by Ashley Gouveia
Happy Halloween!
Since it is the one day of the year where it’s considered fun to be frightened I thought I would sit down and watch the screener for this Sunday’s Simpson’s episode. Now I know you’re probably thinking I shouldn’t get scared of cartoons, but I can’t help it. Mr. Burns is one freaky-looking cartoon character.
Let’s move on.
I was prepared for the creepy and scary moments similar to previous years. But I am glad to report that this one didn’t have the same effect on me. Apart from Mr. Burns not being in the episode, it was focused more on the funny and satirical parts of the holidays. It had Christmas, Thanksgiving and Halloween all wrapped into one. I actually laughed out loud at some of the jokes.
There’s a really funny part right in the beginning when Election Day hits Springfield. It involves Homer, John McCain and an electronic voting machine. Craziness ensues and we get a few laughs from it. Also, look out for Grandpa Simpson’s vote for pres. I think he’s standing alone on that one.
Then Christmas arrived early for the residents of Springfield. I guess it’s not only the department stores that like to rush the holidays. Bart decides to give Lisa a Malibu Stacy convertible that transforms itself and every other electronic device into fighting killer robots. This one had its moments, like what the robots decide to do after they stop fighting with each other, but it wasn’t my favorite part of the episode.
I’m not an avid fan of The Simpsons but I think that killing Homer is the running joke of the show. Every minute he was getting blown away or eaten by something, which was entertaining. I especially like what happens after he goes on a killing rampage and decides to take out celebrities for profit. The way that one ends is pretty hysterical. Let’s just say I can’t look at Abe Lincoln in the same way after this.
Without a doubt my favorite part of the episode has to be the It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown parody. It had the most laughs with the so-called “pumpkin atrocities” that we humans do every Halloween. I also learned some facts about pumpkins that I never knew before.
If you’re sick of the traditional slasher flicks and just want something to make you laugh, then check out the new Simpson’s episode on Sunday November 2nd at 8/7c.
Commentary with a Co-Ed is a weekly column at Tube Talk new every Friday.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Commentary with a Co-Ed: Get spooky with The Simpsons Halloween
Subscribe by RSSTuesday, October 28, 2008
Commentary with a Co-Ed: Doomsday rocks Smallville
I absolutely loved the most recent episode of Smallville. I was getting worried that I had lost the show that had originally captivated my attention. Weird alien princesses and psychotic jewelers don’t add up to fascinating hours of television for me. However, a heroic Clark and the beginnings of one of the ultimate super villains can certainly glue me to the tube. Pair those two things with a Sam Witwer shower scene, and I’m calling it the best episode of the season.
There wasn’t much to not like about this episode. Jimmy was in it, and even he didn’t bother me like he usually does. Davis Bloome was back and seemingly causing murders all over Metropolis. I want to give applause to Sam Witwer because his teary confession to Chloe was heartbreaking. It had me wanting to give him a big hug and hope he doesn’t go all Doomsday on me. He is eventually going to take out Superman, but I can’t help but feel sorry for the guy.
Chloe helping the meteor infected at Isis was certainly something new for her. But she still had that investigative drive which I loved to see. The old Chloe is still in there somewhere. It was great to see her back at the Daily Planet again even if it wasn’t in any official capacity. Clark going behind her back to get the names of her clients was enough to cause some friction between the two. But I thought it made for a great dynamic throughout the episode.
Speaking of great dynamic, Allison Mack and Sam Witwer have amazing chemistry together. They hit all of their scenes out of the park. Chloe really feels that Davis is a good person and isn’t capable of hurting anyone. Like Clark said, she is putting a lot of trust into someone she just met. I thought it was really interesting that when Davis asked her if there was anyone else she felt an ease with, she didn’t say Jimmy. Well, I think we all know the answer to that one.
I have noticed that Smallville has taken a darker tone this season. The sets in Metropolis are always dark and gloomy a definite contrast to the consistently sunny Kent Farm. I think it’s their way of maturing the show a little bit, giving it more of an edge. I’m kind of enjoying it, but it would be nice to see the old Kent Farm for a longer amount of time.
All in all, it was a great episode and if there’s more like that one headed our way, then I welcome it.
Commentary with a Co-Ed is a weekly column at Tube Talk new every Friday
Monday, October 20, 2008
Note to the Dancing With the Stars judges: Stop picking on Toni Braxton
Dear Bruno, Carrie Ann, and Len,
Each season, I watch Dancing With the Stars and listen as you constructively criticize the stars to push them to improve each week. Most of the time, I agree with your assessment. I appreciate that when you goad the talent, they deliver.
