It’s the first day of the network upfront presentations in New York and the announcements on what shows will be returning next season are flying fast and furious.
The best news I’ve heard so far today is that Eli Stone has been renewed for another season. (Yes, baby! Thank you, ABC.)
Boston Legal has been given a pickup, too, but apparently will be scaled back, reminiscent of what happened to The Practice many years ago.
NBC officially announced that Jimmy Fallon will take over for Conan O’Brien sometime in the first six months of 2009. It’s not clear yet what’s happening with Jay Leno.
October Road fans, I’m sorry to report that ABC has canceled the show. I know you love it, but apparently it hasn’t performed well enough for ABC to invest in another season. Women’s Murder Club also got the boot.
Over at FOX, Back to You will not be back and neither will New Amsterdam. ‘Til Death, however, has been renewed. Explain that one. I can’t.
I’ll have more announcements as the week continues. I know you’re all waiting to hear the fate of Moonlight, so I’ll let you know something as soon as I find out the scoop.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Eli Stone renewed, Boston Legal safe, October Road done
Subscribe by RSSFriday, February 15, 2008
Scott Bakula rocked Boston Legal (and Shirley Schmidt)
That Shirley Schmidt, she’s quite a woman. Not since the days of Melrose Place’s Amanda have so many men vied for the affections of such a powerful blonde.
On Boston Legal, she’s the “Schmidt” of Crane, Poole and Schmidt. She’s inspired a Shirley doll as well as the affections of her co-workers Denny Crane and Alan Shore and a long list of guest stars, including John Larroquette and Tom Selleck.
This week, Scott Bakula guest starred as Shirley’s old flame and law-school pal. The last time we saw Bakula and Candice Bergen together was during their days as a couple on Murphy Brown. After all these years, they still haven’t lost the magic.
When Bakula sat down at the piano and broke into “Once Upon a Time,” even Shirley’s current boyfriend, Carl Sack (Larroquette) couldn’t deny the chemistry. Bakula rocked, as usual. Let’s hope he makes it back to 
Boston soon.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Let’s Talk TV: The Week in Review
Never in all of my TV-viewing life would I have predicted that Friday night would be the best night for TV viewing. But it’s true. Friday is the new Thursday.
Friday Night Lights
Tim loves Lyla! I should have seen it coming, but I didn’t. His crank call to her radio show was the equivalent of pulling the little girl’s ponytail in grade school to get her attention. But what about Jason? It seems his role gets smaller and smaller by the week. Tim isn’t the only feeling lonely. Poor Matt saw his ladylove and hired nurse head out of the country. Who is going to take care of Grandma now? I worry about these things. Not to mention, I keep waiting for that scary drug dealer to realize that Tim stole his cash. That is not going to end well for Tim. (I was completely shocked to see Tim resort to stealing, since he wrote his father off in a previous episode for stealing, an act he did not condone.) The story that really warmed my heart was Santiago trying to break away from his old life. When he took on those thugs to get Buddy’s watch back that they’d stolen, my heart grew three sizes. This is the best show on television right now, hands down. It never disappoints. It has so many intense story arcs, yet they all hold my interest. From Tami and Eric trying to leave their new daughter at daycare, to Smash facing racism about his interracial romance, not a minute ticks by when I feel like fast-forwarding. In fact, the show leaves me satisfied and surprised every week that so many story arcs are played out so well. I have only one question: Where is Tyra? The girl has been missing for the past two weeks?
Boston Legal
Denny Crane was back in the courtroom, despite his Mad Cow disease. (Or senility, as it’s known in the non-Denny Crane world.) I was holding my breath for most of the episode, waiting for Denny to throw out one of his nonsensical one-liners or anger the judge with his sexist comments to the point he’d be jailed for contempt. But Denny kept it together, trying to prove he could still be effective, and surprisingly, got his client off. I enjoyed Denny in the courtroom. It was nice to see him doing something besides sexually harassing his employees or bonding with Alan. It was also a nice change to see someone other than uber-liberal Alan Shore arguing a closing. I even got a little weepy, after the trial, when Denny excused himself for a quiet moment and broke down. Most often, Boston Legal is a comedy. But when it hits dramatic moments like that one, it’s understandable why the show was nominated for an Emmy.
Las Vegas
I think Polly may be my new favorite character. In fact, she may be the funniest supporting actress on television. Her stint in traffic school with Sam and Mitch was the highlight of this week’s episode. How Polly gets her hysterical one-liners past the network police is beyond me. Plus, she’s taught me more about bikini waxing and “backdoor bleaching” than I ever wanted to know. The Piper/Cooper story was fantastic, too. Mike had me convinced that Piper was Cooper’s daughter. She does share the same irresistible dimples as Tom Selleck. I think a Mike and Piper hook up is inevitable, and I can’t wait. The Danny/Delinda pregnancy story is getting tiresome. I shudder to think what will happen when she actually gives birth.
One Tree Hill
Dan was in the house! Well, technically, he was in the big house rocking some serious facial hair. But still, after last week’s episode that was completely devoid all the Tree Hill adults I’d come to love, I was happy to see Dan again. Now, if Deb and Karen would just check in. Peyton’s new music label may be in trouble. K-Fed, really? P Sawyer is losing her touch already. And how about the shocker that Daphne Zuniga’s character is actually Brooke’s mother? I so didn’t see that coming. Oh, and a here’s some advice for “Lucas’ Lindsey”: I wouldn’t get too comfortable in Tree Hill. With Peyton and Brooke back in town, it won’t be long before Lucas is revisiting his old territory soon. Kudos to Nate for shaving his Jesus beard. Now, if he would just cut that hair, I’d be a happy woman. It’s never a good think when your wife’s hair is shorter than yours.
Scott Baio is 46… and Pregnant
If Scott Baio wanted to convince the world he is a giant tool, mission accomplished. Each episode, Baio comes off as more arrogant and selfish than the one before. His pregnant fiancée is dealing with hormones, her changing body, and the stress of carrying a baby, while Baio exiles himself to a different wing of the house to whine about losing himself, while flipping through his vintage Playboys to look at his ex-girlfriends. I’m done with this show. Grow up Chachi! Someone needs to call the Fonz to shake some sense into this immature brat.
