Quotes of the Week
Let’s try a new feature for this column Instead of opening the column with a (somewhat) witty diatribe about something related to television, let’s open it with a few quotes from the past week in television and entertainment
This should be fun.
Sweet Jesus .Is Ashton smart?
In an interview posted on Entertainment Weekly Online (www.ew.com), everyone’s favorite TV whipping boy, Ashton Kutcher, had an interesting tidbit of knowledge to dispense to the journalist interviewing him in regards to the new show he’s developing for MTV (the journalist speaking is in bold font).
And the other MTV show?
”Snafu.” Do you know what ”Snafu” stands for?
Uh, no.
Look it up. That’ll give you a clue. [We looked it up: The word, which dates back to World War II, stands for ”Situation Normal: All F—ed Up.”]
A 411staffer with a ballsy TV related prediction!
So, I am chatting online with my 411music buddy, Matthew Michaels, and we start talking a little about “The O.C.” and he whips out a storyline prediction that I am sure only very few of us thought of. Hell, it caught me surprise so much, I decided to post it online! Here’s the conversation (I am “SC” and Matt is “MB.”)
MB: Anna’s my fave.
SC: Sorry dogg….looks like she’s out of the picture
SC: She’s hot though.
MB: She’ll end up with Ryan.
SC: Ballsy prediction….
MB: I thought it when she first showed up.
MB: They’ll be friends who console each other first.
That’s one to watch for! Considering the relatively small number of characters therefore creating a limited number of potential romantic connections, it certainly could be a storyline brought into play over time. After all, can Marissa and Ryan stay together forever? I doubt it
I love vibrator talk
I found this exchange from the February 8th “Sex in the City” to be so amusing that even the manliest of men could enjoy the humor.
While at a dinner party at Carrie’s boyfriend’s apartment (Sarah Jessica Parker and Mikhail Barysnnikov are dating on the show), this exchange began:
Samantha (Kim Cattrall): I think my maid’s been using my vibrator.
Charlotte (Kristin Davis): I don’t think you’re supposed to say maid anymore.
Carrie: I don’t think you’re supposed to say vibrator over dinner.
Samantha: So, I went into the kitchen to get it
Miranda (Cynthia Nixon): Wait. Why was it in the kitchen?
Samantha: I like to mix it up. But yesterday, the batteries were dead. They were new the last time I used it and I haven’t used it since Smith (her boyfriend) came back (from filming a movie).
Smith (Jason Lewis): Awwww baby, that’s sweet.
Samantha: Now, maybe in the Dominican Republic people may like to share vibrators, but this is America, land of the plenty!
(Charlotte’s husband) Harry (Evan Handler): I think you could have a potential lawsuit on your hands.
Miranda: What? Breaking and vibrating?
Stanford (Willie Garson): As long as it’s not entering
(laughter across the room)
If you think the show is all about clothes, gossip, and bashing the male gender, then you’re sorely mistaken. The show is smart, funny, sexy and not afraid to talk about uh sensitive subjects .
Only 2 episodes left!
Opening Credits: “Angel,” “NYPD Blue,” “The Simpsons”, “Las Vegas,” and more “Raymond” news
Two popular shows saying good bye
Normally, I would put two news bits of such significance in separate areas of the column, but to stick with the cancellation theme, I’ll put them together.
First and foremost, word came late Friday that popular WB drama, “Angel” would be canceled at the end of this season, the show’s fifth.
David Greenwalt, who co-created the series with Joss Whedon, said the following in an interview with Zap2it:
It’s official enough to know it’s real. But I haven’t talked to anybody at the network or the studio. I can tell you that it’s real, that it makes Mr. Whedon and myself very sad, that we wish it had kept going and we thought it was only getting better.
Joss and (executive producer) Jeff Bell told the cast and crew today. We have no understanding of the inner workings of the corporate world, but we’ve had a long and fruitful relationship with 20th Century Fox and The WB, for which we are grateful. We just wish it could have gone on forever. Apparently, it’s not going to.
Considering the article also talks about how much praise the show received from the network during the 100th episode party last November, it appears that this came as a shock to everyone involved with the show, and an unwanted shock as well.
Surprisingly, considering the cancellation of this magnitude, to this point, the network hasn’t divulged much information pertaining to WHY the show was canceled. My guess is that even though the show has its hardcore base of fans, the network felt that it from a monetary perspective (the ratings weren’t fabulous either), it wasn’t worth keeping on the air.
I wonder if another network might be willing to take a chance on it .
