|
« September 2007 |
Main
| November 2007 »
 Joss Whedon's last experience with episodic TV left a bad taste in his mouth, but an old friend has coaxed him back.
Whedon and "Buffy" buddy Eliza Dushku (Faith from the show) will be launching a new series, "Dollhouse," with Fox. The actress' Boston Diva Production and Whedon's Mutant Enemy will produce the show, which has gotten a seven-episode commitment. Though a writers' strike could delay production, it's scheduled for fall 2008.
"Massacre is an exceptional phrase," says Whedon of the sudden cancellation and mishandling of his "Firefly" series on Fox. "But it's a whole new crew now. There's new blood."
Dushku will be a producer and play Echo, a young woman who is everybody's fantasy. She is one of a group of men and women who can be imprinted with personality packages, including memories, skills, language and even muscle memory, by a company/place called the Dollhouse.
Whedon ranks the character as one of his best, saying "she's absolutely the essence of strength boiled down. She's at her strongest when she's at her least powerful. She has an extraordinary tenacity. "
As a first-time producer, Dushku was given a lot of freedom to come up with a show. They "really gave me the blessing to go out and bring them the kind of show that I wanted to do and be the character I wanted to be." And Whedon, whom she dubbed "the ultimate feminist male writer," was the first person she called.
"It was like I was fiddling with a Rubik's Cube while watching TV, then looked up and it was done," says Whedon of his lunch date with Dushku in which the two came up with the premise.
With a writers' strike looming, Whedon understands that the show could hit some snags before it gets off the ground.
"My timing is, as usual, great."
-- Jevon Phillips
Photos courtesy of 20th Century Fox
Bookmark it:  
|
|
An "is it scripted or isn't it?" storm is brewing around this season of "The Hills."
Some sloppy editing in recent episodes, reported in several newspapers and blogs, have raised the question, and last week an online expose by series "star" Lauren's onetime date Gavin Beasley sent "Hills" fans into a tizzy trying to figure it out.
MTV has always 'fessed to so-called pickup shots, staged scenes that address issues of continuity and not storylines. But no one at the network will talk about the bomb that dropped Thursday, when an interview surfaced with Beasley that divulged the level of manipulation that goes on in "The Hills." (Interestingly, the interview was conducted with the blog www.BestWeekEver.TV, a product of an MTV sister network. "Et tu, VH1?")
The network declined to comment on the posting, perhaps the most incriminating evidence yet to surface supporting the -- let's face it -- fairly obvious allegation that the show's drama is largely manufactured by its producers. Beasley divulged behind-the-scenes details of his cameo, including how the producers asked him to get Lauren's phone number and listed questions he should ask her during their scene. "They wanted me to ask her about the runway show, how long she had worked that day, when would she get off, stuff like that," Beasley says.
| Bookmark it:
|
|
I just have to say it out loud: "House" just keeps getting better and better. What at first seemed like a pretty silly idea -- to passive-aggressively keep from hiring a new team, House has a group of doctors competing like they're in a reality show -- has turned out to be brilliant. Not only do we get all sorts of great new characters, we also get to see House at his best, trying to figure out, and neutralize, each one. Gone are all the boring concerns about his Vicodin addiction, gone is the irritating model of House declaiming and everyone else denying (even though he's always right), gone is the increasingly dull and unbelievable tension between him and Cuddy. (As subordinate/boss, that is. The sexual tension, one hopes, is still in there somewhere.) Cuddy is done trying to squelch him; now she is just shooting for managed chaos. Which is so much more fun because it revolves more around the medicine and less around all the personal pathos of the staff.
Last night's case was a screenwriter's dream. A man comes in with no memory but a very strange disorder -- Giovanni's Mirror Syndrome (where do they come up with these things?), which causes him to unconsciously mimic those around them. So all of the characters were subjected to a vision of their own selves, and we got to watch them react to it. How great a dramatic idea is that? Although it must be conceded that while Patient X managed to delve into the psyches of all the contestants, he stayed on the surface when mirroring House, revealing only his lust for doctor 13 and admiration for Cuddy's breasts. Too bad; it would have been interesting to get a peep into House's interior, and even more interesting to see what he thought of the image.
