Holy out-of-the-blue-spinoffs, Batman!
Uh, yeah. Heroes: Origins, coming up out of nowhere. Check it out.
The other big news: longer seasons. Where ABC's Lost is dropping its final three seasons to 16 eps a piece, NBC is taking the opposite turn, ordering 30 for The Office, 25 for My Name Is Earl, with Heroes coming in for 24 (30, if'n you're counting the Origins run). Fingers crossed that this is indicative of a trend.
P.S.: Friday Night Lights is moving to Fridays. ;)
Thank you, NBC! Full story from Variety.
Just posted on Variety:
It may take a certain amount of time travel, but "Veronica Mars" could be back on the CW schedule for 2007-08, despite ongoing conventional wisdom suggesting otherwise.
"We're very much on the bubble," showrunner Rob Thomas said. "I will say that the reports of our demise have been exaggerated. We are very much in the hunt for a shot next year.
"I think I've read in every paper across the country -- USA Today declared us dead, the L.A. Times declared us dead. I don't think we're dead; I kind of like our chances."
The article goes on to cite May 17th for CW's upfronts, so mark your calendars and cross your fingers. The wait will soon be over, one way or another.
So. Kellerman (Paul Adelstein), Piz (Chris Lowell), Sark (David Anders), Taye Diggs, Kate Walsh, of course. And, oh yeah. Tim Daly. Private Practice is officially the best show I've never seen. I think my head just exploded a little bit.
(In case you missed it... Kellerman and Tim Daly!!! Fantastic.)
Say goodbye to the Gilmore Girls.
As sad as I am to see them go, as they close their seventh season, I think it's fair to say that it was time. Here's hoping that leaves a niche for our gal Mars to fill in the "fast-talking femmes" department.
Worst. Poll. Ever.
And I do not say that lightly, believe me. That's right, hepcats. The Save One Show poll has come to an end. To the unawares, S.O.S. is an annual poll put out by E! Online where viewers can weigh in on which imperiled gem should be saved from the annexes of "brilliant-but-cancelled." And who won this year?
The Gilmore Girls, at 36%. Seriously? Seriously???
That's right. A show in its sixth season. A veteran show that, let's be honest, passed its prime a couple seasons back when its titular girls stopped sharing a domicile.
Veronica Mars? #2. At 32%. (PS, CW? That's 1.9 million voters.)
My brains hurt.
And yeah, good on E! for calling it a tie (stretching the definition of both the word "one" and the word "tie" in the process). But given their shared target demographic, I can't help but wonder what the numbers would have been like if the vote hadn't been split like that. I suspect Rob Thomas would have had a far more dramatic number to look at rather than the already impressive close second that he did. Still, the numbers were big, and I hope the network is listening. That, combined with the heretofore unquantified numbers of DVR viewers (do try and keep up, Neilson) and iTunes downloads, would seem to indicate there being plenty of prime-purchasing-age viewers to keep Veronica Mars around.
Wanna do something more? Write your senators about the pressing social issues that are plaguing you, and let your feelings be known. And when you're done with that, keep your pen out and write The CW, begging them to keep this wonderful gem on the air. With or without its accompanying Gilmores. :P
Er... I mean, Globes.
I know I usually do a commentary piece for these things, but I'm still reeling from the alarming proliferation of togas and the indescribable injustice done unto Leonardo DiCaprio. So instead, I leave you in the capable hands of Defamer.
Let's hope the Oscars are better.
That's right kids, television's biggest night has arrived, and I'm here with you all night to share in the horror and the glory. Learning from the pain in the ass the Golden Globes turned out to be, commentary will be in reverse chronological order. So, without further ado...
9:56 - So, it's about over. The awards show wasn't all that I'd hoped. In general, very dry, very predictable, and surprisingly lacking in the high fashion that usually makes even the lamest awards show worth watching. Conan had a fine turn as host, and there were a few good wins, but in general, a disappointing evening. But to you, my dear readers, I thank you for sticking with me through these trying three hours, and hope you'll join me again for the Golden Globes in 2007, which will be more entertaining, if only because the talent is provided copious amounts of booze. Good night, and may you have a pleasant tomorrow.
9:55 - And the Emmy for best drama goes to... 24. And I'm officially bored.
9:54 - Annette Bening has really red lips.
9:53 - Oh Ricky Gervais... I wish Extras had been nominated.
9:51 - And for best comedy series... THE OFFICE! Failing my other five top choices that weren't nominated, I was totally rooting for you guys!
9:50 - Whew! Thank god they let Bob Newhart out of that box!
9:47 - Are we there yet?
9:43 - Ray Liotta (who is scary and weirdly plastic looking...) and Virginia Madsen, announcing lead actor in a drama. A category I should care about, but don't, since all of the nominees are in shows I haven't watched a single full episode of. Keifer Sutherland wins. Zzzz.
