These Globes Fall Flat

It's that time of year again. No, not Christmas or Chanukah or and other holiday-type event. Now begins Award Season for Film and Television. That's right, the nominations for the 65th Annual Golden Globes (chosen by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association) were revealed today. It is one of the few ceremonies that acknowledge both motion pictures and television.

The nominees in the film categories I pretty much agree with (although it would have been nice to see Ben Affleck nominated for his directorial debut of Gone Baby Gone). Kudos to TV alums Tom Hanks (Bosom Buddies), George Clooney (ER), Denzel Washington (St. Elsewhere), Jerry Seinfeld (Seinfeld), Johnny Depp (21 Jump Street), John Travolta (Welcome Back, Kotter), Aaron Sorkin amongst other things, The West Wing), Steven Spielberg (Night Gallery, Duel and Band of Brothers, to name a few) AND the Queen of Apparently Everything Oprah Winfrey (no explanation needed).

The honorees for the small screen held quite a few surprises, both good and bad. On the plus side, cable programs dominated the nominations. Newbies to the party AMC's Mad Men, FX's Damages and SHO's Californication did well in all categories as did the broadcast network freshman series Pushing Daisies. Hugh Laurie (House) was the lone competitor from network TV to make the grade for Lead Actor in a Drama Series. This leads to one of the problems this year: the snubs. What happened to any recognition (whether for the show or the actors) for Lost or Heroes? What about the triumverate from Grey's Anatomy of Ellen Pompeo, Patrick Dempsey and Chandra Wilson?

However, the biggest atrocity (which continues to occur every year) is the fact that the supporting categories combine television series, miniseries and made for TV movies. If the Hollywood Foreign Press deems it necessary to separate the film categories into Drama and Comedy, at least they could separate the supporting actors of series from those of TV movies and miniseries. Would that really be so much to ask?

Keeping Viewers on Their Toes

I am the first to admit that I am not really a huge fan of "reality TV," which could be a problem if the WGA strike goes on for a long time. However, the show that has me riveted to my seat every week is Dancing with the Stars. I have watched this show since it first aired in the U.S. in the summer of 2005. And while there has been some controversy in each of the installments (Season 1: Kelly Monaco's surprising win over John O'Hurley; Season 2: Stacey Keibler NOT making it to the finals; Season3: Sara Evans quits for personal reasons; Season 4: Judge Bruno Tonioli goes overboard in his critique of Billy Ray Cyrus and turns the sweet-natured singer into an pissed-off performer), none has been as shocking as Season 5.

To begin, this season has had the best level of celebrity dancers on the whole. So many of them are so good that it really is anybody's guess as to whom will waltz off with the trophy. News of Note 1: Season 2 champ Drew Lachey fills in for co-host Samantha Harris, who just had her first baby. NoN 2: Jennie Garth and Derek Hough have a close encounter when he steps on her dress at the end of the number, causing her to fall. NoN3: Jane Seymour misses the results show upon learning that her mother passed away in England. NoN 4: After opening the show, Marie Osmond passes out while awaiting the judges' critique and scores. NoN 5: Jane Seymour misses another results show due to food poisoning, but she makes it to the next week, leading to the biggest shocker of the season AND the series! NoN 6: Heavily-favored to win, Cheetah Girls Sabrina Bryan has her last dance with professional partner Mark Ballas (although the two have begun dating since their ousting). There hasn't been this much uproar over a reality-show result since Chris Daughtry got booted off American Idol! NoN7: Marie Osmond misses the results show due to her father passing away.

They couldn't have scripted this season thus far if they tried. Before when they said that each vote counts, you might have thought they were just being dramatic, but after Sabrina Bryan's dismissal, the fans and the stars knew that no one was safe. Anything can and does happen on this show. If you haven't been watching, you don't know what you're missing.

Image courtesy of abc.com

Crossing the Line

No, this isn't about the writers' strike (that's another story altogether). This is about how the line that so long separated film actors from doing work on television AND performers on prime time shows appearing on daytime has been blurred.

In the last decade, movie stars have migrated to the small screen in some of the most engrossing, high quality work to be seen anywhere. Martin Sheen (The West Wing), Keifer Sutherland (24), Kyra Sedgwick (The Closer), Sally Field (ER and Brothers and Sisters) Glenn Close (Damages), Susan Sarandon (Rescue Me) and James Woods (Shark) are just a few who are thriving in this medium.

What is even more impressive, in my mind, is that the stigma usually associated with soap operas no longer seems to apply. Robert Gossett, while on hiatus from The Closer, popped up on The Young and the Restless for a couple of episodes as "the Incident Commander". He was part of an important storyline, but he was by no means the star of those shows. Emmy winner Bruce Weitz of Hill Street Blues fame joined General Hospital as the mobster turned madman Anthony Zacchara. Brian Kerwin, who co-starred opposite Sally Field in Murphy's Romance, is romancing Llanview's leading lady Erika Slezak on One Life to Live.

It's about time that the entertainment industry realizes that as long as the work is good it shouldn't matter in which medium it is delivered.

Thumbs Up for Chuck!

Many predicted that NBC's Chuck would be one of the hits of the 2007-08 season, and I agree one hundred percent. In fact, it's not just one of the best new shows this year, it is one of the best programs overall.

The peacock network has plenty to be proud about in securing Zachary Levi (best known for his smarmy office kiss-up Kipp on Less Than Perfect). He is a true revelation. He appeals to the common man, the geeks, the unlucky-in-love and those searching for where in life they actually belong. Like his alter ego, Levi has so much potential that when he comes into his own, it will be a sight to see. The possibilities are limitless. And he is cute enough to believe that Yvonne Strahovski's CIA siren Sarah could actually fall for him down the line.

Speaking of the blonde bombshell (who is much more than a pretty face and betrays not a shred of her native Australian accent), she is one of several supporting players who contribute to the wonder of Chuck. Adam Baldwin ( of Firefly fame) is a great foil for Chuck as the acerbic agent who is forced to babysit the computer geek who accidentally got programmed with all of the country's espionage secrets. Joshua Gomez takes the slacker/best friend character to new heights (or depths depending on your view) in the form of Morgan, Chuck's best bud and co-employee (worker would be too generous to describe Morgan's activities) at Buy More. Former daytime hottie Ryan McPartlin (ex-Hank, Passions) is the perfect embodiment of what one would imagine when you hear the nickname "Captain Awesome," as Chuck kiddingly refers to his sister Ellie's boyfriend.

Which brings us to Sarah Lancaster as Ellie, the older sibling and caretaker of our hero. The Everwood and What About Brian? alum is a big part of what makes Chuck (the character and the show) so special. The relationship between Chuck and Ellie is not your typical TV sibling portrayal. Levi and Lancaster connect on so many levels that it never comes to mind that they are just pretending to be family. Amidst the action, comedy, romance, O.C. creator and Chuck mastermind Josh Schwartz manages to depict an adult brother-sister relationship that doesn't involve one of them committing some heinous crime against the other or any of the usual "drama". For that reason alone the show should be watched.

So don't chuck Chuck! It's definitely a keeper.


Image courtesy of nbc.com

Better Late Than Never!

I am all too painfully aware that I'm jumping on the bandwagon way after all the critical acclaim has been heaped upon it. The "it" in question is the fabulous drama Friday Night Lights (which thankfully has moved to Friday nights).

