Dance, Colin, Dance!

ABC for the win!

2009-09-25T14:38:00.005-04:00

After the waking nightmare that was "Melrose Place," I had decided that maybe I'd just stick to "Glee" this season. However, I couldn't resist trying out two more new shows. First up was "Eastwick," based on the John Updike novel The Witches of Eastwick and the 1987 film of the same name. I'm a fan of the original movie, but also I really like Rebecca Romijn. In all of her interviews she just seems very down to earth, funny and the sort of girl you could just hang out and watch The Goonies with. So I've always cheered her on. Just sometimes from a distance. Also, like many of us at Pictures & Frames, I am a fan of the Canadian show "Slings and Arrows." As such, I am mad about Paul Gross. All this adds up to me watching "Eastwick." And liking it. The show centers on three women who become unlikely friends after wishing for a change to come their way. The change comes in the form of a mysterious stranger, Darryl Van Horn, who sweeps into their town and sparks some very strange happenings. It's a lot of fun and I'm very curious to see where the story goes. It may be one of those guilty pleasures that wears thin after a season (like "Ugly Betty" or "Desperate Housewives") but I'm interested enough to keep watching.

However, after one episode of "FlashForward" I am hooked like a methfaced tina addict. Oh. My. God. "FlashForward" is ABC's new twisty curvy mystery scifi show, primed to provide the sort of addictive thrills that will disappear once "Lost" is gone after the upcoming final season. For that reason alone, I was skeptical. Nothing can be as compelling and mind-bogglingly fun as "Lost" is! But yes, after just one episode, I'm ready to sit down and watch an entire season of "FlashForward." One day a pair of FBI agents (John Cho & Joseph Fiennes, or as I shall refer to them from this point on, Harold & Shakespeare) are on a stakeout car chase when all of the sudden BAM! Blackout. Both of them. And everyone on the road around them. And every person in the entire world. Everybody blacks out for two minutes and 17 seconds. But during this time they are actually having visions- visions of the same two minutes and 17 seconds on April 29, 2010. What caused this? What does it mean? Will the visions come true or are they, like Scrooge's vision of Christmas Future, just possible realities, things that might happen if we follow a certain route? Can we change our paths or on April 29, 2010 at 10 PM will we be having adulterous affairs, stalked by mask-wearing creeps, in a meeting in London? What's worse- what if you didn't see anything while everyone around you was visiting their future? What will become of you? Will you be asleep or dead?

And then, the final scene of the pilot... if you weren't convinced by now that you'd be tuning in next week, you will know for sure. I may not have had a vision of myself in April of next year, but I can tell you exactly where I will be next Thursday night at 8:00. Watching ABC.

MELROSE PLACE redux

2009-09-09T00:27:00.004-04:00

I remember watching "Melrose Place" the first time around. It started off a bit dull, but the characters were likable and I was excited at the prospect of a regular character being an openly gay man, a rarity when the show began in 1992. In time, it actually became a bit more interesting as it turned into more and more of a soap opera. But eventually it wore thin the way soap operas typically do, at least for me. I have a strict rule: If I start to hate all the characters and wish them dead or start shouting at the television "Oh my GOD you are all so fucking RETARDED!!!" I have to quit watching. This happened with "Dawson's Creek." And "Everwood." And "Grey's Anatomy." Essentially this happens with any show that focuses on the love lives of a group of people who will eventually have used up every single combination of romance until you're expecting Sandra Oh & Katherine Heigl or Dawson & Pacey to end up together because they're the only coupling left.

So I hung up the "Melrose Place" habit long before it was peopled by that creepy Dave whatshisname and Alyssa Milano. But I remembered being entertained by crazy Sydney & Michael and when the new series was advertised, I thought... "Oh God, no." I don't know what happened, what made me turn my television on tonight to the CW (that shoulda been a warning sign) to watch the premiere of the new version of "Melrose Place."

But I did. And I'm ever so sorry. A group of beautiful and mostly unsympathetic characters are now living in the building. Sydney is the landlord. At least until the end of the opening scene, when she's floating in the iconic pool, surrounded by blood. Ah, so the first saga of the series is: Who Killed Sydney? Michael Mancini, of the original show also appears, looking not one day older and with a connection to one of the new people. Ashlee Simpson Wentz plays the Courtney Thorne-Smith nice girl part. Adorable Michael Rady of Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants plays a cute/dorky film geek whose proposal to his girlfriend of 5 years is interrupted by the discovery of the body. There's also a bitchy bisexual PR chick, a sketchy alcoholic chef. a douchebag... I don't know what, just a douchebag who apparently had a thing with Sydney, and a beautiful med student who ends the first episode by accepting $5,000 for a night of sex with Adam Kaufman, who played Kerr Smith's beautiful boyfriend on "Dawson's Creek" ages ago. By the end of the hour I was so ashamed that I had actually watched this show, and mortified when my flatmate walked in on me. I would have preferred him catching me while watching the Eric Dane sex tape.

I feel dirty and ashamed and I need a Silkwood shower. The only solution was to catch up on a show that isn't on network television, but is actually smarter and more entertaining than anything you're likely to find there, "The Guild." Check out the show at watchtheguild.com and you'll find hilarity and smarts, as written by Felicia Day of Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog fame. The third season has begun and is available to stream on MSNBC's site. Likable characters, people you're rooting for and something you don't have to feel bad about watching. Also in the new season's second episode: Wil Wheaton. In a kilt. Hot! Give it a try. As for Network TV, I'll take "Glee" (which returns on September 9th!) and maybe "Dollhouse" if it remains as good as the second half of it's first season eventually got. But man do I miss "Lost."

Buffy/Twilight Mashup...Reminds us of a time when Joss Whedon didn't make his leading ladies into prostitutes.

2009-06-23T22:50:00.007-04:00

G is for Great! : Greensburg, Gossip Girl, oh, and True Blood!

