tv – Page 88 – procrastinationchronicles.com

threshold for bad

September 24, 2008 3 Comments

So I watch a lot of shows that I may not be in love with yet but I’m willing to wait to see where they’re going. Some say I have a high threshold for bad television. But there’s bad and then there’s bad. Knight Rider was almost so bad it was good, too bad it was just bad. It was like I was watching a cheesy 70’s show without the nostalgia factor. I will admit that I never really caught the first round so not sure whether being a true fan would help or hurt. I tend to think the new transformer Kitt and the black ops Iraq vet and accidental heart breaker Michael Knight might not live up to the Hoff standard.

What else hasn’t made the cut? Do Not Disturb, where Jerry O’Connell hits on chicks and other hijinks ensue while they’re trying to run a hotel. Just not quite funny. And Worst Week where a guy is humiliating himself and his fiancé’s family by doing things like accidentally urinating on a marinating goose and setting things on fire. I just can’t stand this painful kind of humor.

I’m giving at least one more episode to 90210, Fringe, Gary Unmarried, The Mentalist, and Privileged.

and the emmy goes to…

September 21, 2008 1 Comment

Didn’t watch, don’t really care, but here’s the rundown:

Outstanding Supporting Actor, Mini-series or Movie
Tom Wilkinson, John Adams

Outstanding Supporting Actress, Miniseries or Movie
Eileen Atkins, Cranford (Masterpiece Theatre)

Outstanding Actress, Mini-series or Movie
Laura Linney, John Adams

Outstanding Actor, Mini-series or Movie
Paul Giamatti, John Adams

Outstanding Miniseries
John Adams

Outstanding Supporting Actor, Comedy
Jeremy Piven, Entourage

Outstanding Supporting Actress, Comedy
Jean Smart, Samantha Who?

Outstanding Actor, Comedy
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock

Outstanding Actress, Comedy
Tina Fey, 30 Rock

Outstanding Series, Comedy
30 Rock

Outstanding Supporting Actor, Drama
Zeljko Ivanek, Damages

Outstanding Supporting Actress, Drama
Dianne Wiest, In Treatment

Outstanding Actress, Drama
Glenn Close, Damages

Outstanding Actor, Drama
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad

Outstanding Series, Drama
Mad Men

And you can check out emmys.org for a full list of nominees and winners.

next week 9/22

September 20, 2008 1 Comment

And the premieres are really cooking, get your tivos ready…. New and notable for the week ahead, procrastinator picks are underlined.

Monday

Heroes (NBC, 8/9pm) Season Premiere – First we countdown, maybe that means they try to explain what the heck has happened in the first two seasons, then what’s normally an engaging but uneven series has some promising buzz as this year we meet the ‘villains’.
Dancing With the Stars (ABC, 8pm, second rounds Wed/Thurs) Season Premiere – Who will delight America this season and how long can we keep Cloris Leachman in the mix?
The Big Bang Theory (CBS, 8pm) Season Premiere – This show grew on me throughout last year, as the geeks and their straight woman/hot girl Penny make fun, super misfit Sheldon steals the show.
How I Met Your Mother (CBS, 8:30pm) Season Premiere – This show has a great ensemble and the Barneyisms are almost worth it alone.
Two and a Half Men (CBS, 9pm) Season Premiere – They’re back with more odd couple shenanigans.
Worst Week (CBS, 9:30pm) Series Premiere – Folks are saying this could be funny, but again, not sure about one mishap after another for a whole season.
Boston Legal (ABC, 10pm) Season Premiere – Is this show still on? Is this show still getting emmy nominations?
CSI: Miami (CBS, 10pm) Season Premiere – I think someone shot Horatio, can anyone really stand David Caruso?

Tuesday

Opportunity Knocks (ABC, 8pm) Series Premiere – A game show where families win based on knowledge of each other.
NCIS (CBS, 8pm) Season Premiere – I admit I’ve never seen this navy investigation show.
Eureka (SciFi, 9pm) Season Finale – Maybe we find out what happened all those years ago and how their new fixer was involved.
The Mentalist (CBS, 9pm) Series Premiere – Simon Baker solves crimes after years as a fake celebrity psychic.
Law & Order: SVU (NBC, 10pm) Season Premiere – Luke Perry won’t do 90210 so catch him in this ep, will he be creepy?
Without a Trace (CBS, 10pm) Season Premiere – I used to watch this show but no longer catch the FBI’s weekly missing person drama.

