There have been a lot of best and worst of 2009 lists floating around and I thought I'll do my own little list. My previous post listed my misses of 2009 and now I give you my hits.
Not sure why I started to watch you but you're actually quite good - The Good Wife
Breakout star in a bad show - Katie Cassidy, Melrose Place
I can't believe you're not watching this - Better Off Ted
You're a star - TNT for picking up Southland
I can't stop watching this scene - Kurt and the football team doing Beyonce's Single Ladies, Glee
Outstanding multi performances - Jane Lynch (Party Down and Glee) and Toni Collette (United States of Tara)
Most improved but I always thought you were good - Parks and Recreation
Your character annoys other people on the show but I think you're brilliant - Sheldon, The Big Bang Theory
Best network manoeuvre - ABC's Wednesday night comedy trio
I can't believe you've left me hanging - Lost's season 5 finale
Best new shows that more people should talk about - Nurse Jackie and United States of Tara
Got cancelled just as the show hit its a storyline high - Dollhouse
Best answer to a question - Quagmire answering Brian's question 'why don't you like me', Family Guy
Monday 21 December 2009
My Misses List of 2009
There have been a lot of best and worst of 2009 lists floating around and I thought I'll do my own little list. I warn you now, that this isn't your standard best show and worst show list. I've been a little inventive with my awards. I start of with the misses list.
What were you thinking? - NBC cancelling Southland before the new series was aired
I can't believe you're still on the air - Heroes
Hail Mary attempt at more viewers - Claire's lesbian kiss, Heroes
It's not what it says on the packaging - FlashForward. Some billed it as the next Lost, well it's not.
I should really turn it over - The Cleveland Show
Stop and stare moment - Heather Locklear's face. There's something going on that I can't quite figure out.
Biggest waste of an hour - The Beautiful Life
Biggest waste of half an hour - Hank
I like you but I couldn't keep watching your show - Alex O'Loughlin and Alfre Woodard, Three Rivers
Is it you or your character that annoys me - Joseph Fiennes, Mark on FlashForward
Are you trying to kill the show on purpose? - Fox moving Fringe from Tuesday to overloaded Thursday
Do you want people to watch you? - NBC's dwindling primetime scripted shows.
Most obvious outcome in a cliffhanger - Grey's Anatomy with George and Izzie
What were you thinking? - NBC cancelling Southland before the new series was aired
I can't believe you're still on the air - Heroes
Hail Mary attempt at more viewers - Claire's lesbian kiss, Heroes
It's not what it says on the packaging - FlashForward. Some billed it as the next Lost, well it's not.
I should really turn it over - The Cleveland Show
Stop and stare moment - Heather Locklear's face. There's something going on that I can't quite figure out.
Biggest waste of an hour - The Beautiful Life
Biggest waste of half an hour - Hank
I like you but I couldn't keep watching your show - Alex O'Loughlin and Alfre Woodard, Three Rivers
Is it you or your character that annoys me - Joseph Fiennes, Mark on FlashForward
Are you trying to kill the show on purpose? - Fox moving Fringe from Tuesday to overloaded Thursday
Do you want people to watch you? - NBC's dwindling primetime scripted shows.
Most obvious outcome in a cliffhanger - Grey's Anatomy with George and Izzie
Tuesday 15 December 2009
The CW's New Class
The CW has probably seen some of its best and worst ratings from its freshman shows in the fall season. Out of the three shows, one was cancelled after two episodes and another has been struggling from the start. Where did The Beautiful Life and Melrose Place go wrong and why has The Vampire Diaries flourished for the network?
I’ll start with The Beautiful Life, though I won’t go into it too much or I’ll repeat the same things that I mentioned in a post after the show got cancelled. What was meant to get people excited seemed to rest on three things. The fact it was centred on models, was meant to attract viewers of American’s Next Top Model, the television comeback of Mischa Barton and Ashton Kutcher as co producer.
Unfortunately for this show, that’s where it went wrong. Just because ANTM is popular doesn’t mean people want to watch a drama about models. Too much attention was placed on the fact that Barton was back on TV since her character was killed off in The OC. I don’t think people really cared and it might have actually put some off watching. Then comes to my last point, Ashton Kutcher fans might not want to watch a show that doesn’t actually show him. How much creative control did he actually have? It’s not like he’s a top draw producer/show creator where fans will follow every show they do.
If it wasn't for The Beautiful Life, then Melrose Place would have been the worst performer from the start. MP's ratings haven't been great, stumbling behind 90210; both not being able to surpass 2 million viewers this season. The failures of Melrose Place is sort of similar to why 90210 isn't working. Banking on fans of the original to follow it and forgetting about attracting viewers that weren't fans and keeping them. It was something I touched upon before about TV remakes.
This brings me to The Vampire Diaries, based on a series of books. I'm not too familiar with the success of the books so I can't say that was my reason for watching the show. Three things brought it to my attention; Kevin Williamson, Ian Somerhalder and vampires. Now I shall explain. I'm a Dawson's Creek fan, I've watched Ian on Young American's, Tell Me You Love Me and Lost. I also watched a lot of things involving vampires (Buffy, Angel, Twilight, Moonlight, etc). I think that as characters, vampires are complex and can be a writers dream, if they know what to do with them, other than make them drink blood.
Whether or not it was their complete intention, the timing of TVD was impeccable. With the success of Twilight and books being made into films/TV shows, there was a market to tap into. As we all know, things like this don't guarantee success but it did get 4.8m viewers for the first episode. What keeps people watching is the cast, including Paul Wesley, Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder and the excellent writing. The mid-season finale had it all, with an ending that made you want to count down the days until the next episode, to see the conclusion.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not someone who's only exposure to 90210 and Melrose Place has been in the past year or two. I did watch both shows when they were originally aired, though not in its entirety. There's just a big difference in quality between Melrose Place and The Vampire Diaries and the ratings paint the picture. MP seems to lack a meaty storyline and real direction. Bringing Heather Locklear isn't enough, she needs something to work with. There does seem to be a slight improvement and the last episode aired shows it. With the break and Auggie and Violet due to leave the canvas, they have a chance to make creative changes.
A new show will be joining the party in January. Life Unexpected is due to start in January. I'm quietly excited by this and it has the opportunity of being a hit for the network and I hope it is. The older shows like Supernatural, Smallville and One Tree Hill aren't going to be around forever and The CW needs to find its next batch of hits.
I’ll start with The Beautiful Life, though I won’t go into it too much or I’ll repeat the same things that I mentioned in a post after the show got cancelled. What was meant to get people excited seemed to rest on three things. The fact it was centred on models, was meant to attract viewers of American’s Next Top Model, the television comeback of Mischa Barton and Ashton Kutcher as co producer.
Unfortunately for this show, that’s where it went wrong. Just because ANTM is popular doesn’t mean people want to watch a drama about models. Too much attention was placed on the fact that Barton was back on TV since her character was killed off in The OC. I don’t think people really cared and it might have actually put some off watching. Then comes to my last point, Ashton Kutcher fans might not want to watch a show that doesn’t actually show him. How much creative control did he actually have? It’s not like he’s a top draw producer/show creator where fans will follow every show they do.
If it wasn't for The Beautiful Life, then Melrose Place would have been the worst performer from the start. MP's ratings haven't been great, stumbling behind 90210; both not being able to surpass 2 million viewers this season. The failures of Melrose Place is sort of similar to why 90210 isn't working. Banking on fans of the original to follow it and forgetting about attracting viewers that weren't fans and keeping them. It was something I touched upon before about TV remakes.
This brings me to The Vampire Diaries, based on a series of books. I'm not too familiar with the success of the books so I can't say that was my reason for watching the show. Three things brought it to my attention; Kevin Williamson, Ian Somerhalder and vampires. Now I shall explain. I'm a Dawson's Creek fan, I've watched Ian on Young American's, Tell Me You Love Me and Lost. I also watched a lot of things involving vampires (Buffy, Angel, Twilight, Moonlight, etc). I think that as characters, vampires are complex and can be a writers dream, if they know what to do with them, other than make them drink blood.
Whether or not it was their complete intention, the timing of TVD was impeccable. With the success of Twilight and books being made into films/TV shows, there was a market to tap into. As we all know, things like this don't guarantee success but it did get 4.8m viewers for the first episode. What keeps people watching is the cast, including Paul Wesley, Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder and the excellent writing. The mid-season finale had it all, with an ending that made you want to count down the days until the next episode, to see the conclusion.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not someone who's only exposure to 90210 and Melrose Place has been in the past year or two. I did watch both shows when they were originally aired, though not in its entirety. There's just a big difference in quality between Melrose Place and The Vampire Diaries and the ratings paint the picture. MP seems to lack a meaty storyline and real direction. Bringing Heather Locklear isn't enough, she needs something to work with. There does seem to be a slight improvement and the last episode aired shows it. With the break and Auggie and Violet due to leave the canvas, they have a chance to make creative changes.
A new show will be joining the party in January. Life Unexpected is due to start in January. I'm quietly excited by this and it has the opportunity of being a hit for the network and I hope it is. The older shows like Supernatural, Smallville and One Tree Hill aren't going to be around forever and The CW needs to find its next batch of hits.
