So we made it through the first half of the season where we spent an inordinate amount of time looking for and grousing about long lost Sophia, whom by the end of it, many a viewer never wanted to see again, frankly. But there we were, in the climatic ending to the Fall finale and finally, (Dear God, FINALLY!) we got an answer to where the hell that little zombie chum wandered off to — and it was straight into the jaws of a zombie, that’s where. Continue reading
NBC is reaching way down deep into the well of potentially bad ideas; Ellen Barkin to probably be magnificent in scripted television, oops, it’s on NBC; Well maybe it’ll work! Former talk show host to do an Oscar thing to imitate Oscar things she’s done in the past; Lucifer loses an actor; and Denzel to remake 2002 over and over again. Continue reading
Showtime just ordered a second season of its newest “quirky/awful protagonist” series House of Lies. Well, congrats, I suppose, to the writers and producers, the cast and crew, the executives and transpo guys. You have a job for at least another year. And the network has what passes for a hit these days on television. But I wonder if this “quirky/awful protagonist” business—practically patented by Showtime with series like Weeds, Californication, and Nurse Jackie—is starting to fray around the edges, turning from something fresh and interesting into something curdled and coarse. Maybe it’s just over-exposure; these protagonists seem to be turning up everywhere, not just in these half hour cable “comedies” but in feature films as well. At what point do we go from thinking, “Wow, I’ve never seen a character like this before! As the lead! How delicious!” to thinking, “I just want to have a nice cup of tea and make it go away.” For me, I think, that turning point has happened. I’m done. I love you, Don Cheadle—I love you even more, Kristen Bell—but I’m done. Continue reading
Since we were just on the topic of eschewing the languid, insipid hipster R.I.P.sters, Just Eschew Them All To Hell I Say! (No, not really) what do we do when we find a new television show that exalts them to a heaven full of ironic sustainable farming magazines and cool media jobs — and we find it rather enjoyable?
Well, you sit back and just kind of hang out, no? Continue reading
Justin Timberlake is still acting or something; Showtime doesn’t want to win any awards; Kanye gets Middle Eastern; Random co-stars picked out of a hat, or a genius coupling; and Newt Gingrich wants to get pretty for you guys! Continue reading
That little incestuous monster spawn is still a smug joke of a king, Cersei may get what’s coming to her, and Tyrion perhaps is finally coming into his own. Season two of The Game of Thrones has us so excited it’s like a damnable Westeros Christmas. Continue reading
It’s that time again. You know that time when everyone coalesces around the flat screen to watch the best of the best duke it out amid screams of joy and groans of agony as your favorite plays either make the high mark or flop around and lose yardage? We’re talking about the Super Bowl commercials. What did you think we were talking about? The game? Oh, ho! No one cares about that.
In anticipation of the glorious day when we all get to see what wonderful products have stepped up their marketing game and plan to wow you (subconsciously) with their magical, wanton advertisements, here then are the first two of many ads to come. Continue reading
If there’s one thing we can count on, it’s Lifetime, Television For Women giving us movies that seem to feature women in various kinds of peril. Take a look at their Saturday or Sunday schedule. It’s full of movies like “Date With Darkness” or “The Craigslist Killer.” Basically, the Ladyparts Network has become the Law and Order: Special Victimized Women’s Unit. How fortuitous that murdering douchebag Drew Peterson was able to give this network ample fodder for a “world” premiere movie. Even more fortuitous is that Rob Lowe (yes, that Rob Lowe) and that girl from “The Big Bang Theory” (no, not Blossom) are in this soon-to-be classic exploration of bad moviemaking! Huzzah! Continue reading
Welcome back to Dance Moms! You know you love it. For those of you who haven’t been watching, or are dealing with memory loss, we have a “Previously On” segment. Or you can read my recap. Continue reading
Matthew Weiner sat down with The Hollywood Reporter and discussed some interesting plot developments for the upcoming season of Mad Men — well, discussed them in that “top secret military clearance” way he has when discussing all things Mad Men. Continue reading