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Has there ever been a time when you’re watching your favorite television show and then an amazing song starts playing during a crucial and pivotal scene and suddenly you are clamoring, trying to find out who sings it and how fast you can get it on your iPod? I have been there and done that so many times that I’ve lost count. Before the iPod was invented a big part of my CD collection had songs that had once been played behind some of my beloved and most memorable moments. These are my picks for my favorite “musical” moments on television.
Dawson’s Creek, Season one finale - “I’ll Be” by Edwin McCain: How could anyone forget the moment when Joey finally decided that she was going to fess up about her feelings towards her best friend, Dawson? She climbed up the ladder to his room and saw Dawson lying in bed with Jen. It was the moment that had been building the entire season. Was Dawson going to go after Joey or stay with Jen? Edwin McCain’s song was perfect for this scene. I remember hearing it and immediately falling in love with it. To this day when I hear “I’ll Be” I still think of that episode.
Smallville, Season one, “Obscura” and “Crush” – “No Such Thing” by John Mayer and “Time after Time” by Eva Cassidy: I think one of the reasons why I fell in love with Smallville in the beginning of the series was because of all the fantastic music they featured in each episode. Yeah, whatever happened to that? These two episodes in season one were two of my favorites. The Cyndi Lauper classic covered by Eva Cassidy was the perfect backdrop for setting the scene as Lana stared at Clark standing in the rain waiting for her, while a heartbroken Chloe watched on. A wet Tom Welling was only the icing on the cake. The song made it even more amazing. And John Mayer’s hit still brings me back to when Clark asked Chloe to the Spring Formal. It completely captured the mood of two people taking the next step in their relationship.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Season one, “Angel”- “I’ll Remember You” by Sophie Zelmani: Buffy and Angel’s long-awaited first kiss couldn’t have had a better song to accompany it. The Bronze always had some great music playing but this one topped my list. I loved that the whole song was played and the last shot we saw was Angel’s chest where Buffy’s cross burned him after they kissed. It was the beginning of a great love story.
Supernatural, Season one, “Carry on my Wayward Son” by Kansas: Okay, I was tempted to put every Supernatural “previously on” on this list but I narrowed it down to this one. Not only is this an amazing song but it completely fits Supernatural to a tee. The lyrics only rang truer coming after the episode when Sam was stabbed and killed. This song has really become a Supernatural anthem.
Those are my some of my picks for my favorite musical moments. There are so many that I can’t fit it into one column. Let me know some of your faves in the comments!
Commentary with a Co-Ed is a weekly column at Tube Talk new every Friday.
Dawson’s Creek fans, James Van Der Beek returned to Wilmington recently to shoot an episode of One Tree Hill.
In a fun twist and a nod to his former character, Van Der Beek will play a famous director. That’s where the similarities end. You’ll see what I mean when you watch the clip below.
Let’s just say that this character is about as far from Dawson Leery as one could get.
I think Lucas may be in for some trouble with his script. The fun begins at 9 p.m. on the CW.
I’ve dreamed of writing this headline, and now it’s happened. I woke up this morning to read the news at Variety that former Dawson’s Creek cutie, Joshua Jackson, is headed to Grey’s Anatomy as a doctor.
Seriously.
Yep, Pacey in a lab coat. Does it get any better?
Jackson will join the show in episode 11 for a multi-episode arc. Let’s hope it turns in to a permanent gig.
Loyal Tube Talk readers know I’ve been lobbying to get Jackson on Grey’s Anatomy or The Office for years. Does this mean I get a cut of his paycheck?
The My Name is Earl cast has a funny new music video coming out this Thursday during the show, but you can get an early look here. The new video Respect the Meat showcases Darnell pleading for animal rights and asking the Camden County residents to rethink their dining choices. Joy, Catalina, Earl and Randy also star. The bonus: Darnell has an amazing voice. I’m talking Marvin Gaye style crooning here
Patrick Swayze has been cast in the upcoming A&E original series Beast, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He’ll play an “unorthodox but effective FBI veteran who trains a new partner (Travis Fimmel,Tarzan) in his hard-edged, psychologically clever style, while being pursued by a secret Internal Affairs team.” Insert your own, “Nobody puts Baby in a corner” joke here.
Three Friday Night Lights stars are auditioning for the big-screen Justice League movie, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Minka Kelly, Adrianne Palicki and Scott Porter are taking part in the two-day casting session. The O.C.’sAdam Brody is also among the group of 40 young Hollywood stars up for roles in the film about Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Batman and more.
Attention all WB, UPN and CW fans. A new book, Season Finale: The Unexpected Rise and Fall of The WB and UPN goes on sale this week and it looks juicy. Authors Susanne Daniels, a television executive with The WB for most of its life and current President of Entertainment for Lifetime Networks, and Cynthia Littleton, a veteran television reporter and current Deputy Editor of news development for Variety, take readers behind the scenes of the networks’ greatest shows. Insider stories and and never-before-published details from producers including JJ Abrams (Felicity), Amy Sherman-Palladino (Gilmore Girls), Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Kevin Williamson (Dawson’s Creek) provide a tell-all account of the dueling creative teams that ushered some of television’s most popular shows into the hearts, minds, and living rooms across the country. The book goes on sale October 16. Maybe we’ll finally get to the bottom of what really happened to the dancing frog.
The folks at Ghost Whispererwant your scary stories captured on video. If your story is chosen, you’ll get to appear in the Scariest Story Ever Told. Submission deadline is October 25.