Even though I'm not a big football fan (baseball is my sport of choice) I knew I would be instantly hooked because I have been a fan of Kyle Chandler's since his days on the post-WWII drama Homefront, as well as Early Edition and even What About Joan (with Joan Cusack). However, Mr. Chandler isn't the only reason this drama scores. After viewing the first season online, I've discovered what everyone else had been saying was true. FNL is one of the best written, performed and paced shows around. Starting with Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton as Coach Eric Taylor and his wife Tami. They are the core of the show. Theirs is a realistic relationship. They have fights, they make up and they talk to each other. It's so refreshing to see that on TV, an adult relationship. My heart nearly broke in the second season premiere when Eric told her he had to go back to his new job at TMU so soon after the birth of their second daughter Grace. Connie Britton was brilliant as Tami held back the tears until Eric left and then let her emotions overflow.

The entire cast is top notch. Personally, I think Zach Gilford is headed for superstardom. As the QB1 Matt Saracen, Gilford displays a vulnerability and a quiet strength all at the same time. How Julie Taylor (Amiee Teegarden), the coach's daughter and Matt's girlfriend, could even think of getting involved with another guy is beyond me. And is it just me or does Jesse Plemmons, who plays Landry, remind you of Matt Damon?

And it's not just about football. It's about people, relationships, issues. Football just happens to be the backdrop. So, for anyone who is still on the fence about getting involved with this show, stop wasting time. Either watch the first season online or get the DVDs because this is one show that is well worth the time and effort.

Image courtesy of NBC.com

Settling the Score

As usual, the 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards proved to be a crap shoot. I, like many writers throughout the industry, could not (and did not) correctly predict the winners in most categories. The main exception to this was that virtually everyone pegged America Ferrera to take the prize for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series and she did. Other than that, my guess was as good as anyone else's.

As far as my picks for the top categories, I only got 4 out of 10. Considering that the majority of people were even surprised that James Spader got the nomination over Matthew Fox, Kyle Chandler and Michael C. Hall, how could anyone have guessed that Spader would nab his 3rd Emmy (he has yet to be defeated)?

Unlike film awards, the Emmys (both daytime and primetime) are at a disadvantage. Films, and the performances given by the actors, can be judged in their entirety. Television (series and performers) can only be judged in parts, and that isn't fair. But such is the nature of the beast.

And while there's already buzz for the 60th Emmy Awards for Damages, Mad Men, The Bronx Is Burning and The Company, don't be surprised if there are glaring omissions and shocking inclusions. After all, what else could we expect?

For a complete list of the winners from the 59th Emmy Awards, go to the Emmy website.

Fabulous Finales

It seems weird to be discussing season finales just as the 2007-08 season is about to begin. However, since the cable networks seem to operate on an alternate schedule (which is only fitting since it provides alternate viewing from the broadcast network fare) many of those series are on hiatus for a few months. While there are many excellent programs to be found on cable, two of the best had their finales last week: TNT's The Closer and FX's Rescue Me.

The Closer broadcast part 2 of its third season finale, which was excellent as usual. Kyra Sedgwick imbues Brenda with such passion, quirkiness and intelligence that it's difficult, no virtually impossible, to not fall under her spell. What made this two-part finale especially satisfying for me was Jon Tenney. I have been a fan of his for some time from previous work, but I've always thought he was a bit underused in this role. However, the powers-that-be finally wised up and gave him some pretty terrific material, upon which he delivered a magnificent performance. Don't be surprised if Tenney's name is among the Academy's picks for next year's Emmy Awards.

The other astounding series to bow out was Rescue Me. This show never ceases to surprise me. Usually, it's regarding an outrageous or controversial plot point. However, what left me awestruck this time was the simplicity of the final scenes between Denis Leary and Charles Durning. Tommy and his dad went to a minor league baseball game, spending "quality time" together, something they never really did as Tommy was growing up. You could see how much it meant to both of them, though neither would come out and say it directly. How perfectly fitting, sad and touching that, after getting his wish to see the game with his son, that Tommy's dad smiled bowed his head and passed away. Since the new chief at the firehouse is already filling out Section 8 papers for Tommy, will his father's death be the final straw that pushes him over the edge? I don't know, but I can't wait to find out!

Day of Reckoning, Pt. 2

The time has finally come! In just one day, the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences will reveal the recipients of the 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards.

Pundits and fans around the country have varying opinions, theories and picks as to whom will go home with Tinseltown's favorite gal, Emmy. I am no different, so here goes it for my predictions.

Outstanding Drama Series:
Boston Legal (ABC)
Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
Heroes (NBC)
House (FOX)
The Sopranos (HBO)
Should Win: Since Lost so egregiously is ineligible, I vote for Grey's Anatomy, with Heroes being the possible upset.
Will Win: The overwhelming majority of critics are picking outgoing series The Sopranos for the top spot. I'm hedging my bet and going with either The Sopranos or Grey's Anatomy.

Outstanding Comedy Series:
Entourage (HBO)
The Office (NBC)
30 Rock (NBC)
Two and a Half Men (CBS)
Ugly Betty (ABC)
Should Win: Ugly Betty has become a cultural phenomenon in its first season and is the only nominee that is in an hour format, as opposed to the traditional half-hour for comedy.
Will Win: The Office is the odds-on favorite.

Lead Actor in a Drama Series:
James Gandolfini (The Sopranos, HBO)
Hugh Laurie (House, FOX)
Denis Leary (Rescue Me, FX)
James Spader (Boston Legal, ABC)
Kiefer Sutherland (24, FOX)
Should Win: For me, It's got to be Hugh Laurie. After not getting the nomination last year AND having won the Golden Globe AND SAG awards this year, Laurie is definitely overdue.
Will Win: The Academy is a capricious and maddening body of voters, so I would not be surprised if James Gandolfini nabs a 4th Emmy.

Lead Actor in a Comedy Series:
Alec Baldwin (30 Rock, NBC)
Steve Carell (The Office, NBC)
Ricky Gervais (Extras, HBO)
Tony Shalhoub (Monk, USA)
Charlie Sheen (Two and a Half Men, CBS)
Should Win: This is absolutely Alec Baldwin's to lose. He is far and away the overwhelming favorite. Baldwin is what kept viewers tuned in while the show was going through growing pains. If it's not Baldwin taking the prize, I'd be VERY surprised.
Will Win: The only other actor who really has a shot of stealing this from Baldwin would be Steve Carell, who many feel got robbed last year by Tony Shalhoub.

Lead Actress in a Drama Series:
Patricia Arquette (Medium, NBC)
Minnie Driver (The Riches, FX)
Edie Falco (The Sopranos, HBO)
Sally Field (Brothers & Sisters, ABC)
Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order: SVU, NBC)
Kyra Sedgwick (The Closer, TNT)
Should Win: Kyra Sedgwick's performance is flawless every week and makes the entire show.
Will Win: Though both Sally Field and Edie Falco don't have a lot of screen time in the episodes they submitted, both ladies are previous recipients and are favored to win.

Lead Actress in a Comedy Series:
America Ferrera (Ugly Betty, ABC)
Tina Fey (30 Rock, NBC)
Felicity Huffman (Desperate Housewives, ABC)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus (The New Adventures of Old Christine, CBS)
Mary-Louise Parker (Weeds, SHO)
Should Win: America Ferrera virtually has this in the bag.
Will Win: It's really all about America, the Beautiful.

