Around the Tubes: 8/28/15

I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases have been flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post will include blurbs on Homeland, Explorer, Austin City Limits, Epix, From Dusk Till Dawn, Skin Wars, The Missing Evidence, MTV VMAs, VH1 Family Therapy with Dr. Jenn, and American Dad.

- In advance of the highly-anticipated fifth season premiere of Homeland on Sunday, October 4th at 9:00, Showtime has released the full-length trailer for its Emmy and Golden Globe®-winning hit drama series. To watch and share the trailer, go to: s.sho.com/1JmXdHv.

- After a five-year hiatus, National Geographic Channel (NGC), in conjunction with National Geographic magazine (NGM) and National Geographic Studios, relaunches the critically acclaimed documentary series Explorer (natgeotv.com/explorer, #NatGeoExplorer) as a monthly series this August. The series opener, Explorer: Warlords of Ivory, premieres Sunday, Aug. 30, at 8:00, taking an in-depth look at the devastating effects of the global illegal ivory trade. And to continue National Geographic’s cross-platform commitment to this important cause, Nat Geo WILD premieres the one-hour special Elephant Queen the same night at 9:00, further reinforcing why these majestic creatures are so worthy of our protection.

- The television music series Austin City Limits (ACL) follows four decades as a music institution with more unforgettable performances as it gets ready to write its next illustrious chapter. Providing viewers with a front-row seat to the best in live music, ACL unveils Season 41’s stellar line-up of legendary artists, trend-setting innovators and many highly-anticipated debuts. ACL airs weekly on PBS stations nationwide (check local listings for times) and full episodes are made available online for a limited time at video.pbs.org/program/austin-city-limits immediately following the initial broadcast. Select tapings are also live streamed to enable music fans everywhere to experience the performances as they happen, live and unedited. Viewers can visit acltv.com for news regarding future tapings, episode schedules and live stream updates. The show's official hashtag is #acltv. The program returns on October 3rd with the 2015 ACL Hall of Fame Special, a special hour showcasing unique collaborations and tributes from this year’s induction ceremony and celebration, held June 18, 2015. Artists Lyle Lovett, Dwight Yoakam, Vince Gill, Gillian Welch, Jason Isbell and more perform in honor of the newest class of inductees: Asleep at the Wheel, Guy Clark, Flaco Jiménez, Loretta Lynn and Townes Van Zandt.

- Find all the stars in one place this September as EPIX kicks off Fall with lots of laughs and even more drama! Get a healthy dose of honesty from Craig Ferguson in the world television premiere of his latest comedy special Craig Ferguson: Just Being Honest, coming to EPIX on Thursday, September 10th, 10:00. Experience the thrill of Christopher Nolan's Interstellar all over again on Sunday, September 13th, at 8:00. Be moved by the gripping Selma, starring Golden Globe®-nominee David Oyelowo, on Sunday, September 20th, 8:00. See Mark Wahlberg put it all on the line in Rupert Wyatt's The Gambler on Sunday, September 27th, 8:00!

- Last year, From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series premiered as El Rey Network/Miramax's first scripted drama and drew critical acclaim for the reimagining of Rodriguez's cult classic film From Dusk Till Dawn. On August 25th at (9:00), the sophomore season of this fan-favorite, supernatural crime saga returns with 10 new episodes that expand the universe of the story from Mexico to the edgy, tricked-out Texas of Rodriguez, who also directs the first episode. And on August 26, Entertainment One will begin to release each episode for purchase on all leading digital platforms.

- The “battle of the brushes” continues as GSN, the leader in game shows and competitive entertainment, announced today it has ordered a 10-episode third season of the top-rated original hit series Skin Wars, hosted by Rebecca Romijn (X-Men, The Librarians). The announcement comes on the heels of a successful season two finale, which drew over 1.1 million viewers.

- Smithsonian Channel tackles conspiracy theories and enduring mysteries in a new probing six-part series, The Missing Evidence. Each week, the series includes new insights from authorities, investigators, scientists and journalists, and uncovers new leads surrounding some of the most famous tragedies, unsolved crimes, persistent mysteries, and other phenomena that have piqued the public interest. The Missing Evidence premieres Sunday, August 30 at 9:00.

- The performer line-up for the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards just got MAJOR. Joining previously announced performer The Weeknd, MTV today unveiled that Pharrell Williams, Demi Lovato, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Tori Kelly, A$AP Rocky and Twenty One Pilots will perform on the LIVE telecast airing this Sunday, August 30 at 9:00 on MTV.

- From John Irwin’s Irwin Entertainment, the producers of Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew, new series VH1 Family Therapy with Dr. Jenn hopes to shed a little light on the complicated and often misunderstood world of celebrity families who still have to grapple with universal issues – but under a microscope. From the executive producers of VH1 Couples Therapy with Dr. Jenn, VH1 will premiere the new series VH1 Family Therapy with Dr. Jenn in early 2016.

- TBS is doubling down on American Dad!, ordering two more seasons of the top-rated animated hit from Twentieth Century Fox Television, ensuring that the Stan Smith clan will have a home on the network through 2018. An important programming initiative for the Turner portfolio, American Dad! also has a second home on TBS's sister network, Adult Swim, which presents an encore of each new episode after its TBS premiere. Today's announcement adds 44 episodes to the series – 22 each for seasons 12 & 13. It marks the second time in less than year that TBS has renewed the series. In November, the network announced a 22-episode order for season 11, which is set to air on TBS and Adult Swim in early 2016.

Previewing Public Morals

2015 is the year network and basic cable channels have started to throw everything against the wall to combat the Netflix watch whenever you want format. NBC made big waves by releasing every episode of Aquarius to Hulu, On Demand, iTunes and the like (for limited time). Apparently this was successful for NBC to renew the show for a second season after breaking NBC.com streaming records. Of course weeks later the show was resigned to the Saturday burn off slot so it will be interesting t see how NBC releases season two... if at all. NBC's sister station USA also got creative with the release of season two of Playing House by releasing the next episode On Demand the night after the previous episode airs on the cable channel (sure Showtime has released episodes a week before for the last couple seasons of another David Duchovny vehicle Californication). FX also did something interesting recently to fight the lax standards and practices of streaming sites by uploading "Explicit" versions of episodes of Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll On Demand the day after the for basic cable version aired through to my best guess you just hear an extra F-bomb or two per episode and does not show the amount of skin you see on Netflix originals (there is an explicit version of Aquarius floating around but as for now it has just aired in foreign markets and now words when us more prudish Americans can see it).

TNT is getting into the experiment this summer with a different type of release for its sixties crime drama, Public Morals. After tonight's premiere, they are going to put the first four episodes On Demand for people to binge watch. Of the four new ways to release a show I mentioned so far in this post, the Public Morals release is the worst way to watch as a viewer. I always find it bad form to complain about receiving screener for television shows, but this complain is relevant to how TNT is releasing Public Moral. Really my biggest complain when it comes to screeners is that when a network makes available multiple episodes available to watch it is harder to get back into the show weeks, or months later when new to me episodes start to air. What makes this decision even more head scratching is that if someone were to take TNT up on its offer to watch the first four episodes this week, the first new episode not On Demand does not air until September 22, right dab in the middle of the network premiere week. This just seems like horrible planning in my view. And I have seen those first four episodes and there is really no big event or plot twist in episode four that made me go, "oh my goodness, I cannot wait until episode five." Really , if you decide to watch Public Morals, I highly recommend to just watch it week to week (which is how I ended up watching Aquarius passing on binge on it all in a month's time). And for those that prefer binge watching, you might as well just wait until the end of the season instead of watching four now and the last six sometime in November.

Of course how to watch Public Morals is completely moot if it is not worth watching at all. The show takes place in 1960's New York (Red Hook specifically) with Ed Burns, who also created the show, as a cop assigned with dealing with making the city look nicer by riding it of prostitutes and gamblers. Okay, the Public Morals division does not really get rid of these activities, they just make sure they happen in the shadows and get their cut of the take. The balance is threatened when some gets wacked at the end of the first episode. For those hoping for a good murder mystery, sorry, the viewers will know who did it by the middle of episode two even if most everyone on the show is still investigating the murder through episode four.

Also working with Burns is his partner Michael Rappaport (The War at Home), Wass Stevens (Brooklyn's Finest) Ruben Santiago-Hudson (American Gangster) is the Lieutenant. There are also a bunch of twentysomethings on both sides of the law that just seem to blend into each other which may be the only reason to binge the first four episodes as it is easier to tell all those characters apart then having to try to remember who is who after waiting a week. As for the fairer sex, Katrina Bowden (Sex Drive (Unrated)) is one of the girls the cops bust who has an, um, interesting Brooklyn accent on the show (which randomly goes away about halfway through the season). Lyndon Smith (she was Drew's more fun college girlfriend on Parenthood) is one of the around the way girls in Red Hook who can play on both sides of the tracks. There is also Burns's wife who may be the greatest trophy wife on television since Betty Draper (but a lot less icy) played by Elizabeth Masucci (TNT's press lists her main credit as The Americans which I did not recognize her from; after some googling, it turns out she just dubbed "prostitute" in a first season episode so this is really her first recognizable role, but I will say her accent is much better than most on the show).