2008-09-17T22:43:00.007-04:00

"Greensburg," the Leonardo DiCaprio-produced reality show (which airs on Planet Green) has technically been on for about 4 months now, but since this past week's episode chronicled the one-year anniversary commemoration of the destruction (and consequent rebuilding) of their town, I thought I would write about a show which, as far as I know, has not gotten the attention it deserves. "Greensburg" is really about community, and what communities can do when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds. Such as, say, your entire town being wiped out.

After a tornado hit last year, the town decided that they would rebuild Greensburg as an entirely sustainable community, down to LEEDS-approved businesses and commercial centers, and energy-efficient homes. What makes this show particularly interesting is how people in a small town such as Greensburg deal with this huge change to their lifestyle. How they slowly come together and argue their way toward this change is both refreshing and inspiring--even their high school students get involved, as can especially be seen with the amazing Taylor Schmidt (see cute blonde guy above!). I know that he is still only in high school (down Lily!) but the kid is just amazing. His intelligence and wisdom are well beyond his years and serve the town and its people very well.

In other inappropriate high school boy musings, Season 2 of "Gossip Girl" began last week and what a start it's been. Although Serena and Dan (yawn!) are the Zach and Kelly of this prom, I tune in every week for the Blair and Chuck show. This past week's episode especially brought out the erotic in both of these fabulously campy characters and it was, as always, a guilty pleasure to behold. If I had my way I would scrap most of the characters on this show and make it all about them, but that's what I have my dirty fan fiction for.

"True Blood" is the newest show on HBO and the latest by Alan Ball of "Six Feet Under" fame. I have to admit that after my obsession with the "Twilight" series, this show had me at "vampire." Thus far it has been bloody and creepy and surprisingly engaging, with Anna Paquin offering a great performance as the underestimated, clairvoyant Sookie Stackhouse. My only complaint about the show thus far lies with the casting of Bill--Stephen Moyer isn't exactly what I think of when I think "hot vampire" but then again, they can't all be Robert Pattinson.

The fall season is off to a good, smutty start.

The Soup: Making Life Better One Hilarious Reality Show Clip At A Time

2008-08-26T20:19:00.003-04:00

I know that we have a whole slew of new TV shows coming up next month but I thought I would pay tribute to a little show on E! called "The Soup." I read a great article in last month's Details on host Joel McHale and it made me realize just how much he plays a part in the show's hilarity and success. McHale is intelligent and sincere and somehow taps into what most of us feel when we watch reality TV, namely, a little nauseous. My weekends would be empty without an episode of "The Soup" to look forward laughing to.

Above are just a few of my favorite recent clips.

When I was 15, I got my ears pierced and my nana called me a whore

2008-03-29T22:33:00.005-04:00

So there were two television series I was really looking forward to last Fall that didn't show up until this past month. One, THE RETURN OF JEZEBEL JAMES was the new sitcom by GILMORE GIRLS genius Amy Sherman Palladino. The other starred my favorite contemporary comedienne, Judy Greer (known to some as Kitty "Say goodbye to these!" Sanchez, MISS GUIDED.
I had high hopes for JEZEBEL, what with Sherman Palladino and Parker Posey teaming up. Throw in the invulnerable Miss Lauren Ambrose and you have yourself a contender for best show ever. And then it aired. What seems like it ought to be a perfect combination- Sherman Palladino's quickfire banter with Parker Posey's manic hyperactivity- somehow manages not to work at all. Like, not even a little. The only thing worth watching in the two episodes that aired was Ambrose as Posey's slacker sister. The story was interesting (Posey played a book editor who was unable to concieve and asked her sister to carry her baby) and the dialogue definitely had it's moments, but none of it worked in the end. Normally I'd be grumbling about FOX once again letting a show air two times before pulling the plug like impatient bastards. And, yeah, it does seem a little unfair. But I'm sorry to say this (and it truly hurts me to say it as a fan of all of the women involved), it is one show that I think deserved the axe.
When it comes to MISS GUIDED, I was excited about seeing Judy Greer, knowing that she is gold in anything she does. (She made the whole ELIZABETHTOWN experience hurt a little less, even!) I didn't really know what to expect from the show, which is about a former high school geek who grows up to be the adorable high school guidance counselor, who has a crush on the oh-so-hot-former-auto-shop-teacher-who-now-teaches-Spanish. Of course the hot bitch she went to school with also returns as a teacher/cheerleading coach. Greer absolutely conquers again, proving herself to be in the same league as Mary Tyler Moore, which is like the pinnacle of sitcom goddesses as far as I'm concerned. What surprised me is that there is more about MISS GUIDED than just the lovely Miss G. The show is actually REALLY funny. Like, funnier than any other sitcom (barring of course THE OFFICE) currently on the screen. (Yes, editor lily, even funnier than SAMANTHA WHO?).
The question is: Will it last? With only a handful of episodes to air (most of which already have- the remainder will air on April 3rd), has MISS GUIDED made enough of an impression to make a return in next Fall? I hope so. It's worthy of a comeback. Please, please, PLEASE tune in next Thursday to catch it!

Damn you Ashton Kutcher!

2008-03-13T14:46:00.003-04:00

My favorite show (sad to admit but nonetheless true) of last season was the Ashton Kutcher-produced "Beauty and the Geek." I looked forward to that show, and loved Dave the Larper, much in the same way that "Lost" and "Heroes" fans pine for their fuzzy unanswered questions and melodrama.

And now the Kutch has gone and fucked all that up! Now, rather than have the Beauties and the Geeks paired up together as partners, we have them competing against one another, making it pretty much like EVERY OTHER REALITY TV SHOW currently on the air.

I don't know how long I'll stand to watch the show this season but for now I am rooting for the guy with no discernible eyes.

(RIP: Dave and Jasmine! May larping live on forever!)

