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FROM SILENCE OF THE LAMBS TO SEATTLE GRACE: BROOKE SMITH EMERGES

November 1, 2007

Does the name Brooke Smith ring a bell? It should, and it will. Up until now, she was what I would deem a character actress (although some people object to that designation); one of those women on TV and in films that you recognized but couldn’t place.

In my estimation, Smith is criminally underrated, but she is finally on the verge of making that transition from part time to major player on the small screen. Though most know her now as the newly hired Dr. Hahn on Grey’s Anatomy, I have been following her career for a while. Here is quick look at some of her more high profile work:

1991. Silence of the Lambs. Smith was the infamous girl in the well.

1996. First appearance on Law & Order. Also appeared in 2005 and 2007.

2001. Starred in Series 7: The Contenders, a disturbing film about a reality television show which rewarded contestants for murdering one another.

It was written & directed by Dan Minahan, who has directed several episodes of Grey’s Anatomy.
Her co-star was Glenn Fitzgerald, who is currently playing Rev. Brian Darling on Dirty Sexy Money.

2002. Played a police officer in the movie Bad Company…with ~~Hannibal Lecter~~ Anthony Hopkins.

2004. Guest starred on an episode of Six Feet Under…directed by Dan Minahan.

2004. Was in the Woody Allen movie Melinda and Melinda.

2004. Was in the HBO film Iron Jawed Angels.

2005. Was in the film In Her Shoes.

2007. Played a doctor on Crossing Jordan for 13 episodes.

2007. Appeared in pilot of Dirty Sexy Money…as Glenn Fitzgerald’s mistress and mother of his son.

2007. Had a great 4 episode guest stint on Weeds opposite Mary Louise Parker.

2007. Recently signed as a full time cast member on Grey’s Anatomy.

Although I’m more of a Private Practice girl these days, I still watch Grey’s and the addition of Smith is a huge draw back into that fold.

THE EMMYS: PISS. MOAN. BITCH. BOO. HISS.

Posted by JOpinionated

Grey's Anatomy, LOST, Television

September 17, 2007

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I just got back from vacation, which was quite relaxing…until I turned on the Emmy Awards last night. Just like last year, I found myself screaming at the TV on many occasions. But this time I was in a hotel room. In Vancouver. Where they aired the entire event without censoring any comments. I heart Canada.

Let’s jump right in, shall we?

Dear Emmy Voters,

According to the official website, over 13,000 of you representing “television professionals from every field” comprise the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.

However, after watching the Emmy Awards last night, I am convinced that very few of you who are eligible to vote actually watch television. Or at least more than the single screener episodes that are mailed to you.

You got 4 out of 5 nominations right for Outstanding Drama Series. But Boston Legal instead of Lost or Friday Night Lights?? Similar to Desperate Housewives, that show is neither comedy nor drama; it is a quirky hybrid in the spirit of Ally McBeal. And no one watches it. Except for you, vague members of the Academy. Shows like Boston Legal simply confuse, clutter and clog major categories, resulting in serious snubs for far more deserving series’ and performances. Which brings me to…

James Spader for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. COME ON. Over James Gandolfini? It is painfully clear that you have a soft spot for Boston Legal. Case in point: William Shatner’s infuriating prior victories for the same damn show. Is Spader replacing Shatner as your perennial sentimental favorite? Is he your Tony Shalhoub or Doris Roberts? Are you trying to alienate and/or annoy dedicated viewers of shows that receive critical acclaim by torturing us with nominations for inferior performances? Can you seriously say with great conviction that Spader deserved this more than Tony Soprano’s swan song season or the incredibly underrated/extremely complicated Denis Leary on Rescue Me? In my opinion, Kyle Chandler or Matthew Fox should have been nominated in place of Spader. If you had watched more than one episode of Lost last season, you would have chosen Fox; he was the anchor and the intensity that revived the second half. If you had jumped on the Friday Night Lights train along with most critics, you would have recognized Chandler for his integral role as coach and father figure to an entire town.