But the quibble is so minor, I'm ashamed to have made it. This season of "House" should be handed out as Christmas gifts to every writers' room in America to serve as a template for really shaking up a show in danger of bogging down in its own conceit. Mercifully, House didn't kick anyone off the island last night; the loss of any of the new characters will lead only to heartbreak for me. I miss the old guy already and don't care that he wasn't a doctor. Indeed, I was just as uneasy when Cuddy announced she had hired Foreman back. I love Omar Epps, but I hope this doesn't mean a return to the old "House." As good as it was, the new "House" is better.
(Photo courtesy Fox)
| Bookmark it:
|
|
“Dancing With the Stars” decided to kick it old school last night, meaning, of course, that the episode was completely devoid of any reference to current pop culture. Who more appropriate to have as special guest musical performer than Barry Manilow singing “The Greatest Songs of the Seventies”? Which dance better to have reprised than the “rock ’n’ roll” Sharks and Jets routine? And who best to have eliminated from the show than its youngest contestant, Cheetah Girl Sabrina Bryan? It was as if the voters of the show said, “This is what we think of hip-hop-infused ballroom!” The episode did feature a bit of break dancing during a preview for Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba’s upcoming show, “Dance Wars,” but the routine, leg warmers and all, seemed more from “Fame” than actual b-boys and girls.
Mel B., as the new youngest contestant on the show, you'd better watch your back.
| Bookmark it:
|
|
Closely mirroring last year’s findings, a coalition of minority advocacy groups Tuesday concluded that the four major networks had made some progress in increasing ethnic diversity in front of and behind the camera but still fell short in demonstrating an overall commitment to cultural diversity in their prime-time lineups.
 The conclusions by the National Latino Media Council, American Indians in Film and Television and the Asian Pacific American Media Coalition were part of their seventh annual report cards measuring strides made by CBS, ABC, NBC and Fox to boost minority representation. In 1999, those networks forged an agreement with the minority groups, and with the NAACP, to increase diversity.
Esteban Torres, chairman of the National Latino Media Council, said ABC was given excellent grades for placing Latino talent in each of the network’s most popular series, and for its success with the comedy “Ugly Betty.” The group also gave marks ranging from B+ to B- to CBS, NBC and Fox.
Karen Narasaki, the head of the Asian Pacific Media Coalition, said she was particularly concerned about the lack of commitment to development deals with Asian Pacific Americans writers and talent. The group awarded a C+ to Fox and NBC, and a C to both CBS and ABC.
Leaders for American Indians in Film and Television did not award grades but charged each of the networks with largely ignoring American Indians in front of and behind the camera. “We are the invisible Americans,” said spokesman Mark Reed, adding that he was encouraged by assurances from the networks that the presence of American Indians would increase.
The NAACP did not participate in the report, but representatives said the organization would issue its own diversity findings in November.
Fox was the only one of the four networks to respond to the report. Executives at that network said in a statement that they were dedicated to their diversity efforts.
-- Greg Braxton
(Photo courtesy ABC)
| Bookmark it:
|
|
 As the promo says: Everything you thought you knew ... is about to change!
Maybe not, but for the "Heroes" faithful (and video makers), there's finally a glimpse of where Tim Kring and the rest of the gang are going with all of this. Sylar and Noah (HRG) get to show their bad sides, which is great to behold. As another review puts it: Give the story a chance.
It's all about influence: Sylar's influence over Maya is growing, and he pushes her to kill despite her brother's objections. West's influence over Claire grows, and they pull a prank to get her on the cheer squad. (He picked her up and dropped her with no problem. Hmmm... ) The Company's influence over Monica begins as Mohinder brings her into the fold, only to get a new watchdog with Niki brought back into the picture. Hiro lets love influence his decisions, altering the time line and probably creating a powerful enemy. And lastly, we don't know who influences the deadly Noah (HRG), but we're sure that the eight paintings he's finally unearthed will be very, very influential.
Like last year, a dire future that results in millions dead is revealed. This time Peter, instead of Hiro, views it. Heck, Hiro may be to blame. Getting a kiss apparently trumps even the preservation of the space-time continuum.
And speaking of Hiro, I think Takezo Kensei is the person murdering the "generations" crew. There, I said it! Comments here and elsewhere have pointed fingers at Peter Petrelli, the Invisible guy from last season, future Hiro, Parkman Sr. and more. I don't think it's any of them. I've thought about this for the past couple of episodes, and now events are leading that way. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. When it's proved that I'm wrong (twists are great!), I'll admit it, love it and move on. Or I may change my mind next week!