Wednesday

Knight Rider (NBC, 8pm) Series Premiere – Unless there were significant changes from the made for tv movie/pilot this one’s a pass.
The New Adventures of Old Christine (CBS, 8pm) Season Premiere – I actually like this ridiculous show where JLDreyfuss and her gang are obnoxious but funny.
Gary Unmarried (CBS, 8:30pm) Series Premiere – Jay Mohr deals with his divorced dad lifestyle.
David Blaine (ABC, 9pm) – I’m always a little wary of these ‘magicians’ who do something like hang from a wire for days.
Criminal Minds (CBS, 9pm) Season Premiere – I think we ended last season with an explosion, is all the team coming back?
CSI: NY (CBS, 10pm) Season Premiere – This one isn’t as annoying as Miami and is a decent procedural.
Lipstick Jungle (NBC, 10pm) Season Premiere – Of the identical average new chick shows of last season (the other was Cashmere Mafia) this one rolled over to this season, let’s hope they fine tuned things.

Thursday

Ugly Betty (ABC, 8pm) Season Premiere – I never quite appreciated this campy soap drama.
My Name is Earl (NBC, 8/8:30pm) Season Premiere – Last season’s coma didn’t quite work, let’s hope this season is back to its white trash misfit make amends roots.
Survivor: Gabon (CBS, 8pm) Season Premiere – So they’re in Gabon, wherever that is.
The Office (NBC, 9/9:30pm) Season Premiere – What’s in store this year for Michael and Pam and Dwight and that other main guy?
Grey’s Anatomy (ABC, 9pm) Season Premiere – Now that we’re over most of the Mer/Der drama let’s get back to the rest of the gang.
ER (NBC, 10pm) Season Premiere – I recall hearing that this 15th season is the last and they’re trying to get as much of the gang back together as they can, Clooney is a long shot.

Friday

Presidential Debate (Various, 6pm/pst) – This election season feels like it has been going on forever but now we could really start to get down to it as Jim Lehrer moderates.

Saturday

Dirty Sexy Money (Soap, 9am) – Catch up on delightful season one with this marathon.
Chris Rock (HBO, 9pm) – In his Kill the Messenger special we see comedy from a few locations on his tour.
48 Hours Mystery (CBS, 10pm) Season Premiere – I don’t know that I’ve ever watched this true-crime series.

Sunday

60 Minutes (CBS, 7pm) Season Premiere – The stop watch still ticks.
Extreme Makeover: Home (ABC, 7/8pm) Season Premiere – I f I read this correctly a single mother of four took in her sister’s 10 children…. I can’t even take care of my plants, she deserves a house.
The Amazing Race (CBS, 9pm) Season Premiere – I understand this is one of the ‘good’ reality shows.
The Simpsons/King of the Hill/Family Guy/American Dad (Fox, 8-10pm) Season Premieres – The animation evening continues.
Desperate Housewives (ABC, 9pm) Season Premiere – As I understand it they’re refreshing things by skipping ahead five years.
Cold Case (CBS, 9pm) Season Premiere – Another one of those procedurals I didn’t keep up with.
Dexter (Show, 9pm) Season Premiere – Ok I’m still on season 3 on netflix but this one is addictive.
Brothers and Sisters (ABC, 10pm) Season Premiere – So if anyone missed it the now making out Rebecca and Justin are not really related, she only thought she was his sister for a while.
The Unit (CBS, 10pm) Season Premiere – When the team protects the vice and president elects, they could just paste a current candidates head on the actor’s bodies.
Californication (Show, 10pm) Season Premiere – Too easy to make a David Duchovny joke.
Little Britain (HBO, 10:30pm) Series Premiere – A fav british sketch show may take a few weeks to get its new american legs.
The Life & Times of Tim (HBO, 11pm) Series Premiere – Steve Dildarian former ad guy and fun painter creates this new animated series.

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.

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