Coming to an end

As many of my favorite shows have been creeping to the end of their script run I have had a hard time getting the words out myself. I can't believe the unions are not even in discussions right now. Many of the networks are putting their actors on "suspension" so they can cut their pay during the down time, but not lose them all together. However, that, in most cases, only lasts 6 weeks. Hopefully, the pinch will hit the networks by the holidays and post-Christmas they will be willing to go back to the table. There are a lot of out-of-work tv and film workers who could use a Christmas gift like that.

I did read an upside to the strike. Many start-ups that were given full seasons before the strike will end up having to come back in the fall due to the number of episodes that have been contracted and the possibility that no new shows will be premiering since they aren't being written right now. Speculation is that January '09 will be where we see many premieres next year since the time line is out of flux. So, mediocre ratings shows (don't confuse that with the shows themselves being mediocre) may get a chance to redeem themselves that they wouldn't have had without the strike. Two shows that are being given as examples of this are: Dirty Sexy Money and Carpoolers, both on my list of best new shows this season.

History has been made this week with the signing of the first internet show to a major network. Quarterlife, created by the same guys (Marshall Herskovitz and Edward Zwick) who brought us thirtysomething and My So-Called Life, was picked up by NBC this week. They were able to write through the strike since they were writing for the internet, but no new shows can be added now until the strike is ended. This could also cause a backlash within the writing community since other writers could cheat by writing for internet in hopes of being signed as well.

I have not yet gone to the internet to find my couch companion, but may be forced to soon. For those of you who are regular internet viewers, what should I be watching? For those of you who aren't, what will it take for you to search out a new series on youtube? For all, at what point in this strike will you be forced to turn off the tv and what will you do with your time when you do?

Please, No More Reality TV

This week is a hard one for serious tv watchers because we also need to focus on the news headlines. Thursday morning could bring about a Writer's Guild of America strike which would almost definitely lead to reruns and more reality tv shows. This would be the first strike in 20 years and would hit not just the viewership hard, but also the economy of California and the United States. Yup, that's right what you watch and how much you watch it means more money for America.

A writers' strike shuts down production quickly. Though networks have been hording new shows expecting this strike to happen, and we will see some returns of shows from last season that have been saved up for "good" filler, we will also see A LOT of reruns and some really really bad reality tv concepts, like Farmer Wants a Wife which the CW began development on last May. Aren't there already enough bad dating shows on the television. Does anyone really want to see a bunch of city girls so desperate to find a mate they sign up for a CW reality show where they are put on a farm doing chores in heels? I can already picture the first few episodes and I don't really want to see anyone covered in manure when I turn on my television for a night of relaxation. And seriously, how old is the try to milk a cow for the first time joke?

So this is it, this is your last chance to contact the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) and let them know a strike will lead to a tv shut-off. Leave a comment on their website http://amptp.org/contactus.html or call them at 818.995.3600. Let them know that the writers are the reason your turn on your set and they deserve a fair compensation package.

Here is a copy of my message to the AMPTP:
"Message re: Give the writers what they deserve

I am a huge television watcher. So much so that I started my own blog http://katiestv.blogspot.com. I watch approximately 24 hours of scheduled, scripted, television every week. Please work with the WGA to find a good compromise. You are letting down your viewers by not giving the writers a fair compensation package. If reruns and reality television are what come on due to a strike you could prevent, I am turning off my tv and I am urging my readers to do the same."

Comedy Without the Funny

Today Fox announced they were picking up a full season of Back to You. CBS has already picked up Big Bang Theory. How is it that some of the least funny comedy on TV is being picked up so early on?

I urge you to try out two other new half hour comedies instead of tuning into Back to You and Big Bang Theory (not that you were tuning into those in the first place).

1. Carpoolers- ABC Tuesday 8:30-9:00pm- Four men, all at different stages of domesticity, carpool together which leads to conversations that get played out in the home. Unlike Back to You this comedy is able to cross multiple age ranges and connect with male and female viewers with great comedic lines and timing. The numbers haven't been helped by a less than mediocre lead in with Cavemen (I couldn't get through the whole first episode). However, this is a laugh out loud comedy that should be invested in for at least a half hour of mindless entertainment.

2. Aliens in America- CW Monday 8:30-9:00pm with replays Sundays 7:30-8:00pm- This may be the new generation of The Wonder Years. Awkward teen boy deals with having a hot younger sister and a Pakistani foreign exchange student to further solidify his low man on the totem pole place in his Wisconsin high school. Think The Wonder Years connection is a bit of a stretch? just compare the ongoing issues of the Vietnam War of The Wonder Years with the War on Terror of Aliens in America and I think you will start getting my point. Aliens in America is a surprising (and definitely welcome) output from a network that seemed to be shedding all connection with functioning family shows.

What I Am Watching

As Premiere Season comes to a close I decided it was time to go through my weekly line-up.

Monday- 8:00-8:30pm How I Met Your Mother CBS - Still far and away the best comedy on tv.
8:00-9:00pm Chuck NBC - As much as I have enjoyed the first few episodes, I think I am going to get tired of this. It may not make it beyond a season.
9:00-10:00pm Heroes NBC - I have picked this up this season after trying it out when it premiered last year and being bored by the slow movement of the plot. The pace is quicker now and I can't wait for Kristen Bell to finally appear.
9:30-10:00pm Samantha Who ABC- Premiere wasn't too bad.
10:00-11:00pm The Bachelor ABC
10:00-11:00pm Journeyman NBC- Yes, I am still trying to like this show.

Tuesday-
This is my let down day of the week. Since the CW cut Gilmore Girls and Veronica Mars last year there is nothing great to fill the void, just some average (that may be pushing it) shows that are fairly forgettable. However, this last week I stumbled onto Carpoolers and I may have to change that statement (for at least half an hour) if the show continues to be as funny as last week's was.
8:30-9:00pm Carpoolers ABC
9:00 - 10:00pm House Fox

Wednesday
Wednesday fills the void left by Tuesday with two of the best new shows.
8:00-9:00pm Pushing Daisies ABC - Without a doubt the runaway winner of this year's premieres. If you haven't read my post on consistency yet, I hold by all statements made as I watched the second show. I was also thrilled to see the writers/ director are making full use of the talent they have in Kristin Chenowith. If Private Practice catches on to the talents of Audra McDonald this might just become "Broadway Wednesday".
9:00-10:00pm Private Practice ABC - I am still a bit disappointed in this show. I am hoping Dr. Pete's development pushes the show along. Addison is portrayed too often with juvenile inclinations towards social behavior and control of emotion. She is a beautiful, accomplished, intelligent woman who has to keep telling people this because her actions and words make her seem less than she is. Why can't she have those qualities and be portrayed as a strong woman?
9:00-10:00pm Gossip Girl CW - I have realized that part of the reason this show appeals to me is my favorite movie of all time is Pretty in Pink. This show is all about the haves and have nots of high school. What it is lacking is a good male cross-over character from haves to have-nots and the fact that Chuck Bass does not hold a finger to the James Spader Steff. I found myself fast forwarding past the "Party of Indulgence" this past week because I didn't want to watch Chuck buying women in the absence of being at all appealing to any unpaid member of the female population. The real find in this show is Penn Badgley who perfectly plays the have not Dan trying to impress a have girl without crossing into a world that he doesn't agree with.
9:00-10:00pm Bionic Woman NBC - OK, I cheated. I don't actually watch the NBC telecast of Bionic Woman. I hop over to SciFi and DVR it when it shows there so I can get all three shows in for this time slot. Since Bionic Woman is my least favorite of the three, this works out perfectly. The dialogue is sophomoric and even the fight scenes are getting to be so too. Yes, there needs to be a learning curve to Jaime's abilities, but she also has enough strength to be able to pummel whomever comes after her that doesn't have bionic abilities, right?!?
10:00 - 11:00pm Life NBC - A refreshing take on a man done wrong. I would tune in just to see the fruit of the week.
10:00-11:00pm Dirty Sexy Money ABC

