Big News of the Week: 57 Channels gets Expanded: The origin of 57 Channels and Only This Is On started as a weekly post to wax poetic about the shows I watched but then I thought it would be cool to add a Quote of the Week, and kept adding Of the Week segments to the point last year writing 57 Channels became a little too cumbersome. I had planned on splitting the post but then the writers strike hit and suddenly their wasn’t much to write about. Now with the new season in full swing, 57 Channels became cumbersome again, and if it tedious to write I assume that it may be tedious to read every week so starting this week I will be splitting it up to make it easier on you and me. Certainly when shows start going into repeats and weeks when their isn’t much to write about and summertime, it will all be condensed back into one post. If you have a suggestion for a better title or another “Of the Week” segment you would like, drop a comment in the comment section.
Gratuitous Token Hot Chick Picture of the Week:
Coalition Links of the Week: In light of David E. Kelley's new NBC project, Buzz is taking votes for the best Kelley series of all time. (BuzzSugar)
GMMR readers chime in on their favorite episodes of The West Wing for our new segment - Take 5 - which takes a look back at our favorite shows of yesteryear. (Give Me My Remote)
Marcia considered some of the most successful TV-to-film transitions. Not on the list: David Caruso. (Pop Vultures)
She might be the only person still watching ER but, after the way she cried her way through the end of this week's episode, Rae had to take moment to say farewell to Abby. (RTVW)
It was Canadian Thanksgiving last week and Vance had a lot to be thankful for, including Friday Night Lights, Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy, Burn Notice, Greek, The Office, How I Met Your Mother and many more! (Tapeworthy)
This week, Jace took an advance look at the first two episodes of 30 Rock's upcoming third season and offered five suggestions on how to improve Fringe. (Televisionary)
Dan found a show you most definitely aren't watching. The internet cooking show Cooking With Dog mixes the art of Japanese cuisine with gimmicky kitsch, resulting in a hypnotically pleasing canine cooking show. (TiFaux)
The TV Addict offered up a closer look at some How I Met Your Mother clues that you may have missed. (The TV Addict)
Kate became fascinated with Valentine, because it's pretty much the worst show ever made. (TV Filter)
Free Download of the Week: Spaceballs: The Animated Series (iTunes): Why didn’t anyone bother to tell me there was a Spaceball cartoon out there before? The Mel Brooks classic is a Scooter Hall of Fame inductee and apparently the show started airing a couple weeks ago on G4. Luckily that means there will likely be plenty of repeats. If you missed it like me you can start catching up with downloading the two part pilot for free. As an added bonus, for those that need a reminder of what happened in the first season or want to just jump right in, you can download the Eli Stone Starter Kit for free on iTunes also.
Promo of the Week: NBC is getting Chuck into the online game. First it was the Buy More website and now some webisodes featuring Casey and Big Mike which you can see below (I sometimes have trouble embedding NBC videos so if you cannot see it, head over to NBC.com to see them):
Next Week Pick of the Week: Frank TV, Tuesday at 11:00 on TBS: The man of a million impressions is back for a second season and brought along a tall black dude along for the fun (you didn’t think Frank would try Barack Obama himself?). I will have more on the show before the show, until then check out my interview with the star: Chatting with Frank Caliendo.
Quote of the Week: Leonard, you have to do something about Penny. She is interfering with my sleep, she is interfering with my work, and if I had another significant aspect of my life I’m sure she’d be interfering with that too. (Sheldon, The Big Bang Theory)
Song of the Week: Livin’ la Vida Loca - Ricky Martin (as sung by Earl Hickey; My Name Is Earl)
Big News of the Week: Chinese Democracy Gets a Street Date: Yeah, if I am not mistaken, this is the third “official” release date, but this may actually be the one as there is the gimmick of being a Best Buy exclusive. And keep in mind if the album does actually drop on November 26, everyone gets a free Dr. Pepper. Maybe a free can a pop for every American will be the catalyst to steer us away from this looming Depression. So I this time next year we are all swimming in money like Scrooge McDuck, we will have Axl Rose to thank.