Moonlight
OK, what’s up with all the grisly? Yes, I know this is a show about vampires, but decapitating people and holding their heads up for viewing, twice no less, was a little much. The show was too gruesome for me this week. I was happy to see Coraline back, but sadly, it looks like she’s gone again. Beth was still mourning Josh, and Mick was enjoying being human for the first time in decades. Of course, it was only temporary. I just have one request for the Moonlight folks: We need more Josef in this show!
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
TV writer’s strike: Will your favorite show be pulled?
Photo credit: actress Julia Louis- Dreyfus on the picket line; Reuters news
These are dire times, Tubers. TV is shutting down, and it’s not pretty.
The writers whose names we’ve come to know through the years, and even those we don’t, have put down their pencils and picked up picket signs. Check out this explanation letter from the Writers Guild of America of what this strike means. It’s signed by many of our favorite show writers: Shonda Rhimes (Grey’s Anatomy); David E. Kelley (Boston Legal); Greg Daniels (The Office); Marc Cherry (Desperate Housewives) and a myriad of others.
The L.A. Times has a nifty chart listing the show titles and networks with how many episodes ahead each show has in the can. It gives you an idea of when your show will go off, if the writer’s strike isn’t resolved quickly.
The last writer’s strike was in 1988, ran 22 weeks and cost the industry an estimated $500 million. Let’s hope this one doesn’t last that long.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Primetime Emmys 2007: Tube Talk Girl’s picks
It’s Emmy night! Tonight, our favorite TV stars will paint on the spray tans, put on double-stick tape to hold their barely-there evening gowns in place, and strut their stuff down the red carpet. Good times, Tubers. Good times.
I’m almost more excited about the pre-show coverage this year than the actual event. In the past, most of the hosts interviewing the TV stars knew nothing about the shows and failed to ask good questions. This year, I think things may be different. E!’s Kristin Veitch is helping out Ryan Seacrest, and she’s as big a TV buff as I am. So, I’m sure she’ll ask what enquiring minds want to know. Also, the TV Guide channel has Lisa Rinna and Joey Fatone pulling red-carpet duty, and that should be a hoot.
As for the Emmy show, here are my picks for who I want to win, not for who should win or will win. You’ve already seen those predictions from every other TV blog and magazine. So, these are my selfish picks with an explanation of why I chose them, because really, it all comes back to me.
My picks are highlighted in bold.
BEST DRAMA SERIES
“Grey’s Anatomy”
The Sopranos is favored to win by a landslide, and probably deserves it based on that brilliant finale. But I don’t care. I don’t get HBO and don’t watch the show regularly. My pick: Grey’s Anatomy. Yes, there were a few subpar episodes, but it’s still better than the too-scattered Heroes. House is too procedural for my taste, and while I adore Boston Legal, it’s a bit preachy and silly at times to win for best drama. Although, it might be fun to see William Shatner get up and thank “Denny Crane!”
“Entourage”
I love Leary, but Laurie is my pick. Laurie always gives an interesting, funny speech, and let’s face it. I’m that shallow. It’s a long show. I also wouldn’t mind seeing Spader take the prize. He also gives good gab in acceptance speeches and once complimented the audience on their “wonderful choices in dresses and shoes.” No one does deadpan better. Gandolfini will probably win, as Emmy voters may give him a nice present to end his run as Tony Soprano.
BEST DRAMA ACTRESS
My pick: The flying nun all the way. Field is hilarious, neurotic and a complete joy to watch as the matriarch of the nutty Walker clan. She leaves me giggling or in tears on a weekly basis. I’m sure the other ladies in this category are equally talented, as well, but I don’t watch any of those shows so that’s no fun for me if they win. Plus, Field is known for her award show speeches. Maybe she’ll coin another “You like me” phrase at the podium.
BEST SUPPORTING DRAMA ACTOR
Michael Imperioli, “The Sopranos”
Terry O’Quinn, “Lost”
Katherine Heigl, “Grey’s Anatomy”
There is no other choice for me in this category but the talented Wilson. I’m going to be one McAngry blogger if she doesn’t win. She’s been the one constant on Grey’s since its debut.
Steve Carell is hysterical as Michael Scott. But the real reason he should take the gold: He has a proven track record at delivering entertaining award show acceptance speeches. His Golden Globe 2006 speech is legendary. He humorously claimed his wife wrote it. Let’s hope she fired up the computer this year.
BEST COMEDY ACTRESS
Ugly Betty, this had better be your night. Ferrera shines on a weekly basis as sweetheart Betty, so even if the show doesn’t win for best comedy, I’m hoping Ferrera will score the prize. The girl deserves it not just for her acting skills, but for having to wear that hideous wardrobe. What? Like you’d be caught dead in a red, “Guadalajaro” poncho.
Jeremy Piven, “Entourage”
Doogie is the man. Harris makes me laugh out loud every week as "legendary" Barney on How I Met Your Mother. He’s the best part of the show. I also wouldn’t mind Wilson scoring a win for Dwight Schrute. The guy his has own bobblehead, shouldn’t he have an Emmy?
BEST SUPPORTING COMEDY ACTRESS
This is like choosing my favorite chocolate. Williams is downright delicious as evil Wilhelmina Slater on Ugly Betty. The show would have a huge void if she weren’t there plotting her evil plots. She’s a villain, but plays her with enough layers that we sometimes feel for her. I also wouldn’t mind to see Fischer win because we all know that Pam is the glue that holds The Office together. Pressly is also impressive as crazy Joy on Earl. No one does white trash better. It’s too hard to pick one choice here. If any of these three win, I’ll do a happy dance.
“American Idol”
You know I LOATHE reality TV, but I’m smitten with Dancing with the Stars. Any show that can get Billy Ray Cyrus and Ian Ziering on the dance floor without coming across as cheesy is a winner in my book. Plus, it inspired me to take ballroom classes, and now I can cha-cha like Jerry Springer.
No comment. Enough said.
Friday, August 10, 2007
TV addicts are liberals
Love TV? Then, you’re probably a liberal, according to a recent study from the Culture and Media Institute.