Supporting Actor in a Drama Series:
William Shatner (Boston Legal, ABC)
Masi Oka (Heroes, NBC)
T.R. Knight (Grey's Anatomy, ABC)
Michael Emerson (Lost, ABC)
Terry O'Quinn (Lost, ABC)
Michael Imperioli (The Sopranos, HBO)
Should Win: I am not normally a big William Shatner fan. However, based on the episodes submitted, Shatner was amazing.
Will Win: This is one category that I think anyone who wins is a valid choice. If the Academy is feeling sentimental, they'll go with Michael Imperioli.

Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series:
Kevin Dillon (Entourage, HBO)
Jeremy Piven (Entourage, HBO)
Jon Cryer (Two and a Half Men, CBS)
Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother, CBS)
Rainn Wilson (The Office, NBC)
Should Win: I'm going with Neil Patrick Harris. He's finally gotten rid of the Doogie Howser image and steals every scene he's in.
Will Win: Jeremy Piven continued to shine as Hollywood's favorite agent. However, Rainn Wilson's Dwight has become so popular that he even has his own bobble-head doll.

Supporting Actress in a Drama Series:
Rachel Griffiths (Brothers & Sisters, ABC)
Katherine Heigl (Grey's Anatomy, ABC)
Chandra Wilson (Grey's Anatomy, ABC)
Sandra Oh (Grey's Anatomy, ABC)
Aida Turturro (The Sopranos, HBO)
Lorraine Bracco (The Sopranos, HBO)
Should Win: I think it's going to be Chandra Wilson. Not only was she nominated last year, but she won the SAG Award, in which they lump lead and supporting together. And the SAG voters are Academy members.
Will Win: It's going to be Wilson, or her equally deserving co-star Sandra Oh, since the third time is supposedly the charm.

Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series:
Jaime Pressly (My Name Is Earl, NBC)
Jenna Fischer (The Office, NBC)
Holland Taylor (Two and a Half Men, CBS)
Conchata Ferrell (Two and a Half Men, CBS)
Vanessa Williams (Ugly Betty, ABC)
Elizabeth Perkins (Weeds, SHO)
Should Win:Vanessa Williams truly shines in her diva role and makes you forget that she started out as a beauty queen and a singer.
Will Win: Everybody loves the girl next door, and in this case, that's Jenna Fischer.

Tune in tomorrow, September 16, to FOX and find out if my crystal ball really works.



Image courtesy of www.abc.com

NBC Takes a Bite out of iTunes/Apple

As reported in Matt Mitovitch's column on TVGuide.com, NBC Universal announced that it will not be renewing its contract in December with iTunes to sell episodes of its programs, both on NBC and USA, because the network wanted to alter the prices. This is a big blow to iTunes/Apple, since approximately 40% of the shows currently being offered come from the peacock network. In response, representatives from the Internet site stated that all NBC Universal offerings will be pulled when the fall season begins.

While many of the shows that could be purchased on iTunes will be available to view online on the NBC website, this move is detrimental to the consumers who wanted to catch up on programs, such as the critically acclaimed Friday Night Lights and The Office, without the commercials. In fact, sometimes the networks' sites aren't compatible with all computers or browsers. I know that I have difficulty on USA's site (I use a Mac). Let's hope that this dispute over money doesn't cause damage to the success of struggling series.

It's a DNR order for Heartland

While TNT is celebrating the success of its original drama series The Closer (with Emmy nominee Kyra Sedgwick), Saving Grace (led by Holly Hunter) and the CIA miniseries The Company (starring Chris O'Donnell), it is pulling the plug, so to speak, on the medical transplant drama Heartland (with former Everwood star Treat Williams).

Despite being unable to hold up to the ratings of The Closer (which is the highest-rated basic cable program in history), this move surprises me somewhat. Only a few weeks ago did TNT extend the lives of The Closer and Saving Grace for the 2008 season (well before their current seasons ended). Therefore, it wouldn't be completely off the mark if the network resuscitated the medical series. However, the Grim Reaper of TV (aka ratings) wielded its lethal scythe and prematurely ended the average, but likable series.

One bright spot is that the cancellation now frees up series star Treat Williams to reprise his role as David Morton, the handyman who got hands on with Nora Walker (Sally Field) on the ABC family soap Brothers & Sisters. Though it has already been reported that Danny Glover is joining the cast as someone on Sen. McAllister's (Rob Lowe) staff who will romance the merry widow, what fun it would be for the Emmy nominee to field the attentions of two suitors.

Image courtesy of tnt.tv

Brain Damages

The PR team that put this ad together for the new FX suspense/ thriller series Damages must have been inside my head because this image depicts exactly how I feel after viewing the first five episodes.

Is it just me or is this show getting more twisted and convoluted each week? I feel like we haven't really learned all that much more from the first installment until now. I can only hope that all the pieces will come together in the season finale, just like J.K. Rowling did with the brilliant seventh and final installment in the Harry Potter series. All creative types could take a lesson or two from her in learning how to tie up loose ends and careful plotting. But I digress…

I fully intend to stick with Damages until the end because I have to believe that it will all make sense when the screen goes to black at the end of the season. The actors are engaging (with a special shout out to Tate Donovan) and the drama keeps me on my toes. I love intelligent television that forces the viewer to pay attention, whether through plot, dialogue or action. However, I get a bit annoyed when a show is riddled with red herrings and cops out on the pay off moments. Here's hoping Damages doesn't cause irreparable harm to my brain by the end of it.

Image courtesy of FXnetworks.com

C.I.A. - (The) Company Is Awesome

The spy game is back in full force with the success of big budget movies like The Bourne Ultimatum (with Matt Damon) and the hit TNT miniseries The Company (with Chris O'Donnell, who starred with Damon in School Ties). While the Bourne flicks appeal to the audience with non-stop action, The Company's lure is deciphering the clues/red herrings and skullduggery, which works well on TV.

As the miniseries draws to a close tonight, the questions dangling as dangerous as the Sword of Damocles are: who is Sascha, the second secret Soviet mole? If it is Leo, what will Jack do? If it isn't, who else could it be? Will "The Troika" reunite or face off in a fight to the death? If Jack is victorious, will the cost be too much for him to bear? What will happen to "The Sorcerer" (Torriti) and "Mother" (Angleton)? What secrets are they hiding?

With only 20 minutes to go, I hope the revelations live up to my anticipation. Since the production has kept me intrigued thus far, I am certain I shan't be disappointed. In fact, TNT has done such an excellent job (rivaling anything done by HBO and Showtime in recent years) that I'm already willing to commit to the next miniseries they offer up, whatever that may be.

Photo by Nigel Parry/tnt.tv

Denis the Menace

If Denis Leary doesn't snag the Emmy this year, he already has the tape to submit in 2008 for his work in the episode "Animal" of Rescue Me.

I have been a longtime fan of Leary's, way back from his days as a stand-up and also of his films, especially The Ref. He imbues Tommy Gavin, and the series, with his dark humor, which makes the tragic events which have occurred throughout its four-season run, all the more poignant and shocking.