Gratuitous Token Hot Chick Picture of the Week:
Coalition Links of the Week: Buzz spent some phone time with Lee Pace, whose delightful show you should really all be watching. (BuzzSugar)
GMMR is not a judgey judge. If Nathan Fillion wants to do porn then I'm going to support his aspirations . Have you seen PG Porn yet? (Give Me My Remote)
Marcia graded the new season of Heroes and decided it was thoroughly mediocre. (Pop Vultures)
Vance was on holidays in LA but still spent some time at The Office (with some pictures to prove it!). (Tapeworthy)
This week, Jace took an in-depth look at Season Two of 30 Rock on DVD and felt much better about the merits of that series than NBC's latest comedy effort, Kath & Kim. (Televisionary)
Aided by the lovely and charming Anne Hathaway, the gang at Saturday Night Live turned in one of the stronger episodes of the season thus far. (TiFaux)
The TV Addict explains why he's done with Heroes. (The TV Addict)
Raoul chatted with Anthony and Stephanie from The Amazing Race. (TV Filter)
The Big Bang Theory: This episode brought back some bad memories of a houseguest who was so obsessed with World of Warcraft they would go AFK to let their dog out instead their dog did her doggy business on my carpet (which still smells to this day). I dd a bit of revenge when their dog did their doggy business on their Christmas present last year. But that was quickly forgetting when Penny chopped Leonard’s head off. And here is to hoping that Sheldon never grasps the concept of sarcasm. You can stream current episodes over at Innertube. You can also download The Big Bang Theory on iTunes.
Chuck: For those keeping track at home, that is three different Huey Lewis and the News tracks in the first two episodes and personably I hope they cover their whole catalog over the course of the season because it is really time for a comeback from the band as teased by their contribution to Pineapple Express. And don’t tell me if you lived threw the eighties you don’t have Fore on cassette, just look between Thriller and Dancing on the Ceiling. But back to Chuck, I forgot to complain about it last week, but the Token hot Chick’s change in occupation is a bad idea to end all bad ideas because the Weinerlicuious costume may be the greatest thing ever. And to all the ladies out their, with Halloween coming up, keep the dream alive and dress up in your homemade Weinerlicious. And feel free to send me the pictures. You can stream current episodes over at NBC.com. You can also download Chuck on iTunes.
Heroes: There are shows that are out there that you need to turn off your brain to enjoy, which are fine in a comfort food version of television. But after this past week’s episode I have come to the realization that you need a lobotomy to enjoy Heroes. The show has managed to amass the dumbest cast of character ever. Like a couple weeks ago when Noah told the Haitian that he was going to find Sylar’s weakness and kill him. He told this to a guy who can neutralize other’s powers and erase their memory and didn’t think to utilize this and put a bullet in his brain. But the dumbest of the dumb has to be Osmosis Dude who forgets his powers when it is convenient for the plotline. He knows to stop Indestructible Girl’s bullet in the season premiere, but doesn’t this past week? And not only are the character not going to be invited to a MENSA meeting anytime soon, the writers apparently think we the viewers are morons too. How are we supposed to believe that Indestructible Girl and her gang were able to make it to California minutes after Osmosis Dude? Certainly the Speedster could, but don’t tell me she carried Indestructible Girl and He-Man all the way there. And how does He-Man get out of the house without a scratch yet the Speedster couldn’t. I can actually feel my IQ dropping while watching the show. You can stream current episodes over at NBC.com. You can also download Heroes on iTunes.
Pushing Daisies: It took a while to get into the episode just because how off putting Rachel Harris without her glasses was. I am kind of understanding how people couldn’t put two and two together with Clark Kent and Superman. Actually the episode never actually clicked. Maybe it was the long layoff but I am having a hard time getting back into the show. Then again the show rarely lives up to my Wonderfalls expectations. You can stream current episodes over at ABC.com.
My Name Is Earl: Didn’t the show already do the repeat a day again already before? Something about getting to jail on time. And couldn’t Earl realize the way to cross the guy off his list is to get his short term memory back? I guess they left it open so they can bring David Arquette back. Now if only they bring Norm MacDonald back. You can stream current episodes over at NBC.com. You can also download My Name Is Earl on iTunes.
Saturday Night Light Weekend Update Thursday: If the name wasn’t lame enough, did they really have to do the “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night” line? Plus it didn’t help that paroding the most boring thing ever on television to start things off. I am starting to think the second debate was the a repeat of the first but with Tom Brokaw’s face superimposed on Jim Leher. At least Bill Murray almost saved the skit with his pathetic Cubs question. Here’s hoping the Cubs truly never win another pennant so the Cubs fans never become unsufferable much like the Red Sox fans since 2002. (Go Rays!!!)
