2009/2010 TV Watching Thread

[molly1216]

^^^ Ratings report: "Spartacus" is killing (for Starz) with ratings approaching a million viewers per episode; "Crapica" sinks to almost below one million viewers for the premiere of its latest episode: http://www.thrfeed.com/2010/02/spartacus-caprica-continue-ratings-trends-.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+live_feed+%28The+Hollywood+Reporter+-+The+Live+Feed%29. Happy Joyce?

so 1 million people like their porn tinged with blood..that's believable.

[HGervais]

So last night's Chuck got a certain part of the fanbase riled up into a major uproar, so much so that NPR's TV writer wrote a response to the outrage and it is one of the better pieces on the relationship between TV shows & it's fans that I have read, Chuck vs. The Shippers

[Steve T Power]

^^^ Ratings report: "Spartacus" is killing (for Starz) with ratings approaching a million viewers per episode; "Crapica" sinks to almost below one million viewers for the premiere of its latest episode: http://www.thrfeed.com/2010/02/spartacus-caprica-continue-ratings-trends-.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+live_feed+%28The+Hollywood+Reporter+-+The+Live+Feed%29. Happy Joyce?

so 1 million people like their porn tinged with blood..that's believable.

I have the first three episodes on tap, maybe for tonight- we'll see. the five minute sample i tasted this morning felt like Rome on Smallville's budget.

[molly1216]

^^^ Ratings report: "Spartacus" is killing (for Starz) with ratings approaching a million viewers per episode; "Crapica" sinks to almost below one million viewers for the premiere of its latest episode: http://www.thrfeed.com/2010/02/spartacus-caprica-continue-ratings-trends-.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+live_feed+%28The+Hollywood+Reporter+-+The+Live+Feed%29. Happy Joyce?

so 1 million people like their porn tinged with blood..that's believable.

I have the first three episodes on tap, maybe for tonight- we'll see. the five minute sample i tasted this morning felt like Rome on Smallville's budget.

well it hasn't reminded me of Rome at all. it did feel like Tapert's Hercules production crossed with 300. and the full frontal nudity is always welcome. I started watching because Lucy Lawless was starring...well her breasts are starring...so far she's just sort of phoning it in.
i'm starting to think i am not the target audience..perhaps males 14 to 40.

[HGervais]

So what is the verdict on the Canadian show Little Mosque on the Prairie ? I love the title and that is enough to make me curious.

[Steve T Power]

So what is the verdict on the Canadian show Little Mosque on the Prairie ? I love the title and that is enough to make me curious.

It's a decent, somewhat charming show about culture clash in the Prairies. There's some solid talent on display, and it's pretty humorous, but it does tend to suffer from "precocious overwriting" at times.

[Steve T Power]

Caught the first two episodes of Spartacus: Blood and Sand - and while the first episode was a stylish bit of fun that didn't do much beyond entertaining me for 53 minutes, the 2nd episode really, genuinely impressed the hell out of me. Quite a pleasant surprise, and the violence and boobs certainly didn't hurt its chances. I hear the 3rd episode is actually quite well written as well, i look forward to taking this trip. Never would have said it's from the same bunch behind the woefully wretched Legend of the Seeker adaptation.

[molly1216]

Caught the first two episodes of Spartacus: Blood and Sand - and while the first episode was a stylish bit of fun that didn't do much beyond entertaining me for 53 minutes, the 2nd episode really, genuinely impressed the hell out of me. Quite a pleasant surprise, and the violence and boobs certainly didn't hurt its chances. I hear the 3rd episode is actually quite well written as well, i look forward to taking this trip. Never would have said it's from the same bunch behind the woefully wretched Legend of the Seeker adaptation.

IF episode 3 is supposed to be better, i will try it again. what was it about episode 2 you liked? aside from the blood and boobs?

[J.M. Vargas]

^^^ Probably the erect penises' parade/salute to Maximus. Right Steve?

[Steve T Power]

Caught the first two episodes of Spartacus: Blood and Sand - and while the first episode was a stylish bit of fun that didn't do much beyond entertaining me for 53 minutes, the 2nd episode really, genuinely impressed the hell out of me. Quite a pleasant surprise, and the violence and boobs certainly didn't hurt its chances. I hear the 3rd episode is actually quite well written as well, i look forward to taking this trip. Never would have said it's from the same bunch behind the woefully wretched Legend of the Seeker adaptation.

