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What I Didn’t Do This Week: A Recap

Film, Grey's Anatomy, Heroes, LOST, Personal, Television

November 15, 2008

By now, most of you know that I had surgery last week and am recuperating at home for a few weeks. I had huge plans; fun, lazy, dreamy ideas about days consisting of naps, multiple film viewings and blog posts.

I can’t drive until later next week, so I should be taking more advantage of this ‘free’ time. I am failing miserably. Except for the nap part.

Here is what I wanted to do instead, in no particular order:

Watch Casino Royale again, to get in the Bond/Daniel Craig mindset
See Quantum of Solace
Catch up on entire current season of both Desperate Housewives & Survivor online
Share angry open letter here to ABC re: the firing of Brooke Smith
Finish reading New Moon, the 2nd in the Twilight series
Write/review, post, repeat…every single day

So what have I been doing, besides sleeping? Time-sucking activities like perusing new people to follow on Twitter, responding to status updates on Facebook and watching bonus features on DVDs.

Movie-wise…I tried to get through In Bruges but could not, endured 30 Days of Night even though Josh Hartnett is painfully miscast as a leading man once again, enjoyed the highly recommended/cheesy awesome Boondock Saints, gave M. Night’s Unbreakable another look and loved Iron Man even more upon a second viewing.

TV-wise…I attempted to watch The View but wanted to flick Hasselbeck in the head, finally had time to watch and appreciate Rachel Maddow, painfully giggled at Ellen on a daily basis, sat through my first ever episode of Dancing with the Stars with and on behalf of my parents, was pleasantly surprised by Heroes, rediscovered It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia online, and loved Life, Dexter, Brothers & Sisters, Bones, Eli Stone, and 30 Rock (except for Jennifer Aniston). The Office was a bit stale but I really liked Andy and Oscar’s banter. I am secretly disappointed that Lipstick Jungle was canceled, and am anxiously awaiting word on the future of Pushing Daisies. I also decided to stick with Grey’s Anatomy, but only because of my affection and respect for Sandra Oh and Sara Ramirez (who, I admit, made me tear up this week during that ER scene).

On second thought, I did do more than just nap. Sweet.

And on tap for next week:

Dual interview w/the authors of Lost Ate My Life (Jon ‘DocArzt’ Lachonis & Amy ‘hijinx’ Johnston)
Advance review of new television writers series on DVD
Belated review of Clint Eastwood’s Changeling
Kung Fu Panda & Son of Rambow from Netflix, followed by Wall E & Tropic Thunder
TiVO 1997′s Lost Highway (recommended by DocArzt) on cable, as well as Across the Universe and The Diving Bell & The Butterfly

Apparently the key to inspiration is to nap too much, then stay up and write at this hour. We’ll see if that continues.

Thanks for reading an absolutely rambling mess of an entry. Good times, and good night!

Hahn is Gone: A Surprise Exit on Grey’s Anatomy

Posted by JOpinionated

Grey's Anatomy, Politics, Television

November 3, 2008

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I have been very vocal about my support for the relationship between Callie Torres and Erica Hahn on Grey’s Anatomy. So imagine my surprise and dismay to hear that actress Brooke Smith has been let go from the show. Just like that. Apparently this week will be her last episode. No end to her storyline, no resolution. Done. Gone.

I have also been a huge fan of showrunner Shonda Rhimes. However, I take umbrage with the statement that she just released regarding this news:

“Brooke Smith was obviously not fired for playing a lesbian. Clearly
it’s not an issue as we have a lesbian character on the show –
Calliope Torres. Sara Ramirez is an incredible comedic and dramatic
actress and we wanted to be able to play up her magic. Unfortunately,
we did not find that the magic and chemistry with Brooke’s character
would sustain in the long run. The impact of the Callie/Erica
relationship will be felt and played out in a story for Callie. I
believe it belittles the relationship to simply replace Erica with
‘another lesbian.’ If you’ll remember, Cristina mourned the loss of
Burke for a full season.”

So let me get this straight (pun intended)…you’re telling me that Callie, who slept with Mark Sloan three times in two episodes, is a lesbian now. Callie, who was the one freaking out about coming out while Hahn was embracing it – SHE’s your lesbian character? Wow. Not well played at all. And I would know.