First of all, I loved that Tommy participated in an intervention of which he was not the person to be saved. Teddy hit it on the head when he asked if it wasn't a little hypocritical (especially since Tommy recently fell off the wagon again, unbeknownst to the rest of his family). It was also hysterical that Maggie was all for rehab and didn't have to be talked into it, thus denying Sean the opportunity to air his grievances. This scenario was tempered by Tommy later leaving his relatively nice apartment unlocked and blowing a ton of money on a dirt, dingy rat-trap of a pad, where he could continue to spiral out of control, thus putting his life in more danger.

Speaking of the danger factor, Tommy really seems to have a death wish when he runs into the burning building without following proper procedures (an occurrence that's becoming more of a habit as of late). This is contrasted with the events at Mikey's apartment. Mikey, ineptly as one would imagine, bungles his drug/alcohol induced attempts to kill himself and calls Tommy for help. Tommy brings him to the rooftop to confront him and ends up spilling his own guts about the tragedies in his life, most importantly the loss of his son Connor. This is where Leary was incandescent. After unloading his burden, he gets up and jumps off the roof, scaring the crap out of Mikey. But it was an act, for Tommy jumped onto a fire escape. All was well, until the fire escape started to pull away from the building, thus truly putting Tommy's life in jeopardy. In that moment, Tommy's survival instincts kicked in and he prayed that he wouldn't die. So for all the self-inflicted, reckless damage he brings upon himself, he really wants to be rescued. And isn't that what the show is really about?

Image courtesy of fxnetworks.com

It's a Hard Knock Life for Soaps

Once again, Entourage delivers another laugh-out-loud episode with "The Young and the Stoned", in which Eric, after a fender bender, is hired by Anna Faris to be her manager (which will be great for future episodes to see Vince and Ari finally realize just how much E does for Vince when he's not there).

The other story arc in this episode has to do with Mrs. Ari. Her former producer from The Young and the Restless wants her to reprise her role as town tramp Kendall Scott for the show's 35th anniversary (which, incidentally is March 26, 2008. Kudos for using the actual Crimson Lights' set from the CBS soap.). Ari, being Ari, says to his wife, "It's a soap opera, baby. There is no good. There's just degrees of bad."

As much as I enjoy Entourage and realize that it's just poking fun at the (erroneous) stereotype, I take exception to this comment. Granted, it's a hard reputation to live down when staple scenarios include people miraculously returning from the dead, evil twins popping up all the time and harrowing rescues from near-death situations. Just as in anything else, there's the bad end of the spectrum, but there's also a good end. Daytime really doesn't get the credit it deserves. For all the wacky storylines and models pretending to be actors, there is an entire community of people (actors, writers, directors, etc.) who do an amazing job. Don't forget, this is the only medium that has no repeats (except for maybe on Christmas Day). That means they have to put out a show 5 days a week, 52 weeks of the year. There aren't any 10 + month breaks to come up with plots or for people to go off and do other projects.

As far as on-screen talent goes, most people probably don't realize just how many of their favorite stars spent some time on soaps. By now, everyone knows that Alec Baldwin, Meg Ryan, Marisa Tomei, Kevin Kline and Julianne Moore are among the many daytime alumni. But just look at the actors currently inhabiting prime time and you'll find many soap stars. Greek's Spencer Grammer (ex-As the World Turns, daughter of Kelsey Grammer who was on Another World), Army Wives' Kim Delaney (ex-All My Children), The Closer's Kyra Sedgwick (ex-AW, married to Kevin Bacon, who is a Guiding Light alum), Saving Grace's Bailey Chase (formerly of ATWT), Damages' Ted Danson and Michael Nouri (both of whom played Tom Conway on Somerset) to name a few.

Joining that illustrious list is the newest member to Desperate Housewives, Tuc Watkins (ex-David Vickers, One Life to Live). He and Kevin Rahm (Judging Amy) will portray the show's first gay couple, Bob and Lee, respectively. Watkins should feel right at home with the other new kids on Wisteria Lane, his former OLTL co-star Nathan Fillion, Lyndsy Fonseca (ex-Y&R) and Emmy winner Dana Delany, who put in her "day"time on ATWT and Love of Life. If the aforementioned individuals just represent "degrees of bad," then what or whom qualifies as being good?

Photo courtesy of hbo.com

In the Mood for Duchovny?

After a five-year absence, David Duchovny returns to series television (albeit on cable) in Showtime's Californication, sort of male version of Sex and the City except for one guy.

In this ribald sitcom, Duchovny portrays Hank Moody, an L.A. writer transplanted from New York whose best-selling book was turned into a crappy movie and is now hip deep (in more ways than one) in a severe writer's block. To deal with his creative constipation, Hank is bedding pretty much anything with breasts (and we get the graphic visuals in this series, which is to be expected given the title). Also contributing to his terrible state of affairs is the fact that Karen (Natasha McElhone), the mother of his daughter Mia, is involved with a guy Hank doesn't like (mainly because the guy isn't him). Hank continues to spiral out of control when Karen informs him that she's getting married. He then goes on to pick up (or get picked up by) a young lady in a book store, who's reading his book. They go back to his place and have sex (during which she repeatedly punches him in the face). This brief encounter leads to a rather amusing twist at the end of the show, which I won't spoil in case you haven't seen the episode yet. I will say that it was a little disconcerting to see Madeline Zima, best known for portraying the youngest kid on the CBS sitcom The Nanny, as the young woman in question. I suppose everyone grows up (not literally before our eyes), but I digress...

I'm glad Duchovny is back on TV (although I wasn't an X-Files fan, I do appreciate his work). His wry sense of humor and somewhat dark approach to various material is well-suited to this new venture. My opinion on the show, however, is yet to be determined. Hank, like the protagonists in Everybody Loves Raymond and Seinfeld, is basically not a great guy. None of them are ax murderers, but they're basically self-centered jerks to some degree. However, all of them, including Hank, don't really pretend to be anything else, which is human. They're flawed and fully admit it. Hank, when it comes down to it, really just wants to be back with his family and write again. But in the absence of what will truly make him happy, he goes for the quick(ie) fix. Let's see if Californication will have viewers coming back for more.

Photo courtesy of sho.com

What Lies Beneath

This ad for AMC's Mad Men is the perfect embodiment of the series itself. It presents an image, an idea, a message on the surface, but the reality of it remains to be discovered. That was the world of advertising and the pre-Kennedy American view.

Last night's episode, "New Amsterdam", was brilliant. Just as the previous episode, The Marriage of Figaro" gave viewers a glimpse into dashing Don Draper's world (that all was not as it seemed), the latest offering provided some insight into the problems of the puffed-up Pete Campbell. Apparently he's connected (not in the mob way, but in old money), something which head honcho Cooper feels is worth any personal irritation he may cause Don. Pete's presence allows Sterling Cooper the entre into very exclusive (lucrative) company. This doesn't sit too well with Don, who has had to work for everything he's gotten.

But life is not a bed of roses for Pete either. His father doesn't consider his profession worthy of someone of their background and refuses to help Pete with a down payment for an apartment his privileged bride has her heart set on. As a result, wife Trudy not so subtly drops hints with her parents for the money, which humiliates Pete because he does not want to feel like her parents own him. Plus, Don obviously doesn't respect Pete and refuses to give him the chance to contribute his own ideas to whatever project they're working on, regardless if his ideas are good or not.