9:40 - Holy random pairings, Batman. Tyra Banks and Victor Garber. Huh. Okay, anyways, lead actress in a comedy: and.. wow. It didn't go to Debra Messing, but instead, to the oddly-haired Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Good for her, I guess. I didn't watch her show, but I'm glad at least someone could moving on after Seinfeld. And she's crying. That's so sweet.
9:33 - Calista Flockhart and Craig Ferguson. Not to harp on an old subject or anything, but will someone please get her a sandwich? Anyways, lead actress in a drama series: a bunch of ladies in shows I don't watch. But the winner is Mariska. And her bra is showing in the back. Oh well.
9:30 - Felicity Huffman and Keifer Sutherland. Ms. H. Macy looks lovely, Keifer looks ... exactly the same as he always does. (Though taller than her.. I guess she's smaller than I had originally guessed?) Best actress in a mini-series or movie.. Better be.. and it is, HELEN MIRREN. And she took her shawl off for a minute and was even more beautiful. I just love her!
9:22 - In Memorium segment, which I am always a sucker for, so forgive me this quiet moment.
9:20 - Edie Falco, looking incredible in a deep red gown, and James Gandolfini, mobster hot as ever, for best mini-series: Elizabeth I!!! So pleased. I felt very strongly on this one, and it's gratifying that others found it as enchanting as i did.
9:19 - And outstandindg writing of the same... Richard Curtis for The Girl in the Cafe.
9:16 - Omar Epps and Katherine Heigl, who is even more stunning than the original glimpse hinted at. So pretty. Announcing outstanding directing for miniseries or made for tv movie: TOM HOOPER for Elizabeth I!!! Woo hoo!!!
9:14 - Trailer for Black Dahlia So. Very. Excited. I've missed you so much, Brian De Palma. :/
9:12 - So, we've past the 2/3 mark. Just a little more to go and then I can watch some actual TV. This production continues to be highly underwhelming. I wish I was watching Deadwood.
9:09 - Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert (who is reading the prompter [points to his heart] in here) for best reality program. "KNEEL BEFORE YOUR GOD, BABYLON!" Yeah, Stephen Colbert, I'd be upset if I lost to Barry Manilow too. Wearing my "Detour" t-shirt, I feel like I ought to root for The Amazing Race. And the win! Hooray! I hope Phil goes up there. I love that little New Zealander. Not as much as I love Jeff Probst of course, but still. A lot. And he is there! Again, rockin' the black on black, along with Jerry Bruckheimer. Nice.
9:06 - Eva Longoria, in a stupid dress, announcing best made for TV movie: The Girl in the Cafe. I actually kind of want to watch that now. That woman seems nice and all, but man, scary teeth. She's got like the filed down reaver teeth going on.
8:56 - And they broke out the original Charlie's Angels. That is awesome. And they're all crying. Which is sad.
8:51 - Tribute to Aaron Spelling. Say what you will about the content of his shows, the man knew entertaining. Having spent many, many hours on 90210, Melrose Place, and Models, Inc., just to name a few, I can't help but wonder who out there could possibly fill his shoes. /salute
8:49 - Candice Bergen, wearing, what I swear is the exact same thing she's worn to every awards show for the last ten years.
8:42 - Lead Actor in a Comedy... It's some sort of sin Jason Lee wasn't nominated. But of the nominees, I could have been happy for Steve Carrell. I'm a recent convert to The Office, and I was rooting for it here. There's a quiet charm to it that I find so endearing. And yet... we get the scenery chewing antics of Tony Shalhoub in Monk So whatever.
8:41 - Speaking of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip... You can tell this is on NBC, can't you? P.S... I love you, Matthew Perry. :)
8:39 - Helen Mirren answers my question about where's the glamour. How beautiful is she? If I look half that good when I'm her age, I will be a very happy woman. She, with Hugh Laurie, announce the nominees for an actor in a miniseries. And the Emmy goes to... Andre Braugher. Who is looking... kind of old, actually. He's a hell of an actor though, and has got a voice that gives James Earl Jones a run for his money. Good on you, Andre Braugher.
8:38 - Teehee.. TiVo humor is awesome.
8:30 - Writing in Variety... funnier sketch this time around, but I'm still irritated by the mere presence of Howie Mandell. I hope he goes to that land of no cameras with Jennifer Love Hewitt and Jon Lithgow. Emmy here goes to... The Daily Show, and all is right with the world. (Or at least, it will be, once Howie Mandell gets the fuck off-stage.)
8:26 - Directing in Variety.. and we waste precious Bob Newhart oxygen with a Deal or No Deal sketch. Great. (Please note my abundant sarcasm.) Guy who directed the Oscars won. I can't argue with that, but his win is tainted by that lame bit. That he is still harping on. Let it go, man.
8:24 - Outstanding supporting actor in a mini-series or movie (read, a bunch of performances I haven't seen): Jeremy Irons! Excellent. The one mini I actually watched, and a well-deserved win for Mr. Irons. Elizabeth I was a stunning production. See it if you haven't already. It'll get you primed for The Golden Age.