The show also has an impressive list of guest stars including Timothy Hutton as Burns's gangster uncle who's son chose to take after his cousin not his father. Hutton's boss is Brian Dennehy who also has children problem, Brian's comes in the form of Neil McDonough (the resemblance is uncanny). Kevin Corrigan (it is weird that both male leads of Grounded for Life have gone on to be strong dramatic character actors) is also part of the organization. Also hanging around is Robert Knepper who like Burns and McDonough starred in last year's TNT period cop show Mob City. I will say I have enjoyed Public Morals more so far.

But the thing is, the show does not pick up until the fifth episode when it becomes perfectly clear that the whole season is building towards an epic turf war following the death in tonight's episode. The longer the season progresses the harder it is for the people in charge and the police, who profit from the more salacious activities stay in certain areas and the more entertaining and interesting the show gets. This war spill over from the street and really says a lot about class in the sixties much better than the similarly themed sixties cop show Aquarius. It does help that the other show is spread out in the sprawling Los Angeles while this one is a more compressed area of Red Hook where one small spark could take out an entire city block.

If TNT really wanted to experiment with nontraditional roll outs, they really should have included the fifth episode which the version I looked ready for broadcast (which is not always the case with screeners, it was always weird watching Raylan Givens "drive" down a country road with only green screens in the background). It seemed like TNT wanted to release enough episode to get people hooked but not enough that they would not come back to come back to watch live when those episodes are done. But still, I recommend just watching week to week because I really do not see this experiment working well for either TNT or the viewers who choose to watch the four episodes all this week.

Public Morals airs Tuesdays at 10:00 on TNT. You can download Public Morals on iTunes.

57 Channels and Only This Is On: 8/22/15

Hannibal: Oh Hannibal, telling the Red Dragon "They're listening" and dropping the phone (though I am a bit surprised he did not say "They know" calling back to his conversation with Jacob Hobbs). And I know the Red Dragon is evil, killing people and all, but did he really have poison the Graham's dogs?
You can download Hannibal on iTunes.

Ray Donovan: I really hate Chekhov's Gun an annoying cliche that any gun introduced in the first act has to go off in the third. Though the gun did go off shockingly no one actually died. I though BunchyBrendan's new girlfriends would be the one that bit the bullet even though I doubt anyone with Parkinson's would be a very good shot. I still think she will not be long for this world (surely the Ayrian Brotherhood who may or not be stalking Terry will not like her presence). We actually got the Deadwood reunion and it was as anticlimactic as expected (what was not expected was that word leaked this week that HBO is in early stages of a Deadwood movie, a decade after it aired; it is official, no media property will ever die; here is hoping for a Rome revival too).

Masters of Sex: For the last two months or so I have been complaining Pretty Little Liars teased Allison becoming a youth soccer coach to never bring it up again. But Masters of Sex almost made me forget my disappointment by having Bill start coaching pee-wee football. Awesome. Though I cannot imaging many things being more entertaining than that, Bill new gorilla patient that presumably he will treat next week will come close.

The Strain: Poor Nazi Vampire, not only does the Master not choose you as his new vessel, he forces you to watch him transfer into the some cheep Marilyn Manson wannabee. I wonder if this will make him switch sides and actually team up with the Jew (as he likes to call him). That seems slightly unlike since the Master has a thrall over all his underlings though maybe the Ninja Vampires have some cure for that that will allow the Nazi join their cause against the Master.
You can download The Strain on iTunes.

Falling Skies: When they started the episode with the execution I thought great, we will not have to wait the entire episode with the Masons trying to escape because we all know that none of the Masons will ever die (um, unless you do not count Lexi). Then they flashed the dreaded "eight hours earlier" tile. Ugg. I hate "X Amount of Time Earlier" tiles. At least the show did come up with a creepy twist behind the evil lady's plans: she was some sore of body snatching decoy with black blood (I told them to check that thing on her neck).
You can download Falling Skies on iTunes.

Tyrant: The show has done a somewhat decent trimming some of the useless characters from the first season, the journalist buddy fled the country (granted Barry ended up killing his daughter which would have actually made an interesting plot if he was still around), the daughter is home alone back in American. I do not even remember Justin Kirk being mentioned this season. The matriarch was also pretty much worthless but at least she went out with a literal bang thanks to possibly Jamal's dumbest plan to date (which says a lot). It will be interesting to see where everyone's loyalties lies as both his wife and son look like they may join the bastard son's side realizing Jamal actually killed his mother. Then there is also Barry and as the promo monkeys would have use to believe more people will learn next week just how not dead he is. The first season was a drag, but season two has really picked up steam as it has gone along and for the first time in two seasons I am kind of excited to see what happens next.
You can download Tyrant on iTunes.

Mr. Robot: The ending of the last episode really kind of hurt my brain and left me pondering for days what exactly just happened. Anything seemed on the table. So it was a bit of a let down that it turned out that the big twist this was something I, and pretty much everyone else predicted from the first episode: Mr. Robot is just in Elliot's head. I did go away from that theory when Mr. Robot started having conversations with other people. My working theory was the more Mr. Robot interacted with people, the more delusional Elliot was, though I have to wonder if the rest of fsociety are even real. But I still have to wonder, what was up with the scene with Mr. Robot and American Psycho dude last week? Was that actually Elliot thinking he is Mr. Robot? Did it not really happen, Elliot just thought it did? Even though I was a bit let down this week, I am still extremely excited for the finale next week. I hope we learn more about the Elliot / American Psycho relationship and maybe a flashback on how they met. And faux Lily Kane definitely will be taking that job with Evil Corp, right? That has to be the big plot point, division, with Elliot next season.
You can download Mr. Robot on iTunes.

Around the Tube: 8/21/15

I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases have been flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post will include blurbs on Public Morals, Vet School, Miranda Lambert, Primal Quest, Babygirl, Impractical Jokers, Falling Skies, Hispanic Heritage Awards, The Carol Burnett Show, America's Greatest Makers, and Black Ink Crew.

- Curated by the show’s music supervisor, Tracy McKnight, the Public Morals Spotify playlist includes music featured in the powerful new drama series. Writer, director, executive producer and star Edward Burns (Saving Private Ryan, The Brothers McMullen) reveals the playlist below and provides details on why each song was chosen. Public Morals premieres Tuesday at 10:00 on TNT.

- Grab your stethoscope, leave your nerves at the door and step into the high-pressure, big-reward world at one of the top vet schools in the country, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Nat Geo WILD has exclusive access to follow first-year students mastering the basics, and fourth-year students handling difficult cases from hamsters to horses. Will this cream-of-the-crop crew crack under the pressure of first injections, squirmy patients and animals they’ve never seen before? Vet School premieres Saturday, Sept. 19, at 10/9c on Nat Geo WILD.

- Miranda Lambert and MuttNation Foundation are happy to announce their 8th Cause for the Paws – Back to Basics in Luckenbach, Texas on September 18th & 19th. Having raised $2.1 million since the inception of the Foundation, Miranda continues her tireless support of helping animals in need. MNF co-founder Bev Lambert has been busy putting together the final touches on this special 2-day event in their home state of Texas. “A lot goes into an event like this,” Bev explains, “but nothing makes Miranda and I more happy and fulfilled than seeing a rescue dog in the arms of a loving family. That’s what MuttNation is all about.” Get your tickets here: tickets.muttnationfoundation.com

- Primal Quest, North America’s premier Expedition Adventure Race, announced today an exclusive programming deal with Outside Television, the only national television network solely dedicated to action adventure programming. Outside Television will document the extraordinary pursuit of teams of adventurers as they traverse the Sierras and trail run, mountain bike, paddle, ascend and rappel over 450 plus miles non-stop for 10 days. This edition of Primal Quest is set to take place from August 20-28 in Tahoe, Calif. A trailer can be viewed at outsidetelevision.com/video/primal-quest-2015.

- Set in the Bronx, Babygirl is a bittersweet drama about teenager Lena who, since she can remember, has watched her mom Lucy squander her life on a series of deadbeat men. When Victor, her mom's latest boy toy starts hitting on her, Lena sets up an elaborate honey-trap, hoping to show her mom what a scumbag the guy really is. But the plan backfires. Trapped in a twisted love-triangle between Victor and her mom, Lena finally realizes that the only way out is to stand up and finally confront some difficult truths about her home. Available on iTunes and VOD on August 25, 2015.

- truTV's Impractical Jokers foursome – Joe, Sal, Q and Murr –in celebration of their groundbreaking 100th episode, will take on their most challenging dare yet: an epic high-wire walk five stories in the air above New York City during the show's first ever LIVE punishment spectacular hosted by Howie Mandel. To build excitement for the big day, beginning on Monday, August 31, truTV will feature a week of Impractical Jokers specials leading up to the LIVE punishment in New York City.