On the home front, there's the contrast of Betty Draper (Don's wife) and Helen Bishop (the divorcee). Helen reveals that her husband, who never had time for the kids while they were married, now can't get enough of the kids. She also tells Betty the reason they divorced was that her husband had a lot of friends, and none of them were male. Whether Betty realizes it or not, she's in exactly the same situation. Then there's the creepy encounter with Helen's son Glen while Betty is watching the Bishop kids. Not only does this kid walk in on and refuse to leave the bathroom while Betty's using it, but then he asks foa a lock of her hair. Whatever his mommy issues are, this kid needs some major therapy.

Speaking of therapy, Betty has another session (whether or not she knows the therapist reports back to Don, who knows) in which she expresses pity for Helen and her situation, but also claims that she thinks Helen is jealous of her. Actually, it's probably the reverse. Helen provides for her children. She discovered something awful about her husband and refused to accept that she had to accept it. Betty, on some level, probably wishes she had the strength to do the same.

As each week progresses, Mad Men is becoming more engrossing, more layered and more addictive, just like the cigarettes that practically everyone in that world consume.

Image courtesy of amctv.com

Golden Boys

While there's still five months left of eligibility for the next Daytime Emmy Awards, be prepared to see two names on the list: Christian J. LeBlanc and Michael Graziadei from The Young and the Restless.

On the August 6 episode, LeBlanc's alter ego Michael, an attorney, was trying to counsel Graziadei's Daniel, the son of his best friend Phyllis who like his mom is in a lot of legal trouble. Aside from a pending criminal case, Daniel was just informed that his wife Lily is filing for divorce. He goes to Michael for help with his marital issues. During the course of their discussion, Michael learns that Daniel has a problem with pornography, which is a huge reason why Lily is divorcing him. Daniel tries to evade Michael's questions, but finally admits that he is an addict and breaks down in Michael's arms.

The performance by both actors was nothing short of arresting. I stopped what I was doing and was awed by what I saw on screen. There was no artifice, just raw emotion. Daytime sometimes gets a bad rap, but there are plenty of performers, whether prime time, daytime, film or theater, who could learn a thing or two from them.

Kudos to LeBlanc and Graziadei for rising to the occasion.

Crossing the Line

When scanning the prospects of the shows to debut this fall, I definitely had programs I was planning to watch and some that I planned to avoid. On the "Must-Watch" list were Private Practice (because I love Grey's Anatomy as well as Tim Daly and Taye Diggs) Pushing Daisies, Dirty Sexy Money, Big Shots (because even though it's not gotten good advance PR, it's Michael Vartan, Dylan McDermott and Joshua Molina) and Chuck.

Bionic Woman was not on my schedule. I liked the original, but I wasn't really interested in a new twist on the tale, despite good buzz. Then, it was announced that Isaiah Washington was joining the cast, which put it in the "definitely not going to watch" column. So imagine my surprise while at the movie theater to see Live Free or Die Hard (which was excellent), there was a promo for Bionic Woman and who did I see that was part of the cast… Miguel Ferrer! This is fabulous news for me, because I thought Crossing Jordan was a really good show and that Miguel was overlooked when it came to awards. I'm so glad he's got another gig already. Now I may just have to cross that line I drew.

Photo courtesy of crossingjordanfan.blogs.allocine.fr

In Good Company

TNT is joining the ranks of pay cable channels HBO and Showtime as the place to go for quality original programming, as evidenced by its latest foray into the miniseries arena, The Company.

Based on the historical novel by Robert Littell, the 3-week, 6-hour production stars Chris O'Donnell (Grey's Anatomy, Scent of a Woman), Alessandro Nivola (Junebug, Face/Off) and Rory Cochrane (CSI: Miami, Empire Records) as three friends from Yale, who upon their graduation, enter into the Cold War on very different sides. O'Donnell's Jack McAuliffe is the quintessential all-Amercian guy who has good looks, good education and is a regular "golden boy" looking to do his part. Nivola's Leo Kritzky represents the American dream, a kid of Jewish immigrant parents who wants to serve his country. Cochrane's Yevgeny Tsipin depicts the other side of the coin as a Russian-born, but American-bred man who has affection for his host country, but cannot abide by its social, economic and political views. Therefore, the battle lines are drawn (maybe in invisible ink or some other spy technology) as Jack and Leo sign up with the CIA and Yevgeny gets recruited by the KGB.

The "company" men instrumental in shaping Jack and Leo's service are Harvey Torriti, aka The Sorcerer (Alfred Molina, who does an incredible American accent), an upper level operative who takes Jack under his wing and into the depths of the espionage game and James Jesus Angleton (Michael Keaton, who gives new meaning to the term spook with this performance), the intelligence expert on a hunt to find a mole in their midst. As for Yevgeny, a KGB general, Starik (Ulrich Thomsen) navigates him through the treacherous waters that lie ahead.

Unlike recent films, like The Good Shepherd which depict the origins of the CIA and the Cold War, The Company doesn't feel rushed or compressed. Due to this format, the drama unfolds at a comfortable pace, building up to what is certain to be a climatic conclusion. Everything about this production is spot on, from the sets and the costumes to the writing and, of course, acting. The Company promises to be must-see TV (at least until August 19).

Photo courtesy of TNT.tv

The Pick-Up Artists

Not even halfway through the current season, Kyra Sedgwick and company get a vote of confidence with the news that TNT has picked up the hit series The Closer for another 15-episode season for 2008.

There's no great mystery behind the announcement, since The Closer is the highest-rated basic cable program in history. Between the initial viewing and subsequent airings, the cop drama draws over 9 million viewers per week, which is higher than some of the shows on network television.

The current season will end on Sept. 10 after airing 13 episodes then return in December for two stand alone shows. The 2008 season will follow the same pattern. In a climate where shows usually get yanked before they even have a chance to get going, it's a pleasant surprise to see good work getting rewarded.

Image courtesy of tnt.tv

Comedienne with The View

After months of speculation as to which lucky lady (there was really no shot of a guy getting the gig on the estrogen enriched gabfest) would fill the chair vacated by Rosie O'Donnell, it was revealed that Whoopi Goldberg would be joining The View.

This is a great choice for several reasons. For the most part, Whoopi is well-liked, both within the Hollywood community and among the general public. She's got connections in film, television and theater, which will be helpful in getting some guests (and possibly even some "scoops"). At 51, Whoopi kind of fills the age bracket that Rosie did (Rosie is 45). She also brings more diversity to the panel, which there hasn't been since Star Jones and Lisa Ling left.

If you've ever heard Whoopi, either in her routines or in interviews, she is a knowledgeable individual. While you may not agree with her view, at least you can be relatively sure that she is informed.

The View is also in search of another co-host, so there will always be 4 permanent hosts, with Barbara Walters or some of the others rotating due to vacations or scheduling conflicts. Let's hope they go with someone in the 30-45 range who's not afraid to share her opinions and will make people think about a given topic whether or not viewers agree with her stance on it.

Good luck to Whoopi and the rest of The View ladies. They'll need it, at least in the New York market because The View will be going head-to-head with The Ellen DeGeneres Show in the fall.