However, after tonight’s shows, I have to ask, have you gotten into Cloris Leachman’s muscle relaxers? Are you taking bitchy tips from Cheryl Burke? (Seriously, I’m still in shock at how rude she was to call her partner, Maurice Greene, lazy. The dude is definitely not lazy.) Judges, you’re acting nonsensical with these constant tough critiques of Toni Braxton.
For several weeks now, you’ve given Braxton mediocre scores and less-than-glowing comments, despite her sharp routines. But tonight, when she performed a gorgeous, fun dance, you rewarded her with even more tough comments and more mediocre scores (seven, seven, and an eight.) Adding salt to the wound, Carrie Ann and Len awarded Braxton sevens, the very same score they gave to Cloris Leachman’s dance. Even more puzzling, is the fact that mediocre dancer Susan Lucci seems to do no wrong in their eyes. The judges lavished praise on Lucci, along with some criticism, for her dull hustle and awarded her the same scores as Braxton.
What gives, judges? Did Braxton tick you off in another life? Why are you consistently so tough on her, while Lucci, Leachman, and the other dancers don’t perform at her level?
Please explain.
Seriously disillusioned,
Tube Talk Girl
P.S. Can you slip Cheryl Burke some happy pills?
Gossip Girl's Chuck Bass the “womanizer”
If you haven’t met Bass, check out this fun video, set to Britney Spears’ new song “Womanizer.” (No, I can't believe I'm plugging a Britney Spears song either. It's a sure sign of the Apocalypse.)
Anwyay, I couldn’t have chosen a better theme song for Chuck if I had tried.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Joshua Jackson on cover of TV Guide
Every now and then I regress back to my ‘90s TV obsession, Dawson’s Creek, and call Jackson “Pacey,” even though the show has been off the air for years, and he’s now playing a new character on Fringe, quite different from the kid I fell for on the Creek.
If you’re a Jackson fan, you don’t want to miss the October 16 issue of TV Guide. See the photo for evidence as to why.
Jackson and his new Fringe co-star Anna Torv are featured in a cover story that examines the new J.J. Abrams cult show Fringe on FOX.
So, if you haven’t seen the show, at least check out the story for an update on Jackson. Who knows? You may just find yourself tuning in to see how “Pacey” matured. I bet Dawson already has his copy.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Review: The Mentalist not just another procedural
The Mentalist
Premiere Date: September 23, 2008
Airs: Tuesdays at 9:o0 p.m. on CBS
by Jennifer Squires Biller
I’m a sucker for fake psychics (hence my devotion to the Psych boys), but especially when they look and captivate like Simon Baker.
The Mentalist is a procedural crime drama that features Baker as a slick-but-tortured hero, Patrick Jane. He helps the police department solve crimes with his keen sense of observation, while injecting his dry sense of humor and charm. It’s a winning combination.
Those of you who like procedural crime dramas, this one is a gem. I’m not a fan of the genre myself, but even I’m tuning in to watch Baker work his magic. In one hilarious scene, his character beats a guy at every turn of Rock, Paper, Scissors. Whether he does it by using his deductive reasoning, acute awareness, or his grafter skills, it makes no difference. You’ll be mesmerized.
Make no mistake: it’s Baker that sells this show. Without him, it would be just another ordinary run-of-the-mill procedural. It’s a shame, though, that he isn’t allowed to use his real Australian accent for the role. As delicious as his cool-as-a whisper voice is, it’s even better when he speaks in his native tongue.
The Mentalist has been incorrectly labeled online as being a Psych rip-off. Don’t believe what you read. The two shows couldn’t be more diverse in tone and character. Psych is practically a comedy, with its razor-sharp pop-culture references, witty fast-paced dialogue, and light-hearted storylines, while The Mentalist is a procedural crime drama — keyword drama — with dark elements and some light humor sprinkled throughout.
Jane’s character is on the hunt for a serial killer, Red John, who killed his family. In the same way we root for Monk to get justice for the death of his wife, we’ll be rooting for Jane, too, to track down his family’s killer. I’ve added The Mentalist to my DVR season pass; that’s how much I enjoyed the first two episodes.
The Mentalist faces tough timeslot competition, but it should prove a winner for CBS. If you’re a fan of procedural crime dramas, this is the one new show this season you shouldn’t miss. It doesn’t have the character depth yet of NYPD Blue or Monk, but it’s early, so give it time. I think audiences will be rooting for Patrick Jane, before they know it. I already am.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Don’t miss Eli Stone’s season premiere
If you had visions of George Michael singing throughout the day, you’d need to get therapy, too. So don’t judge Eli Stone, when he returns this week and gets a therapist.
As therapists go, she’s a pretty cool one, if you consider that actress Sigourney Weaver is playing her.