CBS has tapped Regis Philbin to host its new primetime game show Million Dollar Password for midseason 2008. The new show is a modernized version of the classic Password, according to the press release from CBS. The show will feature two teams, comprised of one celebrity and one contestant, each competing to guess a password revealed only to the studio audience and viewers at home. Didn’t Regis already try the game show thing once already?
The things one can find when digging around IMDB. While looking up a quick fact about Joshua Jackson, I stumbled upon news that my beloved Pacey, of Dawson’s Creek, is rumored to be starring in the upcoming film Fletch Won, the prequel to the successful Chevy Chase franchise.
Jackson's name is listed under Fletch Won’s film credits as “rumored.”
I haven’t seen this news reported anywhere else, so I’m a little skeptical. That said, I know many of you share my Josh Jackson obsession and any rumor about our guy snagging a major film role is worth reporting.
I hope this is true. I’ve been missing Jackson. He needs to be back on television, pronto. (May I suggest as an intern on Grey’s Anatomy or as the new temp on The Office?) Yes, I know he’s pursuing a film career, and he received a lot of buzz in the film Bobby, but I miss seeing him on a weekly basis. Call me selfish. (Or as Dawson would say, a self-centered, self-indulged megalomaniac.)
Previously, Zach Braff was the name being bandied around town for the Fletch role. But, I wouldn’t mind Jackson in the part. In fact, I think he’d be perfect.
House scoop Dr . House’s team of cohorts will be back this season, according to scoop out of the Television Critics Association press tour. After the finale, it appeared that House would be working with a new group of docs this season. However, Jesse Spencer, Omar Epps and Jennifer Morrison will all be back. I’m sure we have Cuddy to thank for this.
Laila Ali weds Tough girl Laila Ali recently tied the knot, TV Guide is reporting. The Dancing with the Stars finalist married retired NFL star Curtis Conway on July 22. No word on whether her ex-partner Maks danced at the wedding.
Simpsons guest stars A slew of celebrities have signed on to guest voice this year on The Simpsons. Jack Black, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Placido Domingo, Dan Rather, "Weird" Al Yankovic, Matt Dillon, Kurt Loder, Beverly D'Angelo, Maya Rudolph and Topher Grace will visit Springfield.
Ex-Creek star heads to CSI: NY Kerr Smith of Dawson's Creek will be joining the cast of CSI: NY this season. As much as I love Jack McPhee, not even he could get me to watch that show.
Ex NYPD Blue star joins Jericho Esai Morales, who NYPD Blue fans will recognize from his stint as the “boss,” will take a recurring role on CBS' resurrected midseason drama Jericho. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Morales is scheduled for six episodes.
Michael Rapaport to join My Name is Earl Actor Michael Rapaport will play a fellow prisoner of Earl’s in the upcoming season of My Name is Earl. His character is recurring. Let’s hope that’s true. I don’t want to see Earl behind bars for the entirety of the season.
Television dads usually fit in two categories: perfect, advice-doling successful professionals or lazy, buffoons at the mercy of their more perfect wives and families. The best ones, however, usually combine elements from both categories.
Let’s face it, no one’s perfect, and television’s best dads often don’t get it right either, (therein lies the humor.) But the beauty is that they keep trying to guide their children with the wisdom of their mistakes and the knowledge that supposedly, father knows best.
In honor of Father’s Day, I turn the spotlight on some of my favorite fathers of the small screen. Any of these worthy men could claim the title of Television’s Best Dad.
Cliff Huxtable, The Cosby Show – Every kid in the ‘80s wanted Dr. Huxtable as a father. He was funny and fun-loving, stern without being preachy, and he wore those multi-colored sweaters that made him the best-dressed dad on the block. Whether he was teaching Theo to win back his girlfriend by singing the blues ("Justine! Justine!"), or conducting a funeral for Rudy’s pet goldfish, Lamont, in order to help her through the grief, Cliff always seemed to know how to fix any situation.
Mike Brady, The Brady Bunch – Mike was the perfect “dreamy” dad for girls who grew up in the ‘70s. He was a handsome architect, who was tough but understanding. Daughter Marcia was so impressed with her stepfather that she nominated him for Father of the Year in a local newspaper contest. He won, of course. (Hey, he should have, considering he was raising six children on one salary and still had time to offer advice on everything from boyfriends to sibling rivalry to education.) No doubt, Mike was a groovy dad, and he had the plaid pants to prove it.
Howard Cunningham, Happy Days – Known simply as Mr. C to the ever-present motley crew of guests at the Cunningham house, Howard was a father figure to not only Joanie and Richie, but Ralph, Potsie and Fonzie, too. Mr. C was a hard-working father of the ‘50s, who ran his hardware store and expected the pot roast to be on the table for dinner when he got home. That didn’t make him any less likeable. Mr. C gave good advice to his children and their friends in such a jovial manner that even tough-guy Fonz looked to him as a solid role model. (For the record, I’m pretty sure Mr. C cautioned him against jumping the shark.)
Homer Simpson, The Simpsons – Clearly, Homer isn’t the smartest dad on television. But, just because he put the “D’oh” in dolt, doesn’t mean he doesn’t make an effort in loving his kids. What other TV father would choose to jump a ravine the size of The Grand Canyon on a skateboard, just to show Bart how potentially dangerous and ridiculous the stunt was? Sure, Homer forgets to pick his kids up from after-school activities sometimes, but at the end of the day, the Simpson kids know they’re loved. The simple fact that Homer’s kids never seem to age automatically qualifies him as one of TV’s best dads. You try putting up with smart aleck adolescent Bart Simpson for 15 years.