- Premiere Props will be auctioning off over 1500 props from TNT’s hit series Falling Skies on Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30 at their headquarters in El Segundo, CA. The series finale (Reborn) will air on Sunday, August 30 at 10:00pm (ET/PT) on TNT. The final standoff brings the Masons, the 2nd Mass, and their new allies into the bowels of an iconic American location, wrought with new and unpredictable obstacles. Despite great loss along the way, they must persevere with hopes of once and for all reclaiming Earth and humanity. The auction features items from all five seasons of the series and allows fans the chance to own memorabilia from their favorite show. Fans can starting bidding now, placing bids online at icollector.com, liveauctioneers.com and invaluable.com

- The Hispanic Heritage Foundation announced today that the 28th Annual Hispanic Heritage Awards, presented by Target, will take place on September 17th at the Historic Warner Theatre and broadcast October 9th on PBS during Hispanic Heritage Month. Legendary actress, singer and previous Hispanic Heritage Award Honoree Rita Moreno will host the program and perform.

- Every legend has a beginning. And this September, Time Life, one of the premiere distributors of Classic TV on DVD, will release the very first steps of a TV icon with The Carol Burnett Show: The Lost Episodes. Showcasing the early days of one of the most honored and beloved shows in television history, the 6-disc Collector's Set will feature episodes from the program's first five seasons - unseen by the public for more than 40 years!

- Compelling branded storytelling, strategic content distribution and advanced advertising are the pillars of a partnership announced today between Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. and Intel Corporation during the Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco. In 2016, the two companies will team up with Emmy®-winning executive producer Mark Burnett (Survivor, Shark Tank, The Voice) to launch a brand new TBS original series – America's Greatest Makers (working title). Building on the success of last year's Intel 'Make It Wearable' challenge, the series will be an entertainment event spanning the breadth and scope of the Turner portfolio, across multiple screens an d levels of engagement.

- The parlor is back in business as VH1’s Black Ink Crew returns Monday, August 24 at 9:00. The cast must navigate personal obstacles while they continue to prove their artistic talents at Black Ink Tattoo Studio. VH1’s Black Ink Crew will feature 8 brand new episodes and a reunion special that will bring to light their hard earned skills and haunting mistakes. Prepare to expect the unexpected when VH1’s Black Ink Crew returns Monday, August 24th at 9:00. Additionally, the entire cast will come together to try and mend their relationships with a reunion special airing Monday, October 19th at 9:00.

I Want My Music Television: 8/19/15

Leave a Trace - Chvrches


When I first heard the new single off of the new Chvrches album I thought it may be a Mumford & Sons or Kacey Musgraves situation where the sophomore album sounds like like average leftovers from a great debut. But the more I listen to Leave a Trace, the more I like it so I will hold my judgement until September when I hear the whole album (though I would not be too angry if for their third album Chvrches pulls the anti Mumford Sons, who when electric on album three, and goes acoustic). The video kinda has a lo-fi eighties feeling to it which actually goes with the new wave sound.

Put a Flower in Your Pocket - The Arcs


For those who thought the latest The Black Keys album was trippy, wait until you get a load of Dan Aurbauch's side project The Arcs and their weirdly violent cartoon animal human hybrid starring music video.

Live Forever - The Band Perry


People have been bemoaning the death of rock and roll for about a decade or so now, but here is the thing, rock did not die, it put on a cowboy hat because that is the only place on the radio dial that plays guitars anymore. What used to pass as Adult Contemporary has also been gobbled up by ten gallon hats (which is why we have gotten country albums from Jewel, Sheyrl Crowe, and Hootie of Blowfish fame). The Band Perry have always been in that AC wing of country radio but it sounds like they are aiming for the Taylor Swift crowd because the first single off their next album sounds, and the video looks, nothing remotely resembling country. Unfortunately the result is a bland, sounds like every other boring and simplistic third rate pop song from last decade (the song was produced by RedOne who helped out with songs from Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, and Pitbull; Pharrell and Diplo are also reportedly part of the upcoming album which does not have a release date yet). Between albums, the group teamed up Fall Out Boy for CMT Crossroads and the male part of the group looked like they raided the other group's wardrobe. None of it works.

Love Myself - Hailee Steinfeld


Speaking of embarrassing third rate pop songs from last decade. After breaking out in True Grit, Hailee Steinfeld has been dabbling in musical movies lately. Last year she was in the rather mediocre but had its moments Begin Again from the writer director of Once as the Hulk's guitar playing estranged daughter. Earlier this year she popped up in Pitch Perfect II and even though her song from the movie did not become an Anna Kendrick size hit, she still got a record deal out of it. And the result is maybe one of the most embarrassing pop songs since R.E.M. released Shiny Happy People (if the double entente of the chorus is not that obvious, she wears a Self Service t-shirt). You have to wonder how something like this is allowed to happen. If this is the best her music career has to offer, them maybe she should stick to movie, or at the very least she needs to beg her buddy Taylor Swift for some of her castoffs.

57 Channels and Only This Is On: 8/15/15

Hannibal: More filler flashbacks this week but I did not even realized that was the patient Hannibal got Bedilia got to kill until she reached down Sylar's throat.
You can download Hannibal on iTunes.

Ray Donovan: Oh Ray, getting in the middle of this family's civil war is going to be a stupid idea. Of course if he and his family did not do stupid things, there probably would not be a show, or at the very least a much more boring one.

Masters of Sex: So Tessa brings in grandma to have her catch Virginia's affair with Bill (him falling out of the window was a great scene) only for grandma o try to get Ginnie to get Bill to leave his wife. Poor Tessa, nothing is going to work out for that girl. Also for the record, I have no problem with what Bill did to the school bully.

The Strain: When the show premiered it seemed like the only thing anyone wanted to talk about was Corey Stoll's really bad anime type wig covering his usually bald dome. It overtook the conversation that the creator had to come out and say that the wig was a plan and Corey's character would lose his hair at some point. That point came this week and how disappointing that instead of being so scared his follicles fell out, he voluntarily shaved his head so he could leave the city despite being wanted by Homeland Security. And then he still got recognized (seriously Eph, but a newspaper to hide behind like every other person ever who tried to go unrecognized on a train). At least Eph got his revenge by throwing the guy from the train. But then at the end we were introduced to a new character, someone who looks like the ninja vampires that the old dude outsmarted a couple weeks ago but with what looked to be a bone handle strapped to his back.
You can download The Strain on iTunes.

Falling Skies: So what is up with the lady's bleeding neck? It has to be some new Espheni mind control bug right? The cut to the Overlord after her decree certainly made it seem that way.
You can download Falling Skies on iTunes.

Pretty Little Liars: Wait, what? Ever since we learned A was Charles, Aly's older brother, I have come up some out there theories, like her was a not so dead Wilden (most of the characters old enough to be Charles were dead), Jason with a split personality, last week I even predicted (okay, mostly hoped) for a triumphant return of Hermie the Hermaphrodite. Apparently my multisex A theory was not that far off because Cee-Cee (nee Charles) was the person tormenting them all along (or at least since Mona gave up the gig). Yes the same Cee-Cee who dated Jason... her half-brother. What the frack? I am sure anyone who rewatches the series will find plenty of plot holes with this revelation. And if Cee-Cee did not kill her mother, than who did? But what an anticlimactic finish with Cee-Cee running to the roof only to jump back down. But hey, now we get a five year jump with (presumably) a new A to torment the Liars and (presumably) married Allison who is now a teacher. Maybe a bigger question than who killed her mother is who would hire Allison to teach children? I just hope she is also the soccer coach.
You can download Pretty Little Liars on iTunes.

Mr. Robot: Speaking of mind blowing episodes, what the frack happened on this show this week? When Dalia Royce was kept asking Elliot who she was I was convince he was going to admit she was just a figment of his imagination (I have had a working theory fsociety was all in his head). But no, Dalia Royce is Elliot's sister and Mr. Robot is his father... what? I was wondering when Dalia Royce was in a ballet class (which is probably the greatest Suburgatory episode that never aired) with faux-Lily Kane (Elliot's childhood friends looks just like her right?) when did they became friends? (I thought there was an episode where they went out and got drunk together but later remembered that was Shayla, not Dalia Royce). And so I am again completely unclear what is real and what is not.
You can download Mr. Robot on iTunes.

Around the Tubes: 8/14/15

I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases have been flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post will include blurbs on The Hotwives of Los Vegas, Brian Wilson, Chris Cornell, Impractical Jokers, Explorer, Skin Wars, The Great American Dream Machine, The Last Ship, as well as TCA news from FX, FXX, and Showtime.

- The second season of Hotwives brings us to Las Vegas, a city where dreams and fortunes are made every day – along with hundreds of new cases of herpes. We’ll meet a fresh batch of real Hotwives – loving and clawing their way through Sin City with smiling faces because the Botox won’t let them frown. Brace yourself for double the drama, triple the heartbreak, and seven times the fake boobies on The Hotwives of Las Vegas.