Everybody Hates Chris: For those that had Greg back with Chris and the under, go ahead and collect your money. Even I thought they would spead that out at least five episodes.
Free Download of the Week: My Own Worst Enemy (iTunes): Not entirely sure why it has taken so long for the show to premiere, but with all the ads during the Olympics I am actually already tired of the show before it even premieres.
Next Week Pick of the Week: Eli Stone, Tuesday at 10:00 on ABC: Last season’s feel good new show finally returns. Well as feel good as a show about an aneurism can be. The new season starts out with a bit of stunt casting including Sigorny Weaver, Katie Holmes, and Seal. Not scheduled to make an appearance is George Michael who not surprisingly found himself in some more legal problems.
Yesterday I mad a run down of the music that will fill the fall air this season but today I turn inside to the television that will put me firmly into my couch as the leaves turn colors. Well some of these shows are on a short leach like Gary Unmarried. But no shorter leash than on Heroes which was abysmal last season and the first season was not much better. It does not bodes well that last season I found myself switching over to I Love New York because I was so bored with Heroes. But anyways. Here is what I will be watching, and for the most part, enjoying and their start dates:
Then for the midseason, I will be looking out for Lost, The Goode Family, Cupid and the NBC showing of Friday Night Lights. And specials like Hip Hop Honors on October 7 featuring Cypress Hill, De La Soul, Naughty By Nature, Slick Rick, and Too $hort. And of course the debates between John McCain and Barack Obama on September 26, October 7, and October 15 with Sarah Palin and Joe Biden going at it on October 2. I will also be trying to catch up on the second seasons of Dexter and Big Love as well as the third season of Weeds on DVD.
A plethora of cool press releases have been flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post will include blurbs on Into the Unknown, Sons of Anarchy, The Closer and House of Paine marathons, Eli Stone, Greek, Samurai Girl, and Raising the Bar:
- Discovery’s new show Into the Unknown starts tomorrow at 10:00. The show is described as, “International explorer Josh Bernstein travels the world on epic quests for knowledge and discovery. Inspired by deep mysteries and burning questions, he takes a series of unforgettable journeys into the unknown; no location is too remote, no culture too exotic, no goal too ambitious. Each quest sparks new revelations and incredible insights as Josh takes us on a thrilling hunt for answers.” Below is a promo:
- More video is coming out of FX’s new show Sons of Anarchy, debuting September 3, here is a behind the scenes look:
- When I got a press release from the Turner networks of their Labor Day plans I thought that was a little early. That was until I looked at my calendar and saw that it is in two weeks. Boo. But anyways. TNT will be running thirteen episodes of The Closer starting at 9:00 AM capping with the series premiere of Raising the Bar at 10:00. Over on TBS, a ten hour, twenty episode marathon of House of Paine starting at 10:00 AM.
- In a story I broke yesterday, ABC.com is hosting Starter Kits for their returning shows, here is the one for Eli Stone:
- ABC Family is getting a jump on the new fall season with the season premiere of Greek on its new day and time of Tuesday, August 26 at 9:00. Then there is also the network’s mini-series Samurai Girl starting September 5 starting the moderately attractive Stacy Keibler (not as the title character, that is instead goes to Real World alumni Jamie Chung). I should have a preview of both in the next couple weeks as well as the previously mentioned Raising the Bar.
It is weird compiling a list of the best television for the past year with so many shows disappearing in the middle of the year or being rushed to complete the sessions with a couple less episodes that were planned. It was interesting with all my bemoaning of hoe horrible the new batch of shows were last summer, freshmen shows dominated the list with four of the top five shows. Here are my picks anyways for the best of the last twelve months:
A nice even split among the networks this year (not counting the unwatchable FOX or The CW) with cable getting a share of the pie this year too. Below is a breakdown as well as a running tally of the shows that led in numbers of Quotes and Songs of the Week from my weekly 57 Channels rundown:
NBC (3) ABC (3) CBS (2) FX (1) ABC Family (1)
Quote of the Week Friday Night Lights (9) The Big Bang Theory (5) Lost (4) Pushing Daisies (3) How I Met Your Mother (3) My Name Is Earl (2) Journeyman (2) Eli Stone (2)
Song of the Week Eli Stone (6) Journeyman (5) Everybody Hates Chris (3) My Name Is Earl (3) Smallville (2) Friday Night Lights (2) Chuck (2) How I Met Your Mother (2) Pushing Daisies (1) South Park (1) Lost (1)
Thanks to the writer’s strike, this was a weird year for television. Some shows ended around Christmas and won’t be coming back until the fall with some never to be seen again. But on the bright side, this was the first time in a very long time that a show I loved didn’t get canceled. This year’s awards also mark the first time Veronica Mars didn’t win top honors for Best Scripted Show on account that it is no longer on. So without further ado, let’s see who took over the top spot for this years STA’s.
