Happy Halloween to all the ghosts and ghouls out there!
***UPDATE! UPDATE! How I Met Your Mother finally debuts the Slutty Pumpkin tonight with Katie Holmes filling the legen-wait for it-dary role!
1. TV Tonight! Once you've finished trick or treating around the neighborhood, check in for tonight's lineup. With baseball (finally) over, Terra Nova returns to Fox's lineup. NBC has a Halloween-ified Sing Off. Freddy Krueger guest stars on CBS's Hawaii Five-O; NBC debuts Brian Williams' new news magazine show, Rock Center and FX is doing an American Horror Story marathon. If you are very hardcore about the holiday, AMC is broadcasting the original, Halloween.
2. Ratings news. Friday night's NBC premieres had a mixed bag as they went up against Fox's Game 7 of the World Series. While Chuck debuted to an all time low (which is saying something for that show's ratings), Grimm debuted to a decent 6.5 million viewers and a 2.1 rating in the 18-49 demographic (that's fairly comparable to Fringe's numbers so TV Watcher is looking forward to see how they do squared off against each other).
3. Homey don't play that! According to Deadline.com, the Wayans' brothers are reportedly bringing back In Living Color as a special for Fox's upcoming 25th anniversary celebrations. If the ratings pan out, they are talking about returning it to the airwaves on a regular basis. TV Watcher was a HUGE fan of In Living Color and would gladly welcome its return to TV!
4. Deadline.com is also reporting that CBS has bought the rights to adapt a beloved Israeli sitcom about the lighter side of divorce, Life Isn't Everything. CBS pretty much prints money at this point so I am giving them the benefit of the doubt on their purchase.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Once Upon a Time: For the Love of God, Don't Drink the Apple Cider
Once Upon a Time
Episode 101
"Pilot"
This may come as a surprise to those that find my disposition sunny, but I was not reared on fairytales with happy endings. I grew up largely unexposed and illiterate of what many would consider standard, classic "every one knows them" fairytale stories and kids movies. For instance, I have never read the story of Snow White or seen Pinocchio (or Bambi for god's sakes). I am fairly well read and have a large supply of useless trivia knowledge which allows me to converse on these topics but, if push were ever to come to shove, I would surely be exposed as a fraud when we got into the details. Indeed, its only as part of my on the job training with my little boy, Lil' TV Watcher, that I am learning these stories known to many as simply part of the basic Western civilization experience. This is all a long way of saying that I am psyched for Once Upon a Time's interpretation of these classics and find myself completely without bias or preconceived notions on how they should play out and influence our show's mythology. With that out of the way, let's begin as the show's premiere episode did ...
"There was an Enchanted Forest filled with all the classic characters we know. Or think we know. One day they found themselves trapped in a place where all their happy endings were stolen. Our World.
This is how it happened."
"There was an Enchanted Forest filled with all the classic characters we know. Or think we know. One day they found themselves trapped in a place where all their happy endings were stolen. Our World.
This is how it happened."
Friday, October 28, 2011
Standing Blogger's Weekly Sound-off
October 28, 2011
1. Grey’s Anatomy – okay, a few things have been seriously bugging me. One, why oh why does “Created by Shona Rimes” now follow that title card and why is there random noise in the background. We’re in the eighth season of this show. We all know she created it. So what gives? Second, here at OMD, we’re all about continuity (that’s why we love that Barney continues to wear the ducky tie), so I don’t understand why last week Derek could still barely speak to Meredith, but this week, they’re all kissy-kissy in the hospital like its season 7? C’mon people (I mean, Shonda), give us some indication that things have been good in the last however long it’s been since the previous episode. And , finally speaking of continuity, because I watched the new episode last night, have we ever heard of Seattle Presbyterian before? I mean, we know there have to be other hospitals in the Seattle area, but this week, Seattle Pres was all over the place. First, as the other softball team and then where Zola was almost transferred. Color me confused.
