tv – Page 87 – procrastinationchronicles.com

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.

new “stars”

August 25, 2008 No Comments

Well Dancing with the Stars has announced its next cast for the season starting September 22. Though I don’t watch, I’m intrigued since it’s a pretty good draw and I like to see what “celebrities” are actually going to try be the new darlings. This year as a beach volleyball fan I had heard that Misty May-Treanor, a known dance enthusiast, was in talks to be on the show but glad to see they’re capitalizing on Olympic gold. As for the rest?

Lance Bass (‘N Sync) – pro partner Lacey Schwimmer (discussion of same sex dancing deferred)
Toni Braxton (Grammy winner with apparent heart health concerns) – pro partner Alec Mazo
Brooke Burke (Rock Star host) – pro partner Derek Hough
Rocco DiSpirito (Chef) – pro partner Karina Smirnoff
Maurice Greene (Olympic Sprinter) – pro partner Cheryl Burke
Cloris Leachman (Cloris Leachman) – pro partner Corky Ballas
Cody Linley (Hannah Montana) – pro partner Julianne Hough
Susan Lucci (All My Children) – pro partner Tony Dovolani
Misty May-Treanor (Beach Volleyball) – pro partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Ted McGinley (Hope & Faith/Married…With Children) – pro partner Inna Brayer
Kim Kardashian (Keeping Up With the Kardashians) – pro partner Mark Ballas
Jeffrey Ross (Comedian) – pro partner Edyta Sliwinska
Warren Sapp (NFL) – pro partner Kym Johnson

sports, tv

next week 8/25

August 22, 2008 No Comments

New and notable in the week ahead…

Monday

Deal or No Deal (NBC, 8pm) Season Premiere – Don’t ask me how they can make people randomly picking briefcases filled with money last an hour.
America’s Toughest Jobs (NBC, 9pm) Series Premiere – From the creator of Deadliest Catch and Iceroad Truckers real folks get a dose of overly tough reality in this multi job competition.
Saving Grace (TNT, 10pm) Summer Finale – What will we do until Grace comes back?
Exiled (MTV, 10:30) Series Premiere – So apparently the over indulged previously shown celebraters from My Sweet 16 are now being sent to see how the other half lives.

Tuesday

Gavin & Stacey (BBCA, 8:40pm) Series Premiere – A comedy following a couple from England and Wales who try to mix their lives.
Greek (ABC Fam, 9pm) Season Premiere -I’m excited for this fluffy college show to return, though Casey should get over Evan and Kappie.
Janice Dickenson Modeling Agency (Oxy, 10pm) Season Premiere – This season models new and old, the oldest being Janice, move in together.

Wednesday

Shear Genius (Bravo, 10pm) Season Finale – The final cuts are in.

Thursday

Democratic National Convention – Starting Monday through Thursday the convention can be seen on many a channel at many a time… check your local listings.

Friday

Grizzly Man Diaries (Anim Pl, 6pm) Series Premiere – An eight part series documenting the life of Timothy Treadwell (from the creepy Grizzly Man movie) in the decade before his death.

Saturday

Starter Wife (USA, 9am) – A little marathon of the start of Debra Messing’s freshly single series.

Sunday

US Open Tennis (USA starting Mon, CBS Sa/Su) – So what are the chances the final will be Nadal (1) vs Federer (2) and Ivanovic (1) vs Jankovic (2)… let’s see how this goes.

books, movies, tv

happy anniversary!

August 21, 2008 3 Comments

Well it’s been a year since procrastinationchronicles.com had its first post! Can you believe it? No, me neither. Since then I’ve upgraded from basic cable to standard cable, and don’t think it’s worth the money but don’t know if I could go back. I still have my old school tivo that only records one channel with a back up vcr, that lifetime membership makes it hard to pay to upgrade. Though I admit my next entertainment purchase just might be a flat screen television. I’ve watched more hours on television than I’d like to count. And of course I still spend a moment or two of my time on things other than tv like reading and going to the movies.