Most Entertaining Reality “Star”: Midget Mac (I Love New York)
Best Quote: What is the rate of exchange on the life of a bird because if equal to or greater than mine I gotta get back to my car. (Emerson Cod, Pushing Daisies)
This week I watched four hours of prime time television which is exactly the amount of Survivor I watched last week. I guess there is the writer’s strike to thank for that because many show just disappeared never to be seen again, or at least next fall. Maybe it is because of that strike that there is much less fan fare to the upfronts this week, you can also thank NBC who announced their line up last month. And maybe the strike is to thank for the less than interesting new shows, a list even less interesting than last year, with only one piquing my interest. But anyways. Here is what I’ll be watching next fall:
At the beginning of last year I thought that Chuck would be the one to out nerd the boys of The Big Bang Theory, but thanks to Sheldon it looks like I’ll be watching the CBS comedies live with Chuck saved to Tuesday. Granted if Heroes continues to be excruciatingly painful to watch, I may end up watching Chuck at that time. But all the scripted television will have to be put on hold when the Cleveland Browns, who got the max number of night games, play their first Monday Night Football game in over a decade.
I haven’t watched primetime television on Tuesday since Veronica Mars went off the air. And to be honest I may not technically watch it again this year because 10:00 is past my bedtime, but being the most improved show of the year getting better each episode, Eli Stone will be worth watching a day late. Now if only they would sign Dr. Abbott as a regular.
Just three years ago I watch more television on Thursday than every other night combined; now I’m just down to an hour and a half, an hour less than I’ll be watching on Friday’s. Not that I’m complaining, as it actually give me time to actually productive in real life.
Fridays 8:00 - Everybody Hates Chris (The CW) 9:00 - Friday Night Lights (DirecTV in the fall; NBC in the winter) 9:00 - The Ex-List (CBS)
My sister recently moved and I told her that she should go with DirecTV for her television provider so she could tape Friday Night Lights for me, but alas she went with cable instead. Punk. So if there is anyone in Northeast Ohio with DirecTV, please shout me a holla.
Saturdays, Sundays
I got nothing aside from when the Browns play on Sunday Night Football.
In my schedule above I didn’t talk about the new shows because I wanted to go more into depth here in my preseason top five:
1. The Goode Family (ABC): The latest animated show from the dude who brought us Beavis and Butt-head and King of the Hill set for midseason. Yep Mike Judge voices the head of a family of do-gooders. Speaking of Judge who also does extremely hilarious live action movies Office Space and Idocrasy, be on the look out for Extract starring Jason Bateman which will also be out next sometime year.
2. The Ex-List (CBS): All you really need to know about The Ex-List is that it is produced by Diane Ruggiero who wrote some of the best episodes of Veronica Mars, which is saying a lot. It also co-stars Rachel Boston of American Dreams fame. What makes me skeptical is that it is about a woman (Elizabeth Reaser) who has a year to find her soulmate, which happened to be someone she already dated, or she will be alone forever. Which begs the question, what happens in the second season?
3. I Love Money (VH1): I get typically get physically ill whenever I flip by Flavor of Love, Rock of Love of I Love New York, but thoroughly enjoyed Flavor of Love School Girls: Charm School and openly hoped they would do another season pitting them against Bret Michael and/or New York castoffs. Well someone over at VH1 must read the 9th Green because they just announced an elimination style show with physical and mental challenges including my boy Midget Mac.
4. Project Gary (CBS): This may be a episode by episode thing because it doesn’t seem that interested but does star Paula Marshall (Cupid) and Jay Mohr (Action).