Once again, uh-oh about Maya. She's starting to like using her powers, and the actress that portrays her, Dania Ramirez, is all for it.
| Bookmark it:
|
|
 The sun finally came out this afternoon, probably willed out of hiding by the sheer star power of the cast of "The Office."
I never did get to ask Angela Kinsey (Angela) what hair product she was using to keep her flaxen locks so immune to the humidity, unfortunately, but it was on my mind.
The citizens of Scranton, Pa., and convention attendees have been deliriously anticipating any sightings of the actors, and were largely rewarded all day today.
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Oscar Nunez (Oscar), Andy Buckley (David Wallace) and Craig Robinson (Darryl) took part in an improvised Dunder Mifflin stockholders meeting along with local actors.
The event was held at the Mall at Steamtown; the good news for the cast members was that it was better attended than a Debbie Gibson concert. This wasn't so great for attendees, however, as it was nearly impossible to see and hear.
Oh, well: I got to check out Bon-Ton, which is a department store I'd never heard of that carried a great array of the cute hats that are so "in" this season.
| Bookmark it:
|
|
 Let us take a moment to go in praise of casting. In this, "Friday Night Lights" has rarely goofed. Families -- the Taylors, the Garritys, Matt Saracen and his father, Smash Williams and his mother -- actually look like families, and this season the show has exceeded itself in the casting of Landry's policeman father, played by Glenn Morshower.
Morshower not only looks like Jesse Plemmons' Landry but also exudes the rectitude that lies behind his son's goofball-genius persona.
The Landry kid is the character the producers of "FNL" decided to gamble on this season, changing his persona from sidekick to soul searching after he came to the aid of his high school crush, Tyra, killing her stalker.
The two then dumped the body in the river. Their cover-up seemed to get resolved in this week's episode, after Tyra was called to police headquarters to ID the body found in the river as the guy who'd attempted to rape her.
Is it case closed? Doubtful.
| Bookmark it:
|
|
A chilly rain fell on Scranton nearly all day today, which would enhance the sometimes-desolate and drab  Pennsylvania town we see as the setting for NBC's "The Office." But this is not TV! This is real life! And in real life, for this weekend at least, Scranton is anything but desolate as it hosts the first of possibly many "Office" conventions to come.
The festivities kicked off on the "Today" show with cuts to Al Roker broadcasting from the University of Scranton. Those gathered around him cheered more loudly than a high school volleyball team that had come all the way from Alabama, or than 10 lifelong friends who had traveled to the big city to celebrate their 50th birthdays.
The throngs seemed delirious, not just about the national attention but also the absurd fun of the situation. Cast member Craig Robinson, who plays Darryl from the Dunder Mifflin warehouse, seemed completely tuned in to the brouhaha, whooping it up and egging on those in attendance. Sadly, I have yet to meet any of the cast members on my particular jaunt, but thus far the locals like to boast about which actors they've met, and a Scranton convention volunteer showed me some photos of Robinson cheerfully holding up her infant nephew, so obviously he seems like a good time.
| Bookmark it:
|
|
 Ronald D. Moore, the executive producer who runs "Battlestar Galactica," is gearing up for the long goodbye by taking on a new task. He will step into the director’s chair for the first time next season as his dramatic reinvention of the hokey 1970s’ space opera treks toward the end. The final 20-episode run will kick off in — you read it here first — early April.
Moore’s work on the show as a writer-producer landed "Battlestar" its first Emmy nomination in the drama writing category, where he faced off against the writers of "The Sopranos" and "Lost." A veteran of the "Star Trek" series "The Next Generation," "Deep Space Nine" and "Voyager," Moore is also juggling writing duties for the upcoming feature films "The Thing" and the sequel to "I, Robot."
About his directing debut, Moore said, "It’s the perfect opportunity to try and do it here with my family — the cast and crew of the show — who have been working together for years now.
"For all I know, I’ll hate directing, but right now I’m hungry for it."
| Bookmark it:
|
|
 One of the most sensible kids, DK, was the star this week. His frustration at the kids being ... kids was palpable, and enough to make him say that's it. Luckily, new council member Guylan's little-brother shtick was enough to make him stay, and then be rewarded with the gold star. As one reviewer put it, "whether you're a sinner (Taylor) or a saint (Morgan), everybody loves DK."
"Bonanza Is Disgusting" is the title of this week's episode. And though it was green through and through, one little girl continues to pollute the city.