2. Pan Am – People, please watch this show!! It’s well-written, well-acted and everything about it is just gorgeous. Sadly, no one else seems to be watching, other than me, TV Watcher and one of my friends! So, I beg you to please watch on Sunday night at 10pm! But, I also have something to say to the writers: Please give Kate a longer assignment. I am finding her “undercover” assignments to be a bit formulaic. Kate is approached by her handler who gives her an assignment. Kate considers the assignment on the plane. Once at her destination, Kate tries to complete the assignment, but something screws it up (Laura, an East German spy, etc.). Eventually, she completes the mission and receives some sort of scolding from one of her handlers. I think she could really use some kind of arc. But what do I know?
3. Desperate Housewives – has gotten, well, desperate. Last week’s entire episode made me uncomfortable. The scenes of Susan in her art class were painful and unwatchable. Gabby and the PTA women made me cringe. While Lynette and Tom’s therapy was also a little awkward, the scenes at the bar were fantastic. It was the only part of the show that I actually enjoyed. Too many people have brought up the fact that the Wisteria Lane ladies are hiding something and now it’s clear that Gabby’s dead stepfather is about to be unearthed. I’ll keep watching because it’s nearing the end, but I’ll be keeping my finger very close to the fast-forward button.
Morning News: October 28, 2011
Happy Halloween Weekend!
1. Tonight's TV: In scheduling news, the never-ending World Series bumps Fringe to next week. TV Watcher will have to wait another week for Peter Bishop's return. Elsewhere on the dial, Grimm has it's series premiere on NBC. Given the terrific viewership that Once Upon a Time has already achieved, is there room for another fairy-tale based show? Somehow, I think this might be another NBC mis-step. See #3 below, although I think TV Watcher will disagree with me.
2. Project Runway crowned a winner last night Wait, is crowned the right terminology for this show? I've never seen it, please correct me in the comments!
3. At NBC, they must try so hard to come up with terrible programming. And even when they find something good, they kill it (Sing-Off as a two-hour show, c'mon people). So, how horrible will Fashion Star be? With Jessica Simpson and Nicole Ritchie, you couldn't get me to go near that thing for anything. Unless it's cash (yes, I can be bought...).
4. Must be the tiger blood! FX has picked up Charlie Sheen's Anger Management. A lot of people will check out the premiere and no one will watch the rest of the season. Who's with me?
5. Ratings! Other than Fox (which likely took the top spot thanks to the World Series), CBS rocked with total viewers and in the demos (although ABC came pretty close there). Despite the strong showing, most of the CBS shows were down across the board. In positive news for NBC, the Peacock network came in ahead of Univision this week. Yay.
6. On a self-promotional note, OMD is introducing a new weekly column, check out my weekly Sound Off column.
Have a wonderful weekend. You can bet we will be spending it catching on on last week's TV!
1. Tonight's TV: In scheduling news, the never-ending World Series bumps Fringe to next week. TV Watcher will have to wait another week for Peter Bishop's return. Elsewhere on the dial, Grimm has it's series premiere on NBC. Given the terrific viewership that Once Upon a Time has already achieved, is there room for another fairy-tale based show? Somehow, I think this might be another NBC mis-step. See #3 below, although I think TV Watcher will disagree with me.
2. Project Runway crowned a winner last night Wait, is crowned the right terminology for this show? I've never seen it, please correct me in the comments!
3. At NBC, they must try so hard to come up with terrible programming. And even when they find something good, they kill it (Sing-Off as a two-hour show, c'mon people). So, how horrible will Fashion Star be? With Jessica Simpson and Nicole Ritchie, you couldn't get me to go near that thing for anything. Unless it's cash (yes, I can be bought...).
4. Must be the tiger blood! FX has picked up Charlie Sheen's Anger Management. A lot of people will check out the premiere and no one will watch the rest of the season. Who's with me?
5. Ratings! Other than Fox (which likely took the top spot thanks to the World Series), CBS rocked with total viewers and in the demos (although ABC came pretty close there). Despite the strong showing, most of the CBS shows were down across the board. In positive news for NBC, the Peacock network came in ahead of Univision this week. Yay.
