Stuff @ the Start
Dexter – Showtime has been running extended promos for Dexter and I’m really heavily anticipating this one. I literally can’t wait for it to air.
Entertainment Weekly – So usually EW comes on Saturday. I was pretty excited because this issue was the Fall Preview. Of course it doesn’t come on Saturday. Which means that, because of the holiday, I didn’t get it until TUESDAY! Garbage, but way worth the wait.
What I forgot to note last week – What a douche bag move Silas pulled on Weeds. I mean putting holes in a condom is grimy. He completely sucks for that nonsense. That’s a reprehensible and selfish move. And should I ever get the chance to shag Taral Hicks, I’m doing the exact same thing.
What I Watched Last Week
Prison Break (Fox) – Ok so I’m finally caught up on this show. I’ll break this down into two sections; “what I dig” and “what I don’t dig.”
What I Dig
The FBI agent. I like that Michael is barely a step ahead of his hunter.
Splitting the cons up. I completely appreciate that the writers didn’t try to force the gang to stay together. I would have found the alternative very insulting.
Michael’s Tats are still in play. I’m really glad that we will continue to check out his body. Art, I mean body art.
T-bag’s still in the picture. I’m glad that he’s still around. As for his reattached hand, I’ll get to that later.
What I Don’t Dig
Veronica’s dead? Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy to have an actual conclusion and I’m glad that she’s dead. It’s just that her entire storyline, at least a third of the whole first season seems a bit wasted and pointless now. It’d be like if we spend the whole season watching Michael plotting to escape only to have Sucre have the key to front gate.
T-Bag’s hand? That thing better fall off, or better yet rot off. I refuse to believe that a vet is capable of microsurgery.
Ex-hack team up? C’mon, things were forgiven way too quickly. I hope these two become an “odd couple” type tandem.
Sucre and C-note’s stupidity. C’mon. I know that C-note has some ‘splaining to do to his wife, but he’s a complete moron and deserves to be caught. I’m a bit more forgiving for Sucre (because I’m a sucker for breaking up weddings) but still don’t think that he should go about his current plans. I mean so what if the love of your life is getting married to another guy, half of all marriages end… in divorce!
Saved (TNT) – Pretty good season finale. I dig the double “shift in status quo” and “left in a lurch” that they pulled. I’m a sucker for romantic gestures so Wyatt’s 11th hour attempt at reconciling with the love of his life hit all the right notes with me.
I am curious about the whole “Harper the sample donor” story. First off, I don’t know any Mormons who drink. Secondly I really can’t see a Mormon actually participating in this. Eh, I can’t wait for the return.
Life on Mars (BBC) – I completely love how Glen is written. Even though every week he proves that he’s not as bad as Sam (or we) think that he is, I never see it coming. I mean the notion that he’s just playing a role in the system is rather obvious yet never occurs to me.
This week’s episode was good. The ignorance to how a drug affects someone and how the corruption came from the top were both nice touches. While I’m looking forward to the finale, I’m not looking forward to the break.
Weeds (Showtime) – I dug Nancy adopting a different persona for Lacy. I think that it’s very reasonable to accept that she’d do that considering how stressful her life is at the moment. Dean getting canned was funny, but his attempt to lie to Celia about it was even better. That may have been the funniest moment of the episode.
I’m kind of torn about Shane’s happy ending. I mean I guess it’s kind of cool to have an uncle like that, but then again I’d hate for the kid to grow up viewing women as a means to a sexual end. Interesting.
I am anxious to see how Nancy deals with the Armenians.
Justice (Fox) – As a fan of Trial By Jury I kind of dig this show. And I mean I dig it in a “CSI” disposable sort of way. It’s entertaining but not really enjoyable, did that make any sense?
I thought they could have tried harder to switch up the “actual” events that cap the end of the episode. I mean, the difference between the second episode and the first one was that she wasn’t “purely innocent?” Boo.
Nip/Tuck (FX) – Oh my God. I loathe this show! It seems that after every finale and before every premiere I forget what my main beef with the show is. Yet before the premiere ends I’m reminded; the heavy handed writing.
Case in point when Christian’s ménage mom dresses him down. This show has no faith in its audience. She states the obvious, so anyone who’s got even a passing knowledge of the show. Boo!
Equally boo; addressing the love between Sean and Christian. It was great as an underlying notion, but stating it outright is sloppy and feels like a cheap gimmick. And given how they played out the whole Carver, I’ve no faith in how this will be handled.