- Capitol Records is pleased to announce plans for the global digital and CD release of Music From Love and Mercy, the official soundtrack to Lionsgate/Roadside Attractions/River Road's acclaimed Brian Wilson biopic starring John Cusack and Paul Dano. Produced by Wilson, the film's Oscar®-winning score composer Atticus Ross, and the film's producer and director, Bill Pohlad, Music From Love and Mercy's 13 tracks include "One Kind of Love," a ballad written and recorded by Brian Wilson specifically for the film, original Beach Boys classics, Paul Dano's stirring performance of "God Only Knows" from the film, and original score pieces by Ross. The soundtrack will be released digitally tomorrow, Friday, August 14, with the CD release to follow on Friday, September 18.

- Multiple Grammy® Award-winning, Golden Globe Nominated and acclaimed singer and songwriter Chris Cornell will release his fifth studio album Higher Truth on Friday, September 18, 2015 via Universal Music Enterprises (UMe). Starting today fans can pre-order the deluxe version of the highly anticipated album HERE, which contains four bonus tracks.

- truTV's Impractical Jokers foursome – Joe, Sal, Q and Murr – today announced via social media that in celebration of their groundbreaking 100th episode, they will take on their most challenging dare yet: an epic high-wire walk five stories in the air above New York City during the show's first ever live punishment extravaganza. To prepare, the Jokers have called upon the expertise of Ringling Bros. Circus clown and "World's Greatest Dare Devil" Bello Nock, to provide training and tips on the art of successful tightrope walking. With multiple cameras positioned to capture every moment and New York City's South Street Seaport as the backdrop, the quartet known for challenging one another to do the most outrageous dares in publi c will attempt to outdo each other to see who can walk the farthest distance. Set to air Thursday, Sept. 3, at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT., the can't-miss Impractical Jokers Live Punishment Special will reveal which Joker will be the first to drop and who will hang on the longest to claim victory for their favorite charity.

- After a five-year hiatus, National Geographic Channel (NGC), in conjunction with National Geographic magazine (NGM) and National Geographic Studios, relaunches the critically acclaimed documentary series Explorer (natgeotv.com/explorer, #NatGeoExplorer) as a monthly series this August. The series opener, Explorer: Warlords of Ivory, premieres Sunday, Aug. 30, at 8:00, taking an in-depth look at the devastating effects of the global illegal ivory trade. And to continue National Geographic’s cross-platform commitment to this important cause, Nat Geo WILD premieres the one-hour special Elephant Queen the same night at 9:00, further reinforcing why these majestic creatures are so worthy of our protection.

- GSN, the leader in game shows and competitive entertainment, plans to expand upon the popularity of its hit series Skin Wars with a new one-hour special, Skin Wars: Fresh Paint, where three of the show’s most memorable former contestants will mentor artists who have never body painted before. Airing Wednesday, August 26 at 8:00, the self-contained spinoff is hosted by entertainer and master of transformation, RuPaul Charles, who also serves as a judge on Skin Wars.

- The Troubles are returning to Haven like never before in Haven: Season Five, Volume One, arriving on extras-loaded blu-ray and DVD on September 8 from Entertainment One.

- Before "Saturday Night Live" and "The Daily Show", before the spoof-tastic films The Groove Tube and Kentucky Fried Movie came The Great American Dream Machine, an irreverent, satirical weekly variety show that aired on PBS for two seasons from 1971-1972. Unlike anything ever seen on public television, the eclectic, often controversial series - an early proving ground for many top comedic talents including Chevy Chase, Albert Brooks and Charles Grodin -- combined humorous skits, drama, musical performances and political commentary in an "experimental" format and was considered Channel Thirteen's first prime-time hit, setting new records for attracting younger adult viewers to public broadcasting. And, this September, S'more Entertainment will fire up The Great American Dream Machine for its eagerly-anticipated home entertainment debut in a 4-disc collector's set for $39.98srp available September 29.

- TNT has renewed the hit action-adventure The Last Ship, basic cable's top scripted series this summer with adults 25-54. Currently airing Sundays at 9:00, The Last Ship stars Eric Dane (Grey's Anatomy), Rhona Mitra (Strike Back) and Adam Baldwin (Firefly, Chuck). Season 2 will climax with a gripping cliffhanger on Sept. 6. TNT has ordered 13 episodes for the third season, which is slated to launch next summer.

- The Festival of Balloons, which features the world’s largest and most elaborate displays by international balloon artists, announced that its biannual event will be held in New Orleans at the Hilton Riverside on Sunday, April 10, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

- GSN, the leader in game shows and competitive entertainment, takes a bold step forward into the world of sports, with an event which will be more hotly contested than the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight – the debut of Man v Fly, where contestants face off against the ultimate pest in the ultimate test. The rules of the game are simple: you have one minute to kill your fly for a cash prize, or leave in disgrace and the fly wins its freedom. The new short-form interstitial series debuts on GSN on Wednesday, August 12 in the 10:30pm ET/PT timeslot immediately following Idiotest.

Here are some quick hits coming out of the TCA from FX(X) this week:

FX picks up to series the comedy Better Things starring Pamela Adlon and co-created and produced by Louis C.K.
FXX picks up to series the animated comedy Cassius and Clay, and becomes the new home for the hit comedy Archer.
FX orders season three of the hit thriller The Strain.
Premiere date announced for the new drama The Bastard Executioner from Kurt Sutter (September 15th)
Premiere date announced for American Horror Story: Hotel (October 7th)
Premiere date announced for the second installment of Fargo (October 12th).

- Here are some quick hit headlines coming out of the TCA from Showtime this week:

I AM GIANT: VICTOR CRUZ Feature-Length Film Chronicles In Real Time Cruz’s Improbable Attempt To Come Back From Devastating Injury
AMERICAN DREAM/AMERICAN KNIGHTMARE ABOUT INFAMOUS RAP MOGUL SUGE KNIGHT: Documentary Premieres Monday, September 26th at 9 PM ET/PT On SHOWTIME Linear, On Demand And Over The Internet
SHOWTIME SPORTS® TO CHRONICLE 2015 CAMPAIGN OF A COLLEGE FOOTBALL POWERHOUSE IN
A SEASON WITH NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL: Weekly, Season-Long Coverage of National Title Contender Features A Dozen 30-Minute Episodes; Series Premieres Tuesday, Sept. 8, Only on SHOWTIME®
SHOWTIME® PICKS UP CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED DRAMAS RAY DONOVAN AND MASTERS OF SEX FOR FOURTH SEASONS
SHOWTIME® GIVES PILOT ORDER TO COMING-OF-AGE DRAMA FROM LENA WAITHE AND OSCAR® WINNER COMMON
SHOWTIME® GIVES LIFE TO I’M DYING UP HERE: Network Orders New One-Hour Pilot From Executive Producer Jim Carrey, Set In The 1970s L.A. Comedy Scene Written And Executive Produced By Former Stand-up Comedian Dave Flebotte
SHOWTIME® ANNOUNCES WINTER PREMIERE DATE FOR BILLIONS AND SHAMELESS: New Drama Series BILLIONS To Premiere on Sunday, January 17th at 10 PM ET/PT – Season Six of SHAMELESS To Premiere at 9 PM ET/PT Across All Platforms
SHOWTIME® ACQUIRES JUST KIDS: PATTI SMITH’S BEST-SELLING MEMOIR ABOUT HER LIFE WITH PHOTOGRAPHER ROBERT MAPPLETHORPE TO BE A LIMITED SERIES OSCAR® NOMINEE JOHN LOGAN TO CO-WRITE AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCE WITH PATTI SMITH
SHOWTIME® TO PRODUCE NEW DOCUMENTARY THE SPYMASTERS AIRING NOVEMBER 28TH AT 9 PM ET/PT: Documentary Pulls Back The Curtain On The World’s Most Powerful And Secretive Spy Agency And Features Interviews With All Twelve Living Directors Of The CIA Narrated by HOMELAND’s Mandy Patinkin

57 Channels and Only This Is On: 8/8/15

Hannibal: So this is how the show is going to extend the Red Dragon book into half a television season where two movies were able to tell the story in about two hours: with copious amounts of flashback. Not that I am against more Abigail Hobbs. Maybe we will learn more about the Verger baby Alana conceived.
You can download Hannibal on iTunes.

Ray Donovan: After two season, I still do not care much about the main characters, but surprisingly the show does a great job recruiting weird and entertaining tertiary characters. Case in point, my favorite part of this episode was Al Swearingen's kid's obsession with a movie with children's cereal recast as action heroes. Awesome. I would watch that. But I fear it would do as well as Pixels did at the box office.

