tv – Page 87 – procrastinationchronicles.com

trl no more

September 16, 2008 No Comments

I have to admit that I knew I was old when TRL had been on for a while and when I finally heard about it, it took me a little while to figure out what TRL stood for. Do you know? Do you care? So after ten years Total Request Live is leaving the air. Since I discovered TRL I haven’t learned much more. Other than it was once the home of what I think of as a pre Ryan Seacrest, Carson Daly.

I was recently being nostalgic and commenting on how I was so delighted that my family was one of the first cable adopters, for movies, but I got the benefit of early MTV. Videos used to be such a huge part of how I experienced and remembered music, who could forget A-Ha dudes popping from animation to real life.

But now… I don’t watch videos, and I’m not sure that it’s just because I’m not as young and plugged in as I once was. A quick look at MTV scheduling confirms that there are no videos scheduled. I guess I just go back to this generation’s music device and turn on my iPod.

sports, tv

olympics are over

September 15, 2008 No Comments

So Michael Phelps as the host of SNL’s premiere episode? This is just one of his many appearances cashing in on his Olympic buzz. Where will he turn up next? Too bad the teen shows Secret Life of the American Teenager and Gossip Girl have snatched up gymnastic stars Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin in cameos. In addition to the talk show circuit, presenting at the VMAs, and this hosting opportunity Phelps will follow the cameo route on Entourage.

I have to admit I was totally into his path to his eight gold medals, the moment they came back in the freestyle relay was maybe the best of the whole games. Plus I always thought he was sweet enough but even in his endorsement commercials where he has to speak he’s stiff. I was pleased to say that he didn’t totally embarrass himself on the show, but he was never once funny. I should blame that more on the unfunny skits than the cue card reading Phelps.

Fortunately the evening at least had a fun opening sketch with Tina Fey returning to play Sarah Palin alongside Amy Poehler picking back up Clinton. Though Obama canceled his expected appearance due to the Texas Hurricane, politics expects to be their bread and butter throughout the season. They’re even added some Thursday specials leading up to the elections (though maybe that means less politics on Saturday). Until then let’s keep our athletes where they belong, on Dancing with the Stars.

next week 9/15

September 12, 2008 No Comments

New and notable for the week ahead, procrastinator picks are underlined.

Monday

The Closer (TNT, 9pm) Season Finale – I now have this entire season saved on tivo.
Weeds (Show, 10pm) Season Finale – This show is still in my queue but some catching up on other shows first.

Tuesday

The Biggest Loser (NBC, 8pm) Season Premiere – The families are back, you people who love the joyous transformations get ready.
House (Fox, 8pm) Season Premiere – I dig the curmudgeonly doc and am curious to see if they find a better balance between new and old supporting docs.
Lincoln Heights (ABCFam, 8pm) Season Premiere – The preview looks like a young couple suffers a melodramatic robbery turned hostage situation.
Big Brother (CBS, 9pm) Season Finale – Someone wins…

Wednesday

Ultimate Fighter (Spike, 10pm) Season Premiere – 32 fighters try to win a UFC contract.
Manswers (Spike, 11/11:30pm) Season Premiere – I stumbled upon an old episode of this show and learned how to beat a drug test, not that I need that information.

Thursday

Smallville (CW, 8pm) Season Premiere – I watched this show for the first season so I am totally out of touch with Clark and his new superfriends.
Supernatural (CW, 9pm) Season Premiere – Two generic good looking brothers fight the supernatural, you’d think I’d be interested but I never was.
Burn Notice (USA, 10pm) Season Finale – Whatever sort of fix will Michael get forced into this week, I’m actually usually looking forward to seeing him get out of it.
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX, 10/10:30pm) Season Premiere – This super un pc show, this week it’s about cannibalism, actually made me laugh though it didn’t hit the tivo season pass so over time I sort of dropped it.

Friday

Davis Cup (Vs, 9am, fri-su) – US vs. Spain, will typically hit singles on Friday/Sunday with doubles on Sat.
Dog Whisperer (NatGeo, 9pm) – 100th episode brings back some now well behaved doggies and looks back at the not so well behaved doggies.

Saturday

Primeval (BBCA, 9pm) Season Premiere – Anomalies and dinosaurs or something.

Sunday

Beach Volleyball (Fox, 11:30am) – The granddaddy of all tournaments in Manhattan Beach, can Misty and Carrie get their mojo back?
Emmy Awards (ABC, 8pm) – I admit I don’t really watch this awards show and this year the reality hosts don’t make me want to change my mind.