Monday 14 December 2009
The World to Stop Turning
Though I thought the day would come soon, I never thought that the announcement of another soap being cancelled would be this year. As The World Turns has been cancelled by CBS, who broadcast Guiding Light for the last time in September. I've only ever watched a couple of episodes of this so I won't comment on that, but soaps are definitely becoming an endangered TV species.
Originally starting in 1956, the show will air for the last time on CBS in September 2010. This will leave CBS with two soaps and six across all networks. I thought that this announcement would come next year, so it didn't surprise me. What did surprise was the timing of the announcement.
Unfortunately money talks and this will leave many without a job. Soaps are an expensive business and it's been a well documented issue regarding contract negotiations and pay-cuts, amongst the actors. Networks want cheap programmes and this leans towards things like quiz shows.
I guess the next question is, what will be next. I don't think it will be another CBS show just yet. My money is on One Life To Live, though I think All My Children will give it a run for its money.
Originally starting in 1956, the show will air for the last time on CBS in September 2010. This will leave CBS with two soaps and six across all networks. I thought that this announcement would come next year, so it didn't surprise me. What did surprise was the timing of the announcement.
Unfortunately money talks and this will leave many without a job. Soaps are an expensive business and it's been a well documented issue regarding contract negotiations and pay-cuts, amongst the actors. Networks want cheap programmes and this leans towards things like quiz shows.
I guess the next question is, what will be next. I don't think it will be another CBS show just yet. My money is on One Life To Live, though I think All My Children will give it a run for its money.
Fav Scene of the Week 6th - 12th Dec 09
Well I have to say that this choice was a particularly had one to make with many of the shows airing their holiday episode/mid season finale episode. Modern Family was in the frame, which seems to be a regular occurrence. Glee and Community were also a possibility but instead I went for Parks and Recreation.
This show is one of my favourite new shows and the episode as a whole kept me laughing throughout. I picked the scene with Leslie having to deny an affair, on a TV show. There is also a scene with Ron sandwiched in between.
This show is one of my favourite new shows and the episode as a whole kept me laughing throughout. I picked the scene with Leslie having to deny an affair, on a TV show. There is also a scene with Ron sandwiched in between.
Friday 11 December 2009
King of the Castle
It seems rare these days for me to be continuously entertained by an hour long show but Castle has managed to do that since the first episode. It uses a notable formula of having a male and female as the main characters with underlying sexual chemistry. It’s this chemistry that helps make this show work; quick wit, excellent writing and a great cast. I, for one, was drawn by Nathan Fillion at first and everything about this show has kept me watching. It isn't just about Fillion, Stana Katic, Seamus Dever and Jon Huertas should also get a mention, as well as the rest of the cast.
What also helps for me is the casting of guest stars, especially the Buffy alumni (it's one of my favourite shows so I love seeing actors from there). More great casting is to come with Alyssa Milano set to appear in January.
The relationship that Richard Castle has with the women in his life is fascinating and also is a testament to the character. He has a great relationship with his daughter and mother and I find his interactions with other females hilarious, especially the flirting with Beckett.
While people are talking about other shows, in terms of why they are struggling with story-lines or ratings, Castle has been quietly building good storylines to keep me entertained. The last episode got 8.4m and though this isn't setting the house on fire, I urge ABC to renew this show.
What also helps for me is the casting of guest stars, especially the Buffy alumni (it's one of my favourite shows so I love seeing actors from there). More great casting is to come with Alyssa Milano set to appear in January.
The relationship that Richard Castle has with the women in his life is fascinating and also is a testament to the character. He has a great relationship with his daughter and mother and I find his interactions with other females hilarious, especially the flirting with Beckett.
While people are talking about other shows, in terms of why they are struggling with story-lines or ratings, Castle has been quietly building good storylines to keep me entertained. The last episode got 8.4m and though this isn't setting the house on fire, I urge ABC to renew this show.
Monday 7 December 2009
Fav Scene of the Week 29th Nov - 5th Dec 09
For this week, I have chosen Fringe. This is one of my favourite shows and this episode saw Walter trying to function on his own. I've actually chosen two scenes from the episode. The first is with Astrid and what I loved about it was how caring he was with her. Plus the fact that its taken a while for him to actually remember her name.
The second scene is with Peter and I thought it was heartfelt and funny at the same time. Their relationship is amongst my favourites; it's dysfunctional and there are many answers that have yet to be answered.
The second scene is with Peter and I thought it was heartfelt and funny at the same time. Their relationship is amongst my favourites; it's dysfunctional and there are many answers that have yet to be answered.
Wednesday 2 December 2009
FlashForward UK Ratings
The UK might have got the opportunity to see episode 10 of FlashForward, three days before the US but ratings hit a low. According to Digital Spy early figures show that the episode only pulled in 1.98m in its regular 9pm slot, coming fourth in the hour. Over the 10 weeks it’s been on, the show has averaged 2.63m. The second episode gained the shows highest ratings with 3.26m.
FlashForward: Revealed, which included interviews with the show's actors and writers, was shown straight after and only managed 851k. I didn’t watch this myself, as the show hasn’t garnered anymore interest for me to want to sit through interviews.
The show has failed to live up to the kind of buzz that it initially had. The mid-season finale has tried to do the usually and keep people hooked until the show comes back from their hiatus but will it be enough. Co-show runner, Marc Guggenheim departed the show 2 months ago and production was temporarily shut down a couple of weeks ago. We just have to wait and see if there’s any difference to the quality, when it returns.
FlashForward: Revealed, which included interviews with the show's actors and writers, was shown straight after and only managed 851k. I didn’t watch this myself, as the show hasn’t garnered anymore interest for me to want to sit through interviews.
The show has failed to live up to the kind of buzz that it initially had. The mid-season finale has tried to do the usually and keep people hooked until the show comes back from their hiatus but will it be enough. Co-show runner, Marc Guggenheim departed the show 2 months ago and production was temporarily shut down a couple of weeks ago. We just have to wait and see if there’s any difference to the quality, when it returns.
Saturday 28 November 2009
Fav Scene of the Week 23rd-28th Nov 09 Part 2
The second clip is from Modern Family. This show is easily one of my favourite new shows and it was hard to pick just one clip. The whole episode was great but I chose a Fizbo scene which has restored my faith in clowns that was broken by Stephen King's IT (lol). I could have also pick something from Cougar Town, which also showed a great holiday episode.
Fav Scene of the Week 23rd-28th Nov 09 Part 1
It's been quiet of late and I didn't post anything last week. Partly because I didn't think anything really stood out for me. This time around, I found two clips.
The first clip had me laughing and clapping at the same time. Family Guy has funny and controversial moments but this next scene has to be one of my favourites of this season. Brian had been trying to find out why Quagmire doesn't like him and he finally gets to know the reason why.
The first clip had me laughing and clapping at the same time. Family Guy has funny and controversial moments but this next scene has to be one of my favourites of this season. Brian had been trying to find out why Quagmire doesn't like him and he finally gets to know the reason why.
Monday 16 November 2009
Is FlashForward a Flash in the Pan?
It was billed as the natural successor to Lost, which shall finish in May 2010. It has a plot that got people excited, a list of actors and creative team that had people’s mouth watering, but has FlashForward been a disappointment so far.
The show started with 12.4 million viewers but this week only 8.3 million watched. This was the first time this season that Bones beat it in the same hour, with the Fox show being watched by 10.2 million.
The first episode was high packed with information, some would say a bit too much as lately the story has been stumbling along slowly. Replaying the same flash forward in practically every episode has become annoying. I don't need to mention which one as a lot of people have been commenting on it already.
I can't really put my finger on it but there are a few things that seem to be wrong. It's not just the pacing but some of the direction of each episode. I've made a point of not mentioning Joseph Fiennes accent as his character as a whole bugs me.
One thing that does come to mind was the introduction of Dominic Monaghan's character, Simon. He came in at the end of episode 4 and then wasn't shown again until 6. He wasn't shown during episode 7 until the last couple of minutes in a scene that lasted a few seconds with no dialogue.
In episode 7, titled The Gift, a particular act was shown to help the characters believe that their flash forward doesn't necessarily have to happen the way they saw it. Are we to believe that the characters never thought that they couldn't possibly change their outcome and what makes them think that what they're doing now isn't leading them to exactly what they are trying to avoid. I could go further into this but I'll probably be here all night.
The last couple of episodes, I've putting to the end of my list of shows to watch, preferring to catch up on shows aired on Friday before watching it. The episodes don't leave me excited to watch but the idea itself, is the thing that's making me stick with it. Also wondering what will happen in the episodes towards the end of the season.
It's a shame, as this was one of the new shows that I was the most excited about seeing this season while those that I watched just to see what they were like, have surprisingly impressed me more.
A couple of people that I know, have shared my opinion that it only seems to be the last 5-10 minutes where anything interesting happens and for them, it's become background noise or something to watch when there's nothing else on.
I like to think that it's early days but the question is, what can they do to make people stop turning this show off and what will happen once we get to the point of the flash forward.
The show started with 12.4 million viewers but this week only 8.3 million watched. This was the first time this season that Bones beat it in the same hour, with the Fox show being watched by 10.2 million.
The first episode was high packed with information, some would say a bit too much as lately the story has been stumbling along slowly. Replaying the same flash forward in practically every episode has become annoying. I don't need to mention which one as a lot of people have been commenting on it already.
I can't really put my finger on it but there are a few things that seem to be wrong. It's not just the pacing but some of the direction of each episode. I've made a point of not mentioning Joseph Fiennes accent as his character as a whole bugs me.