IF episode 3 is supposed to be better, i will try it again. what was it about episode 2 you liked? aside from the blood and boobs?

I actually found the characters had some depth starting to show - Peter Mensah, John Hannah, and Andy Whitfield are turning in some fine enough performances, and the Gladiator School setting is working for me at the moment. It's like all of the good stuff between Russell Crowe and Oliver Reed in Gladiator on a TV scale. The first episode DEFINITELY felt like it was filmed as a pilot before the characters and such were fully fleshed out - and if they continue to show the same degree of growth, then i can't really condemn the series. I also have to say that i really enjoy the visual style of the show, and in general the acting has been quite impressive considering the Renaissance Pictures roots of the show.

If it follows the traditional curve of the Spartacus story, it'll be interesting to see how they handle Spartacus' transition from Gladiator, to rebel, to leader.

In the spirit of full disclosure, i'm a huge fan of both Gladiator and 300, and these two seem to be the largest pieces of influence for Spartacus: Blood and Sand. After checking out episode 3, again a pretty sizable improvement on Episode 2, i'm definitely on board.

[J.M. Vargas]

The CW renews "Supernatural," "Gossip Girl," "America's Next Top Model," "Vampire Diaries" and "90210"; no word yet on "Smallville," "One Tree Hill," "Melrose Place" and "Life Unexpected": http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/02/16/gossip-girl-renewed-supernatural-renewed-too-vampire-diaries-90210-antm-too/42104.

[J.M. Vargas]

Kevin Eubanks will leave "The Tonight Show" (though he's expected to appear for Leno's return after the Olympics): http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2010/02/kevin_eubanks_quits_the_tonigh.php#ixzz0fjyboIYH

"Supernatural" showrunner Eric Kripke to step down: http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/02/16/supernatural-eric-kripke-steps-down-showrunner/

[molly1216]

i stopped watching Lost somewhere in year 2 or 3....don't remember..
so guess what i get to do?

watch it all over from beginning to end...... all seasons cept for 6 are on Netflix instant watch

[azul017]

Nurse Jackie -- Saw a few of the reruns of season one's eps and bought the DVD set post-haste. I'm not a fan of The Sopranos, but Edie Falco was definitely one of the highlights in the show and even moreso as the lead.

Joyce, you might want to Netflix it if you can. It's something I think you'll like.

[molly1216]

Nurse Jackie -- Saw a few of the reruns of season one's eps and bought the DVD set post-haste. I'm not a fan of The Sopranos, but Edie Falco was definitely one of the highlights in the show and even moreso as the lead.

Joyce, you might want to Netflix it if you can. It's something I think you'll like.

Dont have to Vargas made me a present of her.
and agree, its well worth watching very powerful.
i hated the sopranos but i do like this a great deal.

[J.M. Vargas]

^^^ You tease, how come you never posted about "Nurse Jackie" on the regular 'Watching' thread? I'm still waiting to hear what you thought of the 4th season of "Dexter" (no spoilers for the faint of heart, please! ) and the 2nd of "True Blood."

[molly1216]

i stopped watching Lost somewhere in year 2 or 3....don't remember..
so guess what i get to do?

watch it all over from beginning to end...... all seasons cept for 6 are on Netflix instant watch

figured out why i stopped watching LOST in season 3....once they brought in the others and started venturing forth
it got SOO less interesting,

[J.M. Vargas]

"Smallville" renewed for 10th season: http://www.thrfeed.com/2010/03/cw-renews-smallville.html.

[J.M. Vargas]

"Legend of the Seeker" not returning for a third season: http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/03/04/legend-of-the-seeker-canceled-tribune-confirms-its-not-renewing-for-a-3rd-season/43899.

[J.M. Vargas]

Despite much lower ratings than the year before, Fox renews "Fringe" for a third season: http://www.tvguide.com/News/Fringe-Renewed-Season-1015727.aspx.