* Check your local listings, live events typically noted as PST.

fringe ‘science’

September 9, 2008 2 Comments

Well all the buzz made us plan not to expect another Lost launch, so imagine my surprise when it started with a plane nearly crashing, though this one was just full of some freaky diseased people. And of course at least one of our leads needs to have lost a love, or lose a love, or maybe just be betrayed by one in a tragic way that makes them that much more focused on the cause, and a little damaged, so we covered that.

Our FBI gal invested herself in the investigation of the crazy translucent skin caper and pulled out all the stops dragging in our other leads and stumbling on to a bit more than she ever could have imagined. And of course a nice conspiracy and/or questionable corporation can be an overarching theme and give us plenty of fodder for our week to week adventures.

I’ll have to say it just had a slow start with the dry FBI angle, even though the case was unusual, unusual cases don’t surprise all that much anymore. The introduction of Pacey could have been a spirit bringer but his character at least started off as sort of a downer. I have to admit that I think I was rooting for Pacey but so far he’s no Fox Mulder. His cocky calling the little lady ‘sweetheart’ and his ridiculing his father’s sciences all seemed a little stilted. I guess that’s the main problem that I had with the series, I didn’t love the main characters, and with what’s basically a procedural that’s what we tune in for.

About half way through Pacey was committed to the endeavor, about the time they got his dad uncommitted from the looney bin. The dad is a nutjob who was given carte blanche to explore weird (fringe) science back in the day until he got locked up for some lab incident. And of course he couldn’t be let out without the guardianship of his genius screw up son. Now we’re all signing up to get to the bottom of some more irregular incidents. So does this show have potential? Absolutely. But the nutjob, the FBI gal, and the contentious genius son all need a little more work. I’ll trust JJ for now.

new fall tv

September 8, 2008 No Comments

Well this season is a bit of a wild card as this last year’s strike shook up the pilot cycle. Shows didn’t produce in the same way and most didn’t have a traditional critical review. Since most critics are relegated to watching shows live like the rest of us we’re relying a little more on buzz and people associated show than critical reviews.

So what am I looking forward to:

90210 (CW 9/2) – The nostalgia factor alone (Brenda and Kelly return!) makes this a must see, though so far it’s not quite appointment tv.
The Ex List (CBS 10/3) – Though I admittedly was annoyed by her Jane Doe character on Grey’s, Elizabeth Reaser’s new role has potential as she looks up her former loves to find the one that could be true.
Fringe (Fox 9/9) – With JJ Abrams (Lost and Alias) behind the show who can help but be a little excited though early leakings of the pilot have people noting that it has potential but a little way to go.
Life on Mars (ABC 10/9) – This redo of a BBC hit has present day cop stuck in the 70s, there’s potential with casting like Jason O’Mara, Harvey Keitel, Michael Imperioli, Gretchen Mol, and Lisa Bonet.
The Mentalist (CBS 9/23) – Simon Baker (the Guardian) stars as a former ‘fake’ psychic and now uses his skills and charisma for good, I just really like him.
My Own Worst Enemy (NBC, 10/13) – I always dig a spy show and I actually like Christian Slater though I can’t quite picture him as two different characters, the spy org apparently plants a brain chip to create a clean cut alter ego and this one is breaking down.

And of course there’s more shows coming:

Crusoe (NBC 10/12) – A series based on the old story is pretty hard to take seriously.
Do Not Disturb (Fox 9/10) – Jerry O’Connell stars in this Hotel comedy hoping for hilarity, he’s normally likable enough but initial reviews haven’t been good.
Easy Money (CW 9/21) – A family of loan sharks walk the line of legality in this ‘dramedy’.
Eleventh Hour (CBS, 10/9) – Rufus Sewell stars in this redo of BBC miniseries where a scientist and his by-the-book FBI partner come in at the last minute to solve scientific mysteries, for some reason the promos just look dull.
Gary Unmarried (CBS 9/24) – Jay Mohr stars as a single dad divorced guy dealing with his kid, his ex, and his new life, though Mohr can be good this show might be average.
In Harm’s Way (CW 9/21) – This reality show checks out folks in tough jobs.
Kath & Kim (NBC 10/9) – This remake of the Aussie show stars likable Selma Blair and Molly Shannon in roles that made me cringe in the previews.
Privileged (CW 9/9) – Cute Joanna Garcia (Reba) is a live-in tutor for some spoiled girls, based on some books, this show might not be great television but it could be entertaining enough.
Knight Rider (NBC 9/24) – This show was previewed in a tv movie this last year and neither new lead (Michael Knight’s son), nor Kitt (voiced by Val Kilmer), nor the story had any new or retro pizzazz.
Stylista (CW, 10/22) – It’s another reality competition and in this lackeys are hoping for an entry level lackey gig at Elle magazine.
Surviving Suburbia (CW 11/2) – Bob Saget returns to the comedic in this darker role of husband and father dealing with life.
Valentine (CW 9/21) – Greek Gods play with regular folk’s love lives, Aphrodite in the regular world seems doubtful.
Worst Week (CBS 9/22) – Based on another hit British show, I’m skeptical that although the lead is apparently appealing this one problem after another show can keep the laughs coming.