8:17 - And for writing in a drama (and isn't it lovely, when Wentworth Miller says words?)... Terrence Winters wins for The Sopranos. Lame. That show's been seriously lacking the past few years, and I blame the writing more than anything else. Zzzz.
8:16 - And for directing in a drama... some guy for 24. One thing he does say though, is that they're working in a new golden age of television, and it's so true. I can't remember the last time there was so much simultaneous diversity and quality in the available programming. TV has been putting out more creative fare than Hollywood lately, and bless 'em for it.
8:15 - Emmys for guest spot in a drama: Patricia Clarkson, who could not be here tonight. And did I miss something, or did they not announce a male winner? Evangeline Lilly, as much as I love her, was kind of slurring a little there. Enunciate, dearie. Please.
8:14 - Evangeline Lilly and Wentworth Miller.. My eyes just exploded from all the pretty. Is the a more attractive pairing in the room? I think not.
8:11 - Individudal Performance in a Variety Program, and the Emmy goes to... Barry Fucking Manilow? Jesus. Now I've got a headache.
8:10 - Oh, Tina Fey, you're usually so cute. What's with the mom hair?
8:06 - Well, we're into the 1/3 mark here, and I have to say, it's been a little tedious so far. Where's the glamor? Where's the wit? Even the red carpet highlights were few and far between, and Conan's been doing all of the heavy lifting for the laughs (save for the fab speech by Greg Garcia). Am I the only one not switching over to The 4400 or Deadwood right about now?
8:03 - Except for this subsequent introduction to Barry Manilow. The man is horrifying. he's like some cracked out ventriliquest's dummy, with those oddly glittery eyes and smooth, shiny face... I suspect I'll have nightmares tonight. Someone hold me...
8:00 - Okay, Dick Clark was pretty damn cool. I give in. This is a dude who dedicated his life to loving rock and roll, and there's nothing I can't stand behind there.
7:59 - I take it back... holy purple leather trenchcoat, Dick Clark! Yowsa..
7:57 - Simon Cowell... baring some sweaty chest hair and a weirdly flat 'do. Very unattractive. He introduces us to the Dick Clark tribute portion of the show, which means it's about time for me to take a short nap. Back soon.
7:50 - Writing in a comedy... Greg Garcia, My Name is Earl, "Pilot." Excellent. And so far? Best acceptance speech ever. Listing people he does not want to thank. I couldn't do it justice by transcribing it, but listening to him, you know why My Name is Earl is so damn funny.
7:49 - Directing in a comedy... My Name is Earl, "Pilot." Rock on, Marc Buckland!
7:48 - Cloris Leachman says "entourage" funny.
7:47 - And the guest spot in a comedy Emmy goes to... Leslie Jordan and Cloris Leachman. Picking pretty well the only two I didn't see. Awesome.
7:46 - Jennifer Love Hewitt looks like a game show prize presenter. I wish she and Jon Lithgow would go live in a land without cameras.
7:44 - Heidu Klum, Jon Lithgow, and Jeffery Tambor. I hate Jon Lithgow. But Heidi Klum's got the cutest accent ever, which tempers my rage. Not quite feeling this weird iPod pimping style of revealing the nominees, but okay. And the Emmy for Variety Show.. Jon Stewart. Nice call, voters. Nice call. (Unrelated, but is Heidi Klum preggers, or is that just a weird dress?)
7:43 - Someone save Bob Newhart!
7:36 - William Petersen, lookin' smoking in the black on black. And now, for the contorversial Supporting Actress in a mini-series... I half-way hope Ellen Burstyn wins just because of the fit that will no doubt result from it. And the Emmy goes to.. Kelly MacDonald! Holy crap! I would not have guessed, not because she's unworthy but because it's such an old lady category. I love her. Good job, girlie.
7:29 - Woo, Jason Lee! Woo! Announcing for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy... JEREMY PIVEN! They got something right, colour me surprised. But sir, do button up your shirt.
7:26 - Duelling Sheens! In announcing Supporting Actress in a drama: Blythe Danner... wouldn't have been my choice, but she she's so dear, I'm happy for her all the same. And wow, Chandra Wilson looks gorgeous too, even in her faux-happy reaction shot. Holy crap, they weren't kidding about keeping the acceptance speeches short.
7:24 - Oh no Bob Newhart in a tube! Save him, someone save him! And by doing so, save us all from endless thank you speech.. Do it for Bob!
7:19 - Alan Alda.. I can't even remember what he was nominated for now. Zzzz...
7:18 - Of course Megan Mullahly won. Because that's the absolute most boring choice they could have made.
7:02 - :( Really, nothing does make, sense when Lost isn't nominated. But I'm a sucker for spoofs, so it's all good.
7:01 - Dude!
7:00 - I wonder what Conan O'Brian would look like with a shaved head...