5. Dollhouse (FOX): This should be higher on the list, but it got bumped to the bottom because I won’t be watching it. I won’t be watching it of course because it won’t last a month. For an extended reason why I won’t be watching Dollhouse check out Fool Me Once, Shame on Me; Fool Me Ten Times…
Speaking of Cupid and Veronica Mars, I noticed that it, along with the other Rob Thomas produced Good Behavior, were conspicuously missing from the ABC schedule. But anyways. For a complete grid of next fall television check out Ain’t it Cool News. You can also watch clips of the new shows here.
Quote of the Week: You know, in the future when we are disembodied brains in a jars, we are going to look back at this as eight hours well wasted. (Sheldon, The Big Bang Theory)
Song of the Week: I Feel the Earth Move - Carole King (as sung by Maggie and Taylor, Eli Stone)
Big News of the Week: SciFi Channel Upfront: The Battlestar Galactica Preview I posted over the weekend wasn’t the only thing to come out of last Monday’s presentation, but too much to cover here as it will overrun this segment, so expect a full rundown as soon as tomorrow.
Coalition Links of the Week: Buzz tried her hand at casting the spinoff of Beverly Hills, 90210. (BuzzSugar)
This week, we interviewed Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver about Season 2 of The Riches on FX. (Daemon's TV)
Mikey's dreams for a weekly dose of Judy Greer finally came true, and if Miss Guided's momentum doesn't slow down, it may even be worthy of her talents. (Mikey Likes TV)
Marcia lists her five favorite TV characters of the moment. Naturally, Barney takes the top spot. (Pop Vultures)
Vance loves Judy Greer! Likes Miss Guided. (Tapeworthy)
This week, Jace was all about the Paley Festival (his fifth!) where he attended events for Pushing Daisies, Chuck, Judd Apatow, and the Buffy the Vampire Slayer reunion. (Televisionary)
Dan pondered Battlestar Galactica's Jamie Bamber and House's Hugh Laurie in an effort to figure out which English actor does the best American accent. (TiFaux)
We list the 5 Shows you should be watching! (the TV Addict)
Kate would have cut the entire bottom three (plus Erik) on Top Chef. (TV Filter)
The Big Bang Theory: I had a fear going into the episode that maybe it lost some stream after the momentum it built after an extremely weak pilot, but the first episode back had me laughing out load the whole time thanks to Sheldon’s multiple one liners. Even the guys not named Sheldon were actually funny this week. Although I have to admit that the closet scene hit a little too close to home for me. Check out the latest episodes over at Innertube. You can also download or The Big Bang Theory on iTunes.
How I Met Your Mother: Here is what really bugs me about this show, thery just completely forget or possibly ignore major plot points. The whole B-story line was built around keeping Lily from ruining her ideal apartment, but wasn’t it ruined a long time ago when they learned that it downwind from some air polluter? And if they continue to tease the Mother again like they did tonight for the rest of the season, I may have to jump ship. And had I made my Top 10 Character List after Barney made an That’s So Raven reference, he would have been left off the list. Check out the latest episodes over at Innertube. You can also download How I Met Your Mother on iTunes.
Survivor: Again I was so spoiled early this season that no blind side leaves a bad taste in my mouth. At this point I am just really ready for a merge. And I can’t believe Kathy jumped ship this late. Check out the latest episode over at Innertube.
Lost: Seriously, all this time Michael has been in New York City where he can’t talk to Walt. No scenes of how he exactly got from the island to NYC. And then after all that he wants to kill himself. And on top of that, he can’t because the island won’t let him. Seriously. But hey, at least we finally learned the Zeke was a gay homosexual once and for all. Who says Lost doesn’t give us answers?
As for the other big news, the someone that will die as advertised in last week’s promo was, um, that one dude whose name I don’t care enough to remember. And don’t tell me Rousseau but it too because if there was a place where I could buy stock in Rousseau wasn’t mortally wounded and will pop up before the season after she is uber-fast healed by the island is over I would invest my savings in it. If she is indeed dead, I will be extremely mad because one of the very few reasons I have stuck by the show was because I was hoping for a Rousseau flashback. And why not show us who shot random dude? It has to be The Others right? Whitmore’s guys would be farfetched. The only other group I could think of, if it isn’t a new faction, would be the Dharma people. Check out the latest episode over at ABC.com.