I heart Gabriel Byrne

2008-02-26T14:01:00.006-05:00

No, this is not going to be yet ANOTHER post where I rant and rave about my love for older men (although considering how HOT Viggo Mortensen looked at the Oscars on Sunday, would anyone really blame me?) but rather this is a fantastically late review of the HBO drama "In Treatment."

I am so addicted to this show. Although I have read several reviews stating that it is too "talky" (which is completely ridiculous considering it is a show that revolves around therapy sessions) I find myself, episode after episode (Literally! The show features a new episode every night) completely immersed in the words that each character speaks and the nuanced performances of all of the actors, especially Byrne and Dianne Wiest (who plays Byrne's Paul's therapist).

It is also great to see underrated actors such as Blair Underwood, Michelle Forbes (a.k.a Julianna Cox on "Homicide") and my beloved Josh Charles (who will always be Dan Rydell to me) on TV again. Each actor really plays against typecasting--playing often unlikeable characters thus far--and they all shine in their difficult roles as a result.

This show is about therapy, and about the things that we discuss when we are at our most intimate, vulnerable and trusting. Every episode I feel as if I am being analyzed as well, as if Dr. Paul is my therapist... the show is that believable and engrossing. There isn't much to watch on TV right now, especially not until the after-effects of the strike wear off, and this show definitely deserves all of your undivided attention.

Now, Tears of Joy

2008-01-27T11:27:00.000-05:00

Amy Winehouse-inspired.

Lucy, Daughter of the Devil

2008-01-22T23:56:00.000-05:00

If you are not watching this I have one question to ask you...what the fuck is wrong with you!? This show is the awesomest fifteen minutes of every day of my life. At least every Tuesday through Friday at 12:15am on Adult Swim. Tivo this shit, NOW! It was created by Loren Bouchard, the creator of Home Movies and much of the Home Movies voices are in this one as well. As if the dynamic between Lucy, the devil and Lucy's boyfriend, DJ Jesus, isn't hilarious enough there's also two priests and a nun (the special sister who was teased as a child for being "hairy mary" and grew up to be an assassin for the Vatican) who are on the hunt to find and destroy the antichrist. What I'm trying to say is that it's awesome. So awesome that if you don't start to watch it today I might just come to your house, bake you cookies, and duct tape you to a chair in front of the tv while I force feed them to you. I don't know what the cookies really have to do with anything other than I really like to bake. My favorite episode is probably "Satan's School for Girls" with the rocking theme song, "Pound My Tom Tom." Any show that fills fifteen minutes with a song saying "you can pound my tom tom" and that shows the devil in a banana hammock is okay by me.

Adventure in Avant-Garde

2008-01-17T01:43:00.000-05:00

Creatives Christian and Chris of "Team Fierce" stun with gorgeous, romantic circles of organza; Jillian and Victorya feel out their mohawk-ed model in crisp rebellion; draper extraordinaire, Rami, makes Sweet P cry; and Team Kit-Ricky try to spring prairie patchwork pastels on the runway. Next week, the Port Authority takes center stage.

Clash of the Divas

2008-01-10T14:22:00.000-05:00

Wunderkid Christian meets his match in opinionated high school student, Maddie, four years his senior. Bedazzling makes a comeback, along with Sweet P and her best design yet. Chris wows (once again, watch out!), Ricky gets away with too much rusch, Rami is in the bottom (!) and a red halter dress proves too flimsy. The prom pics and stories shared are fabulous!

Next week looks to be a group challenge, and most likely Ricky's last efforts.

Sweetest Spit

2008-01-04T13:37:00.000-05:00

Elisa, enchanted spirit and conduit of soul, you will be missed!

Episode highlights: Rami rocks (and wins) with Peppermint Patty, Chris stuns everyone with clean inspiration from Warhol, Jillian goes edible, Zac Posen guest judges and Sweet P is saved only by the good luck of Hershey's kisses.

we miss you, writers!

2007-12-06T01:40:00.000-05:00

As the writers strike continues, reality television sucks so much more.

I've completely given up on AMERICA'S TOP MODEL. After the loss of Heather, who's worth caring about? Nobody. Hence, my complete apathy regarding the final four. Oops! Final three- later for you, Bianca! *cough*youdeservetogohomebecauseyou'reanawfulhumanbeing!*cough* Aside from that, my ability to watch The Loathsome Twosome of Vile Jay Manuel and Tyra Banks has finally completely disappeared. Ugh.

PROJECT RUNWAY is back and, while not exactly better than ever, certainly still interesting. Elisa, the kooky spit-mark chick, never fails to fascinate- and as long as Rami and his arms are around, I will be glued to the screen.

So far, though, I haven't got a clear favorite. Although, as always, there are a few designers that I truly can't stand. Not to mention Heidi Klum's fellow judges.

HEROES, meanwhile, had a mini-season finale that tied up some of the spotty storylines of this so-so Second Volume, but managed to end with a bang (literally. 3 of them), which made me perk up a little with renewed hope that Volume Three might find the show back on track.

...if Volume Three ever gets to happen.
Oh, how I miss thee, tv writers! Here's hoping the strike ends soon!

At the very least, I need my weekly Lee Pace fix with PUSHING DAISIES! (which wasn't on this week, but will be back next Wednesday)

Scranton's Survivor: M. Scott

2007-11-23T20:16:00.000-05:00

Michael bravely roughs Pennsylvania's wilderness for an afternoon with duct tape, a knife, and documentary tool, while Jim determines the fate of birthday celebrations at the office. Creed skips for peach cobbler.

Free of Charge

2007-11-14T04:56:00.000-05:00

Launder no more! I haven't seen one full episode, but...
my nomination for season's most swoonworthy investment:

You're so darling, Peter!

Samantha Who? Samantha Yes!