Photo courtesy of acmewebpages.com/whoopi

Good As Gold

Viewers of the hit HBO series Entourage have come to love, and sometimes be horrified by, the extremes Ari Gold will go to in order to close a deal as one of Hollywood's top agents. Whether it's driving all night to find a lost script or conducting business during one of the High Holy Days, Ari will get the job done (or die trying). This has often meant he's sacrificed in his personal life, much to the dismay of his wife, aka Mrs. Ari. So what a surprise it was to see just how far he was willing to go in order to get his son into the private school Jonah wanted to attend so he could be with his friends. And it is through episodes such as "The Day Fu*kers" that illuminate just how truly talented Jeremy Piven is as Ari.

At first, Ari went through the usual routine (bribes, blackmail, etc.). When he realized that it wouldn't work with the headmaster Andrew Preston (Dan Castellaneta), he resigned himself to the fact that his son can't go to Briar Day School. Yet, when Jonah asked his daddy if he would be going to school with his friend, all Ari could do was cry. He then went to the headmaster's house and threw himself on Mr. Preston's mercy. The man even asked Ari, given his position of power in Los Angeles, if he had ever imagined that he would have to beg a man of Mr. Preston's stature for anything. And Ari humbly and honestly replied, "No, sir, I did not." When Ari realized there was something he could do in exchange for Jonah's acceptance, he was more than willing to do so. And while he was thrilled to have finessed a deal, his true joy was coming through for his son.

All of this is meant to illustrate just how complex and nuanced an actor Jeremy Piven is. On the flip of a coin, Piven can transform Ari from an arrogant, foul-mouthed power monger into a contrite, supplicant father who only wants to make possible the one thing his son wants. Bravo, Mr. Piven. Bravo.

Photo courtesy of hbo.com

Close Encounter

Like most people, I was intrigued to discover that Oscar nominee Glenn Close was going to be doing a TV series. She's a big movie star ( but that seems to be the trend over the past few years). Plus, it's new, original programming, not reruns or a reality program. So I was willing to give it a shot and tuned into Damages on FX Tuesday night, trying not to get my hopes too high. After all, what could really be different about another lawyer show? What happened next blew me away!



First off, I loved that it had no commercials (thanks to the sponsorship of Cadillac). Whether that continues for future episodes, I don't know.

Secondly, I always appreciate when a show that is set in a non-fictional location is actually shot in that place. Even better when the locale in question is, in my opinion, the best city in the world, New York City. It immediately set a tone of credibility. From the first frame, this show announced it would be fast-paced, anything could, and would, happen in the city that never sleeps (a point which was illustrated shortly into the program).

Thirdly, Ms. Close, as protagonist Patty Hewes, a lethal litigator with a fuzzy concept of ethical conduct, was simply brilliant. Plus, any vehicle, whether it's film, television or theater, that has veteran actor Philip Bosco in it is worth watching. I can only hope he's around for the entire run of the series. The rest of the cast was great as well. Ted Danson, Rose Byrne and Tate Donovan were every bit equal to Close and Bosco.

My only reservation about the show was the style in which the story was executed. It dealt with two timelines: the present and six months prior to the opening shot. That's all fine and good and it's easy to differentiate between the two periods. Also, several plot twists unfolded in the pilot, and the following episodes are sure to follow that pace. However, as seen in other quality, challenging programs, a 10PM time slot might be too difficult an obstacle for the audience to overcome. Luckily, since it's on basic cable, it reruns several times within the week.

All in all, Damages was definitely worth the time and effort.

Video clip courtesy of FX.com

Righting the Wrongs?

Two days after the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences announced the nominees for the 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, on July 21 the Television Critics Association bestowed their own honors at the 232rd Annual TCA Awards. It comes as no surprise that after the outcry due to the omission of some nominees that the TCA recipients reflected quite a different picture.

2007 TCA Award recipients are as follows:

PROGRAM OF THE YEAR: Heroes (NBC)
OUTSTANDING NEW PROGRAM: Friday Night Lights (NBC)
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN DRAMA: The Sopranos (HBO)
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN COMEDY: The Office (NBC)
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN NEWS & INFORMATION: Planet Earth (Discovery)
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN CHILDREN'S PROGRAMMING: Kyle XY (ABC Family)
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN MOVIES, MINI-SERIES & SPECIALS: Planet Earth (Discovery)
INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT IN COMEDY: Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock (NBC)
INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT IN DRAMA: Michael C. Hall, Dexter (SHO)
HERITAGE AWARD: The Sopranos (HBO)
CAREER ACHIEVEMENT: Mary Tyler Moore

But how do past TCA recipients fare in Emmy competition? Steve Carell (The Office) won the TCA last year for Individual Achievement in Comedy, but Tony Shalhoub (Monk) took home the Emmy. Hugh Laurie (House) repeated as the winner for Individual Achievement in Drama, but it was Kiefer Sutherland (24) who got the golden statuette last year. Lost found recognition at the TCA's, but 24 was in the spotlight at the Emmys. However, The Office took home top prize in both contests. So how will this year's TCA winners fare with the television academy? Well, there will be at least two differences since the recipients of the Outstanding New Program (Friday Night Lights) and Individual Achievement in Drama (Michael C. Hall, Dexter) weren't even nominated in the respective Emmy categories. However, Alec Baldwin and The Office could be winners at both ceremonies. Will it become a showdown between the TCA's Program of the Year and Outstanding Achievement in Drama as both Heroes and The Sopranos are up for the Outstanding Drama Series Emmy? Tune into FOX on Sept. 16 to find out if the critics and the academy agree on anything.

Day of Reckoning, Pt. 1

After weeks of speculation and predictions from various sources, the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, with help from Kyra Sedgwick (The Closer) and Jon Cryer (Two and a Half Men), finally revealed the nominees for the 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards.

Outstanding Drama Series:
Boston Legal (ABC)
Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
Heroes (NBC)
House (FOX)
The Sopranos (HBO)
Surprise Nomination: Boston Legal
Surprise Omission: Lost (ABC), Friday Night Lights (NBC)
My Predictions: Including the alternates, I picked 4/5 correctly (I had Friday Night Lights instead of Boston Legal)

Outstanding Comedy Series:
Entourage (HBO)
The Office (NBC)
30 Rock (NBC)
Two and a Half Men (CBS)
Ugly Betty (ABC)
Surprise Nomination: None
Surprise Omission: Desperate Housewives (ABC) (sort of)
My Predictions: With Alternates: 5/5

Lead Actor in a Drama Series:
James Gandolfini (The Sopranos, HBO)
Hugh Laurie (House, FOX)
Denis Leary (Rescue Me, FX)
James Spader (Boston Legal, ABC)
Kiefer Sutherland (24, FOX)
Surprise Nomination: Spader
Surprise Omission: Michael C. Hall (Dexter, SHO), Matthew Fox (Lost, ABC)
My Predictions: 3/5 (I had Hall and Fox, not Spader or Sutherland)

Lead Actor in a Comedy Series:
Alec Baldwin (30 Rock, NBC)
Steve Carell (The Office, NBC)
Ricky Gervais (Extras, HBO)
Tony Shalhoub (Monk, USA)
Charlie Sheen (Two and a Half Men, CBS)
Surprise Nomination: None
Surprise Omission: Jason Lee (My Name Is Earl, NBC)
My Predictions: With Alternates: 5/5

Lead Actress in a Drama Series:
Patricia Arquette (Medium, NBC)
Minnie Driver (The Riches, FX)
Edie Falco (The Sopranos, HBO)
Sally Field (Brothers & Sisters, ABC)
Mariska Hargitay (Law & Order: SVU, NBC)
Kyra Sedgwick (The Closer, TNT)
Surprise Nomination: None
Surprise Omission: None
My Predictions: With Alternates: 6/6

