Today, the game is called "What the Hell is NBC Doing?". Last night, NBC announced full season orders of The Event, Outsourced, and Law and Order: LA (Lo-lo-lo-la-LOLA). The first two make some sort of sense. Outsourced is currently holding NBC's best ratings for a new show, albeit only because it's airing after The Office. The Event is a little more puzzling. For a show that started in the mid 3's for its demo and has now dropped to a 2.2 and one that must be as expensive to produce as it is, you think they'd at least wait a little longer. But this is NBC, rationale went out the window a few years ago. LOLA is the must confusing. It's only aired two episodes, but it dropped almost a full point. Again, you would think they'd want to wait and see.
But then, today, NBC announced that they were picking up 9 episodes of Chase and 11 (!) episodes of Chuck. Despite how nonsensical it may seem, Chuck actually makes a little bit of sense. Chase, however, does not. Chase is below cancellation levels. I assumed it would be the next show to go. But, clearly, NBC thinks otherwise. Along with this announcement, NBC also ordered four more scripts of Undercovers. That show should be dead. While four more scripts does not guarantee four more episodes, it's scary to think that NBC is considering it. So the fact that NBC has picked up everything for spring except Undercovers (maybe) and Outlaw, plus the rather large amount of shows NBC has on its plate for midseason, means that NBC really, REALLY thinks its midseason shows are steaming piles of crap that have no chance.
Now, the Chuck episode order actually somewhat makes sense. Chuck is currently one of NBC's only stable shows, albeit stable at low numbers (then again, they're right around the current average for NBC). But a plausible theory behind this renewal (emphasis on 'theory') is that WB really wants Chuck to go into syndication and is thus lowering the licensing fee or NBC is looking to buy Chuck and put it into syndication. With this now 24 episode fourth season, Chuck will have 78 episodes. The 'magic number' for syndication is 100. So, if NBC renews Chuck for a normal 22 episode fifth season, they will have reached syndication. Again, this is just a theory. For all we know, NBC is just really desperate (actually, we already know that). But it is something interesting for Chuck fans to think about.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Kentucky Fried Product Integration
What happened to the days of zooming in on the back of a car before a chase or conveniently placing a bottle of beer so that the label faces the camera? Why is it that in the past couple weeks, I've had to endure (mostly) horribly-placed 30-second long conversations about KFC? On The Good Guys, in order to distract a fellow agent that they were stealing information from, a main character distracts the said agent by talking him about the Doublicious sandwich he was holding and, of course, making sure to describe the "delicious, sweet sauce that formed a delicious combination" with the rest of the sandwich. And then on Running Wilde, the main character visits the office he's had a job at for several years without ever going to. An employee asks him if he wants to have lunch, KFC, with them but he's never heard of KFC, which opens the door to hearing half a minute of comments about how delicious KFC is.
Why can't people figure out how to successfully integrate products into TV shows with less subtlety than those horribly-written medicine commercials:
(Four women sit around a table playing cards)
Woman #1: Oh, I'm so happy! My granddaughter is getting married this saturday.
(Lots of squealing)
Woman #2: Oh, you must be so excited!
Woman #4: Who's the lucky man?
Women #3: I have arthritis. You guys know any good medications?
The only bright spot I've seen recently in the creativity of the product integration business was last week's episode of Community, "Basic Rocket Science", in which the main characters boarded a space shuttle simulator from the 80s that was sponsored by KFC. While the writers claimed they actually asked KFC to use their brand (I don't buy it), the episode seemed very careful not to insult KFC. However, they kept it subtle. They made jokes out it that didn't insult our intelligence or the brand they were selling. This is a good example of how it should be done, even if there was a brief moment where Chang mentioned how delicious the Doubleicious sandwich is. This was, of course, immediately after a line that included the phrase "like they think we're doing product integration with KFC", so I'll let it slide. And, admittedly, the Doublicious sandwich is delicious, with its amazing sauces and seasonings and whatnot...
I think I'll go get one for dinner, but first I have to cash my check.
Why can't people figure out how to successfully integrate products into TV shows with less subtlety than those horribly-written medicine commercials:
(Four women sit around a table playing cards)
Woman #1: Oh, I'm so happy! My granddaughter is getting married this saturday.
(Lots of squealing)
Woman #2: Oh, you must be so excited!
Woman #4: Who's the lucky man?
Women #3: I have arthritis. You guys know any good medications?
The only bright spot I've seen recently in the creativity of the product integration business was last week's episode of Community, "Basic Rocket Science", in which the main characters boarded a space shuttle simulator from the 80s that was sponsored by KFC. While the writers claimed they actually asked KFC to use their brand (I don't buy it), the episode seemed very careful not to insult KFC. However, they kept it subtle. They made jokes out it that didn't insult our intelligence or the brand they were selling. This is a good example of how it should be done, even if there was a brief moment where Chang mentioned how delicious the Doubleicious sandwich is. This was, of course, immediately after a line that included the phrase "like they think we're doing product integration with KFC", so I'll let it slide. And, admittedly, the Doublicious sandwich is delicious, with its amazing sauces and seasonings and whatnot...