Masters of Sex: So after decades of being married to a homosexual, Margaret Scully has decided to shack up with a polygamist? I guess that makes some sense, if he is too busy having sex with multiple women, there probably is not much time left on the side for men. But my favorite part of the episode was Bill starting to read, and implement, How to Win Friends and Influence People, and shockingly it seemed to work for him. Well until Tessa confronts about leaving a bottle of his aftershave in his mother's bathroom.

The Strain: Like I said, I like when shows get weird and it does not get much weirder than starting an episode with a five minute lucadore movie with no known connection to any of the current cast members. The star would end up running into Gus who is now without his ninja vampires (um, is that all the ancient vampires had working for them?) after getting burned by the old dude. I kind of hope they team up to kill vampires now.
You can download The Strain on iTunes.

Falling Skies: How exactly can you keep an alien invasion from your kids for three years? So random skitters, no looting humans? None of the kids asking why they have not seen any other human beings in that time?
You can download Falling Skies on iTunes.

Pretty Little Liars: Get them together and put some wine in them and the Liars' mothers act just like them except Mrs. Hastings is definitely the Hannah of the bunch. They are even stupidly going down into a dark basement together without their phones. They also commented on how the scholarship guy looks like a Dilarentas which is making me think that he is just one huge big red herring before we learn who Charles is next week. Though the age does not really work, I hoping it turns out to be Hermie the Hermaphrodite. Where has that guy been? Speaking of M.I.A. where is Mona, she does not get an invite to alternaProm and was not at the real one either. It is not like her to miss a party.
You can download Pretty Little Liars on iTunes.

Tyrant: I figured last week that Sammy would eventually run into his father but I am a bit surprised it happened this early. Now how long until Jamal realized that the freedom fighter he is helping is his brother. And how long until anyone bothers to tell the daughter her father is still alive or has she been pretty much written off the show?
You can download Tyrant on iTunes.

Mr. Robinson: A couple seasons ago when Casey Cartwright popped up on a cop show I declared her the least believable law enforcement agent ever in the history of television. Her playing a teacher / stripper / house flipper may actually still be a more believable role than her playing a cop. Speaking of not very believable law enforcement agents, how does Meagan Goode still find work? I know she is nice to look out but no one who works as much as she does has less range than her. And her only mode is acting too cool to be there which is really kind of insulting to the audience.
You can download Mr. Robinson on iTunes.

Mr. Robot: When creepy lovechild of American Psycho and Pete Campbell was up on the roof I thought, oh goodness, he is going to toss the chick over the edge. I was almost right, instead he just strangled her to death. And is handy wiping her lips really going to eliminate all the DNA off of her? How about also wiping down her throat too. And while I am no lawyer, I am assuming when you admit to committing a crime against your therapist does not fall into the patient-client privilege Elliot. But like pretty much everything that happens on the show, I am not entirely sure if that scene actually happened or if it just happened inside Elliot's head.
You can download Mr. Robot on iTunes.

Twinning: Of course the week after realizing that one of the twins pairs were (probably) on The Real Cancun they go home. Hurumph.
You can download Twinning on iTunes.

Under the Dome: This show really hates lesbian, both of them - dead. Wasn't the woman cop into ladies too? Come to think about it, the show really likes to kill of women - the lesbians, the hot lady cop, the hot sister, the creepy other sister, the fat chick (three seasons in and I have come to the realization Big Jim is the only name I know). Oh my. Have they even ever killed off one of the main male characters. The only one coming to mind is the token black dude. Jeez, this show really hates minorities. Should we start an over / under until the new black chick gets killed?
You can stream current episodes of Under The Dome for free with Amazon Prime.

Around the Tubes: 8/7/15

I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases have been flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post will include blurbs on Crash Test, Jimi Hendrix: Electric Church, Public Morals, Friends of the People, PBS Arts Fall Festival, The Hotwives of Las Vegas, Nirvana, Ties that Bind, Prophet's Prey, Keith Urban, Grace and Tony, Gilmore Girls, Jem and the Holograms, boxing, and the MTV Video Music Awards.

- Paramount Digital Entertainment (PDE) announced today their new comedy special Crash Test will premiere exclusively on Vimeo On Demand on August 18, 2015. Adapted from their beloved comedy show at Upright Citizens Brigade, Crash Test showcases Rob Huebel (Children’s Hospital, Transparent, Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp) and Paul Scheer (The League, Fresh Off The Boat, Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp) on a state-of-the-art party bus adventure, picking up famous comedians and celebrities as they go on a sightseeing tour of Los Angeles. Ben Stiller, Stuart Cornfeld and Mike Rosenstein of Red Hour executive produced the special. Crash Test will retail on Vimeo On Demand for $3.99. For further information and to pre-order the special, please go to: vimeo.com/ondemand/crashtest.

- Rock legend Jimi Hendrix captivated the world with his unique, highly stylized, jaw-dropping approach to blues guitar. The new Showtime documentary Jimi Hendrix: Electric Church, premiering Friday, September 4th at 9:00 on-air, on demand and over the internet, chronicles his largest ever U.S. performance at the massive Atlanta Pop Music Festival in July 1970 with never-before-seen concert footage of the icon in action. Standout performances include such Hendrix classics as Hey Joe, Voodoo Child (Slight Return), Purple Haze, as well as versions of Room Full Of Mirrors, Freedom, Straight Ahead and The Star Spangled Banner against a backdrop of fireworks. The recently unearthed footage, shot by Steve Rash (The Buddy Holly Story), details the historic night and the efforts of promoter Alex Cooley to create the definitive music festival with Hendrix as the centerpiece.

- Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. is ramping up its video-on-demand efforts to offer TV subscribers multiple binge viewing opportunities, including an on-demand sneak peek of episodes of the upcoming TNT series Public Morals the day after the series' Aug. 25 premiere, plus brand new episodes of truTV's Friends of the People before their TV debut. Additionally, beginning this week, every single episode of all seasons of truTV's Impractical Jokers and TNT's Cold Justice will be made available on a variety of platforms and devices including online and on mobile devices, giving viewers control over how they watch – whenever and wherever they want - as part of Turner's robust TV Everywhere offering, For the first time ever, TNT is offering fans an on-demand sneak peek of multiple upcoming episodes of a series. The day after the Aug. 25 premiere of the Edward Burns drama Public Morals, TNT will make episodes 1-4 available for fans to watch anytime and anywhere through set-top VOD, the Watch TNT mobile app and www.watch.tntdrama.com, as well as on participating TV providers websites and apps. Additionally, TNT will make every episode of the real-life investigative series Cold Justice available on demand to allow fans to binge-watch the past two seasons leading into the season 3 finale on Sept. 18. Episodes currently airing from season 3, which premiered on July 31, are made available on demand the day after their TV debut and will stay up through the finale, giving fans the option to catch up on the entire series all at once.

- PBS President Paula Kerger announced today at the Television Critics Association Press Tour the full lineup and airdates of PBS’ annual arts programming showcase. The 2015 PBS Arts Fall Festival returns October 9, 2015 at 9:00 p.m. ET, celebrating its fifth season, with eight new weekly programs. The Festival will launch with the inventive, high-energy Unity– The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson, hosted by the legendary and world-renowned percussionist Sheila E. and featuring Michael Jackson’s greatest hits interpreted by award-winning Latin artists.

- The second season of Hotwives brings us to Las Vegas, a city where dreams and fortunes are made every day – along with hundreds of new cases of herpes. We’ll meet a fresh batch of real Hotwives – loving and clawing their way through Sin City with smiling faces because the Botox won’t let them frown. Brace yourself for double the drama, triple the heartbreak, and seven times the fake boobies on The Hotwives of Las Vegas. The Hotwives of Las Vegas will begin Tuesday, August 18 exclusively on Hulu and Hulu Plus.

- On August 28, 2015, Nirvana’s self-titled, double platinum-selling (United States) / 7x platinum-selling (Worldwide) posthumous collection Nirvana (UMe) makes its debut on 45rpm double LP, pressed on 200-gram heavy weight vinyl and packaged in a furnace black gatefold sleeve with liner notes and a digital download card for 96kHz 24-bit HD audio; as well as a 33rpm single LP 150-gram standard weight vinyl edition which will feature a download card for 320kbps MP4 audio. Nirvana will also be released as a Blu-Ray Pure Audio in high resolution 96kHz 24-bit and is available in three stereo audio formats: PCM, DTS-HD Master Audio and Dolby TrueHD stereo.

- Kelli Williams (“The Practice,” “Army Wives”), Jonathan Scarfe (“Hell on Wheels,” “Perception”) and Dion Johnstone (The Tempest, “Stargate SG-1”) star in UP’S first original scripted drama series Ties that Bind with special guest stars Jason Priestley (“Haven,” “Beverly Hills 90210”), C. Thomas Howell (The Outsiders, “Grimm”), Kirsten Prout (The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, “Kyle XY”) and Luke Perry (UP’s Welcome Home, “Beverly Hills 90210”) – Premieres exclusively on Wednesday, August 12 at 9 p.m. EDT.