One thing that does come to mind was the introduction of Dominic Monaghan's character, Simon. He came in at the end of episode 4 and then wasn't shown again until 6. He wasn't shown during episode 7 until the last couple of minutes in a scene that lasted a few seconds with no dialogue.
In episode 7, titled The Gift, a particular act was shown to help the characters believe that their flash forward doesn't necessarily have to happen the way they saw it. Are we to believe that the characters never thought that they couldn't possibly change their outcome and what makes them think that what they're doing now isn't leading them to exactly what they are trying to avoid. I could go further into this but I'll probably be here all night.
The last couple of episodes, I've putting to the end of my list of shows to watch, preferring to catch up on shows aired on Friday before watching it. The episodes don't leave me excited to watch but the idea itself, is the thing that's making me stick with it. Also wondering what will happen in the episodes towards the end of the season.
It's a shame, as this was one of the new shows that I was the most excited about seeing this season while those that I watched just to see what they were like, have surprisingly impressed me more.
A couple of people that I know, have shared my opinion that it only seems to be the last 5-10 minutes where anything interesting happens and for them, it's become background noise or something to watch when there's nothing else on.
I like to think that it's early days but the question is, what can they do to make people stop turning this show off and what will happen once we get to the point of the flash forward.
Sunday 15 November 2009
Fav Scene of the Week 8th -14th Nov 09
I have to admit that there wasn't a lot of choice for my scene of the week (I blame ABC for not showing Modern Family this week). It would have been easy to pick a scene from Glee, which had one of its best episodes this week as well as Grey's Anatomy and Fringe. Instead I chose a scene from Ugly Betty, which also was a season best.
I thought it was a really sweet moment with Justin and his mother, Hilda but also the scene after really had me thinking about where they are going with Justin. They have made a real point about showing how he's coping with high school and it brings up a new element to both Justin and Hilda.
This show has been quietly producing some great stuff and though I listed it under my cancellation predictions, I would like to see this have another season.
I thought it was a really sweet moment with Justin and his mother, Hilda but also the scene after really had me thinking about where they are going with Justin. They have made a real point about showing how he's coping with high school and it brings up a new element to both Justin and Hilda.
This show has been quietly producing some great stuff and though I listed it under my cancellation predictions, I would like to see this have another season.
Sunday 8 November 2009
Fav Scene of the Week - 7 Nov 09
For this week, I chose a scene from Grey's Anatomy and it doesn't involve any of my favourite characters (Cristina, Callie, Mark or Miranda Bailey). It's the scene with Arizona and the Chief. Now I like any scene when someone is telling off the Chief and in previous weeks, I could have easily picked Arizona or Shepherd telling off the Chief. It's no secret that he's on my annoying/boring character list so any time someone shouts at him, it gets a big cheer form me.
Thursday 5 November 2009
Character Transplants Needed
The other week, I had a conversation about characters that I found either annoying or boring and could do with a personality transplant (a rewrite would do). So I decided to write them down.
Catherine and Orson from Desperate Housewives. I'm struggling to remember why they are even needed anymore. Catherine is so annoying that she's actually taken over the role of the most annoying character, from Susan. I was actually disappointed that Susan didn't do a better job of shooting her. What was once a intriguing character, Orson has now turned into a bad side show, like his kleptomaniac storyline from last season. Maybe with the plane crash coming, these two can finally be removed from our screens.
Thirteen and Foreman (Foreteen) from House. To put one annoying character with a boring one really made for one of the least interesting couples. Even the break up was boring and left me saying 'so what'. For me, they were in competition for the title with Riley and Jonah from Melrose Place.
Speaking of Melrose Place, Violet is next on the list. You can critisize the acting, writing or both. Whichever way, this character is awful and uncomfortable to watch. I, for one, am happy that the end of this character is near. It doesn't convey crazy very well, just sad and desperate, like Catherine from Desperate Housewives.
Langston from CSI. I'm I in a small minority of people that are not excited by the crossover. I will certainly watch it but if this is the plan to gain back the viewers that have left, then they should have used a different character. Maybe this could be the thing that turns it around for the character and we might get to see more depth. If not, I just feel that Laurence Fishburne should have been given a better character to work with.
Chief Webber from Grey's Anatomy. You just have to watch it to know why. He's going round sacking people and like Derek said, he needs to take some blame for the chaos he's created. I loved Arizona's scene with him on last week's episode.
I'm sure there are more but those are my main ones though Ryan from Three Rivers nearly made the list. I thought I should give it a couple of more episodes.
Catherine and Orson from Desperate Housewives. I'm struggling to remember why they are even needed anymore. Catherine is so annoying that she's actually taken over the role of the most annoying character, from Susan. I was actually disappointed that Susan didn't do a better job of shooting her. What was once a intriguing character, Orson has now turned into a bad side show, like his kleptomaniac storyline from last season. Maybe with the plane crash coming, these two can finally be removed from our screens.
Thirteen and Foreman (Foreteen) from House. To put one annoying character with a boring one really made for one of the least interesting couples. Even the break up was boring and left me saying 'so what'. For me, they were in competition for the title with Riley and Jonah from Melrose Place.
Speaking of Melrose Place, Violet is next on the list. You can critisize the acting, writing or both. Whichever way, this character is awful and uncomfortable to watch. I, for one, am happy that the end of this character is near. It doesn't convey crazy very well, just sad and desperate, like Catherine from Desperate Housewives.
Langston from CSI. I'm I in a small minority of people that are not excited by the crossover. I will certainly watch it but if this is the plan to gain back the viewers that have left, then they should have used a different character. Maybe this could be the thing that turns it around for the character and we might get to see more depth. If not, I just feel that Laurence Fishburne should have been given a better character to work with.
Chief Webber from Grey's Anatomy. You just have to watch it to know why. He's going round sacking people and like Derek said, he needs to take some blame for the chaos he's created. I loved Arizona's scene with him on last week's episode.
I'm sure there are more but those are my main ones though Ryan from Three Rivers nearly made the list. I thought I should give it a couple of more episodes.
Saturday 31 October 2009
I Think We Have An Emergency
What can be said about the three new hospital dramas that debuted this fall? Mercy, Three Rivers and Trauma have aired to less than impressive ratings and less than favoured reviews. There was a big gap left in NBC’s schedule after ER ended; it was a mainstay in the schedule for 15 seasons. It puzzled me that NBC went for both Trauma and Mercy but hey, I’m no network exec.
I’ve watched all three of these dramas and in the case of Mercy and Trauma; I’ve already stopped watching them. With Mercy, I lasted 3 episodes and 5 minutes of episode 4. My problem with this show was that I just didn’t care. I didn’t care that one of them had issues since returning from war. I couldn’t sympathise with her or understand her to any extent. I found Michelle Trachtenberg’s character a bore and more annoying than her character in Buffy and I never thought that could ever be possible. I couldn’t find a character to route for and the storylines were boring. The show has been picked up for a full season.
What can I say about Trauma? A quote from my mother sums it up “Trauma is traumatic to watch.” The last episode I watched had someone being electrocuted, another guy’s arm cut off and a guy falling on something that went straight through his body. The show seems to be intent on finding ways to try and gross people out. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t get grossed out easily, I’ve seen four of the Saw films and will watch the latest. I don’t mind watching things like this on film, but I don’t want to see this week in and week out. It wouldn’t be such a bad problem if there was a storyline, some character development, anything to keep people interested. it seems like a mini-movie with no plot and just an aim to see how much they can spend on effects.
News came this week that NBC was to air 13 episodes but it was as good as cancelled. Someone mentioned that it would at least give it time to wrap up storylines, what storylines?
This then moves me on to Three Rivers, which I'm still watching. This is a very slow paced show and even with a storyline about a bus crash, it's still failed to ignite anything in this show. For a couple of episodes, ratings for this show haven’t been helped by extended football games but that is no excuse. The slow paced drama has one thing over the over two - three actors with a fan base. Alex O'Loughlin, Alfre Woodard and Katherine Moennig are probably keeping some viewers watching despite the show itself. In some ways, that's probably part of the reason I'm still watching it. All three of them have been part of shows that I've watched (Moonlight, Desperate Housewives and Young Americans). I feel like I'm waiting for something to happen, I'm just not sure what it is yet.
I have yet to hear of anyone with the opinion that they think Three Rivers or Trauma will get a second season. I'm not looking for an ER replacement, as I stopped watching it for the last few seasons that were aired. I just think that with medical dramas, there should be a good balance between the medicine, the characters, the story within the episode and the story within the season. I don't want a snooze fest either, just a well-written drama.
I’ve watched all three of these dramas and in the case of Mercy and Trauma; I’ve already stopped watching them. With Mercy, I lasted 3 episodes and 5 minutes of episode 4. My problem with this show was that I just didn’t care. I didn’t care that one of them had issues since returning from war. I couldn’t sympathise with her or understand her to any extent. I found Michelle Trachtenberg’s character a bore and more annoying than her character in Buffy and I never thought that could ever be possible. I couldn’t find a character to route for and the storylines were boring. The show has been picked up for a full season.
