Teri Hatcher sings on American Idol with Band From TV

Last night on Idol Gives Back, TV star Teri Hatcher took to the mic to show off her vocal skills. Hatcher performed with one of the coolest bands ever, Band From TV. (And yes, I’m saying that because they’re all TV stars that I love, and they donate their performance proceeds to charity.)

Those of you unfamiliar with Band From TV, you’re in for a treat. Greg Grunberg, who I’ve adored since Felicity, rocks out on drums. Jesse Spencer, of House, gets down with his bad self on violin. James Denton, of Desperate Housewives, plays a mean guitar. And Bonnie Sommerville (Boston Legal) and Bob Guiney (The Bachelor) do back-up vocals. Usually, House star Hugh Laurie plays in the band, but he wasn’t on stage for Hatcher’s performance.

Folks across the ‘net this morning have been harsh on Hatcher for her foray into country music last night. But, I think she did a decent job. She’s got a nice voice. Plus, Tubers, keep in mind, she’s singing a Carrie Underwood song, which is equivalent to the vocal talents of country legend Martina McBride. In other words, no one can sing a Carrie Underwood song and sound as good as Carrie Underwood. The girl has vocal chords from Heaven.

Here’s the video. Frankly, I enjoyed it.

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Lois and Clark Season 4 available today

Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher fans, run, don’t walk to get the final season of Lois & Clark, released today on DVD.

I know you’ve been waiting for months for the final chapter in the Lois &Clark love story. (OK, so maybe it’s just me. But, hey, I fully admit my Dean Cain obsession, so there is no shame here.)

The final season includes the much-anticipated wedding and Clark in that crazy, sexy blue-black tight combo. So, order yours today by clicking here:

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Golden Globes 2005

January 19, 2005

Where’s Roberto Benigni when you need him?

The Golden Globe Awards Sunday were, well, I’ll just say it. Boring. You wouldn’t expect it from a show that featured Mork, Mick Jagger, and Dirty Harry. But there it is.

Supposedly, the Globes are known as the “fun” awards show. Translation: an open bar and tipsy actors letting go of their political correctness for one night. Granted, the Globes have never had the flair of the Oscars, but they usually have enough zest to hold my attention. Until this year.

Halfway through, I was praying for Rob Lowe to bust out an embarrassing musical number with Snow White or for someone to plant a spontaneous wet one on Halle Berry, reminiscent of Adrien Brody. No such luck.

Here’s a wrap-up of the best and worst moments:

• Best inside joke: “William Shatner.” Shatner’s first words while claiming Best Supporting Actor in a TV Series was a hilarious nod to his memory-challenged Boston Legal character Denny Crane, who constantly says his own name aloud in order to remember it.
• Moment I Never Thought I’d See: Mick Jagger wins a Golden Globe for Best Original Song and says he won’t be thanking his children, because he has too many to name.
• Best inspiration to hit the gym: The Desperate Housewives. With the exception of Eva Longoria, they are all over 40, but they inspired 20-year-olds worldwide to put down the Ben and Jerry’s and pick up the free weights.
• Funniest post show moment: Robin Williams offered his take on the Brad Pitt/Jennifer Aniston split: "Once you've been Achilles, you're vulnerable."
• Sometimes, less is more: “Well, thanks.” Clint Eastwood’s simple, yet endearing, acceptance speech for Best Director. And you thought, “Go ahead, make my day” was meaningful and to the point.
• You were robbed: Julian McMahon as Christian Troy on Nip/Tuck, should have taken home the gold for Best Actor in a TV Drama. The scene where he lost son Wilbur was a two-box Kleenex moment.
• Why couldn’t it have been a tie? Lost and Nip/Tuck are equally thrilling dramas. As much as I enjoy Nip/Tuck, I was hoping Lost would win for Best TV Drama, too. I’m pacified with the knowledge that Lost is in its first year, and there are many more awards show to come. That is, if the “monster” doesn’t kill everyone by summer hiatus.
• No love for Scrubs: Zach Braff was snubbed again. And, I’m still bitter that Dr. Cox didn’t even get a nomination. Sure, Jason Bateman is certainly deserving of the win for Best Actor in a TV Comedy for Arrested Development, but that show has had so much press and critical acclaim, I was hoping Scrubs would finally get some Hollywood love.
• Best speech of the night, male: Jamie Foxx. He aborted the stodgy name listing and went for humor and charm. He even gave a sarcastic shout-out to his small, Southern hometown newspaper, that until Sunday, despite his success, had never had him on the front page. As the award season continues, I think he’ll be making plenty of front pages.
• Best speech of the night, female: Teri Hatcher. Gracious and self-deprecating, Hatcher was refreshing at the microphone. She was genuine, even calling herself a “has been,” reminding the crowd that she couldn’t buy an audition in the past few years. All I can say is Hollywood must be a tough business, if the beautiful, talented Hatcher has to hawk Radio Shack merchandise.
• Worst speech of the night, male and female: All of the recipients (too many to mention) who did nothing but rattle off a list of names. Really, people, you are paid entertainers. Why is it when the world is watching, suddenly you have nothing interesting to say? Do us a favor, come up with something witty, and send your entourage thank-you notes instead.
• Robin Williams: If I’m ever stranded on a desert island, I hope Williams is there. At least I’d die laughing.
• Most welcome return: Joan and Melissa Rivers back on the Red Carpet. Sure, it was on the little-known TV Guide Channel that nobody gets, but Joan didn’t waste any time before making the first of several embarrassing gaffes. She congratulated Monk's Tony Shalhoub on his win last year, although he lost. Hey, at least she wasn’t boring.
  