sports, tv

next week 9/8

September 6, 2008 3 Comments

New and notable in the week ahead, procrastinator picks are underlined.

Monday

Terminator: SCC (Fox, 8pm) Season Premiere – Sarah and her son John moving in time to try to stop things before they go awry, and stay alive, though the leads are both a little stiff, as the supporting cast and stories were developed so was the interest (though I might have to lose it in this time slot against GGirl and Chuck).
CMA Music Festival (ABC, 9pm) – Fans and country stars are shown from this four day music festival.
Dr 90210 (E, 10pm) Season Premiere – This reality follows a doctor in Beverly Hills I assume.

Tuesday

Fringe (Fox, 8pm-replays Sun) Series Premiere – 95 minute start of the JJ Abrams series (Lost, Alias, Felicity) brings us what’s being most closely compared to the X-files, as an FBI agent investigates “phenomena” with the help of old science guy and son (Dawson Creek’s Joshua Jackson).
Privileged (CW, 9pm-replays Sun) Series Premiere – Cute Joanna Garcia (Reba) is introduced to the world of the spoiled as a live in tutor.
Fashion Rocks (CBS, 9pm) – Denis Leary hosts this mix of fashionable rockers and rocking fashions.
The Rachel Zoe Project (Bravo, 11pm-repeats) Series Premiere – Follow real life celebrity fashion stylist and her posse as they style the celebrities.

Wednesday

Greatest American Dog (CBS, 8pm) Season Finale – The final three dogs compete, and I admit that I’ve dropped off this show but the difference in dog’s (and owners) performance on the different kinds of challenges was fun to see.
‘Til Death (Fox, 9pm) Season Premiere – This Brad Garrett and others show about two couples, one jaded, one not, has never made it to my watched list.
Do Not Disturb (Fox, 9:30pm) Series Premiere -Jerry O’Connell plays the general manager of this hip hotel with apparent staff shenanigans.
Real World/Road Rules Challenge (MTV, 10pm-repeats) Season Premiere – I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen this show which starts its 16th season of competition.

Thursday

MTV’s Top Pop Group (MTV, 10pm-repeats) Series Premiere – Music acts compete as Mario Lopez hosts.
Comics Without Borders (Show, 10pm-repeats) Series Premiere – This looks like a standup comedy showcase.

Friday

2008 Alma Awards (ABC, 8pm) – Eva Longoria Parker hosts the Latino Awards with recipients like America Ferrera
Don’t Forget the Lyrics (Fox, 9pm) Season Premiere – And the lyric singing continues.

Saturday

Action Sports (Sat/Sun NBC, USA) – The Toyota Challenge takes us to Salt Lake City as the guys get closer to winning the Dew Cup my favorite is still the vert skate and though Bucky’s in the lead it’s anyone’s game.
Coco Chanel (Life, 8pm) – Shirley MacLaine plays fashion icon Chanel in this tv movie of her life.
MADtv (Fox, 11pm) Season Premiere – Jerry O’Connell guests as this skit series returns.
SNL (NBC, 11:30) Season Premiere – Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps hosts and hopefully doesn’t embarrass himself with Lil Wayne performing.

Sunday

Catch up on tivo or replays of premieres of Fringe and Privileged, I love when they replay starters to give you some time to catch before you settle into a season.

9021over it?