Thursday
My must watch night of the week
8:00-9:00pm Ugly Betty ABC
8:00-9:00pm Survivor: China CBS
9:00-10:00pm Grey's Anatomy ABC
9:00-10:00pm CSI CBS
10:00-11:00pm Without a Trace CBS

Friday
9:00-10:00pm Women's Murder Club ABC Nowhere near as dark as the promos led me to believe. I enjoy seeing an empowering woman show.
10:00-11:00pm Men in Trees ABC

Saturday
Catch-up time. There is never anything good on Saturdays

Sunday
8:00-9:00pm Viva Laughlin CBS The premiere was interesting enough to give this one a shot for a few weeks. I hope that future shows will have the cast members singing the songs without the original vocals at the same time.
9:00-10:00pm Desperate Housewives ABC This show is finally making its way back.
9:00-10:00pm Cold Case CBS
10:00-11:00pm Brothers & Sisters ABC
10:00-11:00pm Shark CBS

The Importance of Consistency

It isn't enough to have a great idea or a new take on an old idea to make a good show. Coming up with a tone, establishing the tone, and following it through from casting to script to even wardrobe is essential. To demonstrate my point I have two new series that tried to take on an old idea with a new tone- one didn't have consistency and one did.

Moonlight- new take on an old idea, have a vampire run a p.i. business, or at least solve mysteries whether or not he is getting paid. The premise isn't all that different from Angel, however the cast doesn't have a hit like Buffy to spin from. The main difference in this new take is the tone is a bit film noir. The narration starts, and if it were shot in b/w it would have all the underpinnings of a Maltese Falcon television show. That's the first flaw, if it is film noir- or let's say tv noir not to discredit the great film noir genre, the tone set by the narration needs to carry through to each of the characters, the clothing, and especially the cinematography. Casting I can't complain about too much with the lead male and lead female- Alex O'Loughlin has a perfect tv noir narration voice and Sophia Miles could easily be cast into a tv noir based on her hair alone. However, the cinematography and script killed the tone. Why not at least shoot some of the scenes in b/w (besides flashbacks) and then transition into color to continue the tone, yet connect with a 21st century viewer? If a tv noir tone is what the aim is, then follow through to the hilt, otherwise ditch the tone and make another cliche vampire show. Lack of consistency will keep me from becoming a regular viewer.

Pushing Daisies- falls at the opposite end of the consistency spectrum. Another new take on an old story- a person can bring people back to life with an amazing gift. Where this show takes off from the old story is completely in the telling of the story. The show is like walking into a fairytale, possibly even a skewed Pleasantville. This show would not work if even one component was not inline with this surreal, off-kilter, fairytale tone. The setting, casting, script, wardrobe, narration, cinematography, every nuance of this show were perfectly aligned in the pilot episode. As long as the show is able to maintain this consistency this will definitely be a must-watch for me. In a time where many shows are trying to pull us into the real world through the horrific crimes and greed of humanity, Pushing Daisies seems to offer an entrance into a different time and place. The odd part is that horrific crimes and greed of humanity both played a role in the pilot. It just didn't seem as awful when it wasn't part of a real world and there was a delicious looking pie in the background.

New Shows- Part 1

I have been trying to get in as many pilot episodes as possible, at least those that actually peak my interest. Here are my initial thoughts:

Back to You- An aging group of actors in a totally not funny show. Jerk anchor returns to a small network news show to join a crew of people who didn't like him all that much to begin with. Then the big twist at the end, which doesn't end up being a comedy situation at all... actually turns this sitcom into a dramedy which is exactly what is not needed in a 30-minute slot. This is obviously supposed to appeal to an age demographic that I do not fit in. I wasn't expecting much and the show delivered even less.

Big Bang Theory- I wasn't even going to try this one out, but then I heard the theme song by Barenaked Ladies and decided it deserved at least one shot. One shot is all it will be getting. I am not sure what demographic this is supposed to appeal to since it seems that the "intellectual" jokes that they made mostly target an audience that would spend more time online gaming or solving theories than watching a sitcom. The only two females on the show were presented as rude and dumb yet hot, not how I want to encourage the networks to portray my gender by giving them my viewership.

Bionic Woman- For the stunts and premise alone, I am glad I watched the pilot episode of Bionic Woman. As for the acting, just because parts of you are computerized doesn't mean the acting needs to be. Michelle Ryan was so/so as the new bionic woman. Katee Sackhoff's acting, as the previous bionic woman, was a catastrophe. Overlooking the acting, I will give this one a shot . It is reminiscent of the best of Alias, which is definitely worth a try.

Cane- After watching the promos I really wasn't interested in this show. I decided to give Jimmy Smits a shot since he has a proven track record of fantastic shows. The show was overall better than the promo led me to believe. I am still not sure it is a keeper, but willing to hang in for a few episodes to see if it hooks.

Chuck- The complete opposite of Journeyman in the fact that I immediately felt connected to the characters on this show. Great writing, well cast, a good mix of action and story. This is a must-see show. Thoroughly entertaining.

Dirty Sexy Money- Loved the premiere. I am amazed at the cast that was assembled for this show. Without this stellar cast though, the show would not hold its weight. Peter Krause on network tv again was enough cause for me to watch. This is definitely staying on by DVR schedule.

Gossip Girl- I was entertained by this show from beginning to end. I admit I get sucked into a good high school drama and that is what this is. I enjoy the continued narration throughout the show and am interested to see if that was more prevalent for the pilot than it will be for future episodes. With the loss of The OC and One Tree Hill on extended leave there is a empty niche that Gossip Girl will easily fill.

Journeyman- I really wanted to like this show. I sat through the hour hoping it would get better, and it sort of redeemed itself at the end, but not enough for this to become a top 10 or maybe even top 20 for me. The biggest problem was that I didn't particularly like ANY of the characters. I felt no attachment, sympathy, connection to anyone so I could care less whether the main character disappears for days, except that I have to watch more encounters with characters I have no investment in. I doubt this will end up on my watch list.

K-ville- I was going to watch this show. I set the DVR, it recorded, I scanned through it for about 10 seconds and realized I had ZERO interest in watching the show. It is cut.

Private Practice- While much improved from the intro. given through Grey's Anatomy last season, I am still sorely disappointed in Kate Walsh's performance. I have no interest in seeing her dance naked around her room. It was set up so poorly that I wanted her to get caught in an embarrassing situation so she could act her way out of it and she couldn't. Without the rest of the stellar cast holding up the show, I wouldn't be watching. Here's to hoping Shonda realizes the rest of the cast far excels Kate and focuses more stories on them.

The Reaper- This show is a paradox, both in premise and in whether I actually want to watch it again. Sam learns on his 21st birthday that his parents sold his soul to the devil before he was conceived. He decides to work for the devil as a spiritual bounty hunter collecting souls that have escaped from hell. This is seen as being for the greater good since these escaped souls take on their previous bad habits such as burning down firehouses. I wasn't quite sure if I enjoyed it. The characters were at times likable, but then would have some strange quirk that made you question why you thought you might like them in the first place. I am holding judgment (hee hee) for a few more episodes.