Viewers who watch more than four hours of TV a night are considered “heavy” TV viewers, in the study. When asked their opinions on topics such as abortion, retirement benefits, religion, and government, the “heavy” TV viewers skewed toward liberal responses. In other words, they were more likely to be pro-choice, back a government-based health system, and not attend church weekly.
In contrast, those who watch one hour per night or less of television, gave drastically more conservative responses to the aforementioned questions. The “light” TV viewers also were more likely to volunteer for causes and give to charity. (Well, sure, with all that free time spent not watching TV, they have to do something with their time.)
More than 2,000 Americans aged 18 and above were polled in the study.
I’m not surprised that TV addicts tend to have liberal political ideals and values. Just spend a day reading TV-related blogs and Web sites, and it’s clear that the writers on many popular sites endorse gay marriage, abortion and Bush bashing.
The real onus of this study for me is similar to the chicken-and-the-egg conundrum. Do hours and hours in front of the television lead to liberal values because the shows we watch espouse liberal ideals, or are TV addicts already liberal-minded thinkers before they settle down in front of the tube?
Do liberally geared shows such as Will and Grace, The West Wing, and Boston Legal change the way we view homosexuality and the government, respectively? Or are only liberals tuning in to those shows to reinforce their beliefs?
Now that’s a study I'd really like to read.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Emmy voters let us down again
If I were to write an open letter to Emmy voters, it would begin like this:
Dear Emmy Voters,
After seeing your nominee list for the 2007 primetime Emmys, I have one question: Do you actually watch television?
Sincerely disillusioned,
Tube Talk Girl
You may think I’m being too harsh on the Emmy voters. After all, they did get several things right. (Ugly Betty, The Office, Chandra Wilson, Vanessa Williams, Sally Field, Masi Oka) But, it’s the complete shutout of several shows (Lost, Friday Night Lights, Rescue Me) and actors (Kyle Chandler, Kristen Bell, Connie Britton, and the entire Scrubs cast) that makes me think that the entire Emmy process is - for lack of a better term - a bunch of hoo-haw.
The biggest travesty is in the Best Drama category. The fact that neither Lost nor Friday Night Lights - what I would argue are the two best dramas on television - failed to make the list is beyond excusable. Lost had a few bumpy episodes this season, but as a whole, the show redefined suspense and drama. The season finale was so spectacular that TV fans are still talking about it, months after it aired. Friday Night Lights began slow, but evolved to a raw look at small-town life. It’s reliable, the one series I know will be consistent week after week.
Those two shows should have been included instead of Heroes and House. Heroes, is often uneven with its plethora of characters and stories and lacks the fluidity of more entertaining dramas. Yes, I gave the show’s pilot a perfect four-star review, but that was based on one episode. The entire season, on a whole, did not live up to the standard set in the pilot. And House is entertaining, but let’s face it, the show is Hugh Laurie, who got his well-deserved Emmy nod.
I’ve received some e-mail from outraged fans about the inclusion of Boston Legal in the Best Drama category. To all of you, I disagree. Sorry. (Ducking for cover.) Boston Legal has tackled plenty of social and political topics this season and delivered them with humor and fairness. Uber-liberal Alan Shore often goes on a diatribe for whichever cause he is fighting, but not without conservative Denny Crane countering his argument with a succinct and surprisingly logical argument of his own. Yes, the show often seems more comedy than drama, but the Emmy comedy category seems to be reserved for sitcoms, and Boston Legal deserves to fit somewhere, which brings me to my next point.
Previously, the Emmys adapted to include a category for reality television, so why can’t they add a category for “Dramedy,” the term used to describe a drama with an overture of comic elements? The landscape of television has changed, with dramas like Boston Legal, Desperate Housewives and Grey’s Anatomy delivering an even dose of drama and comedy. It doesn’t seem right to put them in a category with such “serious” shows as 24, Friday Night Lights, The Sopranos and Heroes. It’s like judging apples and oranges.
The addition of a “Dramedy” category could make room for Emmy-deserving shows like Veronica Mars and Rescue Me.
Emmy honchos, please consider adding this new category, if not to make the competition fairer, then for the sake of my sanity.
The Best Comedy category this year also left me disheartened. The omission of Scrubs is inconceivable, especially considering its sublime musical episode. What does this show have to do to get noticed on the Emmy radar, start calling itself Two and a Half Men? The fact that the aforementioned show is on the Best Comedy list baffles me. (My apologies to my cousin Kim who declares it “comedy genius.”) I guess if fart jokes and sex jokes are your idea of humor, then yes, this show would be among the best comedies. How I Met Your Mother should have been on the list. End of story.
There are so many other glaring oversights this year that perhaps it’s just best to list them. Otherwise, this column could turn in to War and Peace.
Here’s who else should have been on the Emmy nomination list:
--Tichina Arnold and Terry Crews for Everybody Hates Chris. These two deliver consistent comedy each week. (Oh that’s right, this show is on the CW, the network that apparently Emmy voters don’t get.)
--Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton for Friday Night Lights. Awesome. Enough said.
--Matthew Fox, Jorge Garcia, and Josh Holloway for Lost. There is no Lost without this power trio.
--Rescue Me for best drama. I dare you to watch this show and not get addicted. It’s drama, on steroids.
--Kristen Bell for Veronica Mars. Bell’s humor and intelligence shined through week after week, as Veronica sleuthed her way into our hearts.
--Michael C. Hall for Dexter. I don’t watch this show, but the clips are enough for me to know he should have been on the list.
Other Emmy nominations that make me smile:
--Scrubs songs “Everything Comes Down to Poo” and “Guy Love” for Original Music and Lyrics
--Jaime Pressly for My Name is Earl
--Tom Selleck for his portrayal of Jesse Stone in a TV movie.
For a complete list of all the nominees in every category, click here.
Now that I’ve had my say, tell me yours. What did you think of the nominations?
The Emmys will be broadcast on Sept. 16 at 8 p.m. ET on FOX.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Boston Legal cuts cast
The law firm of Crane, Poole and Schmidt is going to be a little less crowded next season on Boston Legal.
