I am enjoying Christina Applegate's new show Samantha Who. It's no Scrubs, Office, 30 Rock, Arrested Development, Sports Night, Seinfeld, Newsradio... (you get the picture), but it is entertaining and better than most comedies that are currently on.
There is one thing I'm having a problem with - the Andrea character, played by Jennifer Esposito, is barely likable. Now, I get that Andrea is Samantha's best friend from before Sam's coma when Sam herself was quite the Grade A bitch from everything we've been told and shown and so her best friend would likely be similar to that, but for the show's sake (and my own), I wish she wasn't quite so unlikable.
It's not a stretch to think that Sam's best friend before the coma could be nice, since her boyfriend Todd (Barry Watson) is extremely likable to the point of wondering why he was ever with her (but, then, don't we all know someone like that in real life?). We've met a few other friends of Sam's from before the coma, and they were shallow and superficial, but still kinda likable and entertaining, like the woman who disinvited Sam to her wedding and kicked her out of the wedding party.
Now, I will admit that one of the problems could be Jennifer Esposito's portrayal of the character Andrea. It's nothing to call home about. I much prefer the scenes that include Melissa McCarthy to those with Jennifer, and it's not just because I prefer Melissa's character's personality, it's because I find her portrayal more believable and realistic. Jennifer, who I think is a decent actress, sometimes seems to have peaked with Spin City. I've seen her in good things since, but more times than not I have felt that her acting is not effortless as it should be. She always seems to be trying so hard. Like with Andrea, she is trying way too hard to be the life of the party. I'm not buying it. I mean, when we see Sam in flashbacks, she may be bitchy, but she sure as heck is also funny. Can't really say the same for Andrea, or at least not enough to excuse her rather sour disposition.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Grey's Anatomy - This is Getting Old
Am I the only one who is tired of the old Meredith is aloof and emotionally unavailable and can't change thing? I mean, it's been going on for literally the entire series with almost zero change and I mean, I for one, could use at least a little bit of change for her. I mean, she's been singing this tune for long enough and if she's gonna stay on this song, then I'd prefer her getting less screen time.
Now, I will admit that I am not some huge Meredith and Derek fanatic, but I have liked them together a good deal of the time they have been together, but I think they have lost their appeal, that zing that used to be there is now missing. So, I don't think it would be the worse thing for Meredith to change her tune and maybe for her and Derek to really take a break and not just say they are (and not as brief as that quick stint with Chris O'Donnell). I feel like I've already watched this portion of their relationship, and that's mostly because it has already happened at least 2 times before. This story was stale on the second go around, but it's just getting downright moldy.
Now, I will admit that I am not some huge Meredith and Derek fanatic, but I have liked them together a good deal of the time they have been together, but I think they have lost their appeal, that zing that used to be there is now missing. So, I don't think it would be the worse thing for Meredith to change her tune and maybe for her and Derek to really take a break and not just say they are (and not as brief as that quick stint with Chris O'Donnell). I feel like I've already watched this portion of their relationship, and that's mostly because it has already happened at least 2 times before. This story was stale on the second go around, but it's just getting downright moldy.
Support the WGA
I fully support the WGA. The studios/companies are like the NFL owners and the writers are the powerless players making decent money, but what is really a pittance in comparison to what the owners are raking in. The companies are being greedy, like they always are.
Do I want new primetime episodes each and every week? Sure, of course I do. But this is about much more than that. Not having new primetime episodes won't kill me, it won't even remotely injure me, and if the writers don't stick to their guns, there won't be any improvements to their contracts, EVER. Unions have been fighting similar battles for the last century. Caving into companies demands never leads to any improvements. If unions didn't take important stances like this one, they would have never gotten any sort of health insurance, retirement packages, pay raises, good working conditions, etc. The things we all take for granted.
WGA is fighting for their livelihood and they aren't being greedy, just looking to get due credit for their work, so I will support and encourage you to as well. The companies profits may be cut from $4 billion to $3.25 billion, but I think they'll survive. I'm sitting here, trying to figure out how to pay my $300 car note that is due today and that is the situation the writers are in too, you know? Let's get a little perspective. Realize the bigger picture and support the writers whose work we love to watch week in and week out.
Do I want new primetime episodes each and every week? Sure, of course I do. But this is about much more than that. Not having new primetime episodes won't kill me, it won't even remotely injure me, and if the writers don't stick to their guns, there won't be any improvements to their contracts, EVER. Unions have been fighting similar battles for the last century. Caving into companies demands never leads to any improvements. If unions didn't take important stances like this one, they would have never gotten any sort of health insurance, retirement packages, pay raises, good working conditions, etc. The things we all take for granted.
WGA is fighting for their livelihood and they aren't being greedy, just looking to get due credit for their work, so I will support and encourage you to as well. The companies profits may be cut from $4 billion to $3.25 billion, but I think they'll survive. I'm sitting here, trying to figure out how to pay my $300 car note that is due today and that is the situation the writers are in too, you know? Let's get a little perspective. Realize the bigger picture and support the writers whose work we love to watch week in and week out.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Izzie Is Pissing Me Off!