And, I never thought I’d say this but; where the hell was Matt? I mean the daughter makes an appearance but Matt’s MIA?
I have no idea where the whole Sanaa as the boss is going, but I will find her terribly distracting. I mean, I love her, but every time I see her, my eyes are drawn to her shimpy thumbs. It sucks.
Rescue Me (FX) – Eh, I feel kind of cheated. We had all this build up for a shake up in status quo and in the end we get one death and a heart attack (the latter which better be followed up on next season).
I did dig Tommy sort of getting his life back again, as the reappearance of the roofies. Quite the cliffhanger.
Greatest Show Ever…this week – The Wire (HBO)
Seriously. I caught it on HBO On Demand. It’s a great jumping on point. Watch it.
Fall Season Fever
As I mentioned I finally got a magazine with some “Fall Season” content. With that in mind I’ve skimmed it over and have a rough idea of the shows I’m watching/giving a try this fall.
Sunday
Everybody Hates Chris – Sad fact; I’ve still got some episodes from last season that I haven’t watched yet. But since there’s nothing stopping me form taping it, I’m way down this season.
The Simpsons – Yeah, I’ve got some episode of this to watch too. But c’mon it’s The Simpsons. I’ll buy this season when it’s on DVD too.
Brothers and Sisters – I’m curious about this show. I’ll give it a shot.
Monday
Heroes – C’mon, I’m a sucker for serials and supers, so I’m way intrigued about this one. Hopefully it’ll be worth the hype.
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip – I was a fan of Sports Night, so I’m down for this. Not only do I dig the premise of the show, but I also dig how this show will address topical stuff as well. I’m a sucker for well written content and this show is guaranteed to have that.
Prison Break – I was there last season, I’m back.
Runaway – I wasn’t interested in this show until EW compared it to Running On Empty, which was a movie that I really enjoyed. I’ll give it a try.
Tuesday
Knights of Prosperity – I love a nutty gimmick, and robbing Mick Jagger is nutty. I’ve been of Donal’s since he was Jimmy the Cab Driver, so I’m down.
Boston Legal – I’ve been down from day one. It’s back, so am I.
The Unit – Ditto.
Smith – I was a fan of Thief and I dig Ray Liotta, so I’m interested in where this show will go. I’ll give it a shot.
Wednesday
Lost – I’m really anticipating this show’s return, if only for the obligatory dissection that goes on in the Uber Secret Staff Forum.
The Nine – I’m kind of interested in this. I’m giving it a try, but on a short leash.
30 Rock – I love Tina Fey (with that sexy scar) and Tracy Morgan. I really can’t wait to see them in action together again. Plus it’s got Alec Baldwin. I’m there!
Kidnapped – I’m really only here for Jeremy Sisto. As an alum of Six Feet Under I’m obligated to give this show a shot.
Justice – Already covered earlier in the column.
Thursday
Grey’s Anatomy – Y’know the drill; watched since the first episode…
Survivor – A show that addresses race? Count me in!
My Name is Earl – The show is funny. I’m staying with it.
The Office – I love this show. Show why do I still have so many episodes taped yet unwatched? Because I’m lazy.
Smallville – This show is really bordering on “guilty pleasure.” With Heroes this show is in danger of losing it’s niche factor. But I’ll be back, because I love DC!
And there you have it. That’s what I plan on checking out this season. Actually it’s a rough draft, because no cable shows are included. There will probably be some additions when I check out what TV Guide has to say about the Fall Season.
Viva Variety
Last week I posed the following scenario;
Good news; you’re a celebrity. Bad news; you’ve got something to promote. Maybe it’s a new movie? Perhaps it’s a brand new album? It might even been a new workout video. Who knows, the point is you’ve got to make a very public appearance. Good news; your agent’s got a gig lined up. Bad news; it looks like you’re probably going to have to humiliate yourself. Good news; TRL. Bad news; it’s a sketch comedy show. Good news; it’s not Mad TV because…Bad news; it’s 1978.
So would you rather appear on Saturday Night Live or The Muppet Show?
A Faceless Name has no love for ?usetlove;
Is SNL being hosted by Steve martin? In the 70’s could be. Muppets gives a better chance that a wider spectrum will see it though as in all ages. I dunno. I would hang out with Animal though, the only cool drummer ever.
Pitkita thinks of it in terms of marketing;
While SNL might be more fun to do, from a pure profit standpoint, it’s got to be the Muppet Show. As stated above, it’s a wider audience, plus you get the kiddies involved which means they might beg their parents to buy whatever you’re selling, simply because you were on The Muppet Show. You might even get to prolong your dying career in the 80s when they start making the Muppet Movies.