Four actors have been let go from the show, according to TV Guide. Mark Valley, Julie Bowen, Rene Auberjonois, and Constance Zimmer will not return. Excuse me while I take a moment to say, “This is bull, Schmidt!”
Paul has been the calm in the crazy storm of Crane, Poole and Schmidt. Brad and Denise were fun to watch. And Claire gave some new life to the show. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised though. Valley’s Brad has had little to do in all his years of service at the firm. I never truly understood why he couldn’t score a leading story. And Denise became a former shell of herself this past year.
So, if Brad, Denise, Paul and Claire are out, who’s in? Night Court’s John Larroquette and Dirt’s Tara Summers, says TV Guide’s Michael Ausiello.
I’m not sure why these cast shake-ups consistently happen on David E. Kelley shows. I remember The Practice dropping most of its main actors to be replaced with people we didn’t know, or care to. I just hoped it wouldn’t happen again.
Meanwhile, Jerry i.e. “Hands” has been upgraded to a series regular. (Cue Jerry and his hop/squeal mannerism.)
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Boston Legal’s Denny Crane discovers “The Secret”
If you missed last night’s episode of Boston Legal, you missed this classic TV moment: Denny Crane discovered The Secret.
The Secret is a popular book and DVD that puts forth the idea that if you want something, think it. Put the thought of it into the universe, and the positive energy through the Law of Attraction will help you achieve your wish. Oprah touted the “the secret” on her show, and it's been sweeping the universe ever since, garnering discussions on Larry King, The View and every other TV show imaginable.
I tried this myself, and funny thing; I’m still not on that Lost island with Sawyer. But hey, maybe the secret will work for Denny Crane.
In this clip, he decides to try out “the secret.” Hit play to watch the video or check it out at You Tube.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Charity auction offers visits to popular TV-show sets
If you’ve ever wanted to the visit the set of Boston Legal, 24, House or other popular shows, then get out your wallet. The folks over at Charity Buzz are offering chances to visit the sets of several TV shows as part of the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Auction.
The auction closes on April 6, this Friday. So hurry.
Some of the lots up for bid include a walk-on-role on Desperate Housewives, lunch with Alan Alda, tickets to Oprah and a photo with the talk-show host, a tour of the All My Children set with Susan Lucci, and a chance to play tennis with John McEnroe. From sporting events to fashion events to hanging with celebrities, this auction seems to have it all for those who love television and popular culture.
Be warned, though. This auction isn’t for those of you on a Ramen-Noodle budget. You’ll probably have to be a celebrity, or at least earn that kind of income, to participate in this auction. I was beyond excited at the prospect of actually winning a shot to visit the Boston Legal set and share a cigar with Denny Crane himself. (Yes, that’s part of the package.) Then, I saw it would cost me $6,500 to place a bid, and the prize was valued at $30,000. Ouch.
The bidding for a visit to the House set to hang out with Hugh Laurie and cast had reached $16,000 by 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. In contrast, the set visit to 24 seemed a bargain, at just $5,500. And the top bid for a set visit to The Young and the Restless was a complete steal, with the high bid at $1,350.
The money is for charity; so if you’ve got the cash, why not make a bid. Those of you lucky enough to win, please report back here to Tube Talk with your photos and stories, and I’ll be sure to post them, so we can at least live vicariously.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Tom Selleck returns to TV as Jesse Stone
I know many of you don’t understand my love for all things Magnum, P.I. um, Tom Selleck. (Yeah, yeah, I know he’s an actual actor who just played a part.) Anyway, my devotion continues to this day, whether he’s singing on Boston Legal as Shirley’s ex-husband or battling the booze in the Jesse Stone made-for-TV movies.
The latest TV installment of the popular Jesse Stone series is scheduled to air May 20 on CBS, according to TV Guide. Jesse Stone: Sea Change finds Stone a year sober and “tentatively reunited with his ex-wife, Jenn,” according to Publishers Weekly.
Selleck has starred in three previous Jesse Stone films, which follow the life of the former Los Angeles cop who seeks justice, while battling his own demons.
Those of you who still don’t get my Selleck fixation, I challenge you to watch an episode of Magnum P.I., now in syndication, and not end up loving the mustache man. Magnum P.I. airs on WGN, out of Chicago, at 10 a.m. weekdays and on Sleuth at 7 p.m. and 1 a.m.
As for the highly anticipated Magnum movie for the big screen, I know nothing. Last year, rumors were rampant that Matthew McConaughey was set to step into the trademark Hawaiian shirt and Detroit Tigers cap for the title role, but I’ve found nothing to confirm that. Frankly, if Hollywood assassinates the Magnum story the way it did Miami Vice, Starsky and Hutch and Charlie’s Angels, I’d rather they just leave it alone.
Selleck fans, meanwhile, can get their fix through Jesse Stone and the syndicated reruns of the beloved Magnum P.I.
Monday, April 02, 2007
Tube News: Bill Clinton’s favorite TV shows, Punk’d, Jenna Fischer and Kelly Monaco
Bill Clinton’s favorite TV shows
Former President Bill Clinton loves Grey’s Anatomy and Boston Legal. Clinton told advertisers at the TV Land upfront presentation recently that his favorite current TV show is Grey’s Anatomy. He also enjoys Boston Legal for the “dynamic between William Shatner and James Spader.” Clinton said of the Denny Crane/Alan Shore relationship, “It's something to behold.” I find his choice of shows interesting for two reasons: Grey’s Anatomy is a medical drama about doctors whose libidos often dictate their actions. And Boston Legal is a show that ends each week with William Shatner and James Spader smoking cigars on the balcony. Hey, I’m not judging. I’m just saying.