Regular readers know that Eli Stone was one of only two new shows last season that I loved. (Pushing Daisies was the other.) The smell is off the Daisies for me this season, so far, as I haven’t been too impressed with the first two episodes of that show. I think Eli, however, won’t disappoint.
If you missed the show last year, please check it out this season. I want Eli to stick around.
Catch Eli Stone at 10 p.m. Tuesday on ABC.
Samantha Who returns Monday with Cybil Shepherd
Samantha Who is about to meet her competition, another sassy blonde by the name of Cybil Shepherd. Shepherd is guest starring as a nemesis of Sam’s mother in Monday’s season premiere of Samantha Who.
Sam and her mom team up against Shepherd’s character for a dance competition. Apparently, pre-amnesia Sam could dance, but post-amnesia Sam, not so much. And as in all good sitcoms, trouble ensues.
Dancing With the Stars cutie Mark Ballas also guest stars in the episode.
Catch Samantha Who at 9:30 p.m. ET Monday on ABC.
Gossip Girl sneak peek
Photo: courtesy of CW; Do not duplicate.
The claws are out.
Friday, October 10, 2008
The Starter Wife is back tonight
A show I enjoy almost as much as John McCain enjoys using the term “my friends” returns tonight on the USA Network. The Starter Wife, starring Debra Messing premieres at 9 p.m. ET.
Molly Kagan is back as the socialite mom, whose husband ditched her for a younger woman.
If you missed the miniseries last season, don’t fret. You’ll be able to catch up quickly. Messing is a joy in the role, and the series gives an inside look at Hollywood and all the marriage craziness that ensues. Check it out for a fun, Friday night escape.
Commentary with a Co-Ed: Maxima lands in Smallville
Photo: Copyright" Photo courtesyof the CW 2008. Do not duplicate.
by Ashley Gouveia
I’m disappointed that last night’s new episode of Smallville happens to be the first time I’m writing about it since the start of season eight. I actually enjoyed the first two episodes, and last week’s had tons of Justin Hartley goodness. Unfortunately, I wasn’t that impressed with last night’s episode. Not even the premise of bringing the comic-book-character Maxima could hold my attention.
The new baddie in town, Tess Mercer, had been looking for Lex and only has Clark’s fortress crystal to help in her search. She believed that it held the answers she was looking for. When she tried to get that information she sent a beacon into space that alerted Maxima, who was on a little search of her own. She was looking for her soul mate.
She needs to get in line.
However, her perfect mate is Kryptonian. How she could ever mistake Jimmy as a Kryptonian is beyond me. Of course, Jimmy was willing and able to get in a lip lock with her. It took him a long time to pull away before he remembered Chloe. Then the pheromones took over. Oh, brother. Next time Jimmy, I suggest you don’t take the bartender’s advice.
The reason that Jimmy was at the bar wallowing in his sorrows was because he found a letter that Chloe wrote to Clark. Long time fans will remember this letter back from season two when Chloe read it to Clark while he was sick. If I were Jimmy, I would have asked Chloe why she held on to it for all these years. But he only asked her why she has never said those things to him.
Maxima finally realized that Clark was the one she was looking for. Then, in a matter of minutes, put it together that Lois and Clark have a special bond. Huh? Really. I’m going to steal a line from Dean Winchester and say; “I’m not buyin’ what you’re selling.”
After the Clark and Maxima makeout scene, he snapped out of it and took her away before she clobbered Lois. He told her that his destiny was here on Earth and sent little Miss Vixen back to whence she came.
There was one scene that I actually enjoyed and that was one with Tess and Chloe. Cassidy Freeman has been a great addition to the cast. I am loving her character so far. It was awesome to hear Chloe being all tough with Tess and not taking to her threats. Like she said, she has dealt with the Luthors before and she doesn’t scare easily.
The Clark and Chloe scene, when she explained away the letter, was made of epic fail for me. Why bring up a letter from seasons ago that has been cherished by so many fans and deal with it in that way? As a long-time viewer and a Clark and Chloe fan, I have to say I was disappointed. Maybe Chloe’s Brainiac infection is leading her to say all these odd things. Or maybe that’s just my own reasoning, so I can continue to watch the show.
What do you all think about season eight so far? Is it living up to your expectations? Tell me your thoughts in the comments.
Commentary with a Co-Ed is a weekly column at Tube Talk new every Friday
Friday, October 03, 2008
Commentary with a Co-Ed: Ugly Betty still charms
by Ashley Gouveia
Betty is back!