I think I'll go get one for dinner, but first I have to cash my check.
Score Roundup
Chuck: "Chuck vs the Coup'd'etat"- 8.7/10- very fun episode, but ended up being too convoluted.
How I Met Your Mother: "Subway Wars"- 9.3/10
No Ordinary Family: "No Ordinary Ring"- 7.9/10- I'm finding this show less appealing every week. The powers are still mostly the only enjoyable parts and the writers really need to work on the kids' storylines. The son's storyline this week was just painful.
Raising Hope: "Family Secrets": 8.5/10
Running Wilde: "The Junior Affair"- 6.6/10- The first half was abysmal but the second half showed promise.
Modern Family: "Strangers on a Treadmill"- 9.2/10
Community: "Basic Rocket Science"- 8.2/10- This was the show's attempts at another episode like "Modern Warfare" but whereas that episode felt like an episode of Community that happened to be a parody, this episode felt like a parody that happened to be an episode of Community.Still very fun though. "There was a time for subtlety and that was before Scary Movie!"
30 Rock: "The Live Show"- 8.5/10- like "Basic Rocket Science", it was fun and I enjoyed it, but I don't want them to do it again. Also, the fast-paced jokes 30 Rock is known for don't really work too well with a rambunctious audience cheering and laughing every five seconds. I did enjoy their creativity with several things, but especially using Julia-Louis Dreyfous as cutaway Liz. I'm glad it raised their ratings though. "Also, I need you to TiVo Bones in case I survive."
Fringe: "Do Shapeshifters Dream of Electric Sheep?"- 9.2/10
The Good Guys: "Dan on the Run"- obviously intended to be the season finale before Fox ordered more episodes (a decision they probably regret). A lot of fun. My only complaint is they shouldn't have made the Governor's son as unlikable as they did.
How I Met Your Mother: "Subway Wars"- 9.3/10
No Ordinary Family: "No Ordinary Ring"- 7.9/10- I'm finding this show less appealing every week. The powers are still mostly the only enjoyable parts and the writers really need to work on the kids' storylines. The son's storyline this week was just painful.
Raising Hope: "Family Secrets": 8.5/10
Running Wilde: "The Junior Affair"- 6.6/10- The first half was abysmal but the second half showed promise.
Modern Family: "Strangers on a Treadmill"- 9.2/10
Community: "Basic Rocket Science"- 8.2/10- This was the show's attempts at another episode like "Modern Warfare" but whereas that episode felt like an episode of Community that happened to be a parody, this episode felt like a parody that happened to be an episode of Community.Still very fun though. "There was a time for subtlety and that was before Scary Movie!"
30 Rock: "The Live Show"- 8.5/10- like "Basic Rocket Science", it was fun and I enjoyed it, but I don't want them to do it again. Also, the fast-paced jokes 30 Rock is known for don't really work too well with a rambunctious audience cheering and laughing every five seconds. I did enjoy their creativity with several things, but especially using Julia-Louis Dreyfous as cutaway Liz. I'm glad it raised their ratings though. "Also, I need you to TiVo Bones in case I survive."
Fringe: "Do Shapeshifters Dream of Electric Sheep?"- 9.2/10
The Good Guys: "Dan on the Run"- obviously intended to be the season finale before Fox ordered more episodes (a decision they probably regret). A lot of fun. My only complaint is they shouldn't have made the Governor's son as unlikable as they did.
The Cancellation Bear is Very Hungry
I'm no expert ratings analyst, but I'll give it a shot:
This season has not been good for new shows, both in terms of quality and, you know, survivng. Pretty much every new show that's not on CBS is failing. If anyone is unfamiliar with the concept of the "Cancellation Bear", coined by the website TV By the Numbers, it is a mythical bear who eats the lowest rated shows on each network. Take Chuck, for example. It is currently holding steady around a 1.9 demo, which is terrible...except for the fact that it's on NBC, who's current average demo is a 2.1. Regardless, a show with a demo that low in it's fourth season you would think is doomed to be eaten by the cancellation bear. But last week, Chase dropped to a 1.7, thus putting it between Chuck and the cancellation bear. The basic idea is that now the cancellation bear will eat Chase before/instead of Chuck. And this season, it appears the cnacellation bear is hungry for some new blood.
Let's start on CBS. CBS primarily relies on a ridicoulous amount of procedurals and very broad (and mostly poor) sitcoms. This, of course, means it's the number one network. The top five shows (in terms of viewers) are all on CBS: Hawaii Five-O, Mike and Molly, Feces My Dad Says, The Defenders, and Blue Bloods. And, because the network is in such good shape, the cancellation bear has its sights set on two of those shows. Quality-wise, I can tell you Hawaii Five-O is fine, Mike and Molly has potential that, judging from the past of the show's creator, will never be realized and $#*! My Dad Says is, well, $#*!. Looking at the ratings for CBS kind of make me sad. Most shows are completely unoriginal, contain average to horrible writing and acting, and are mostly mega-hits.