2007-10-31T22:59:00.000-04:00

Thanks to the magic of TiVo--or should I say, other people's DVR systems--I have been able to catch up on the past three episodes of ABC's new show "Samantha Who?" I'm not the world's biggest Christina Applegate fan, although thanks to great performances in "Anchorman" and "The Sweetest Thing" I have definitely come to appreciate her a lot more, but even I have to admit that the reason why this show works is entirely due to her endearing performance as Samantha. The show's premise is cute enough--a bitchy, spoiled fashionista loses her memory and reinvents herself as a nice girl--but thanks to Applegate it feels fresh and interesting every single episode. Here's to hoping that it makes it through the rest of the season!

One Month Later...

2007-10-28T15:40:00.000-04:00

After spending two weeks on vacation out of town, I found myself obsessing about not missing four shows in particular: And I am still charmed by PUSHING DAISIES, worried that WEEDS is losing steam a little, and certain that HEROES is in serious trouble (despite even the long-awaited appearance of Kristen Bell). Sadly, the fourth show was THE OFFICE and I missed two episodes!
Upon my return I realized that I'm feeling kind of over AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL. I didn't even want to watch the episodes I missed. I also realized that THE REAPER is a bit like PSYCH for me- I enjoy watching it while it's on, but don't need to fret about catching every episode.
And oh, how I miss LOST...
*rick

To Tell the Truth

2007-10-14T15:05:00.000-04:00

While Seattle Grace is healing, the sun tickled through this past week. A warm-fuzzily structured episode with more frustrated Callie-George-Izzie action/inaction, friendly Dreamy-Steamy bonding, a new intern, Norman from UCLA (you'll recognize him!) for one of the residents, a Meredith-Lexi teamed intubation, and three great cases. When the lunch-bunch huddles bedside here, you'll just feel the love. The truth shall set you free! This and all hair ties.

Lunch Party

2007-10-14T09:31:00.000-04:00

The Office is baaack! I've been anxiously awaiting the episode this season that would christen the longer format (supposedly, only the first four episodes are an hour?) and this week's "Launch Party" was just that. A feisty Meredith asks Jim to sign her inappropriate cast, Dwight is in active battle with online orders, a pizza delivery boy is held hostage, Cornell's a capella star is a'courtin', and PB&J get even cuter. Fluid, flighty and fabulous, not to be missed!

Why does it have to be so much harder to love Ryan, my Zach Braff? The facial hair takes away from his fierce eyes and I miss his active dodging of Kelly. I hope a colorblind Cupid has her in mind for the future. What a fab opportunity for BJ Novak to breakthrough, though watch out for Creed, Andy, Angela, and Phyllis (yay, Internet!) to shine. Stanley confirms he can bust a move post-Free Pretzel Day.

Bowl till you bleed!

2007-10-07T18:15:00.000-04:00

The Fall Season has commenced and overall it is off without a bang. The only new shows that I have really gotten behind (keep in mind that I have yet to watch "Pushing Daisies") are "Reaper" and "Life." And the old shows? All pretty big disappointments with the exception of "The Office," "30 Rock" and "Beauty & The Geek."

Yes, I did just write "Beauty & The Geek." Somehow one of those sick Saturdays where I stayed in bed all day and watched mind-numbing reality TV got me hooked on last season's "Beauty & The Geek" and this season has proven to be just as addictive. I know that I am probably reading WAAAY to much into the show but I really love the way that the two spectrums of people--the beauties and the geeks--learn from one another. Plus, this season has the added bonus of the mimbo, who is always great for cheap laughs.

"Ugly Betty," "Heroes" and sadly, "America's Next Top Model?" All pretty boring...in fact, and I may just get shot for this, I've given up on watching the first two (I even took "Ugly Betty" off the TiVo). I just don't care enough about them anymore, and "Heroes" especially has gone the "Lost" route for me.

There is one show however that has me hot and bothered: Showtime's "Dexter." After my brother got hooked on this show last month (he and his wife wrote a review of the show for the October issue of P&F, which you can read here: P&F) and bought the first season on DVD, and after my dearest Charlie Fish got so into it that he actually subscribed to Showtime just so that he could watch the new season, I knew that I should give this show a real chance. By the second episode I was hooked.

If you're a fan of "Six Feet Under" then you're familiar with Michael C. Hall (hot, hot, hot!) as David Fisher, and chances are, you were probably a fan of his (he was my favorite character on the show). Hall's Dexter Morgan is SOOO different from David Fisher that it is almost amazing to me that both were played by the same actor, which of course makes me appreciate Hall all the more. His Dexter is so endearing and sad and funny, it is really hard not to root for him, even though he is in fact a serial killer. And that's just his character. I have never seen a storyline or villain this satisfying--it makes me wonder if the show shouldn't have ended its run after one season, BBC style, as I cannot imagine that the second season could top the first. But I'm certainly hoping that it will, cause I just can't stop watching "Dexter."

Oh Plerr...

2007-10-05T21:54:00.000-04:00

Okay, what happened to the guaranteed laugh-riot that was DRAWN TOGETHER? It's finally back and it sucks- almost as much as FAMILY GUY's last two episodes.

Incredibly disappointing...

it's symmetrical.

2007-10-04T01:57:00.000-04:00

Wow... The Brooklyn Gang watched the pilot episode of PUSHING DAISIES tonight and opinions were quite mixed. Having already seen the episode, I was delighted to watch it again. I thought it was sweet, romantic and magical. Chris, on the other hand, thought it was bad and is certain that I'd feel the same if it weren't for the Bryan Fuller/Lee Pace/Kristin Chenoweth factors. (Not to mention Swoosie Kurtz, awesome in everything she does!) The third member of our trio, Jeanne is taking the "wait and see" stance. She thought it was cute, but was disappointed.

Comment and let us know what you think!

Tomorrow night: The much-anticipated return of Comedy Central's DRAWN TOGETHER! It's funny and wrong!

I'm exhausted from chasing your coffin.

2007-10-02T02:37:00.000-04:00

Hello all!
I wanted to post a reminder that the ABC series PUSHING DAISIES will be premiering at 8:00 on Wednesday night. Having seen the pilot online, because I'm a total geek, I truly recommend that you tune in for it. I can't say I know whether or not the series will be a success, but as a single episode, the pilot is fantastic.