What can I say about Trauma? A quote from my mother sums it up “Trauma is traumatic to watch.” The last episode I watched had someone being electrocuted, another guy’s arm cut off and a guy falling on something that went straight through his body. The show seems to be intent on finding ways to try and gross people out. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t get grossed out easily, I’ve seen four of the Saw films and will watch the latest. I don’t mind watching things like this on film, but I don’t want to see this week in and week out. It wouldn’t be such a bad problem if there was a storyline, some character development, anything to keep people interested. it seems like a mini-movie with no plot and just an aim to see how much they can spend on effects.
News came this week that NBC was to air 13 episodes but it was as good as cancelled. Someone mentioned that it would at least give it time to wrap up storylines, what storylines?
This then moves me on to Three Rivers, which I'm still watching. This is a very slow paced show and even with a storyline about a bus crash, it's still failed to ignite anything in this show. For a couple of episodes, ratings for this show haven’t been helped by extended football games but that is no excuse. The slow paced drama has one thing over the over two - three actors with a fan base. Alex O'Loughlin, Alfre Woodard and Katherine Moennig are probably keeping some viewers watching despite the show itself. In some ways, that's probably part of the reason I'm still watching it. All three of them have been part of shows that I've watched (Moonlight, Desperate Housewives and Young Americans). I feel like I'm waiting for something to happen, I'm just not sure what it is yet.
I have yet to hear of anyone with the opinion that they think Three Rivers or Trauma will get a second season. I'm not looking for an ER replacement, as I stopped watching it for the last few seasons that were aired. I just think that with medical dramas, there should be a good balance between the medicine, the characters, the story within the episode and the story within the season. I don't want a snooze fest either, just a well-written drama.
Sunday 25 October 2009
Fav Scene of the Week - Oct 25th 09
I have to say that at first, The Middle sort of passed me by. I was watching but not immediately blown away like Modern Family but I also wasn't turned off like Hank. Episode 4 was the make or break episode for me and it made me take notice of how funny this show is.
I love the character Brick and I could have easily picked one of his scenes but I went with Frankie and Sue.
I love the character Brick and I could have easily picked one of his scenes but I went with Frankie and Sue.
Sunday 18 October 2009
Fav Scene of The Week - Oct 18th 09
One of my possible choices was Miranda Bailey's crossover from Grey's Anatomy to Private Practice. Her first scene reminded my why she is one of my favourite characters.
Instead I picked a scene with Sheldon and Raj from The Big Bang Theory. It could be seen as childish but this has me laughing every time I see it.
I do have to make a special mention to a scene from Modern Family regarding a certain song, In the Moonlight. This song has been in my head since seeing the episode and I've even purchased it off iTunes. I've included the scene from the show and an extended version of the song.
Instead I picked a scene with Sheldon and Raj from The Big Bang Theory. It could be seen as childish but this has me laughing every time I see it.
I do have to make a special mention to a scene from Modern Family regarding a certain song, In the Moonlight. This song has been in my head since seeing the episode and I've even purchased it off iTunes. I've included the scene from the show and an extended version of the song.
Sunday 11 October 2009
Fav Scene of The Week - Oct 11th 09
There were a number of candidates which were all comedies. I'm yet to find something that caught my eye in a dramatic sense, though Brother and Sisters did fly near the radar.
Possible candidates were the plane flying scene from Modern Family and Sue's Monologue from Glee. I chose a scene from The Office instead. It would have been easy for me to pick the wedding dance but I decided to chose a different dance involving Andy.
Possible candidates were the plane flying scene from Modern Family and Sue's Monologue from Glee. I chose a scene from The Office instead. It would have been easy for me to pick the wedding dance but I decided to chose a different dance involving Andy.
Tuesday 6 October 2009
Heroes...Going, Going, Gone
So it finally happened and I joined the other millions that have done the same thing. I have officially dumped Heroes. After avoiding watching the season opener for nearly two weeks, I finally sat down to watch the double episode. Day after day I had put this episode to the back of the queue watching everything else that had been aired in between. Yesterday I finally decided to just sit down and watch but only because there was nothing left to watch.
I found myself pausing constantly as I was getting bored, I just couldn't find myself interested. Halfway through the first episode, I went to get myself a drink and I had a brief chat with my mother. She had stop watching the show two episodes away from the end of last season. She asked me why I was flogging a dead horse and that it's not a new show so I shouldn't give it the same chance I was giving those (I adopted a policy if giving the new shows 3 episodes to get me interested). It got me thinking about the time I originally wanted to stop watching it until now. Two seasons and it still hasn't got any better. I got to the end of the first episode and rolled my eyes at the thought of trying to watch another two and that's when I made the decision to finally break up with the show.
I would have placed money on one of the new shows being the first to drop off my TV guide but I was wrong. It was a long time coming and I mentioned it in a post a couple of months ago. The quality of the show has declined as fast as the viewing figures and it should be given it's marching orders (as mentioned in my cancellation predictions). On Monday Trauma, which starts straight after Heroes, got more viewers (5.49m compared to 5.41m though Heroes had a better figure with the 18-49 demo).
I mean there's even a Twitter campaign to get people to stop watching it. I as well as millions of others have said goodbye to Heroes and so should NBC.
I found myself pausing constantly as I was getting bored, I just couldn't find myself interested. Halfway through the first episode, I went to get myself a drink and I had a brief chat with my mother. She had stop watching the show two episodes away from the end of last season. She asked me why I was flogging a dead horse and that it's not a new show so I shouldn't give it the same chance I was giving those (I adopted a policy if giving the new shows 3 episodes to get me interested). It got me thinking about the time I originally wanted to stop watching it until now. Two seasons and it still hasn't got any better. I got to the end of the first episode and rolled my eyes at the thought of trying to watch another two and that's when I made the decision to finally break up with the show.
I would have placed money on one of the new shows being the first to drop off my TV guide but I was wrong. It was a long time coming and I mentioned it in a post a couple of months ago. The quality of the show has declined as fast as the viewing figures and it should be given it's marching orders (as mentioned in my cancellation predictions). On Monday Trauma, which starts straight after Heroes, got more viewers (5.49m compared to 5.41m though Heroes had a better figure with the 18-49 demo).
I mean there's even a Twitter campaign to get people to stop watching it. I as well as millions of others have said goodbye to Heroes and so should NBC.
Sunday 4 October 2009
Fav Scene of The Week - Oct 4th 09
Every week I will be posting a clip of my favourite scene/s of the TV week whether they be comedic or dramatic. This week I've picked one that was funny but not from a comedy show. There were a couple of scenes from Cougar Town and Modern Family but I chose one from FlashForward instead. The scene involves Courtney B. Vance and Joseph Fiennes talking about Vance's character's flashfoward.
It was nice to see something so light-hearted in what is billed as a drama.
It was nice to see something so light-hearted in what is billed as a drama.
Saturday 26 September 2009
My Cancellation Predictions
"It lacks cohesion." A quote from the season opener of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. This is something that can be said of many shows on TV and is often thrown at new shows in particular.
I've watched most of the new shows that have been aired so far. I've taken a look at the ratings for their debut and in some cases, their second outing. I'm going to loosely predict what shows I think will be cancelled as well as predict some more established shows. The first one on my list was going to be The Beautiful Life but the plug was already pulled before I got the chance to write this.
Lets get one thing straight, though I'm predicting the following, it doesn't mean I necessarily dislike the shows that I've picked, as there are a couple that I like but still think they will be canned.
Ugly Betty - Now this hasn't even been shown yet and that is one of the points of why I feel it will be cancelled. This week ABC announced that Betty's season opener air date has changed. It was moved to Friday which is the least watched week day (I'm looking at it in terms of the highest viewed show per day). CBS so far has that night in the bag with Medium, Ghost Whisperer and Numbers. The viewers were already dwindling before this move.
Hank and The Middle - They're just not as good as ABC's other two new comedies Cougar Town and Modern Family. That and the ratings are reason enough.
Trauma/Mercy - I can't really choose between the two but I think one of them will go. My personal opinion is Mercy but Trauma had the worst debut. Not sure why NBC went for two new shows about the emergency services.
Cold Case - I like this show but there were rumours that this was up for the chop with Without A Trace and it was an either or decision. With CBS cutting costs in both primetime and daytime, I see this as one to go.
Dollhouse - Another show that I like but not enough people are watching this. It also doesn't help when SyFy's Stargate Universe and encores of shows already shown in the week get better rating numbers.
Smallville - I haven't watched this since the first season but like Ugly Betty, it has been moved to Friday. I don't see why it couldn't have been moved into The Beautiful Life's vacated spot instead of a Melrose Place rerun. These are the reasons I have this down plus the length of time it's had on air.
I've had to put the following in a separate section as if they were on any other network, I think these shows would be canned but as NBC's figures as a whole haven't been as good as CBS or ABC this week (in some cases Fox either) then it's hard to tell what they would actually get rid of.
Heroes - I really don't think I should have to explain this one as those that no longer watch it know why. It should have been cancelled last season but they persisted and gave it another go. The characters have become annoying, they've killed off some interesting and popular characters, it's lacked direction and decent story-telling and people are abandoning it fast, including many of my family and friends.
Parks and Recreation - I really like this show but it's the worst performer out of NBC's Thursday comedies.
The following ones I'm debating and could go either way depending on how they do further down the line. I won't go into my reasons, in some cases, you just have to watch them to know.
Eastwick
The Forgotten
Accidently On Purpose
Brothers
Till Death
Melrose Place
Castle
The last one I am mentioning is just what I think should end.