Next up, ABC. All of the ratings for ABC's returning shows seem to be in good shape. The audience for Castle is steadily increasing while the audience for most other returning shows is holding steady. Their Wednesday night comedy block is a powerhouse, especially the latter half. However, like most of the other networks, the new shows are where we run into problems. My Generation has already been canceled while The Whole Truth is looking like it will be the next one to go. Detroit 1-8-7 is falling week-to-week. Better with You is holding right in the middle of the road. The only hope for at least a minor hit is No Ordinary Family, which has decreased week-to-week from a good start and, if it's bottomed out at where it was last week, is in perfectly good shape. While ABC isn't necessarily in a dire state, a lack of hit shows is certainly noticable. They lost Lost (see what I did there?) and ratings for once-giant shows have fallen quite a bit.
The CW is the CW. They had two new shows, both of which were aimed squarely at teenage girls, so they're fine. The only really notable thing here is that the CW is currently the only network with successful scripted shows on friday nights.
FOX is in a very good, although deteriorating, state. They still have their hit shows in House, American Idol, Glee, and their animation domination block. Unfortunately, House is hitting series lows (which are still very high. Plus, hitting series lows in a show's seventh season is perfectly normal), American Idol lost two iconic judges and people are getting weary of their stalling tactics, and the Animation Domination block is slowly falling, possibly due to the fact that people finally realized that they were watching an hour and a half of Seth Macfarlane shows and that The Simpsons has been on for 22 years (I suppose this is as good a time as any to insert this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DX1iplQQJTo). Fox has to be happy that they finally made a decent sitcom that people will actually watch (hint: greenlight sitcoms that are less horrendous) in Raising Hope. However, Running Wilde, The Good Guys, and Fringe, and Lie to Me, at this point, look to be goners.
And then we have NBC. Poor, poor NBC. NBC is been in a rather dire state in the past few seasons and this season, it looked like they were finally ready to turn that around. They had a well advertised, interesting enough looking show in The Event, they had a new Law and Order, and they even had a J.J Abrams show. But now, it appears NBC is in an even worse shape. The Event has freefalled in ratings since its premiere, Law and Order: LA has failed to accomplish much except for getting people to mock the abbreviation LOLA, and, turns out, people just weren't that interested in a J.J Abrams procedural. Meanwhile, Law and Order: SVU has plummeted as if it was a new show and Chase started low and has only fallen since (that's how bad NBC is doing, they can't even make a procedural a hit). 30 Rock, it turns out, can do fine with The Office as its lead-in, pulling modest numbers that are considered a "hit" on NBC. Community is hovering around a 2.0, which, sadly (for the network, not the show) is NBC's current average demo. And then we have Chuck.
Chuck has been riding NBC's downward curve for four seasons now. If it was on any other network, it probably would have gotten the boot somewhere around season 2. In season four, the show is currently hanging steady at a 1.9. Which, at the start of the season, was almost a lock for cancellation, but now, after watching everything else slide downwards, is almost a lock for an order of a back nine or six episodes. Things don't look too bright for NBC's future either. The Office is NBC's number one show but with Steve Carell leaving at the end of the season, he's bound to take some viewers with him. None of NBC's midseason shows seem to have very much potential which is unfortunate, as they are really going to need all of them. Sadly, NBC's only successful new show is Outsourced, which is, of course, terrible. NBC is in such a terrible state. It's actually very interesting to watch and, without, several of what are currently my favorite shows would not have survived very long.
This season has not been good for new shows, both in terms of quality and, you know, survivng. Pretty much every new show that's not on CBS is failing. If anyone is unfamiliar with the concept of the "Cancellation Bear", coined by the website TV By the Numbers, it is a mythical bear who eats the lowest rated shows on each network. Take Chuck, for example. It is currently holding steady around a 1.9 demo, which is terrible...except for the fact that it's on NBC, who's current average demo is a 2.1. Regardless, a show with a demo that low in it's fourth season you would think is doomed to be eaten by the cancellation bear. But last week, Chase dropped to a 1.7, thus putting it between Chuck and the cancellation bear. The basic idea is that now the cancellation bear will eat Chase before/instead of Chuck. And this season, it appears the cnacellation bear is hungry for some new blood.
Let's start on CBS. CBS primarily relies on a ridicoulous amount of procedurals and very broad (and mostly poor) sitcoms. This, of course, means it's the number one network. The top five shows (in terms of viewers) are all on CBS: Hawaii Five-O, Mike and Molly, Feces My Dad Says, The Defenders, and Blue Bloods. And, because the network is in such good shape, the cancellation bear has its sights set on two of those shows. Quality-wise, I can tell you Hawaii Five-O is fine, Mike and Molly has potential that, judging from the past of the show's creator, will never be realized and $#*! My Dad Says is, well, $#*!. Looking at the ratings for CBS kind of make me sad. Most shows are completely unoriginal, contain average to horrible writing and acting, and are mostly mega-hits.