Yours in frustration,

Moving on…

As much as I appreciate Jaime Pressly as Joy on My Name is Earl, I was rooting for Jenna Fischer as Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. I believe there is genius in subtle comedy, and she is the master of that domain as Pam on The Office.

And now, for the positive notes.

30 Rock
My heart is with The Office, but the Outstanding Comedy Series statue for 30 Rock is the icing on the cake from their last-minute reprieve. Tina Fey is quite talented, and I’m a big fan.

Ricky Gervais
What a pleasant surprise for Lead Actor in Comedy Series. Although Alec Baldwin steals the show on 30 Rock and Steve Carell is fantastic on The Office, Gervais is hysterical on Extras. And frankly, I was just relieved that it didn’t go to Shalhoub and Sheen.

Katherine Heigl
She and Chandra Wilson are why I still tune in to Grey’s Anatomy. Although I was rooting for Rachel Griffiths for Brothers and Sisters, I am more than satisfied that Heigl won for Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Izzie is far more compelling than the character after whom the show is named…the one who should have perished in the water during sweeps.

Terry O’Quinn
I’ve said from the beginning that Lost lives and breathes by and through John Locke, that O’Quinn’s character is more important to the entire series than the island itself. Sweet victory for a VERY deserving actor. And his competition in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series was fierce; the statue could have easily wound up in the hands of Lost‘s evil Ben (Michael Emerson) or The Sopranos’ tragic Christopher (Michael Imperioli).

The Sopranos
Those last few episodes of the final season really sealed their status as one of the best shows in the history of television, and they truly were an Outstanding Drama.

Writing – Comedy
There was pure comedy gold throughout the small screen last season. As much as I loved Harry Potter’s cameo on Extras, I vividly remember how brilliant and laugh-out-loud funny The Office was. So I applaud Greg Daniels’ win for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series, for his ‘Gay Witch Hunt’ script.

Random Observations

Where was Drea de Matteo (Adrianna) last night when everyone who has ever appeared on The Sopranos reunited on stage? I still believe that Adrianna was alive and would resurface…don’t stop believin’?
Why don’t they hire Rainn Wilson to host one of these things? If they’re too afraid to hand over the hosting duties to the openly liberal Stewart or Colbert, then save us from Seacrest and give the mic to a funny everyman or woman.

Look, I’m not a member of any voting academy and I don’t claim to be an expert. I might come across as a bitter couch potato, but I’m just a passionate fan of television and high quality programming. And I am living off of vacation vapors at the moment. So please excuse me if I seem snarky or cranky, or if any spelling errors made their way into this post.

Good night.

EMMY NOMINATIONS: THE GOOD, THE INFURIATING & THE OUTRAGEOUSLY SNUBBED

Posted by JOpinionated

Grey's Anatomy, Heroes, LOST, Television

July 19, 2007

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I love television, but I’m not one of those people who sets my alarm to wake up ugly early to watch or listen to the nominee announcement show. I might be obsessed with certain shows, but I have to draw the line somewhere. Perhaps if I were a professional blogger, I’d make that commitment. Alas, I have an 8:30-5:30 job and like to sleep.

There were 43 pages of Emmy nominations to sift through, so grab a latte and hang tight for a long read. I will address the major categories…and a few minor ones.

I always debate (with myself, of course) whether to post predictions about who I WANT to win vs. who I think WILL win. I’m going with my heart this year, and rooting for my favorites.

Let’s get started.

DRAMA SERIES
Boston Legal
Grey’s Anatomy
Heroes
House
The Sopranos

The most outrageous snub in this category, by far, is Lost. It is maddening that Boston Legal is there. And let’s be honest, Grey’s Anatomy is an entertaining primetime soap, and last season the off-set drama was far more interesting than the onscreen storylines.

Frankly, even though I loved The Sopranos, I am kind of relieved that this was the last season. It will be one less series that Lost has to contend with next year.

My vote goes to Heroes, the best new show of 2007 by a landslide.

COMEDY SERIES
Entourage
The Office
30 Rock
Ugly Betty
Two and Half Men

With the exception of the last one, what a great category! I really like 30 Rock, but The Office is consistently brilliant and gets my vote every year.