Tim Taylor, Home Improvement – Tim “The Toolman” Taylor was a klutzy guy with a fetish for cars, power tools and needling his flannel-wearing assistant Al. Tim parented with humor, and it seemed to work. His three boys saw him as a friend and a father. Perhaps Tim’s best parenting quality is that he bucked the trend of former TV dads who always seemed to have all the answers. When Tim was stumped as to what to do in a situation, which was often, he sought help at his backyard fence. (“Hi-de-ho, neighbor” Dr. Wilson!) Tim showed fathers everywhere that it’s OK not to always know the right thing to do. Simply trying to figure things out was enough. Jason Seaver, Growing Pains – The original Mr. Mom, Dr. Jason Seaver worked at home, so his wife could be a journalist. Jason had a tough job trying to juggle his psychiatry patients, while dealing with slacker son Mike (think Bart Simpson in human form) and the rest of his brood. Whether helping daughter Carol confront her weight issues, bailing Mike out of his latest scrape or parenting Ben and Chrissy, Jason never faltered as a father. Hmmm, on second thought, perhaps he was self-medicating. Danny Tanner, Full House – This single dad had a “full house” of young girls to raise, after his wife was killed in a car accident. Danny was overwhelmed at the onset and was smart enough to get help, in the form of extended family Uncle Jesse and his best friend Joey. What evolved was a house full of love that fostered fun times, despite the tragic loss of a parent. Danny gave single fathers everywhere a good name.
Keith Mars, Veronica Mars – Every girl dreams of having a dad so cool he can banter by day and solve mysteries by night. Keith Mars was a detective and a sheriff, but I’m sure he’d want to be remembered for his most important role: father. Single-handedly guiding precocious daughter Veronica through her traumatic teen years was no easy feat. But, Keith gave Veronica respect, an ear to listen, a shoulder when she needed it, courage to make the right decisions, and forgiveness when she didn’t. The fact that he compromised his own morals and hid evidence to save her from being implicated in a crime earns Keith a spot on the best dad’s list. Plus, no one does sarcasm like Keith Mars.
Sandy Cohen, The O.C. – His eyebrows were legendary and often a point of ridicule for his sons, but Sandy Cohen didn’t mind. His humor was one of his best parenting tools. Sandy set a fine example as a father. Despite his wealth, he wasn’t satisfied simply with writing a check to charity; He brought charity home, opening his house and his heart to abused teen Ryan. Sandy became the father Ryan always wanted. (And who could blame him?) Sandy ran a tight ship, but not one that made his boys afraid to call him no matter the situation. Whether he was surfing with the boys or schmearing a bagel while dispensing fatherly wisdom, Sandy ranks as one of the coolest dads ever on the tube.
Mitch Leery, Dawson’s Creek – In the ‘90s, Mitch Leery gave fathers everywhere a wake-up call. Not only did he have frank discussions about sex and relationships with his son, he taught Dawson to follow his dreams. The fact that Dawson could talk to his dad no matter the subject was refreshing. Mitch once gave Dawson a blow-by-blow tutorial on kissing to prepare the teen for his first smooch. (Mitch recommended Chapstick.) Dawson wasn’t the only person crying the night Mitch was killed in an auto accident. It was a blow for fathers everywhere.
For Tube Talk Girl's list of TV's Best Mom's click here.
The season four finale of One Tree Hill was the end of an era. When this show returns mid-season, it will have jumped four years into the future.
Thankfully, the people behind the show realized that the college years of TV dramas are not that successful: Dawson’s Creek, Buffy, Saved by the Bell. (Hey, it was good in high school. I still love Zack Morris!) Those shows all lacked their original likeability during the college years. One Tree Hill ended its high school years on a happy note and got me a little teary in the process.
When the show began, it picked up where it left off last week: Karen flat lining and Haley going into labor. One thing that this show is known for is its awesome music. The first five-minute montage was accompanied by the great song ‘Lightning Crashes’ by Live. While it was playing, we saw the birth of Nathan and Haley’s son, James Lucas Scott. We also got a reunion between Karen and Keith in the great beyond. How much do I miss Uncle Keith? The show just isn’t the same without him.
At the end of act one, Dan turned himself in, and Karen recuperated. The whole episode was less about the drama and more about saying goodbye. It really felt like a series finale to me. The gang was moving on, and last night was their last all together. Dan tried to take the easy way out and attempted to hang himself in his cell. The bed sheet ripped, and Papa Scott realized he’s going to have to live with his guilt.
There were no pregnancy cliffhangers or limos falling off bridges, but it was still a good finale. I’m anxious to see where everyone is in four years. Will Peyton and Lucas still be together? How is parenthood going to affect Nathan and Haley? Is Brooke going to be with Chase (please, no?) I guess we just have to wait and see.
Here are my favorite moments of the night:
-Karen and Keith reunion
-The Tree Hill girls dancing to The Spice Girls. (So old school and so funny!)
-Karen’s speech to Dan in prison. (Great scene!)
-Lucas/Brooke book scene: “Brooke Davis is going to change the world someday.” (Aww!)
-Mouth/Brooke kiss. (Yay, that’s been four years in the making!)