6:59 - Worst red carpet coverage ever. Let's hope the show is better.
6:57 - Ooh, glimpse of Katherine Heigl... Old Hollywood indeed; I love it. Debra Messing is cutiepie, but that dress is dull. Oh Cheryl Hines... Say no to back bling.
6:55 - Warren Beatty is awesome. They're an adorable couple too. So cute.
6:54 - Studio 60 on the Sunsest Strip ad.. so excited. But I do miss Amanda Peet's old face.
6:49 - Paula Abduhl, why? She looks like Laura Ashley threw up on her. Missing that early 90s worst-dressed list fame, eh?
6:47 - Why is Joan Collins there, exactly? How does she stay looking so beautiful, he asks? It's called plastic surgery, sir.
6:40 - Evangeline Lilly. New winner for most gorgeous look of the night. Love the loose hair. Love the minimalist make-up. And I love that she brought up Björk's dumb swan dress.
6:39 - I had no idea this Tom Cruise/Paramoint thing was so huge. They're asking everyone about it, and I feel that I must have missed a memo.
6:38 - Denis Leary and Conan are related. And suddenly, the world makes some sort of cosmic sense...
6:37 - Jeremy Piven doesn't go hunting for celebrity babies! Who knew? Also looking miserable, and very irritated by that guy who's doing the interviews. And rightly so.
6:35 - Julia Louis-Dreyfuss looks miserably hot.
6:30 - Maybe I should have waited until the show actually started to begin the commentary. This is exceptionally dull so far.
6:28 - Is Keifer Sutherland short, or is that lady tall?
6:27 - Has King of Queens really been on for 9 years?
6:21 - Ellen Pompeo looks stunning. Good god.
6:20 - 100 degrees there? Holy crap.
6:18 - William Shatner is unendingly creepy.
6:16 - Jaime Pressley looks better casual. She's got a trailer-hot thing going on My Name Is Earl, but I dunno, the dress/hair combo kind of ages her here.
6:11 - Trivia... I'm having trouble caring. I miss the Oscars already. At least Ryan Seacrest isn't here.
6:10 - Lisa Kudrow, making some good points about cancelled shows, baring the bazongas, looking very nice!
6:07 - Sarah Chalke.. who knew she was a hottie?
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip: So far, my favourite of the pilots, if only by a nose. The premise? A writer/director team is lured back into running a sketch show, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, after it's present director has a meltdown on air, condemning the show, the network, television, and America in general. It's all tremendously meta and clever, very funny when it wants to be, but very clearly a drama at its core.
I like that it's self-referential, and that that makes it a little bit daring in its scathing look at the sterilization of media. I like the cast, Matthew Perry and Bradley Whitford as the writer and director respectively, with Amanda Peet and Stephen Weber as the studio heads, and the always lovely Sarah Paulson (or as I like to call her, Miss Isringhausen) joining D.L. Hughley to lead the sketch actors. The show isn't flashy, and the drama is subdued, but I found it to be engaging, well-written, and well-acted, and it's a show that, if it catches on, I could see staying fresh for a good long run. (Airs Mondays, 10/9c, NBC)
The Nine: Tied for second place, along with Jericho, for my second favourite spot. This is the opposite of Studio 60. It is flashy and sensational and melodramatic with romance and violence and shouting matches. It opens with an introduction to its main characters, moments before they all wind up in a bank holdup. From there, we go immediately to the moment they're all released, two days and a whole lot of trauma later. Shell-shocked, we watch as they try to return to their lives and find that nothing is the same.
The concept really wasn't something that intrigued me; it all seemed too dramabomb for words. But what sells this show is the ensemble cast. Some faces will be familiar (Tim Daly, who I love, Scott Wolf, Chi McBride), some won't, but straight off the bat, they click. Despite that you've only known the characters for minutes, you can feel the nine survivors. At no point do the relationships seem thrown together or forced, despite that the entire two days that took them from strangers to friends is absent to the viewer. I suspect that, as time goes on, bits and pieces of those two days will be revealed. I do wonder about the longevity of the premise, but I look forward to seeing them try. (Airs Wednesdays, 10/9c, ABC. Premieres Oct. 4.)
Jericho: Oh, Skeet Ulrich. I remember when you were but a wee, murderous teenager, and look at you know. All grown up in time for the nuclear apocalypse. And I'm a sucker for that. I can't help it. In the opening moments of Jericho, we're introduced to the citizens of the town of same name. Joining Skeet are Shoshannah Stern (Weeds), Mr. Hearst (of Deadwood, whose real name I can't remember at present) as the mayor, Ashley Scott (Bird of Prey), and others. Immediately thereafter, we are introduced to a mushroom cloud in the distance. The town is seemingly unharmed, but its residents soon find out that they may be in the minority there.