And I'm not just saying that because I want to marry Lee Pace.

*Rick

RIP Sprinkles/PB+J!

2007-09-28T02:37:00.000-04:00

THE OFFICE is back and STILL funny. About halfway through the episode, I found myself wondering how long this show can continue being consistently hysterical. Over the last year it has been the highlight of my week. It never lets you down. It won't now. Plus... John Krasinksi. Yeah... Jim is hands down the best guy on the planet. Which is sad considering how COMPLETELY FICTIONAL A GUY LIKE THAT IS!!

*pout*

Fall TV Lineup: Wednesdays

2007-09-26T23:10:00.000-04:00

Note to NBC: Quit making your pilots seem like hurried, watered down versions of the pilots they could've been. Furthermore, using the song, "Breathe Me" by Sia is sacrilege. You don't get to play the saddest song of life from the saddest series finale of life (SIX FEET UNDER) in the attempt to have me connect to this current, unemotional show. Wondering what show I'm talking about? Why it's...

BIONIC WOMAN, 9 pm-- Evil secret government agency creates bionic soldier. When she goes terribly wrong, they try to put her down. She comes back meaner and madder than ever and rams a truck into one of the doctors and his unsuspecting fiancee. Doctor sews her up with anthrocytes (microscopic intelligent chips that cause rejuvenation, agility and super strength). Patient wakes up a new woman. New Bionic Woman must face old Bionic Woman (not Lindsay Wagner).

While it is a much darker remake, and the special effects are infinitely better, the pilot felt rushed and unemotional. Thus far, gotta say, not loving the NBC premieres...

What I did love, though, was the homage to the special effect noise the 70s show used to employ to symbolize her bionic powers. It was subtle, and felt more like background music, but it was there; a modernized version of it.

Also, Michelle Ryan as Jamie Sommers was vulnerable and likeable because she is so "Plain Jane" and full figured. My only hang up with her is that she's not as toughened or hardened as I like my female supervixens. But I'll give her some time.

Final verdict: NBC thinks we're stupid. There's no other excuse as to why they're feeding us pilots stripped of intelligence and development, and instead are giving us episodes chock full of flash-bang-boom.

Meanwhile, on ABC...
(Take notes, NBC)

PRIVATE PRACTICE, 9pm--Dr. Addison Montgomery moves to LA and works in a private practice with a quack, a shrink, a surfer, an internet-sex addict and a recent divorcee. Sounds drama-full? It is. Love it or leave it, the show follows Shonda Rhymes GREY'S ANATOMY formula: quirky, zany characters encountering rare, unique case studies that lead to some personal growth via humor and the occasional life threatening condition. To differentiate between shows, brighter colors were utilized both on set and in wardrobe, and Addison has adopted a goofy attitude. Kate Walsh does a good job with the script, and the rest of the cast stands their ground, too. It's always fun to see Tim Daly in a show that hasn't been cancelled (EYES, anyone). However, I was very sad to see Merrin Dungey be replaced. Who says the Francinator couldn't play that role? While this wasn't the pilot (the pilot aired during a regular GREY'S episode), it was still an engaging show. Think of it as GREY'S all grown up and living in the LA sunshine, instead of all that dreadful Seattle drizzle: It's a little bit shallow, a little bit smarmy, a little more realistic, but just as fun.

Final verdict: I'll likely get my weekly dose. GREY'S is still better, but this is a worthy spin-off.

DIRTY SEXY MONEY, 10pm-- If the cast of GOSSIP GIRL matured some 20 years, they'd be the Darlings: the uber-rich, old money, spoiled brats of ABC's latest drama, DIRTY SEXY MONEY. Peter Krause stars as Nick George, the lawyer with a soul (always an oxymoron, in my humble opinion) who inherits daddy's job as the Darling family lawyer. Along with a staggering paycheck, Nick George inherits all the drama that goes along with the numerous Darling spawn. There's a crooked priest, a married government official involved with a transvestite (played by the divine Candis Cayne), a druggie, and a Paris Hilton-ite.
The zany, offbeat music tells the audience that the show should be funny, and some moments were, but the first half of the show felt dirty, for lack of a better word, with its sickening display of wealth and smarmy-ness. It isn't until the near end, when we discover Nick George's father had been having an affair with the Darling matriarch, and that it could have had something to do with his death, that the audience finally has a reason to believe that do-gooder George has a real motive for working with the family he hated as a child.

For all the hype and the subway ads, MONEY did deliver. Leave it to ABC to present a well-written, well-acted, believable pilot.

Final verdict: If it doesn't get cancelled, it will become America's guilty pleasure. You can take that to the bank.

What's your Damage?

2007-09-26T00:55:00.001-04:00

I'm happy to report DAMAGES is back on track. After two boring episodes, the gripping drama has managed to make a believer out of me once more. You'll be happy to hear that Frobisher is still sinking fast, and new reports of bribery from the past have resurfaced, forcing him to desperately want to settle. His final offer: a staggering $800 million. Still, Patty Hewes refuses (ooh, that rhymed) claiming, "I want history to erase your every achievement." Ouch.

Ellen has been arrested for the murder of her fiancée, David, and won't be let out unless she can post $1.5 million for bail. The plot has now thickened as we learn Lila is seemingly stalking David, and is completely out of her gourd. So much so she visits Ellen at work to inform her that she's been sleeping with her fiancée. This, of course, coupled with knowing that Lila has a pair of David's keys (which she stole) raises questions as to Lila's involvement with David's murder.

A surprising twist, Gregory Malina reappears in Katie's life and, unbeknownst to her, makes a confessional videotape detailing all the players involved with Frobisher. Hours later, he's killed.

Scenes from the present also reveal Ellen asking Patty if they'd "gone too far" with what they'd done. Which is as cryptic as I just made it out to be.