Next up, ABC. All of the ratings for ABC's returning shows seem to be in good shape. The audience for Castle is steadily increasing while the audience for most other returning shows is holding steady. Their Wednesday night comedy block is a powerhouse, especially the latter half. However, like most of the other networks, the new shows are where we run into problems. My Generation has already been canceled while The Whole Truth is looking like it will be the next one to go. Detroit 1-8-7 is falling week-to-week. Better with You is holding right in the middle of the road. The only hope for at least a minor hit is No Ordinary Family, which has decreased week-to-week from a good start and, if it's bottomed out at where it was last week, is in perfectly good shape. While ABC isn't necessarily in a dire state, a lack of hit shows is certainly noticable. They lost Lost (see what I did there?) and ratings for once-giant shows have fallen quite a bit.
The CW is the CW. They had two new shows, both of which were aimed squarely at teenage girls, so they're fine. The only really notable thing here is that the CW is currently the only network with successful scripted shows on friday nights.
FOX is in a very good, although deteriorating, state. They still have their hit shows in House, American Idol, Glee, and their animation domination block. Unfortunately, House is hitting series lows (which are still very high. Plus, hitting series lows in a show's seventh season is perfectly normal), American Idol lost two iconic judges and people are getting weary of their stalling tactics, and the Animation Domination block is slowly falling, possibly due to the fact that people finally realized that they were watching an hour and a half of Seth Macfarlane shows and that The Simpsons has been on for 22 years (I suppose this is as good a time as any to insert this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DX1iplQQJTo). Fox has to be happy that they finally made a decent sitcom that people will actually watch (hint: greenlight sitcoms that are less horrendous) in Raising Hope. However, Running Wilde, The Good Guys, and Fringe, and Lie to Me, at this point, look to be goners.
And then we have NBC. Poor, poor NBC. NBC is been in a rather dire state in the past few seasons and this season, it looked like they were finally ready to turn that around. They had a well advertised, interesting enough looking show in The Event, they had a new Law and Order, and they even had a J.J Abrams show. But now, it appears NBC is in an even worse shape. The Event has freefalled in ratings since its premiere, Law and Order: LA has failed to accomplish much except for getting people to mock the abbreviation LOLA, and, turns out, people just weren't that interested in a J.J Abrams procedural. Meanwhile, Law and Order: SVU has plummeted as if it was a new show and Chase started low and has only fallen since (that's how bad NBC is doing, they can't even make a procedural a hit). 30 Rock, it turns out, can do fine with The Office as its lead-in, pulling modest numbers that are considered a "hit" on NBC. Community is hovering around a 2.0, which, sadly (for the network, not the show) is NBC's current average demo. And then we have Chuck.
Chuck has been riding NBC's downward curve for four seasons now. If it was on any other network, it probably would have gotten the boot somewhere around season 2. In season four, the show is currently hanging steady at a 1.9. Which, at the start of the season, was almost a lock for cancellation, but now, after watching everything else slide downwards, is almost a lock for an order of a back nine or six episodes. Things don't look too bright for NBC's future either. The Office is NBC's number one show but with Steve Carell leaving at the end of the season, he's bound to take some viewers with him. None of NBC's midseason shows seem to have very much potential which is unfortunate, as they are really going to need all of them. Sadly, NBC's only successful new show is Outsourced, which is, of course, terrible. NBC is in such a terrible state. It's actually very interesting to watch and, without, several of what are currently my favorite shows would not have survived very long.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
30 Rock: "Let's Stay Together" Review
This season of 30 Rock continues to look promising as this episode, while not as good as last week's, was still very funny and a lot better than most of what this show put out last season. You know, I think I should probably provide a basic description of the premise in the opening paragraph of each review. Might as well start now. In this installment, Jack appears before congress to get the Kabletown merger approved, the TGS staff is being mean to Liz again so she promotes Twofer, and Jenna helps Kenneth try and get back into the NBC page program.
-This episode had many notable cameos and guest appearances. Rob Reiner as Congressman Rob Reiner was hilarious. I also enjoyed Reg E. Cathey as a soulful talk show host in the painfully (and hilariously) awkward talk show scene. Queen Latifah was good as a congressmen, although her "passionate speech" stuff was a prety obvious joke. She nailed her delivery on her first line "Why is NBC so racist?" which is especially funny during a night chockful of Outsourced promos. Speaking of Outcourced...
-"Outsourced is the new Friends!"
- 30 Rock was really in full NBC-bashing mode last night:
- Jack: "We're a top ten network!"