Guylan and Zach got their first taste of leadership, and everyone got their first full glimpse of the evil that is a powerless Taylor. A bit strong to say for a kid, you say? Maybe, but the mischief that she creates disrupts the entire town. Even her running mate, Leila, changed her mind and became a team player (for a while). They tried to punish her, but that didn't work. Such a brat .
On to the challenge ...
| Bookmark it:
|
|
 So what does it take for nine rather sweet, raucous girls to be struck dead silent?
Easy. Tyson Beckford.
When the male supermodel/actor/studmuffin arrived at the girls' house to give them a lesson on spokespersonship, the ladies couldn't talk. They just gaped and swooned, barely emitting a giggle. For the first time ever, they shut their yaps and stopped gossiping. In Bizarro World, apparently, Tyson Beckford is a librarian.
| Bookmark it:
|
|
If there was any surprise last night when Mark Cuban was voted off “Dancing With the Stars,” it was that it happened this late in the game. He was one of the weakest dancers in the group, yet he managed to make it nearly halfway through the season.
There are two possible explanations why, which are not necessarily mutually exclusive. No. 1 is that he used his zillions of dollars to pay people to vote for him to stay on the show. No. 2 is that he simply charmed the audience. Cuban, despite his wealth and sometimes outspoken nature, proved to be classier, more determined and tough on himself than so many other famously wealthy people (which may be why he and Donald Trump don’t seem to get along).
He didn’t have to, but he really wanted to do well on DWTS, and his hard work obviously paid off, especially since his natural ability and experience were nil compared with the remaining contestants. His physical dedication was evident in the 30 pounds he took off in the experience, but his mental commitment was evident as well, as he beat himself up during every rehearsal and discussed with his partner, Kym Johnson, what would best show off their strengths.
So it seemed fitting that he got a standing ovation from the judges and audience last night when he left. DWTS has been spicing up its results show lately, but as the season progresses, the predictable formula has been in effect. Now that Cuban has been eliminated, the more middling dancers like Jennie Garth will be dropped, until we’ll mostly likely see Spice Girl Mel B and Cheetah Girl Sabrina Bryan in the finals. The dancing will probably intensify, but it will be missing a little something without the wild card Cuban keeping the results shows unpredictable.
-- Claire Zulkey
| Bookmark it:
|
|
That, folks, was a season (series?) finale. No Journey, no cut to black, no stupid Meadow trying and failing to parallel park.
After last week's episode, I was crabby that "Damages" seemingly took the easy way out, with assorted henchmen being responsible for David's murder and the attack on Ellen.
But here's the thing: Assorted henchmen were responsible for those crimes -- but silly me, I underestimated Patty's deep, deep need to win, no matter what the obstacles.
| Bookmark it:
|
|
 So, in comes Kristen Bell to help save the (ratings) day. We'll see tomorrow. The literally electric Elle gets her long-awaited, and deadly, intro, even stirring up another mysterious tidbit when she tells "Daddy" (from the Company) that she's coming home. Bob, maybe? Elle seems like a focused, morally messed-up character (for now) that will add spice to the show, and Kristen has spoken a bit about her possibly duplicitous role.
But this episode wasn't about her. A quick recap:
-- Peter used his precognition powers and finally opened "the box," with both pointing to Montreal. Elle also fries Caitlin's "boyo" brother.
-- Parkman and Petrelli hit a snag when Parkman Sr. dropped a mental whammy on them, causing them to see illusions and fight each other. Matt broke up the fun, but the fight scene was well-choreographed. FIGHT POLL!
-- Micah, after matching musical digits with Monica, revealed his techno powers to her and helped explain the New Orleanian's "copycat" abilities using, of course, a comic book. Mohinder and the Company come calling, but Monica is gonna be cool. Yes, Louisiana has parishes, not counties. Sheesh.
-- We got glimpses of cure-chasing Niki (Jessica was not happy about it), painting-hunting HRG and love-sick Hiro as Ando reads about his adventures. We won't go into the missing storylines. It's old news, and if you haven't jumped ship yet, there are still lots of reasons to hang on. Many holes are filled in online, which TV Guide has recognized.
The inevitable heroic interaction is slowly coming. The murdering of the "generations" heroes is the likely catalyst that will bring everyone together. And I think I know who's doing it. We've met him, but I'll save that for one or two more episodes.