Rob Lowe is returning to television. The good news is that it’s not for a stinker-of-a-show like Dr. Vegas. Instead, Lowe is joining one of the season’s best new shows, Brothers and Sisters on ABC.
Lowe will play a Republican senator, who becomes a love interest for Calista Flockhart, according to TV Guide. He debuts on Nov. 19.
Lowe is most well-known to TV addicts for his role on The West Wing. But those of us who grew up in the 1980s will forever know him as Sodapop from The Outsiders and for his roles in Class and St. Elmo’s Fire.
Those of you who’ve been lukewarm toward Brothers and Sisters, believe me when I tell you the show has improved with each episode. (Greg Berlanti of Dawson’s Creek and Jack and Bobby fame is one of the executive producers.) Sally Field, Calista Flockhart and Dave Annable are the reasons to watch, and the newly added Treat Williams is — yes I’m going to say it — a real treat.
Catch Brothers and Sisters on ABC Sundays at 10 p.m. EST.
“Faces I remember.” That is the soulful line from the song Crawl that played Sunday night in the final farewell commercial for The WB network. The promos using that song had always been my favorites, and as The WB signed off the air permanently, it was a fitting choice to say goodbye. The network went out on a nostalgic high note by airing the pilots of Felicity, Dawson’s Creek, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel back-to-back…Ah, the good ol’ days... (Sorry…where was I?) If you missed The WB’s goodbye, you missed the pilot episodes of some of the best series television ever made.
I admit I got a little misty-eyed watching the vintage promo clips of Noel and Dawson driving cross-country and Clark and Lex stopping short to “watch the frog.” And the final commercial was almost my undoing. There, staring out from the dark were Dawson, Pacey, Joey, Felicity, Noel, Ben, Buffy, Angel, Clark, Lex and the other faces from network that “defined a generation.” The fact that we know them all by only a first name is a testament to the greatness that was The WB. Capping off the touching ending, was the shadowy mascot we all loved, Michigan J. Frog, tipping his hat. (Gulp.)
If you missed the final tribute, check it out here at You Tube. Those of you curious about the song, it’s Crawl from the band Thisway and is available at iTunes. But be warned, listening to it can bring up gut-wrenching memories of “hey,” “Smoothaise,” “Chia head,” “the breakup kit,” “the Creek,” “walking the dog,” “celluloid propaganda,” “there’s an us here now,” “the Slayer,” “close your eyes,” "vanquishing demons,” “Happy Meals on legs,” “the evil hand,” and a “vampire with a soul." (sniff, sniff) Does anyone have a tissue?
"Scrubs" musical Turk and the air band was just the beginning. An entire musical episode of Scrubs is headed our way this season, according to series creator Bill Lawrence. Can I get a Woo Hoo? Apparently, a patient with an aneurysm sees everything as a musical, thus setting the stage for the singing doctors and my complete bliss. TV Guide’sMichael Ausiello has all the details about the musical episode, from his chat with Lawrence. Enjoy.
Congrats to "Smallville’s" Allison Mack Regular readers know I’m a huge fan of Smallville’sChloe. Her portrayer, the talented Allison Mack, won a Teen Choice Award for Best Sidekick. It’s about time someone gave her props for her endless devotion and expositions. (cough, cough, Clark Kent.) She also was voted Best Actress in the Kryptonsite Awards, and she and Clark won best couple. The awards at Kryptonsite include fun categories such as grossest scene, best line and best scene involving nudity. (Yes, Lois and that patriotic pole-dancing scene took that category.)
Casting tidbits Oliver Hudson, who you’ll remember from Dawson’s Creek as the guy Joey foolishly hooked up with after Pacey, has been tapped to play the male in the CBS mid-season comedy Rules of Engagement. In other news, Ally McBeal alum Jane Krakowski is joining NBC's 30 Rock, and Everwood’sChris Pratt is joining The O.C., on Nov. 2, as an environmentalist who befriends Summer. I can already hear Seth and the tree-hugger jokes.(Source: TV Guide)
Joss Whedon was a "West Wing" Josh/Donna shipper Longtime Tube Talk readers know my love for all things Joss Whedon, brilliant writer and creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. He recently wrote a list of his favorite TV characters of all time. It’s a fun read, and I was shocked to learn that he shared my affection for Josh and Donna on The West Wing. Yep, it’s official. Whedon is now on my list of top 25 favorite TV people. (Thanks to GMMR for sharing the list.)
"Invasion" on DVD My favorite new drama of last season, Invasion, is now available on DVD. Extras include a gag reel, deleted scenes and featurette with Shaun Cassidy. Too bad there isn’t a special feature from ABC explaining why it renewed What About Brian instead of the brilliant Invasion. Nope, I'm not bitter.
"House" casting news David Morse is joining House for several episodes this season as a cop who apparently has a bigger ego than House. Morse’s character is named Michael Tritter, according to TV Guide. TV viewers will recognize Morse from his show Hack. Well, maybe not.
"Lois and Clark" DVD release Season 4 of the Dean Cain/Terri Hatcher show will be released on November 14, according to TV Shows on DVD. To see the details, click here.
FOX offers "Bones" on the Web FOX is apparently offering free TV on the web now. If you haven’t seen Bones, the excellent show starring David Boreanaz, I recommend you check it out here: http://streaming.myfoxal.com/index.html. The new season starts August 30 at 8 p.m. on FOX.
"My Name is Earl" – spoiler alert Burt Reynolds is guest starring in My Name is Earl this season as the owner of Earl and Randy's favorite strip club, according to TV Guide. In other spoilery scoop, Joy finally gets hers and is headed to the slammer. Earl, can you say prison break?