My Advice to Reality TV "Stars" Before The Taping

I am writing to all of you who have hopes to one day be on a reality tv show. After watching premieres for Survivor: China and The Bachelor this week I realized there are some simple rules that some people actually need outlined for them. So, here is my advice:

1) Just because alcohol is offered in mass quantities does not mean you need to drink it in mass quantities. That goes out to Melissa, cut night one of The Bachelor. When you drink so much that you can't speak coherently, you really need to cut yourself off. Were you there for the open bar or the guy?

2) Dress appropriately for the game. This goes out Jaime the bra-less contestant on Survivor:China, all the other contestants of Survivor:China who showed up in heels, dresses, fishnet tights etc... ready for a photo op. rather than a survival game. This also goes out once again to Melissa of The Bachelor. If your chicken cutlets (fake breasts) don't stay on/in, then there are proper ways (like in a bathroom) to take them out, and if you can't feel that you are missing one then you once again are too drunk to be in the game.

3) Watch the show ahead of time. If you are going on a reality tv show and claim you have never seen an episode then you are obviously not in it to win, so bow out gracefully before you go on. Again this can be targeted at the inappropriately dressed Survivor cast members who for some reason didn't realize in past seasons they didn't get to bring their bright pink could fit my 4-year old daughter in it with all of her princess attire suitcases with them. (Disclaimer- I have never actually attempted to put my daughter in a suitcase, if she has tried on her own that is completely without the help of her mother and/or father).

4) Do not attempt to "show-off" using tricks that are only seen in circus sideshows. This goes out to the human pretzel and the web-toed wonder from The Bachelor. My suggestion is that you try out your trick for random people in the middle of a supermarket. If they are impressed and ask further questions, you are probably safe, if they are speechless, shocked, horrified, run away screaming, instantly fall into hysterical laughter- cut it. It is better to not be memorable than to be memorable for the wrong reasons.

5) It is a competition. Whether you are there to find love, money, or possibly both, you need to come in with your A game. Know what you are going to say when you come out of the limo or get your first one-on-one time. Have a game strategy and an idea of who you want to present yourself as. I have to hand it to Leslie and Jean-Robert from the Survivor: China cast for this. Leslie immediately claimed she "wasn't religious", though she "has a relationship with Jesus Christ" when she walked out of the temple. The woman is a Christian Talk Show Host. Either it was brilliant strategy to try not to be pegged as the crazy religious one, or she just happened into it with a misstatement. Either way, she came out playing the game. She also made a fantastic connection with a strong player who didn't have the social skills to connect with others himself, nicely played. Jean-Robert instead of trying to fly under the radar immediately made use of his poker playing skills to target and call out his adversaries. He let him tribemate know day 1 that he was in this, aware and ready to play. Deanna on The Bachelor also did a great job with this coming out with something unique and well-prepared when she left the limo, an introduction in Greek that she then translated.

So there are a few hints to begin with. I am not saying you will win the game by following these hints, but hopefully you won't be eliminated Day 1 or embarrass yourself so much that you won't be able to face your family ever again. Remember all of these episodes eventually end up on DVD and they will come back to haunt you if you don't follow the rules.

What I am Watching

I love fall, it may surpass summer for me for one reason... premieres!!!! Here is my premiere list schedule. Yes, it is incomplete... that is completely purposeful. These are the shows I will be watching. I have 32 shows currently in my fall line-up, 18 are brand new shows which I expect at least 30% at least to be gone from my line-up due to network or my own personal trimming.

I have added a few notes in purple next to some of the shows that have already premiered and that I have read interesting reviews of (pro and con). These are all network shows- I still have my cable to add in. How am I going to manage it all? Once I have gotten through the premieres and cut some of these out I will post my daily watching/DVRing schedule. What shows are you most excited about?

September 19th
*New Show: GOSSIP GIRL (CW) Definitely a keeper after the premiere
*New Show: BACK TO YOU (Fox) Will probably be scratching this one after a disappointing premiere.

September 20th
Survivor:China (CBS) My husband thinks this is the best looking cast ever. I enjoyed the fact that one tribe actually started playing the game on day one.

September 23rd
Cold Case (CBS)
Shark (CBS)

September 24th
The Bachelor (ABC)
How I Met Your Mother (CBS)
*New Show: CHUCK (NBC)
*New Show: JOURNEYMAN (NBC)

September 25th
House (FOX)
*New Show: CANE (CBS) Maybe... I was excited until I started seeing the previews.
*New Show: REAPER (CW) Another Maybe on this one. I am going to try it out and see how it goes.

September 26th
*New Show: BIONIC WOMAN (NBC) This may not fit in with all my other shows, but it is supposed to be one of the best new shows. I may have to cut something else from my line-up if it proves true.
*New Show: DIRTY SEXY MONEY (ABC)
*New Show: LIFE (NBC)
*New Show: PRIVATE PRACTICE (ABC) Why didn't they change the name?!?!?!

September 27th
Ugly Betty (ABC)
Grey’s Anatomy (ABC)
CSI (CBS)
Without a Trace (CBS)
ER (NBC)
*New Show: BIG SHOTS (ABC) I am reading awful things about this one, so it may get cut early. Desperate Housewives for CEOs.

September 28th
*New Show: MOONLIGHT (CBS)

September 30th
Desperate Housewives (ABC)
Brothers & Sisters (ABC)

October 1st
*New Show: ALIENS IN AMERICA (CW)

October 3rd
*New Show: PUSHING DAISIES I am most excited about this show. The premise is original and the reviews have been great.

October 7th
*New Show: LIFE IS WILD (CW)

October 12th
Men In Trees (ABC)
*New Show: WOMEN’S MURDER CLUB (ABC)

October 15th
Samantha Who? (ABC)

October 18th
*New Show: VIVA LAUGHLIN (CBS) *Regular slot begins Oct. 21st I am reading bad things about this one which is disappointing. I am still going to try it out for myself based on cast alone... remember what happened with Brothers and Sisters last season.

November 27th
*New Show: CASHMERE MAFIA (ABC) *Regular slot begins Dec. 4th

Only one more month

I have almost survived the dreary tv days of summer. I am now in full on premiere mode getting very excited for September. There were a few highlights this summer that I thought I should share.

Summer highlights-
So You Think You Can Dance returned and did not disappoint. Besides the flower dance by Mia Michaels I am not sure any one dance compared to the choreography aesthetically to last season- the park bench, umbrella dance, Tranji, Benji and his cousin (what was her name again?) doing any swing or Latin number together- there were just so many memorable dances last season. I don't think I am going to go into next summer remembering as many from this season, but it was still highly enjoyable. Sadly it seems that the poor Wall brothers (yeah I know they don't actually share the same last name) once again did not make it to the end.

Greek- Despite being on ABC family and truly not appropriate for a younger audience to watch, Greek turned out to be a refreshing new comedy spinning a smart comic twist on college life. Not only have I enjoyed the humor, but somehow it seems whenever I start watching my husband gets drawn into the room and sucked into the show as well. From my previous postings you will know how rare it is for my husband to watch any tv, so this is a real triumph. Are the story lines pretty cliche fraternity/sorority, sure, but that doesn't mean they can't be well written, which they are. Somehow the writers have found that thin line to walk and stayed on the right side without becoming goofy, sappy, or too Animal House. ABC aired a few of the episodes on Friday nights after they first aired on ABC Family. Here's to hoping ABC will pick this one up in place of one of the new shows which is bound to be weaker.