ACTOR, DRAMA SERIES
Denis Leary, Rescue Me
Hugh Laurie, House
James Spader, Boston Legal
Kiefer Sutherland, 24
James Gandolfini, The Sopranos

You’re telling me that freaking James Spader is a better actor than Matthew Fox? Did the people with voting abilities not watch Lost this season, especially the second half? This is the one that makes me insane. And for crying out loud, where is Michael C. Hall’s nomination for Dexter? Is there a more charming and chilling character out there (besides Ben on Lost)?

The obvious vote here would be for Gandolfini, and although this wasn’t the strongest season of The Sopranos, he will probably win. For me, it’s a toss up between Leary and Laurie.

SUPPORTING ACTOR, DRAMA SERIES
William Shatner, Boston Legal
Michael Emerson, Lost
Terry O’Quinn, Lost
Michael Imperioli, The Sopranos
T.R. Knight, Grey’s Anatomy
Masi Oka, Heroes

With the exception of The Shat, this might be the best set yet. To me, it’s Emerson in a slam dunk. He saved the first half of Lost, and continues to be one of the creepiest characters on the small screen. If the voters lean on pure sentiment, then Imperioli gets the win. I love Heroes and Hiro, but it’s not his time. Yet.

ACTRESS, DRAMA SERIES
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer
Sally Field, Brothers and Sisters
Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: SVU
Edie Falco, The Sopranos
Minnie Driver, The Riches
Patricia Arquette, Medium

I am very happy for Minnie Driver, because she nails it on The Riches. And Sally Field is fantastic in Brothers and Sisters. But I’m giving this one to Edie Falco for those first few episodes while Tony was in a coma. Unbelievable acting.

SUPPORTING ACTRESS, DRAMA SERIES
Rachel Griffiths, Brothers and Sisters
Sandra Oh, Grey’s Anatomy
Chandra Wilson, Grey’s Anatomy
Katherine Heigl, Grey’s Anatomy
Aida Turturro, The Sopranos
Lorraine Bracco, The Sopranos

Seriously? Turturro and Bracco made very brief and uneventful appearances during the final season of The Sopranos. I would have loved to see Elizabeth Mitchell’s name there instead, as she was the most compelling new character on Lost and my favorite supporting actress by a mile. So I’ll root for Wilson, because Dr. Bailey is the best part of Grey’s. Griffiths deserves to be the dark horse candidate to beat the Grey’s and Sopranos ladies.

ACTRESS, COMEDY SERIES
America Ferrera, Ugly Betty
Tina Fey, 30 Rock
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, The New Adventures of Old Christine
Felicity Huffman, Desperate Housewives
Mary Louise Parker, Weeds

I have a feeling that Ferrera will win (to complete her awards trifeca; she’s already won the Golden Globe and SAG Award), but I’m all for Tina Fey and Mary Louise Parker. I love Felicity Huffman, and she was the only reason I watched Desperate Housewives, but I abandoned that show early last season.

SUPPORTING ACTRESS, COMEDY SERIES
Conchata Ferrell, Two and a Half Men
Jenna Fischer, The Office
Holland Taylor, Two and a Half Men
Vanessa Williams, Ugly Betty
Jaime Pressly, My Name is Earl
Elizabeth Perkins, Weeds

I’m sorry, but this one belongs to Jenna Fischer. I heart Pam Beesley. The end.

ACTOR, COMEDY SERIES
Tony Shalhoub, Monk
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
Ricky Gervais, Extras
Steve Carell, The Office
Charlie Sheen, Two and a Half Men

We get it, Emmy committee. You love Tony Shalhoub. Yes, he’s great, but no, we’re not watching. In addition, here are a few things I don’t understand about Charlie Sheen.

1. He the highest paid sitcom star on the air.
2. His off-camera crazytown behavior (see: 9/11 conspiracy theories, divorce details about threatening kids, porn, prostitution, gambling and drugs) has not affected his popularity one iota. Why is it that the media crucifies so many other celebrities for less egregious offenses?!

I’m on the Steve Carell bandwagon, although Alec Baldwin is 30 Rock. Unlike the disgustingly untouchable Sheen, however, the voters may be distracted by Baldwin’s recently publicized personal issues with his daughter.