I’m beyond thrilled that Betty and the gang are back in action for the show’s third season. I’ve missed Marc and Amanda’s witty banter and, of course, Mode. Imagine my disappointment when I thought that Betty wasn’t going to be at Mode for the foreseeable future. Let me say this; Mode and Betty go together like peanut butter and jelly. If you try to separate them, it’s just not as enjoyable.
But the writers decided to go the smart way and get Betty back into Mode. However, she wasn’t working for Daniel but for Wilhelmina. Gasp! After about five minutes of me saying, “How could she do this?” I accepted it. Last week I didn’t like how Betty began working at Player magazine. I saw it as a big step down for her. I wanted her to be loyal to Daniel, but he was fooling himself. He missed Mode just as much as she did. Thank the TV gods that he realized that by the end of the episode.
How great was it that Marc was the one who inadvertently got Wilhelmina demoted and Daniel back as Editor in Chief? That was a great moment between him and Betty. Claire Meade is still made of awesome. I loved it when she shattered the crystal sculpture of Wilhelmina. She doesn’t fool around.
There were two storylines that I didn’t like last season that I’d hoped would disappear. Daniel having a son was not one that I was excited about. Introducing never-before-seen-children into a big ensemble show could be a disaster. Remember what happened to Gilmore Girls when Luke’s long lost daughter showed up? I couldn’t get on board with this story. But last night had me enjoying Daniel and DJ’s scenes. I think that if the writers keep the story at a minimal, I could actually enjoy it.
The other storyline was the one with Christina and the baby. It was revealed that Christina’s husband only needed the money for more drugs. Color me not surprised. I never trusted his character. Now the baby is the only thing that is keeping Wilhelmina’s plan afloat. So who do you think was the person who pushed Christina down the stairs? The obvious guess would be Stuart.
Is Hilda in complete denial over Tony? Come on, the guy is gorgeous but she is definitely the other woman. I hope she gets out of that relationship soon. I laughed out loud when Tony showed up at Mode, and Amanda and Marc were drooling over him. That was a great scene.
What do you think of Betty’s third season so far? Sound off in the comments.
Commentary with a Co-Ed is a weekly column at Tube Talk new every Friday
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
My Name is Earl returns Thursday with a special movie
Earl and the gang are back this Thursday at 8 p.m. on NBC.
You missed them. Admit it.
Seth Green guest stars in the first episode this season, as a Make-A-Wish kid that Earl needs to cross off his list. The task results in the citizens of Camden County starring in their own action movie entitled "2 The Max."
Check it out.
Best and worst of the Emmys
Photo: Tom Bergeron, Heidi Klum and William Shatner in an opening Emmy skit
by Jennifer Squires Biller
It was a big night for Tina Fey and 30 Rock and a night that the world realized that Howie Mandel should never host an awards show.
This year’s Emmys showed lots of love to basic cable shows and the actors on them (Mad Men, Damages, Breaking Bad) and the NBC comedy 30 Rock (scoring wins for Best Comedy, Lead Actress Tina Fey, Lead Actor Alec Baldwin and Writer Tina Fey.) The show also wasn’t short on political statements in this presidential election year, from actors urging viewers to vote, to swipes at the current administration
As a longtime Emmy viewer and fan, I have to say that this year’s show was one of the worst in Emmy history. No, I didn’t take my bitter pills this morning. It’s the sad truth. Here’s a rundown of my choice of highlights and lowlights, including best lines.
Best Ad-lib: “She’s bald, too.” ---The follicular challenged Bryan Cranston, looking down at his new gold Emmy for lead actor in a drama.
Biggest Hollywood diss: "At this point I was planning on doing a few more jokes, but Katherine Heigl told me my material wasn't Emmy worthy." – Conan O'Brien, ripping on Heigl, who withdrew her name from Emmy consideration, stating that she didn’t have Emmy material this year on Grey’s Anatomy.
Biggest disappointment: The Emmy opening usually sets the tone for the entire show. And what started out as a fun bit, with actors quoting famous TV lines, quickly gave way to the most awkward show opening ever, as the five show hosts (Howie Mandel, Tom Bergeron, Heidi Klum, Jeff Probst, and Ryan Seacrest) stumbled through a “we’ve got nothing” comedy attempt. It proved that indeed, they had nothing. They talked over one another, rambled, and it ended with Heidi Klum stripped down to a revealing outfit. If the Emmys want to hire five hosts, instead of one, I suggest Ricky Gervais, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. They are comediennes, and frankly, the show could have used some comedy, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, but the tried-and-true song and dance number.