- The highly-anticipated documentary Prophet's Prey will make its world television premiere on Saturday, October 10th at 9:00 on Showtime. The film, focused on the tyrannical cult leader Warren Jeffs, debuts theatrically nationwide under the Showtime Documentary Films® banner on September 18th in New York and on Friday, September 25th in Los Angeles, followed by additional cities including San Francisco, Chicago, Denver and Salt Lake City, among others, on Friday, October 2nd. An official selection of the 2015 Sundance Film Festival and directed by Academy Award® nominee Amy Berg (Deliver Us from Evil, West of Memphis), Prophet's Prey is a unique and intricate look inside the world of one of the largest cults currently operating in the United States, the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS).

- As you may have heard, Keith Urban was recently named a Music Education Ambassador by the Country Music Association in efforts to bring attention to the grossly overlooked educational benefits of music. Such lack of understanding has led countless districts across the country to cut their music programs under the belief that music is more a hobby than an education. Yet an infographic, created by Kent State University’s School of Music, clarifies any confusion, showing that music not only has educational merit, but that it can be used to close the educational gap amongst students and schools. For more information, please see the full infographic, which can be found here: musicedmasters.kent.edu.

- Husband-and-wife duo Grace & Tony are set to release their next album, Phantasmagoric (a favorite word of Edgar Allen Poe’s meaning “out of this world”) on September 25, 2015. Featuring 10 tracks that sound as if they belong in a macabre Broadway musical, the album is rife with dramatic tales of plagues, serial killers, mass suicide, Frankenstein’s nameless creation and similar subjects so inherently theatrical that they’d be right at home in a Sondheim or Brecht-Weill classic.

- UP announced today it has acquired the full seven-season run of Gilmore Girls, the award-winning, fan-favorite family drama.

- Hasbro Studios and Sony Music/Legacy Recordings will release a #TrulyOutrageous tribute album to Hasbro’s 1980s cult classic Jem and the Holograms today, featuring modern renditions of hit tracks from Starlight Records very own JEM Jem and the Holograms, The Misfits, and The Stingers. The Truly Outrageous: A Jem and the Holograms Tribute is a contemporary salute to one of Hasbro’s most successful animated television series of the 1980s. The digital-only album provides a showcase for some of today’s hottest up-and-coming artists to perform new versions of 12 classic songs first heard during the top-rated 65-episode run of the beloved Hasbro Jem and the Holograms series. It is available to pre-order now at: smarturl.it/TrulyOutrageous.

- Pickin' and grinnin', singin' and spinnin' tall tales and corny jokes, the citizens of Kornfield Kounty landed on television in 1969 with the arrival of Hee Haw as a summer replacement series for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. Each week, co-hosts Buck Owens and Roy Clark and the cast of comedians and musicians welcomed the biggest stars in country music to perform their songs and help deliver the legendary corny one-liners. Though a hit, CBS dropped the show in 1971 in an attempt to "de-countrify" the network's programming; however, it was quickly picked up and became the longest-running weekly syndicated series in television history. And, this September, Time Life invites home audiences back to rural Kornfield Kounty for some timeless, down-home entertainment with The Hee Haw Collection in stores September 8.

- In what is expected to be the final fight of his illustrious 19-year career, boxing superstar and pound-for-pound king Floyd “Money” Mayweather (48-0, 26 KOs) will put his undefeated record and WBC and WBA Welterweight World Championships on the line against power-punching, two-time welterweight world champion Andre Berto (30-3, 23 KOs) Saturday, Sept. 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, live on Showtime PPV (8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT).

- On the heels of his highly anticipated music video for Cant Feel My Face, critically acclaimed singer-songwriter, The Weeknd will make his MTV Video Music Awards debut with the first-ever televised performance of the hit single. The telecast is set to air LIVE on Sunday, August 30 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on MTV from the Microsoft Theater, formerly Nokia Theatre L.A. Live. Miley Cyrus will serve as host.

I Want My Music Television: 8/6/15

Nwa - Miguel


Who would have guessed two and a half decades after imploding, we would be having an N.W.A. reconnaissance? And there is not a better time considering the most popular rappers this year have no flow and are just really bad RnB singers (seriously, how are Fetty Wap and Future a thing?). Straight Outta Compton comes out this month while Dr. Dre is releasing a pseudo soundtrack to it (assuming it is not perpetually delayed but unlike Detox, Compton has a release date, we will see if it actually drops tomorrow). Beating both of those is Miguel's ode to the group that does not actually feature any members aside from a third degree of separation Kurupt instead. C'mon, do not tell me Miguel could not at least get MC Ren on the track.

Ditmas - Mumford and Sons


After shunning music videos when their album was originally released, now Mumford and Sons cannot stop releasing them. The got silly dressing up for The Wolf, not they are going a more serious, artsy path for their latest with a song that pretty much has the same structure as The Wolf. As I blindly hated on their new electric sound, I did not realize at the time how similar many of the songs sounded.

Freedom - Pharrell Williams


Pharrell Williams's last album was kind of annoyingly (pardon the pun) happy. It looks like he may go a little darker on the follow up. Sure Freedom is as dark as his darkest moments with N.E.R.D. but I think I like this better than anything on G I R L.

Go Away - Weezer


I should probably enjoy Weezer making fun of a dating app, but after Hilary Duff's blatant commercial a couple months ago masked as a music video, this just leaves me a little cold. It does not help that the song is not very good.

57 Channels and Only This Is On: 8/1/15

Hannibal: Well that was an odd way to start off a new episode, dialogue free with a character we have never seen before. Then we get to learn what has happened since Hannibal turned himself in three years ago, he has pleaded guilty but is eclipsed by a new serial killer. Will now has a wife and a teenage son and of course is talked into working on the new case, the first time since Lecter was locked away. Really other than Hannibal, I do not think he has worked on a case since season one (except I guess when he was wheeled in to consult on cases while in the prison for the criminally insane). It is nice to see him back at work.
You can download Hannibal on iTunes.

Masters of Sex: I figured they were not going to go with Hef, but was still a bit disappointed that it did not go that way. It is amazing to think that The Playboy Club failed spectacularly, but if my memory serves me correctly, that did not have much, if any Hef on that show either. But poor Tessa, having an absentee mother who is best known for writing a sex book is going to be rough.

The Strain: The kid was annoyingly precocious last season in a oh yeah Eph has a kid kind of way whenever he popped up on screen, but not with the recast, the kid is just downright extremely annoying in a I really hope his mom turns him so we do not have to listen to him anymore kind of way. But the UV security system was pretty cool, I did not see the ninja vampires going out like that.
You can download The Strain on iTunes.

Falling Skies: By far the best part of the episode was whoever named their bowling alley Lois Lanes. Awesome.
You can download Falling Skies on iTunes.

Pretty Little Liars: Wait, Red Hood is back? I thought we already learned that CeCe was Red Hood. Or is this an A situation where we learn who it is only for the writers to go, nope, that was not A because we need to stretch the story out another couple seasons so here is another A to torment the girls? Meh. It may be time to end the show.At least Hannah and Spencer commented on how much the scholarship guy looked like Jason because I actually thought that was Jason when he walked into the room for a couple seconds. But alas, I fear the cop will no longer what Allison to coach church girls soccer after she stole his pass key, that was not very Christian of her.
You can download Pretty Little Liars on iTunes.

Tyrant: It only took half a season but finally someone recognized Barry even with the beard. You would think someone in the second biggest city would recognize him considering we saw his face plastered all over the place in the season premier. Of course the one person who recognized him ended up dying, and really for no good reason either. But since her father left the show, there was no reason to keep her around either even though that was one of the more interesting relationship in the first season. But now that his son is on the way to the city, I wonder how long it will take for Barry to run into him (but seriously, who gets ten million dollars and then decides to drive to a war zone, take the money and run young gay dude).
You can download Tyrant on iTunes.

Mr. Robot: I spent the first couple episodes assuming Christian Slater was a figment of Elliot's imagination only to have some very distinctive interactions with many other characters the past two week. But this week he is back to just randomly showing up out of nowhere (on the steps of Elliot's apartment because Dalia Royce told him about it? Alrighty). But this episode felt like the show's first misstep going back to the drug dealer who I am still not entirely sure how he figured out Elliot was behind his incarceration. It just felt like a very long excuse to put Shala's death on Elliot's conscience.
You can download Mr. Robot on iTunes.