One Tree Hill - I think it should have ended last season as I think it was time and ended on a good note, which I mentioned in a previous post. Now it feels like they are just dragging things out. If you have to have Dan Scott married to Rachel Gatina and another Nathan may or may have cheated storyline, then you need to end it.
Obviously Lost isn't included in any of the lists, as we all know that it will be airing it's last season. I think it was good that they announced a couple of seasons ago the timeline for the show.
We shall see what shows are still on when I do this again, after the mid season shows have aired.
I've watched most of the new shows that have been aired so far. I've taken a look at the ratings for their debut and in some cases, their second outing. I'm going to loosely predict what shows I think will be cancelled as well as predict some more established shows. The first one on my list was going to be The Beautiful Life but the plug was already pulled before I got the chance to write this.
Lets get one thing straight, though I'm predicting the following, it doesn't mean I necessarily dislike the shows that I've picked, as there are a couple that I like but still think they will be canned.
Ugly Betty - Now this hasn't even been shown yet and that is one of the points of why I feel it will be cancelled. This week ABC announced that Betty's season opener air date has changed. It was moved to Friday which is the least watched week day (I'm looking at it in terms of the highest viewed show per day). CBS so far has that night in the bag with Medium, Ghost Whisperer and Numbers. The viewers were already dwindling before this move.
Hank and The Middle - They're just not as good as ABC's other two new comedies Cougar Town and Modern Family. That and the ratings are reason enough.
Trauma/Mercy - I can't really choose between the two but I think one of them will go. My personal opinion is Mercy but Trauma had the worst debut. Not sure why NBC went for two new shows about the emergency services.
Cold Case - I like this show but there were rumours that this was up for the chop with Without A Trace and it was an either or decision. With CBS cutting costs in both primetime and daytime, I see this as one to go.
Dollhouse - Another show that I like but not enough people are watching this. It also doesn't help when SyFy's Stargate Universe and encores of shows already shown in the week get better rating numbers.
Smallville - I haven't watched this since the first season but like Ugly Betty, it has been moved to Friday. I don't see why it couldn't have been moved into The Beautiful Life's vacated spot instead of a Melrose Place rerun. These are the reasons I have this down plus the length of time it's had on air.
I've had to put the following in a separate section as if they were on any other network, I think these shows would be canned but as NBC's figures as a whole haven't been as good as CBS or ABC this week (in some cases Fox either) then it's hard to tell what they would actually get rid of.
Heroes - I really don't think I should have to explain this one as those that no longer watch it know why. It should have been cancelled last season but they persisted and gave it another go. The characters have become annoying, they've killed off some interesting and popular characters, it's lacked direction and decent story-telling and people are abandoning it fast, including many of my family and friends.
Parks and Recreation - I really like this show but it's the worst performer out of NBC's Thursday comedies.
The following ones I'm debating and could go either way depending on how they do further down the line. I won't go into my reasons, in some cases, you just have to watch them to know.
Eastwick
The Forgotten
Accidently On Purpose
Brothers
Till Death
Melrose Place
Castle
The last one I am mentioning is just what I think should end.
One Tree Hill - I think it should have ended last season as I think it was time and ended on a good note, which I mentioned in a previous post. Now it feels like they are just dragging things out. If you have to have Dan Scott married to Rachel Gatina and another Nathan may or may have cheated storyline, then you need to end it.
Obviously Lost isn't included in any of the lists, as we all know that it will be airing it's last season. I think it was good that they announced a couple of seasons ago the timeline for the show.
We shall see what shows are still on when I do this again, after the mid season shows have aired.
Not A Beautiful Life In The End
Before September has even ended and all the new fall shows were even given their first outing, we have already seen the first casualty. According to reports, The CW has cancelled The Beautiful Life after only two episodes.
The first episode managed to pull in around 1.4 million but the second episode struggled with 1 million. More than half of the viewers from it's lead in show, America's Next Top Model, decided to tune out of The CW. As somebody wrote, people seemed to be more interested in Tyra Banks trying to make a model than a show about models. To put it more into context, more people follow it's co producer, Ashton Kutcher, on Twitter than the combined ratings of both episodes.
I struggled to even write anything coherent about the first episode of The Beautiful Life so I was eager to see if any kind of reaction would come from episode two. With a build up of returning shows aired this week, I had put TBL aside to watch at the weekend. Before I had the chance to watch it, my mother told me that my prediction was right. After the ratings were released for Wednesday's shows I thought that it would be the first show to receive the chop.
Yes the ratings were poor but I think what made The CW act so quickly was probably the success of The Vampire Diaries. The network had already announced this week that they have ordered new scripts of Diaries, Melrose Place and given One Tree Hill a 22 episode order.
Melrose Place has also had less than flattering rating figures but only time will tell if this or another show will be next on the chopping block.
The first episode managed to pull in around 1.4 million but the second episode struggled with 1 million. More than half of the viewers from it's lead in show, America's Next Top Model, decided to tune out of The CW. As somebody wrote, people seemed to be more interested in Tyra Banks trying to make a model than a show about models. To put it more into context, more people follow it's co producer, Ashton Kutcher, on Twitter than the combined ratings of both episodes.
I struggled to even write anything coherent about the first episode of The Beautiful Life so I was eager to see if any kind of reaction would come from episode two. With a build up of returning shows aired this week, I had put TBL aside to watch at the weekend. Before I had the chance to watch it, my mother told me that my prediction was right. After the ratings were released for Wednesday's shows I thought that it would be the first show to receive the chop.
Yes the ratings were poor but I think what made The CW act so quickly was probably the success of The Vampire Diaries. The network had already announced this week that they have ordered new scripts of Diaries, Melrose Place and given One Tree Hill a 22 episode order.
Melrose Place has also had less than flattering rating figures but only time will tell if this or another show will be next on the chopping block.
Tuesday 22 September 2009
Version 2.0
The popular thing amongst the TV networks seems to be bringing back things to life. Whether it be an old TV show or a film, networks are looking to the past for their future shows.
With CBS resurrecting Hawaii Five O and a number of shows either in the pipeline or already showing, it seems that networks are running out of fresh ideas. Why the case for all the reboots?
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Dawn Ostroff was quoted as saying "When you do a remake you have built-in fan base and that's a huge advantage for us." But as we know in some cases, a fan base for an old show doesn't guarantee success now. All you have to do is look at the ratings for Melrose Place and 90210. Granted that they are both on The CW but even so, they aren't the most popular shows. Another case, Knightrider didn't last too long on the air. I never watched it myself as I couldn't see myself watching a pale imitation of a show I used to watch as a kid.
You can compare the reboots to a band reforming or giving an old relationship another go. Sometimes the chemistry just isn't there, things are forced and you're going through the motions. With the reboots, they seem to have more to prove than a new show would because everyone is keen to see where things go and what old characters come back. Sometimes when you bring old characters back, it can take things away from the new ones. Then there are some cases where you just don't care about the new characters. Where do you find the balance?
The latest news this week was that William H Macy was going to be in the US version of the hit UK show Shameless. These kinds of reboots at times fail to do anything. Kath and Kim didn't work out last year. To me the US version just wasn't as funny as the Australian version. I won't even mention Coupling's demise. There is always an exception to the rule and in these types of reboots; it would be The Office, which is currently in its sixth series. It isn't as easy to find a TV gem these days.
With a couple of the new shows that are to air, I've never had the opportunity to watch their predecessor. I didn't even realise that V would fall into this category. Even though there might be many reboots, some are just a completely new show to me.
With CBS resurrecting Hawaii Five O and a number of shows either in the pipeline or already showing, it seems that networks are running out of fresh ideas. Why the case for all the reboots?
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Dawn Ostroff was quoted as saying "When you do a remake you have built-in fan base and that's a huge advantage for us." But as we know in some cases, a fan base for an old show doesn't guarantee success now. All you have to do is look at the ratings for Melrose Place and 90210. Granted that they are both on The CW but even so, they aren't the most popular shows. Another case, Knightrider didn't last too long on the air. I never watched it myself as I couldn't see myself watching a pale imitation of a show I used to watch as a kid.
You can compare the reboots to a band reforming or giving an old relationship another go. Sometimes the chemistry just isn't there, things are forced and you're going through the motions. With the reboots, they seem to have more to prove than a new show would because everyone is keen to see where things go and what old characters come back. Sometimes when you bring old characters back, it can take things away from the new ones. Then there are some cases where you just don't care about the new characters. Where do you find the balance?
The latest news this week was that William H Macy was going to be in the US version of the hit UK show Shameless. These kinds of reboots at times fail to do anything. Kath and Kim didn't work out last year. To me the US version just wasn't as funny as the Australian version. I won't even mention Coupling's demise. There is always an exception to the rule and in these types of reboots; it would be The Office, which is currently in its sixth series. It isn't as easy to find a TV gem these days.
With a couple of the new shows that are to air, I've never had the opportunity to watch their predecessor. I didn't even realise that V would fall into this category. Even though there might be many reboots, some are just a completely new show to me.
Friday 18 September 2009
The Light Has Gone Out
The longest running scripted show in broadcast history aired it's last episode on Friday 18th September 2009. It's hard to think that something has lasted for the amount of time that this show has clocked up. 72 years, which includes its birth on radio.