Best skit: Josh Groban’s musical medley of 30 legendary TV theme songs. Groban started out with a spot-on version of the Friends theme song, before launching into songs from The Love Boat, The Addams Family, The Brady Bunch and many more, sounding just like every one of the famous tunes. His version of Eric Cartman’s line in South Park had me howling, as well as his COPS rendition and the theme from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Who knew Groban could rap? The guy should have received a standing ovation, but the lazy attendees stayed planted. What does it take to get these people on their feet, Oprah?
Worst skit: The Laugh-In bit. Maybe it’s a generation gap, but I don’t get it. A pie in the face as someone says “Sock it to me?” Really, that’s funny? The entire skit with actors opening and closing doors just left me confused. I know the show is a comedy legend, but if that skit is a reflection, I’m baffled as to why.
Strangest skit: Martin Sheen on the set of The West Wing, urging everyone to vote. As great as it was to see Sheen again, why is this material on the Emmys? I’d rather the time be spent to show us some actual clips of the actors and shows that were nominated. This political announcement would have been better served as a commercial or an after-school special.
Best jab at show hosts: Jeremy Piven, during his acceptance speech. " What if I just kept talking for 12 minutes? That was the opening."
Second best jab at show hosts: “Thanks to Howie Mandel's prattling, our bit has been cut."— Neil Patrick Harris, echoing everyone’s thoughts when viewers realized they wouldn’t get to hear Harris’ bit.
Best banter: Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, who stated at the onset of their presentation that they would not get political, as Colbert broke out a bag of prunes and began eating them. “I think right now America needs a prune. It may not be a young sexy plum. Granted, it is shriveled and sometimes hard to swallow, but this dried-up old fruit has the experience we need.” Stewart countered with, “After eight years of prunes, you would think that’s enough.” Colbert shot back, while still chewing, “Never enough. What could possibly go wrong?”
Biggest surprise: The theme song to M*A*S*H has words. Ditto for the theme to The Andy Griffith Show. Who knew? Josh Groban, apparently, when he belted out the ditties during his TV-theme-song medley.
Understatement of the night: “We’re like on the Sarah Palin bridge to nowhere, that's where we are right now…. The government can't even bail us out of this.” -- Emmy co-host Howie Mandel, who noted the lack of audience laughter during he and his co-stars’ opening monologue.
Best acceptance speech: Tina Fey, (I guess.) No one truly stood out with a fantastic speech, as opposed to years past. (Remember Steve Carell’s speech that his wife “wrote” and Greg Garcia’s people he didn’t want to thank?) At least Fey had one funny line: “I want to thank my parents for somehow raising me to somehow have confidence that is disproportionate with my looks and abilities. Well, done. That is what all parents should do.”
Worst acceptance speech: Any and all that broke out a list of names. These are award-winning entertainers, who should be giving us an entertaining speech, not rattling items off a piece of paper like a grocery list. Glenn Close, I’m talking to you.
Best politically scripted line: Kathy Griffin, as she and Don Rickles took the stage. “The world hasn’t seen a pairing like this since John McCain and Sarah Palin.”
Best unintentional laugh: Heidi Klum’s broken English, when introducing presenter David Boreanaz. Here’s how Heidi said it with her charming accent: “David Boreanaz of THE Bones.” Adorable, right?
Short but sweet: Kathryn Joosten and Tom Selleck appeared for a blink-and-you-missed it-moment. They both were presenting, but both were limited to about 20 seconds of simply announcing the awards, due to time constraints. Note to producers: If you’re going to give us the delectable Selleck, give him more airtime than a sneeze. And how dare you cut Mrs. Landingham’s bit. She’s funnier than Mandel!
Best reunion: Sally Field and Tom Hanks, former mother-son costars on Forrest Gump.. As Fields presented Hanks with his award for Outstanding Miniseries, she asked how her “boy” was and Hanks, without missing a beat, called her “mom” and replied he was fine, before launching into his famous Forrest line “You know, momma always said…”
Sharpest political jab: Kirk Ellis, winner of the writing award for miniseries for the show John Adams. “Thank you for giving me this amazing opportunity to talk about a period in our history when articulate men articulated complex thoughts in complete sentences.”
Best advice for giving good acceptance speeches: Ricky Gervais. “Keep it short, particularly if you’re not onscreen talent. No one wants to hear from a producer.”
Biggest repeat offender: Jeremy Piven wins AGAIN for best supporting actor in a comedy. I get it. He’s talented; you like him. But, can we please make room for someone else in this category? Someone like Neil Patrick Harris or Rain Wilson?
You should have listened to Kimmel: Jeff Probst accepted his award for best reality host and gave Kimmel his “told ya so” moment. “Jimmy Kimmel, you told us the ‘nothing’ bit may not work, but we stuck to our guns.”
Biggest oversight: Friday Night Lights wasn’t nominated, nor were its stars Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton. Great show, great performances, great disappointment that the show and its actors were snubbed. Shame on you, voters.