Are you watching this nonsense!?!?!
Okay, I thought it couldn't get worse than last week with Izzie's cavalier approach to basically telling George to end his marriage and choose her, but she is really surpassing that this week and it's not even 15 minutes into tonight's episode. With her whole self-righteous bitchy attitude, you'd think she wasn't the sleazy mistress and was the wife who deserved loyalty and fidelity.
Izzie has gone completely from my favorite character to the one I hate the most on Grey's Anatomy and the longer she keeps up this attitude of entitlement the more I am going to despise her character. George and Izzie were never a good idea, but their handling of it in this manner, makes a bad situation that much worse.
Okay, I thought it couldn't get worse than last week with Izzie's cavalier approach to basically telling George to end his marriage and choose her, but she is really surpassing that this week and it's not even 15 minutes into tonight's episode. With her whole self-righteous bitchy attitude, you'd think she wasn't the sleazy mistress and was the wife who deserved loyalty and fidelity.
Izzie has gone completely from my favorite character to the one I hate the most on Grey's Anatomy and the longer she keeps up this attitude of entitlement the more I am going to despise her character. George and Izzie were never a good idea, but their handling of it in this manner, makes a bad situation that much worse.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Is Life the Best New Show of the Season?
Definitely possible. The premiere was good, but there were definite flaws, but the potential was there in spades. With the first full week of major fall show premieres behind us, we are starting to see which shows have that something special to them. Life appears to be the real thing.
The lead character, Charlie Crews (Damian Lewis) will take some getting used to. At times he is too quirky, very into Zen, something he picked up while in prison, and can quote something. But the truth is, you can't expect an innocent man not to do something to try to keep himself sane. This one read up on Zen. This is possibly the biggest flaw of the show thus far, and it barely mattered as you got more into the show.
There's a ton to dig your teeth into. Including:
- The major thread that will be present throughout the show - Who set up Charlie Crews? There are quite a few possibilities as we saw at the end of the show in Charlie's command room in his new mansion where he is tracking his own case. What is clear is that he was set up by someone within the department, which makes him working there very interesting in just about every way imaginable. No one backed up Charlie when he went down for murder, not even his partner defended him. And his wife divorced him while he was in jail. So, who set him up? Was it one person or a group? Was it people he worked with or was it the head honchos of the department? What was the motive? Charlie intends to figure all of this out.
- Charlie's new partner Dani (Sarah Shahi) appeared to be a detective that got drew a bad assignment with her new partner but we soon realized that something must have happened to be punished with this assignment. It wasn't long until we found out a number of things about Dani. She looks like an angel, but she's far from it. A lietentant in the department also asked her if she was "working the steps" which means Dani must have some sort of addiction. We also discover that Dani is the daughter of a detective as well and it looks like the lieutenant who is checking up on her was the partner of her father. A few scenes later, Dani had a one night stand with a guy whose name she didn't know and didn't want to know at what looked to be a cheap motel. When Dani skipped out of the motel room we witnessed a bunch of empty bottles on the table, suggesting that Dani hasn't gotten rid of all her bad habits. Add to all this that, when they were chasing a suspect later in the show, cocaine got on her and she basically freaked out until she could run to a shower to wash the cocaine off her face.
- The same lieutenant that was checking up on Dani, was also trying to get any dirt possible on Charlie from Dani, looking for the smallest thing that would be cause for Charlie to be dismissed from the police force. Then, in the last scene of the show, we discover that this lieutenant, well, she is on Charlie's wall of suspects.
- Charlie appears to have quite a few "dates" with women of questionable morals, which seems understandable under the circumstances, making up for the 12 years of time he lost behind bars. Then we meet Charlie's attorney Constance Griffith (played by Brooke Langton) and from the one scene we see between Charlie and Constance, we know their relationship goes far beyond attorney and client. There is a serious possibility that these two are already in love with each other and just fighting it because they definitely have a connection and awareness of one another.
These are just a few of the things that intrigued me from one episode. Are you seeing the possibilities? I haven't even mentioned that Adam Arkin is playing the CEO convicted of white collar crime, who befriended Charlie in the slammer and now manages Charlie's new wealth (courtesy of his large court settlement for wrongful imprisonment), that Constance wants Charlie to get in touch with his father (Charlie refuses to because he blames his father for forbidding his mother to visit him in prison, which he thinks caused her death), and that Charlie is hung up on his wife and enjoys harassing her new husband by abusing his role as a cop (pulling him over for doing a 40 in a 35 mph zone or some such similar nonsense).
This feels like it is going to be quite a ride and I'm going to stick around and enjoy it.