For now . . . Last week, you all voted that Maya would beat Micah in a face-to-face battle, 54% to 46%. One person who might not agree is Micah himself, Noah Gray-Cabey. I got to ask the busy pre-teen five questions about the show and his character.
| Bookmark it:
|
|
The fall TV season has claimed its first new scripted-series victim.
On Monday, CBS canceled "Viva Laughlin" after only two episodes. Hugh Jackman was one of the executive producers of the series, which was met with largely scathing reviews and low ratings in its Thursday premiere. The second episode performed poorly in its regular 8 p.m. Sunday slot following "60 Minutes."
The drama, which revolved around an aspiring casino owner, featured characters who sang along with hit songs incorporated into the plot.
"It was obvious that the ratings weren’t there," said a network insider.
A repeat of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" will air in the slot next Sunday. A new season of "The Amazing Race" will air in the time period starting Nov. 4.
-- Greg Braxton
(Photo courtesy CBS)
| Bookmark it:
|
|
 "The future might hold something different for me," Dexter (Michael C. Hall) muses at the end of last night's episode, and if this particular installment is any indication, he was referring to a lot of other people in his world.
If there's one main weakness with Showtime's murderous show, it's that it often feels like it's in second gear when it's focusing on anyone other than its hero. Maybe it's simply too difficult to make other characters shine in comparison to your average sarcastic, witty serial killer on the police force.
The best secondary characters have been Rita (Julie Benz), Dexter's kind and strong girlfriend, who matches him well because, in her way, she has as many issues as he does, and Sgt. Doakes (Erik King), Dexter's nemesis in the police department. Some of the best laughs on the show are Dexter's benign greetings to Doakes, which are returned with malicious cursing and volleyed back with idiotic cheeriness by Dexter, who knows that Doakes is the only one on the force with any idea that he might be up to something. Doakes' angry suspicion made him a great foil for Dexter, but the audience now has been fed a back story on the sergeant involving a divorce and a traumatic turn as a Special Ops ranger. Do we really want to know why Doakes is the way he is? It was more fun to see him as a crank.
| Bookmark it:
|
|
First of all, what's with the goofy, soapy mid-episode recap, sponsored by J.C. Penney?
I realize that embedded advertising is the future in a DVR world. But, please, I don't need to be told what's just happened in the first half-hour of "Friday Night Lights."
The show has me at "hello"! The corporate-sponsored recaps are both no big deal and a microcosm of a sophomore jinx, demeaning a quality show with faux intrigue.
| Bookmark it:
|
|
So we’ve reached the end of the line, the last stop on the 5:15 that dumps all us lumpen souls off in the blank suburbia of Other TV. Back to your regular programming, folks, the siren call of Manhattan business life in 1960 is silent for now. The good news: “Mad Men"'s season finale was a triumph for tonally sophisticated TV and it’ll be back before you know it.
Alright, got your dirty martini in hand? Let’s dive in… this week, we
get extra insight from creator Matt Weiner, who chatted with me in great detail
about the last show. Weiner is unpretentious and open, yet respectful
of his muse. Sometimes he’ll pontificate on a character’s motives,
other times he’ll simply repeat the mantra, “It’s in the show.”
| Bookmark it:
|
|
I don't know what condition of post-feminism we are currently living under (post-post-post perhaps), but after last night's "Grey's Anatomy," I think everyone should scramble through their boxed-up college paperbacks and find their copies of "The Golden Notebook" because we need to get back to basics, people.
The headliner of the episode was that, in time-honored fashion, Callie forgave the adulterous George and confronted Izzie, calling her a traitorous . . . rhymes with witch. "You did this to another woman," Callie said, blaming the woman who was not even her friend in the sentiments of 20,000 drink-and-dials. Indeed, it was George who had to explain to the suddenly, inexplicably spineless Callie that she didn't really forgive him because what he did was unforgivable. In the words of Tracy Lord: "Aren't men wonderful?"
Izzie, meanwhile, thought Callie's request to meet in the cafeteria was a girl fight throw-down, which is just insane (Is this a hospital? Are they doctors?), but then Izzie has been gone from the rational part of this planet for so long there really is no point in discussing it. Again, it was up to a man -- this time, Alex -- to put things in perspective. When he found out about the George thing, he was justifiably disgusted and hurt -- Izzie could have had Alex, but she settled for George? After Denny? Izzie makes Meredith look like the healthiest girl on the block.