Eli Stone: Maybe the strongest episode yet even if Dr. Abbott and Ed Stevens have been MIA lately. And even though I was a little weary that the Big Head Barry storyline was dragging out a bit too long, I liked how he got over on his lawyers. Hopefully Maggie doesn’t spend too much in Ohio (but if they want to do some on location shots, shout me a holla) and I am wondering how her whole having a boyfriend plays out and please let it turn out to be Tom Lenk who had a blink and you will miss it cameo two episodes ago. Check out the latest episode over at ABC.com. You can also download Eli Stone on iTunes.
Next Week’s Pick: Greek, Monday at 8:00 on ABC Family: A thoroughly enjoyable summer season returns tonight. One advantage it had during the summer was the lack of competition but luckily Mondays are not as log jammed as it was in the fall with NBC opting for crappy game shows instead of scripted drama so you just have to decide what to watch between Greek and The Big Bang Theory/How I Met Your Mother at 8:00 and which to watch on tape (or Tivo for you pretentious types) at 9:00. I just hope that Frannie, who landed in at number ten on my favorite characters list, and all her Republican spouting wisdom gets more screen time this season. You can check up on last season streaming the episodes on ABCFamily.com or you can download Greek on iTunes while the DVD is currentl under $20 on Amazon (see below).
Quote of the Week: Find yourself another peon to pee on. (Maggie, Eli Stone)
Song of the Week: Margaritaville - Jimmy Buffet (South Park)
Big News of the Week: Sitcoms Fight for Worst Actress: Recently My Name Is Earl announced the it nabbed Paris Hilton to guest as herself for its post strike return only to be trumped by How I Met Your Mother who is bringing in Britney Spears (whose sister will be popping up on new ABC sitcom Miss Guided). It is a toss up which is the worse decision, I don’t think anyone let Spears act after the Crossroads debacle (fun fact: the movie was written by the “mastermind” behind Grey’s Anatomy) until now and Earl is smartly not making Hilton stretch her acting chops to wide by having her play herself. In other bad decision news, The CW is resurrecting Beverly Hills, 90210 with Rob Thomas at the helm. How do you go from the smartest teen drama ever to the most vapid? And doesn’t The CW already have a failed modern day 90210 in Gossip Girl?
And just when I thought that 90210 Redux would be the final death nail in The CW coffin, the very next day it was announced that they gave an eight episode order to a Sam Raimi produced show. Then I went back to not caring about the channel when I found out that the show, 13 is a reality competition. Lame. How about Raimi scripted show, preferably staring Bruce Campbell instead? Think about how much better Reaper would have been if Raimi had done it, not a bunch of guys ripping off Sam Raimi.
Coalition Links of the Week:
Buzz chatted with Parker Posey about Project Runway and The Return of Jezebel James. (BuzzSugar)
Sandie talked about why she loves HBO's new show In Treatment. (Daemon's TV)
Marcia said farewell to yet another season of Project Runway. (Pop Vultures)
Rae couldn't stand it anymore and finally made (time) to talk about America's Best Dance Crew. (RTVW)
Vance celebrates that the Sun is finally shinning! At least on Lost. Toronto is still pretty snowy and grey (blech). (Tapeworthy)
This week, Jace was disappointed by the latest obnoxious "twist" on Beauty and the Geek, depressed about the pilot for the US adaptation of Spaced moving forward, and was surprised by how much he actually still enjoys CBS's multi-camera sitcom Old Christine. (Televisionary)
Dan loves Rashida Jones from her days on The Office, but he simply can't endorse her new sitcom Unhitched. (TiFaux)
Jennifer weighs in on Britney Spears guest starring on How I Met Your Mother, and it isn't pretty. (Tube Talk)
After watching the premiere of Canterbury's Law, the TV Addict uncovers the secret method to FOX's Madness! (the TV Addict)
Raoul interviewed Joel from "Survivor." (TV Filter)
Everybody Hates Chris: Couldn’t that have gotten Flavor Flav to play himself as it was obvious that Slaver Slav was a stand in for him. You can’t tell me Flav wouldn’t have done that.
South Park: I think there is anything or anyone that is so successfully of making you laugh at things you know you shouldn’t laugh at than South Park.