Meanwhile, in a move much less surprising considering the show’s longevity, ABC has decided to say good bye to its’ network staple, “NYPD Blue” at the end of next season, which will be the show’s 12th. The timing of the announcement was interesting as well considering the network just brought the show back from a two-month hiatus to show its new drama, “In the Line of Fire.” It was almost the network’s way of saying: “Well, now that you know the show is going to be gone, you better start watching now!”
However, Co-creator, Steven Bochco left the door ever so slightly ajar when discussing the future of his show as noted by Zap2it:
We are all in agreement that the 12th season should be thought of as our final season and creatively energize ourselves towards that end. Should we do brilliantly, and circumstances change, we would be delighted to revisit the possibility of life beyond 12 seasons. However, to go out after 12 strong years is great, as it’s better to go out too early rather than overstay our welcome.
I get the impression, we haven’t seen the last of this developing story
What’s with the Grammy’s?!?!
After all the drama created by Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, “Boobgate” (or “Nipplegate” if you prefer), and the Super Bowl halftime show, the Grammy’s ended up getting a boat load of free publicity since the media talked about whether or not Janet would show up, whether or not CBS banned Janet from the performance, if the five-minute delay would hinder the event, if the show would be toned down etc etc
Well, according to Entertainment Weekly Online, more than 26 million people tuned in to see exactly what was going to happen and how the show would turn out.
Looks like the viewing public was anxious to see what would happen themselves
Well, we were treated to some great, eclectic performances (Prince and Beyonce and the Warren Zevon tribute) and some poor, eclectic performances (the Beatles tribute featuring Sting and Dave Matthews).
In addition, we saw Celine Dion’s microphone crap out and her nearly have a nervous breakdown on stage. We also can’t forget that almost every CBS television executive in America nearly had a collective nervous breakdown after Christina Aguilera almost gave the viewing public a peep show thanks to that flimsy dress she wore during her award acceptance speech.
The event featured other significant moments (a surprise video greeting from Luther Vandross, Justin Timberlake’s wussy apology while wearing his dad’s suit for example), but it did remain exactly what CBS wanted: PG rated. The women wore (somewhat) respectable dresses covering up everything they needed to, no one went off on a cursing tirade, and the musicians and other celebrities acted respectful (except maybe for Outkast) and thankful for their opportunities.
Unfortunately, the event also featured a whole lot of insignificant fluff.
While the musical performances were inspired, interesting, and entertaining, with so many of them sandwiched in between a series of awards that don’t mean anything, it makes the Grammy’s look less “respectable” like the Oscar’s and more like the MTV Music Video Awards.
First, while I understand that music is so much different than movies, television, and theatre in all the varying genres of music that deserve to be recognized, there are still too many awards. What’s the difference between Album of the Year and Record of the Year? What’s the difference between R&B and Contemporary R&B? What’s a “new artist?” How the hell did Beyonce win five Grammy awards? I may not be a music buff but I do know that I don’t understand many of these awards and the general public probably does too.
Second, I believe the Grammy’s lose a certain sense of the luster and respectability the Oscars have established over time with the constant musical performances and the fact that the event took place at an arena where basketball and hockey games are played. Why not get the Kodak Theatre where the Oscar ceremony is held? It’s a beautiful venue and oozes glamour and respectability. The Staples Center doesn’t. Did they sell L.A. Kings hockey pucks and L.A. Lakers big foam fingers during the ceremony?
If the Recording Academy prefers to honor the music industry by filling large arenas with screaming fans and some musicians and celebrities too and filling the program with more musical performances than award acceptance speeches, then I suppose that’s their concern. Considering more than 26 million people tuned in, they may not care about that. However, if the Recording Academy cares about the appearance of the Grammy award, they may want to leave the MTV feel in the dust and restore the event to a ceremony that would leave the Motion Picture Academy jealous.
“The Simpsons” hit it BIG (screen)
This week, multiple sources including Variety ran a story stating Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie, and the rest of the gang from “The Simpsons” will be hitting the big screen and starring in their own feature film.
“The Simpsons” writer Mike Fleiss gave away some intriguing nuggets of information in an interview with DVDFanatic.com.
Fleiss stated the following in that interview:
They’ve (Fox) wanted to do this since season two. It’s been 13 years of wanting to do ‘The Simpsons’ movie.
Finally Fox said, ‘Let’s just do it!’ We never had the greatest idea that was compelling but Fox said, ‘Maybe if we start paying you, you’ll get inspired.’ And sure enough, it worked!
I had heard about the plan for “The Simpsons” movie all week and the first thing I thought of was: “Well, after South Park: Bigger, Longer, Uncut, ‘The Simpsons’ writers are going to have their hands full. The South Park movie was GREAT!