And that's tough to do since Meredith was so busy twittering and twitching over the fact that Derek was "bonding" with her stepsister Lexie that she allows her bumbling intern to inform the wrong patient that she is dying from cancer. She got a wrist-slap from Dr. McSteamy and a lecture from Derek, who told her once again that she is a child and he loves her but he isn't quite sure he can wait for her to grow up.
If you think for a moment, this is exactly why many people argued against women becoming doctors or being in the workplace at all -- they are too emotional, they will only distract their male colleagues with damaging sexual affairs, and they can't be serious professionals. In early "Grey's," the women were a much more interesting mix of strength and weakness, with characters like Bailey, Cristina and Callie balancing the more broken personalities of Meredith and Izzie. Who, in the old days, were still actually interested in medicine and their careers as well as their love lives. But with Bailey inexplicably sidelined and Callie wandering around in a haze, there is not a single functioning female spine in view. Even Cristina is too busy abusing Lexie because of the Meredith connection to do her job -- teaching interns -- properly, as Derek (of course) reminded her in another male-on-female dress-down.
If only Callie could come out swinging, or Izzie get some therapy. Meredith and Lexie could duke it out and get their father into AA. Thankfully, Ava's coming back. She's one tough cookie, and we need some tough cookies. Because Lessing won the Nobel this year. And that has to mean something.
-- Mary McNamara
(Photo courtesy ABC)
| Bookmark it:
|
|
Of all the characters on "The Office," none has undergone a more dramatic transformation than Jan Levenson, played by Melora Hardin. When the show started, Jan was the exasperated straight man not only to Michael (Steve Carell) but to the entire Scranton branch of Dunder Mifflin. It was clear that she'd rather be dealing with any other group of people. It wasn't long, however, before Jan made a more regular, self-destructive presence, giving in to her inexplicable attraction to Michael, eventually allowing their relationship to jeopardize her career and, finally, to end it, explosively. Jan began the series as the epitome of rationality and control, but by the end of the third season she embodied complete surrender to impulse and emotion. So what's going to happen now?
The fourth season didn't start promisingly for Jan. After being fired (or quitting, depending on your perspective) from her corporate job at Dunder Mifflin in New York, she moved in with Michael, but so far all viewers have seen is an unflattering portrait of her snoring on Michael's bed and her occasional visits to the Scranton office, in sweats, to visit and insult Ryan (B.J. Novak), who replaced her, and to make threats against Pam (Jenna Fischer), lest she consider making any moves on Jan's man.
"I think she's feeling threatened by everybody right now," Hardin says about her character. "Jan's used to being the boss. I think she's still comfortable in that position and wants to keep a sense of that, her own sanity, but really has very little to hang on to in that regard."
| Bookmark it:
|
|
“Online Nation” came and went as fast as Leave Britney Alone Guy faded into bellowing obscurity.
A spokesman for the CW confirmed Thursday that the network has canceled the 30-minute YouTube-inspired clip show. Instead, the CW will air encores of its new comedy “Aliens in America” at 7:30 pm Sundays, beginning with the pilot episode Oct. 21.
Since Fox alleges that "Nashville" is coming back, “Online Nation” is the first official casualty of the new season.
Later: What do Internet viral video stars do when their first TV show gets canceled? They vlog! Check out "Online Nation" co-hosts Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal’s reaction to the CW’s unceremonious pulling of their first television project. Here.
-- Maria Elena Fernandez
| Bookmark it:
|
|
 Seems like there's a revolution every week, but it finally happened: the council shake-up. Taylor, the beauty queen who doesn't do dishes, is voted off the council, and Zach, the take-charge 10-year-old, takes his rightful position. It was a long time coming.
But what the heck happened with boy scout Mike?!?
Guylan, the quiet Massachusetts kid who admires Fidel Castro, had only been quoted a few times all season. A home-schooled 11-year-old with nothing to lose, he stepped up and grabbed the votes from the red team. It was a total sweep. It blindsided Mike, and it blindsided me. Mike's been doing a good job.
 In other election news, Laurel is totally loved, and Anjay withstood a challenge from snarky Olivia (some posit that she's mean toward Anjay because of his faith). It's obvious the producers continue to introduce more and more societal structure into the camp (class, curfew, religion, elections), with each step bringing more chaos. Or is it more order?