The lead character, Charlie Crews (Damian Lewis) will take some getting used to. At times he is too quirky, very into Zen, something he picked up while in prison, and can quote something. But the truth is, you can't expect an innocent man not to do something to try to keep himself sane. This one read up on Zen. This is possibly the biggest flaw of the show thus far, and it barely mattered as you got more into the show.
There's a ton to dig your teeth into. Including:
- The major thread that will be present throughout the show - Who set up Charlie Crews? There are quite a few possibilities as we saw at the end of the show in Charlie's command room in his new mansion where he is tracking his own case. What is clear is that he was set up by someone within the department, which makes him working there very interesting in just about every way imaginable. No one backed up Charlie when he went down for murder, not even his partner defended him. And his wife divorced him while he was in jail. So, who set him up? Was it one person or a group? Was it people he worked with or was it the head honchos of the department? What was the motive? Charlie intends to figure all of this out.
- Charlie's new partner Dani (Sarah Shahi) appeared to be a detective that got drew a bad assignment with her new partner but we soon realized that something must have happened to be punished with this assignment. It wasn't long until we found out a number of things about Dani. She looks like an angel, but she's far from it. A lietentant in the department also asked her if she was "working the steps" which means Dani must have some sort of addiction. We also discover that Dani is the daughter of a detective as well and it looks like the lieutenant who is checking up on her was the partner of her father. A few scenes later, Dani had a one night stand with a guy whose name she didn't know and didn't want to know at what looked to be a cheap motel. When Dani skipped out of the motel room we witnessed a bunch of empty bottles on the table, suggesting that Dani hasn't gotten rid of all her bad habits. Add to all this that, when they were chasing a suspect later in the show, cocaine got on her and she basically freaked out until she could run to a shower to wash the cocaine off her face.
- The same lieutenant that was checking up on Dani, was also trying to get any dirt possible on Charlie from Dani, looking for the smallest thing that would be cause for Charlie to be dismissed from the police force. Then, in the last scene of the show, we discover that this lieutenant, well, she is on Charlie's wall of suspects.
- Charlie appears to have quite a few "dates" with women of questionable morals, which seems understandable under the circumstances, making up for the 12 years of time he lost behind bars. Then we meet Charlie's attorney Constance Griffith (played by Brooke Langton) and from the one scene we see between Charlie and Constance, we know their relationship goes far beyond attorney and client. There is a serious possibility that these two are already in love with each other and just fighting it because they definitely have a connection and awareness of one another.
These are just a few of the things that intrigued me from one episode. Are you seeing the possibilities? I haven't even mentioned that Adam Arkin is playing the CEO convicted of white collar crime, who befriended Charlie in the slammer and now manages Charlie's new wealth (courtesy of his large court settlement for wrongful imprisonment), that Constance wants Charlie to get in touch with his father (Charlie refuses to because he blames his father for forbidding his mother to visit him in prison, which he thinks caused her death), and that Charlie is hung up on his wife and enjoys harassing her new husband by abusing his role as a cop (pulling him over for doing a 40 in a 35 mph zone or some such similar nonsense).
This feels like it is going to be quite a ride and I'm going to stick around and enjoy it.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Private Practice: Thirtysomething Version of Grey's Anatomy
There wasn't much to get excited about when Grey's Anatomy introduced their spinoff show, Private Practice. It was disjointed and you didn't have a chance to figure out if the new show was just not too good or whether the format chosen to premiere this new show, was just an extremely bad ratings driven idea. Going from Seattle to L.A. and back to Seattle and back to L.A., few fell in love with the new show even if they found a few characters with potential. That said, one of the best parts f Private Practice was the potential affair between the recently divorced Merrin Dungey character and the twenty-something Chris Lowell character. They gave us a preview of what was to come between the two and very few were disappointed with the possible affair that was to come.
Since Merrin Dungey's character was recast, my hopes for this storyline were dashed. Although Audra McDonald, Merrin's replacement, is a fabulous actress, her Tony Awards speak for themselves, but I have to say, I cannot picture her having an affair with a 25-year old receptionist/surfer.
Hopefully watching Tim Daly and Taye Diggs will make me forget all of that. I'm thinking it will.
Since Merrin Dungey's character was recast, my hopes for this storyline were dashed. Although Audra McDonald, Merrin's replacement, is a fabulous actress, her Tony Awards speak for themselves, but I have to say, I cannot picture her having an affair with a 25-year old receptionist/surfer.
Hopefully watching Tim Daly and Taye Diggs will make me forget all of that. I'm thinking it will.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Fall TV Preview- Must See TV
Here is a quick rundown of what I have seen so far that is worthy of my time or precious memory space on my DVR, based on the previews, reviews, and buzz surrounding the show.
My Must Sees Are:
Chuck - Looks hilarious, especially the lead (Zachary Levi) and his job (love that they are mocking the Best Buy computer crew). This is the show I've been looking forward to the most this season.