6. On a self-promotional note, OMD is introducing a new weekly column, check out my weekly Sound Off column.
Have a wonderful weekend. You can bet we will be spending it catching on on last week's TV!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Morning News: October 27, 2011
Its a slow news day today ...
1. Casting News! Jonathan Groff is returning to Glee in his role as Jesse St. James. Christina Milian (a "singer" that referenes her name in her songs, I think) is joining NBC's The Voice for its second season. She will be a backstage ... person of sorts. Gilbert Gottferied (the voice of the bird on Cyberchase; former AFLAC duck; the bird in Disney's Aladdin - what is with him and the fowl?) is coming to Law & Order: SVU for a maybe recurring role as an IT guy. ooook. Jennifer Coolidge is joining 2 Broke Girls. Cougar Town is bring back most of the Scrubs cast for some overlapping reunion scenes. Each of Zach Braff (JD), Robert Maschio (The Todd!), Sarah Chalke (Elliot), Ken Jenkins (Dr. Kelso) and Sam Lloyd (Ted) will join series regular Christa Miller (who played Jordan on Scrubs) and Scrubs and Cougar Town creator Bill Lawrence (also Miller's husband) at some point during the season. Richard Schiff (the awesome Toby from the awesome West Wing) will join Once Upon a Time as Snow White's dad. LOVE IT!
2. TV Tonight! The World Series makes up last night's rainout with Game 6 tonight. Beavis and Butthead return to MTV at 10pm. ABC has It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! Lifetime has Project Runway's finale. NBC has Halloween episodes from Community, Parks and Rec and The Office. CBS and ABC ramp up the drama with newepisodes of Person of Interest and Grey's Anatomy!
3. Actor/Comedian Patrice O'Neal suffered a stroke sometime last week. Mainstream TV viewers will know him as the warehouse worker that Kelly would refer to as "walrus" from time to time. Patrice was also part of last month's Roast of Charlie Sheen and was a regular on the Opie and Anthony Morning Show (airing on Sirius/XM). We wish him the best for a speedy recovery. Patrice is one funny dude.
4. PBS is kicking off the iDocumentaries on the life and times of Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple who recently passed away. The iDocumentary will air on November 2 and will be called, Steve Jobs — One Last Thing.
1. Casting News! Jonathan Groff is returning to Glee in his role as Jesse St. James. Christina Milian (a "singer" that referenes her name in her songs, I think) is joining NBC's The Voice for its second season. She will be a backstage ... person of sorts. Gilbert Gottferied (the voice of the bird on Cyberchase; former AFLAC duck; the bird in Disney's Aladdin - what is with him and the fowl?) is coming to Law & Order: SVU for a maybe recurring role as an IT guy. ooook. Jennifer Coolidge is joining 2 Broke Girls. Cougar Town is bring back most of the Scrubs cast for some overlapping reunion scenes. Each of Zach Braff (JD), Robert Maschio (The Todd!), Sarah Chalke (Elliot), Ken Jenkins (Dr. Kelso) and Sam Lloyd (Ted) will join series regular Christa Miller (who played Jordan on Scrubs) and Scrubs and Cougar Town creator Bill Lawrence (also Miller's husband) at some point during the season. Richard Schiff (the awesome Toby from the awesome West Wing) will join Once Upon a Time as Snow White's dad. LOVE IT!
2. TV Tonight! The World Series makes up last night's rainout with Game 6 tonight. Beavis and Butthead return to MTV at 10pm. ABC has It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! Lifetime has Project Runway's finale. NBC has Halloween episodes from Community, Parks and Rec and The Office. CBS and ABC ramp up the drama with newepisodes of Person of Interest and Grey's Anatomy!
3. Actor/Comedian Patrice O'Neal suffered a stroke sometime last week. Mainstream TV viewers will know him as the warehouse worker that Kelly would refer to as "walrus" from time to time. Patrice was also part of last month's Roast of Charlie Sheen and was a regular on the Opie and Anthony Morning Show (airing on Sirius/XM). We wish him the best for a speedy recovery. Patrice is one funny dude.