Punk’d returns April 10
Those of you who like seeing celebrities lose it when they’re the targets of a prank, get ready for the final season of Punk’d, beginning Tuesday, April 10, at 9 p.m. EST on MTV. Some familiar faces getting Punk’d this season are Hilary Swank, Magic Johnson, Evangeline Lilly, Ashley Tisdale and JoJo, according to the MTV press release. In the season premiere, viewers can watch as Ashton and crew take aim on Nelly Furtado, Hayden Panetierre, and Bucky Lasek. Additional celebrities being targeted this season include, Molly Simms, Kelly Rowland, Zac Efron, Kelis, Jewel, Chuck Liddell, and John Cena in “some of the most hilarious and elaborate pranks ever unveiled.” In a tribute to the final season, Ashton will host a special Punk’d Awards honoring all eight seasons from “Best Destruction” to “Celebrities Gone Wild” on Thursday, June 5 at 9 p.m. EST. For those who can’t get enough of Punk’d, check out the Web site for a chance to meet the cast, episode guides, weekly photos, videos and more.
Jenna Fischer poses nude
Jenna Fischer, who plays Pam on the NBC show The Office, has posed nude for the cover of the April issue of Wired magazine. Before you get too excited, you should know that her naughty bits are tastefully hidden behind white signs that she's holding. Wired magazine insists the cover isn’t a cheap marketing ploy, but rather a metahpor for that issue’s stories about “radical transparency,” which is apparently the notion that the next sucessessful busines model is “laying your company bare to the world and sharing your corporate secrets with your rivals, blogging about ideas as you have them, and copping to fumbles and foibles as you make them.” In other words, transparency equals nakedness. I’m sure all that that won’t matter to most of America, who probably will be reading Wired for the first time ever. Quick, someone send Jim Halpert a copy.
Kelly Monaco headed to Football Wives
Dancing With the Stars alumnus Kelly Monaco, who currently stars on the ABC daytime drama General Hospital is set to guest star on the new ABC show Football Wives, according to Soap Opera Digest. Football Wives is a new pilot for ABC starring James Van Der Beek and Eddie Cibrian. The show also stars Gabrielle Union, Lucy Lawless, Holly Robinson Peete and Kiele Sanchez.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
ABC renews new and old favorites
In news that is shocking to no one, ABC has renewed Grey’s Anatomy, Lost, and Dancing With the Stars for next season.
The network also renewed its three freshman hits Ugly Betty, Men in Trees, and Brothers & Sisters, as well as old favorites Desperate Housewives, Boston Legal, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, The Bachelor, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Wife Swap, Supernanny, and America’s Funniest Home Videos.
Wife Swap, really? Someone, please explain.
Monday, February 26, 2007
The Week in Review: The Office, Veronica Mars, Boston Legal, Las Vegas, One Tree Hill, Friday Night Lights, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
The Office
Hell hath no fury like Roy scorned. When Pam told Roy that she had kissed Jim, I got a little scared when Roy screamed, “I’m gonna kill Jim Halpert!” Jim, you can hide at my house, if you like. J (Relax, Tubers, I’m just being polite, you know.) Meanwhile, don’t send hate mail, but I’m enjoying Karen and Jim. There. I said it. Her prank on him at the party was hilarious. They have fun together. Sure, she isn’t Pam, but Jim deserves a little happiness, while new, confident Pam is finding herself. As for Dwight, he’s obviously in the wrong profession. If I ever need a home inspection, I’m calling that dude.
Veronica Mars
They slaughtered Lamb. The sheriff was bashed in the head by a baseball bat. I rarely question the TV god that is Rob Thomas, but this move left me with my very own pain in the head. Why kill Lamb and not have it be a murder mystery Veronica and Keith could solve? I will say this. If Lamb had to go, his death was poetic for the character. He shot his own reflection in the mirror (and we all know how narcistic Lamb was) before getting clubbed with the bat. It was beautiful foreshadowing. But poor Sachs. The guy looked positively traumatized, sort of like me and the rest of the audience, when we realized the sheriff was dead. Meanwhile, now that Lamb is gone, maybe Wallace can get more than one line of dialogue a show. And perhaps the Dean O’Dell murder will finally be solved. Yes, I liked the dean, and I’m hoping that his Mrs. was the culprit. As for Logan, we found out that the guy knows the Kama Sutra by heart. Talk about a shocker.
Boston Legal
Denny Crane at Temple. Enough said. Watching Denny trying to fit in with his Jewish girlfriend and her religious customs had me laughing so hard I was crying. Is there any other character on TV who could get away with the shenanigans that Crane pulls, with blatant disregard for all that is politically correct? The answer is no, and that’s why we love him. How he’ll get out of the impending lawsuit from the rabbi who got hit in the eye with his spitball is another story. I don’t think Alan Shore can save Denny this time. And speaking of Alan, his cruel tirade against “Hands” made me want Alan to be the next target on Denny’s spitball list.
Las Vegas
Sam has better watch her back. Fate has not been kind to the previous two owners of the Montecito. Freak accidents tend to occur to the unfortunate owners. Monica was blown off the roof, and Casey was killed by a giant squid. If this crazy trend continues, I could see Sam going out choking on a hot dog, during one of her famous hot-dog-eating contests. I’m sad that they killed Casey. He deserved better than to buy it in some ridiculous accident. Meanwhile, Mary’s got a gun. I think we all know where this is headed. Danny, talk some sense in to the girl, because there is no way she’ll make it in the hoosegow. Last time I checked, they don’t have prison-orange uniforms with plunging necklines and spaghetti straps.
One Tree Hill
The prom episode ended with a heart-stopping surprise. When Peyton’s handsome blonde date turned around, it wasn’t Lucas. It was that creepy, stalker guy. Up until then, I wanted to punch Peyton myself. The girl had no right to be ticked at Brooke, because to quote Ross Gellar, Nathan and Peyton “were on a break.” (Yeah, I’m Team Brooke, if you can’t tell.) Peyton had no right to be upset considering that she went after Lucas, while he was still dating Brooke. One Tree Hill had the best line of any show on TV this week. The Clean Teen club slogan that was mentioned had me rolling: “We break hearts, not hymens.” Priceless.
Friday Night Lights
Parents who dread talking to their teens about sex, I hope you caught this week’s episode of Friday Night Lights. Tami stumbled upon her daughter’s boyfriend buying condoms and immediately went into action to set her daughter straight. Watching the Taylors deal with realistic family problems is as gripping as any island mystery or plot to save the world. The Taylors walking the floor, waiting for Julie to get home from her date, seemed as stressful as Sawyer and Kate trying to escape The Others. Friday Night Lights knows how to do drama about life issues. Between Tim’s fight with his dad, Lyla’s cheating father and the Taylors dealing with Julie’s adolescence, Dylan, Texas, isn’t just a fictional town. It’s a weekly life lesson in how to tackle difficult problems.