Top Chef- Yet another great season of Top Chef is underway with some fantastic chefs battling it out. There has been enough "throwing under the bus" action this season to bring a complete halt to the transit system. There are more challenging competitions and I think a lot of that is due to the addition of Season 1's Lee Anne to the production crew. This is definitely a do not miss for us, which Bravo makes very easy with multiple repeated shows throughout the week.

What have you enjoyed this summer?

The God Factor

I haven't blogged much this summer because honestly the networks haven't given me much to blog about, until I watched my DVRed episode of Big Brother 8 last night.

I have been gradually becoming enraged by the "God Factor" of game play in the Big Brother house. I should start off by saying I am a Christian, and one who believes that God plays a significant role in how my life plays out, ok yes, the biggest role (even though I fight it every once in a while). However, I do not expect that if I ever were to go on a television show that my faith in God, praying to God, etc.. would ever factor into the end result of the show. Would I let people know I was a Christian? Probably since it is a large part of who I am and who I identify myself as. Would I be willing to discuss my beliefs with others who wanted to have a discussion? Absolutely, especially if they approached me. Would I believe that my name being pulled from a bag in a veto competition was part of God's plan? Absolutely not, I mean is God really that bored that he has time to influence a veto compeition? Do I really think that God wants me to be on a game show that is completely motivated by greed? Yeah, I don't think so.

This season, beyond all others, the players (Amber, Jameka, and Kail specifically) have been playing the God card. Jameka took it to a whole new level in the last episode though insisting that her name being pulled to participate in the veto competition was based on what I am calling the "God Factor". Is a reality show a forum to share your faith? To me it is as good as any. I think Kaysar showed us on Big Brother 6 that a deep commitment to a faith portrayed well on camera can inform a nation viewing audience. However, there was a line that was crossed between Kaysar's "faithplay" and Jameka's, and that is the "God Factor". Kaysar made some moves in the house based on faith, whether religious or based on faith in human spirit, that led to his demise in the game, but also led to his being one of the most loved characters on Big Brother of all time. He never claimed though that God wanted things to go a certain way or had a hand in the way the game played out.

Let me pose this question to those who aren't sold- why would God want one Christian player to win over another? I am choosing "Christian" players only because there are three in the game right now all saying that God is influencing the results, giving them strength to get through situations, or somehow having a hand in how the game is played.

So Big Brother 8 fans, what do you think of the "God Factor" being used this season? When it comes to the final two, if one contestant was playing by God's strategy and the other of their own strategy, who should win?

In need of something new

I apologize that I have taken a month long sabbatical, but I havne't felt compelled to write ab out anything I have seen on tv this season. So far this summer's shows have been quite a disappointment. I am thrilled to have So You Think You Can Dance and Top Chef return to the tube, but otherwise there isn't a whole lot to tune in for. For those of you who have read my previous posts you know I am a television addict. For me not to have something to watch, tv programming is obviously hitting a new low.

As for the new shows this summer season- Hidden Palms only redeeming feature is its soundtrack and even that isn't wasting an hour, or more now that they are putting on double episodes. The Starter Wife I can't quite figure out. Is it supposed to be avante garde, funny, dramatic... I have watched several times to figure out this quandary and am still at a loss. I don't need more talent competitions in my watching diet either, thank you.

So, I need your help. What should I be watching that I have missed? Give me something new to watch, I'll check it out and let you know what I think.

A Surprisingly Good TV Night After All

I sat down with some work to do in front of the tv expecting reruns... most shows have already put out their finale and now we are in reruns, gag. I have a DVR so I don't have to watch reruns. Since my favorite Thursday shows are over I was not looking forward to turning on the tv. I am so glad I did.

I mistakenly thought that I had another week until So You Think You Can Dance came back. I was thrilled to see my favorite contest back on the small screen. Why do I like So You Think You Can Dance while I despise American Idol? Talent and training. While there are a few American Idol contestants that truly have some God given talent that isn't enough. There needs to be training for the person to have any chance at success. Otherwise the singer is going to get caught up in lip-synching because they don't have the ability to keep their vocals going for an entire show. Kelly Clarkson may put out a good album, but have you heard her sing live. She doesn't have the breath support or control. I am not going to pay to listen to that, and I am not going to waste my tv time watching it. I would pay to see someone with serious dancing chops move their hips though. I have been awed by some of the dancing in the past two seasons. The dance choreographed on the bench last year was one I rewound to watch over and over again. Thanks Mia! It couldn't have been done as well or with as much emotion with untrained dancers. This is truly a competition of talent not just marketability.

I also watched the second episode of On the Lot. While it is just another competition based on formula, we are again seeing some truly talented people come out of this show. It is great to see people in a competition be amazed at what others they are up against are able to do. It shows that the uneducated audience is actually seeing some talent in the group of individuals that have been selected. The gasps during the special effects movie "Time Out" (I believe) showed just how special the crafts he has are.

I was also thrilled to have Studio 60 return. I know this is all just a tease since it will be gone for good soon, but it is always enjoyable to watch that cast work together with Sorkin's words. The tie-ins to Allison Janney and West Wing were particularly enjoyable for a West Wing fan. There was a very purposeful CJ/Danny moment at the end that gave me that warm tingly feeling of seeing two old friends again. I guess if they are on the way out, why not give us those tie-ins. There is no longer a reason to try to define Studio 60 differently from West Wing (not like Sorkin tried that hard).

One last spoiler added to my television fulfillment this evening. It isn't really a spoiler, so I will share here. From SpoilerFix "Amy [Sherman-Palladino] explained why she couldn't divulge her long-ago-planned Gilmore ending. In the next year or two, she hopes to make -- wait for it -- a two-hour Gilmore Girls TV-movie that ties up all those loose threads! (BTW, lest you think Amy was pulling my leg, her partner in life and in showbiz, Dan Palladino, confirmed that a GG reunion pic is something they're interested in pursuing.) Source: Ask Ausiello @ TV Guide". Definitely good news for GG fans. Hopefully it will pan out. While the new writers did a decent job keeping up with the patter created by Amy and Dan... it wasn't the same as having the ending always planned.

Now if only Friday turned out to be a good tv night too... ha ha ha ha ha ha.

What a Way to Go - R.I.P. Veronica Mars

Tonight was the season series finale of Veronica Mars. Had you not been following the upfronts coverage from the last two weeks and known that Veronica Mars had in fact been canceled and that Kristen Bell had a new series, albeit the role of voice over, Gossip Girl for the CW next year, you might have missed the finale part of the series finale. This comes down to the writers only in part. The CW kept Veronica Mars in limbo until the last moment. The finale had been shot, edited, and in the can for weeks by the time the news came.

Word just a few weeks ago was the creators wanted to come back next season with it being 5 years in the future with a very different cast showing what Veronica became. They weren't given that shot, nor were they given the opportunity to say a proper farewell. I might have even dismissed that if the CW had at least given the traditional farewell through a cheesy montage of moments throughout the years and a thanks for watching after the credits rolled. There was nothing, NOTHING indicating this was the end.