SexAndDrugsAndRockAndRoll: I usually talk about how the behind the scenes aspects of Aquarius are more interesting than what actually happens on the screen and that may be the same for the new Denis Leary Show (I probably will not be writing it by name because of the overabundance of ampersands in the title and for some reason Blogger does not like displaying them properly). I went to watch the second episode of the show On Demand this weekend and found it interesting that there were four different versions of the episode. Most episodes typically have two version in my On Demand folders, SD and HD (TNT is the only channel I watch regularly that annoyingly does not offer their shows in HD On Demand) but the new FX show also had SD and HD version for the broadcast version and an uncensored version. Then again yesterday there were all explicit versions. I did not noticed anything naughtier than I am used to seeing on FX except Joan Jett dropping an F-bomb in the two episodes (other FX shows have used plenty of non-F expatiates and I have seen Jax Teller's naked backside many more times than I ever wanted too). Maybe this may be where television is headed. I know Aquarius has an uncensored version but was used for the On Demand release (at least the version I have watched. Mr. Robot had some F-bombs in this week's episode that were noticeably edited out (I think Mad Men pioneered the using F-Bombs that are edited out unless you count nineties rap videos). If only the actual show was as interesting as it is being distributed.
You can download Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll on iTunes.

Twinning: I found the premiere cheesy fun but nowhere near as good as other competition shows that it rips off. Then something caught my eye this week in that I kind of recognized a pair of the twins Roxanne and Nicole. I could not find confirmation anywhere on the internet that they are the same set, but the duo do share the same names are the twin who appeared in the seminal bad movie The Real Cancun a decade ago so I am just going to ahead and assume they are the same twins. (Fun fact: current VH1 star of Hindsight Laura Ramsey also got her start on the first, and probably only, so called reality movie). As for the actual episode, this week's challenge was slightly better but that wall seriously limits having any good challenges. I wonder at what point, if ever, do the change the game and merge the houses and take down the wall. And the Twin Off continues to be stupid. You can grab two random friends from any high school in the nation that could do just as well if not better at these questions.
You can download Twinning on iTunes.

Around the Tubes:7/31/15

I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases have been flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post will include blurbs on World Lion Day, Peanuts, You're the Worst, Feherty, On the Record with Mick Rock, The Day the Bomb Dropped, Blood Drive, and FX.

- Nat Geo WILD today announced plans to commemorate World Lion Day, Monday, Aug. 10, with a full day of big cat programming to remind viewers why these vital apex predators are so important to protect. The network’s programming initiative also draws awareness to the National Geographic Society’s Big Cats Initiative with public service announcements and on-air promotional attention, kicking off Wednesday, July 29. “Nat Geo WILD has supported the National Geographic Society’s Big Cats Initiative since we went on the air five years ago with our annual Big Cat Week event, and unfortunately it’s news like the tragic death of beloved Cecil that reminds us that our work to save these majestic animals is far from over,” said Geoff Daniels, executive vice president and general manager of Nat Geo WILD. “Big cat populations are in dramatic decline, and it is our network’s responsibility to do everything we can to bring awareness to their plight.” The lineup for World Lion Day includes:

Monday, Aug. 10, 2015:
12 p.m. Lion Battle Zone
1 p.m. Lion Gangland
2 p.m. The Last Lions (2 hours)
4 p.m. Game of Lions
5 p.m. Killer Queen
6 p.m. Fight for Life: Lion Pride Takeover
7 p.m. Man v. Lion

- Please join us in celebrating the 47th anniversary of Peanuts first African-American character, “FRANKLIN,” on July 31! Harriet Glickman, a school teacher wrote a letter to the comic strip’s creator Charles M. Schulz following the death of Martin Luther King urging him that an African American character needed to be added to the popular comic strip. “Franklin Armstrong” was introduced on July 31, 1968, representing the importance of desegregation.

- Critics call You’re The Worst “fantastic,” “the best,” and “the perfect love story for our times.” The all new season premieres September 9th on FXX.


- Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and avid golfer John Boehner sits down with David Feherty – one of the most recognizable and unique personalities in sports – for a wide-ranging interview about his life, career and love for golf on the next episode of Feherty, Golf Channel’s primetime interview series, Monday, Aug. 3 at 10:00.

- New Ovation show, On The Record With Mick Rock, follows legendary rock-and-roll photographer, Mick Rock, as he visits the hometowns of musicians Josh Groban, Patti LaBelle, Kings of Leon, and The Flaming Lips. The conversations that ensue are candid, unconventional, and shed light on the unknown stories behind an album cover, record release, or tour. On The Record With Mick Rock premieres Sunday, August 2nd at 8:00.

- A gripping new one-hour special from Smithsonian Channel relives the fateful day 70 years ago when the United States dropped a single bomb on Japan, destroying the city of Hiroshima and killing up to 70,000 people instantly. Narrated by Golden Globe nominee Dominic West (The Affair), The Day the Bomb Dropped premieres on Sunday, August 2 at 9:00 on Smithsonian Channel. Written and directed by Leslie Woodhead (The Hunt For Bin Laden; 9/11: The Day That Changed the World), The Day the Bomb Dropped gives an hour-by-hour account of the events of August 6, 1945, from the perspective of those who lived through it: the crew of the Enola Gay, the scientists who constructed the bomb, and the people on the ground in Hiroshima whose lives would be changed forever.

- Syfy and Universal Cable Productions today announced they have greenlit Blood Drive, a high-octane, over-the-top scripted series in the classic grindhouse movie tradition. Set in a near-apocalyptic future, the 13-episode series centers around LA’s last good cop who is forced to join a twisted, gory cross-country death race -- with cars powered by blood and a dangerous femme fatale partner who sees people as fuel.

- Express yourself FX style with the FX Emoji app featuring dozens of custom emojis for your iOS and Android device. Download the app for free from the Apple iTunes Store and Google Play:
iOS: http://itunes.com/app/FXEmoji
Android: https://goo.gl/G5wcXC
The new FX Emoji App features iconic images from your favorite FX and FXX shows, including Archer, It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, The Strain, Man Seeking Woman and Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll.

57 Channels and Only This Is On: 7/25/15

Hannibal: There has been some extremely disturbing scenes over the two and half seasons, but delivering a still born Verger baby from a dead pig takes the case even when it was being sliced with a scene with a dude's face being removed.
You can download Hannibal on iTunes.

Aquarius: Finally they gave the chick with the historically bad accent her own episode. And what a tour de force performance. Give her her own show.
You can download Aquarius on iTunes.

The Strain: I did not catch on the two old dudes knew each other until they came face to face in current times (it probably does not help that Dr. Goodweather is the only name I remember besides The Master). But still those blind vampire kids are really going to creep me out all season.
You can download The Strain on iTunes.

Falling Skies: Yep, of course Pope was not happy that Tom would not save his his girlfriends but I did not see him going all saved head vengeful. Though I doubt anything bad will end up happening to Hal.
You can download Falling Skies on iTunes.

Pretty Little Liars: How disappointing we did not get to see Hannah go amateur doctor and remove everybody's chip. Almost as disappointing that Allison did not coach any youth soccer this week.T least they did not drag out the Charles may or may not be dead and confirmed that he is still alive this week. And only two episodes until we get to see him. Um, yeah. So that will be the fifth A reveal on this show? I just if it will someone we have already met or will it just the actor playing Jason pulling double duties.
You can download Pretty Little Liars on iTunes.

Tyrant: Poor Ahmed, he cut his hair to be taken more seriously only to be passed over for the new general position for the brother he first meets at the announcement ceremony. Maybe it is time to change that ring tone too Ahmed.
You can download Tyrant on iTunes.

Mr. Robot: Wait, so did the drug dealer kidnap Eliot's neighbor while he was still in prison? Does he know Eliot was involved in his incarceration?
You can download Mr. Robot on iTunes

Around the Tubes:7/24/15

I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases have been flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post will include blurbs on Bob Marley, The Bomb, The Bastard Executioner, Lollapalooza, Homeland, You're the Worst, The League, Margaret Cho: psyCHO, Wolfmother, Archer, and The Screen Actors Guild Awards.

- Bob Marley’s 70th birthday year-long celebration (2015) continues with the release of two new box sets, The Complete Island Recordings and The Complete Island Recordings: Collector’s Edition. These two stunning vinyl collection sets will release September 25th, 2015, and feature 11 albums on 180-gram vinyl spanning a decade’s worth of Bob Marley & The Wailers releases on Island Records. The Complete Island Recordings will include 11-LPs packaged in a rigid card box with lift top lid, and wrapped in silver paper that simulates the brushed metal finish of a hinged lighter. The Complete Island Recordings: Collector’s Edition will included 11-LPs, a 70th anniversary slip mat and two photos in glassine envelopes, all packaged in a unique metal box set, numbered and lined with velvet and connected to truly emulate a hinged lighter. Both boxes will include Bob’s 70th Birthday logo and all nine Bob Marley & The Wailers studio albums recorded for Island Records, featuring some of their most celebrated releases, including “Catch A Fire,” their 1973 label debut, and “Rastaman Vibration,” their 1976 breakthrough album in the United States, along with two live albums “Live!” and “Babylon By Bus.”