Now this is a concept I can get behind. Something very new, and something that could be incredibly well-done for a good long time, if it shows some imagination. I picture it turning into something like The Stand, but continuing on through the rebuilding instead of stopping just as it gets started. Of course, it could also run out of steam very, very quickly, especially with LOST as it's competition. I've got my fingers crossed, though, because the pilot showed tremendous potential, haunting and beautiful, terrifying without every going overboard. Not to mention the bonus points earned by featuring songs by both The Killers and Snow Patrol. (Airs Wednesdays, 8/7c, CBS. Premieres Sept. 20.)
So, last night, I watched the Mojo block on INHD straight through, in order to complete a survey on the programming. Why did I do this? Because it's some of the finest non-fiction programming I've had the pleasure of experiencing in years, and I want to make sure it sticks around.
The evening came to a close with London Live, far and away the best (and, well, if I'm being honest, probably only) live music program currently on TV, all featuring my favourite kind of artist. Which is to say, primarily the British kind. As I write this (in the past tense, suspecting that I'll not get around to posting it until the harsh light of day), Snow Patrol (Irish, note, but from the same set of isles so we'll let it slide) is performing "Chasing Cars." Now, I've never had a chance to see Snow Patrol live. Which is to say, they've been here, but at venues I don't particularly enjoy, and I've grown to be a bit of a wuss in that department. But live? Those boys rock. Gordon Lightbody has some fierce charisma about him that I never would have guessed from live audio recordings, bringing a serious punch to what the album would have you believe is just another ballad. Who else have I seen on London Live? Franz Ferdinand. The Delays. Richard Ashcroft. The Cribs. The Streets. The Kooks (on right now, following those nice Irish boys). Richard Hawley. The White Rose Movement (in the performance that introduced them to me). And some big name that is presently escaping me. Between acts (typically one- or two-song sets), the host makes witty nice with the headliner, and the world smiles.
The real highlight of Mojo, however, comes in the form of a happy drunk with a little monkey. That's right, kids. The one, the only, the fabulous Zane Lamprey. I don't actually drink that much, mind you, but Three Sheets is one of the most enjoyable shows, fiction or non, currently on the air. It's every bit as funny as most sitcoms out there, but better than that, you know what? It's educational. That's right. Nowhere else will you learn important drinking customs from aroundd the world. Forget the Food Network. Forget Mojo's own highly inferior Beer Nutz. Zane Lamprey is king of the drinking documentary. That show alone makes worth it INHD's price of admission. To him, I say, good health, long life, and may you die in Ireland.
Sandwiched between those two gems is After Hours with Daniel, a Dinner for Five for the celebrity chef set that is wholly enjoyable, albeit slightly underwhelming after the glory that is Three Sheets.
Watch these shows. Love them. Make them last, lest they be swallowed up by competitive eating challenges and obscure sporting events. C'mon, it's good for your mojo.
You know, coming out of a year in which I watched more TV than I think I did in my whole life, I really don't think I could be more disappointed with the Emmy noms. It isn't just the omissions, of which there are many. It's the sheer mundanity of the things that were nominated. You might as well look at last year's nomination, or the year before, for that matter, because we've seen this list again, and again, and again. What's absolutely hilarious about this is the committee's claim that a "revamped nominations procedure has been instituted in an attempt to mix things up so the same nominees won't dominate year after year." How's that workin' out for you guys so far? Not at all? Super.
Outstanding Comedy Series : Points for nominating Arrested Development and Curb Your Enthusiasm (despite its most recent lackluster season). But what about My Name Is Earl? What about Weeds? Everybody Hates Chris? Extras? This year marked the return of smartly-written, well-acted comedies, and the academy uniformly ignored them in favor of a bunch of crap we've seen a thousand times (Arrested Development excluded.. much love, guys. Sorry I didn't discover you until after you'd been cancelled.).
Outstanding Drama Series: Zzzz.. *snort* Sorry. Was this not naptime? I like Grey's Anatomy as much as the next girl, but when that's the top of this list, something's gone wrong. Two hospital dramas. Zzz. The Sopranos, I can't argue with, but the consistent nominations despite inconsistent quality? Zzzz. And don't get me started on the two shows that are possibly the most overrated dramas in the history of overrated dramas. ZzzZzzzZz. I think Deadwood is quite possibly the best show on TV, and it didn't get so much as a mention. Lost's second season wasn't as good as the first, I'll give you that, but it was still about a thousand times more original and well-written than even Grey's Anatomy. And how about, oh, I dunno, gettin' a little wacky. Giving a cursory tip of the hat to a show like Prison Break, which managed to pull off a ridiculous premise to perfection through the sheer quality of the writing, acting, and production, instead of 24, which has a similarly ridiculous premise, but is, you know, boring and gimmicky.