And after the bullying, graffiti and cursing, old man Greg finally gets a star. His consoling of Sophie after Markell ripped up her campaign sign was probably what sealed it, but the kid's been working hard for a while now. $20,000 for college.
| Bookmark it:
|
|
Oh Tyra, what would I do without you? Oct. 31 is fast approaching and I had no idea what I was going to dress up as for Halloween. But thanks to Wednesday night's episode, that dilemma has been solved: I'm going as a fashion gargoyle.
In one of the higher (literally) concept photo shoots so far, the models were dragged to the top of the Omni Hotel downtown. With a bit of staging fakery, they were set up as "fashion gargoyles" hanging off the side of the building, with big displays of patent leather, slicked-back hair and Toulouse-Lautrec makeup.
| Bookmark it:
|
|
 “Damages” may not have drawn the hordes of viewers FX had hoped for when it launched the legal psychodrama this summer, but stars Glenn Close and Ted Danson said today that the low ratings haven’t eroded the satisfaction they’ve gotten from the series.
“It’s one of my favorite jobs I’ve ever had,” Danson said during a conference call with reporters to tout the season finale, which airs Oct. 23.
Playing corporate chieftain Arthur Frobisher, who is locked in a bloody litigation fight with Close’s steely attorney, Patty Hewes, “has reinvigorated my desire to act,” he added.
As for Close, “I have not put myself through the ringer worrying about numbers,” she said. “I do know we’ve created something to be really, really proud of, and it would have an exciting future if we get that chance.”
That remains to be seen. As producers make the final edits on the last episode, FX executives are pondering whether to bring the show back for another season.
John Landgraf, president of FX Networks, sounded anguished at the thought of canceling the complex thriller, but he said the growing number of viewers using DVRs to watch programming has put pressure on the network’s business model.
“I would say I’m cautiously optimistic,” Landgraf said. “There are still some things that could derail the renewal of the show. As magnificent as the show is creatively, it has struggled somewhat” in the ratings.
| Bookmark it:
|
|
"Dancing With the Stars" last night was all about keeping it real. No flashy, big-name guests, no guest hosts and no sugarcoating. Never shy of picking up on the faintest disaster or controversy, "DWTS" made sure to highlight judge Carrie Ann Inaba's criticism of Jane Seymour and Jennie Garth for what she said were illegal lifts during their dances. Both dancers denied it, but there was something refreshing about the technical aspects of dance being brought to the forefront. So much of the show focuses on partner chemistry, costumes and emotions; rarely does the audience get to learn what goes into each dance and what distinguishes a flashy but sloppy performance from a tight and controlled one.
Meanwhile, in a rare turn of events, a judge actually answered Tom Bergeron's question of "Who deserves to go home?" So often the judges wimp out and say something along the lines of "Everyone is so great." Bruno Tonioli didn't actually say, "Floyd Mayweather! He's the one who deserves to go home," but he just about did by emphatically making a case that Mel B. (pictured) did NOT deserve to be eliminated. It seemed unlikely that she would anyway, with her personality and skills, and with Maksim Chmerkovskiy's face and physique and skills and personality and face and physique. Floyd took his defeat with aplomb, whereas Mark Cuban seemed genuinely thrilled once again not to be in the bottom two.
| Bookmark it:
|
|
That's it? Really? If it is, it's all the fault of "Pulp Fiction."
Tarantino's 1994 flick started a barrage of out-of-sequence, intertwined, multiple-character storytelling that still hasn't abated. Sometimes it serves the story well -- I'd argue it did in Steven Soderbergh's "Traffic" in 2000 -- and sometimes it serves to jazz up an otherwise mundane plot.
With Tuesday night's episode of "Damages," I'm starting to fear that the technique was used in this show for the latter. Sure, it was fascinating to anticipate how all the various time-jumping strands would coalesce, and in the most recent episode they did. But it resolved into a collective "Wha?"
| Bookmark it:
|
|
Oh, Barry!
What would we do without the eccentric, wisecracking producer-director Barry Sonnenfeld? Assigned to moderate the Hollywood Radio & Television Society's annual “Network Chiefs Summit” on Tuesday, Sonnenfeld opted to leave his infamous fake mustache and cowboy hat at home and rely on his biting wit to steal the show. (Well, that and the martini glass he was holding when he walked on stage, which he later confessed was full of water.)
The TV industry gathering, co-presented by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences at the Beverly Hilton hotel, attracted a record turno |
Joss Whedon's last experience with episodic TV left a bad taste in his mouth, but an old friend has coaxed him back.