Dirty Sexy Money - The name alone should make you watch once, but I would LOVE a return to the real primetime soap like Knot's Landing and Falcon Crest, and this has the potential of being it. I am also a huge fan of Sports Night, one of the all time greatest comedies ever on TV, so of course, I love Peter Krause. I'm also happy to see William Baldwin coming back to acting. Samaire Armstrong is also in it, though I am not clear on how big her role really is, but I've been a fan since she graced us with her presence on The O.C.
Life - This looks really good. Interesting premise and the previews look good. Alias fans will recognize the female partner (Sarah Shahi) as the girl who worked with Will at the newspaper (they also dated briefly when he was still pining away for Sydney). Always happy to support the cast of Alias in their endeavors.
Private Practice - Well, I've loved Addison since day one, she never had to grow on me, so I will definitely be watching this one. And it's a bonus that Grey's Anatomy's quality has plummeted and does little more than annoy me right now (though hopefully that will change with the new season but I'm not overly optimistic), so this will hopefully be a welcome change and a more mature approach.
Bionic Woman - I really hadn't planned on watching this remake. I loved the original, wish it still came on in reruns. But, I had the chance to see the extended preview of Bionic Woman (Kudos NBC, good marketing, saw it as a trailer before The Bourne Ultimatum) and it looks really entertaining. So, I will give it a shot, though I'm a bit confused on why they did this massive search for an unknown to play the American hero (I heard one of the producers say something similar in an interview clip), only to choose a British actress. I could care less, but I do find it odd based on the wording. Michelle Ryan appears to be talented and that's plenty for me.
Other Mentionables
Pushing Daisies - This probably should be in the Must See category. There's a ton of buzz surrounding it and I will definitely be watching, but the truth of the matter is that I'm not truly excited about this show. I think I might have a hard time not comparing it to a show I loved, Wonderfalls, because Lee Pace, the star of Pushing Daisies, was also on Wonderfalls, and this show seems to take some of the charming spirit, clever writing, and overall whimsy from that show. Maybe not, I hope I will be pleasantly surprised, and from everything I've read, that should be the case. It could just be that I miss Wonderfalls, which is absolutely true.
Reaper - I'm watching this one basically because I am a fan of the star, Bret Harrison. The reviews and buzz around it are pretty good. I don't know if I'll stick with it, but I'll try it on for size. It looks like it might be fun (which is what I am counting on with Bret as the star).
Big Shots - Michael Vartan is in it. That's always enough for me :). This may turn out to be a winner.
Gossip Girl - Maybe I'll watch. I am basically boycotting The CW. But wait, isn't Reaper on The CW? Yes it is, but I feel like Gossip Girl was the one that really put the nail in the coffin for Veronica Mars, my reason for wanting to boycott The CW, because they considered the two having similar target audiences. The CW needs to learn that they cannot just spurn a devoted fan base and then expect us to tune in to their new shows like nothing happened, like they haven't broken our hearts. So, I will likely watch Gossip Girl to see if it is worth my time, but only on reruns. Especially since it is in a killer time slot up against Private Practice and Bionic Woman.
Cane - This show looks okay. One of those that I will watch if I'm not watching something else. But I am all about supporting it since it brings sexy Jimmy Smits back to the small screen. I've been in love with him since his Victor Sifuentes days on L.A. Law, so I will tune in now and then for that reason alone.
Samantha Who? - Well they canceled What About Brian and Barry Watson is now on this show, so maybe it will be as good. Let's hope so. I LOVED that show. I do not care for the new name of the show much. Previously called Sam I Am, which had much much more of a ring to it, but I think that name was derailed over trademark problems. I wasn't a big fan of Jesse, but I usually enjoy Christina Appelgate, so I am hoping this one will click.
Carpoolers - I'm watching this for one reason. His name is Fred Goss. Since ABC was too stupid to hang onto Fred's sitcom from two seasons ago, the very under appreciated Sons &
Daughters, I will watch Fred on this show and hope he gets to show some of his genius. If anyone was a fan of the hilarious Bravo show that I wish was still on, Significant Others, then you may remember Fred from that as well.
There's a few other shows that I haven't heard enough about to determine if they are worth watching - Women's Murder Club and Cashmere Mafia to name a few. The casts of these two shows look good so I'm hopeful that they will be worth watching.
My Must Sees Are:
Chuck - Looks hilarious, especially the lead (Zachary Levi) and his job (love that they are mocking the Best Buy computer crew). This is the show I've been looking forward to the most this season.
Dirty Sexy Money - The name alone should make you watch once, but I would LOVE a return to the real primetime soap like Knot's Landing and Falcon Crest, and this has the potential of being it. I am also a huge fan of Sports Night, one of the all time greatest comedies ever on TV, so of course, I love Peter Krause. I'm also happy to see William Baldwin coming back to acting. Samaire Armstrong is also in it, though I am not clear on how big her role really is, but I've been a fan since she graced us with her presence on The O.C.
Life - This looks really good. Interesting premise and the previews look good. Alias fans will recognize the female partner (Sarah Shahi) as the girl who worked with Will at the newspaper (they also dated briefly when he was still pining away for Sydney). Always happy to support the cast of Alias in their endeavors.