Plus, at that point in time, if your agent could get you on The Muppet Show, it’s highly likely you have also got a few gigs on that other 70s cheese factory, The Love Boat (see Charo as frame of reference).
Stimpy is all about name dropping;
I’d probably go with the Muppets myself as well…forget the wider ranging audience, I’d like to hang out with Animal as well…but really have a blast pushing Sam the Eagle’s buttons with risqué behavior.
SNL would be a blast to do, but back in the 70’s I think every host was contractually obligated to be as stoned or more stoned than Belushi at the time, and that would be tough to do.
And besides, knowing what we do now, I’d probably get into trouble for smacking Chevy Chase screaming ‘that’s not funny’ (i.e. Fletch 2) in Stewie’s voice.
Ahem, anyhoo to summarize, I’d definitely go the Muppet route…and maybe do Stewie’s version of ‘Rocket Man’ with Rolf the Dog on piano
IPTV’s own Kevin Wong is into deconstruction;
Let’s break this down, shall we?
Location: I prefer London over NYC. Advantage: Muppets
Drugs: No, thank you. Advantage: Muppets
Variety: SNL in the 70’s was, as it is now, very hit or miss. Muppets always gave you a chance to do something different. Even if you sucked at it. Advantage: Muppets
Cast: Muppets > 70’s SNL. Advantage: Muppets
For me, the choice is clear
Thomasina doesn’t want to party all the time;
If you were at least talking 80’s SNL, I’d be all over it for Eddie Murphy alone, but 78 just no, er, no. I always dug the Muppet show so at least that’s a decent alternative.
MachineGunFunk and Tailgate Crashers staffer Aaron Cameron takes a frank look at the era;
I’m torn this week, Math. Late ’70s television will always maintain some sort of kitsch residual, no matter what, while very few of them age well. I mean, just TRY and sit through an episode of “Good Times”, “What’s Happening” or “Chico and the Man” today. Can’t be done. So, I guess I’m going with Saturday Night Live for mostly selfish reasons. First of all, if all accounts are accurate, the first few years of SNL backstage were rampant with backstabbing, booze and drug abuse. I can get down with that, especially since the late ’70s were the unquestionable end of free love and “unsafe” coked-out shagging, before HIV and AIDS went and ruined everything in the ’80s. And, back then a spot on SNL got you some ridiculous groupie love. But, beyond that, it seemed that any African-American who worked on that show in its formative years was instantly blessed with the Midas Touch. I mean, there was Eddie Murphy and…uh, Garrett Morris? Meh, I stand by my choice.
Wow, this is a tough one. On one hand I’d get to be immortalized with an introduction on SNL. On the other hand the Muppet Show theme song is one of my favorites. On one hand shagging in the era before AIDS would be a blast. On the other hand the women of that era were probably just as shaggy as some Muppets. It really comes down to one, um, two things; Statler and Waldorf.
Those two guys are practically role models. I’m nearly positive that they inspired my ever-present “Boo.” I’m pretty sure that their enduring of a show they hated on a weekly basis had some bearing on my sitting through the abortion that was Reunion. So to be in the company of those two gents, and possibly get booed by them would be an honor. Muppet Show it is.
Naturally this leads us to…
Good News/Bad News/Question of the Week
Good news; your daughter has been accepted to a prestigious school. Bad news; the school is in New York. Good news; you don’t have to worry about any not so nice elements. Bad news; the school is going to be tough. Maybe it’s got a grueling demanding schedule. Perhaps it’s an all girl’s institution. Maybe it’s got amazing teacher who take no guff. Who knows? The point is the school is going to get your daughter into any college she wants. Good news; she’s going to get a great education. Bad news; you’re going to have to pay for it.
So would you rather have your daughter attending Eastland Academy (Facts of Life) or New York City High School for the Performing Arts (Fame)?
Links
Farah covers striking while the iron is hot.
Josh gives you his rundown for the Fall Premieres.
Ah hell; give MachineGunFunk a gander as well.
I Ain’t No Joe Reid
Joe has been busy this week. On his blog, Low Resolution Joe spills on Suri Cruise, the U.S. Open and even finds time to chat with the aforementioned Aaron Cameron about the debut of the NFL season.
Phew.
Well it’s been swell. Changes are coming and you’d best believe I’m part of it.
But in the meantime, I’m going to bed. Laters.