You'll notice similar omissions in the lead acting categories. Sorry, Jason Lee. Sorry like, everyone in Arrested Development. Sorry Ricky Gervais (who, by the way, was funnier in his version of The Office than Steve Carrell is). Apparently the jerks running this farce of an awards show had a slice of not-funny for breakfast and have ignored you all. I mean, come on. Kevin James? Seriously? And note to Larry David: when the funniest part of the season is five minutes from the end of the finale when your character dies and Sasha Baron Cohen and Dustin Hoffman are angels and are hilarious just by virtue of being themselves it means you're slackin'... study your first two seasons and get back to me in '08 or whenever the hell your show is coming back on the air. Steve Carrell is the only viable win here, and that's reaaally stretching it.
Male lead in a drama? Lead actress in anything? What? Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize these were the Emmys of shows I don't watch. I mean, seriously. I watch a really inappropriate amount of TV. You would think I'd watch at least one of these. I'm representing prime demographic real estate here. I've said it once, and I'm sure I'll say it about eight thousand more times during this particular awards season, but WTF?
Mary Louise Parker deserved her Weeds win at the Golden Globes, and she deserved at least a nom here. Ian McShane should at least be listed among the dramatic actors, even if they're compelled to actually hand the statue to someone whose character doesn't say "cocksucker" every third word. And how about mixing it up a bit here too? Though the writing may have suffered some in season two, did Kristin Bell not do a phenomenal job in Veronica Mars? Like the show or not, there was some tremendous acting there. Even Hugh Laurie for House (which I don't watch) would have at least been interesting.
Not until we get to supporting categories do we actually see some nominations made by balls bigger than a titmouse. Michael Imperioli and Oliver Platt on supporting? Fab. It's about time the crackheads got their due. Jeremy Piven? Let's hug it out, bitch, 'cause you're my fake Hollywood agent hero. Will Arnett for Arrested Development was another interesting choice, tipping the hat to what is really an unlikable character played by a very likable man. Kudos to them for taking notice.
Even better are the supporting actress nods, with shout-outs to Cheryl Hines for Curb Your Enthusiasm, who consistently steals every scene she's in, Elizabeth Perkins for Weeds, and the surprising (but very deserved) tip to Jaime Pressly, winning the only major nod for Earl. Also impressive is the recognition to Chandra Wilson for Grey's Anatomy, another serious scene stealer throughout the season on both comedic and dramatic fronts. The academy loves Sandra Oh, so that was no shocker, but I'm really impressed that they recognized Wilson's efforts. Blythe Danner for Huff is another one nice one. I'm not a huge fan of the show, but her character is a delight.
Still, some very disappointing omissions. I would have liked to see Ethan Suplee in there for Earl, Kevin Nealon for Weeds, Peter Stormare or Robert Knepper for Prison Break, Terry O'Quinn for Lost, and/or pretty much anyone for Deadwood (or better yet, a nom for the cast as an outstanding ensemble).
You might notice a lack of discussion on the movie/miniseries of the week noms, and that's because... I don't typically watch those except for Stephen King ones, and those don't generally get nominated. That said, HBO's Elizabeth I was outstanding, and I am solidly behind its nomination as best miniseries, and especially Helen Mirren's nod for best actress. She did a stunning, beautiful job, and I hope she knocks it out of the park. My only complaint about that series was that it was too short. I would have gladly watched 12 hours of it.
Good noms on the Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Series front, but really, who else would they nominate? Kimmel? Leno? I didn't think so.
In short: Emmys? You suck. I hope your babies look like monkeys.
Well, you know, I mean, besides apparently everyone but me.
In my defense, when the show began two years ago, I did call the fact that I would undoubtedly fall in love with it a couple of years down the line and kick myself for not catching on sooner. Which? Exactly what happened. I think my problem initially was that I heard from too many people (real ones and critics alike) that the show was the next Buffy. Don't get me wrong, I can see the comparison. Sassy little blonde, battling the doers-of-wrong in an affluent Californian suburb? Sure. But with that kind of build-up, I was bound to be disappointed. Combine that with inconvenient scheduling and it was a no-go.
But when I found out they were putting it on after Gilmore Girls on the new CW wunderstation, I thought I should give it another shot, and boy am I glad I did. Is it a replacement for Buffy? Well, no. But it is smart and funny, both in the writing and the acting. Kristin Bell and Enrico Colantoni create likeable leads in Veronica and her father respectively, and the supporting cast, though rather undeveloped so far in my own viewing, shows promise. The overarching mystery of Lily Kane's murder is intriguing and well-balanced with the smaller Mystery of the Week one-shots; think Nancy Drew, with an edge. And as an added bonus? Great music. In the handful of episodes I've watched so far, I've heard The Dandy Warhols, Death in Vegas, The Streets, Fountains of Wayne (in a particularly welcome deep cut from their second album), Longwave, and The Stills.
The first season is available on dvd now, and the second season will be out in August. So buy, rent, or borrow, and get caught up in time for season three.
Oh Bev Vincent, you say the most wonderful things.
"1408", one of the best pieces of short horror of all time from Stephen King's Everything's Eventual is being made into a film. And (wait for it.... wait for it...) John Cusack is going to star. I honestly don't think I could be more excited at this point. Which makes the next piece of news a little anticlimatic, I guess, but no less fabulous.