Now don't get me wrong here. The episode was actually pretty good. It was good for a mid-season let's come back next week to resolve this, or possibly even a season finale... but not a SERIES FINALE! As a fan, I am disappointed, no not just disappointed, I'm angry and let down. I kept looking at the clock thinking are there really only 12 minutes left and nothing is tied up, certain, FINAL. The credits rolled and my b.p. kept rising. Then a commercial. Really, a commercial. Seriously, a commercial. At least with Gilmore Girls which was a so/so finale, but at least a finale, there was the heartwarming montage and thanks at the end. With Veronica Mars there was nothing. Have I said yet that there was nothing finale about the Veronica Mars finale?

Honestly, I am not a big fan of the cheesy montage, but the CW is and that is why I am so surprised it wasn't there. I didn't watch the season finale of 7th Heaven, but I would just about stake my television on there being a thanks for watching tagged onto the ending.

I asked before what we would like to see from the writers in a finale. Should they give us the ending we want, etc... Tonight the question goes to the network. What is their responsibility to the fans? If they can't give the show a heads up enough to write a proper series finale, what should be do to appease the masses? Should the cast and crew been given a shot to put together a proper finale aired at a later time?

True Entertainment- What a finale is all about

If I haven't been clear in my previous posts, I am disappointed in this seasons finale showing. At least I was, until last night. I finally saw a finale that lived up to my expectations- it entertained, brought about enough conclusion for me to be content for the summer months, brought enough new storylines to have me interested in what is going to happen when September comes, and truly created a bookend for the season. Brothers and Sisters started off this season doomed despite its fantastic cast and interesting premise. They revamped and turned themselves into a must be watched enjoyable family drama. The finale shows exactly why this is true:

1) Just enough silliness- The silliness that comes from the Walker family may not be paralleled by any previous television dramatic family. The food fight at the vineyard last week was only a amuse busche to the full seven-course meal of hilarity that ensued when the Walkers met the McCallisters to celebrate the engagement of Kitty and "The Senator". Grey's Anatomy definitely could have used a touch of silliness to lift our spirits from the depressing finale served-up last Thursday.

2) Just enough emotion- The emotions were strong but checked themselves before going too far- take for instance Justin learning of his early departure for Iraq. They could have thrown in last minute appeals from "The Senator", gone through lengthy speeches about what it meant for him to serve, had every family member at the gate as his plane departed, and the list goes on- instead he snuck away after telling his half-sister and only Nora and Kitty ran to the airport to say their goodbyes. There was a nice moment for "The Senator" to remind us that the goodbyes are not just for those being left, but for those that are leaving since life is unpredictable and you could just as easily die from say having a tent fall on you at an engagement party as being blown up in Iraq. I am going to throw in a big thank you to the writers here for not having the entire airport applaud Justin as he went through security... it was a bit beyond cheesy for the security guard to have her little moment there, but thank you for keeping everyone else in check. This is a lesson that Desperate Housewives could have used before stringing up Edie with a silk scarf last night. Seriously, is Carlos that good in bed?

3) Just enough passion- and yeah I mean the good kind. There were lovey-dovey moments between "The Senator" and Kitty, but the good stuff came between Kevin and Jason. Yeah, totally predictable, but enjoyable, especially in its moderation, all the same.

4) Just enough intrigue- Jason pulling out the Methodist stole, Uncle Saul having an illusive sexual history, Julia possible diving into post-partum depression, Rebecca's history of relationships with older men, it was all just enough to keep us interested in what will be coming in September without leaving us on the hook.

5) Just enough dysfunction- The writers found a balance here that definitely was lacking towards the beginning of the season and while it has gotten better was perfected in this episode. Bringing in the McCallisters as a wild and crazy version of dysfunction was exactly what was needed to show that the Walkers might just be somewhat normal. They only brought out a few storylines of dysfunction this week hitting on the relationship between Nora and Kitty, and sidelining (for the most part) Sarah's unraveling marriage was a sigh of relief. Again Grey's could have and should have taken a cue using the less is more theory since every single relationship unraveled in the season finale. Maybe they could leave one couple standing next season. (I feel the spiral effect coming on).

6) I am not going to follow my patter of "just enough" for this one. It is too important. A season finale should not depart from the rest of the season. Having a character act completely different from the last 4 episodes and asking the viewer to go along with it doesn't work- take McDreamy's speech to Meredith in the Grey's finale... she had every right to turn on her heal after how he had treated her the last 4-5 episodes. The part of the Brothers and Sisters finale that I enjoyed most was the fact that it bookended the season. The first episode "Patriarchy"had the "Patriarch" of the family falling into the pool during a heart attack. The final episode "Matriarchy" had the whole family jumping in the pool as a way of showing their unity through the season that they got through the hardest year of their lives together. It was a brilliant bookend well done without having to be spoken.

Now I have shared mine, what was your favorite finale and why?

Four Months?!?!?!

Here is my problem with cliffhangers. I would watch the next episode without the cliffhanger. I do not need to be left hanging in May for 4 months to return to the show in the Fall. Then, because there are shows that build in cliffhangers the shows that do not build in cliffhangers almost give the impression to viewers that they were sewing things up in case they weren't renewed. I don't want to wonder for four months if... ok I won't spoil anything for anyone who hasn't watched Grey's or CSI because they have it DVRed. I read spoilers, I don't spoil.

Now I get that there are some shows that are built solely on cliffhangers... the mystery is the show and I can go for that. I was very into Reunion and am frustrated they didn't get the chance to sew it all up for us. I think that if a network takes a chance on a show that revolves around a mystery it owes it to the viewers, however few there may be, to explain it through. I am fine with going online to watch the episodes through their completion. Those of us who do get swept into a plot line and invested in the characters want to know. I don't want to have to dig for some article that might have the creator give it away because the network won't give us the closure we need. Ok, I know right now you are thinking this girl is too obsessed... but then you need to look up at the header and remember that I already confessed to that.

My other gripe with cliffhangers is that if you are going to build them in there is no reason to write at the end of the episode "To Be Continued". It darn well better be continued if you want me to keep watching. CSI tonight, again giving nothing away, ended the episode with "To Be Continued". At least if you are going to close with that statement let the continuation happen within a reasonable amount of time. Four months to wait for it "to be continued" is too long in my book. I actually saw that and went through the online guide to make sure that I was correct in thinking tonight was the finale. Yes, I know tonight is the finale, and I know every season CSI makes some huge storyline finale where someone from the CSI is in trouble which is always resolved when the Fall Season returns, so why put "To Be Continued".

Tonight's questions- do you enjoy cliffhangers? Would you continue to watch a show if there were not cliffhangers built in, especially applying to would you pick up watching again in the Fall without the storyline needing to be resolved? How should a network resolve an ending for a mystery based show, or should they?

Private Practice (Please Please Please Change the Name)

Yes, the title today is my appeal to ABC to show some class, restraint, wisdom, fill in your own appropriate descriptor here, to Please change the title for the Grey's 2.0 from Private Practice to just about anything that isn't going to make me squirm each time I hear it. So, let's hear 'em, your ideas for the Grey's spin-off title. Maybe something based off the name of the clinic "Oceanside Wellness Group".

Why the appeal after I already slammed the first glimpse of the show? Because ABC gave the show the greenlight, as you might remember I did predict in that post. Next question, do I think it will make it? If Brothers and Sisters is any sort of example for what ABC can get their writers to do when the first few shows don't flow as well as they should, then absolutely. I watched Brothers and Sisters from the first show it aired. I was sooooooo disappointed with that cast and an interesting premise that the show wasn't better. They went on a short hiatus, came back revamped, and my husband said isn't that the show you said wasn't very good. Yup, but it got better. ABC did its job, gave the writers and cast a chance to pull together what should have been great from the beginning, and it has completely paid off for them. Can they do it again with (cringe) Private Practice? I for one hope so.

