Two of the most anticipated new series of the fall season (at least in my household) were Fringe and True Blood. Here are a few initial observations about the first episodes of both…

It would be easy to ~~dismiss~~ describe Fringe as the new X-Files, but I don’t think that is a fair assessment. Watch me get defensive…

I watched all 202 episodes of The X-Files as they unfolded, which I believe justifies my assertions and opinions comparing these two shows.

The lead female character on Fringe (Olivia Dunham) works for the FBI, but that’s where the similarities end. She does not work with an assigned partner, and she kicks far more bad guy ass than Scully ever did in 9 seasons. Dunham spends quality time in a lab and real science is discussed. The paranormal activities that she investigates are not as far-fetched; modern and future technologies are featured and applied, which she explores in depth personally rather than in theory.

Felicity. Alias. Lost.

Some may accuse me of being a J.J. Abrams apologist, but the man simply does not create crap television. I appreciate the meticulous details on Fringe that beautifully convey his original vision, from the unflinching cinematography to the graphical glyph titles. The script was probably my favorite aspect of the episode; the dialogue was paced rather brilliantly and the humor interjected appropriately. And once again, Abrams has selected the right woman to command the small screen and our immediate attention; without a doubt, Anna Torv has joined the talented ranks of Keri Russell, Jennifer Garner and Evangeline Lilly.

The unedited pilot episode of that I watched at Comic-Con in July was almost identical to the one that aired this week, and the second viewing has confirmed my initial declaration that Fringe is must-see TV for me.

For the lingering skeptics, I would encourage you to stick around for a few more episodes and allow the series to both develop its own pace and earn your Season Pass.

I love Alan Ball. American Beauty is one of my top 5 films and Six Feet Under is among my favorite shows of all time. So I’ve been impatiently awaiting the arrival of True Blood.

To be honest, I am in like…not love. Yet. I believe that the series has great potential; that the first episode crammed too many side characters into the hour, not giving us enough time to digest the vampires-as-minority theme and develop a vested interest in the two leads (Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer).

I’m far from a prude, but I have to say that the explicit sex scenes were a bit of a surprise. On more than one occasion during the episode, I found myself saying “wow, dir-ty.” Am I complaining? No. It’s HBO after all, and after enjoying all seasons of Deadwood and The Sopranos, I’m not quite sure why any of the carnal relations on True Blood would shock me.

But have faith, vampire fiends and dedicated fans of the Charlaine Harris novels…after I attended the True Blood panel at Comic-Con, I got the sense that we are in for quite a ride during this first season.

I will be tuning for the duration, as I believe in Alan Ball and am pleasantly surprised by how much I like Paquin in this role. Oh, and I am also very amused by Paquin’s BFF on the show (Rutina Wesley, as Tara); she reminds me of a younger, sassier version of Wanda Sykes.

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* What did you think about either Fringe or True Blood?

From True Blood to Twilight; My Vampire Weekend

Posted by JOpinionated

Books, Film, Television

September 9, 2008

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I’m standing in a windy tunnel
Shouting through the roar
And I’d like to give the information
You’re asking for

But blood makes noise
It’s a ringing in my ear
And I can’t really hear you
In the thickening of fear

[Blood Makes Noise, Suzanne Vega]

Ok, so I am a passenger on the current vampire bandwagon. My journey is inadvertent and coincidental.

After listening to a group of very passionate women at Comic-Con earlier this summer imploring me to read Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight (imagine Beatles/Backstreet Boys level fanaticism during their heyday…but for a book), I finally gave in and bought it. The aim is to finish it by Sunday.

The expectations for the film adaptation appear to be astronomical, and I’m sure that the dedicated masses will both dissect it to pieces and contribute to its monster success at the box office.

And even though I’ve been anxiously awaiting the debut of Alan Ball’s True Blood on HBO, my TiVO is apparently not a fan of bloodsuckers; it has failed to record the premiere episode every single time thus far. Crossing fingers for a successful effort tonight…stay tuned for a review this weekend.

The Hype, The Buzz, The New Series: FRINGE

Posted by JOpinionated

Television

September 8, 2008

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I’m sure you’ve heard of it by now, the new television show created by some guy named J. J. Abrams (Alias, Felicity, Lost).

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to watch an unedited 90 minute version of the Fringe pilot at Comic-Con earlier this summer, and I was captivated instantly.

But don’t just take my word for it (nor the thousands of other opinions everywhere) – watch it when it debuts tomorrow night (September 9) at 8pm on FOX. And then let me know what YOU think.

I highly recommend the following Fringe related sites for your perusing pleasure as well:

Fringe Bloggers

Fringe HQ

Fringe Television

I will probably be writing about this series weekly/frequently, but haven’t decided where yet…

The Return of Fall Television: Week 2 Picks

Posted by JOpinionated

Television

September 7, 2008

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Don’t forget to set your TiVO or DVR for all of the new and returning shows!

Here is what I will be tuning into this week:

Sunday, September 7 (tonight)

Entourage
HBO

True Blood
HBO

Mad Men
AMC

Tuesday, September 9

Fringe
FOX

Wednesday, September 10

Bones
FOX

Sons of Anarchy
FX

Project Runway
Bravo

Saturday, September 13

Saturday Night Live
NBC

Any surprises or disappointments with Fall TV thus far?

Stand Up To Cancer on Friday Night; Make a Donation, Win TV on DVD

Posted by JOpinionated

Contests, Television

September 3, 2008

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On Friday night (September 5, 2008), the big three networks are joining together to host a televised Stand Up To Cancer benefit show.

Those appearing and answering phones include Casey Affleck, Jessica Alba, Christina Applegate, Jennifer Aniston, Lance Armstrong, Halle Berry, Beyonce, Jack Black, Mary J Blige, Josh Brolin, Mariah Carey, Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, Jon Favreau, Fergie, America Ferrera, Sally Field, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, Neil Patrick Harris, Salma Hayek, Scarlett Johansson, Masi Oka, Danica Patrick, Rihanna, Meryl Streep, Hilary Swank and Carrie Underwood, among many others.

In addition to making financial contributions of any amount online or via phone on Friday, there are a few entertaining options for doing the same. You can bid on celebrity experiences and personalized videos from the cast of Lost and other TV, film, music and sports stars. All proceeds benefit SU2C.

I have already placed an order for one of the above for a friend (details are hush hush until she receives it). Over on my Lost blog, I have the following contest in place and wanted to extend it to everyone.

If you make a donation of any amount or purchase one of those experiences/videos above from now through Sunday, simply send me an email or leave a comment below and your name will be put into a hat. The name I pull will receive an autographed Counting Crows iTunes gift card and a season of Lost (or your favorite show) on DVD.

Easy enough, right?

We all know someone who has been affected by cancer. Tune in on Friday. It’s time to stand up.

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