, but PUSSYCAT DOLLS PRESENT: THE SEARCH FOR THE NEXT DOLL (CW/9 p.m.). Can't we all just agree on the creation of the NEXT cable channel, where we just find the next Pussycat Doll, Broadway star, pop idol, No Doubt lead singer, assistant to David Geffen, CIA chief and host of Next Top Model all in the same place?
Also new: Primetime: The Outsiders on NBC; 48 Hours Mystery on CBS; American Idol on Fox; Dateline NBC; Gilmore Girls on CW; Real Housewives on BRAVO; Dirty Jobs and Survive This on Discovery; Dirt on FX; Bam's Unholy Union and Two-a-Days on MTV; The Agency on VH1; Miami Ink on TLC.
Just a heads up,. I may be late with my Idol report for tonight...
Monday, March 5, 2007
What's on: Monday
THE CLASS (CBS/8:30 p.m.) is going away for the summer, with their season finale this evening. I'll be honest, the show almost lost me in the first few episodes. It's extremely goofy and very overdone CBSitcom-y, but it's also a cute collection of storylines and actors that serves as a wonderful follow to How I Met Your Mother. Here's hoping CBS decides to bring it back next season.
If you miss HEROES (NBC/9 p.m.) this week, especially after the HRG/Claire storyline last week, you're gonna regret it. Classic comic book move putting the young phenom on her own with no family. More Hiro this week, too (yay!).
Also new: Supernanny and What About Brian on ABC; Rules of Engagement on CBS; Prison Break and 24 on Fox; Deal or No Deal and Black Donnellys on NBC; Wildfire on ABC Family; Super Sweet 16, Engaged and Underage, The Hills and Dance Life on MTV; I Love New York on VH1
If you miss HEROES (NBC/9 p.m.) this week, especially after the HRG/Claire storyline last week, you're gonna regret it. Classic comic book move putting the young phenom on her own with no family. More Hiro this week, too (yay!).
Also new: Supernanny and What About Brian on ABC; Rules of Engagement on CBS; Prison Break and 24 on Fox; Deal or No Deal and Black Donnellys on NBC; Wildfire on ABC Family; Super Sweet 16, Engaged and Underage, The Hills and Dance Life on MTV; I Love New York on VH1
Sunday, March 4, 2007
What's on: Sunday
Don't be a loser, watch THE WINNER (FOX/8:30 and 9 :30 p.m.), Seth MacFarlane's new joint, if I may use the unnecessary, outdated slang. It's about a 32 year old finally growing up -- about 20 years late -- and his teenage buddy. Stars Daily Show's Rob Corddry. The first few episodes have been up on the Web for a few weeks and it's a really good goofy sitcom.
Discovery Channel has the news-making LOST TOMB OF JESUS (9 p.m.) documentary slated to premiere tonight, followed by The Lost Tomb of Jesus: A Critical Look with Ted Koppel at 11 p.m.
Also new: ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Desperate Housewives and Brothers and Sisters; CBS' Amazing Race All-Stars, Cold Case and Without a Trace; Simpsons and Family Guy on Fox; Grease: You're the One That I Want, Deal or No Deal and The Apprentice on NBC; ABC Family premieres its Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning TV movie; E!'s Girls Next Door and Paradise City; Rome on HBO; Sci-Fi's Dresden Files and Battlestar Galactica; and Showtime's L Word. (whew)
Discovery Channel has the news-making LOST TOMB OF JESUS (9 p.m.) documentary slated to premiere tonight, followed by The Lost Tomb of Jesus: A Critical Look with Ted Koppel at 11 p.m.
Also new: ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Desperate Housewives and Brothers and Sisters; CBS' Amazing Race All-Stars, Cold Case and Without a Trace; Simpsons and Family Guy on Fox; Grease: You're the One That I Want, Deal or No Deal and The Apprentice on NBC; ABC Family premieres its Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning TV movie; E!'s Girls Next Door and Paradise City; Rome on HBO; Sci-Fi's Dresden Files and Battlestar Galactica; and Showtime's L Word. (whew)
Friday, March 2, 2007
"Idol" update
SPOILERS BELOW IF YOU HAVEN'T YET WATCHED THE RESULTS SHOW.
A little bit swamped the past day or so, but in case you live underground and don't have cable, but do have Internet access that allows you to only read my blog, here's the update: Voters kicked out Alaina Alexander, Leslie Hunt, Nick Pedro and A.J. Tabaldo.
I don't hate any of the picks, though I'm not sure Nick deserved to go home after a stellar performance on Tuesday. I'd like to point out that I called two of the four (not that that's a particularly great batting average). Very happy to see A.J. out, specifically.