I have been very impressed with what Shonda Rhimes has done with Grey's. There are race and weight barriers that she is breaking down with this show and while it may not seem to be enlightening in anyway she is sneaking those ideas in just through the casting. To give this idea some merit compare ER which was a "groundbreaking medical drama" when it first came out. Dr. Benton (a resident at the time) was the only doctor of color and there were only two female doctors. There are now more female and African American doctors, but the only Hispanic doctor to ever be on the show was a completely out-of-control drug-addict adulterer. Grey's has a diverse cast that has minorities in many of the key power areas: Chief of Staff, Cardiotheracic Surgery, as residents leading the interns. In the running for chief resident - three women, one Caucasian, one African American, and one Hispanic, two are what defined by tv standards would be considered overweight. It almost sounds like a set-up for a bad joke, but instead it is the making of a great show. Shonda Rhimes said she wanted to cast to portray America, well one can argue that the actual cast make-up looks nothing like the proportions actually living in America or who have degrees in medicine, but it does look like the America I see when I walk through the mall and I give her props for that.

So, Shonda as you revamp, keep the talking elevator if you want, definitely keep some of the eye-candy, but PLEASE, PLEASE bring up some substance (you can sneak it in if you feel you have to) and almost as importantly please find a new name... yes, this is begging, I am on my knees.

Ok everyone, let's give her some ideas on that new name, my first is Oceanside Wellness.

May Bittersweeps

I am redubbing "May Sweeps" "May Bittersweeps". I know I should enjoy May Sweeps since some of the absolute best writing on television comes during these two (give or take) weeks, but it is all bittersweet for me. Watching a series finale of a beloved show is like parting with an old friend knowing you will never talk again. I will never know if Rory Gilmore found someone she would be willing to factor into her future plans. I will never know if Lorelai and Luke ended up with a family of their own. The saga didn't continue... it came to a dead end tonight.

The sweet side, along with the finales which remind you exactly why you kept watching through some of the slow or inconsistent story lines, is as all of these shows are coming to an end either for the season or (sniffle) for good, the networks release The Fall Line-Up. Hope...

So, as I wipe away my tears (I've never been good at goodbyes) the next few days weeks, I will be bringing you some of my own insights into what I think will make it based solely on the pitch of the show for next year's premieres. I will also need some shows to fill up my time this summer during REPEAT HELL. I am compiling a list for you to vote on what I should watch that I didn't take the time to or didn't give a chance when it was first on tv.

P.S. While I stocked up on tissues prior to the Bittersweeps, if you live in the near vicinity I may need more supplies.

Breaking News on Entertainment Tonight - '7th Heaven' Comes to an End- FINALLY!

Not so much breaking news as about *!#&(* time news in my opinion. It is finally coming to an end after 11 seasons about 5 of which were good. Jessica Biel bared all and got kicked off, Lucy got married and decided to become a pastor since her whiny nature and indecisiveness would be so well passed on to others, Ruthie grew up, and the birth of the twins... there were so many times and ways that this show jumped the shark, the ultimate though was when they decided to come back after filming their series finale last year. Brilliant move there CW, really. (Yes, my eyes have rolled so many times here that I have spiral vision.) People tuned in not because they thought it was a great show and wanted it on another year (point proven by this year's ratings), but because they were anxious to see it end and see if Jessica would return for the farewell.

Reading that first paragraph you may think that I hated the show... which is not the case. The first few years were fantastic, BUT then it went from a well meaning Christian family show to one that HAD to deal with issues and take a moral high ground and those issues usually took the main characters to places that the initial set-up did not lend them to. The show changed to adapt to society and lost what made it great in the first place. I mean seriously, Ruthie got a tattoo of the guy she was pre-engaged to, what is that?

So, how long is too long? When did you think 7th Heaven jumped the shark and if you didn't watch choose another show that long outlived even its fan's loyalty and tell when you thought that show jumped the shark?

Uninspired

These days there is so little that is new and unpredictable. Writers aren't expected to be completely originally, they are expected to be formulaic. If I find a show that is surprising, teaches me something new, that I can't predict- that is what gets me watching. That is why How I Met Your Mother, House, and West Wing all entered my viewing habits. I want some inspiration. I don't want to watch 3 different versions of CSI. I tried really hard with Miami and NY, but they couldn't compare to the original cast and didn't bring much new to the table. That is also why I don't watch a single version of Law and Order.

Ok, I admit there is complete formula to the list presented above, especially House, but at least I can't predict what rare illness the person is going to end up having... and the show isn't really about the case anyway (unless the case doesn't get solved)- and yes, it does teach me things. I will not wear a brand new pair of jeans without washing them after that episode this season.

So, what is the most inspired writing on a show that you have seen? I'm looking for the unpredictable, the truly funny (stupid funny or witty funny which ever way you lean), the writers that memorize through amazingly intricate ramblings called monologues (thanks Sorkin). I want to hear the shows that move you and why.

The Truth About Grey's and Grey's 2.0

I was anticipating the 2-hour mega- Grey's/ Grey's 2.0 all week, cleared my whole Thursday evening for it. Rushed through Ugly Betty as quickly as possible, and even watched some of the commercials during the show so I could savor the whole experience. The Truth.... I was let down, disappointed, ready for some substance and there was none to be had. I should have rewatched Ugly Betty which really stole the show on Thursday.

Combining Grey's during sweeps and premiering a "possible" (yeah right like Shonda Rhime's isn't going to get a green light on anything she asks for right now) spin-off both took away from the building story lines of Grey's and the excitement around a premiere of a new show with beloved characters and a fantastic (and HOT) cast.

Grey's 2.0 (my own name since one hasn't been determined yet and the one being put out there, Private Practice, well it is a bit creepy) jumped in with both feet into a concrete pool. Seriously, substance, where was it? I didn't feel bad for Addison except for the two seconds they devoted to her not being able to reproduce. There were all sort of inconsistencies like how did she all the sudden have two eggs left when she was supposedly barren, is that supposed to leave an opening for her to finally get pregnant and show how wonderful her BFF really is? But, I was so excited to see some of my favorite actors from over the years return to TV in a show I know I will be glued to even if the premiere sucked on Thursday.


Taye Diggs- one of the hottest men on TV in America. Ok, so I didn't watch his last two attempts on the small screen Daybreak or Kevin Hill, but on Ally McBeal he was HOT!!! and still is. We need to coin a new Mc name for him, Mc2.0? His is the only character there was any mystery about really. What could possibly be wrong with him to dump Merrin Dungey?

Merrin Dungey- Loved her in Alias and I think she will be able to create a great character with whatever she is given, but how do they develop this character. What they have given her so far looks flat and like she will hang on to the hope of Taye for a while and while I can understand lusting after Taye Diggs, I don't want to see someone else doing it every week.

Chris Lowell- Coming over from Veronica Mars where he hasn't been given the shot he deserves (until this week). The best reason to tune back in is to see him shirtless again. Ok, so that whole surfboard scene was pretty flashback to the Desperate Housewives car washing scene, but at least since women are the ones who watch these shows we are finally getting some serious eye candy.

Amy Brenneman- I will confess that I became a closet Judging Amy its last season while I caught up on TBS drama in the daytime. Seeing as how I crammed 6 seasons into one, I kind of felt let down to have it end, and am glad to see her get another shot, even if it is as a cliched psychiatrist who can't solve her own problems.