September 3, 2008 No Comments

So what did we all think? They threw everything but the kitchen sink at us, drugs, alcohol, stealing, cheating (academically and romantically), fighting, adoption, unknown children, oral sex, cyber sex, blogs, texts, rival school pranks, ex friends, shopping, private jets, glamorous night life, and manipulative spoiled brats. And somewhere in there the desire to do the right thing brought out by our new family from Kansas. We’ve seen the formula before, but what used to feel fresh isn’t quite there yet.

Plus who could forget Brenda and Kelly hanging out with Nat at the Peach Pit putting it all behind them. These adult return characters really just seemed tacked on at this point. But potentially because they were, not sure how late in the game the contracts were signed. Though I was happy to see that Brenda and Kelly had moved on somehow by wanting to be mature well adjusted versions of their former drama queens they both came across as bland.

So did I like it? Yes. Should I have? No. But this is because I have matured enough as a viewer to know that 1) I remember 90210 with great fondness 2) I’m immature and just like a crappy teen soap and 3) sometimes shows need time to grow, or at least grow on you. As I recall the sassy trash of Gossip Girl didn’t wow me at first pass and the OC took a while for me to really appreciate it’s sarcasm and self mocking. Though lest you think my standards are nonexistent I tried but couldn’t commit to One Tree Hill which was just missing any quality ingredients.

Tonight I may have to sacrifice (i.e. not watch live) ANTM in lieu of Bones, before I suffer a CW overload.

gossip again

September 1, 2008 1 Comment

So we see the start of the fall season tonight with the premiere of Gossip Girl. I started by mocking how cheesy this show was but came to relish in it. Teen soaps are faster today than they were when 90210 first hit the scene and the audience has become more sophisticated. Each new show seems to need to up the ante in some way. GGirl is based on a popular series of books and seems to combine the flash of the NY ultra privileged as well as the use of the digital age. Our unidentified narrator (wonderful Kristin Bell) is a blogger who tells all, with the help of people who send her reports and images of gossip in all its glory.

Serena is the reformed bad girl who finds the good guy Dan, but can’t keep him. Dan is the scholarship boy who doesn’t fit in with the snobs and doesn’t want to. Blair is the snobbiest of snobs playing the ever so good girl who can manipulate better than the rest. Nate was her true love who slept with Serena, and after the break Blair fell for bad boy Chuck (in his ridiculous bow ties). And of course we have Dan’s sister and wannabe social climber Jenny. And for a touch of the ‘old’ our true love couple Dan and Serena’s parents were once young lovers who are crossing paths again, through mostly not with each other.

Apparently we start the season off in the Hamptons, what will the kids be up to? Last we saw, Dan was breaking up with Serena because he couldn’t stand the lies. Blair was stood up by Chuck, who couldn’t go through with being a one gal guy. Nate was dealing with dad running out on his drug and embezzlement charges. Jenny was starting her devil wears prada internship, while her dad was hitting the road to tour with his band. And Serena’s mom was probably on her honeymoon with Chuck’s dad.

The challenge with this show, and those like it, is that the majority of the action is romance, or at least sex. And of course there’s at least one bad guy, who we start out hating but then we realize they have a heart of gold. And then once they reform, what are we to do, recruit new bad blood? But sadly we can never stand folks brought in for just that purpose. So once we’ve run through the coupling and the drama of the first season it all feels a little forced. Here’s hoping these kids can keep it fresh. If not there’s always the new 90210 which might be good for at least a season.

next week 9/1

August 29, 2008 2 Comments

New and notable in the week ahead, procrastinator picks are underlined.

Monday

Gossip Girl (CW, 8pm — repeats Sun/6pm) Season Premiere – What has become of split couples Blair/Chuck and Serena/Dan? Something tells me someone will be doing it as we greet our gang in the Hamptons before we return to school.
Prison Break (Fox, 8pm) Season Premiere – This two hour premiere continues the ridiculous brothers and others criminal chase, now apparently they’re working for homeland security… loved this show first season and can’t tune in now.
One Tree Hill (CW, 9pm – repeats Sun 7pm) Season Premiere – I think that Lucas is still deciding between Brooke and Peyton and some other girls.
The Middleman (ABC Fam, 10pm) Season Finale – I actually found this show pretty enjoyable with its mix of comicy humor and sarcastic fun as the Middleman and his trusty sidekick Wendy fight the weird.
Raising the Bar (TNT, 10pm- repeats 9/2) Series Premiere – This courtroom drama is getting average reviews, but if courtroom dramas are you thing it might not be all bad with Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Gloria Reuben, and Jane Kaczmarek.