Private Practice - Well, I've loved Addison since day one, she never had to grow on me, so I will definitely be watching this one. And it's a bonus that Grey's Anatomy's quality has plummeted and does little more than annoy me right now (though hopefully that will change with the new season but I'm not overly optimistic), so this will hopefully be a welcome change and a more mature approach.
Bionic Woman - I really hadn't planned on watching this remake. I loved the original, wish it still came on in reruns. But, I had the chance to see the extended preview of Bionic Woman (Kudos NBC, good marketing, saw it as a trailer before The Bourne Ultimatum) and it looks really entertaining. So, I will give it a shot, though I'm a bit confused on why they did this massive search for an unknown to play the American hero (I heard one of the producers say something similar in an interview clip), only to choose a British actress. I could care less, but I do find it odd based on the wording. Michelle Ryan appears to be talented and that's plenty for me.
Other Mentionables
Pushing Daisies - This probably should be in the Must See category. There's a ton of buzz surrounding it and I will definitely be watching, but the truth of the matter is that I'm not truly excited about this show. I think I might have a hard time not comparing it to a show I loved, Wonderfalls, because Lee Pace, the star of Pushing Daisies, was also on Wonderfalls, and this show seems to take some of the charming spirit, clever writing, and overall whimsy from that show. Maybe not, I hope I will be pleasantly surprised, and from everything I've read, that should be the case. It could just be that I miss Wonderfalls, which is absolutely true.
Reaper - I'm watching this one basically because I am a fan of the star, Bret Harrison. The reviews and buzz around it are pretty good. I don't know if I'll stick with it, but I'll try it on for size. It looks like it might be fun (which is what I am counting on with Bret as the star).
Big Shots - Michael Vartan is in it. That's always enough for me :). This may turn out to be a winner.
Gossip Girl - Maybe I'll watch. I am basically boycotting The CW. But wait, isn't Reaper on The CW? Yes it is, but I feel like Gossip Girl was the one that really put the nail in the coffin for Veronica Mars, my reason for wanting to boycott The CW, because they considered the two having similar target audiences. The CW needs to learn that they cannot just spurn a devoted fan base and then expect us to tune in to their new shows like nothing happened, like they haven't broken our hearts. So, I will likely watch Gossip Girl to see if it is worth my time, but only on reruns. Especially since it is in a killer time slot up against Private Practice and Bionic Woman.
Cane - This show looks okay. One of those that I will watch if I'm not watching something else. But I am all about supporting it since it brings sexy Jimmy Smits back to the small screen. I've been in love with him since his Victor Sifuentes days on L.A. Law, so I will tune in now and then for that reason alone.
Samantha Who? - Well they canceled What About Brian and Barry Watson is now on this show, so maybe it will be as good. Let's hope so. I LOVED that show. I do not care for the new name of the show much. Previously called Sam I Am, which had much much more of a ring to it, but I think that name was derailed over trademark problems. I wasn't a big fan of Jesse, but I usually enjoy Christina Appelgate, so I am hoping this one will click.
Carpoolers - I'm watching this for one reason. His name is Fred Goss. Since ABC was too stupid to hang onto Fred's sitcom from two seasons ago, the very under appreciated Sons &
Daughters, I will watch Fred on this show and hope he gets to show some of his genius. If anyone was a fan of the hilarious Bravo show that I wish was still on, Significant Others, then you may remember Fred from that as well.
There's a few other shows that I haven't heard enough about to determine if they are worth watching - Women's Murder Club and Cashmere Mafia to name a few. The casts of these two shows look good so I'm hopeful that they will be worth watching.
Best Time of the Year: Fall Season Premieres
So, it's that great time of year, where you try out new shows and decide which ones you really want to watch. Here's my number one rule about watching a new show.
Always Watch The First Two Episodes of a Series. Although, I really recommend watching at least 3 episodes.
Why? Several reasons. Well, first and foremost, the pilot episode was likely shot no less than 6 months in advance of the fall season. All sorts of changes could have been made to improve a show from the pilot to the second episode. The writing, timing, connection and chemistry between characters, the set and scenery, can all be drastically improved from the pilot to the second episode. You want to make sure you get a real feel for what the show is going to be before you bail on it. The second episode gives you this feel much better, but watching the the third gives you a much clearer picture. Especially whether the flow between episodes works and if you feel connected to the character and storyline. Has the quality improved from the pilot episode to the third one? If so, you should probably stick around to see if it's worthy of a season pass on your TiVo.
People weren't all that excited with the first couple of episodes of Heroes, but if you suck with it, you saw what they were doing, developing the characters to familiarize the audience with them before just jumping right into the meat of the show's real purpose.
That said. What's everyone going to be watching this season?
Always Watch The First Two Episodes of a Series. Although, I really recommend watching at least 3 episodes.