Tim Daly- I was so excited about Tim Daly's return to TV. I desperately tried to watch The Nine. I am so glad he is going to be on a show that will last a full season. I am quite certain I have seen every Wings episode once, twice maybe even three times. That kiss was hot, even though it left me wondering would this be a better show if there was a better actress than Kate Walsh in the lead?

So this leads me to my final rant about this merged failure to make me enjoy either show in the 2 hour-"special". Kate Walsh as Addison on Grey's Anatomy fit a needed spot. She was just enough bitch, but had a softer side we were getting to know. She wasn't the main character or even one of the top 5, but she left us a bit intrigued. Can she carry a new show? I think the cast of actors I just described are going to carry her. That kiss. Seriously, she is a self-sufficient, successful, driven woman. Who swoons that much over a kiss they knew was coming because they were asked? Could it have been that much better than McDreamy or McSteamy, or Karev for that matter? Is the character that desperate to be swept off her feet or is Kate just a mediocre actress being put in a position over her head? I know this is harsh. But that scene ruined the chance of my enjoying any of the two hours. I don't want to think of them as actors, I want to think of them as the characters they are playing. Don't wake me from that dream world by over-acting! I go to TV to escape and become swept into a fictional world.

Ok... that is my version of the Truth about Grey's/Grey's 2.0. What are your thoughts? Did you love it, hate it, are you excited about any of the new actors coming on board? Will you be watching?

In Mourning

I had hoped it wouldn't be true because the spoilers I am reading are not ending this show any where near satisfactory for the loyal fans and there were negotiations for a shorter half season next year. But, now I will go into mourning (notice the black font). Gilmore Girls is ending. This leads to the question, should writers expecting the end give the fans what they want for the "final" show- or could it have a backlash as in Felicity and 7th Heaven where the writers are stuck scrambling for new shows?

'Gilmore Girls' canceled

CW, WBTV wrap production on show

By JOSEF ADALIAN

'Gilmore Girls'

Say goodbye to "Gilmore Girls."

After weeks of talks aimed at bringing the show back for a limited run next season, the CW and Warner Bros. TV have decided to wrap production on the quirky dramedy that focused on fast-talking femmes. Skein, now in its seventh season, will air its final episode May 15.

"Gilmore" was a holdover from the now-defunct WB network. Debuting in 2000, it quickly became one of the Frog's signature skeins, with crix eating up the witty banter between mom Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and her daughter Rory (Alexis Bledel). Series was set in the fictional hamlet of Stars Hollow, CT.

CW and WBTV released a joint statement noting the passing Thursday morning.

"Announcing the final season of 'Gilmore Girls' is truly a sad moment for everyone at The CW and Warner Bros. Television," statement read. "This series helped define a network and created a fantastic, storybook world featuring some of television's most memorable, lovable characters."

David Rosenthal exec produced and served as showrunner on the current season of "Gilmore," which was created by Amy Sherman-Palladino. WBTV and CW thanked the producers and cast for their work, as well as crix who supported the show with glowing reviews.

"(We) promise to give this series the send off it deserves," statement said.

Catalyst or Reporter

Today in TV History: 1997 - The television series "Ellen" made TV history when its lead character "came out" as a lesbian.

This brought about the following question for me. Is TV a catalyst for change? As in, does Ellen coming out as a lesbian as a character on tv spark a change in social acceptability of homosexuality. OR Is TV merely a a commentary on the change already happening within the social climate?

I want to hear your opinions... this isn't a question of whether or not you think homosexuality is acceptable- that is merely one example of a social issue that was brought out into the viewership... the question is TVs role in changing or commentating on social change.

Addition to the Top 8- Now 9

I can be persuaded. I just got this comment:

golfmidatlantic said...

All time favorites? How can you have an all-time favorites list without such classics as Little House on the Prairie, Cheers, The Wonder Years, Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place, Everybody Loves Raymond... and...

I don't know. You want great TV? How about sports! Every game is has a new 'plot.' The actors can't act, but the beer commericals are usually pretty good.

While I can't agree about the sports. The Wonder Years was most definitely overlooked. As for the others- While 90210 did take up an hour each week of my high school career and change my hair style (for the worse don't ever cut your own bangs). I am referring back to my original criteria of whether it was one I hung on to 'til, in this case, the bitter end. I was there for every show for high school, I even went through college without missing too many shows, but the after college... I mean SERIOUSLY... it jumped the shark when Donna lost her virginity. Melrose goes along with the same principle, the couldn't hang on through the end, not the Donna virginity part. Little House isn't considered due to the fact that I wasn't born when it started in 1974, another one of my initial criteria. Cheers I will need to think about, it will definitely be on my honorable mentions list, and Everybody Loves Raymond never made the cut for me. See, I warned you all, totally subjective.

So I am adding on:

The Wonder Years 1988-1993 ABC Dramedy Starring Fred Savage
For tackling social issues of one of the most tumultuous times in US history through the eyes of a child. Children are our future after all, aren't they? For a show that put Kennedy's assassination on about the same level of instability in the world of Kevin Arnold as his first trip to a co-ed party and experiencing "Seven Minutes in Heaven" and/or the destruction of the beloved "Harper's Woods" where the first kiss was shared.

Thanks for setting me straight golfmidatlantic. :)

Second Chance

In today's "This Day in Television History"- 2000 - The final episode of Cosby aired on CBS. At first I thought I didn't think the Cosby Show ran that long, then I realized it didn't, Cosby was that "Second Chance Show" for Bill Cosby and Phylicia Rashad. It ran for four years, and honestly I can't tell you why. I tried to watch it a few times and didn't enjoy it at all. Seriously why cast a husband and wife from one show as a husband and wife in a new show with a different premise. A bit confusing for those who were great admirers of the original show.

So, what is the difference between a "Second Chance Show" and a "Spin-Off"? A spin-off is a show that takes one or two characters from the original show and starts in with a new plot in a new location. A Different World took Vanessa (correction Denise) from The Cosby Show brought her to college and created a feature to show off the talents of Lisa Bonet. A "Second Chance Show" is where an actor is featured in a successful television show and based on that success gets a shot at a new show with different characters, hence a "Second Chance" at television success. The Seinfeld cast is notorious for taking shots at "Second Chance Shows" that fail miserably- The Seinfeld Curse. Julia Louis-Dreyfus seems to finally have hit a homerun with The New Adventures of Old Christine, about time.

So, here are my questions today. How do you feel about favorite actors who try "Second Chance Shows"? What length of time is needed before they should pursue a "Second Chance Show"? What are your favorite "Second Chance Shows" and/or "Spin-Off"s?

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Top 8

I have been trying to figure out my all time favorite shows. This is a hard task for me since it is completely subjective and I have watched a lot of television in my almost 30 years of life. How do I choose the basis? Well let's first narrow down by only choosing from the primetime television schedule over the last 30 years. I am only including shows that had their first run during my lifetime, so that excludes shows like I Love Lucy and My Three Sons. There is also the problem of shows that the first few seasons were great, but they couldn't hold my interest 'til the bitter end, hence Alias being excluded (however Abrams gets his due). I am also excluding any show still on the air in first run status since I don't know how it will hold out in the end, hence Grey's Anatomy and How I Met Your Mother being excluded.