They're making Cell into a movie too. Eli Roth has been chosen to direct after he completes work on the Hostel sequel. The sun is shining for King fans today. Or, you know, storm clouds are a'brewing. Whichever happens to float your particular boat. ;)
That's right, kids. Time to bust out your brain fork. Today's the day that Stephen "We Knew You Couldn't Stay Away" King releases Cell, a cozy parable of a zombie apocalypse gone awry and the "normies" that that try to avoid the same fate. I'm expecting it on my doorstep this afternoon, and I hope to get back to you with a review by the weekend. (Sorry, Johnny Cash, but the King gets priority.) Bring on the gore, baby.
In other King news, supposedly, we finally have a date for Desperation. They've pushed it back about eight times now, so I'm not going to hold my breath, but it looks like its slated for a one-night (that's right, they've pushed it back to a movie instead of a miniseries too) run on May 18th on ABC. TNT's got a miniseries made up of the shorts in Nightmares & Dreamscapes coming in June as well.
7:10 - George Clooney for Syriana. There is justice in this world.
7:11 - Nominees for best supporting actress. Holy crap, Scarlett Johansson's boobs. I mean. Wow.
7:12 - Rachel Weisz wins for Constant Gardener. I support this win, but I was kind of hoping for Scarlett Johansson to win anyways. I mean, my god. Rachel Weisz... apparently thinks she's in a different crowd. Too serious for the room! Let's see Scarlett Johansson's boobs again. Ahh... there we go.
7:14 - Approaching a commercial break, so here's my rant. Golden Globes, what year is it? No, I haven't just awoken from a coma. But I'm sitting here watching the self-proclaimed "Biggest Awards Show in Town" (I think a little man named Oscar has something to say about that, but whatever), and it's in standard definition. Why? Why do you punish me, NBC? I know we haven't had a good year this year, but I came back for Earl, didn't I? And I tried really hard to like Joey. I need my HDTV, man.
7:18 - C'mon Naveen!
7:19 - Paul Newman wins! Love your dogfood, man.
7:20 - Brandon Routh, you aren't as pretty as Tom Welling, but those glasses do win you a cookie or two.
7:21 - C'mon Elizabeth Perkins!
7:21 - Sandra Oh. Oh. I think Elizabeth Perkins was robbed, but Sandra Oh is too darling. I love when they're so excited when they win! No one likes a cool and composed acceptance speech.
7:27 - Drew Barrymore, did you borrow that dress from your grandma?
7:28 - And did you forget to borrow a bra?
7:30 - Gwyneth Paltrow. Lovely. Bored. (and rightfully so.)
7:31 - I just have no opinion on this category at all.
7:33 - Geena Davis just totally redeemed herself for that ridiculous dress by making up a fake story. Rock on, lady President!
7:34 - But I just thew up in my mouth a little bit when she called Steven Bochco a silver fox.
7:35 - Ian McShane! IAN McSHANE!
7:35 - With Evangeline Lilly!
7:36 - Hugh Laurie? WTF? I call shenanigans.
7:37 - Let's go back to talking about Ian McShane. He's so wonderful. I wish Evangeline Lilly would guest start as one of his whores on Deadwood. That would be the best episode ever.
7:39 - The thing where stars tell their kids to go to bed in their acceptance speech is irritating.
7:41 - I just can't believe this isn't in HD. What were they thinking?
7:43 - I'm so distracted by Melanie Griffith's giant plastic head that I just can't even pay the slightest bit of attention to what she's saying.
7:46 - I don't even think I watched any mini-series this year, but I watched the first hour of Empire Falls, so I guess I'll root for that.
7:48 - Empire Falls. Yay, I guess? Rock on, Paul Newman's dog food!
7:49 - In retrospect, I should have formatted this in reverse chronology. Oh well...
7:49 - William Peterson! I love you, William Peterson.
7:49 - (What?)
7:50 - If Jason Lee doesn't win this, I will be very upset.
7:51 - I am very upset.
7:51 - That's right, you wanker. You should thank Ricky Gervais, for that spectacular coattails view he's given you.
7:52 - His speech is decently funny though.
7:52 - (But not as funny as Jason Lee's would have been.)
7:52 - (Or Ricky Gervais's, for that matter.)
7:56 - "And that's basically how you get a ballpoint pen out of your neck."
7:57 - Oh, Tim Robbins. Get a comb.
7:59 - If Reese Witherspoon doesn't win this... well, you know.
7:59 - The name's Linney, jackass.
8:00 - Reese Witherspoon, you're so cutiepie.
8:00 - No surpirses, but still, yay! She's just so lovely and articulate and fun all at the same time. And she and Ryan Phillipe are so cute together. I'm glad for her. :)
8:02 - Chris Rock rules.
8:03 - C'mon, Mary Louise Parker!!