Why? Several reasons. Well, first and foremost, the pilot episode was likely shot no less than 6 months in advance of the fall season. All sorts of changes could have been made to improve a show from the pilot to the second episode. The writing, timing, connection and chemistry between characters, the set and scenery, can all be drastically improved from the pilot to the second episode. You want to make sure you get a real feel for what the show is going to be before you bail on it. The second episode gives you this feel much better, but watching the the third gives you a much clearer picture. Especially whether the flow between episodes works and if you feel connected to the character and storyline. Has the quality improved from the pilot episode to the third one? If so, you should probably stick around to see if it's worthy of a season pass on your TiVo.
People weren't all that excited with the first couple of episodes of Heroes, but if you suck with it, you saw what they were doing, developing the characters to familiarize the audience with them before just jumping right into the meat of the show's real purpose.
That said. What's everyone going to be watching this season?
Friday, August 03, 2007
The Riches on FX: Interesting or Just Confusing???
As I was just talking with a friend about original programming on FX Network, she mentioned that her favorite FX show was The Riches. I have to admit, I'm not really a fan.
So, here's the deal. I really really wanted to love this show, but it's not happening. The promos for the show were fabulous, so I was front and center for the premiere and Eddie Izzard is always a draw. I watched a few episodes and I was not remotely in love with this show, even though I was desperate to call it "genius" or "excellent" or something similar because it appeared to me that all the ingredients for that sort of caliber were here. One big problem I have is how they haven't really explained the whole travelers thing, like it's common and we wouldn't need an explanation. I find it a bit disjointed because of this because they talk about some things and I don't get it or don't see it's relevance. I mentioned this one time on one of the TV message boards I frequent and someone directed me to a site with info about travelers. The site was quite informative, but I shouldn't have to do background research to understand a show, you know?
So basically, I just really wish the show did more to explain them, travelers and the family's background in particular, because I feel a bit of a disconnect when they do more than just impersonate or steal. Like, when they say things such as"by rights you don't have to marry him" or "she was already promised", what in the world does this mean? I also would like to know whether these people back at the traveler's main camp ground (where Dale is) are blood relatives or the group themselves consider each other family regardless of blood relation. I mean, it's pretty hard to figure out if we are dealing with just arranged marriage or also with incest. Because, for instance, it definitely seems like some of these "family" members have had relations with one another. Is this odd or is this common to the history of travelers? A good example of how to do a show like this right, one where the viewers do not necessarily understand the history or the culture and yet, you don't feel lost while watching, is Big Love.
I love Eddie Izzard and the daughter on The Riches. To me, they make the show. With as talented as Eddie is, this isn't surprising. I think Minnie Driver is doing a good job, but I don't love her character, barely like her, in fact. Definitely consider her rough around the edges, and that's being kind, and don't think it has all that much to do with her time in prison. The youngest son, who likes dressing as a girl, is interesting, but a confusing character without more attention to his storyline. I think this may have been probed in the latter part of the season (let's hope so), but by then, my excitement and interest for the show had waned.
Although I didn't watch the second part of the season, I understand that many are questioning what sort of longevity this show will have, and I agree. How many impersonations and cons can they do without getting caught. Maybe a better thing to do would have been to have them traveling around from place to place, certainly this would be the best way for the family to continue on without getting caught. I also think the quality of the show would improve if they sort of discontinued the traveler connection as related to the additional family members back at the campground. Since that is the main part that provides confusion, if it was lessened, it wouldn't pose as much of a problem. I mean, there is plenty going on in their new invented life to keep it very entertaining and on the verge of getting exposed.
Just my thoughts, but I don't think I'm the only one who thinks this because there was a good deal of talk about the show originally and not nearly as much as the season progressed and ended. Although yet to air and be completely shot, Season 2 of The Riches is already a done deal but I think some changes are in order if they want to make it to a Season 3.
So, here's the deal. I really really wanted to love this show, but it's not happening. The promos for the show were fabulous, so I was front and center for the premiere and Eddie Izzard is always a draw. I watched a few episodes and I was not remotely in love with this show, even though I was desperate to call it "genius" or "excellent" or something similar because it appeared to me that all the ingredients for that sort of caliber were here. One big problem I have is how they haven't really explained the whole travelers thing, like it's common and we wouldn't need an explanation. I find it a bit disjointed because of this because they talk about some things and I don't get it or don't see it's relevance. I mentioned this one time on one of the TV message boards I frequent and someone directed me to a site with info about travelers. The site was quite informative, but I shouldn't have to do background research to understand a show, you know?
So basically, I just really wish the show did more to explain them, travelers and the family's background in particular, because I feel a bit of a disconnect when they do more than just impersonate or steal. Like, when they say things such as"by rights you don't have to marry him" or "she was already promised", what in the world does this mean? I also would like to know whether these people back at the traveler's main camp ground (where Dale is) are blood relatives or the group themselves consider each other family regardless of blood relation. I mean, it's pretty hard to figure out if we are dealing with just arranged marriage or also with incest. Because, for instance, it definitely seems like some of these "family" members have had relations with one another. Is this odd or is this common to the history of travelers? A good example of how to do a show like this right, one where the viewers do not necessarily understand the history or the culture and yet, you don't feel lost while watching, is Big Love.