Ok, after all that explanation here it goes.
In no particular order here are my top 8:

My So Called Life 1994-1995 ABC Teen Drama starring Claire Danes
Shortest run of all the series on the list, but it came out at the right time for me and it also spoke to my father who watched it with me. Despite Angela Chase being a girl on the outkirts who didn't know her place I wanted to be her.

NewsRadio 1995-1999 NBC Sitcom starring Dave Foley, Phil Hartman, Maura Tierney and Andy Dick
This was a quirky (yes you keep seeing that word because obviously I like quirky) comedy within a radio news office that was laced with pop culture references, intelligent and physical comedy, and a talented group of comedic actors.

West Wing 1999-2006 NBC Drama Created by Aaron Sorkin
If you were living in a hole for the last decade then you might not know of this fictional yet incredibly insightful look at the inner workings of the West Wing.

Sex & the City 1998-2004 HBO Sitcom? Dramedy? Starring Sarah Jessica Parker
This groundbreaking show gave women an outlet to feel comfortable about the real issues surrounding sex, relationships, and growing older. It was fun, set trends, and brought issues to light by tackling them head on.

Amazing Stories 1985-1987 NBC Sci-Fi Anthology Show Directed by Steven Spielberg
There are times 20 years after this show aired that I still think about the story lines that came from this show, "Ghost Train" and "The Sitter" are among my favorites. Each episode contained a story, or book, often with a sci-fi twist.

Felicity WB Drama 1998-2002 Starring Keri Russell created by J.J. Abrams
The entrance of J.J. Abrams into television writing was marked by an incredible grasp of the female psyche as she goes through the changes brought about through living on her own for the first time. The other day I woke up with this need to remember exactly how the series ended since there was a second ending added on after the final season was written. The Wizard of Oz turn of events was a brilliant move and maybe a little insightful as to his future successes with Alias and Lost.

The Tracey Ullman Show Fox Sketch Comedy/ Variety 1987-1990
The second Fox primetime series was an incredibly funny sketch show by and starring Tracey Ullman. One of my favorite reoccuring characters was the teenage daughter of a gay couple. Any show that can be a great success in itself, help create a network, and spawn another show The Simpsons which spawns its own show, has to make the list.

Six Feet Under HBO Drama 2001-2005 Created by Alan Ball
Cable television has truly pushed the bar for programming so high that few networks can meet it. This series pushed the limits of drama and showed how powerful it can be to connect the living with the dead.

There may be a theme that many of these happened to air the same time I was going through the same stage in my life My So Called Life- High School, Felicity- College, but I also believe that the fact that I (and many many many other people) connected with them is part of the reason they continue to live on.

Check back in for my honorable mentions. What made your list that didn't make mine?

Why I Read Spoilers

There are people out there who are going to read my blog an wonder why I read spoilers. If I truly love tv as much as I say I do, why do I spoil it for myself? I have found that I actually enjoy the show a little more when I am on the inside. I wait for things to come up that I have had spoiled for me and I get a little smile knowing I knew it before everyone else watching. A great show is not spoiled by spoilers.

My spoiler of choice is SpoilerFix. You will note that I even have the RSS feed at the top right side of my site. I get no kickbacks from SpoilerFix, I have never even contacted them, but I think they run a great site for people like me who are, well, obsessed. Most of my favorite shows are covered, so that makes it even better.

Take How I Met Your Mother for an example on how reading a spoiler doesn't ruin the show for me. While the main plot points are often covered in the spoiler, there is no way to spoil the enjoyment of watching the pure acting and comedic genius of Neil Patrick Harris as Barney. Since I am not wait for the major plot points I can enjoy his "Awesomeness" to the fullest and truly appreciate what he puts into the character not just the plot. The episode with Robin's secret was one of the most original television episodes I have ever seen and the writing and acting that came from that show could not be spoiled by a few bits of information that prepared the plot for me ahead of time on a site. There was no way to spoil the effect of the music video at the end.

I guess maybe this is just another tell of my addiction. Anyone who spends 20 hours a week watching tv and then spends her time away from the tv looking up more information about the shows she watches obviously has a problem... but that has already been established.

The End to DeathWatch - My own thoughts on the season

Fans of Brilliant But Cancelled-DeathWatch can catch up on past posts until the new season. My fingers are still crossed that in the cancelled line will be The Class (sorry Adrienne) and In Case of Emergency. I guess it really is harder to write comedy these days because this year's tries were mediocre at best. I even sat through 6 episodes of 30 Rock without cracking more than a smile before giving up. The exception to this is Ugly Betty. Probably the best new show of the season. America Ferrara is extraordinary as Betty Suarez, she brings in all the necessary elements to hold this show together- physical and intelligent comedy, believability, and emotional connection. However, it is really a dramedy which seems to be the new norm for the big and small screen, so does it count?

Last year we were graced with How I Met Your Mother a brilliant comedy that is original, quirky and amazingly brings innovative story lines into the mix. Between the absolutely fabulous cast and fantastic writing this is truly the best comedy on tv.

I am a sap at the core so Grey's Anatomy leads the drama pack for me. It pulls at the heartstrings unabashedly. New for this year Studio 60 was fantastic, but then again what by Aaron Sorkin isn't. The problem is that there wasn't enough time between West Wing and Studio 60 for people to forget how brilliant Sorkin is and appreciate his bringing his talent back to the ring. I know, I know, the end of West Wing wasn't Sorkin, but the concept was and Studio 60 reminds us just how good the beginning of West Wing was. The actor I truly hope is catapulted by this show even if it ends up with a short run is Sarah Paulson. Studio 60 offered her a great opportunity to show how versatile she is, but then again I have been a fan since Jack and Jill.

Other new shows that I completely enjoyed and hope return Standoff didn't get a full enough run to build its base. Psych was enjoyable for its sheer quirkiness and as I have already stated I was a big West Wing fan so seeing Dule Hill back on the small screen is nice. Shark keeps me watching because James Woods is so perfectly cast in that role. I don't think I would return if it were anyone else. He is such a great asshole.

How long until next year's schedule is announced? A month? I don't know if I can wait.

A few shows I realized I left off the last list:
Veronica Mars, Standoff, Men in Trees

So Just How Much TV Do I Watch?

So, just how much tv do I watch? Well, I decided to attempt to figure that out. This is the beginning of the list that I have assembled. Yes, the beginning. I know there are many many more shows out there that I flip on, or try out a few times. This is an alphabetical list, except of course, my favorite. Even scarier, there is only 1 half hour show on this list, so that means if it is say sweeps and all the shows are first runs then I watch around 26.5 hours of tv in a week. I do have a DVR, so I am selective and choose when to fit in my habit and I get to skip commericals. So let's say 45 minutes for a regularly hour long show and 20 minutes for a half hour show. That puts me around 20 hours of scheduled viewing. Yes, I am a TVaholic. The first step is admitting it, Right?!?

Grey's Anatomy

Amazing Race, The

Bachelor, The

Brothers & Sisters

Cold Case

CSI

Desperate Housewives

ER

Gilmore Girls

House

How I Met Your Mother

L Word, The

Notes From the Underbelly

October Road

One Tree Hill

Project Runway

Psych

Shark

So You Think You Can Dance

Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip

Survivor

Top Chef

Top Design

Tudors, The

Ugly Betty

Weeds

Without a Trace

At My Husband's Pushing/ Prodding/ Pursuading

For months now my husband has been saying I need to take my tv watching habit and makes something out of it. So, I have taken the first step, creating a blog for the world to see exactly how much television I watch a week. Honestly, I don't know how much I watch so this will be revealing to both of us.