Harshest Bush bash: "I'm living proof, kids at home watching, that anybody can play the president."--- Paul Giamatti, accepting the award for outstanding lead actor in a miniseries or movie for President John Adams.
Biggest reality check: It’s been a decade since The West Wing began. A decade? Wow. The President himself, Martin Sheen said it, so it must be true, but it does not seem like a decade has passed since this wonderful show graced the airwaves.
Clips please!: I’m not sure how the show producers could fit this in, but if they had time for that lame opening and the lengthy presentation of the reality host award, why didn’t they give us some clips from the shows the actors are nominated for in the lead categories or clips of the nominated shows. Perhaps the Emmys need to expand an extra hour, to truly pay tribute to TV and its stars. Hey, it works for the Oscars.
Best heckling: Don Rickles rips on the writers of the Emmys for the forced banter: “Let’s read the funny lines they wrote for us.” --- (rolling his eyes.)
My picks: Everyone has someone they’re rooting for and in my opinion, Vanessa Williams and Kristin Chenoweth should have both taken home statues for their supporting comedy performances. Aliens in America’s Adhir Kalyan should have been nominated in the supporting comedy category, and Chandra Wilson should have claimed the supporting actress in a drama award for her work on Grey’s Anatomy. And the fact that Tichina Arnold, of Everybody Hates Chris, wasn’t even nominated for supporting comedy actress makes me want to scream.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Josh Groban sings TV theme songs at the Emmys
This was the highlight of the Emmys for me, and apparently you, from the hordes of e-mails I’ve received about it.
Click play below and enjoy the enormously talented Josh Groban, as he sings 30 beloved TV theme songs in this hilarious medley. You have not lived until you’ve heard Groban rapping The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme song.
Seriously, Josh Groban, if the singing thing doesn’t work out, I think you’ve got a career as an impressionist. You do Eric Cartman as good as Eric Cartman.
Emmy winners 2008
Read ‘em and weep. (Or do the happy dance if you’re one of the legions of Tina Fey/30 Rock fans out there.) Stay tuned for my take on the big night.
DRAMA SERIES:
"Boston Legal," ABC
"Damages," FX
"Dexter," Showtime
"House," Fox
"Lost," ABC
"Mad Men," AMC (Winner)
COMEDY SERIES:
"Curb Your Enthusiasm," HBO
"Entourage," HBO
"The Office," NBC
"30 Rock," NBC (Winner)
"Two and a Half Men," CBS
ACTOR, DRAMA SERIES:
Gabriel Byrne, "In Treatment"
Bryan Cranston, "Breaking Bad" (Winner)
Michael C. Hall, "Dexter"
Jon Hamm, "Mad Men"
Hugh Laurie, "House"
James Spader, "Boston Legal"
ACTRESS, DRAMA SERIES:
Glenn Close, "Damages" (Winner)
Sally Field, "Brothers and Sisters"
Mariska Hargitay, "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit"
Holly Hunter, "Saving Grace"
Kyra Sedgwick, "The Closer"
ACTRESS, COMEDY SERIES:
Christina Applegate, "Samantha Who?"
America Ferrera, "Ugly Betty"
Tina Fey, "30 Rock" (Winner)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, "New Adventures of Old Christine"
Mary-Louise Parker, "Weeds"
ACTOR, COMEDY SERIES:
Alec Baldwin, "30 Rock" (Winner)
Steve Carell, "The Office"
Lee Pace, "Pushing Daisies"
Tony Shalhoub, "Monk"
Charlie Sheen, "Two and a Half Men"
SUPPORTING ACTOR, COMEDY SERIES:
Jon Cryer, "Two and a Half Men"
Kevin Dillon, "Entourage"
Neil Patrick Harris, "How I Met Your Mother"
Jeremy Piven, "Entourage" (Winner)
Rainn Wilson, "The Office"
SUPPORTING ACTOR, DRAMA SERIES:
Ted Danson, "Damages"
Michael Emerson, "Lost"
Zeljko Ivanek, "Damages" (Winner)
William Shatner, "Boston Legal"
John Slattery, "Mad Men"
SUPPORTING ACTRESS, DRAMA SERIES:
Candice Bergen, "Boston Legal"
Rachel Griffiths, "Brothers and Sisters"
Sandra Oh, "Grey's Anatomy"
Dianne Wiest, "In Treatment" (Winner)
Chandra Wilson, "Grey's Anatomy"
SUPPORTING ACTRESS, COMEDY SERIES:
Kristin Chenoweth, "Pushing Daisies"
Amy Poehler, "Saturday Night Live"
Jean Smart, "Samantha Who?" (Winner)
Holland Taylor, "Two and a Half Men"