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
I enjoy this show, but recently it’s turning me off, as it’s turned into the Matt/Harriet romantic canon. To me, that’s the most boring part of the show. The problem is, Matt and Harriet have no chemistry. I want to see the writing room and Jack, Simon, Tom and the rest of the cast members. I enjoyed guest star Kari Matchett, Dr. Frosty from Invasion. She clicked with Matt. And I loved that Aaron Sorkin gave a shout-out to fans of The West Wing, by making Matchett’s character work for the law firm Gage Whitney. (That was Sam Seaborne’s firm on The West Wing.) Another Sorkin-West Wing reference left me chuckling and recalling the Ainsley Hayes episodes. On Studio 60 this week, a poster for The Pirates of Penzance was visible for several scenes. (Sam’s character on The West Wing was the recording secretary for the Princeton Gilbert and Sullivan Society. Yes, I am a complete geek, if you haven't figured it out already.) Apparently, Sorkin has serious love for Gilbert and Sullivan.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
The Week in Review: Smallville, Boston Legal, Veronica Mars, The O.C. Friday Night Lights and Bones
DVR, I blame you for this.
Regular Tube Talk readers know I usually do The Week in Review at the end of the week. But, since DVR entered my life, I’ve lost the ability to actually watch a show at its appropriate time and (sometimes) night. Therefore, I hope you’ll forgive me for the lateness of this wrap-up. My remote, and I, submit ourselves to your mercy.
Smallville
Clark Kent, you’ve been a bad, bad boy. “Red-rock Clark” (that’s Clark on Red Kryptonite, for those of you who aren’t regular viewers) is always a treat for viewers, as the innocent farm boy loses his inhibitions and goes on his own “Girls Gone Wild” tour. I loved this episode, and it wasn’t because of Lois’ hooker-boot-mini-skirt combo that so many male viewers wrote to me about to praise. Clark finally admitted that he’d thought about a relationship with Chloe. (Yay!) And we found out that baby Luthor isn’t normal. (Whatever that means. Like you expected “normal” from Lex’s swimmers?) Two things continue to perplex me with this show. First, why is the Kent’s refrigerator the size of an Easy Bake Oven? Martha Kent is a senator, for Pete's sake. Surely, she could afford a side-by-side number with an icemaker. And finally, why can’t Clark get over Lana? I thought we were done with this already. I can only hope that Clark will listen to his mother’s wise advice about Lana and, “Leave her alone!” Preach it, Mama Kent! Amen.
Boston Legal
How can you not love a show where conservative-gun-toting-Republican Denny Crane battles Homeland Security and then dresses in costume as Dick Cheney? Simply put, you can’t. The highlight of this week’s episode was a costume party to help improve employee morale. The folks from Crane, Poole and Schmidt were supposed to dress up as someone they admired and who inspired values. Alan came as Shirley Schmidt. Shirley came as Diane Sawyer. Brad and Jeff both came as Buzz Lightyear. But, it was Crane, in his Cheney costume, who stole the show. The final signature scene of Boston Legal, usually features Denny and Alan drinking scotch and smoking cigars on the balcony. This week, they slow danced. Yes, together. They wisecracked (beautifully breaking the third wall,) that their neighbors, i.e. “regular viewers” shouldn’t be shocked at anything that goes on at Crane, Poole and Schmidt. Hilarious! Boston Legal may be considered a drama, but trust me, it’s one of the funniest comedies on the tube.
Veronica Mars…pregnant?
I’m still picking my jaw off the floor after the previews at the end of Veronica Mars where she said the “p” word. Are we to believe that the savviest teen to grace the small screen is not smart enough to use birth control? I’m not buying it. We all know the CW promo machine is misleading sometimes, and I’m betting this is one of those times. So, in response to your e-mails, “No. I don’t think she’s got a bun in the oven.” Meanwhile, I’m going to hire Veronica to find Wallace. Don’t mock. Someone needs to do something. He’s been missing since fall. And finally, don’t send hate mail because I really do love Jason Dohring, but lately I can’t tell what the hell he’s saying. Jason, can you please enunciate? (Not that I mind rewinding your shirtless scenes 15 times to try and decipher your dialogue, but, my rewind button is getting a little ticked.)
The O.C.
Julie Cooper Nichol Roberts shot down the Bullit. Pun intended. Team Frank prevailed over Team Bullit, and it seems Ryan’s daddy and Marissa’s mommy are destined for a love connection. I love the Bullit, but I can’t blame Julie for choosing hunky Frank. After all, he looks an awful lot like Hercules. (Sorry. I couldn’t resist.)
Friday Night Lights
Why aren’t you watching this show, people? I’m afraid if viewership doesn’t increase, we’re going to have to do a Hail Mary to save this show. Tubers, you know I’m no fan of football, and even I’ve been sucked into this drama. This is great story telling. If you haven’t watched before, you can still jump in. The episodes work as stand alones, so you won’t be lost. Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton steal the show. Yes, I said Kyle Chandler. That Kyle Chandler. Grey’s Anatomy fans who loved him as “bomb squad guy who was blown up at Seattle Grace,” check him out as a football coach on Friday Night Lights. He’s much better at his job here.
Bones
Creepy-killer Epps is finally finished. Booth and Bones put an end to his torturous ways. Of course, Cam breathed a mouthful of poison and almost headed to the science lab in the sky, before Epps was busted. This show gets better each week, and yes, that’s coming from someone who hates procedural crime dramas. But, Bones knows its niche isn’t just the crime cases, but the characters and relationships. That’s why Booth left us with his new nugget of wisdom that people who work together can’t have personal relationships. Cue another season of sexual tension between the F.B.I. agent and the scientist. I’m in.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Tube News: Friday Night Lights, Veronica Mars, Vanished, Ugly Betty and more
Friday Night Lights schedule change
Friday Night Lights moves to Wednesdays at 8 p.m. EST on January 10. For those of you still using a VCR, don’t forget to change the timer. For those of you who still think a show with “Friday” in the title should air on Fridays, well, apparently NBC doesn’t agree with you.