  Originally published 1/19/05 in The Exponent Telegram newspaper.
  
  

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More new show reviews: Veronica Mars, Desperate Housewives, Kevin Hill, The Mountain and Lost

October 6, 2004

I’m making a fearless prediction here: 2005 may be the best year in television we’ve had in years.

Based on the fall shows that have already debuted, it suddenly feels like the glory days of the '90s again. That was the decade that gave us Buffy, Felicity, Dawson, Seinfeld and Friends. Despite the fact that creative genius Joss Whedon won’t have a show on the air in 2005– I know, it hurts me, too – we may be OK. Here’s the proof.

Veronica Mars – Three stars. This show is getting plenty of critical acclaim, and rightly so. Veronica Mars – (how cool is that name?) – is a high school student by day and detective by night. She’s tough, quick-witted, and could teach courses in sarcasm. Of course, she has plenty of reasons to be sarcastic; She’s suddenly an outcast at school, where she once was popular. Her father was fired as the town sheriff. Her boyfriend dumped her. She was raped, and oh yeah, her best friend was murdered. (And you thought you had a tough time in high school.) Even with all those heavy storylines, Veronica Mars is funny. The writing is sharp and so is the sincere, humorous delivery, thanks to lead actress Kristen Bell. In Bell’s capable hands, Veronica has the intelligence, charm, and sparkle of those other take-no-prisoners teens Buffy Summers and Chloe Sullivan, but she has an originality all her own. Veronica is on the case to solve her best friend’s murder. Do yourself a favor and join her. Please? This is the kind of quality television we can’t afford to lose. Catch it Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on UPN.

Desperate Housewives – Two stars. Other critics have touted it as the season’s best new show. I don’t share that opinion. It wasn’t as good as I’d hoped or heard. It’s a mix of a black comedy, mystery, and drama with some soap opera elements. It’s odd I didn’t love this show. The story premise is interesting, and the cast is excellent, especially Teri Hatcher and Marcia Cross, who seem made for their roles. But it’s a little creepy in the suburban cul-de-sac of desperate housewives. I liked it. I didn’t love it. Catch it Sundays at 9 p.m. on ABC.

Kevin Hill – Three stars. Taye Diggs shines as a charming attorney who inherits his cousin’s baby. The cousin was electrocuted trying to splice and steal cable. (The TV gal in me loves that.) While the gimmicky drama of inheriting a child isn’t new – (We saw it already this season on Summerland.) – Diggs brings a fresh perspective. It’s fun watching him go through the challenges of Mr. Mom, while juggling his social life and promising career. If that’s not enough to entice you, maybe this will: Diggs has quite possibly the best smile on television. Catch it Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on UPN.

The Mountain - Two stars. Poor David, he inherited a ski resort at beautiful Boundary Mountain. Sure, the place is packing a wad of debt and a rival resort is closing in, but how is this a bad thing? Oh yeah. He can’t be bothered by the day-to-day business of running the playground for the rich because he wants to race his motorbike. Oliver Hudson is good. But something just didn’t click in this drama. The best part is the breathtaking scenery and the cool action shots of airborne skiers and motor cross racers. Now, if only the plot was as daring. Catch it Thursdays at 8 p.m. on The WB.

Lost – Four stars. Seriously, why can’t all TV be this good? For those of you who continue to ignore my advice and avoid this winner, there will be consequences. I’ll be talking to Santa about you and your obvious lack of sense. No, ABC isn’t paying me to peddle this show. (I wish.) It’s just so fantastic that I want you to experience how innovative and exciting the TV medium can be when it tries. If you missed Lost, you can still catch up. Tonight is only the third episode. And before the show airs, ABC gives a lengthy recap of what previously happened so you won’t be – (I can’t resist) – lost. Catch it Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on ABC.

Originally published 10/6/04 in The Exponent Telegram newspaper.