Guys on Tuesday again next week, girls on Wednesday, results on Thursday. All shows will be one hour, starting at 8 p.m. I may have more to say when I get a chance to finally skim through the episode. I know you can't wait.
A little bit swamped the past day or so, but in case you live underground and don't have cable, but do have Internet access that allows you to only read my blog, here's the update: Voters kicked out Alaina Alexander, Leslie Hunt, Nick Pedro and A.J. Tabaldo.
I don't hate any of the picks, though I'm not sure Nick deserved to go home after a stellar performance on Tuesday. I'd like to point out that I called two of the four (not that that's a particularly great batting average). Very happy to see A.J. out, specifically.
Guys on Tuesday again next week, girls on Wednesday, results on Thursday. All shows will be one hour, starting at 8 p.m. I may have more to say when I get a chance to finally skim through the episode. I know you can't wait.
What's on: Friday
I know I promised not to harp on the MONK and PSYCH thing anymore, but both have season finales this evening: Monk at 9 p.m. and Psych at 10 p.m. (on USA).
Also new tonight: 20/20 on ABC; Fox has the NAACP Image Awards show; NBC's 1 vs. 100 and Las Vegas on NBC; Friday Night Smackdown on CW; Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO; and Best Week Ever on VH1.
Also new tonight: 20/20 on ABC; Fox has the NAACP Image Awards show; NBC's 1 vs. 100 and Las Vegas on NBC; Friday Night Smackdown on CW; Real Time with Bill Maher on HBO; and Best Week Ever on VH1.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
What's on: Thursday
Not much, actually. With sweeps over for the season, the networks don't seem to care very much about viewers right now.
Let's see, there's SCRUBS and 30 ROCK (9 and 9:30 p.m.) -- the two best comedies on television. They're both new despite lead-ins Earl and Office being in reruns.
CBS is touting a big twist on this week's SURVIVOR: FIJI (CBS/8 p.m.). More interesting is "Papa Smurf" Gary... who's been sick since wiping out during last week's reward challenge.
Also new: Idol's results show leading in to an hour of Are You Smarter... on FOX; NBC's pre-empting ER for a rerun of The Black Donnellys premiere; Comedy Central's Sarah Silverman Program; MTV's Juvies and True Life; and USA's Nashville Star finale.
Guests? Letterman has Seth MacFarlane and John Mayer; Colbert has Larry King.
Let's see, there's SCRUBS and 30 ROCK (9 and 9:30 p.m.) -- the two best comedies on television. They're both new despite lead-ins Earl and Office being in reruns.
CBS is touting a big twist on this week's SURVIVOR: FIJI (CBS/8 p.m.). More interesting is "Papa Smurf" Gary... who's been sick since wiping out during last week's reward challenge.
Also new: Idol's results show leading in to an hour of Are You Smarter... on FOX; NBC's pre-empting ER for a rerun of The Black Donnellys premiere; Comedy Central's Sarah Silverman Program; MTV's Juvies and True Life; and USA's Nashville Star finale.
Guests? Letterman has Seth MacFarlane and John Mayer; Colbert has Larry King.
Ladies night
I didn't have the energy to watch last night (and I'd already read the Press' local story on our hometown performer -- and her atrocious dress -- plus, you can't watch Idol until you've finished watching Lost... there's a law), leaving me to announce and celebrate my 100th post (huzzah!) with an American Idol review. At the very least, it's the girls.
Gina Glocksen opened the show strong, already putting the guys behind. I'll continue to root for her, and even though I worry she doesn't have much of a chance in the big picture, she's up there with the best of them. Alaina Alexander was in trouble last week. She doesn't exactly seem to know what to do up there, but she worked the vocals 10 times better this time. Considering what the judges said, I may just be blinded by the cuteness. She's probably still in trouble.
Then Lakisha Jones came out, and it's been obvious since last week that there's no better voice on the show. She's a performer, too, and she's completely comfortable on stage. That being said, it wasn't as impressive as last week, and I worry that people will take her frontrunner status as reason to dislike her. I don't think she's the pop star type to win this sort of contest.
I love Melinda Dolittle, and though I'd like to see her blow the roof off each week, I'm happy she sort of made a little statement with a slower tune. She's the best of the night, up until now at least.
Small observation: I kinda feel like I'm missing out on some nuances of the performances by not knowing a lot of these songs.
The words "Antonella sings Celine" coming out of Seacrest's mug were almost enough to make me want to never ever watch television again, but I soldier on... and our little Shore native did good enough not to scare off the people who voted to keep her around last week. I want to criticize, but I honestly can't kill her -- she did alright. I agree with Paula that she made leaps and bounds over last week, but she's not up to snuff with the rest of the competition.