- Jack: "Law and Order, which is just about to start its 21st season and features...What?! Why would we do that?" And later, Tracy's "It was a tent pole! A tent pole!"
- Jack: “Diversity means new ideas and new markets. It is our best hope for new innovation.”
Liz: "Did you tell all that to Congresswoman Bookman?”
Jack: “No, I was too busy trying to remember the name of the black kid on Community."
Liz: "Don-ald Glover."
30 Rock appears to be back to some form of its glory days and I'm especially looking forward to next week's live episode.
8.4/10
-This episode had many notable cameos and guest appearances. Rob Reiner as Congressman Rob Reiner was hilarious. I also enjoyed Reg E. Cathey as a soulful talk show host in the painfully (and hilariously) awkward talk show scene. Queen Latifah was good as a congressmen, although her "passionate speech" stuff was a prety obvious joke. She nailed her delivery on her first line "Why is NBC so racist?" which is especially funny during a night chockful of Outsourced promos. Speaking of Outcourced...
-"Outsourced is the new Friends!"
- 30 Rock was really in full NBC-bashing mode last night:
- Jack: "We're a top ten network!"
- Jack: "Law and Order, which is just about to start its 21st season and features...What?! Why would we do that?" And later, Tracy's "It was a tent pole! A tent pole!"
- Jack: “Diversity means new ideas and new markets. It is our best hope for new innovation.”
Liz: "Did you tell all that to Congresswoman Bookman?”
Jack: “No, I was too busy trying to remember the name of the black kid on Community."
Liz: "Don-ald Glover."
30 Rock appears to be back to some form of its glory days and I'm especially looking forward to next week's live episode.
8.4/10
Chuck: "Chuck vs the Cubic Z" Review
Some of the best episodes of Chuck have taken place entirely inside the Buy More, i.e. "Chuck vs the Beard" and "Chuck vs Santa Clause", so this episode already had some high expectations that were increased even further by the return of two past guest stars, Nicole Richie and Steve Austin. While the episode was still good and, it still left much to be desired, especially in its subplots.
-Let's just jump straight to the major subplot: the video game release. First off, I'm pretty sure the writers could've come up with a title for a giant blockbuster game that people are camping out a week in advance for that's better than "Spy Hunter". "Spy Hunter II" would have even been much better. Anyways, this subplot was sometimes boring, very predictable, frustrating because the characters were procrastinating in a way that just makes the situation worse to the point where they just come off as idiots, and it didn't make sense. Don't stores get their shipments in at least a couple days in advance? I doubt they show up an hour before a midnight release. It was basically just a giant plot contrivance so they could show a father-son type bond between Morgan and Big Mike. Speaking of Big Mike...
-...this was the first time we've seen him this season and his appearance was quite underwhelming. His "Fatherness" towards Morgan came off as cheesy and just felt out of character, which was unfortunate because, as previously mentioned, the subplot was basically just a giant plot contrivance to show this. Speaking of plot contrivances...
-...the ring falling into the room right in the middle of Chuck and Sarah's "talk" at the end of the episode just seems to indicate there will be frustration with the Chuck/Sarah relationship next episode (and unfortunately, the episode preview seemed to confirm this). I applaud the writers' restraint to not have it fall directly into Chuck's hand, but the event is still just ridiculous and, unless Chuck quickly discovers it's Big Mike's ring and easily explains it to Sarah, it will just prove to be another unnecessary roadblock.
- Two old foes returned this week (something Chuck needs more of, if you ask me) played by Steve Austin and Nicole Richie. I like the idea that Steve Austin was primarily trying to kill Nicole Richie (as you can tell, I don't remember the characters names) instead of going straight for Chuck and Sarah. Richie is very good playing the snarky bitch, but not so good when her lines require anything else (and even some of the bitchy dialogue she was given was just poorly written, "Thanks for that, movie dork. I bet you have like a Tron poster in your room" was way too tongue-in-cheek) and Steve Austin, well...he didn't really speak for the entire episode and, frankly, didn't need to. The fight between him and Chuck at the end was one of the most memorable action scenes I think the show has had in the past year, with both characters randomly grabbing for the nearest heavy object to smash on the others' head. I also like the fact that Chuck didn't win the battle and it was, in fact, Big Mike and his tazer that brought him down.
- I'm confused by the concept of "Greta". Right now, it basically seems like a cameo role. But the weird thing is the concept hasn't been addressed or explained at all in the show, even though Morgan described Stacy Kiebler as "the new Greta". People who watch the show and don't feverishly pay attention to guest stars are going to have no idea what he's referring to. And even people who pay attention to the casting only have a vague idea of the concept.