"The O.C." - spoiler alert Ryan apparently gets all fight club in an episode this year, and we get to finally meet Summer’s “step monster” according to spoilers from E!Online.
Pepper Dennis fans, don’t despair. If you’re missing your weekly dose of the adorable Josh Hopkins, you won’t have long to wait. He’s been cast in the new FOX show Vanished, as well as the new ABC show Brothers & Sisters, starring Calista Flockhart and Sally Field. He’ll pull double duty this fall, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
In related news, Greg Berlanti, (of Everwood and Dawson’s Creek) just signed on as a show runner for Brothers & Sisters.
Remember the days of Buffy, the spunky, vampire-slaying blonde and her tortured-soul boyfriend Angel? Remember Dawson and his Creek pals endlessly analyzing their teenage angst? Remember Felicity and her gang of co-eds firing off a “hey” as a conversation starter? Ahh, I remember it well, the golden days of television. These shows are why I will always love The WB. (Well, that and the fond memories of a smiling, tap-dancing Michigan J. Frog.) As a tribute to the greatness that was The WB, the network is going out in style, by re-airing the pilots of these great shows.
On September 17, the final night of broadcast for The WB, the network will show the first episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dawson's Creek, Felicityand Angel, according to Variety. The following night, the new network The CW, which combined The WB and UPN networks under one umbrella, will debut.
The walk down TV-memory lane begins at 5 p.m. EST and continues until 10 p.m. Set your TiVos, Tubers. Felicity kicks off the homage starting at 5 p.m., followed by Angel, Buffy and finally Dawson’s Creek.
Somewhere, Michigan J. Frog is tipping his top hat and dancing happily on his grave.
Former Dawson’s Creek star heads to CW You probably remember her as the “hot-blooded” beautiful, bikini-baring blonde who made Dawson wreck his daddy’s speedboat while she was, well…it doesn’t matter. The point is, Brittany Daniel, aka Dawson’s bad girl “Eve,” has landed a role on The CW’s new comedy The Game. The new show is a spin-off of Girlfriends and tells the story of a group of pro-football players and the women who love them, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Daniel previously starred in Sweet Valley High and was once romantically linked to Dawson’s Creek star Josh Jackson. (Insert your own Pacey sports pun here.)
Simon Baker back on the big screen Former star of The Guardian, Aussie Simon Baker, is soon headed to a theater near you in a new film with Winona Ryder. Loyal Tube Talk readers know I have a thing for Baker and several of his fellow Australian actors. The list is long: Paul Leyden, Julian McMahon, Hugh Jackman, Mel Gibson, Ingo Rademacher and yes, Simon Baker. (It's the accents, I think.) I watched Baker in every episode of The Guardian, despite that it made me want to reach for a bottle of Prozac. Baker is following up his fantastic performance on the big screen in Something New with a new movie called Sex and Death 101. Baker is starring as a man who receives a mysterious e-mail, listing every woman he’s ever slept with — and ever will. (How does one get on that list, you ask? I have no idea.) The film also stars Julie Bowen, Leslie Bibb, Frances Fisher and The Facts of Life’s Mindy Cohn.
Tater Top winners announced For those of you who voted in E!Online’s Tater Top Awards, the results are in. Check out who won the Golden Taters by clicking here.
After watching the crazy Lostfinale, I’m sure you’re busy dissecting the complex plot points and deciphering the significance of numerous props. I, however, have one concern. Why is it that my Sawyer ends up at the end of a gun barrel at the end of every season?
Last year he took a bullet to the shoulder and a header into shark-infested waters, and this year he’s bound and gagged with a shotgun pointed in his back. Clearly The Others missed his “There’s a new sheriff in town” speech, or those beard-wearing freaks would be quaking in their…wait, they don’t actually wear shoes, do they? Nevermind.
Never — and I repeat — never have I been so disgruntled by a television show as I currently am Lost. Not when the Dawson’s Creekkids went away to college and temporarily lost their minds, not when Ally McBeal’sBilly bleached his hair blonde and started hanging out with Robert-Palmer girls and not when Buffy spent more time preaching to future slayers than staking vampires. All of that pales in comparison to the frustration I experienced during the Lost season finale.
I like to think I’m a patient gal, but guess what? I’m all out of patience for this island of misfits. Tonight’s preview touted that “The answers you’ve been waiting for are here.” Umm…not so much. Only a few answers were given. We found out what happens when the numbers aren't entered. We found out the plane crashed because the magnetic energy sucked it into the ocean in 2004 and that the bright light Locke saw in the hatch last year was courtesy of Desmond. And we found out that perhaps “Henry Gale” is “Him,” whatever that means.
We still know little about The Others. We don’t know what’s up with Walt’s powers. We don’t know about the voices, the Polar bear, the monster, the island's healing powers, the ghosts, the numbers, the injections, that creepy Owl, Frenchie, the black rock, the radio transmissions, the food replenishment and Marvin Candle’s hand. The one thing we do know is that if you’re a single woman even thinking about having sex on that island, you’ll be pushing up sand-fleas soon. (Note to Kate: no matter how sexy Jack and Sawyer look in the jungle, don’t go there, girl.)
I was hoping the finale would explain some of the mysteries from season one. Call me crazy, but I think two years is a long time to ask viewers to try and remember plot details that may or may not be meaningless. (Polar bear, monster and Watership Down anyone?) Yes, we got a few answers, but not enough to satisfy this loyal Lost viewer.