8:04 - That poor thing, she doesn't think she has a chance.
8:05 - !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is awesome. She thinks Elizabeth Perkins got robbed too. But at least MLP won! That's such a fine show. If you don't watch it, you should.
8:10 - Emma Thompson has the prettiest nighty on...
8:12 - Kate Beckinsale is so lovely. It's too bad she's rumored to be one of the most vile bitches in the industry (and if that's not saying alot, I don't know what is).
8:13 - Are we on miniseries again? I totally don't even know what category this is.
8:14 - Jonathan Rhys Meyers! I support this, because he is pretty.
8:16 - Kelly MacDonald is so dear. And she brought Dougie with! Hi, Dougie!
8:17 - Wow, S. Epatha got a buzz cut. She wears it well though. She's got a good shaped head. (Maybe not as much so as Natalie Portman though... she looks just darling too.)
8:18 - S. Epatha! Not lovin' the dress, but I'm happy for her anyways, just by proxy of loving her on Law & Order.
8:19 - S. Epatha... sharing too much.
8:24 - I bet the Olympics will be in HD.
8:26 - With that beard, Colin Firth looks kind of like the English William Peterson. Hm...
8:26 - Match Point. I think the first Woody Allen movie I've actually been highly excited to see. And not just because of Scarlett Johansson's fabulous boobs.
8:27 - I haven't seen George Clooney's movie yet, but I want him to win anyways. I have confidence. I'd settle for a Brokeback win though.
8:28 - Teehee, Ang Lee has the cutest smile. Hearing that music from Brokeback Mountain makes me feel sad all over again though.
8:29 - Jake Gyllenhaal, where are you?
8:30 - Why does ist not shock me that Larry McMurtry has almost a fetishistic love of his typewriter?
8:40 - I was on the phone and missed that whole comedy thing, mostly, but Weeds was robbed.
8:42 - I've been watching TV for so long.
8:44 - I'm so hungry.
8:45 - "Hey, Crabman."
8:47 - Scores have been kind of lacking this year. I guess I go with Brokeback Mountain though. Even though, again, so sad.
8:48 - I think they give John Williams these things just on general principle.
8:49 - Mariah Carey is just so far off of my radar. As are all of these songs.
8:50 - Seriously. Where's Jake Gyllenhaal?
8:52 - That look Gwyneth Paltrow gave the guy touching her sleeve was hilarious.
8:53 - Ooh... George Clooney chatting up the Spielberg. Do I smell a collaboration?
8:54 - I think I do. But IMDb disagrees.
8:56 - Could Gwyneth Paltrow be more lovely? Evangeline Lilly said she looked like an angel, and she totally does. I'd write songs about her too, if I was Chris Martin. And if she names her next kid Capone, she is my new hero.
9:00 - I love when Gwyneth Paltrow says "flesh-eating."
9:01 - Mmm... Lecter.
9:03 - Now there's an enjoyable highlight reel. Thank you, Anthony Hopkins! Could he be more of a gentleman? I wish he was president.
9:07 - George Clooney, you take that shotglass off your eye this instant.
9:13 - Ang Lee! Ang Lee!
9:14 - Yay! :) And he called Clint Eastwood "The Man"... He's just so gracious and dear.
9:17 - John Travolta sounds insincere all the time. I don't know why. Maybe because he mispronounced Pierce Brosnan's name?
9:18 - Johnny Depp, rockin' those gold teeth.
9:18 - If Joaquin doesn't win...
9:18 - Like there was any doubt. Good job, River Phoenix's brother! And he remembered to thank John and June.. That's so sweet. He looks like he's about to cry. He might be just a little drunk. Either way, the man knows how to sound sincere. Unlike John Travolta.
9:26 - If you're sensing a trend... Walk the Line. Or else.
9:27 - Naturally!
9:34 - Go Lost, go!
9:35 - Geena Davis seems really serious when she says "children."
9:37 - Wasn't Deadwood nominated?
9:38 - Very pleased. And what a fine looking bunch they are! J.J. Abrams is cutiepie.
9:40 - Emma Thompson, get out of Ang Lee's lap!
9:41 - Go Gwyneth!
9:42 - I think Felicity Huffman is nice, and I didn't see that movie, so I can't really comment. But Proof was just so fine, and Gwyneth so fine in it, that I'm more than a little disappointed by her loss. You get the Golden Globe of my heart, Gwynnie.
9:44 - I wish I had a t-shirt that said "I'd rather be watching the Oscars."
9:49 - I'm strangely uncommitted to this category this year. I mostly just think Jake Gyllenhaal should have been nominated and subsequently awarded with it.
9:50 - PSH for Capote. Did not see that one coming.
9:55 - The choice here is clear.
9:55 - Yay! :) The choice was clear, but it isn't always to the voters. It's a tremendous relief that it was in this instance.
And we're out. Not as big of a farce as it usually is, with a few notable exceptions, so that's nice. Time for the post show. In HD.
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