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

I love Piven, but it might be Wilson’s turn. Doogie is the dark horse candidate to win this category.

REALITY SHOW – COMPETITION
Amazing Race
American Idol
Dancing With the Stars
Project Runway
Top Chef

Bravo, Bravo. I’m all for Top Chef or Project Runway.

REALITY SHOW
Antiques Roadshow
The Dog Whisperer With Cesar Millan
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List
Penn & Teller: Bull–

Again, I’m going with Bravo. Yeah, yeah, Extreme Makeover is touching and makes me cry. But Kathy Griffin makes me cry with laughter. Which I prefer.

WRITING, DRAMA SERIES
Battlestar Galactica: “Occupation/Precipice”
Lost: “Through The Looking Glass”
The Sopranos: “Kennedy And Heidi”
The Sopranos: “The Second Coming”
The Sopranos: “Made In America”

A very tough category indeed. Although the script for The Sopranos episode called “Kennedy and Heidi” was borderline genius, I have to side with Lost once again.

INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE, VARIETY OR MUSIC PROGRAM
Ellen DeGeneres, “79th Annual Academy Awards”
Stephen Colbert, “The Colbert Report”
Jon Stewart, “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart”
David Letterman, “Late Show With David Letterman”
Tony Bennett, “Tony Bennett: An American Classic”

Look, I know people who swear by Colbert and Stewart. But I’m with Ellen all the way to the podium.

WRITING, COMEDY SERIES
Extras, “Daniel Radcliffe”
The Office, “Gay Witch Hunt”
The Office, “The Negotiation”
30 Rock, “Tracy Does Conan,”
30 Rock, “Jack-Tor”

These nominees rule. They all deserve it. If you haven’t seen Harry Potter’s dirty little appearance on Extras, run out right now and rent it. Classic. But, and this should be no surprise, my vote is for the “Gay Witch Hunt” episode of The Office. No other show, sitcom or otherwise, has the capability to make you equally and simultaneously amused and uncomfortable.

RANDOM CATEGORIES

My beloved and prematurely canceled Deadwood garnered Cinematography, Costume, Hairstyling and Sound Mixing nominations. Why couldn’t the voters show Ian McShane & co. the same love that The Sopranos earned?

Ever since Six Feet Under, I’ve been intrigued by clever opening titles. So I was very excited to see that Dexter

You just know that in the Original Music and Lyrics category, Justin Timberlake’s Digital Short ‘Dick in a Box’ is going to win. Even though both of the Scrubs songs were awesome, there hasn’t been a more catchy song/skit from SNL in YEARS.

SNUBS THAT STING

Hello, Friday Night Lights anyone? Why it was not nominated for Best Drama baffles my mind. But the lack of recognition for Kyle Chandler and Connie Britton is just sad. They are the best couple on television, with chemistry that leaps out and off of the screen.

Um, Lost. You know how I feel about that one. I just don’t get it. There isn’t a better produced, filmed or written show on network television.

———————-

Phew. Thanks for sticking with me. I’m sure that after I let some of these nominations settle in my clouded brain, I’ll have more vitriol for the undeserving and outrage for the underappreciated.

was nominated for both Main Title Design and Original Main Title Theme Music.

AGAIN, SERIOUSLY?

Posted by JOpinionated

General Pop Culture, Grey's Anatomy, Television

June 25, 2007

0 comments

I don’t think that many people care anymore, let alone those of you who read this blog (zero comments so far on this issue), but I am both entertained and mortified by Isaiah Washington’s decision to continue opening up to the press.

Here is the latest:
http://www.keithboykin.com/arch/2007/06/22/exclusive_isaia

Last week, he suggested that TR Knight should have been fired from Grey’s Anatomy instead of him. And now he is suggesting that TR Knight created and executed the first half of a major conspiracy to have both Washington and Patrick “McDreamy” Dempsey removed from the show.

Holy sh*t. I used to work in PR, and it is quite obvious that he either ignored or failed basic Media Training. Miserably.