Well, it appears Fleiss is well aware of the “South Park” formula and will look to that when doing “The Simpsons” movie. He stated on DVDFanatic.com:
You know, it’s like the South Park movie where it’s just a bigger, longer, amplified version of the show.
I have to say, Trey Parker, Matt Stone and his crew set the standard for the television show being turned into a movie, so it will be interesting what kind of story “The Simpsons” movie will be developed. If I were to offer a prediction now, I’d say the movie will involve some sort of misadventure where the Simpsons clan have to travel to multiple locations and encounter a myriad of guest appearances. The movie won’t have the outstanding musical numbers that South Park did, but anyone who’s anyone will want to have some sort of bit part in the movie.
I’m sure we can all agree that the movie will shine in its own way
The stars are going to “LAS VEGAS”!!!!!
According to several stories posted on Zap2it, the prominent guest stars are continuing to show up on NBC’s “Las Vegas.” In addition to appearances this season by Academy Award nominee, Alec Baldwin, the world’s most famous socialite, Paris Hilton, action movie star, Jean-Claude Van Damme, and celebrated country music group, Brooks & Dunn, two more established actors will be taking turns on the freshman NBC hit show.
First, established film actor, Dennis Hopper, will appear on the February 16th episode. The storyline is that the “Las Vegas” security hounds (James Caan’s, Josh Duhamel’s and Vanessa Marcil’s characters) travel to a casino in New Orleans where they attempt to track down a fellow who has a hefty $5 million debt that he needs to settle up on. While there, they meet Dennis Hopper, an old friend of James Caan’s character. While it’s never clear what their exact ties are to each other, it will sound as official and important as it does vague and unclear.
Zap2it reported that this may be the beginning of a potential spin-off series where similar storylines will take place, but in the New Orleans casino rather than in Vegas. However, no one has commented that is definitely the case. That could end up being an entire news nugget in itself
In addition to Hopper, fresh off his turn as Lord of the Rings hero, Sam Gangee, Sean Astin will appear on the episode scheduled for March 1st. His storyline will revolve around him playing a Las Vegas native who wins big at the slots and attempts to fake his own death and get out of town rather than tell his greedy wife about his good fortune.
I am not exactly sure what the draw of this show is to so many established people. Is it the fact that the show is popular? Or is it the whole Vegas thing?
The Million Dollar Secret is OUT
Several weeks ago, ABC announced its plans for a new and improved “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” coming back at the end of February sweeps (2/22-2/26). The new show involves the return of Regis Philbin, a top prize of $10 million (instead of $ 1 million like the original and syndicated versions) and also some rule modifications that is supposed to make the show more fun and interesting. They come in the form of extra “lifelines” which will give the contestant help when he/she does not know the answer to a question. In addition to the “Ask the audience,” “phone a friend” and “50/50” lifelines, the viewing audience will see the debut of the following newbies if they get the first 10 (out of 15) questions correct:
* Three Wise Men This allows players to consult three trivia “experts” who will be in different parts of the studio. Either being journalists, academics, or past game show champions, they will give the contestant what they believe is the right answer and he/she can decide to agree or disagree with them.
* Double Dip Have you ever wanted two shots at trying to get a trivia question right? Well, this allows the contestant to get two shots at getting it right. Interestingly, if the player decides to use their 50/50 lifeline and the Double Dip on the same question, there is no way he/she can get the question wrong. However, the catch is that if the contestant decides to use this lifeline, at that point, he/she can’t take the money already earned, the risk has already been taken.
The idea, of course, is that ABC wants more contestants taking bigger risks to make the game more exciting and more TV friendly. Instead of going through the complicated process of starting up a new drama series from scratch, producers manufacture that same drama on a game show when normal people are trying to win a boat load of money. Makes sense to me.
Reba! Where are you going?
According to Reuters and the Hollywood Reporter, Reba McEntire has left the people working on her WB sitcom “Reba” scratching their heads as she recently made several last minute calls indicating that she couldn’t return to work because of “family emergencies at home in Oklahoma (her show films in Los Angeles).
After taking her second break in four weeks, rumors emerged that she the star was not happy with her current salary and might be holding out for something bigger. However, McEntire was expected back at work and no one from her camp is stating officially she wants to renegotiate.
While “Reba” is the WB’s most successful comedy, that isn’t saying much considering it’s still mired in the lower 50% of prime-time show ratings. So, if she is thinking about asking for a ridiculous raise in salary to remain in that category, she’s got to be nuts. If she expected the salary of the star of a Top 20 show, then she should have held out for CBS or NBC instead of the WB.
Let’s hope this is all just a big misunderstanding.