I love Eddie Izzard and the daughter on The Riches. To me, they make the show. With as talented as Eddie is, this isn't surprising. I think Minnie Driver is doing a good job, but I don't love her character, barely like her, in fact. Definitely consider her rough around the edges, and that's being kind, and don't think it has all that much to do with her time in prison. The youngest son, who likes dressing as a girl, is interesting, but a confusing character without more attention to his storyline. I think this may have been probed in the latter part of the season (let's hope so), but by then, my excitement and interest for the show had waned.
Although I didn't watch the second part of the season, I understand that many are questioning what sort of longevity this show will have, and I agree. How many impersonations and cons can they do without getting caught. Maybe a better thing to do would have been to have them traveling around from place to place, certainly this would be the best way for the family to continue on without getting caught. I also think the quality of the show would improve if they sort of discontinued the traveler connection as related to the additional family members back at the campground. Since that is the main part that provides confusion, if it was lessened, it wouldn't pose as much of a problem. I mean, there is plenty going on in their new invented life to keep it very entertaining and on the verge of getting exposed.
Just my thoughts, but I don't think I'm the only one who thinks this because there was a good deal of talk about the show originally and not nearly as much as the season progressed and ended. Although yet to air and be completely shot, Season 2 of The Riches is already a done deal but I think some changes are in order if they want to make it to a Season 3.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Impressions of the Indie Film ShopGirl starring Claire Danes and Steve Martin
I saw ShopGirl a while ago, but in a recent conversation I was discussing the complexities of this movie and the relationship between Mirabelle (Claire Danes) and Ray (Steve Martin), so I thought I'd share. It's not a review or a synopsis just some commentary. Enjoy.
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It took me a bit to get into ShopGirl, but I'm a Claire Danes fan from her My So-Called Life days, so I'll watch her in just about anything, so I stuck with it. The pace of the movie is slower (and quieter) than many are used to, but the beginning is the part that is the slowest, then it gradually picks up to a more comfortable pace.
I had to watch half of the movie before I was appreciating the simplicity of this look into Mirabelle's (Claire Danes) life. It's not a movie I see myself watching over and over again though. In some ways, I think it could be described as somewhat depressing. I mean, her life isn't exactly the kind you aspire to have, but I think it was just kind of this girl's sometimes sad reality that we saw unfold throughout the film. She was like a kept woman, for lack of a better description, in so many ways. The relationship revolved around his wants, not hers, but she came to think of them as her wants, even though they really weren't.
The movie was very good with exceptional acting, but there were definitely uncomfortable moments, necessary to the story and for reflection, but still uncomfortable. One such moment was when Steve Martin's character (Ray) told her in the end that he loved her, after she had decided to move on, when she would have given anything to hear that before this time when they were together. It was cruel for him to confess this love for her at this point. I couldn't decide if he really meant it or if was he just trying to make her as miserable as he was to a certain extent. I don't think he was overly miserable. I think he had the life he said he wanted, but again, his life was not what dreams are made of by any stretch of the imagination, besides him having money. I found his existence to be very solitary and lonely, despite people being around him and despite his wealth.
There was beauty in the simplicity of this story. ShopGirl was in so many ways as if they put a camera in her apartment, his house, and the store and we were just watching their lives unfold. I think I remember it being described as an extraordinary story about ordinary life, which is truly captures the essence of this film.
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It took me a bit to get into ShopGirl, but I'm a Claire Danes fan from her My So-Called Life days, so I'll watch her in just about anything, so I stuck with it. The pace of the movie is slower (and quieter) than many are used to, but the beginning is the part that is the slowest, then it gradually picks up to a more comfortable pace.
I had to watch half of the movie before I was appreciating the simplicity of this look into Mirabelle's (Claire Danes) life. It's not a movie I see myself watching over and over again though. In some ways, I think it could be described as somewhat depressing. I mean, her life isn't exactly the kind you aspire to have, but I think it was just kind of this girl's sometimes sad reality that we saw unfold throughout the film. She was like a kept woman, for lack of a better description, in so many ways. The relationship revolved around his wants, not hers, but she came to think of them as her wants, even though they really weren't.
The movie was very good with exceptional acting, but there were definitely uncomfortable moments, necessary to the story and for reflection, but still uncomfortable. One such moment was when Steve Martin's character (Ray) told her in the end that he loved her, after she had decided to move on, when she would have given anything to hear that before this time when they were together. It was cruel for him to confess this love for her at this point. I couldn't decide if he really meant it or if was he just trying to make her as miserable as he was to a certain extent. I don't think he was overly miserable. I think he had the life he said he wanted, but again, his life was not what dreams are made of by any stretch of the imagination, besides him having money. I found his existence to be very solitary and lonely, despite people being around him and despite his wealth.