Jordin Sparks has the best pop star name ever -- and she's a sleeper pick, people, I'm telling you. Her performance wasn't anything world changing, but it put her on the map and if she steps up just the slightest bit more she could pull it off. Then there's Stephanie Edwards, who I was ready to call the winner after last week. She's got a voice on her, but she was far from as good as she has been. She got some great feedback from the judges, not that she had anything to worry about in the first place.
Leslie Hunt had some work to do after last week. She looked more comfortable on the stage, and I like the smoky lounge act (and adorable smile) she pulled out. The scatting worked and the bassy voice worked, too. I hope she doesn't get lost like Simon said, but I wouldn't bet on it.
Haley Scarnato picked a good time to come out with a rockin' tune. She's a strong performer, but the song sort of bored me. I think the judges were a bit hard on her, though. She deserves more kudos than Sabrina Sloan, who started her show-closing performance well but lost me pretty quickly. She's better than that.
Thumbs up: LaKisha, Melinda
OK: Haley, Leslie, Jordin, Stephanie, Gina, Antonella
Thumbs down: Sabrina, Alaina
Should be out: Antonella, Alaina
Will be out: Leslie, Haley
Overall, still better than the guys, who're going to be fumbling around looking for their dreams when the final 12 gets together.
Gina Glocksen opened the show strong, already putting the guys behind. I'll continue to root for her, and even though I worry she doesn't have much of a chance in the big picture, she's up there with the best of them. Alaina Alexander was in trouble last week. She doesn't exactly seem to know what to do up there, but she worked the vocals 10 times better this time. Considering what the judges said, I may just be blinded by the cuteness. She's probably still in trouble.
Then Lakisha Jones came out, and it's been obvious since last week that there's no better voice on the show. She's a performer, too, and she's completely comfortable on stage. That being said, it wasn't as impressive as last week, and I worry that people will take her frontrunner status as reason to dislike her. I don't think she's the pop star type to win this sort of contest.
I love Melinda Dolittle, and though I'd like to see her blow the roof off each week, I'm happy she sort of made a little statement with a slower tune. She's the best of the night, up until now at least.
Small observation: I kinda feel like I'm missing out on some nuances of the performances by not knowing a lot of these songs.
The words "Antonella sings Celine" coming out of Seacrest's mug were almost enough to make me want to never ever watch television again, but I soldier on... and our little Shore native did good enough not to scare off the people who voted to keep her around last week. I want to criticize, but I honestly can't kill her -- she did alright. I agree with Paula that she made leaps and bounds over last week, but she's not up to snuff with the rest of the competition.
Jordin Sparks has the best pop star name ever -- and she's a sleeper pick, people, I'm telling you. Her performance wasn't anything world changing, but it put her on the map and if she steps up just the slightest bit more she could pull it off. Then there's Stephanie Edwards, who I was ready to call the winner after last week. She's got a voice on her, but she was far from as good as she has been. She got some great feedback from the judges, not that she had anything to worry about in the first place.
Leslie Hunt had some work to do after last week. She looked more comfortable on the stage, and I like the smoky lounge act (and adorable smile) she pulled out. The scatting worked and the bassy voice worked, too. I hope she doesn't get lost like Simon said, but I wouldn't bet on it.
Haley Scarnato picked a good time to come out with a rockin' tune. She's a strong performer, but the song sort of bored me. I think the judges were a bit hard on her, though. She deserves more kudos than Sabrina Sloan, who started her show-closing performance well but lost me pretty quickly. She's better than that.
Thumbs up: LaKisha, Melinda
OK: Haley, Leslie, Jordin, Stephanie, Gina, Antonella
Thumbs down: Sabrina, Alaina
Should be out: Antonella, Alaina
Will be out: Leslie, Haley
Overall, still better than the guys, who're going to be fumbling around looking for their dreams when the final 12 gets together.
Victory or death.
SPOILER WARNING! IF YOU HAVEN'T WATCHED WEDNESDAY'S LOST YET (AND YOU PLAN TO) THEN YOU SHOULD REFRAIN FROM READING ANY FARTHER. I'M TOO GIDDY TO WORRY ABOUT BEING DEFT IN MY WRITING RIGHT NOW, BUT I THINK I'VE GABBED ON IN CAPS LONG ENOUGH FOR YOU TO HAVE CLICKED AWAY.
Right. Now that that's over with...
I sit here at 3:30 a.m. relaxing in my post-Lost glow. I don't really like to write about the show very often, and definitely not on a weekly basis. I honestly don't even discuss it that much. I don't like to have anyone else's view on the show taint my own -- or have their opinion taint my own (I'm a very impressionable youngster).