Let's start with CBS pimping out their new daytime schedule without Guiding Light straight after airing As The World Turns. I found it in poor taste to do it before the final nail was even on the casket.
They didn't even show a full set of credits, seeing as it was the last broadcast. To fully list those that worked on the show would have been great.
Lots of people have commented on it was great that certain characters got to have their happy ending but I'm going to comment a couple of things that really got to me. Did there have to be so many weddings in such a short space of time?
Though I think Remy and Christina are cute, but why did they have to waste precious time with them having to get married for the third (fourth, I've lost count) time in less than a year. This time could could have been used to develop/finish other story lines. With scenes being short they seriously didn't need to add in this extra element to the couple. They should have just had them announce their pregnancy to Mel and be done. It perplexed me even more when having read the preview of an episode from CBS' site that there was to be a Doris and Olivia scene, I tuned in to see that the scene wasn't even aired.
Another point was why did everything seem so rushed in the last couple of weeks. The cancellation news came on April 1st and according to an interview with Jordan Clarke (Billy Lewis) they were told in May that there was a 1% chance of the show being picked up by another network and filming ended in August. I'm not a maths genius but there was a little bit of time to sort some stories out properly. This then moves to my next point.
What the hell was with the Jeffrey and Edmund storyline and are they still playing a game of cat and mouse in the one year jump. What was the point of this storyline again other than to keep Jeffrey away from Reva and Dinah away from Shayne. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a Jeffrey or Reva fan but I did liked Dinah and Shayne. Plus didn't the scene with Shayne and Marina in the jump scream awkward.
The next thing I'm only gonna touch on briefly, the non Otalia kiss. Yes they should have kissed when everybody else was doing it but this is the thing that bugged me even more. Olivia was allowed to give Doris and Reva a platonic kiss on the cheek but two scenes of Olivia kissing Natalia on the cheek were cut. CBS and P&G have allowed Luke and Noah to kiss on As The World Turns (apparently there was a kissing ban but I won't comment on as I don't know the facts). So why wasn't Otalia allowed - something doesn't quite add up.
I don't know the full Guiding Light history or even past the last few years but it would have been great to see some of the historic characters coming back a little earlier and have more than a couple of minutes on the canvass.
I'm not normally a fan of soaps but this year I became a fan of this show. There was something different about this over the other US soaps that are currently airing. Maybe because it felt more like the soaps produced in the UK or maybe it was the build up of certain story lines and characters (loved Bill, Lizzie and Phillip). It was definitely a sad day for this historic soap and I felt it was fitting for the scene involving Reva and Josh did feature a lighthouse in the background.
So long and farewell. It's a good thing some episodes are online to relive.
Let's start with CBS pimping out their new daytime schedule without Guiding Light straight after airing As The World Turns. I found it in poor taste to do it before the final nail was even on the casket.
They didn't even show a full set of credits, seeing as it was the last broadcast. To fully list those that worked on the show would have been great.
Lots of people have commented on it was great that certain characters got to have their happy ending but I'm going to comment a couple of things that really got to me. Did there have to be so many weddings in such a short space of time?
Though I think Remy and Christina are cute, but why did they have to waste precious time with them having to get married for the third (fourth, I've lost count) time in less than a year. This time could could have been used to develop/finish other story lines. With scenes being short they seriously didn't need to add in this extra element to the couple. They should have just had them announce their pregnancy to Mel and be done. It perplexed me even more when having read the preview of an episode from CBS' site that there was to be a Doris and Olivia scene, I tuned in to see that the scene wasn't even aired.
Another point was why did everything seem so rushed in the last couple of weeks. The cancellation news came on April 1st and according to an interview with Jordan Clarke (Billy Lewis) they were told in May that there was a 1% chance of the show being picked up by another network and filming ended in August. I'm not a maths genius but there was a little bit of time to sort some stories out properly. This then moves to my next point.
What the hell was with the Jeffrey and Edmund storyline and are they still playing a game of cat and mouse in the one year jump. What was the point of this storyline again other than to keep Jeffrey away from Reva and Dinah away from Shayne. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a Jeffrey or Reva fan but I did liked Dinah and Shayne. Plus didn't the scene with Shayne and Marina in the jump scream awkward.
The next thing I'm only gonna touch on briefly, the non Otalia kiss. Yes they should have kissed when everybody else was doing it but this is the thing that bugged me even more. Olivia was allowed to give Doris and Reva a platonic kiss on the cheek but two scenes of Olivia kissing Natalia on the cheek were cut. CBS and P&G have allowed Luke and Noah to kiss on As The World Turns (apparently there was a kissing ban but I won't comment on as I don't know the facts). So why wasn't Otalia allowed - something doesn't quite add up.
I don't know the full Guiding Light history or even past the last few years but it would have been great to see some of the historic characters coming back a little earlier and have more than a couple of minutes on the canvass.
I'm not normally a fan of soaps but this year I became a fan of this show. There was something different about this over the other US soaps that are currently airing. Maybe because it felt more like the soaps produced in the UK or maybe it was the build up of certain story lines and characters (loved Bill, Lizzie and Phillip). It was definitely a sad day for this historic soap and I felt it was fitting for the scene involving Reva and Josh did feature a lighthouse in the background.
So long and farewell. It's a good thing some episodes are online to relive.
Wednesday 16 September 2009
Is Life Really That Beautiful?
So Mischa Barton is back on television in The Beautiful Life (not saying it's a good or bad thing). After her character was killed off in Fox's The OC, she has been more known for her life off camera than what work she's been doing. I can't really name anything other than her appearance in St Trinian's and a movie that had something to do with the pop duo Tatu.
The Beautiful Life is co-produced by Ashton Kutcher and also features Elle Macphearson and Corbin Bleu (though I didn't recognise him). It all centres around the world of modelling and the different sides of it. Every model has their own story and some have secrets.
I wasn't sure if I wanted to watch a drama about the model life and I'm still not sure. I can't say that I went away with with this overwhelming need to watch the next episode but I also can't say that I'm not completely turning myself away from it. The episode didn't draw in even half of what The Vampire Diaries got.
I really don't have many words for this as it really didn't render a reaction from me. I actually struggled to write this because I didn't have anything to say. If it was really good then I would heaping praise about everything and if it was bad then I would go into one but I have nothing. Maybe episode two might give me a response.
The Beautiful Life is co-produced by Ashton Kutcher and also features Elle Macphearson and Corbin Bleu (though I didn't recognise him). It all centres around the world of modelling and the different sides of it. Every model has their own story and some have secrets.
I wasn't sure if I wanted to watch a drama about the model life and I'm still not sure. I can't say that I went away with with this overwhelming need to watch the next episode but I also can't say that I'm not completely turning myself away from it. The episode didn't draw in even half of what The Vampire Diaries got.
I really don't have many words for this as it really didn't render a reaction from me. I actually struggled to write this because I didn't have anything to say. If it was really good then I would heaping praise about everything and if it was bad then I would go into one but I have nothing. Maybe episode two might give me a response.
A Tree Hill Too Far?
To say I was looking forward to the seventh series would be a lie. I had many questions when I heard that it was coming back for another season but the main one was, where do they go from here.
I wasn’t thinking the best as, in my mind, this would be the moment that one of my top five shows would be bumped off the list.
The main reason for this is I think the season six ender should have been the series ender. Everything seemed to come together in that episode, barring the limbo that Dan Scott was left in. It felt right to me to end it on that note plus sometimes if you continue something for too long then they tend to lose what good about them.
Had a moment of deja vu with Millie's first scene, as it was reminiscent of Brooke's scene in season five when Millie was her assistant, this time Millie is the one with an assistant. At first it made me chuckle but then I asked how far has it moved now.
I know that there was another time jump between the series so where was everyone going to be now. I’m not going into the whole episode but I’m touching upon one thing. Something was missing and that was two of the five main characters over the past six seasons, Lucas and Peyton.
Let's start with no mention of Lucas or Peyton in the previously section. Was it because they wanted a clean slate, money (not sure if they would have to pay the actors if they showed them) or something else?
First mention of Peyton was that she was gone (which we knew) but there was no elaboration. Next mention was Lucas and a birthday note for Jamie, still no explanation. Third mention was regarding Peyton and her famous 'people always leave' line. Mention four was in a conversation between Jamie and Nathan regarding Lucas and basketball. Mention five was a snide comment regarding Peyton choosing motherhood over her record label. Now I do have to give them their dues for not completely wiping the slate of these characters but there could have been something else.
The same question I came with before the start is the same one I left with. Where did Lucas, Peyton and Sawyer go?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a fan of the couple (Leyton or Pucas however people want to call them) but they were part of what made me like the show. Their dynamics with the characters I actually like. Lucas and Nathan’s rivalry turned into sibling understanding, Haley and Lucas’s friendship that showed that there are male and female friendships that are purely platonic and the longstanding friendship between Brooke and Peyton, which went through their share of ups and downs.
Now we are left with the Haley, Nathan and Brooke dynamic. There is a Haley and Brooke dynamic that works but we’ve never really been treated to a Brooke and Nathan friendship (there was a brief moment they shared before Q’s funeral and I’m not counting when they hooked up in high school). With the new characters coming in, I feel like I have to get to know the established characters over again because the new characters will be bringing a different side of them. The main example is the introduction of Haley’s sister Quinn, which is a completely different dynamic to what Haley, has with the other sister we’ve seen, Taylor.