[cdouglas]

Watched the first episode of Parenthood, which I was intrigued by due to the solid cast and my fondness for the Ron Howard film the show is based on. I liked it well enough (particularly Peter Krause, Lauren Graham & Craig T. Nelson), though I also think that it's a bit more frantic in terms of tone than it needs to be. Still, I'll stick with it for a while as I think it has some real potential.

[Steve T Power]

Watched the first episode of Parenthood, which I was intrigued by due to the solid cast and my fondness for the Ron Howard film the show is based on. I liked it well enough (particularly Peter Krause, Lauren Graham & Craig T. Nelson), though I also think that it's a bit more frantic in terms of tone than it needs to be. Still, I'll stick with it for a while as I think it has some real potential.

Isn't this the second time they've tried to turn this flick into a series?

[J.M. Vargas]

Production for second season of Starz's "Spartacus" delayed while star Andy Whitfield gets treatment for just-discovered cancer: http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/09/spartacus-is-delayed-while-star-is-treated-for-cancer/.

[J.M. Vargas]

Betty White to host "Saturday Night Live" May 8th; will become oldest person ever to host the NBC late night show: http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2010-03-11-bettywhite11_ST_N.htm.

[HGervais]

Bye bye 24

[Mach6]

Bye bye 24

It's the right move. In a perfect world, 24 should've ended after the awesome Season 5. In the last 3 seasons, the writers have clearly used up every terrorist related attack ideas & they haven't created any characters as memorable or cool as Tony, Michelle, or Pres. Palmer. (I like Renee, but she's no Michelle.) I could live with the recycled plots & twists if they weren't so ridiculous & boring (What's Pres. Taylor's daughter up to?) or involved characters I could give a damn about (Dana!). The other major problem is political correctness has infected & robbed 24 of its edge. Jack Bauer is an "anything it takes to win" or "the ends justifies the means" type character & thanks to the whole torture controversy, we can't have good fictional characters using "enhanced interrogation techniques" on evil fictional characters anymore. There is no way the Seasons 1-5 Jack Bauer would've gave the "hostages on the bus speech" to teach Renee about what torturing people does to your soul (UGH!) at the end of Season 7. 24 used to be great, now it's just OK. I have a lot of hope for the movie since they only have to create a story for two hours instead of 24 42 minute episodes & they will have a budget to show that they're really in Europe compared to the deserted streets & warehouses that pass for New York this season.

[Steve T Power]

Bye bye 24

It's the right move. In a perfect world, 24 should've ended after the awesome Season 5. In the last 3 seasons, the writers have clearly used up every terrorist related attack ideas & they haven't created any characters as memorable or cool as Tony, Michelle, or Pres. Palmer. (I like Renee, but she's no Michelle.) I could live with the recycled plots & twists if they weren't so ridiculous & boring (What's Pres. Taylor's daughter up to?) or involved characters I could give a damn about (Dana!). The other major problem is political correctness has infected & robbed 24 of its edge. Jack Bauer is an "anything it takes to win" or "the ends justifies the means" type character & thanks to the whole torture controversy, we can't have good fictional characters using "enhanced interrogation techniques" on evil fictional characters anymore. There is no way the Seasons 1-5 Jack Bauer would've gave the "hostages on the bus speech" to teach Renee about what torturing people does to your soul (UGH!) at the end of Season 7. 24 used to be great, now it's just OK. I have a lot of hope for the movie since they only have to create a story for two hours instead of 24 42 minute episodes & they will have a budget to show that they're really in Europe compared to the deserted streets & warehouses that pass for New York this season.

If it had only gone one season it would be remembered as a milestone. Truly revolutionary TV. 3 or 4 seasons and it would be a populist favorite that people remembered as daring and influential if not completely revolutionary. Now it will be a pop-culture footnote.

[molly1216]

Bye bye 24

It's the right move. In a perfect world, 24 should've ended after the awesome Season 5. .

Totally agree...Jack has been looking tired and a little long in the tooth in the last seasons and I find the show drags painfully when HE isn't on the screen. Aside from Chloe they haven't managed to make me care about anyone else, and since everyone is either a villain or a corpse at the end, the suspense is sadly lacking.