I realize that this is a sensitive and controversial issue, but I would love to know what YOU think because I feel like a party of one as I react to each asinine statement that comes out of Washington’s mouth.

Bring it on.

NEW PUBLICIST FOR DR. BURKE, STAT! ISAIAH WASHINGTON STRIKES AGAIN

Posted by JOpinionated

General Pop Culture, Grey's Anatomy, Television

June 21, 2007

0 comments

To borrow a popular phrase from Grey’s Anatomy…seriously??

The following quotes come directly from Isaiah Washington, in today’s Houston Chronicle.

“They fired the wrong guy.”

“I was not fired for making homophobic slurs. I did
everything I said I would do. I offered to go to counseling, to do a
public service announcement. I wanted everyone to know I was
remorseful.”

So let me get this straight (no pun intended) – he thinks that TR Knight should have been fired instead. Wow.

Washington should fire his publicist because allowing him to continue commenting on this matter is certainly not going to improve his image or career. Nor will that empty threat of a lawsuit.

His insincerity is painfully obvious and his persistent denials to the media illustrate a high level of desperation.

I, for one, will never support any of his future endeavors on the small or big screen.

Read the entire article here:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/life/4907210.html

This will not be the last time I address this particular subject. Clearly.

GETTING KNOCKED UP ON A SATURDAY NIGHT

Posted by JOpinionated

Film, Grey's Anatomy

June 3, 2007

0 comments

It is not often that a film lives up to serious hype, buzz and expectations.

If you fit one or more of the categories below, you will enjoy Knocked Up:

A. You have a sense of humor
B. You catch very topical pop culture references
C. You have slacker and/or stoner friends
D. You are a guy
E. You’ve had a baby
F. You know someone who has had a baby

I don’t want to give anything
away, but I haven’t laughed out loud that much at a movie in a very
long time. Yes, there is a bit of potty humor. But it is a far better
film than The 40 Year Old Virgin and a hell of a lot funnier
than most ‘guy movies.’ Although truly, this should not be classified
as a guy flick. Frankly, I think it will be a huge hit because the
concept will appeal to women more than men. At the theater tonight, all of
the women in the audience reacted to the birth scene with great joy and
applause for the familiar. Even those of us who do not have children
appreciated how well Apatow handled matters of pregnancy, birth, and
parenting throughout the film.

(WHAT A) CAST

Katherine Heigl, who was so impressive that the phrase ‘Grey’s Anatomy‘ never popped into my head.

Seth Rogen, whose performance will give false hope to nerdy guys everywhere that they too can land such a lady. He’s kind of like Will Ferrell Lite, but much more subtle. Thankfully.

Paul Rudd, who is hysterical in almost everything he’s appeared in, finally plays a grown up with great success in this one.

Half the cast of (cancelled cult shows) Freaks & Geeks and Undeclared, several episodes of which were written by Knocked Up director Judd Apatow.

Half the cast of The Office in cameo appearances: Steve Carrell, playing himself. Darryl from the warehouse (Craig Robinson). And the temp (BJ Novak).

Leslie Mann, wife of director Apatow and real mother of the daughters in the film.
[POP CULTURE ASIDE: They met on the set of The Cable Guy, which he produced and she was in.]

Iris and Maude Apatow, the cutest onscreen kids I’ve seen in a long time. I don’t care about nepotism when it actually benefits a motion picture.

Harold Ramis, known forever as Egon Spengler from Ghostbusters but perfectly cast here as the equally hapless father to clueless son Rogen.

Joanna Kerns, with a saucy haircut that Maggie Seaver from Growing Pains would never attempt.

Kristen Wiig from Saturday Night Live, who stole the few scenes she was in.

Loudon Wainwright III: musician, actor and Apatow regular.

Alan Tudyk, who I’ll always think of as Steve the Pirate from Dodgeball and the patient with the accent in that crap Sandra Bullock rehab movie, 28 Days.

Ryan Seacrest, in a refreshingly funny cameo.

Seriously, give up 2 of your weekly lattes for the price of admission to this one. I would be VERY surprised to find out that you didn’t enjoy it…

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