Survivor: I must have been spoiled with a month straight of blind sides but I was all giddy during tribal council fully expecting for Ozzie to get the boot when Chet ruined everything and ended up actually getting everyone to vote for him instead of deciding to last another night to get rid of Ozzie. Ugg. Check out the latest episode over at Innertube.
Smallville: Product placement is a necessary evil, something I have grown content with, but couldn’t the writers of Smallville come up with a better way to include a gum, that will not be named here (unless of course they want to pay me), than to have a random band play in a gum factory? Yet another example that these writers didn’t deserve a raise that they went on strike for. I know that all product placements can be as good as Wayne's World 2, but certainly they could have done better than this. Now if you excuss me, I need to go to my local Appleby’s, order some Gatorade while sporting my new Under Armour gear.
Lost: I don’t know what was worse, the way I thought the episode actually ended with Jin being alive while Sun and Hurley didn’t know he was, or after when some uber-nerd informed that Jin was actually a flash-back while Sun was experiencing as flash-forward. Seriously, how is anyone who isn’t a complete lose supposed to know that 2004 was the year of the dragon that the toy store clerk mentioned? Either way this episode sucked massively. Then there was the most un-anticlimactic scene in Lost history, which is saying a lot, when we finally learn, about five episodes too late, that Michael is on the freighter. I really hate Lost as well as myself for still watching. Check out the latest episode over at ABC.com.
Eli Stone: Back when I gave my First Impressions of Eli Stone I was so high on the casting that I said, “Seriously, if Andrew from Buffy the Vampire Slayer shows up I may have to check to see if I also have an aneurysm.” Then this past week I was checking out the guest star list (which I do with every show even though it can act as a spoiler) when I saw “Tom Lenk” who was the infamous Tucker’s Brother on Buffy. Then an hour later no Andrew. So I’m thinking I may have just had an aneurism and seeing random actors’ names. Granted after a Blingo search (which is like Google except you win stuff, and if you sign up I win stuff too) it turned out he was there in a blink and you’ll miss it roll. Hopefully he will begin to play a bigger role later and is signed on in a recurring role.
Missing Andrew aside, a really enjoyable episode now that Eli isn’t the defendant. After some bad scenes in the ealier episodes, the writing problems seemed to be ironed out and there was a great set up for a love triangle with Jordan and Maggie playing against each other. I know who I will be rooting for. This show is definitely going on me with each passing week. I did noticed that Lost will be soon moving into its timeslot with no mention of Eli Stone showing up elsewhere on the schedule. Is it too soon for a Save Eli Stone campaign? Should we sending George Michael mp3’s to ABC? Check out the latest episode over at ABC.com. You can also download Eli Stone on iTunes.
Last week I sent out a call to find out who the Best Characters on Television are and some of the voters were brave enough to reveal their ballots as well as explanations. I did give my list on the Best Characters list but didn’t explain why, not because I am lazy but because didn’t see the need because you should all accept my superior knowledge. Well that and because I’m lazy. Here are the people that revealed their ballots to give you an idea on how top 25 ended up like it did.
Promo of the Week: As promised on Friday, here is a Battlestar Galatica promo for the show’s return on April 4:
I also mentioned on Friday that I had some behind the scene videos of The Riches, who second season premieres this Tuesday over at my sister site, so you can check those out by clinking the link.
Next Week’s Pick: The Big Bang Theory, Monday at 8:00 on CBS: It is not a coincidence that Sheldon came in at number two on my favorite characters on television list as he put the smart in smart-alic and overshadowed the other Monday show How I Met Your Mother of whom they switch time slots over the hiatus.
Quote of the Week: You’re asking me why? After everything I did to get you here. After everything I’ve done to keep you here. How can you possibly not understand (dramatic pause) that you’re mine! (Not-Henry, Lost)
Song of the Week: Who’ll Stop the Rain - Creedence Clearwater Revival (as sung by the lawyers, Eli Stone)
Big News of the Week: Friday Night Lights Closer to Returning: Early this week it was reported by everyone that NBC had reached a deal with DirecTV to co-broadcast the show on both station but no specifics like who would air episodes first. Well reported by everyone but NBC and DirecTV, so I am inclined to wait until an official announcement before I raise my hopes. One thing that has been officially announced is the release date for Friday Night Lights 2.x DVD set for release on April 22 for $20.99 (see right). A dollar more than the first season with seven less episodes but there will be an audio commentary for the season premiere with the producers.