But most surprising of all is the scene showing Patty Hewes going ape shit crazy, in tears. The woman has emotions? Who knew?

It will be interesting to see how this all goes down. The pieces are all in place, waiting. Just a handful of episodes left.

Fall TV Lineup: Tuesdays

2007-09-26T00:12:00.000-04:00

With DAMAGES set to finish soon, and the advent of NIP/TUCK, there's not a whole lotta good TV going around on Tuesdays. Fortunately, the CW has more in its arsenal besides the addictive TOP MODEL and the asinine GOSSIP GIRL.

REAPER, 9 pm-- I'm impressed. Slacker Sam Oliver (played by GROUNDED FOR LIFE'S Bret Harrison) turns 21 and encounters oddities that usurp his ordinarily stable, lackluster life. Telekinesis, a pack of wild dogs, and the devil himself all show up for Sam's big birthday. He soon discovers his parents sold his soul to the devil before his birth in order to overcome a debilitating illness. The devil decides he has better use for Sam on Earth as a bounty hunter of sorts, catching escaped souls and delivering them to hell portals using hell vessels disguised as house products, i.e., a Dirt Devil mini-vac. How cute is that? A Dirt Devil. Hilarity ensues, and it does effortlessly, as the characters deliver on well-crafted dialogue, and the story line engages with its wit, making this a rarity among many CW shows. Kudos to Kevin Smith for directing the pilot, and even bigger kudos to the actors for being able to pull off comedic timing with natural ability and charm. I can only hope that this show doesn't suffer the same fate most intelligent and unique TV shows suffer (a la FIREFLY, WONDERFALLS, etc...)

Final verdict: Helluva pilot (pun intended) with likeable "losers" finding redemption in the oddest of ways.

Fall TV Lineup: Mondays

2007-09-25T00:25:00.000-04:00

NBC has apparently bought all the decent programming and is vying for your viewership, audiences. But before you clear your schedules and set your DVRs, here's the rundown on the series and season premieres for Mondays:

CHUCK, 8 pm-- Adorable nerd Chuck (played by the charming, mini-Jewfro sporting Zachary Levi) is sent an email message from a former college frenemy containing all the secrets of the CIA and the NSA combined. Chuck remains unaware, but now both agencies want whatever's in his head, at a deadly cost. CIA supervixen Sarah displays feelings for the goofy computer geek and sets out to protect him. Of particular interest will be determining why the former frenemy chose Chuck in the first place, and the details surrounding Sarah's relationship with said frenemy. *Said frenemy is played by Matthew Bomer, formerly of the short-lived TRAVELER* Season previews also show the NSA agent (Adam Baldwin, of ANGEL and FIREFLY fame) working alongside Chuck, as a civilian, in the Best Buy-esque technology store where Chuck earns his meager $11 per hour.

In terms of likeability, I like the whole notion of a nobody-turned-semi-hero, but the writing was a little too fast for me, and somewhat unbelievable. As a former ALIAS fanatic, I feel fairly certain the espionage world is not as funny or as soft as this show makes it out to be.

Final verdict: Cute and fluffy espionage comedy with little room for real character development.

HEROES, 9 pm-- What the hell? All last season I bitched and complained to anyone who'd listen about the show's snail-like pace. Even LOST did a better job at getting to all the characters and fleshing out their stories. But I stuck around because the show was innovative and fresh; completely unlike anything I'd ever seen. Then, in the last few episodes of the season, the show took off with uncharacteristic speed and development, redeeming itself and proving the show's writer actually had brains. Cut to the season premiere, where we're left with a slower paced and an unengaging plotline. New heroes are introduced, as well as the notion of a killer plague that goes after those with abilities. Gone is the sense of novelty associated with last year's premiere. In its place is a B-side of a start: Claire is in a new school, with a new (flying) hero avidly pursuing her. Molly has apparently been adopted by Mohinder and Matt Parkman (kinda sweet, very MY TWO DADS). Nathan Petrelli is sporting a beard, and Peter Petrelli has lost his memories (but not his powers). And in an entirely surreal and unbelievable twist, David Anders (otherwise known as Julian Sark) is revealed as Takezo Kensei. By the looks of the season preview, Sylar is still alive, and I'm already tired of him. Looks like I'll have to wait until May for any real development.

Final verdict: If I weren’t the couch potato I am, I would actually just wait till the DVD came out. But alas...

JOURNEYMAN, 10 pm-- People I don't know star in this drama about time-travel and saving other people I don't know. The premiere felt like a 2-hour show had been stripped of any real dialogue and interaction to fit into a 44-minute show. Everything happens entirely too fast and I cannot connect nor care about the characters and the way it affects their lives as the star, Kevin McKidd, goes in and out of time as haphazardly as the editing of the pilot. If the pilot had been fleshed out more, I would be inclined to pay more attention. Interesting plotlines are set in place, i.e., star's former deceased lover is not really deceased but a time-traveler as well. For now, I will keep watching. But if the next episode is as disappointing as this one, I just may have to make the journey to another TV show.

Final verdict: QUANTUM LEAP on crack.

Suck Yourself!!

2007-09-11T19:27:00.000-04:00

Okay, WEEDS has definitely got it's mojo back. Last night's episode was hysterical AND full of surprises. How about that finale? Plus, a dig at new-age phenomenon THE SECRET that made me have to heimlich myself. Fantastic! Keep an eye out on The Pictures and Frames Website as we'll be devoting our October Spotlight to the one and only Mary-Louise Parker.

In the meantime...

2007-09-07T02:01:00.001-04:00

I love PROJECT RUNWAY. But until it premieres in November, I'm glad to have my weekly fix of Tim Gunn on Bravo's TIM GUNN'S GUIDE TO STYLE. Sure he's far meaner than he ever was on PR, and sure he does the sourpuss face alot, but he teaches me new vocabulary words.

This week, "cull:" to gather the choice things or parts from. As in: We have to cull what we can from this show until RUNWAY begins.