Quick Hits
*** Chris Biscuiti will be excited Sounds like “American Idol” producers are just as enthralled with singing castoff William Hung as 411mania.com’s Chris Biscuiti. According to Zap2it, “Idol” Executive Producer Nigel Lythgoe is pretty eager to get the California-Berkley Civil Engineering student Hung back for a midseason special tentatively titled “Uncut, Uncensored, and Untalented.”
Here’s a question Which would you rather be? A celebrity known for being ridiculously untalented or not a celebrity at all?
*** Elmo does political drama According to Zap2it, Sesame Street superstar characters, Big Bird, Elmo, Zoe and Rosita are set to guest star on NBC’s “The West Wing.”
The storyline will revolve the President (Martin Sheen) telling his press secretary (Alison Janney) that he wants the First Lady (Stockard Channing) to have a better image with the public. So, Janney’s character sets up a PSA where the First Lady (a doctor) will give Elmo a check up.
I guess NBC and “The West Wing” is trying to reach the 3-9 age demographic?
*** More Drama I thought “Everybody Loves Raymond” was a comedy. Apparently, it’s turned into a soap opera as it pertains to whether or not the show will be brought back for a 9th season on CBS. If you’re interested in Ray Romano’s own “Young and the Restless” storyline, click on over
*** Those crazy Brits Finally, here’s an interesting story about a U.K. dating show with a particular “manly” twist to it
Closing Credits: Some news about “Joey’s” new “Friends” and while I’m at it my opinion on how it can be a successful spin-off
According to FilmJerk.com’s unnamed sources, casting had begun on NBC’s “Friends” spin-off series featuring Matt LeBlanc reprising his role as Joey Tribbiani. The show, entitled “Joey” will feature Joey’s big move to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career full-time. The other characters include one of his many sisters will be out there working as a hairdresser along with a nephew described by the website as a “socially awkward a la Seth Cohen from ‘The O.C.'” Finally, the cast will also include a love interest named Allison. None of the parts have been cast yet.
Here’s an interesting question to consider: Can “Joey” be a successful spin-off like “Frasier” was when “Cheers” left the air?
To be fair, I highly doubt that any spin-off will ever reach the level of success and notoriety that “Frasier” reached. However, if there is one that can, it’s one based on the globally popular, “Friends” franchise.
I will say this though. I think LeBlanc’s portrayal of “Joey” is going to have to change fairly significantly for that to happen. I think of the 80s and early 90s Frasier Crane on “Cheers” and then the “Frasier” that we saw on his own show over the last decade and I feel the two really are pretty different people. During “Cheers'” run on NBC, Kelsey Grammer played “Frasier Crane” as he should have. It was evident he was smarter and more intelligent than the rest of his friends hanging out at “Cheers” and that was his role. He acted smart and when it came to Lillith Sternin, he abandoned his rational thought process and acted like an animal. If we’re using terms psychiatrists would use, then his “id” would take over the “ego.” That’s what was expected as a part of an ensemble cast and he played that role well.
Conversely, that wouldn’t be good enough when an entire show was built around the mis-adventures of Frasier. We saw a completely different side of Frasier as that series progressed over the years. He made many (many, many ) mistakes, especially with women, he expressed sadness, regret, and even though he’s always been confident, he experienced some self-doubt, both professionally and personally.
Through it all though, the writing, both from comedic and storytelling perspectives remained outstanding. While we loved seeing the characters develop, the point was to always laugh and “Frasier” always provided that.
What’s the point of the “Frasier” analysis?
Well, LeBlanc is going to be entering a very similar situation when he starts “Joey” in the Fall. He has a succinct role with the “Friends” ensemble cast now. He’s the dopey, sexy, lovable, perpetually hungry, Italian guy always there to make everyone else laugh, whether he means to or not. This works as the way it stands on “Friends” but I don’t believe he can carry a successful series if his character isn’t fleshed out in some way, shape, or fashion. Of course, the same way Frasier maintained his intelligence and confidence, Joey will have to maintain his dopey, sexy, hungry persona. However, if that’s all he has to offer, then the show could fall flat on its face. Several Joey gags per episode is great on “Friends” because there’s always more significant, humorous content to pull from the other characters. But, if it’s just Joey gags with the supporting characters playing second fiddle to them, it will get boring real fast.
The writers and producers are going to have get us to care about the hairdresser sister, the “Seth Cohen-esque” awkward kid and the potential love interest the same way we grew to love Niles, Daphne, Martin, and Roz on “Frasier.”
They have a head start on success thanks to the fact that “Joey” is a direct descendant from “Friends.” But, it’s going to need more than that.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to enjoy Valentine’s Day, like the greeting card industry tells me I should
In the mean time
Enjoy the show!
— Coogan