Veronica Mars to go to stand-alone episodes
Veronica Mars creator Rob Thomas told E!Online’s Kristin Veitch in an exclusive interview that the show is trying to get away from season-long mystery arcs and focus on stand-alone episodes. Don’t panic yet. Veronica can be just as savvy solving a weekly case and tweaking Sheriff Lamb, as she is with the long arcs. Thomas and the CW network believe the format change may help attract new viewers. Hey, short of handing out cash to get people to watch this show, I’m game for anything.
Vanished cancelled
To all of you who’ve e-mailed inquiring about the fate of Vanished, sorry, folks, but the show was cancelled on November 16. Even Eddie Cibrian, and his dimples, couldn’t save Vanished from vanishing.
Chris Gorham staying with Ugly Betty
Henry, the cute accountant on Ugly Betty, will be making several more appearances, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Chris Gorham returns to the role tonight. My guess is he’s still smitten with Betty. Someone should break this to Walter gently.
Nia Long to visit Boston Legal
Nia Long checks into Boston Legal for three episodes, according to Zap2it. Long will play an attorney who seeks out Alan Shore for help. Insert your own punch line here.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Emmy recap 2006
by Jennifer Squires Biller
Bob Newhart was almost killed.
Christopher Meloni rode a Segway on stage.
And Conan O’Brien proved he’s funnier than anyone thought.
That, folks, was just a highlight of some of the wackiness at this year’s Emmys. Here’s a rundown of the highs and lows:
Best acceptance speech: Writer Greg Garcia, creator of My Name is Earl, proved why he’s worthy of an Emmy. His speech was the most entertaining of the night, as he mentioned
people who he didn’t want to thank, including an 8th-grade teacher who told him he wasn’t funny and a boss who made him scrape gum off a producer’s shoe while working as a P.A. on Step by Step. The balding Garcia even put God on the list, “you took my hair, and that's not cool, man. Not cool!"
Best skit: Conan’s opening sequence. He took a page from Billy Crystal’s Oscar hosting book with this sequence and dropped in to some of our favorite TV shows: Lost, 24, House, The Office, Dateline NBC and South Park. On the Lost island, O’Brien asked Hurley to go with him down the Hatch to the Emmys. Hurley responded with the best joke of the night: “We weren’t exactly invited,” Hurley said stoically. “But you won last year. Nothing makes sense anymore,” O’Brien replied, voicing the argument of TV fans everywhere. (Despite winning last year’s Emmy for best drama, Lost and its cast didn’t earn one nomination this year, under the new Emmy voting process.)
Strangest skit: In an effort to curtail the customary long-winded acceptance speeches at the Emmys, O’Brien informed the audience that this year there would be consequences for going over the allotted three-hour show time. TV-legend Bob Newhart was enclosed in a glass chamber with only three hours of air. Cut to a panicked Newhart on stage, sealed in the tank, clock ticking, trying desperately to escape. Later, Jon Stewart proudly announced he’d decided to kill Newhart with his lengthy acceptance speech.
Biggest no-show: Where was Alan Alda? The TV legend was named best supporting actor in a drama for his work on The West Wing, but wasn’t there to claim the prize. Was he ill? Or still upset over last year’s loss? Alda did a fantastic job as Arnold Vinick on The West Wing, and his fans were sorry to see him absent from the ceremony.
Worst skit: In yet another attempt to emphasize the importance of keeping speeches short, O’Brien explained that in the future winners could use a quick, new method for accepting awards: the Segway. Cut to Christopher Meloni riding across the stage on the motor-propelled device, rattling off an acceptance speech. (Just a thought, perhaps if they canned a couple of these silly skits, then all that time-crunching wouldn’t be necessary. I’m just saying.)
Moment that had me holding my breath: It wasn’t any of the rambling acceptance speeches that threatened to deprive poor Newhart of precious air. It was the tribute to Aaron Spelling, when the original Charlie’s Angels reunited onstage, that had me sweating. Anyone who saw Farrah Fawcett at the William Shatner Comedy Central Roast knows that Farrah and public speaking are a lethal combination these days.
Biggest shockers: Grey’s Anatomy lost to 24 for best drama, and Barry Manilow bested David Letterman, Stephen Colbert, Craig Ferguson and Hugh Jackman (The Tony Awards) to win the Emmy for best performance in a variety or music program. I think I speak for all of us when I say, “huh?”
Best banter: Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart for presenting the award for best reality program. Their shtick started with Stewart going into his opening line about reality programs, when Colbert burst in with “Good Evening Godless Sodomites.” As Stewart tried to progress with the canned dialogue about the greatness of reality shows, Colbert interrupted with “it warps the minds of our children and weakens the resolve of our allies.” (Go, Stephen!) The shtick got funnier from there, as Colbert reminded the audience that they were worshipping the giant, golden statue of Babylon (pointing to the Emmy.) When Stewart asked Colbert why he was so bitter, Colbert broke from the script and replied, “I lost to Barry Manilow. Wolverine I could have lost to. He's got claws for hands." Priceless.
Worst banter: Martin Sheen and Charlie Sheen with some awkward jokes about Martin needing a job on Charlie’s show now that The West Wing was finished.
Biggest snub: Denis Leary went home without an Emmy for best actor in a drama. Shame on Emmy voters for this travesty. Leary’s scenes where his son died were Oscar worthy. Besides, Kiefer Sutherland, who did win this year, should have won years ago for 24. I swear, it’s like the voters are light years behind the rest of the TV-viewing world.
Conan the Music Man: Thumbs up to O’Brien’s opening song and dance number, in which he took aim at NBC’s ratings woes. Set to the tune of Trouble from The Music Man, O’Brien sang and danced out this great line: “To prove things are going to Hell, we’re relying on Howie Mandel.” What? Like you weren’t thinking it?