Lead Actress in a Comedy Series:
America Ferrera (Ugly Betty, ABC)
Tina Fey (30 Rock, NBC)
Felicity Huffman (Desperate Housewives, ABC)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus (The New Adventures of Old Christine, CBS)
Mary-Louise Parker (Weeds, SHO)
Surprise Nomination: None
Surprise Omission: None
My Predictions: With Alternates: 5/5

Supporting Actor in a Drama Series:
William Shatner (Boston Legal, ABC)
Masi Oka (Heroes, NBC)
T.R. Knight (Grey's Anatomy, ABC)
Michael Emerson (Lost, ABC)
Terry O'Quinn (Lost, ABC)
Michael Imperioli (The Sopranos, HBO)
Surprise Nomination: None
Surprise Omission: Jack Coleman (Heroes, NBC), Dominic Monaghan (Lost, ABC)
My Predictions: With Alternates: 4/6 (I had Coleman and Monaghan, not Emerson and O'Quinn)

Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series:
Kevin Dillon (Entourage, HBO)
Jeremy Piven (Entourage, HBO)
Jon Cryer (Two and a Half Men, CBS)
Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother, CBS)
Rainn Wilson (The Office, NBC)
Surprise Nomination: None
Surprise Omission: John Krasinski (The Office, NBC)
My Predictions: With Alternates: 4/5 (I had Jesse Tyler Ferguson (The Class, CBS) and Michael Urie (Ugly Betty, ABC) not Wilson)

Supporting Actress in a Drama Series:
Rachel Griffiths (Brothers & Sisters, ABC)
Katherine Heigl (Grey's Anatomy, ABC)
Chandra Wilson (Grey's Anatomy, ABC)
Sandra Oh (Grey's Anatomy, ABC)
Aida Turturro (The Sopranos, HBO)
Lorraine Bracco (The Sopranos, HBO)
Surprise Nomination: Bracco
Surprise Omission: Elizabeth Mitchell (Lost, ABC), CCH Pounder (The Shield, FX)
My Predictions: With Alternates: 4/6 (I had Mitchell and Pounder, not Griffiths and Bracco)

Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series:
Jaime Pressly (My Name Is Earl, NBC)
Jenna Fischer (The Office, NBC)
Holland Taylor (Two and a Half Men, CBS)
Conchata Ferrell (Two and a Half Men, CBS)
Vanessa Williams (Ugly Betty, ABC)
Elizabeth Perkins (Weeds, SHO)
Surprise Nomination: None
Surprise Omission: Jane Krakowski (30 Rock, NBC)
My Predictions: With Alternates: 5/6 (I had Nicollette Sheridan (Desperate Housewives, ABC) or Ashley Jensen (Extras, HBO) not Taylor)

Worth Noting:
* 4 out of the 10 major categories had 6 nominees
* I predicted 45/54 nominees
* If The Sopranos pulls off a win for Drama Series, it will be the first time a drama in its final season will have won.

Most Nominations:
Program: Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee (17; HBO)
Drama Series: The Sopranos (15; HBO)
Returning Series: The Sopranos (15; HBO)
Comedy Series: Ugly Betty (11; ABC)
Freshman Series: Ugly Betty (11; ABC)
Non-Cable Network: ABC (70)
Cable Network: HBO (86)

Tune into FOX on September 16 to find out who will take home TV's favorite golden girl, Emmy. For a complete list of all the categories and nominees, click here

Mad Men: Everything Old Is New Again

How appropriate that the American Movie Classics is premiering a "new" series that could be mistaken for a Douglas Sirk film.

Mad Men takes a closer look at the attitudes and practices of the people who shaped the opinions of the American consumers, as well as the typical roles of men and women at that time. It tells the tale of the advertising geniuses on New York's famed Madison Avenue in 1960. At the center of the action is Creative Director of the Sterling Cooper Advertising Agency, Don Draper (Jon Hamm, Providence). He's the man everyone wants in the boardroom, and apparently the bedroom as well. When not concerned with newbies like Pete Campbell (Vincent Kartheiser, Angel), who wants to match, if not pass, Don's accomplishments in and out of the office, Draper struggles to keep his personal and professional lives separate. That proves to be no easy task when women such as department store chief Rachel Menken (Maggie Siff, Rescue Me) and illustrator Midge (Rosemarie DeWitt, Standoff) are involved.

As a result, the 13-week series shows how what advertising did back then has shaped the lives of Americans now. So for a quick trip back to the future, check out Mad Men, Thursday July 19th at 10PM on AMC.

Photo courtesy of amctv.com

Catch a Falling Star

Looking at the first two quotes in the TV Talk section, "celebrity" reality TV is what comes to mind. On the good side, at least in my opinion, is a show like Dancing with the Stars. Famous people are trying to acquire a new skill and see how much they can improve an aspect of their life. They're taking on a new challenge, but not one that whether they succeed or fail will be a life-altering event. Harmless fun that, if nothing else, will give the performers some exercise and publicity.

However, the current climate in the reality TV industry is having a celebrity (or celebrities) take the audience on a personal tour of their life. The purpose of this, I don't know. Are they just trying to drum up some attention and jump start their career? Or do these people really think that exposing themselves and their lifestyles is truly beneficial to their well-being and what the viewing public wants to see?

The latest example of this is the VH-1 series Scott Baio is 45… and Single. Don't get me wrong. I was a huge Scott Baio fan. I loved him on Happy Days, Charles in Charge and even on Diagnosis Murder. And I can understand why, at 45, he is concerned that he's never been married and doesn't want to end up alone. But why go on TV with it? Yes, hire the life coach. Yes, visit the ex-girlfriends you've wronged and find out why. But why, oh why, is there the need to air you're dirty laundry or whatever on the airwaves?

He's not the only one. Look at American Idol judge Paula Abdul on BRAVO's Hey Paula! If she did this show to quell the nasty gossip about her flightiness or erratic behavior on the FOX competition series, then she's in for a very rude awakening. Her new show just makes her look even nuttier than before!

Tennis champ Mark Philippoussis on NBC's Age of Love is another famous face in need of an intervention. I can see how being a celebrity could interfere with finding someone to share your life with who is interested in you for more than just your fame and fortune. A lot of people have trouble finding someone to love. But not everyone makes a national pastime of it. Haven't these people learned anything from the debacles of Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston on Being Bobby Brown? Or how Newlyweds ruined Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey's marriage? what about Danny Bonaduce downward spiral caught on tape for all to see on Breaking Bonaduce?

Basically, these shows are therapy sessions that the networks foot the bill for. Obviously not everyone shares this opinion or else networks wouldn't be spending the money on developing these programs. Like Mr. Barnes said, "The most terrifying thing is what people do want." And, apparently, it's more of this drivel instead of investing time and money into worthwhile material.

Photo by serieslive.com

"Shift"-ing Gears

Night follows day, sort of, as the ABC soap opera General Hospital branches out into late night television with General Hospital: Nightshift on its sister cable network SOAPnet.