There was beauty in the simplicity of this story. ShopGirl was in so many ways as if they put a camera in her apartment, his house, and the store and we were just watching their lives unfold. I think I remember it being described as an extraordinary story about ordinary life, which is truly captures the essence of this film.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
TV Shows I Watched When I Was Growing Up
I was on a popular TV message board where I am a frequent poster and I was just writing about the shows I used to watch when I was growing up. I thought I'd post this extremely long ass list here as well. Please feel free to comment on my corny taste in TV when I was younger, though I suspect if you comment on a particular show too much you are guilty of also watching that show or else why would you really remember it? But, more importantly, post the shows that you watched when you were growing up as well.
My list consists of the shows I watched during their first run. Although I may not have been around for the entire series, I believe everything on my list I saw at least some of the series during it's original airing.
The thread I posted on said to post your favorite shows growing up. I decided to post my favorites along with many that I watched regularly that I enjoyed quite a bit, even if they don't fall into the favorites categories. I included shows that were on when I was very young up through high school.
Comedy
Cosby Show
Different World
Kate & Allie
Facts of Life
Seinfeld
Friends
Boston Common
Golden Girls
Designing Women
Fresh Prince (first 3 years)
Blossom
Martin
Living Single
Murphy Brown
Cheers
Frasier
Wings
Doogie Howser, MD
E/R (comedy with Elliot Gould & George Clooney)
It's a Living
My Two Dads
Going Places
Who's the Boss
Living Dolls
Diff'rent Strokes
Webster
Silver Spoons
Charles in Charge
Torkelsons/Almost Home
Growing Pains
Just the Ten of Us
Full House (first few years)
Roseanne
Mr. Belvedere
Anything But Love
It's Garry Shandling's Show
Tracey Ullmann Show
In Living Color
Saved by the Bell
Punky Brewster
Small Wonder
Out of this World
*****If anyone actually remembers either Small Wonder or Out of this World, you have a new best friend:)
Drama/Crime Drama
Hotel
Knots Landing
Falcon Crest
Beverly Hills, 90210
Moonlighting
My So-Called Life
Picket Fences
Relativity
Party of Five
21 Jump Street
Fame
Sisters
L.A. Law
Civil Wars
ER
Life Goes On
Brand New Life
Rags to Riches
Christy
Law & Order
The Love Boat
Magnum, P.I.
Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman (first few seasons)
Melrose Place
Models, Inc.
My list consists of the shows I watched during their first run. Although I may not have been around for the entire series, I believe everything on my list I saw at least some of the series during it's original airing.
The thread I posted on said to post your favorite shows growing up. I decided to post my favorites along with many that I watched regularly that I enjoyed quite a bit, even if they don't fall into the favorites categories. I included shows that were on when I was very young up through high school.
Comedy
Cosby Show
Different World
Kate & Allie
Facts of Life
Seinfeld
Friends
Boston Common
Golden Girls
Designing Women
Fresh Prince (first 3 years)
Blossom
Martin
Living Single
Murphy Brown
Cheers
Frasier
Wings
Doogie Howser, MD
E/R (comedy with Elliot Gould & George Clooney)
It's a Living
My Two Dads
Going Places
Who's the Boss
Living Dolls
Diff'rent Strokes
Webster
Silver Spoons
Charles in Charge
Torkelsons/Almost Home
Growing Pains
Just the Ten of Us
Full House (first few years)
Roseanne
Mr. Belvedere
Anything But Love
It's Garry Shandling's Show
Tracey Ullmann Show
In Living Color
Saved by the Bell
Punky Brewster
Small Wonder
Out of this World
*****If anyone actually remembers either Small Wonder or Out of this World, you have a new best friend:)
Drama/Crime Drama
Hotel
Knots Landing
Falcon Crest
Beverly Hills, 90210
Moonlighting
My So-Called Life
Picket Fences
Relativity
Party of Five
21 Jump Street
Fame
Sisters
L.A. Law
Civil Wars
ER
Life Goes On
Brand New Life
Rags to Riches
Christy
Law & Order
The Love Boat
Magnum, P.I.
Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman (first few seasons)
Melrose Place
Models, Inc.
A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste; But Not as Much as an Expensive Education
So, I know I haven't posted in forever. I was studying for quite a while there, and unfortunately will be back studying again very soon. These last few times I was trying something new. You know, actually studying and minimizing distractions. You know the things you rarely did when you were in college. I mean, who really studied hard in college? There were much more important things to do than sit in the library or your dorm room with a book, right? That was college and those days are long gone. Well since grad school is over, I have to study for my state license exam. I mean, I have to be able to get a job to pay those hefty student loans payments than will be knocking down my door any day now, right? Trying to put this expensive education that is supposed to be so valuable to good use. I will post every once in a while and be back more regularly after August.
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