Conan the “Barb”-arian: No one was safe from O’Brien’s barbs throughout the night, as he took aim at Hollywood’s most controversial stars with these zingers: "Even movie stars have TV shows: Alec Baldwin has a new show on NBC, James Woods has a new show on CBS, and Mel Gibson has a new show on Al-Jazeera." And in disuccusing CBS’ Two and a Half Men’s high ratings, O’Brien quipped, "There's something about Charlie Sheen raising an impressionable young kid that just feels right." Ouch.
No Scrubs Love: Once again, Scrubs failed to score an Emmy for best comedy. It’s almost become a joke of Susan Lucci proportions. Oh well, I sort of feel like we’re our own little cool club of Scrubs fans, and the rest of the world just hasn’t caught on to the magic yet. Sorry bastards.
Best use of camera angle: During Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ acceptance speech, she awkwardly paused, saying she knew she was forgetting someone and that it would come back to haunt her later. The camera cut to a close-up of her husband smiling in the audience. Still not catching on, Debra Messing whispered to her to remind her, saving a potential Emmy-driven divorce scandal.
Biggest understatement of the night: “It’s not supposed to work this way,” uttered Blythe Danner when picking up her prize for best supporting actress in a drama for Huff, from a stiff field of contenders including Chandra Wilson and Sandra Oh of Grey’s Anatomy, Jean Smart of 24, and Candice Bergen of Boston Legal. No kidding, Blythe. But kudos to Danner for her parting line of “I guess I have to thank Showtime even though they cancelled us.” Nice.
I’d like to take the opportunity to congratulate all the winners. And all the losers. More importantly, the losers, since many deserving folks weren’t even nominated
For a complete list of Emmy winners/losers, visit http://www.emmys.org/.
What did you think of the show, Tubers? Share your comments in the comments section.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Emmy avoidance 2006
by Jennifer Squires Biller
OK, so I haven’t exactly embraced Emmy coverage at Tube Talk this year. Don’t blame me. Blame the so-called TV fans, masquerading as Emmy voters, who churned out a list of nominees that includes Kevin James and Alfre Woodard, but not Hugh Laurie or Kristen Bell.
But with the Emmys less than a day away, it’s time to take a look at the nominees who deserve to win (and there are several good choices.) I’ve put aside my bitterness long enough to dish the Emmys with all of you who’ve e-mailed me asking my opinions in several categories. You’re welcome.
Let me start by saying that if Denis Leary (Rescue Me) does not score the win for Lead Actor in a Drama Series, no amount of Prozac will be able to pull me out of the hole of depression that will surely ensue. Leary’s performance is so off-the-charts fantastic, that I actually feel sorry for those of you who don’t watch this mesmerizing show. Leary makes viewers laugh, cry, empathize, sympathize and shake their heads in disgust and agreement all at the same time.
For Outstanding Drama Series, Grey’s Anatomy needs to claim the prize to reestablish any trust I had in Emmy voters. And that won’t be easy, considering Lost and Veronica Mars should be competing in this category, too, but sadly didn’t make the nominee list. OK, I’m not going there. Moving on…
For Outstanding Comedy Series, the brilliant medical satire Scrubs deserves the win. Last season was the best yet. The fact that Donald Faison wasn’t nominated is beyond inexplicable. But, it gives me hope that this under appreciated show may finally get the recognition it deserves to make up for the snub.
For Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama, Chandra Wilson of Grey’s Anatomy deserves to take home the gold. Period.
For Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series, Jaime Pressly, of My Name is Earl, is my pick. Her Joy is Emmy-worthy in any scene.
For Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series, I think you all know my choice. Yep, Grey’s Anatomy hot bomb guy, also known as the fantastic Kyle Chandler is the standout. He owned those scenes in the haunting two-parter. Although, sadly, Emmy voters will more than likely vote for Michael J. Fox for his stint on Boston Legal.
Those are the categories for which I’m truly excited to see the winners announced. The rest of the race, well, not so much.
For those of you looking for “expert” opinions on who will win, you can check out the L.A. Times Envelope Web site that has posted odds from Emmy experts. Also, TV Guide’s Michael Ausiello has a humorous blog post on who he thinks will win, and who he wants to win. But be warned, he’s more bitter (disillusioned?) than I am.
I promise to put my acrimony aside and return to my perky self, in order to bring you an objective review of the Emmys on Sunday. So, check back for my thoughts on the show and the winners. (They're all winners just being nominated.) See, I'm feeling bubblier already.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Invasion: What would’ve happened in Season 2
If you’re still upset that ABC cancelled Invasion, the best drama of the year, you’re not alone. I’m not sure this well help, but cast member Tyler Labine, better known as Dave, recently talked to TV Guide’s Michael Ausiello and imparted some juicy scoop.
Labine spoke with series creator Shaun Cassidy about what would have happened during Season 2 of Invasion and shared the details with Ausiello:
"Shaun told me Larkin was going to [be presumed dead]. I was going to get all militant and shave my head, and Russell and I were going to join forces against Tom. Tom was going to find out that his first wife was actually alive, and she was running this whole military operation, and she was Szura's boss," Labine said.
Got chills? Yeah. Me, too. Dave and Russell taking on Tom, with the good doctor caught in the middle. Now that would have been appointment TV.
The good news is that Labine is invading one of my other favorite ABC shows this season, Boston Legal. I can’t wait to see him face off against Denny Crane and Alan Shore.
For William Fichter (Tom) fans, check out his debut in Prison Break in this promo.
The new season of Prison Break begins Monday, August 21 on FOX at 8 p.m. EST.
Thanks to The TV Addict for the video.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Tube Talk Girl on assignment
by Jennifer Squires Biller
Longtime TV fans, I’m working hard for you this weekend. I’m on a top-secret, special assignment with some celebrity “good ‘ol boys” and thousands of television fans. So place your bets as to where I’m headed and what I’m covering. Is it a trip to the “Lost” island to see if Jack escaped from the Others? Or am I off to Seattle to stake out McDreamy’s trailer? Or am I trekking to Boston to discuss politics and firearms with Denny Crane? Place your guesses, Tubers, and check back for photos and fun interviews with some well-known, beloved TV stars.