Vanessa Williams, "Ugly Betty"
REALITY HOST:
Tom Bergeron, 'Dancing With The Stars'
Heidi Klum, 'Project Runway'
Howie Mandel, 'Deal Or No Deal'
Jeff Probst, 'Survivor' (Winner)
Ryan Seacrest, 'American Idol'
REALITY-COMPETITION PROGRAM:
"The Amazing Race," CBS (Winner)
"American Idol," FOX
"Dancing With The Stars," ABC
"Project Runway," Bravo
"Top Chef," Bravo
REALITY PROGRAM:
"Antiques Roadshow," PBS
"Dirty Jobs," Discovery Channel
"Extreme Makeover Home Edition," ABC
"Intervention," A&E
"Kathy Griffin: My Life On The D-List," Bravo (Winner)
MINISERIES:
"The Andromeda Strain," A&E
"Cranford," (Masterpiece Theatre), PBS
"John Adams," HBO (Winner)
"Tin Man," Sci Fi Channel
ACTOR, MINISERIES OR A MOVIE:
Ralph Fiennes, "Bernard And Doris"
Ricky Gervais, "Extras: The Extra Special Series Finale"
Paul Giamatti, "John Adams" (Winner)
Kevin Spacey, "Recount"
Tom Wilkinson, "Recount"
ACTRESS, MINISERIES OR A MOVIE:
Catherine Keener, "An American Crime"
Susan Sarandon, "Bernard And Doris"
Dame Judi Dench, "Cranford"
Laura Linney, "John Adams"(Winner)
Phylicia Rashad, "A Raisin in the Sun"
SUPPORTING ACTRESS, MINISERIES OR A MOVIE:
Eileen Atkins, "Cranford" (Winner)
Ashley Jensen, "Extras: The Extra Special Series Finale"
Alfre Woodard, "Pictures Of Hollis Woods"
Audra McDonald, "A Raisin In The Sun"
Laura Dern, "Recount"
SUPPORTING ACTOR, MINISERIES OR A MOVIE:
David Morse, "John Adams"
Stephen Dillane, "John Adams"
Tom Wilkinson, "John Adams" (Winner)
Denis Leary, "Recount"
Bob Balaban, "Recount"
GUEST ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES:
Shelley Berman, "Curb Your Enthusiasm"
Rip Torn, "30 Rock"
Will Arnett, "30 Rock"
Steve Buscemi, "30 Rock"
Tim Conway, "30 Rock" (Winner)
GUEST ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES:
Charles Durning, "Rescue Me"
Robert Morse, "Mad Men"
Oliver Platt, "Nip-Tuck"
Stanley Tucci, "E.R."
Glynn Turman, "In Treatment" (Winner)
Robin Williams, "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit
GUEST ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES:
Polly Bergen, "Desperate Housewives"
Edie Falco, "30 Rock"
Kathryn Joosten, "Desperate Housewives" (Winner)
Carrie Fisher, "30 Rock"
Sarah Silverman, "Monk"
Elaine Stritch, "30 Rock"
GUEST ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES:
Ellen Burstyn, "Big Love"
Diahann Carroll, "Grey's Anatomy"
Cynthia Nixon, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (Winner)
Anjelica Huston, "Medium"
Sharon Gless, "Nip/Tuck"
For a complete list of all the winners in every category, click here.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Commentary with a Co-Ed: Supernatural is Super Good
by Ashley Gouveia
After watching the season four premiere of Supernatural last night, it confirmed two things for me. First, Eric Kripke, the creative mastermind behind this show, is a genius. Two, I love this show! I didn’t think it was possible to love it anymore, but it just keeps on surprising me.
My Winchester boys are back. Even Dean, who definitely doesn’t look like a “Thriller video reject” after escaping from the depths of Hell. He was actually looking good for a guy who’s been dead for four months. How did he make his resurrection? My first guess was that Sam must have done something. From the looks of all the dead trees next to his grave, someone was working some serious mojo.
I laughed out loud at Dean and Bobby’s reunion. Hey, I don’t blame Bobby for wanting to be too careful. In the world they live in, Dean could have been anything, like a shape shifter or some kind of demon. But I wasn’t counting on the face full of holy water. That was awesome, and Dean’s reaction was priceless.
The moment that I was looking forward to the most was, of course, the brothers’ reunion. It was hard to guess what Sam’s reaction was going to be to his newly undead brother. Much like Bobby, he didn’t believe it was really him either. There was shock and then relief, when he realized he had his brother back. Plus, Sam had Dean’s necklace with him. Oh, the brotherly love! So there goes my prediction that Sam pulled a Willow; kudos if you get the reference.