- As the U.S and Iran reached a historic nuclear weapon deal last week and we are also approaching the 70th anniversary of the first detonation of the atomic bomb, it is a particularly timely moment for the U.S.’ history with nuclear power. To mark the upcoming historic milestone, PBS will premiere The Bomb and Uranium: Twisting the Dragon's Tail. I have included additional information regarding both programs below my signature. The Bomb premieres Tuesday, July 28 from 8:00-10:00 p.m. ET (check local listings) and Uranium: Twisting the Dragon's Tail premieres Tuesday, July 28, and Wednesday, July 29, 2015 from 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET (check local listings). A YouTube playlist with a handful of clips (more to be added over the next week) can be viewed here: http://to.pbs.org/1CEIkQW.

- Pray you don’t cross his path. The Bastard Executioner, the epic new series from creator Kurt Sutter, arrives this fall on FX. #TBX


- Missed out on nabbing tickets to this year’s Lollapalooza before tickets sold out? Well, Fuse has a solution for you: From July 31 through August 2, fans can visit fuse.tv to access Red Bull TV’s Lollapalooza live stream and enjoy the best of the festival from the comfort of their own home. Among the artists set to perform during the three-day festival in Chicago’s Grant Park are Metallica, Florence + the Machine, Sam Smith, Brand New, The Weeknd, Charli XCX, Kid Cudi, Walk The Moon and many more. Also check out www.fuse.tv for exclusive artist interviews, photo galleries and up to the minute Festival coverage.

- Yesterday, Showtime announced that the highly anticipated fifth season of the Emmy® and Golden Globe®-winning hit drama series Homeland will premiere on Sunday, October 4th at 9:00, followed by the second season premiere of the Golden Globe-winning drama The Affair at 10:00.

- FXX is the destination for comedy this fall with the seventh and final season of its hit comedy series The League and the second season of the acclaimed comedy You’re The Worst, it was announced today by Chuck Saftler, President of Program Strategy and COO, FX Networks. Season seven of The League will premiere on FXX on Wednesday, September 9th at 10:00, immediately followed by the second season of You’re The Worst at 10:30.

- Showtime will debut Margaret Cho: psyCHO, the latest show from renowned three-time Grammy and Emmy nominated comedian Margaret Cho on September 25th at 9:00. Filmed in March at the Gramercy Theater in New York City, Cho returns to the stage in front of a live audience in this provocative and hilarious performance.

- Following this record-breaking social media performance, Syfy and The Asylum announced they have greenlit Sharknado 4, expected to make landfall in July 2016. After destroying Los Angeles, New York, Washington, D.C. and much of the Eastern Seaboard, where will the sharks strike next? And will April Wexler (Tara Reid) live or die? Fans can decide if April makes it to Sharknado 4 by voting #AprilLives OR #AprilDies on Twitter or by visiting Sharknado.Syfy.com.

- Universal Music Enterprises will mark the 10th anniversary of Australian Grammy-winning rockers Wolfmother’s self-titled Modular/Interscope debut album, which first came out in 2005 via Universal Music Australia/Modular, featuring classic songs like the Top 10 U.S. alternative and #7 Mainstream Rock smash, “Woman” (earning Best Hard Rock Performance at the 2007 Grammys) and the Rock radio mainstays “Joker & the Thief” and “White Unicorn,” along with international hits, “Mind’s Eye,” “Dimension” and “Love Train.” Critics cited the band’s raw power, comparing it to the likes of Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and classic psychedelic groups like Blue Cheer. Wolfmother: 10th Anniversary will be available both as a deluxe two-CD physical set, digitally and – for the first time in the U.S. – a two-LP vinyl set, on September 25, with the original cover artwork by Frank Frazetta. The double-album set, issued on audiophile 180g heavyweight vinyl, features four bonus B-sides, including “The Earth’s Rotation Around The Sun,” an acoustic version of “Vagabond,” a Loving Hands remix of “Joker & the Thief” and a Mstrkrft remix of “Woman.” The double-CD will also be available in digital audio, while the two-LP set will come with a download card.

- FXX will host a Season 1 marathon of the hit animated comedy Archer on Saturday, August 15th from 9 PM – 2 AM. With Archer set to return for its seventh season next year, join Sterling Archer and his fellow agents for an uninterrupted look back at the season that started it all.

- Carol Burnett – comedic trailblazer, actor, singer, dancer, producer and author – has been named the 52nd recipient of SAG-AFTRA's highest tribute: the SAG Life Achievement Award for career achievement and humanitarian accomplishment. Burnett will be presented the performers union's top accolade at the 22nd Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards®, which will be simulcast live on TNT and TBS on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016 at 8 p.m. (ET), 7 p.m. (CT), 6 p.m. (MT) and 5 p.m. (PT). Given annually to an actor who fosters the "finest ideals of the acting profession," the SAG Life Achievement Award will join Burnett's exception al catal og of preeminent industry and public honors, which includes multiple Emmys®, a special Tony®, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and both a Kennedy Center Honor and its Mark Twain Prize for Humor.

I Want My Music Television:7/23/15

Song For Someone - U2


The prison industrial complex looks to be one of the bigger issues in the upcoming presidential election and one that it seems like both Democrats and Republicans should agree on. It a rights issues for the dems and the GOP should not like our tax dollars being wasted on nonviolent prisoners. President Obama just recently became the first sitting president to visit a federal prison. But like most of what goes on in Washington, I would be shocked if anything actually gets done other than a few more states decriminalizing the wacky weed. I am not sure sure if the new U2 video is part of that movement as we seem Woody Harrelson's final day in prison which gets kind of creepy after being picked up by his real life daughter. It is probably good that the video cut off where it did.

Good for You - Selena Gomez


Someone recently pointed out that the new Selena Gomez music music video was made for dirty old men. I think pretty much any red blooded American man can appreciate it, c'mon, it is not Fiona Apple Criminal type creepy or anything. Okay, close, but there is no seventies shag carpeting. (Sure I may just be talking myself into not being creepy for watching this somewhere between 100 and 1000 times.) The song itself is kind of boring. It sound like she went into a producer and said, "I want Lorde but sexier." Except I do not want a sexier version of Lorde. But at least the music video omits the unnecessary A$AP Rocky verse for multiple reasons.

The Wolf (Live At Bonnaroo 2015) - Mumford & Sons


Mumford and Sons dropped their new album without a music video saying they do not really like doing them but had come around and may end up filming a couple. Um, I am not sure transversing around Bonnaroo as Robin Hood, Maid Marianne(?), a chicken, and a wolf (natch) makes may not actually be better than no video at all. Like most people when the new album came out, I met it with a "huh?" and "why?" but after a couple listens I do not completely have The Wolf but still find their electric conversion unnecessary.

Goldmine - Kimbra


Is the Kimbra music video stop motion (live action stop motion is a weird concept)? At any rate it is freaky cool.

Previewing Twinning

VH1 got into the competition business with I Love Money which ended up being a trashier version of The Challenge (no, seriously; casting agents found people worse off then those that go on The Challenge; think about that for a minute). Tragically, one of the contestants in the third season participated in a murder-suicide prior to the airing. VH1 never aired that season and burned off the fourth season during late night programming over a year later and no more seasons were filmed (same for any ... of Love feeder shows). In the last five years, crappy Housewives type shows have taken their place making VH1 must flee TV in the interim.

Even though those horrible housewives type show still inexplicably do well, it does seem like Video Hits One is trying to change its brand a little bit lately. First off Hindsight, a time traveling nineties show, was shockingly entertaining. There is also their faux-reality block of Barely Famous and Candidly Nicole (the former which is almost watchable) and even The Walk of Shame Shuttle and Dating Naked are cheesy fun at times.

The cable channel is even getting back into the competition game with another The Challenge type show. Thankfully the cast is not culled from all the horrible housewives shows that populated the the channel. Instead, as you can probably guess by the title, Twinning is made up by identical twins to see who has the best twin intuition, or as they calling it twintuition (there are an annoying amount of twin puns in the show).

But the show gets real evil real quick as they force the twins to live in separate Big Brother type houses (naturally they are mirror images of each other, one green, one orange colored; though it may have been cooler had it had been like that Syfy show where one half had to live live primitives, the other in the space age). The twins are even separated in challenges that they are supposed to complete together. The first of which is trying to match the same matching game with a giant wall between them. Okay the challenge kind of sucks and it is pretty clear that the limited amount of challenges where teammates cannot see each other may be too limiting.

Okay, the are not permanently separated because the top four winners get to spend one day with the ability to go between houses where they can hang out with their twins, at the end of which those eight get to pick which two teams go into the elimination round. Again, this is kind of lame because at least the first one is just the twins trying to guess questions like "what is the perfect time to wake up" and what number would you definitely pick if playing the lottery?"

As mentioned earlier, Dating Naked can be cheesy fun, and to give you an idea about Twinning, they come from the same Lighthearted Entertainment production company. The grand prize for the twinners is the kind of laughable $222,222.00. After the first episode, there really anyone I have any interest in rooting for why there are a couple of twins I already hope get the boot soon. Twinning is kind of a low rent The Challenge but since that is not on, Twinning may just hold you over until Survivor starts again in the fall.

Twinning airs Wednesdays at 100 on VH1.