Also, the show makes me cry. Something about giving women inner confidence through the superficial act of fashion really tugs at my heartstrings...

I want to fast-forward to the last episode already!

2007-09-07T01:42:00.000-04:00

So DAMAGES is fast becoming a soap opera. Kinda disappointing. What started out as an innovative, intelligent show is now becoming a telenovela. You've got the crazy girl who's in love with the engaged guy, and she has keys to his apartment and watches them shower, then tells the cops she was having an affair with him and they were gonna live together (and uses the keys she stole from him as evidence). And you've got the snake lawyer who can't sleep cause he's hiding a secret. Could it be that he knows Frobisher is a crooked con man, which would mean he's developing a conscience and, thus, could ultimately help undo Mr. F? No, turns out he has a thing for guys. Whoop-de-doo, what is this, 1995?

Speaking of Mr. F, he's really unhinging fast, huh? The best scene of the whole night was watching him berate the ghost writer. To think, maybe one day I will be a ghost writer being berated by a bamboozling billionare. *sigh*

Still love that Glenn Close though, even as she co-pilots Ellen's engagement into the ground with her wily, manipulative ways.

Gotta say, though, the last two episodes have felt way out of character. And isn't this supposed to be an eight episode deal? If so, it's shaping up to be a disappointment.

Of course, you know I'll keep watching.

Holding out for a Hiro!

2007-08-31T19:32:00.000-04:00

That's right, kids. This Tuesday saw the release of the first season of Heroes on dvd. Full of goodies like commentaries, deleted scenes and an extended/alternate version of the pilot, this box is gold! I for one will be spending the weekend glued to the television and reliving the highs and... higher highs of my favorite new show.

Little Boxes made of ticky tacky

2007-08-28T14:19:00.000-04:00

Wow... Last night's episode of WEEDS was the first that I haven't absolutely loved. I was much more into the Celia/Isabel storyline than Nancy's. Where was the gut-busting laughter that usually occurs?? I hope it's just a misfire and not a sign of things to come.

The greatest feeling in the world? When a show you wish you'd never started watching finally fucking ends.

2007-08-26T19:57:00.000-04:00

For some reason I suffered through the whole season of "On The Lot" all the way to the last episode which has, thankfully, come and gone. While there were brief bright spots where clever or original short films actually made their way into the show the whole thing generally tanked. "On The Lot" was supposed to be an "American Idol" style reality show pitting ambitious, independent filmmakers against each other in pursuit of their big break and an office at DreamWorks. With Steven Spielberg attached it seemed like it might just make Reality TV seem palatable.

The first couple of episodes, while a little awkward and rushed, did seem to be living up to this idea (if you could block out the fact that Brett Ratner was a judge). Then, suddenly, like a dozen contestants randomly disappeared, the original host was replaced by Adriana Costa and (in not such a bad change) Brett Ratner was replaced with a rotating cast of different movie makers each week. I can only guess that the initial ratings hadn't been what they expected and this mid-show overhaul was intended to create a larger appeal. I guess Adriana Costa, her often displayed bosom, and Academy Awards gowns were supposed to be a big draw. Maybe this worked for twelve year old boys but I wanted to deck her and developed the habit of fast-forwarding through large portions of the show to avoid listening to her awkward, sexually suggestive banter.

To be honest, I was also fast-forwarding to get past hearing Carrie Fisher launch into long incoherent rambles in her role as the shows Paula Abdul and Gary Marshall talk about how "there needs to be more female filmmakers like my sister Penny." Penny guested on one episode and I hope there aren't as many female filmmakers like Penny because she's a little crazy. So, as you can tell, I've got a gripe with the show. So why did I keep watching, you may ask. Well, part of it could be the same masochistic streak that kept me watching the BBC show "Hex." I sometimes like to call that masochistic streak Richard. But with "On The Lot" I think that I kept watching because I really wished that it would be better but with every elimination where someone other than Kenny Luby went home I saw this redemption becoming a fainter and fainter possibility. Although the judges were lamentable, the host was awful and the execution sucked I would like to end with some hope. Some of the short films that were made during the season were pretty cool so here's a selection of my favorites to illustrate that some amount of good can still come out of something involving Brett Ratner.

1) "Die Hardly Working" by Zach Lipovsky

2) "Sweet" by Jason Epperson

3) "Anklebiters" by Sam Friedlander

4) "Unplugged" by Will Bigham

Man O' Mystery

2007-08-22T20:34:00.001-04:00

So I've become addicted to yet another reality-TV show: VH1's "The Pick-up Artist." (Sadly, I heard about the show while watching a marathon of "Beauty and the Geek," something that I should probably not admit to but what the hell, I can't look any lamer at this point.) I was intrigued by the show as I remember reading an article on "Mystery" a.k.a Erik Von Markovik in Esquire years ago and I knew that there was even a really popular book about him and his method...a method that has always seemed amazing to me when you actually see what Mystery looks and dresses like.

If you're not familiar with the premise this is the jist: Mystery was a huge dork and completely clueless when it came to talking to women until he decided to re-invent himself, and in the process give hope to millions of Screech-like guys around the world, by testing different "pick-up artist" theories that he himself created. I know that this sounds insane but the crazy shit is that most if not all of his methods actually work, hence the ludicrous amount of money that he makes from holding seminars and teaching his theories to lonely guys and this VH1 show where he takes a group of desperate guys in the hopes of making one of them the 'master pick-up artist.'

Mystery is aided by two former proteges, Matador and J-Dog (their names are even funnier when you see what they look like), and their bizarre pick-up lines and clothing only makes the fact that THIS SHIT ACTUALLY GETS THEM WOMEN seem even more insane and impressive. The lonely guys vying for the title of 'master pick-up artist' are pretty brave to appear on the show and display all of their desperation for millions to see...but they are also pretty desperate.