I realize I’m probably in the minority with this less-than-glowing review of the finale. My friend Anthony, who has analyzed Lostwith me from its debut, loved it. He hated last year’s ender, but thought this one gave him just enough answers. It left him wanting more, he said. It left me reaching for a bottle of aspirin. Sorry buddy.
I’m with Sawyer, I think aliens are behind this whole crazy mess. I’m guessing aliens with four toes, considering that weird statue. I’m joking, people. I’ve given up trying to figure out this show, and that saddens me. I don’t know if it was all the stops and starts in the Lost schedule or the myriad plot threads and prop symbols that overwhelmed me, but somewhere along the way I’ve lost my addiction to Lost. Yes, I still watch, but not with the anticipation and fervor I once did.
I did enjoy seeing The O.C.’sCaleb Nichol in the Desmond flashback. And I couldn’t help but chuckle that Desmond’s choice of what to read on his deathbed is Charles Dickens. But it’s the little things that bug me, like why Claire is fine with injecting her baby with an unknown drug she knows nothing about, and why the island folks aren’t knocking each other down to get to that sailboat and head for civilization.
As we head into the summer to contemplate the Lost adventure, I leave you with these thoughts. Is it a coincidence that Desmond looks like Jesus? (You know you were thinking it, too, “brother.”) Are Eko and Locke dead? Did Libby kill her husband? Are Michael and Walt in Fiji sipping Shirley Temples? And will Sawyer get to use his guns again? (Not those guns, sickos, his weapons.) Wait. His firearms.
Kudos to whomever named this show. I can’t think of a better title than Lost, considering that’s exactly how I feel when I watch it.
Apparently, Dawson’s creek didn’t run dry after all. Dawson, Pacey and Joey are heading back to the small screen in reruns. If you haven’t heard, The N network recently bought the rights to the former WB shows Dawson’s Creek and Summerland, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
I know what you’re thinking. The N Network? I hadn’t heard of it either, but if they’ve got the Creek, I’m in. Apparently, Dawson’s Creek will start airing this fall. The N network is a spin-off of Nickelodeon. The N is offered through digital cable providers, as well as DirecTV and Dish Network. To see if you can get it, check out the network’s Web page here: http://www.the-n.com/footerPage.php?id=1202#. Scroll to the footer of the page and click on “Find the N on your TV” on the left.
Those of you who never got on board with Summerland, you can try out all 26 episodes beginning May 1 on The N.
You know it’s going to be a strange year at the Academy Awards when Jessica Alba is on your best-dressed list and Gary Busey is the first person you spot on the red carpet. Seriously, not a good sign.
This year’s Oscars was full of surprises: favored "Brokeback Mountain" did not win Best Picture, a rap group took home the Best Song prize for “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp,” and Steve Carell looked gorgeous in fake eyelashes. (Who knew?)
Here’s a rundown of some of the best and worst moments:
Best skit: The opening montage that showed how show host Jon Stewart was chosen. Billy Crystal and Chris Rock poked their heads out of a tent, a la “Brokeback Mountain”, saying they were “too busy” to host. Then, Steve Martin and David Letterman gave child rearing as their excuses for not having time. Whoopi Goldberg answered with a simple “Oh, Hell no.” Mel Gibson responded, “Not me.” Even the voice of Mr. Moviefone turned down the gig, before the offer was pitched to Jon Stewart. Hmmm…somehow I don’t think this was entirely fiction.
Worst skit: Ben Stiller meandering around the stage in a green leotard presenting the award for visual effects. Need I say more?
Worst snub: Cutting off the microphones on Best Picture winner Paul Haggis, during his acceptance speech for “Crash” at the end of the show. Um, hello? The Best Picture category is the reason we watch this show for 12 endless hours, and to miss the payoff is insulting to the winner and the audience. Oh, but that’s right, they couldn’t save time elsewhere because they needed 10 minutes for the Academy president to ramble on about the evil of DVDs.
Best joke of the night: Jon Stewart for this gem: “I do have some sad news to report. Bjork couldn’t be here tonight. She was trying on her Oscar dress and Dick Cheney shot her!” (For those of you who don’t get this joke, do a Google image search for Bjork’s swan dress from the Oscars a few years ago.)
Jon Stewart rules: I don’t care that MSNBC and other media pundits reported him an Oscar-host failure akin to David Letterman. Clearly, those folks are out of touch with mainstream America. True, many of those in attendance didn’t seem to appreciate his humor. Still, how can you not love a guy who jokingly accused violinist Itzhak Perlman of “finger synching” and summed up “Walk the Line” as “Ray” with white people.
Best ad-lib: Actress Jennifer Garner tripped on her dress and almost fell on her way to the podium to present an award. Recovering, she quipped, “Thank you. I do my own stunts.”
Scene I never thought I’d see at the Oscars: Dancers dressed as pimps and hookers acting out a street hustle during Three 6 Mafia’s performance of the nominated song “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp.” After the rap group claimed the win for Best Song, a shocked Stewart quipped, “I think it just got a little easier out here for a pimp.”
I wish I could quit you: During Best Supporting Actor George Clooney’s acceptance speech, the camera panned to fellow Best Supporting Actor nominee Jake Gyllenhaal who looked disappointed at his loss. My husband Chad offered this explanation: “Yeah, he kissed a man and didn’t win. I’d be upset too.”