Coalition Links of the Week: With the finale of The Wire looming, BuzzSugar wondered what series have had the best finales — and which should have ended better. (BuzzSugar)
Since FX's The Riches is returning on March 18, Sandie posted some behind the scenes videos for Season 2. (Daemon's TV)
Despondent about the end of The Wire? Marcia consoles herself with a drinking game for the final episode. It's an excellent way to dull the pain of losing such a brilliant show. (Pop Vultures)
With an overview of what to expect in its second season and what she talked to Courteney Cox about, Spads tried to convince everyone to give Dirt a try. (RTVW)
Vance gets reflective when he sells out to Oprah's Big Give, reviews quarterlife without ever having seen it, and notes how unconfortably similar Matthew's relationship with Old Christine is with his own sister. (Tapeworthy)
Hungry for some more culinary-themed reality mayhem this week, Jace took an advance look at the fiery season premiere of Top Chef. (Televisionary)
Dan ventured into music videos this week, exploring the concept of Room Clearers -- songs that you 20% love, 80% hate (first up, Escape Club's Wild Wild West). (TiFaux)
Kate made a list of the top ten scary/awesome things about The Real Housewives of New York City. (TV Filter)
Welcome to the Captain: Leave it to Super Dave Osborne to finally make me laugh at something on this show. Check him into the Captain now. Who am I kidding, they aren’t actually going to film anymore episodes of this show. Check out the latest episodes over at Innertube. You can also download or Welcome to the Captain on iTunes.
Survivor: For those keeping track at home, that is three straight fans blindside in a row. I actually thought this was the week that they were just making it look like there was going to be doubt that Chet would be voted out, but no, they actually dropped the Incredible Hulk instead. But Chet being tossed around like a rag doll may have been the funniest thing on the show in ages capped by the hilarious exchange of Chet saying he bumped his head with the Hulk saying he didn’t care. Brilliant. Check out the latest episode over at Innertube.
Lost: Just when I thought that things couldn’t get much worse that last week’s “Take us serious, we’re time traveling” episode, then we get this week’s worst romantic comedy ever episode. And Not-Henry certainly pulled out all the stops from the dinner party with that ended up having only two invitees to the anti-“you had me at hello” “You’re mine!” And what with magical disappearing chick from Rescue Me who really needs to lay off the botox? Was it actually her? Was it the smoke monster? Has she been with the Others the whole time? Did she really talk with Not-Henry? Check out the latest episode over at ABC.com.
Eli Stone: Let’s not have Eli be the case study ever again because it made for the least interesting trial to date. But the two speeches by Maggie and Jordan were great. Speaking of Jordan, am I the only one who, when hears his name spoken, initially thinks of the ex-fiancé because Jordan is more of a chick’s name. Check out the latest episode over at ABC.com. You can also download Eli Stone on iTunes.
You may have seen ads aleady for the movie 21 which hits theaters on match 28 and I may have more on it before then, but I wanted to let you know this Thursday at 7:15 PST they are having a live webchat over at the official site 21-Movie.com.
Next Week’s Pick: South Park, Wednesday at 10:00 on Comedy Central: Don’t even ask me what season this show is in but the latest season debuts this week. Matt and Trey are habitual procrastinators who usually turn in new episodes hours before they air so I have no clue what is in store but there is a good chance it will be funny.
(NBC)
(ABC)
went off the air. And to be honest I may not technically watch it again this year because 10:00 is past my bedtime, but being the most improved show of the year getting better each episode, Eli Stone will be worth watching a day late. Now if only they would sign Dr. Abbott as a regular.
debacle (fun fact: the movie was written by the “mastermind” behind 
with Rob Thomas at the helm. How do you go from the smartest teen drama ever to the most vapid? And doesn’t The CW already have a failed modern day 90210 in 
, but certainly they could have done better than this. Now if you excuss me, I need to go to my local Appleby’s, order some Gatorade while sporting my new Under Armour gear.
shows up I may have to check to see if I also have an aneurysm.” Then this past week I was checking out the guest star list (which I do with every show even though it can act as a spoiler) when I saw “Tom Lenk” who was the infamous Tucker’s Brother on Buffy. Then an hour later no Andrew. So I’m thinking I may have just had an aneurism and seeing random actors’ names. Granted after a