Also, if their chemistry was the issue, why not just dissolve that storyline as they do others on the show? Why not keep Smith on as Hahn and change directions?

Apparently Smith was let go by the network, and not Rhimes. That is a baffling move, and one which I hope was not motivated by negative fan feedback regarding her character.

And although this entire matter might seem trivial to you, consider the timing…

Smith was notified about her unemployment in mid-September. WHY on earth would ABC make such an announcement (about the abrupt dissolution of one of the most visible gay relationships on television) the day before an election featuring a measure which discriminates against gay and lesbian couples?! Strategically speaking, and from a public relations standpoint, this was a very ill-advised move.

Remember that not too long ago, this was the very show and network which chose to write Dr. Burke’s character off of the series when the actor who played that role made homophobic remarks to another actor on set. But to fire an actress because of her lack of chemistry with another actress? Wow.

For Brooke Smith’s response to this egregious situation, please visit Michael Ausiello’s interview with her on EW.com. She is a very talented actress, and a classy human being. I wish her the best and will watch whatever film or series is lucky enough to feature her next.

This is a head-scratcher indeed, and very frustrating from a fan perspective.

Early Report Card: Fall TV Thus Far

Posted by JOpinionated

Grey's Anatomy, Heroes, Television

October 9, 2008

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Even though a few of my favorite shows have yet to return (30 Rock, Samantha Who) and a new series debuts tonight (Life on Mars), I have been pretty underwhelmed with Fall Television thus far…with a few exceptions.

Admittedly, it’s early; I’ve only seen an episode or two of each. But here is how I would grade each right now:

Bones: B (Zach’s return as a Hannibal Lecter type consultant works for me)

Brothers & Sisters: A- (love the cast & chemistry)

Chuck: C (I gave up on it last season & tried again to no avail)

Desperate Housewives: C (flash forwards work…on Lost)

Dexter: A (characters, script, cast – all consistently compelling)

Dirty Sexy Money: B (so far, so good)

Entourage: C (forward movement for Vince would be nice)

The Ex List: B (charming & worth a look, even though CBS blew it w/timeslot)

Fringe: A (saving grace of the season)

Grey’s Anatomy: B (wish: less Meredith, more Yang)

Heroes: C (yikes; really disappointed with each ep since premiere)

House: B+ (more Thirteen please)

Life: B (like the addition of Donal Logue)

Lipstick Jungle: B (new to my TV radar, pleasant surprise)

The Office: B+ (thank you Amy Ryan and the gas station surprise)

Private Practice: B (more serious tone & medical cases = great improvement)

Pushing Daisies: B+ (a rare gem of positive energy)

Saturday Night Live: C- (if it weren’t for Tina Fey, I’d stop watching altogether)

Sons of Anarchy: B- (lost interest for now, will catch marathon in the future)

True Blood: B (getting better & more intriguing each work)

Ugly Betty: B (Mark & Amanda are my Jack & Karen)

Reality Shows
I still haven’t watched the entire 2 hour season premiere of Survivor, but I think that setting will prove to be an interesting challenge and I’ll tune in online at some point. I catch every other episode of The Amazing Race but it just doesn’t hold my interest week after week any longer. Even Project Runway has been less than stellar this season; none of the contestants has truly stood out with a great personality or as the most talented. Thank goodness for the return of Top Chef; Season 5 debuts next month on Bravo.

Am I alone here, or do you also feel a little let down by some returning shows?

Ugly & Grey at the Office w/Dexter and my Brothers & Sisters

Posted by JOpinionated

Grey's Anatomy, Television

September 23, 2008

0 comments

Yes I watched Heroes and really enjoyed it, but my enthusiasm is reserved for this next batch of season premieres (I’d seen the Heroes pilot at Comic-Con, and it was just as good).

Thursday, September 25

UGLY BETTY
ABC
8pm

THE OFFICE
NBC
9pm

GREY’S ANATOMY
ABC
9pm

[Sidenote: I wrote about Callie & Hahn after the season finale, which clearly touched a nerve; the number of hits and emails were surprisingly high. I stand by my initial reaction and support of their relationship, even though that does not appear to be the popular consensus.]