8.4/10
-Let's just jump straight to the major subplot: the video game release. First off, I'm pretty sure the writers could've come up with a title for a giant blockbuster game that people are camping out a week in advance for that's better than "Spy Hunter". "Spy Hunter II" would have even been much better. Anyways, this subplot was sometimes boring, very predictable, frustrating because the characters were procrastinating in a way that just makes the situation worse to the point where they just come off as idiots, and it didn't make sense. Don't stores get their shipments in at least a couple days in advance? I doubt they show up an hour before a midnight release. It was basically just a giant plot contrivance so they could show a father-son type bond between Morgan and Big Mike. Speaking of Big Mike...
-...this was the first time we've seen him this season and his appearance was quite underwhelming. His "Fatherness" towards Morgan came off as cheesy and just felt out of character, which was unfortunate because, as previously mentioned, the subplot was basically just a giant plot contrivance to show this. Speaking of plot contrivances...
-...the ring falling into the room right in the middle of Chuck and Sarah's "talk" at the end of the episode just seems to indicate there will be frustration with the Chuck/Sarah relationship next episode (and unfortunately, the episode preview seemed to confirm this). I applaud the writers' restraint to not have it fall directly into Chuck's hand, but the event is still just ridiculous and, unless Chuck quickly discovers it's Big Mike's ring and easily explains it to Sarah, it will just prove to be another unnecessary roadblock.
- Two old foes returned this week (something Chuck needs more of, if you ask me) played by Steve Austin and Nicole Richie. I like the idea that Steve Austin was primarily trying to kill Nicole Richie (as you can tell, I don't remember the characters names) instead of going straight for Chuck and Sarah. Richie is very good playing the snarky bitch, but not so good when her lines require anything else (and even some of the bitchy dialogue she was given was just poorly written, "Thanks for that, movie dork. I bet you have like a Tron poster in your room" was way too tongue-in-cheek) and Steve Austin, well...he didn't really speak for the entire episode and, frankly, didn't need to. The fight between him and Chuck at the end was one of the most memorable action scenes I think the show has had in the past year, with both characters randomly grabbing for the nearest heavy object to smash on the others' head. I also like the fact that Chuck didn't win the battle and it was, in fact, Big Mike and his tazer that brought him down.
- I'm confused by the concept of "Greta". Right now, it basically seems like a cameo role. But the weird thing is the concept hasn't been addressed or explained at all in the show, even though Morgan described Stacy Kiebler as "the new Greta". People who watch the show and don't feverishly pay attention to guest stars are going to have no idea what he's referring to. And even people who pay attention to the casting only have a vague idea of the concept.
8.4/10
Score Roundup
How I Met Your Mother: "Unfinished"- 6.5/10- "Where's the poop?" has to be one of the show's poorest attempts at a catchphrase
Chuck: "Chuck vs the Cubic Z"- 8.4/10
The Event: "To Keep Us Safe"- 7.4/10- This show lies somewhere between intriguing and boring. Never one or the other.
No Ordinary Family: "No Ordinary Marriage"- 7.1/10- This episode seemed to repeat the following sequence many times: A family member would try something out with their powers. Another family member would tell them they shouldn't do that. The family member agrees but then does it again but gets hurt/messes up. The other family member then apologizes for being so hard on the other, but the person was hurt/messed up then apologizes. I honestly think that happened four times throughout the course of the episode.
Raising Hope: "Dream Hoarders"- Seems like I'm giving props to this show every week for a random thing that I appreciate, this weeks it's the use of "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)", both The Four Lads version and the They Might Be Giants version
Running Wilde: "Oil and Water"- 7.0/10 An improvement. One thing that kills a lot of the comedy for me is the fact that Puddle is the narrator. The actress is very good in her role, but doesn't have the comedic timing and tone that the narration requires. Also, the blatant KFC product placement was cringeworthy.
Modern Family: "Earthquake"- 9.1/10- Jay seemed out of character in this episode.
Community: "The Psychology of Letting Go"- 8.7/10- I'm very happy John Oliver is back. The best storyline of this week's episode was the death of Pierce's mother because it allowed for more of Pierce's amazingly ridiculous religion. Abed's storyline is a close second because it was just so amazing and subtle. In case you missed it (like I did my first time through this episode), if you look in the background of several scenes, you can see Abed befriend a pregnant women and eventually help her give birth in the parking lot).
30 Rock: "Let's Stay Together"- 8.5/10
Fringe: "The Plateau"- 9.7/10- Man, the alternate universe is cool...
Chuck: "Chuck vs the Cubic Z"- 8.4/10
The Event: "To Keep Us Safe"- 7.4/10- This show lies somewhere between intriguing and boring. Never one or the other.
No Ordinary Family: "No Ordinary Marriage"- 7.1/10- This episode seemed to repeat the following sequence many times: A family member would try something out with their powers. Another family member would tell them they shouldn't do that. The family member agrees but then does it again but gets hurt/messes up. The other family member then apologizes for being so hard on the other, but the person was hurt/messed up then apologizes. I honestly think that happened four times throughout the course of the episode.