That being said, there are weeks when I just feel like the show has been so impressive that I have to talk a bit about it. Even on a superficial level, this was a stellar episode. Sawyer and Kate's relationship soured even more, and we got to see a little more of the James in Sawyer. Jorge Garcia got a chance to shine again and not just stand around calling everyone "dude." Charlie brooded some more before getting a chance to flash that silly hobbit grin. Locke got to deliver more than one line. Mysteries weren't solved, but they weren't piled on either.
Maybe I'm a sucker just because the castaways found their happy place this week (some of them at least) and pulled out their best Smashing Pumpkins impression. That doesn't happen too often. In fact, moments where the die-hard viewers get to just be happy for the passengers of Oceanic 815 are seriously few and far between. The last one I can think of off the top of my head at nearly 4 a.m. is the feast. I don't think it's a coincidence that was a Hurley episode, as was this week's.
Each and every one of the 50 or so passengers that we know of are tragic figures, and there were a few other tragic figures already settled on the island. But none, I don't believe, is more tragic to the everyday American than poor Hugo, who pulled off the luckiest possible feat , a lotto win, only to lose his grandad, his best friend, his girlfriend... now his chicken shack...
The show's fans for the most part identify with the big guy (all geeks know what it feels like to be down on your luck, with no answer or safe haven in sight). Hurley's the guy we all would buy a beer for -- he's the guy we root for in whatever little way we do. And when that van took off, he's the guy we cringed with and, as he put it, hoped with.
So it's natural he's the one who has these shining moments, as everyone else struggles, the unluckiest of them all scores these little wins that are, really, great triumphs. That's what you cling to when you're in a funk: those afternoon-long experiences that would mean very little to anyone else -- that you'll remember for the rest of your days.
And it makes sense seeing that pure happiness (in such a miserable situation) through Hurley's eyes. They're all happy in their own way on that beach, and you'd have to be to not have given up after all that time. But because of that, none of them will score the tiny personal triumphs that Hurley can.
Of course it can't last -- these surrogate friends of ours are doomed, like it or not. Charlie can stare death in the face, but when he's satisfied he's safe and he turns his back, he'll fall prey. And poor Hugo. Well, if anyone can make it home, it's him. But all the hope in the world can't beat a self-imposed curse. So, what happens if it's not self imposed? Even worse, what happens if it's real?
Right. Now that that's over with...
I sit here at 3:30 a.m. relaxing in my post-Lost glow. I don't really like to write about the show very often, and definitely not on a weekly basis. I honestly don't even discuss it that much. I don't like to have anyone else's view on the show taint my own -- or have their opinion taint my own (I'm a very impressionable youngster).
That being said, there are weeks when I just feel like the show has been so impressive that I have to talk a bit about it. Even on a superficial level, this was a stellar episode. Sawyer and Kate's relationship soured even more, and we got to see a little more of the James in Sawyer. Jorge Garcia got a chance to shine again and not just stand around calling everyone "dude." Charlie brooded some more before getting a chance to flash that silly hobbit grin. Locke got to deliver more than one line. Mysteries weren't solved, but they weren't piled on either.
Maybe I'm a sucker just because the castaways found their happy place this week (some of them at least) and pulled out their best Smashing Pumpkins impression. That doesn't happen too often. In fact, moments where the die-hard viewers get to just be happy for the passengers of Oceanic 815 are seriously few and far between. The last one I can think of off the top of my head at nearly 4 a.m. is the feast. I don't think it's a coincidence that was a Hurley episode, as was this week's.
Each and every one of the 50 or so passengers that we know of are tragic figures, and there were a few other tragic figures already settled on the island. But none, I don't believe, is more tragic to the everyday American than poor Hugo, who pulled off the luckiest possible feat , a lotto win, only to lose his grandad, his best friend, his girlfriend... now his chicken shack...
The show's fans for the most part identify with the big guy (all geeks know what it feels like to be down on your luck, with no answer or safe haven in sight). Hurley's the guy we all would buy a beer for -- he's the guy we root for in whatever little way we do. And when that van took off, he's the guy we cringed with and, as he put it, hoped with.
So it's natural he's the one who has these shining moments, as everyone else struggles, the unluckiest of them all scores these little wins that are, really, great triumphs. That's what you cling to when you're in a funk: those afternoon-long experiences that would mean very little to anyone else -- that you'll remember for the rest of your days.
And it makes sense seeing that pure happiness (in such a miserable situation) through Hurley's eyes. They're all happy in their own way on that beach, and you'd have to be to not have given up after all that time. But because of that, none of them will score the tiny personal triumphs that Hurley can.
Of course it can't last -- these surrogate friends of ours are doomed, like it or not. Charlie can stare death in the face, but when he's satisfied he's safe and he turns his back, he'll fall prey. And poor Hugo. Well, if anyone can make it home, it's him. But all the hope in the world can't beat a self-imposed curse. So, what happens if it's not self imposed? Even worse, what happens if it's real?
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