Sunday, September 28

DEXTER
SHO
9pm

BROTHERS & SISTERS
ABC
10pm

So in addition to the above programs, my TiVO Season Passes are set for:

Bones
Fringe
Heroes
House
Mad Men
Project Runway
Sons of Anarchy
True Blood

And there are MORE great shows that premiere in the coming weeks:

30 Rock
Dirty Sexy Money
Life
Private Practice
Pushing Daisies
Samantha Who

This is my hobby and I have no life. It’s awesome.

In My (J)Opinion, The Emmy Goes To…

Posted by JOpinionated

Grey's Anatomy, LOST, Television

September 19, 2008

0 comments

The Emmy Awards air on ABC, Sunday night at 8pm PST. Even though I’m on the West Coast, I will be live-blogging the show.

Rather than attempt to predict the winners in the major categories (because these are the same people who infuriatingly reward Spader & Shatner year after year, and have now adopted Sheen & Cryer), I’ve selected those shows and individuals who I believe deserve the Emmy this year.

OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES
30 Rock
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Entourage
The Office
Two and a Half Men

I don’t think there has been a more entertaining series or cast since Arrested Development.

LEAD ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
Tony Shalhoub, Monk
Lee Pace, Pushing Daisies
Steve Carell, The Office
Charlie Sheen, Two and a Half Men

Comedic timing is everything. A victory for Pace would be just as sweet.

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Jeremy Piven, Entourage
Kevin Dillon, Entourage
Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your Mother
Rainn Wilson, The Office
Jon Cryer, Two and a Half Men

I do not watch How I Met Your Mother (but I should and I will), and wasn’t that impressed with the nominees in this category. Dillon is underrated in the shadow of Piven.

LEAD ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Tina Fey, 30 Rock
Christina Applegate, Samantha Who
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, The New Adventures of Old Christine
America Ferrera, Ugly Betty
Mary Louise-Parker, Weeds

What an amazing category; every one of these women should win. I am pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy Applegate in this role; I see more nominations in her future. I would have chosen the consistently stellar Parker, but Weeds is more a comedy of errors than a traditional comedy.

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES
Kristin Chenoweth, Pushing Daisies
Jean Smart, Samantha Who
Amy Poehler, Saturday Night Live
Holland Taylor, Two and a Half Men
Vanessa Williams, Ugly Betty

Another tough choice; Poehler is the saving grace of SNL, but Smart could pull an upset victory. She makes me laugh out loud and deserves her own series.

OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A COMEDY SERIES
30 Rock (2 episodes)
Flight of the Conchords
Pushing Daisies
The Office

Wow. FotC may steal this one away from 30 Rock.

OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES
Boston Legal
Damages
Dexter
House
Lost
Mad Men

I am not just choosing Lost because it’s my favorite show; I believe that Season 4 was extremely strong across the board (acting, writing, direction, cinematography, etc.), from start to finish. Second choice would be Dexter. I love Mad Men but feel that the current second season is far superior to the first. And I will simply never understand the allure of Boston Legal.

LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
James Spader, Boston Legal
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
Michael C. Hall, Dexter
Hugh Laurie, House
Gabriel Byrne, In Treatment
Jon Hamm, Mad Men

The buzz is for Cranston, but I am absolutely mesmerized by Hall week after week. To be honest, I thought that this was Matthew Fox’s year for Lost; what an omission! Not to mention Kyle Chandler for Friday Night Lights…

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
William Shatner, Boston Legal
Ted Danson, Damages
Zeljko Ivanek, Damages
Michael Emerson, Lost
John Slattery, Mad Men

If it weren’t for Emerson’s eye-bugging, jaw-dropping role on Lost, my vote would have been for Danson in a heartbeat; his performance was the surprise revelation of the season.

LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Sallie Field, Brothers & Sisters
Glenn Close, Damages
Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order
Holly Hunter, Saving Grace
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer

No question. Glenn Close knocks it out of the park, and she scares me. But where’s the recognition for Connie Britton on FNL?

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Candice Bergen, Boston Legal
Rachel Griffiths, Brothers & Sisters
Chandra Wilson, Grey’s Anatomy
Sandra Oh, Grey’s Anatomy
Dianne Wiest, In Treatment

Dr. Bailey is the heart and soul of Grey’s, but frankly I’m surprised by Oh’s nod; she wasn’t given much to work with this season.

OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A DRAMA SERIES
Battlestar Galactica
Damages
Mad Men (2 episodes)
The Wire

Again, where is a nod for Lost? I really tried to get into The Wire, because some critics feel it is one of the best shows of all time, but I lost interest.

OUTSTANDING REALITY-COMPETITION PROGRAM
American Idol
Dancing With The Stars
Project Runway
The Amazing Race
Top Chef

—

Thoughts?

Fall TV 2008 Schedule: New & Existing Shows

Posted by JOpinionated

Grey's Anatomy, Heroes, Television

August 24, 2008

0 comments

This has been a long hot summer with a seriously dry television spell. Thank goodness we’re fast approaching the debut of brand new programming and unveiling of several new series’. The shows which I will be setting a TiVO Season Pass for and writing about are starred with an asterisk.

By date….

August 26
Greek
ABC Family

September 1
Prison Break
FOX

September 1
Raising the Bar
TNT
Drama

September 1
One Tree Hill
CW

September 1
Gossip Girl
CW

September 2
The Shield
FX

September 2
90210
CW
Drama

September 3 *
Bones
FOX

September 3 *
Sons of Anarchy
FX
Drama
For the cast alone: Ron Perlman (Hellboy), Katey Sagal (Helen on Lost), Mitch Pileggi (AD Skinner on The X-Files), Drea De Matteo (Adrianna on The Sopranos), Sprague Grayden (Heather on Jericho), Dayton Callie (Charlie Utter on Deadwood)

September 7 *
True Blood
HBO
Drama
From Six Feet Under creator Alan Ball. Need I say more?

September 7 *
Entourage
HBO

September 8
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
FOX

September 9 *
Fringe
FOX
Drama
I saw a 90 minute unedited version of the pilot at Comic-Con and fell in love immediately. From the mind of J.J. Abrams (Alias, Lost), featuring stellar new discovery Anna Torv and Lance Reddick (The Wire, Lost) and Joshua Jackson (whom you will no longer refer to as Pacey from Dawson’s Creek after episode 1).

September 9
Privileged
CW
Comedy Drama

September 10
Do Not Disturb
FOX
Comedy

September 10
‘Til Death
FOX

September 13
Saturday Night Live
NBC

September 16 *
House
FOX

September 18
Survivor: Gabon
CBS

September 18
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
FX

September 18
Smallville
CW

September 18
Supernatural
CW

September 22 *
Heroes
NBC

September 22
CSI: Miami
CBS

September 22
How I Met Your Mother
CBS

September 22
Boston Legal
ABC

September 22
The Big Bang Theory
CBS

September 22
Worst Week
CBS
Comedy

September 22
Two and a Half Men
CBS

September 23
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
NBC

September 23
NCIS
CBS

September 23
Without a Trace
CBS

September 23
The Mentalist
CBS
Drama

September 24
Lipstick Jungle
NBC

September 24
Knight Rider
NBC
Drama

September 24
The New Adventures of Old Christine
CBS

September 24
CSI: NY
CBS

September 24
Criminal Minds
CBS

September 24
Gary Unmarried
CBS
Comedy

September 25 *
The Office
NBC

September 25 *
Ugly Betty
ABC

September 25 *
Grey’s Anatomy
ABC

September 25
My Name is Earl
NBC

September 25
ER
NBC

September 28
Desperate Housewives
ABC

September 28 *
Brothers & Sisters
ABC

September 28 *
Dexter
Showtime

September 28 *
Amazing Race
CBS

September 28
Californication
Showtime

September 28
Cold Case
CBS

September 28
The Unit
CBS

September 28
American Dad
FOX

September 28
The Simpsons
FOX

September 29
Chuck
NBC

October 1 *
Pushing Daisies
ABC

October 1 *
Dirty Sexy Money
ABC
I’ve seen the first two episodes and really like the direction and tone…

October 1 *
Private Practice
ABC

October 1
Friday Night Lights
DirecTV
Sadly, I will not be able to catch these new episodes until they air on NBC in the future

October 3 *
The Ex List
CBS
Comedy
Only because I love love love Elizabeth Reaser (Ava/Rebecca on Grey’s Anatomy), and it’s about time she got her own show