Raising Hope: "Dream Hoarders"- Seems like I'm giving props to this show every week for a random thing that I appreciate, this weeks it's the use of "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)", both The Four Lads version and the They Might Be Giants version
Running Wilde: "Oil and Water"- 7.0/10 An improvement. One thing that kills a lot of the comedy for me is the fact that Puddle is the narrator. The actress is very good in her role, but doesn't have the comedic timing and tone that the narration requires. Also, the blatant KFC product placement was cringeworthy.
Modern Family: "Earthquake"- 9.1/10- Jay seemed out of character in this episode.
Community: "The Psychology of Letting Go"- 8.7/10- I'm very happy John Oliver is back. The best storyline of this week's episode was the death of Pierce's mother because it allowed for more of Pierce's amazingly ridiculous religion. Abed's storyline is a close second because it was just so amazing and subtle. In case you missed it (like I did my first time through this episode), if you look in the background of several scenes, you can see Abed befriend a pregnant women and eventually help her give birth in the parking lot).
30 Rock: "Let's Stay Together"- 8.5/10
Fringe: "The Plateau"- 9.7/10- Man, the alternate universe is cool...
Sunday, October 3, 2010
30 Rock: "When it Rains, it Pours" Review
It's very refreshing to know 30 Rock can still produce an episode of this quality. Last season was mostly duds (save for episodes like "Dealbreakers Talk Show #0001" and the finale) so there is reason for hope to be severely diminished. I'm not saying this episode should make us believe that from here on out, 30 Rock is back to its glory days. For all I know, this could be the last good episode of the show ever (but is probably not). But this episode is reassuring in the fact that it tells us all hope is not lost yet, everyone still has the talent to pull it off. Let's just see how we feel about it next week. But, in the meantime:
-Tracy Jordan + Cash Cab = Instant Hilarity. "Wow, it's like I always say...white cab drivers are weird!" It definitely the highest number of hilarious lines in a short time span since recounting his childhood horrors last season.
-Dr. Spacemen continues to be the best recurring character of all time. "Ms. Jordan, I've already administered the epidural, so would you like one as well?" "Full disclosure, most of my experience is putting babies in women."
-Jack's video messages to his future son were amazing, as should be expected. My favorites are a tie between "And that is the art of camouflage." or "The secret to a healthy scalp is Dove...blood."
-I like that little attention was drawn to the fact that Paul Giamatti was guest starring as, in the past, 30 Rock has been know to practically shine spotlights on some of their big guest stars.
-All three storylines were fantastic this week, something that can't be said even for the majority of the "glory days" of the show.
-Kenneth in the Tracy mask was about as creepy as you would expect it to be (but not as creepy as Kenneth in the NBC thong last season).
-Tracy: "I don't understand why people like brunch. What's the benefit of combing breakdancing and lunch?
-Brian Williams' cameos are always awesome.
Overall, a hopefully a return to some sort of form for the show, although I'm trying not to get my hopes up too high yet. I'm also very excited for the live episode because I think 30 Rock is one of the only shows currently on tv right now that can pull it off without it seeming like a desperate plea for attention.
9.5/10
-Tracy Jordan + Cash Cab = Instant Hilarity. "Wow, it's like I always say...white cab drivers are weird!" It definitely the highest number of hilarious lines in a short time span since recounting his childhood horrors last season.
-Dr. Spacemen continues to be the best recurring character of all time. "Ms. Jordan, I've already administered the epidural, so would you like one as well?" "Full disclosure, most of my experience is putting babies in women."
-Jack's video messages to his future son were amazing, as should be expected. My favorites are a tie between "And that is the art of camouflage." or "The secret to a healthy scalp is Dove...blood."
-I like that little attention was drawn to the fact that Paul Giamatti was guest starring as, in the past, 30 Rock has been know to practically shine spotlights on some of their big guest stars.
-All three storylines were fantastic this week, something that can't be said even for the majority of the "glory days" of the show.
-Kenneth in the Tracy mask was about as creepy as you would expect it to be (but not as creepy as Kenneth in the NBC thong last season).
-Tracy: "I don't understand why people like brunch. What's the benefit of combing breakdancing and lunch?
-Brian Williams' cameos are always awesome.
Overall, a hopefully a return to some sort of form for the show, although I'm trying not to get my hopes up too high yet. I'm also very excited for the live episode because I think 30 Rock is one of the only shows currently on tv right now that can pull it off without it seeming like a desperate plea for attention.
9.5/10
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Community- "Accounting for Lawyers" Review
This episode showed Community at some of its best and was a perfect example of how well-defined each member of the group has become and how the show uses it to its advantage. Rob Corddry and a very skinny Drew Carrey made for excellent guest stars and its nice that Community finally acknowledged half of the show's basic premise: Jeff was a lawyer and still wants to be one. Now, time to list my favorite quotes. Of which, there were many.
- Jeff: "Shirley, don't sue a stripper. Life sued her and she lost."