With that, the newbies have their own story to tell which in time shall be revealed but I leave with this thought, how on earth did Dan Scott get on television?
I wasn’t thinking the best as, in my mind, this would be the moment that one of my top five shows would be bumped off the list.
The main reason for this is I think the season six ender should have been the series ender. Everything seemed to come together in that episode, barring the limbo that Dan Scott was left in. It felt right to me to end it on that note plus sometimes if you continue something for too long then they tend to lose what good about them.
Had a moment of deja vu with Millie's first scene, as it was reminiscent of Brooke's scene in season five when Millie was her assistant, this time Millie is the one with an assistant. At first it made me chuckle but then I asked how far has it moved now.
I know that there was another time jump between the series so where was everyone going to be now. I’m not going into the whole episode but I’m touching upon one thing. Something was missing and that was two of the five main characters over the past six seasons, Lucas and Peyton.
Let's start with no mention of Lucas or Peyton in the previously section. Was it because they wanted a clean slate, money (not sure if they would have to pay the actors if they showed them) or something else?
First mention of Peyton was that she was gone (which we knew) but there was no elaboration. Next mention was Lucas and a birthday note for Jamie, still no explanation. Third mention was regarding Peyton and her famous 'people always leave' line. Mention four was in a conversation between Jamie and Nathan regarding Lucas and basketball. Mention five was a snide comment regarding Peyton choosing motherhood over her record label. Now I do have to give them their dues for not completely wiping the slate of these characters but there could have been something else.
The same question I came with before the start is the same one I left with. Where did Lucas, Peyton and Sawyer go?
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a fan of the couple (Leyton or Pucas however people want to call them) but they were part of what made me like the show. Their dynamics with the characters I actually like. Lucas and Nathan’s rivalry turned into sibling understanding, Haley and Lucas’s friendship that showed that there are male and female friendships that are purely platonic and the longstanding friendship between Brooke and Peyton, which went through their share of ups and downs.
Now we are left with the Haley, Nathan and Brooke dynamic. There is a Haley and Brooke dynamic that works but we’ve never really been treated to a Brooke and Nathan friendship (there was a brief moment they shared before Q’s funeral and I’m not counting when they hooked up in high school). With the new characters coming in, I feel like I have to get to know the established characters over again because the new characters will be bringing a different side of them. The main example is the introduction of Haley’s sister Quinn, which is a completely different dynamic to what Haley, has with the other sister we’ve seen, Taylor.
With that, the newbies have their own story to tell which in time shall be revealed but I leave with this thought, how on earth did Dan Scott get on television?
Saturday 12 September 2009
Taking a Huge Bite
The Vampire Diaries' first episode drew in the biggest audience for a debut, for the CW, with 4.8m viewers. With an opening that let's you know that this isn't your ordinary teen show, it sets itself apart from the off.
Many have called it the Twilight of TV but for me that's an unfair comparison. There were vampire stories before Twilight and there will be more after. Let's not forget that Buffy The Vampire Slayer was popular with the teen market. With Twilight being the hot commodity at the moment, it was obvious that comparisons would be made.
Both are based on books but unlike Twilight, I've not read any of the books so I come with no pre conceptions of what to expect.
Having seen Nina Dobrev on Degrassi: The Next Generation, for the past couple of years, I wasn't expecting much as she played one of my least favourite characters. I was pleasantly surprised by her performance and the episode. Other than the interactions between Stefan and Elena, I was also intrigued by the dynamics between their respective siblings. The contrast between them makes for some good and interesting scenes and I hope this will play well throughout the whole season.
Many have called it the Twilight of TV but for me that's an unfair comparison. There were vampire stories before Twilight and there will be more after. Let's not forget that Buffy The Vampire Slayer was popular with the teen market. With Twilight being the hot commodity at the moment, it was obvious that comparisons would be made.
Both are based on books but unlike Twilight, I've not read any of the books so I come with no pre conceptions of what to expect.
Having seen Nina Dobrev on Degrassi: The Next Generation, for the past couple of years, I wasn't expecting much as she played one of my least favourite characters. I was pleasantly surprised by her performance and the episode. Other than the interactions between Stefan and Elena, I was also intrigued by the dynamics between their respective siblings. The contrast between them makes for some good and interesting scenes and I hope this will play well throughout the whole season.
Tuesday 4 August 2009
A Warehouse of Slow Proportion
I've stopped myself from commenting on this show on purpose. The main reason was that I found the pilot hard to watch and at times I stopped paying attention, or stopped it to leave the room. I just found myself easily distracted while it was on. Maybe it was the length of the first episode or the slow pace they had taken. If you asked me what happened in the episode, then I won't be able to tell you anything past the wish pot (or whatever it was).
The one thing that I did decide was that I wasn't going to give up on the show that easily. There have been many times that I've initially wrote a show off by its first episode and a couple of seasons later I come back to it and love it. Examples of this are One Tree Hill, House, New Adventures of Old Christine and 30 Rock. It is definitely my rule from now on to try and give a show more than one episode of my time, though I threw that rule out the window briefly with Hung.
Two more episodes down the line and I see that it might be worth watching a couple more episodes. There is potential but it does seem like it's still moving at a slow pace. I'm waiting for that episode which makes me think it's found its feet. I liken it to the first couple of episodes of Dollhouse, where they were trying to establish the show and then bam, one episode got people talking.
The relationship of Pete Lattimer and Myka Bering was bound to be compared to others like Mulder and Scully and Brennan and Booth but I don't think that would be fair. The chemistry in X-Files and Bones is undeniable between the two main characters and any show, like this, with a male and female lead is unfortunately going to be compared to things of that standard. My opinion is that the show shouldn't try to recreate what those shows have but not let it become an uncomfortable element for us to sit through. There are many shows where you can tell that there is either no chemistry or the actors are uncomfortable and awkward.
The one thing that I did decide was that I wasn't going to give up on the show that easily. There have been many times that I've initially wrote a show off by its first episode and a couple of seasons later I come back to it and love it. Examples of this are One Tree Hill, House, New Adventures of Old Christine and 30 Rock. It is definitely my rule from now on to try and give a show more than one episode of my time, though I threw that rule out the window briefly with Hung.
Two more episodes down the line and I see that it might be worth watching a couple more episodes. There is potential but it does seem like it's still moving at a slow pace. I'm waiting for that episode which makes me think it's found its feet. I liken it to the first couple of episodes of Dollhouse, where they were trying to establish the show and then bam, one episode got people talking.
The relationship of Pete Lattimer and Myka Bering was bound to be compared to others like Mulder and Scully and Brennan and Booth but I don't think that would be fair. The chemistry in X-Files and Bones is undeniable between the two main characters and any show, like this, with a male and female lead is unfortunately going to be compared to things of that standard. My opinion is that the show shouldn't try to recreate what those shows have but not let it become an uncomfortable element for us to sit through. There are many shows where you can tell that there is either no chemistry or the actors are uncomfortable and awkward.
Monday 27 July 2009
10 Things or Less
I'm not sure that I came to this with an objective view. I've seen the movie and own it, though I haven't yet been able to watch it for a couple of years. People might have thought that this was because of the death of Heath Ledger but it's partly because I bought it on VHS and I no longer have a working player.
That being said, I was trying to give the TV show a fair crack of the whip and judge it as a standalone teen show. Well first of I don't see a point to this being turned from a film into a TV show. I'm sure there a way they could have done a teen show without having it tied to the movie. Though the name would give it publicity, not being tied to the film would give it a chance without having it hang over their head. Comparisons will be made, regardless of it being intentional or not.
I wasn't overly impressed by the performances and frankly there could come up with something else to show on ABC Family. I have the next two episodes sitting, waiting for me to watch and I'll eventually get round to it but I can't see myself watching the series in its entirety. I don't think it offers anything new to the table and there are other teen shows going, that I don't necessarily watch. I guess being shown in the summer will prevent it from being drowned if it was shown any other time of the year
That being said, I was trying to give the TV show a fair crack of the whip and judge it as a standalone teen show. Well first of I don't see a point to this being turned from a film into a TV show. I'm sure there a way they could have done a teen show without having it tied to the movie. Though the name would give it publicity, not being tied to the film would give it a chance without having it hang over their head. Comparisons will be made, regardless of it being intentional or not.
I wasn't overly impressed by the performances and frankly there could come up with something else to show on ABC Family. I have the next two episodes sitting, waiting for me to watch and I'll eventually get round to it but I can't see myself watching the series in its entirety. I don't think it offers anything new to the table and there are other teen shows going, that I don't necessarily watch. I guess being shown in the summer will prevent it from being drowned if it was shown any other time of the year
Sunday 26 July 2009
The End of The Light
I just wanted to make a quick mention to the news that Guiding Light hasn't managed to find a new home and will definitely come to its broadcasting end on September 18th. It's hard to think of anything lasting over 70 years but this show has. I haven't grown up with it like other viewers have but over the past few months, this show has come to be a huge part of my television viewing.
I will never learn the full history of the show and some of that history is making appearances as the show counts down to its last broadcast.
People have complained about the "production model" which seems alien to me as I'm used to this way being prominent in British soaps. It gives it the realism that you can't get in a studio. Sometimes the outside can be a distraction, like flying aeroplanes but sometimes filming outside can help produce and enhance beautiful scenes.