Kidman confusion: Nicole Kidman’s dialogue, when presenting Best Supporting Actor, had me confused from the get go. She started her speech with, “And the first Oscar of the night goes to a man who first came to prominence in a television show playing an emergency room doctor, or to…” It made me think she just forgot to announce the nominees and went straight for the winner. As it turned out, the award went to Clooney, who “first came to prominence in a television show playing an emergency room doctor.” The conspiracy theorist in me says that Kidman’s beginning dialogue was a heads up to her pal Clooney that he was the winner. But the reality is that it was probably just poor speech writing.
Mind if I look at your Winchester?: I’m still spinning from the sarcastic montage of classic westerns that Jon Stewart introduced when questioning the sexuality of the classic cowboys. The montage featured legendary cowboys such as John Wayne, Paul Newman, and others inspecting each other’s guns and one other. I’ll never be able to watch an old western the same way again. Hilarious.
DVD backlash: First the Academy president took a swipe at moviegoers, or the lack thereof, by saying that the only way to truly enjoy a movie is at the theater with a big screen, a room full of strangers, and sound blaring at us from all sides. Then, Jake Gyllenhaal wished us good luck in trying to enjoy "Ben-Hur" on a TV or portable DVD player. Dare I call them movie snobs? Note to Hollywood: Sure movies are better on the big screen. But, Smalltown, USA rarely gets the selection of films that you do, as they open in “limited release.” And not everyone has $40 to spend on an evening out for two movie tickets, popcorn and sodas. So, we pick and choose which ones to drop our cash on and which ones to wait for the DVD. By the way, I’m still waiting for my refund for “The Dukes of Hazzard.”
Dawson’s Creek alert: Jen Lindley (Michelle Williams) and Joey Potter’s roommate, Audrey (Busy Philipps) who is now brunette, were seated in the front row for the ceremony. Did they forget to call Dawson?
Everybody loves George: The best running joke of the night was the fact that apparently everyone loves George Clooney. Several winners paid tribute to him. Three 6 Mafia gave him a shout out during their acceptance speech. Winner Corine Marrinan thanked the Academy for seating her next to Clooney at the luncheon, and makeup winner Howard Berger joked, “I’m just glad Clooney doesn’t do makeup.” Even host Stewart got in on the gag after Clooney won an Oscar, “Doesn’t he have ENOUGH?”
Cutest skit: Chicken Little and his friend Abby Mallard, the duck, presenting an award for animation. Abby, upset that she has no pants in her costume and that Disney consistently refuses to give the duck characters pants, went on a political rant that even Mickey Mouse and Pinocchio have pants. In an effort of protest, Chicken Little ripped off his pants, only to realize he was naked in front of a billion viewers. Horrified, he quickly crafted a makeshift pair of pants out of the winner envelope. Too cute. Disney, you have been warned.
Red carpet arrivals, not: The arrival interviews are usually one of my favorite parts of the show. Not this year. E!’s coverage with host Isaac Mizrahi was atrocious. He interviewed only a few celebrities, and when he did, the questions were silly and predictable. Ryan Seacrest was the best part. Why isn’t he down on the red carpet? Oh how I miss Kathy Griffin and Joan and Melissa. Hence, I clicked over to my TiVo’d TV- Guide-Channel arrivals with Joan. She didn’t fare much better. Unless I missed it, I didn’t see her interview Reese, Joaquin, Charlize and the other big-name nominees. Did the stars decide to boycott the interviews this year, or am I just watching the wrong channels?
Fashion Smashion: The theme this year was Return to Glamour. Too bad the ladies didn’t get the memo. These were the least glamorous Oscar fashions I’ve seen in years. Several dresses were boring colors: beige, ecru and off white. Others were black, boring and safe. My best-dressed list includes Salma Hayek in a gorgeous teal number, Jennifer Lopez in olive green, and Jessica Alba in a beige number with a small train. My worst dressed list is a shock, even to me. Michelle Williams’s bright yellow frock was painful, despite that her face and hair were beautiful and flawless. And Charlize Theron, who can never look bad, missed the mark with her dress featuring a hideous, gigantic bow on one shoulder. Where are Halle and Renee when you need them?
What do Spike, Deputy Barney Fife, and J.R. Ewing have in common?
They’re some of my all-time favorite TV characters that I’d most like to have to dinner. Of course, I’d have to make room for a few other favorites. And that list is pretty big. But just imagine this dinner conversation: Alex P. Keaton talking about whom he’s endorsing for president. Murphy Brown explaining the role the media played in Martha Stewart’s conviction. Jed Clampett telling us the best way to clean the cement pond. And Jerry Seinfeld going on about ... well, nothing.
TV’s most memorable characters can usually be identified by just one name. Who doesn’t recognize Lucy, Dawson, Roseanne, or Felicity?
But compiling a list of the all-time best characters, is a tough job, even for a TV expert such as myself. Where do you draw the line?Are cartoon characters a separate category, or can Bugs Bunny be included in the list? Should I choose characters by topic, such as best detectives, funniest females, who looks best in leather pants? Or should I group them decade-by-decade?
You see my dilemma.
For my favorite TV doctors, Doug Ross, Cliff Huxtable, and Michaela Quinn would certainly make the cut. And for favorite detectives, no list would be complete without Andy Sipowicz, Thomas Magnum, and Adrian Monk.