The premise, or at least one of them, of this spin-off is that Drs. Robin Scorpio and Patrick Drake (Kimberly McCullough and Jason Thompson) are sentenced to working the "nightshift" at General Hospital for 13 weeks because they violated policy by operating on an uninsured patient. That's all well and good and carries over from the daytime version of the show. So you don't necessarily have to watch the daytime version to understand what's going on. In fact, it's probably better if you don't because problems arise with the introduction of some of the other GH regulars. Jason Morgan (Steve Burton) brings in his friend Damian Spinelli (Bradford Anderson) to the hospital because Spinelli accidentally shot himself in the foot with Jason's gun. The problem with this is if you watch the daytime version. Jason is in jail on Thursday afternoon and is still in jail on Friday. However, Thursday night he's out and about. Also, there's no mention of Spinelli having had an accident on Friday's show.

I'm all for this additional airtime for soap operas, since they are always underrated as a valid vehicle for "real actors." But that's a topic for another time. I just hope that the creators make up their minds regarding continuity. Either have the plots incorporate the daytime storylines or keep them separate, but not both.

Photo by SOAPnet.com

"Psych"-ic Powers

Talk about a lethal one-two punch! The USA network goes for the knockout combination on Friday nights with the sophomore detective series Psych following the multi-award-winning show, Monk.

James Roday stars as Shawn Spencer, a truly gifted private investigator, but not in the way he proclaims. He has incredible powers of observation and detective skills, due in large part to the training given to him over the years by his cop pop Henry (played by Corbin Bernsen). However, instead of being just another policeman or P.I., Shawn promotes himself as a "psychic detective," much to the chagrin of his best friend and partner, Gus (Dule Hill), who maintains his day job as a pharmaceutical sales rep just in case things don't work out.

In tonight's premiere, Shawn and Gus go undercover as contestants for an American Idol-type show, with the snarky judge (Tim Curry) under attack. This is a perfect set-up for Roday and Hill, who routinely riff at the end of each episode in "Psych-Outs" — musical numbers or comedy gags that run as the credits roll.

Tune in Fridays at 10PM. I have a feeling you'll like what you see.

Photo courtesy of usanetwork.com

The Marvelous Mr.Monk

How appropriate on Friday the 13th that Monk returns for its sixth season premiere. After all, the "defective detective" has more phobias and OCD issues than all of Freud's patients combined!

Starting off with the fabulous Tony Shalhoub in the title role, Monk is top notch on every level. Shalhoub imbues his alter ego with plenty of tics and idiosyncrasies, but doesn't make a caricature of his character. He embraces Monk's inner freak and allows us to enjoy the certain spectacle to follow. The supporting cast is spectacular. Traylor Howard as Monk's beleaguered assistant Natalie is truly underrated. She provides the balance in Monk's world, which is not an easy task. Jason Gray-Stanford, as Lt. Randy Disher, is the perfect foil for Monk. Where the former cop has investigative skills off the charts, one has to wonder sometimes how Randy ever got a badge. Last, but certainly not least, Ted Levine, as Capt. Leland Stottlemeyer, holds it all together. He appreciates Monk's abilities, but no so much that he'll overlook Monk's myriad issues to reinstate his pal to the San Francisco PD.

One of the best elements of this show over the years has been its amazing guest stars and the premiere is no exception. Caustic comedienne Sarah Silverman returns as Marci Maven, the stalker who has now set her sights on Monk. The clashing of Monk's meticulousness and Marci's madness promises to be a highlight in the entire series' run.

For those who haven't been immersed into the world of Monk, there's no time like the present. Not only is it great television, it also shows that maybe your issues aren't quite so bad after all.

Photo courtesy of usanetwork.com

Funny Girls

Whether they're sassy or sweet, brainy or (almost) brain-dead, these wonderful women deserve every laugh they get, as well as a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series:

Jenna Fischer, The Office (NBC)
Elizabeth Perkins, Weeds (SHO)
Jaime Pressly, My Name Is Earl (NBC)
Nicollette Sheridan, Desperate Housewives (ABC)
Vanessa Williams, Ugly Betty (ABC)

Possible Alternates: Conchata Ferrell, Two and a Half Men (CBS) and Ashley Jensen, Extras (HBO)

Jenna Fischer triumphed as the romance-challenged receptionist who finally got Cupid's message from her co-worker. Elizabeth Perkins tested the boundaries as the cancer-surviving City Councilwoman who went off the deep end in pursuit of her mission. Jaime Pressly delighted as the ditzy ex-wife who managed to corral her current and former hubbies into helping her out of jams. Nicollette Sheridan raised the roof as the ribald realtor who moved in on her friend's former spouse. Vanessa Williams strutted her stuff as the vampy fashion editor who used any means necessary to get ahead. Conchata Ferrell wiped the floor as the hysterical housekeeper who really was the boss. Ashley Jensen nailed it as the socially awkward actress who was more interested in finding a man than in her next role.

Women of Substance

As the saying goes, "A woman's work is never done," which is true in real life and reel life. For these ladies are the team players of their shows. They provide depth, heart and complexities that enrich every episode in which they appear and should earn them a nod for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series:

Katherine Heigl, Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
Elizabeth Mitchell, Lost (ABC)
Sandra Oh, Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
CCH Pounder, The Shield (FX)
Chandra Wilson, Grey's Anatomy (ABC)

Possible Alternates: Andrea Roth, Rescue Me (FX) and Aida Turturro, The Sopranos (HBO)

Katherine Heigl killed as the surgical intern whose heart was cut out with the death of her fiance. Elizabeth Mitchell mesmerized as the fertility specialist whose true purpose on the island remained a mystery. Sandra Oh stunned as the future heart surgeon whose fear of commitment cost her the man she loved. CCH Pounder dominated as the top cop whose job forced her to choose between what's right and what's just. Chandra Wilson awed as the resilient resident whose emotions sometimes interfered with ability to perform her duties. Andrea Roth sizzled as the ex-wife whose explosive relationship with her former spouse burned out of control. Aida Turturro wowed as the Mafia wife/sister whose own self-interests didn't always mesh with those of "the family."

Still Waters Run Deep

The nominees for the 2006-2007 Emmy Awards have yet to be announced, but the voters should check off Corey Reynolds of The Closer for next year.

In the first two seasons of the TNT drama, Reynolds has portrayed Det. Sgt. David Gabriel as the calm influence among the hot-tempered members of the LAPD Priority Homicide Division. It has been Gabriel to whom Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson (Kyra Sedgwick) turns when she needs help or someone to rely on.

However, in this third season, Gabriel isn't blindly following orders or keeping the peace. In fact, he's been the one to cause ripples in the PHD's squad room. In the installment, "Grave Doubt," Gabriel not only argues with his female boss, but he physically tries to prevent her from questioning a suspect he feels should be set free. Afterwards, it is quite evident that the camaraderie and trust between Gabriel and Chief Johnson has been damaged. While this turn of events was disturbing, it's nothing compared to what was to come.

In the episode, "Ruby," the dedicated detective crosses the line and literally beats an admission from a man suspected of kidnapping an 8-year-old girl. It is with this performance that Reynolds achieves a truly amazing transformation. The mild-mannered, well-educated law officer morphs into a raging animal whose only thought is finding the girl. Even after the incident, his lack of remorse and subsequent attitude towards Brenda illustrates how nuanced and multi-layered Reynolds has made his alter ego.

So, this time next year, remember where Corey Reynolds was first touted.

Photo courtesy of tnt.tv