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Fall previews: Lost, Desperate Housewives, Clubhouse, LAX, Father of the Pride, The Mountain, Joey and Kevin Hill

August 18, 2004

There are a lot of reasons to love fall. Crisp autumn air. Colorful foliage. Finding out if Chloe is really dead on Smallville.

The debut of the fall TV season is just around the corner, and I’m more excited than Ross Geller in a roomful of dinosaur bones. Fall is the time of year when TV junkies return to their couches, renewed with optimism that this may be the year that brings the next Seinfeld or The West Wing.

It’s also the time of year when cliffhanger questions are resolved. And thank goodness. Frankly, I’ve been worried about my boy Danny on Las Vegas and whether he’ll make it home from his military tour. And then there’s poor Seth on The O.C., who set sail for Tahiti from Orange County with little more than a dingy and a bottle of water. And how is Joey doing without his Friends? Sure, not all storylines are resolved at the onset of the season. I’m certain JAG lawyers Mac and Harm won’t confess their undying love, even though they’ve teased viewers for years. But with fall comes hope eternal.

After seeing some promos of the network’s new drama and comedy shows, I can say that this year’s lineup isn’t all bad. Aside from the typical crop of reality shows, the fall TV season may have some potential.

From early buzz, my TV expertise, and what clips I’ve seen, here are my picks for some shows to check out this fall. Take it for what you will. They may all be gone by midseason.

Clubhouse - Someone in the world of TV executives must have got my bribe. Dean Cain is back in primetime. And he’s once again in uniform. This time, Cain has traded in his Lois and Clark Superman tights for a baseball uniform. Clubhouse is a drama about a 16-year-old boy who lands his dream job of being a batboy for a professional baseball team. The show also stars Christopher Lloyd of Back to the Future fame. If Dean and Lloyd aren’t enough reason to watch, this may sway you: Aaron Spelling and Mel Gibson - yes that Mel Gibson - are two of the executive producers. Clubhouse will preview Sunday, Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. on CBS. It premieres Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 9 p.m. on CBS.

Lost - Another reason to tune back into primetime this season, Matthew Fox returns to the small screen in this adventure drama. Fox has left behind his Party of Five for a party of plane-wrecked strangers stranded on an island. The plane crash scene alone is reason enough to check out this one. Science fiction lovers may want to tune in, too. I have a feeling those mysterious creatures in the woods aren’t just birds. J.J. Abrams, of Felicity and Alias fame, is the creator behind Lost. It premieres Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 8 p.m. on ABC.

Desperate Housewives - From the promos, this soapy drama looks like Sex and the City in the suburbs. Except, the story is told from a dead woman’s point of view. Unusual, yes. And for that reason, I’m willing to try it. The cast looks interesting, too. Teri Hatcher, from Lois and Clark, has finally found something to do instead of those Radio Shack commercials. Marcia Cross of Melrose Place and Eva Longoria of The Young and the Restless also star. Desperate Housewives premieres Sunday, Sept. 8 at 9 p.m. on ABC.

LAX - Monday night’s favorite vixen is back. Heather Locklear returns to Mondays in this drama set in an international airport. Also starring is Blair Underwood of L.A. Law. The show looks fast-paced from the promos, with romantic entanglements and drama in abundance. Some critics who’ve already viewed tapes of the series don’t love it, but if Locklear is involved how bad can it be? Plus, I predict adorable Australian Paul Leyden will be the breakout star, if he has a big enough role. Leyden is familiar to daytime viewers from for his role on As The World Turns. I met him a few years ago, and he already had a fan following. LAX premieres Monday, Sept. 13 at 10 p.m. on NBC.

Father of the Pride - I love shows that are unusual. And from the previews I’ve seen, boy this one is. From the creator of Shrek, this animated comedy follows a pride of lions who work as performers in the famous Las Vegas Siegfried and Roy show. John Goodman and Carl Reiner provide two of the celebrity voices. Although the show is animated, it’s not for children. Adults only. It premieres Tuesday, Aug. 31 at 9 p.m. on NBC.

Kevin Hill - Not since Ally McBeal, has Taye Diggs played an attorney. In this drama, Diggs is a legal eagle who inherits a baby girl. Diggs is so talented that whatever he’s in shouldn’t be missed. Kevin Hill premieres Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 9 p.m. on UPN.

Joey – Joey is moving on without his Friends. How can longtime Friends viewers not watch to see what happens when he makes the move to California? Joey premieres Thursday, Sept. 9 at 8 p.m. on NBC.

The Mountain – Set in a mountain resort, this drama involves a family struggling to run a failing business. The scenery looks gorgeous. And so does the cast. Oliver Hudson, of Dawson’s Creek and brother of Kate Hudson, stars. The Mountain premieres Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 9 p.m. on The WB.

Originally published 8/18/04 in The Exponent Telegram newspaper.

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