But what about actors who’ve pulled double duty and created more than one memorable character? Do you chose Opie Taylor or Richie Cunningham? Zack Morris or John Clark Jr.? Michael Knight or Mitch Buchannon?
And what about favorite aliens? Is it really fair to include Clark Kent in the same category as ALF?
Some characters have endeared themselves to me with a simple phrase. For Archie Bunker, it was the invention of “meathead.” For Vinnie Barbarino, it was that cocky slur “Mis-tuh Kot-ter.” For other characters, I love them for their abilities. Who could resist a man like MacGyver, who can scale a mountain with only a shoestring? Or Buffy Summers, who can stake a vampire after landing a back handspring?
Narrowing my list of favorites to the top 10 is even more difficult, like trying to pick your favorite kind of chocolate. So I’ve decided, the more the merrier.
Sure, my dinner party may be crowded. But it won’t be dull. And planning the seating chart is the most fun I’ve had in a long time.I think it’s safe to put Hawkeye Pierce next to Wonder Woman. But, seating Marcia Brady next to Joey Tribbiani could be troublesome.
I’m not sure Frasier Crane would have much in common with Crockett and Tubbs. But watching Bret Maverick share some card tips with La Femme Nikita would be a hoot. And who could resist eavesdropping on bionic woman Jaime Sommers discussing home improvement projects with Tim Taylor, or listening to Cosmo Kramer and Ed Stevens discuss the merits of a good bowling shirt?
And there’s one match I’m certain would be a hit: Wile E. Coyote and Lex Luthor. With Lex’s advice, maybe that pesky Road Runner would finally get his comeuppance.
Originally published 3/10/04 in The Exponent Telegram newspaper.
TV junkies everywhere, let’s give thanks. Somehow, somewhere, someone has made it possible that we never again miss an episode of our favorite shows. TV has come to DVD.
Chances are, whatever small-screen guilty pleasure made you learn to program your VCR is now available on DVD. From Gilligan’s Island to Good Times, you can find it. Friends, Cheers, M*A*S*H*, Married... with Children – yep, they’re all there. Complete seasons of current hit shows such as Frasier, ER, Alias, 24, C.S.I., and The West Wing are available, too. Even those beloved classics that you thought you’d only catch in late-night, bleary-eyed syndication are up for grabs. The Jeffersons, All in the Family, and Sanford and Son have complete seasons for sale.
You can buy the DVD sets new at local retail stores or on the Internet at www.amazon.com. But be warned: it’s an expensive habit. Prices vary from $25 for Kung Fu season one, to a whopping $85 for The Sopranos complete first season. For the bargain hunter, Internet auction sites such as eBay, Half, and Amazon offer used DVDs for a fraction of the cost of new ones.
The down side: it can be addictive. Before you know it, you’ll be monitoring eBay at 3 a.m. to win The X-Files from some guy in New Zealand . If you’re lucky, you may be able to rent a complete season of your favorite show at a local video store. Some offer DVD rentals for popular hits such as Sex and the City.
The most brilliant part of TV on DVD is the bonus material. Cast interviews, commentaries, bloopers, and behind-the-scenes footage often accompany the episodes. Often times, these cast get-togethers are the highlight of the disc. Truthfully, if offered, who out there could resist an interview with the Duke boys and Cooter telling us what they really thought of cousin Daisy’s shorts?
Then, there are the little DVD treasures known as Easter eggs. No, they’re not chocolate, but almost as good. Easter eggs are hidden segments, not found on the disc main menu, with a surprise inside. For example, on the season two Felicity DVD, the Easter egg is a Scott Speedman audition.
These hidden gems don’t actually look like Easter eggs. They can take the form of a flower, a letter, anything pictured on the menu. Not all DVDs have this added feature.The trick to the Easter egg is finding it. Through a series of remote control commands, the egg can be opened and viewed. I’m not sure who takes the time to hunt the eggs, but I’m grateful. Frankly, I don’t think I would have found them, if not for the help of Internet message boards.
The Web site www.tvshowsondvd.com offers information on all TV shows being released on DVD. Release dates, reviews, and feature information are usually provided for each show. You can also vote there to put your favorite show on DVD.
Whoever proposed putting TV series on DVD should be commended, especially since networks and studios are rarely re-airing episodes anymore. Instead, they’re inserting new reality shows during the typical summer rerun season. I’m not sure if this is just a general change in how they do business, or if the lack of viewings is deliberate to boost DVD sales. If the latter is true, then that reasoning is silly. Devoted fans of a show will buy the DVD, even if they’ve seen the episodes more than once. Trust me.
Don't believe me? Check my closet. Dawson’s Creek, M*A*S*H*, and Felicity are all neighbors in my collection. I’m saving up for Wiseguy and the soon-to-be released beloved Freaks and Geeks. (No show was ever treated shabbier in the history of TV, but fans clamored to get the 18 precious episodes released on DVD, and the show creators listened.)
In May, Northern Exposure, Party of Five, and The Waltons are just some of many TV series coming to DVD. So rejoice TV viewers. Ross, Rachel, Sam, and Diane are preserved forever, and just a click away. You can relive it all again. Or finally watch the end of an episode you didn’t see in its entirety the first time.
For me, I’m anxious to resolve a question that’s plagued me for years when I missed the end of a Simpsons episode in the early 90s: did Homer really take a walk on the wild side with country singer Lurlene Lumpkin?
I guess I’ll find out on DVD.
Originally published 3-3-04 in The Exponent Telegram newspaper.
by Ashley Gouveia
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