What I like about the show, and the reason why I keep on watching, is the "mystery" that surrounds what exactly gets and keeps a woman interested in a guy. I think that Mystery is sincere in his efforts to give the guys competing more self-confidence and I really don't think that his ultimate goal is to get these guys laid (although that would be an obvious bonus). Confidence and self-respect is the key to his game and is the way that he's gotten to where he is (it certainly isn't thanks to the bizarre outfits, random furry hats and aviator goggles) and that is a lesson that we could all gain from learning. That and, no matter what you do, never cock block a friend.

My vote for the next guy to get kicked-off: Pradeep. He is neither Pra nor deep, and kind of a major prick.

Dream of "Californication"

2007-08-22T20:16:00.001-04:00

After this Monday night's episode, episode two of the new Showtime series "Californication," I'm not so sure about my like for this insanely-gratuitous-tits-and-ass half-hour show.

The thing is: I *love* David Duchovny. I will pretty much watch anything that he is in (and have) and he is the only thing keeping me onboard at the moment. In the first episode, I let a lot of downright-silly moments slide because they were setting up his character, that of the witty-albeit-completely-reckless writer/dad/whore, Hank Moody. The one-liners were funny and the actors great all-around (although it is still really creepy to see the youngest girl from "The Nanny" all grown-up, naked and reverse donkey-punching during sex) but it still left something to be desired, namely the "wow, this is an awesome show that I can't wait to keep on watching" factor.

But I could see where the story-line was headed potentially and that was enough to make me want to watch the second episode...until I saw the second episode, that is.

It was filled with all of these cheesy editing styles, which I know are meant to make the show look and feel more "L.A." but just came off as annoying and pointless to me, and yet again, more ramdom shots of tits and ass. I get that Hank is a playboy and sleeps with anything that shows the slightest bit of interest but, for the sake of his own likeability, does he have to look so pathetic? It's almost as if the writers of the show don't have enough interesting story-lines or dialogue to go around so they just place INSERT BREASTS into their scripts when all else fails. And no matter how cute David Duchovny's butt looks in those boxer briefs, it's starting to get old. Fast.

Last night's DAMAGES all about Tate Donovan

2007-08-22T19:01:00.000-04:00

Tate Donovan finally got his 15 minutes of air time last night on DAMAGES as the Patty-whooped Tom Shayes finally revealed his secret agenda: to be Close, so Close, to Her Royal Closeness.

Despite being approached by "The Clients" to take over the case, and despite Cutler's proposal to make him a partner, Tom "Tomahawk" Shayes opted to remain loyal to his boss of 10 years. The episode itself was kinda lackluster in that it dwelled a lot more (for the first time, too) on Shayes' character without revealing any insight or clues as to the secrets of the show. On a previous episode, for instance, Katie's drug-addled whoring ways were revealed in sordid detail, but were done so in order to show how crucial a witness she really coulda been if, say, she hadn't taken the blue pill after all.

Of course, this is the same series that cut a score with the words "Trust No One" on repeat during one of the last, revealing scenes of the episode, so we have yet to see if "Tomahawk" has ulterior motives: if he was playing Patty all along to get a raise, and if Patty--seemingly omniscient--knew all along and played him back by preying on his insecurities, "You're a great #2," she tells him in one scene. Ah, to be told words more often spoken aloud in the bathroom...

Highlights: Donal Logue's greed-is-good, but-dating-20-year-olds-is-better character. Most memorable line: "Pinch my dick." Which reminds me, how is it that the FX show can get away with such tourette-like language?

And Glenn Close. Oh my. She steals the show. The rest of the time I just find myself waiting for Ellen or Tom to be more like Patty. "Be more like Patty," I say aloud to the television.

Lowlights: The secrets. While other people might like this whole murder-mystery theatre thing and get excited at the prospect of having eight more episodes to figure it out, I shudder at the thought. Having already spent all my mystery-guessing brain cells on LOST this year, I kinda just want them to get to a point, any point.

Recap: Each episode, we're given one, two, three minutes tops to see the present situation. So far we've gathered: Ellen had a struggle. She killed someone in Patty's apartment, presumably out of self defense. And her fiancee/ex-fiancee is murdered by the horrible Lady Liberty bookends, which for some god awful reason Ellen decides to touch and get her fingerprints on. But I need to know more, and the reality is, with each episode that passes, I become a little less interested. Especially when you start going into character development for character development's sake. Thus far, this show is not about development: it's about motives, it's about MOs, it's about the sacrifices made to reach a goal. This week's episode felt out of place, but I'll keep watching. I always keep watching for more clues.

Veronica Mars, Superhero?

2007-08-21T00:49:00.000-04:00

Hello all!
A bit of great news has sprung up at IMDB. It would seem that our favorite teenage P.I. is going to be gaining superpowers next season when VERONICA MARS herself, Kristen Bell joins the cast of HEROES for it's second season. According to the article, Bell was considering a part on LOST, but chose HEROES instead.

I cannot wait!
-rick

Willkommen, Bienvenue, Welcome...

2007-08-20T12:12:00.000-04:00

Hello all!
Welcome to the Official Pictures and Frames Magazine television blog. Our crack team of couch potatoes are in place, eyes forced wide-open CLOCKWORK ORANGE style to watch hours upon hours of brain-cell-sucking television and blog about what to watch, what to avoid, and what to watch but pretend you avoid. Like HEX.
A note about the name of our blog, "Dance, Colin, Dance!": This comes from the most brilliant tv show of all time, a little british comedy called SPACED. Created by & starring Simon Pegg (of SHAUN OF THE DEAD & HOT FUZZ fame) and Jessica Stevenson (of SWING KIDS... fame...), SPACED followed the lives of a pair of mismatched flatmates, their kooky neighbors, and a dog named Colin.
But since we can't find a video clip of the "Dance, Colin, Dance!" scene, here's a montage about Scrabble!

xxoo
Rick
pop-culture junkie.

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2007-08-18T23:20:00.001-04:00

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