4. PBS is kicking off the iDocumentaries on the life and times of Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple who recently passed away. The iDocumentary will air on November 2 and will be called, Steve Jobs — One Last Thing.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
NCIS: There's Something (Crazy) About Mary!
NCIS
Episode 906
"Thirst"
Episode 906
"Thirst"
Man, if I had a dime for every time I was playing the "Who Would You Choose, Jennifer Aniston or Jennifer Lopez" game while driving a big rig and hitting a drunk pedestrian staggering across the road who then dies with clear fluid pouring from his mouth, well, I'll tell you, I'd be rich! Credits!
Morning News: October 26, 2011
1. Series PickUps and Renewals. A busy day for full season pick ups and series renewals. CBS kicked off the action by picking up full seasons of freshmen dramas, Unforgettable and Person of Interest (TV Watcher is very happy). While only 2 episodes into season 2, AMC has renewed The Walking Dead for a season 3. Yay Zombies! Comedy Central has picked up its quirky series, Workaholics, for a third season (really didn't realize there had been a season 1 and 2?). And rounding out the list, Showtime has renewed Homeland for a second season.
2. Picking up on the DirecTV/Fox feud reported yesterday, Sons of Anarchy creator, Kurt Sutter, taped a message which aired before last night's episode of Sons in which he informed you that are getting f&*ked over by DirecTV. His words ya'll, not mine.
3. The Associated press is reporting that 92 year old Andy Rooney has been hospitalized following complications stemming from surgery performed last week. You'll remember that Mr. Rooney only just retired from grouching on 60 Minutes a few weeks ago. Feel better Andy!
4. X Factor, is a desperate plea for attention and relevance, has announced that it will be the first competitive reality show to allow voting via Twitter. The voting will be done through use of Twitter's direct message feature and not via rambling incoherent Tweets.
5. Tonight's TV! ABC has a host of Halloween comedy episodes with The Middle, Suburgatory and Happy Endings offering fresh episodes (and a repeat of last year's Modern Family Halloween episode ... why didn't they shoot a new one?!?). They end the night with the Fourth of July episode of Revenge!!! Fox has game 1000 of the World Series. CBS has Survivor and FX airs an all new American Horror Story!
6. Just a brief Ratings Update because this kind of news brings us pleasure, ABC's ill fated "Man Hour" featuring Last Man Standing and Man Up! TUMBLED in the ratings last night. By comparison, 9 year old NCIS pulled in just over 19 million viewers ... just another normal week for OMD fav, NCIS!
2. Picking up on the DirecTV/Fox feud reported yesterday, Sons of Anarchy creator, Kurt Sutter, taped a message which aired before last night's episode of Sons in which he informed you that are getting f&*ked over by DirecTV. His words ya'll, not mine.
3. The Associated press is reporting that 92 year old Andy Rooney has been hospitalized following complications stemming from surgery performed last week. You'll remember that Mr. Rooney only just retired from grouching on 60 Minutes a few weeks ago. Feel better Andy!
4. X Factor, is a desperate plea for attention and relevance, has announced that it will be the first competitive reality show to allow voting via Twitter. The voting will be done through use of Twitter's direct message feature and not via rambling incoherent Tweets.
5. Tonight's TV! ABC has a host of Halloween comedy episodes with The Middle, Suburgatory and Happy Endings offering fresh episodes (and a repeat of last year's Modern Family Halloween episode ... why didn't they shoot a new one?!?). They end the night with the Fourth of July episode of Revenge!!! Fox has game 1000 of the World Series. CBS has Survivor and FX airs an all new American Horror Story!
6. Just a brief Ratings Update because this kind of news brings us pleasure, ABC's ill fated "Man Hour" featuring Last Man Standing and Man Up! TUMBLED in the ratings last night. By comparison, 9 year old NCIS pulled in just over 19 million viewers ... just another normal week for OMD fav, NCIS!
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