I didn't get the chance to see the transition that the show had to make but having seen a couple months worth of episodes from 2005, I can say that I prefer how its being shot now.
Over the past couple of weeks, there have been a couple of things have made me wonder about where they were going with things like Who killed Edmund or whoever that body is and how does one kill with a baby stroller.
Saying that some story lines have shown the talents of people that I was never aware of until now - Kim Zimmer, Crystal Chappell, Jeff Branson, Robert Newman, Gina Tognoni, Jessica Leccia and Grant Aleksander. The only person that I knew of before watching Guiding Light was Daniel Cosgrove from his time on Beverly Hills 90210 and the film Van Wilder. What I do know is that I shall remember them and they might even make me watch other soaps, if they, like Crystal Chappell find another soap to work on.
I will never learn the full history of the show and some of that history is making appearances as the show counts down to its last broadcast.
People have complained about the "production model" which seems alien to me as I'm used to this way being prominent in British soaps. It gives it the realism that you can't get in a studio. Sometimes the outside can be a distraction, like flying aeroplanes but sometimes filming outside can help produce and enhance beautiful scenes.
I didn't get the chance to see the transition that the show had to make but having seen a couple months worth of episodes from 2005, I can say that I prefer how its being shot now.
Over the past couple of weeks, there have been a couple of things have made me wonder about where they were going with things like Who killed Edmund or whoever that body is and how does one kill with a baby stroller.
Saying that some story lines have shown the talents of people that I was never aware of until now - Kim Zimmer, Crystal Chappell, Jeff Branson, Robert Newman, Gina Tognoni, Jessica Leccia and Grant Aleksander. The only person that I knew of before watching Guiding Light was Daniel Cosgrove from his time on Beverly Hills 90210 and the film Van Wilder. What I do know is that I shall remember them and they might even make me watch other soaps, if they, like Crystal Chappell find another soap to work on.
Thursday 2 July 2009
Unusual and Unpopular
The Unusuals was one of the few new shows cancelled that I actually enjoyed and I should say still enjoy. Though it hasn't been renewed, I'm glad that the remaining episodes were shown.
I thought that there was a niche that this show could capitalize on, but I, and the people behind it were wrong. Maybe this kind of show would have been better served on a cable network, who knows.
The dynamic between Adam Goldberg and Harold Perrineau as Detectives Delahoy and Banks make me laugh especially as Delahoy has been told he has a brain tumour but won't get treatment and Banks constantly wears a bulletproof vest as he has turned 42 and his father, uncle and grandfather died at that age. Their contrasting dilemmas are part of what makes their dysfunctional dynamic work.
I'm not big at watching cop shows, as they usually use some of the same principles used in previous shows but part of what drew me to this show is the fact that its not a straight out, hard hitting drama and the light relief kept me interested. It's a shame that this wasn't given another chance.
I thought that there was a niche that this show could capitalize on, but I, and the people behind it were wrong. Maybe this kind of show would have been better served on a cable network, who knows.
The dynamic between Adam Goldberg and Harold Perrineau as Detectives Delahoy and Banks make me laugh especially as Delahoy has been told he has a brain tumour but won't get treatment and Banks constantly wears a bulletproof vest as he has turned 42 and his father, uncle and grandfather died at that age. Their contrasting dilemmas are part of what makes their dysfunctional dynamic work.
I'm not big at watching cop shows, as they usually use some of the same principles used in previous shows but part of what drew me to this show is the fact that its not a straight out, hard hitting drama and the light relief kept me interested. It's a shame that this wasn't given another chance.
Wednesday 24 June 2009
Are They Still Heroes?
The networks have put out there fall schedules and I for one know what shows will be on my schedule. One show that I'm still debating on watching is Heroes. I have stayed loyal to this show even when people I know had abandoned it but having finally watched the last two episodes, and it took me a month to even want to see what happened, it didn't have me excited.
I believe that I should have stopped watching it a year ago but I'm not sure why I haven't. I think that there is some secret hope that it might get better. Sometimes I like to see where things are going and how they play out but I'm running out of patience.
The return of Bryan Fuller was meant to rejuvenate it and some people thought it had. To me, I don't think he had enough episodes in the arc to impact my opinion as I think I was too far gone to be brought back. With news breaking that he has quit the show again, what does it mean for the direction of the next chapter. With dwindling viewers and constant criticism, would this be one of the shows that we might not see at the Upfronts come May 2010. Maybe they should do what Lost has done and set a time frame to end it. This might actually help as it can give it some sort of direction, which at times seems to be lacking. It will now be up against the more popular House and Dancing with the Stars, so I see it losing more viewers instead of gaining then. Only time will tell.
I believe that I should have stopped watching it a year ago but I'm not sure why I haven't. I think that there is some secret hope that it might get better. Sometimes I like to see where things are going and how they play out but I'm running out of patience.
The return of Bryan Fuller was meant to rejuvenate it and some people thought it had. To me, I don't think he had enough episodes in the arc to impact my opinion as I think I was too far gone to be brought back. With news breaking that he has quit the show again, what does it mean for the direction of the next chapter. With dwindling viewers and constant criticism, would this be one of the shows that we might not see at the Upfronts come May 2010. Maybe they should do what Lost has done and set a time frame to end it. This might actually help as it can give it some sort of direction, which at times seems to be lacking. It will now be up against the more popular House and Dancing with the Stars, so I see it losing more viewers instead of gaining then. Only time will tell.
Wednesday 17 June 2009
A Daytime Emmy Performance for 2010
I'm not going to go too much into anything about the Daytime Emmy's as I'm no expert on it and this year will be the first time I shall have any interest in it. I do however want to talk about one nominee and that's EJ Bonilla. I have not seen that much of his work so I can't comment on his nomination for this year but I do want to throw him into the hat for a nomination for next year.
I would also throw in Crystal Chappell and Jessica Leccia for nominations too (not sure why they aren't this year though the former made the prenoms).
The whole Otalia storyline has brought out some brilliant performances but Bonilla's performance on Monday 15th recently had me enthralled. The way he played Rafe's reaction, to finding out his mother is in a relationship with a woman, stole this episode for me.
I'm sure his reaction is true to life and one of many ways the writers could have taken it. It's a real truth to what many people face everyday and Bonilla did a fine job in this episode, bringing that to light.
I would also throw in Crystal Chappell and Jessica Leccia for nominations too (not sure why they aren't this year though the former made the prenoms).
The whole Otalia storyline has brought out some brilliant performances but Bonilla's performance on Monday 15th recently had me enthralled. The way he played Rafe's reaction, to finding out his mother is in a relationship with a woman, stole this episode for me.
I'm sure his reaction is true to life and one of many ways the writers could have taken it. It's a real truth to what many people face everyday and Bonilla did a fine job in this episode, bringing that to light.
Keeping The Light
I am recent fan of Guiding Light. The first time I saw anything about it was when I walked past my mother watching a clip on YouTube regarding the Ava/Bill/Remy and baby Max story. I didn't really think about it much until a few months later I came across two interest clips, also on YouTube. One was Buzz and Alan fighting, leading up to them both having a heart attack and the other was the famous "Two Mommies" presentation. Both had me in complete stitches and I knew I had to watch more and I have been hooked every since.
Like every other network and lets be frank, most businesses, CBS has made some cuts and shows like Without A Trace and Guiding Light have been axed. There is no comparison to Guiding Light as its been broadcast for decades, but having watched both British and American soaps, whether once or for years, Guiding Light is the only one I'm watching and I'm excited to watch. In fact it has me more excited then some of the dramas or comedies out there.
I never realised how many people that I like or watch on things today have passed through GL, including the legend that is Joan Collins.
I will continue to watch it up till its run ends on CBS on Friday 18th September and I shall keep following if it gets picked up by another network; hoping they make it more accessible to international followers.
Like every other network and lets be frank, most businesses, CBS has made some cuts and shows like Without A Trace and Guiding Light have been axed. There is no comparison to Guiding Light as its been broadcast for decades, but having watched both British and American soaps, whether once or for years, Guiding Light is the only one I'm watching and I'm excited to watch. In fact it has me more excited then some of the dramas or comedies out there.
I never realised how many people that I like or watch on things today have passed through GL, including the legend that is Joan Collins.
I will continue to watch it up till its run ends on CBS on Friday 18th September and I shall keep following if it gets picked up by another network; hoping they make it more accessible to international followers.
Tuesday 16 June 2009
Paging Nurse Jackie
I'm still to cast an opinion on Nurse Jackie yet and I've managed to watch three episodes now. The good news is that I shall watch a fourth but I'm not sure how I feel about it. I'm one of the few that has never watched The Sopranos, in fact I've never watched anything that Edie Falco has been in so I had no expectations. I came into this quite blind; just saw that a new show was starting and I wanted to give it a try while I wait for the main bulk of shows come back in September.
Also starring is Peter Facinelli (from Twilight and Jennie Garth's husband). My knowledge on the others that are in this is pretty slim. The show is built as a dark comedy and it's still trying to find its feet where this is concerned.
There is something about her character that has me intrigued that I can't quite put my finger on. Maybe it's some of the lengths that she goes to, pushing the ethical boundary or her double life. Whatever it is, I shall keep with this.
Showtime is already pleased, with a over 1 million viewers for the first episode, they have immediately renewed it for a second season.
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