[HGervais]

Caught up with Fringe where John Noble proved once again he is quite possibly the best actor on TV. Loved the retro, early 1980s style graphics for the title sequence and LOVED the movie billboard featuring Back To The Future starring Eric Stoltz...brilliant.
Chuck...3.13...otherwise known as the episode that was going to be the season finale....FINALLY is all I will say. For all the ups & downs in storytelling this year this was Chuck doing what it does best. Bring on the mini 6 episode season.

[molly1216]

Caught up with Fringe where John Noble proved once again he is quite possibly the best actor on TV.

yep. I agree with that. but I doubt anyone will notice...it's a genre show after all.

Caught the last of 24 and all i can say was that it was a bit of an anticlimax.
but i did discover Big Bang Theory, a lot of the geek humor is excessive stereotyping..though it IS funny.
Jim Parsons is not to be missed.

[Dan Mancini]

If it had only gone one season it would be remembered as a milestone. Truly revolutionary TV. 3 or 4 seasons and it would be a populist favorite that people remembered as daring and influential if not completely revolutionary. Now it will be a pop-culture footnote.

They should have gone two seasons max, with the second season taking place over a period of 24 days instead of hours. Then the show might have remained conceptually fresh instead of feeling like it was based around a lame gimmick.

Of course, I say that as someone who jumped ship after episode 13 of Season One, so what do I know?

[corkbouy]

Of course, I say that as someone who jumped ship after episode 13 of Season One, so what do I know?

Is that when Dennis Hopper showed up with the most ridiculous Russian accent? I took my ball and went elsewhere then too...

[Dan Mancini]

Of course, I say that as someone who jumped ship after episode 13 of Season One, so what do I know?

Is that when Dennis Hopper showed up with the most ridiculous Russian accent? I took my ball and went elsewhere then too...

I think Hopper had shown up by that point, but I don't remember for certain. It was when they kinda sorta had to wrap things up but not really because at the time they shot it Fox had only ordered 13 episodes and they weren't sure if they were going to get to do a full 24. It seemed like an opportune time to grab my coat and sneak out of the party without anyone noticing.

[HGervais]

If anyone cares the episode I shot for HBO's Treme airs this Sunday night.

[J.M. Vargas]

^^^Joyce cares (I'm taping "Treme" for her)!

[Mach6]

Of course, I say that as someone who jumped ship after episode 13 of Season One, so what do I know?

Is that when Dennis Hopper showed up with the most ridiculous Russian accent? I took my ball and went elsewhere then too...

I think Hopper had shown up by that point, but I don't remember for certain. It was when they kinda sorta had to wrap things up but not really because at the time they shot it Fox had only ordered 13 episodes and they weren't sure if they were going to get to do a full 24. It seemed like an opportune time to grab my coat and sneak out of the party without anyone noticing.

Hopper actually showed up during the early to late evening hours (7pm-Midnight) which were episodes 18-24. Geez, his accent wasn't that bad. Dan, I thinked you missed out on a lot of good stuff in season 1, but at least you didn't have to suffer through the infamous "Teri Bauer Short-Term Amnesia" plotline for 3-4 hours.

The majority of 24 fans will agree with me that it should've ended after Season 5. The problems were that Season 5 won 5 Emmy Awards & the ratings were at its highest so who could blame the producers & Fox for wanting another season. 24 isn't the only show guilty of having a lousy or mediocre 6th (7th, etc.) season (Buffy anyone?). The quality of most shows, other than animated comedies like The Simpsons, South Park, or even Family Guy, really declines after their 4th or 5th seasons. I think congress should pass some law for Action or Sci-Fi TV shows where once you've hit your 120th episode, you should call it quits & start making movies.

[cdouglas]

If anyone cares the episode I shot for HBO's Treme airs this Sunday night.

Hey, cool. Watched the first episode last Sunday and really liked it. Are you an extra in this upcoming episode or what?

[HGervais]

Nope. I have a speaking role. I shot two scenes. I'm the huge-ass hotel manager.

[cdouglas]

Nope. I have a speaking role. I shot two scenes. I'm the huge-ass hotel manager.

Awesome! I'll be on the lookout for ya.

[molly1216]

that rules!

[Bryan Pope]

Nope. I have a speaking role. I shot two scenes. I'm the huge-ass hotel manager.

Awesome! I'll be on the lookout for ya.

Wait, what?? How cool is that?!