Anyhow, hopefully it’s been as fun to read as it has been to write. Thanks for all of your support, keep reading and watching. : )

xoxo

– the procrastinator

more fall fun

August 18, 2008 No Comments

So some folks were asking about shows that they know I watch but weren’t listed in Fall Favorites… By now folks know I watch and enjoy more shows than a person probably should. In addition to previously noted favorites Bones, Chuck, Dirty Sexy Money, Gossip Girl, Heroes, The Office, Pushing Daisies, and 30 Rock, there are a few other returning shows that typically hit my tivo:

America’s Next Top Model (CW, Wed 9/3 ) – Yes Tyra is annoying but it’s not really about her, it’s about the annoying wannabe models and this year they promise a transgender contestant.
Big Bang Theory (CBS, Mon 9/22) – I don’t love this show but Sheldon makes me laugh enough, and Darlene is joining her Roseanne boyfriend as a regular this season.
Brothers & Sisters (ABC, Sun, 9/28) – I almost don’t even like this show but I can’t help but tune in to see what mess the Walker family is getting into and this season we should see the real illegitimate half sibling.
Criminal Minds (CBS, Wed 9/24) – I usually actually only catch this special FBi unit cathing the brutal serial killer of the week show in repeats.
Eli Stone (ABC, Tues 10/14) – This quirky guy with visions that may be leading him along won me over, but did we really leave him in a coma after an operation?
Grey’s Anatomy (ABC, Thurs 9/25) – Yes Grey herself is totally annoying but maybe as she theoretically sticks with McDreamy this season we can focus on the rest of the good supporting cast.
House (Fox, Tues 9/16) – Last year’s shakeup to cranky House’s team gave him some new fodder, though they didn’t find a good balance yet of old and new, and what of best bro after his girlie’s death?
How I Met Your Mother (CBS, Mon 9/22) – This show still has a lot of hilarity, though I don’t care how he met the mother, or whether it is or isn’t Sarah Chalke.
Law & Order (NBC, midseason) – I dropped this for a few years but found myself tuning back in this last season as the current ensemble seems to be working.
Law & Order: SVU (NBC, Tues 9/23) – I know this show is all about Stabler and Benson but I don’t love them, though I keep tuning in, this is the one with the sex crime slant.
Life (NBC, Mon 9/29) – This detective back on the force after being falsely accused amused and interested with his oddball antics though not so much on the conspiracy of his conviction.
Lost (ABC, midseason) – Well I loved the start of last season but at the end of the day was a little underwhelmed by the Oceanic 6 getting off and having to go back, this season starts a new chapter, I’m very curious and definitely still in.
My Name is Earl (NBC, Thurs 9/25) – I am still amused enough by Earl and his trashy family getting his karma back in line, though bored by the coma version of Earl and the normally likable Alyssa Milano.
The New Adventures of Old Christine (CBS, Wed 9/24) – I still think this is a great role for Dreyfus to do broad funny as an crazy and awkward single mom with her misfit family.
Numbers (CBS, Fri 10/3) – This isn’t a great procedural but the interplay between FBI and math genius brothers solving cases works, though math brother just lost his credentials, whatever will they do.
Reaper (CW, midseason) – This show started strong last season and almost lost me with its capture of the week but the devil’s bounty hunter and friends found a new rhythm by introducing some additional intrigue, and the devil is fantastic.
Samantha Who? (ABC, Mon 10/6) – Applegate is winning as her post amnesia persona tries to marry her old bad ways with her new clean slate.
Scrubs (ABC, midseason) – I was surprised by the network move though I think this show has a great cast and good balance of silly fun, though we’ll see how well they transition to the predicted new young cast additions.
Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles (Fox, Mon 9/8) – This show grew on me as the cast and intrigue were better developed while Sarah and her son John try to change the future by jumping years with the help of hot chick terminator Summer Glau.
Two and a Half Men (CBS, Mon 9/22) – This show’s lost its edge a bit for me as the brothers work their odd couple dynamic with lazy kid getting less cute as he grows up, but there are still some good laughs.

And before you ask, current cable faves include: Battlestar Galactica (behind but catching on dvd), Breaking Bad, Burn Notice, The Closer, Dexter (dvd), Eureka, Flight of the Conchords, Greek, Project Runway, The Riches (yet to be renewed), and Saving Grace.

next week 8/18

August 16, 2008 No Comments

New and notable in the week ahead…

Monday

Thank You, Mr. President: Helen Thomas at the Whitehouse (HBO, 9pm) – She quips about her tenure in the press corps with many a president.
The Hills (MTV, 10pm) Season Premiere – This is that ‘reality’ show where ‘regular’ people have become ‘celebrities.’
Busted (MTV, 10:30pm) Series Premiere – More reality but this time it’s kids who get arrested.
Olympic Roundup – NBC primetime coverage includes women’s individual gymnastics events, trampoline final, track & field, and women’s beach volleyball semis.

Tuesday

Making the Band 4 (MTV, 9pm) Season Premiere – The bands promote what I’m sure are hot hits.
Olympic roundup – NBC primetime coverage includes men’s and women’s individual gymnastics events, track & field, diving, and new event: bmx cycling.