So at this point, I’m thinking that some nasty demon must have dragged Dean out. Especially after Pamela the psychic got her eyes burned out trying to see it. That was extremely creepy and gross. The fact that other demons were incredibly scared of whatever it was made me think twice. What were your thoughts?
It was an interesting twist that Sam knew that Ruby was still alive but in another form. It turned out that she was the girl from the motel. Dean’s not back for a whole day and Sam is already keeping secrets. Not only is he in contact with Ruby, but he has a hold on his psychic mind abilities, enough to get a demon out of a person’s body. I’m not too crazy about this new actress playing Ruby. If Sam hadn’t said her name, I wouldn’t have thought it was her. The way the actress played her, it seemed like Ruby got a personality transplant along with the new skin.
The most shocking reveal of them all came in the last fifteen minutes. The audience learned what exactly pulled Dean out. First off, thank you Eric Kripke for not dragging that out for more than one episode. When Bobby and Dean were preparing to fight the demon head on, it turned out to be not a demon at all; It was Castiel, an angel of the Lord. Whoa!
The last scene with Dean and Castiel was one of my favorites. The music, the dialogue, the performances were all fantastic. Can I just say that Castiel is one good lookin’ angel? So God demanded that Dean be released from the fiery pit. I didn’t see that one coming at all.
This is going to be an interesting season. Sam working with a demon, while Dean is making plans with God. This had to have been my second favorite season premiere after “In My Time of Dying.” I can’t wait to see what happens next with the Winchester brothers.
Commentary with a Co-Ed is a weekly column at Tube Talk new every Friday.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Smallville is back on track: Don’t miss the premiere
Smallville fans, if the rest of the season lives up to the fantastic premiere, then the show we love is back on track. It’s no secret that last season I was sorely disappointed with the direction Smallville had taken. There was too little Clark, too much Kara and Lana, and too many comic-book villains of the week. The sweet simplicity of the show seemed to have vanished along with Clark’s family, as he left the innocence of high school. Even the small-town charm that had defined the series and prompted the moniker seemed to have disappeared. If you gave up last season, and I can’t blame you if you did, I’m telling you – begging really – come back.
The premiere is injected with a new energy that I haven’t felt in Smallville since the early years. From the new opening credits (which by the way feature a shot of Clark in the glasses that will make all Superman fans sequel with delight) to the cast additions of Justin Hartley and Cassidy Freeman, the show feels different from the start. In fact, it all feels fresh again. It’s clear that the writers have a plan for the season, and they laid it out brilliantly in the first hour, with Clark basically verbalizing that he’s been stuck in limbo, attached to the farm and the past, and that it’s time to move on toward his destiny.
With the change in leadership behind the scenes and the absence of Michael Rosenbaum’s enigmatic Lex Luthor, I was a bit worried about this year. But after seeing the new direction the show is headed, I’m happier than Chloe Sullivan in a room full of super computers.
I won’t spoil you with plot details, other than Tom Welling, dripping wet, is a site that should not be missed. For all of you Chlark fans getting ready to bombard me with e-mail wanting to know if Chloe and Chlark have any “good” scenes, save your keystrokes. They do have a nice scene, but it looks like Chloe and Jimmy are still an item. Sorry. Don’t kill the messenger.
Lois fans, you’ll be thrilled to see your gal back in action, tossing out one-liners with gusto, while fighting the bad guys and looking fabulous doing it.
Catch the Smallville premiere Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on the CW.
Monday, September 15, 2008
The Office sneak peek and bloopers too!
It’s almost time for the return of The Office, Tubers. And to whet your appetite, I’ve got some goodies to share.
When we left our beloved pals at The Office last season, Jim awkwardly didn’t propose, Andy did awkwardly propose, and Michael was about to become a daddy (sort of) to Jan’s baby, despite the fact that the new HR gal could potentially be his soul mate. And then there was that nasty mess with Ryan being arrested and our sweet little Pam heading off to art school. Ah, memories!
The Dunder Mifflin gang isn’t back to work until next week - Thursday Sept. 25 at 9 p.m. ET to be specific - but in the meantime, enjoy this behind-the-scenes clip and promo.
Also, for those who want to overdose on the Scranton gang, check out the season four DVD set. It’s a must for any Office fan, with more than two hours of deleted scenes, bloopers, and more. Here’s a sample of some of the fun extras on the DVD.
The Office Bloopers:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smMlC-78m1w
Fun Run: Deleted Scene: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGINB2WnxdY
Dunder Mifflin Infinity: Deleted Scene: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uShy7gCEzkY