[molly1216]

Kitchen Nightmares - yep, believe it or not I have actually been watching all the past episodes on hulu
i had a bunch of work to do at my desk and it was one of the few things I could put on the box while i was working. (anything better would have drawn my attention away from the work at hand)

anyway...i have said before I don't like the theater of cruelty that is Hell's kitchen or actually most reality programming...and if all you see are the excerpts of Ramsay's tantrums, that also leaves a bad taste in my mouth.(pun intended) but after watching over 20 episodes in a row I have come to a few conclusions, not the least of which is that people behave differently (read 'more badly') when they know they are being recorded: the wall mounted cameras and the long lens/boom mic combos do a better job of capturing reality that anytime the camera crew is present.

But if you watch enough episodes you see that Ramsay only targets the guilty with his tirades...he is always gracious with the innocent victims: the wait staff, the wife of the owner etc... usually the culprit is the owner, the manager or the head chef - who is arrogant and childish and causing everyone else to suffer. These people he tears into mercilessly until they admit they are the problem, but there must be some off camera consolation sessions, because by the 2nd half of the show they are usually contrite and ready to be remade, something that takes a drill sergeant weeks, Ramsay seems to pull off in an afternoon.

On the flip side of watching so many of these episodes I find that I am afraid to eat out anymore...the bad food he keeps finding in all these joints is rampant. Damn near every place I have eaten has these same conditions: cost cutting at the expense of the food, yet people still patronize these places and the owners still serve slop. Now I am conditioned to not wanting to eat anywhere unless i can SEE the food being cooked.

[cdouglas]

Just wanted to say that you did a fine job on that episode of Treme tonight, Harold. Particularly liked your second scene with Zahn. Too cool that you got to play a role in that show; I'm really enjoying it thus far.

[Mach6]

Kitchen Nightmares - yep, believe it or not I have actually been watching all the past episodes on hulu
i had a bunch of work to do at my desk and it was one of the few things I could put on the box while i was working. (anything better would have drawn my attention away from the work at hand)

anyway...i have said before I don't like the theater of cruelty that is Hell's kitchen or actually most reality programming...and if all you see are the excerpts of Ramsay's tantrums, that also leaves a bad taste in my mouth.(pun intended) but after watching over 20 episodes in a row I have come to a few conclusions, not the least of which is that people behave differently (read 'more badly') when they know they are being recorded: the wall mounted cameras and the long lens/boom mic combos do a better job of capturing reality that anytime the camera crew is present.

I gave Kitchen Nightmares one season before I finally got sick & tired of it. The formula is always the same. Ramsay enters the restaurant/diner & taste tests the menu's "best" items & is immediately disgusted with them. Next, he inspects the kitchen & 90% of the time the kitchen is dirty &/or contains food that is several days (& weeks?!) old. Then, they have a normal meal service where Ramsay screams & curses at everyone for their lousy performances. After that, Ramsay gives them a pep talk, the restaurant a new makeover, & a new menu. Finally, the next meal service is a success & everybody lives happily ever after. What makes this show really annoying is the editing & the Michael Bay-like dramatic music being played after every (staged) confrontation that Ramsey has with one of the place's staff. Ramsey comes off only slightly less cartoonish than he does on Hell's Kitchen & I don't learn anything more about cooking or the restaurant business. Molly, you should really watch the superior BBC version cause Fox really dumbed down the America one.
At least on the BBC's, Ramsay comes off as human & gives some expert cooking & business advice instead of screaming & cursing non-stop. Yes, Ramsey does swear a lot & have confrontations, but it feels natural & not as over the top as the Fox version. The best part is there is none of that cheesy dramatic music.

[molly1216]

Kitchen Nightmares - yep, believe it or not I have actually been watching all the past episodes on hulu
i had a bunch of work to do at my desk and it was one of the few things I could put on the box while i was working. (anything better would have drawn my attention away from the work at hand)

anyway...i have said before I don't like the theater of cruelty that is Hell's kitchen or actually most reality programming...and if all you see are the excerpts of Ramsay's tantrums, that also leaves a bad taste in my mouth.(pun intended) but after watching over 20 episodes in a row I have come to a few conclusions, not the least of which is that people behave differently (read 'more badly') when they know they are being recorded: the wall mounted cameras and the long lens/boom mic combos do a better job of capturing reality that anytime the camera crew is present.