Wednesday

Architecture School (Sund, 9pm) Series Debut – Can you pick the hot new architect who will combine a great aesthetic and a realistic single family home?
Olympic Roundup – NBC primetime coverage includes gymnastics exhibition, track & field, bmx cycling, and women’s beach volleyball finals.

Thursday

Glam God with Vivica A Fox/The Cho Show (VH1, 10/11pm) Series Premieres – Folks compete to be a celebrity stylist, then we get to follow comedian Margaret Cho around.
Jacked: Auto Theft Task Force (A&E, 10pm) Series Premiere – It’s like Cops but with carjackers.
Tabatha’s Salon Takeover (Bravo, 10pm) Series Premiere – Some chick from Shear Genius tries to turn salons around.
Olympic Roundup – NBC primetime coverage includes track & field, women’s diving, and men’s beach volleyball finals.

Friday

Discovery Project Earth (DSC, 9pm) Series Premiere – Can scientists come up with the way to save the earth, hear what they have to say here.
Who Are you Wearing (TLC, 10pm) Series Premiere – I think this is kind of like Project Runway.
Jeffrey Ross (Com, 11:30pm) – A comedy central special of Ross doing No Offense Live from New Jersey.
Olympic Roundup – NBC primetime coverage includes men’s diving and track & field.

Saturday

Olympic Roundup – NBC day and evening overage includes women’s basketball finals, women’s volleyball finals, rhythmic gymnastics, synchro swimming, boxing, canoe/kayak, men’s marathon, track & field, and diving.

Sunday

Law & Order: CI (USA, 9pm) Season Finale – This is actually the one of these I don’t watch, though I like Mr. Big better than D’Onofrio.
Generation Kill (HBO, 9pm) Miniseries finale – Does this mean the war is over?
Olympic Roundup – NBC day and evening coverage includes men’s waterpolo finals, rhythmic gymnastics, boxing, men’s volleyball finals, and the Closing Ceremonies.

fall favorites

August 12, 2008 2 Comments

Well I just saw a promo for Gossip Girl and it reminded me of how much I enjoyed the campy trashy show. What else am I most eagerly awaiting? Funny you should ask.

Bones (Fox, Wed 9/3) – Currently my favorite procedural because not only do they have fun cases with an anthropological science twist, but the leads Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz are good on their own but their chemistry is great, and the the quirky supporting cast works so well, I’ll forgive them for the weak wrap-up of last year’s serial killer.
Chuck (NBC, Mon 9/29) – Seeing Geek Squad Best Buy Nerd Herd Buy More employee, and accidental keeper of government secrets, forced into the spy world as well as the spy world stuck into Chuck’s life creates not only plenty of action but plenty of humor as well as a little potential romance with his CIA handler (the pretty one, not the hilariously stiff Adam Baldwin).
Gossip Girl (CW, Mon 9/1)/Dirty Sexy Money (ABC, Wed 10/1) – Who can pick between the two trashy campy soaps? Good thing you don’t have to as we catch the richest of rich families, and their lawyer who is trying to help out and not get sucked in, to more trouble each week than most folks do in a lifetime, unless that is you’re a bunch of rich private schoolers, being fashionable and popular and deceptive is such hard work.
Heroes (NBC, Mon 9/22) – Currently my favorite of the involved conspiracy shows, though it’s been uneven, we have followed our cast favorite regular folks who got special powers like time travel, indestructibility, and mind reading, and have to deal with other heroes, secret organizations, and of course saving the world, this season as they struggle with their own right and wrong actions it looks like they take on some real villains, but typically good and evil aren’t so clear cut.
Pushing Daisies (ABC, Wed 10/1) – Every aspect of this show was magical and captivating as I somehow fell for two characters who are so sweet and in love normally I couldn’t stand them, but I lament every moment they aren’t able to touch because what brought her back to life would take her from him forever, so in the meantime he and his supporting cast run the pie shop and solve crimes, who better to help out than a guy who brings the dead back to life for a minute.
30 Rock (NBC, Thurs 10/30)/The Office (NBC, Thurs 9/25) – Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin just made me laugh a lot last season as they found a good rhythm with Fey running a late night sketch comedy show, her mess of a life, and keeping a crazy supporting cast together while the season finale of the Office made me appreciate how far this show has come from one that I saw more as a placeholder in the lineup to one I tune in for, because just when you think they’ve pushed the wackies too far in one direction they remind you to care.

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