Tuesday

90210 (CW, 8pm – repeats Th/8pm) Series Premiere – This two hour event returns us to beloved West Beverly Hills High School along with a returning principal and his transplanted family, and Brenda is on for at least 4 eps and Kelly is the guidance counselor, apparently they’re more mature now.
The Shield (Fx, 10pm – repeats) Season Premiere – This final season starts with more drama, I have yet to catch this cop series but it’s in the queue as folks say great things.

Wednesday

America’s Next Top Model (CW, 8pm – repeats Sun, 8pm) Season Premiere – The latest ladies (and one preop transgender gal) are cast in the two hour launch for another round of ridiculous drama and surprisingly engaging modelicious challenges that always promise to bring out the fierce.
Bones (Fox, 8pm) Season Premiere – This show returns with a two hour premiere as Booth and Bones do their special forensic anthropologic fbi investigations in England, promises lots of good fun.
Ghost Hunters/Destination Truth (Sci fi, 9/10pm) Season Premieres – Ghost hunting and paranormal mosques oh my.
Sons of Anarchy (Fx, 10pm- repeats) Series Premiere – This one hour+ show starts out with family issues and rival motorcycle gang hijinks.
Top Design (Bravo, 10pm – repeats) Season Premiere – This 75 minute starter has the gang designing a loft, of course with limited time and money.

Thursday

Kitchen Nightmares (Fox, 8pm) Season Premiere – Gordon takes two hours to revisit kitchen’s he’s harassed before.
Republican National Conventions (Various channels) – The convention wraps up its Minneapolis coverage that started Monday.

Friday

Stand Up to Cancer (ABC/CBS/NBC, 8pm) – A big gang of celebs support cancer research (and oppose cancer).
Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader (Fox, 8pm) Season Premiere – Kathy Ireland and the State Superintendent of Georgia meet the new 5th grade class in the 2 hour premiere.
Samurai Girl (ABC Fam, 6/8pm – Sa/Su 8 and various times) – This six-part miniseries follows a girl whose marriage is interrupted and must avenge her family’s honor, or something like that.

Saturday

Cops/America’s Most Wanted (Fox, 8/9pm) Season Premieres – The folks they are criminals and must be gotten.
US Open Tennis (USA, throughout the week, CBS Fri-Sun) – The gang raps up this hard court run with a champ Saturday and Sunday.

Sunday

Hole in the Wall (Fox, 8pm) Series Premiere – This is the one where contestants have to shape their bodies to fit through holes they’re thrust through.
America United: Support of Our Troops (ABC, 9pm) – Folks like Pam Anderson and Jessica Simpson honor the troops.
MTV VMAs (MTV, 9pm – repeats) – Host Russell Brand keeps it moving, we hear no Britney but I’m sure the Jonas Brothers will show.
True Blood (HBO, 9pm) Series Premiere – Alan Ball of Six Feet Under takes another pass at tv with this vampires live among us but they’re drinking synthetic blood, or are they, series based on books by Charlaine Harris.
Entourage (HBO, 10pm) Season Premiere – The guys are back as Vincent Chase and buddies deal with business and pleasure.

Check your local listings for final times and repeat showings.

tv guide fall preview

August 27, 2008 No Comments

Labor day is upon us and fall is here! TV Guide still does a nice job laying out the new season. I am a big fan of the printable premiere calendar and of course the grid of what’s on when: http://www.tvguide.com/special/fall-preview-2008/

Sadly as I take a closer gander at scheduling it’s looking a little cramped in a couple of slots. Monday at 8 with Big Bang/HIMYMother, Gossip Girl, Terminator, and Chuck. Then Wednesday at 8 with Pushing Daisies, Old Christine, ANTM, and Bones. I like to limit myself to two shows max per time slot so I’m going to have to make some accommodations. At least CW typically reruns ANTM and GGirl, and of course there’s some stuff online. I mean who could think of dropping a show, for other than enjoyment considerations, but that’s often how it happens for me. And of course I never expect the new shows to all hit so I should be able to drop one of the cramped Tuesday at 9 options of The Mentalist, Privileged, and Fringe (sadly the cute Joanna Garcia may lose to the cuter Simon Baker and of course JJ Abrams newest product).

So poke around and see what’s going to be happening. I will of course continue to note the premieres in the Next Weeks. And as soon as I hear a little more from the critics I’ll let you know what of the new stuff we’re all most excited about.

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