I gave Kitchen Nightmares one season before I finally got sick & tired of it. The formula is always the same. Ramsay enters the restaurant/diner & taste tests the menu's "best" items & is immediately disgusted with them. Next, he inspects the kitchen & 90% of the time the kitchen is dirty &/or contains food that is several days (& weeks?!) old. Then, they have a normal meal service where Ramsay screams & curses at everyone for their lousy performances. After that, Ramsay gives them a pep talk, the restaurant a new makeover, & a new menu. Finally, the next meal service is a success & everybody lives happily ever after. What makes this show really annoying is the editing & the Michael Bay-like dramatic music being played after every (staged) confrontation that Ramsey has with one of the place's staff. Ramsey comes off only slightly less cartoonish than he does on Hell's Kitchen & I don't learn anything more about cooking or the restaurant business. Molly, you should really watch the superior BBC version cause Fox really dumbed down the America one.
At least on the BBC's, Ramsay comes off as human & gives some expert cooking & business advice instead of screaming & cursing non-stop. Yes, Ramsey does swear a lot & have confrontations, but it feels natural & not as over the top as the Fox version. The best part is there is none of that cheesy dramatic music.

I have seen the BBC version that is the only reason i watched the US version. and the real reason i sat through them is that i was doing data entry and need something mindless to watch on HULU. and I agree the US versions are much more violent - but i think the americans are much more pugnacious that the brits.

[HGervais]

This week's Chuck....okay..Fred Williard, Swoozie Kurtz and ready for it?....Udo Freaking Kier. The show has rediscovered the light touch it does better than any show on TV. Next week's guest star is Christopher Lloyd.

[Selk]

This week's Chuck....okay..Fred Williard, Swoozie Kurtz and ready for it?....Udo Freaking Kier. The show has rediscovered the light touch it does better than any show on TV. Next week's guest star is Christopher Lloyd.

The Hart to Hart parody that opened the show was just great! You had to be of a certain age to get that one.

This week's episode was good, I liked the way they juggled the three story-lines, but I was actually more interested in Morgan's training session, especially when he has to steal Big Mike's keycard. That was great.

The only thing I'm wondering is how this show is going to keep it's dramatic tension while dealing with the love story between Chuck and Sarah.

[J.M. Vargas]

"Spartacus" gets six-part prequel series for January 2011: http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2010/05/spartacus-prequel-season.html

The prequel series will depict the rise of the gladiator school or "ludus" known as the House of Batiatus, and production gets underway this summer in New Zealand. Hannah will return as Batiatus and Lawless will return as his wife, Lucretia; their story will be the focus of the prequel season.

Star Andy Whitfield, who is currently undergoing treatment for non-Hodgkins lymphoma, will return "briefly" in two of the six episodes. According to Starz, Whitfield is "responding well" to treatments.

“The prequel story maintains the excitement and entertainment value of the first season of ‘Spartacus,’ giving audiences the engaging experience they’ve come to expect,” Starz president and CEO Chris Albrecht said in a statement. “Fortunately, Andy is responding to his treatments, and will be able to be part of this prequel in a limited capacity. As soon as he’s able, we look forward to continuing the Spartacus story.”

Other returning actors include Peter Mensah as Doctore, Manu Bennett as Crixus, Antonio Te Maioha as Barca, Nick E. Tarabay as Ashur and Lesley-Ann Brandt as Naevia.

There will also be a new character who is yet to be cast -- House of Batiatus' top gladiator before Spartacus came along.

So basically this is some mayhem/debauchery to tide fans over until Whitfield is healthy-enough to return full-time to a second season of the original "Spartacus" series. OK then...

[Mach6]

The prequel route is the best move the Spartacus producers could make with Whitfield's health & how the season finale "Kill Them All" ended. I don't know how they move the series forward without the writers repeating themselves & having Spartacus getting captured & put through the gladiator contests again. It's going to be very hard to top the 1st season.

[J.M. Vargas]

^^^ As long as the main actor gets better there will be a "Spartacus" series down the line. They just want to feed the hungry peasants while the iron's hot.