-Abed: "I painted a tunnel on the side of the library. When it dries, I'm going for it." (That ending tag was brilliant, by the way).
-Troy: "Did you know Go-Gurt is just yogurt?"
-The whole chloroform scene was hysterical. So many awesome moments from this one. "I can explain.......let me EXPLAIN!" "I usually have one foot out of reality and even I'm freaking out right now!" "I don't understand...who is she and why is she holding a rag?"
-Jeff: "Is the Dean planning another ridiculous event, or is the Greendale hat club still struggling to be noteworthy?"
- (yet again) Jeff: "Narced? Hm. But he's like way to primo for that, Frank Zappa.
-Once more, Jeff: "Britta. You're not a whore. Shirley. Jesus turned the other cheek. He didn't garnish wages. Pierce. Do I even need to say this? It is bad to hunt man for sport."
This episode seemed to be putting several things in order for future plotpoints. Introducing characters from the lawfirm, having Jeff get his friend in an easily blackmail-able position, and Chang poised to either become the Lucky Charms Leprechaun or maybe full-blown antagonist of the group which I'm sure will be entertaining. This show is definitely the smartest comedy on TV right now and it's a shame more people aren't watching.
9.6/10
- Jeff: "Shirley, don't sue a stripper. Life sued her and she lost."
-Abed: "I painted a tunnel on the side of the library. When it dries, I'm going for it." (That ending tag was brilliant, by the way).
-Troy: "Did you know Go-Gurt is just yogurt?"
-The whole chloroform scene was hysterical. So many awesome moments from this one. "I can explain.......let me EXPLAIN!" "I usually have one foot out of reality and even I'm freaking out right now!" "I don't understand...who is she and why is she holding a rag?"
-Jeff: "Is the Dean planning another ridiculous event, or is the Greendale hat club still struggling to be noteworthy?"
- (yet again) Jeff: "Narced? Hm. But he's like way to primo for that, Frank Zappa.
-Once more, Jeff: "Britta. You're not a whore. Shirley. Jesus turned the other cheek. He didn't garnish wages. Pierce. Do I even need to say this? It is bad to hunt man for sport."
This episode seemed to be putting several things in order for future plotpoints. Introducing characters from the lawfirm, having Jeff get his friend in an easily blackmail-able position, and Chang poised to either become the Lucky Charms Leprechaun or maybe full-blown antagonist of the group which I'm sure will be entertaining. This show is definitely the smartest comedy on TV right now and it's a shame more people aren't watching.
9.6/10
No Ordinary Family- "Pilot" Review
This show is pretty much The Incredibles. There's no getting around that. The similarities sink deep into smaller aspects of both No Ordinary Family and The Incredibles. However, this show definitely shows promise. It seems to be veering off the obvious, previously mentioned comparison and hopefully it succeeds.
-This show needs to drop the documentary-style confessionals immediately. They're completely unnecessary, they're distracting, they make no sense (even after the end of the episode), they serve no purpose but to repeat what has already been said or say/explain something that could have easily been figured out without explanation, and the dialogue in these sections is pretty cringeworthy. Any why were they telling this to a marital counselor?
-Speaking of cringeworthy dialogue: "Brian and I haven't even gotten to do it yet!"
-The whole process of discovering the powers was very fun.
-The two adult leads are great (although I don't buy them as a couple yet) and the kids are alright (Pun ((is that even a pun)) not intended) but could use work.
-The first five or so minutes felt very rushed. Often is the case with pilots as they have a large amount of background to set up in so little time, but some pilots still manage to pull this off very well, like Raising Hope
8.5/10
-This show needs to drop the documentary-style confessionals immediately. They're completely unnecessary, they're distracting, they make no sense (even after the end of the episode), they serve no purpose but to repeat what has already been said or say/explain something that could have easily been figured out without explanation, and the dialogue in these sections is pretty cringeworthy. Any why were they telling this to a marital counselor?
-Speaking of cringeworthy dialogue: "Brian and I haven't even gotten to do it yet!"
-The whole process of discovering the powers was very fun.
-The two adult leads are great (although I don't buy them as a couple yet) and the kids are alright (Pun ((is that even a pun)) not intended) but could use work.
-The first five or so minutes felt very rushed. Often is the case with pilots as they have a large amount of background to set up in so little time, but some pilots still manage to pull this off very well, like Raising Hope
8.5/10
Score Roundup
Community: "Anthropology 101"- 9.2/10- God, I missed this show.
30 Rock: "The Fabian Strategy"-8.3/10
Fringe- "Olivia"- 9.3/10- Sidenote: What is it with J.J. Abrams shows and people impersonating other people looking exactly like them? The weird face-replacing technology on Alias, the smoke monster on Lost, and now Fauxlivia on Fringe.
Supernatural: "Exile on Main Street"- 8.0/10- what should have been major emotional moments for the characters seemed downplayed quite a bit and the pace was too slow, but Dean leading a normal life was interesting enough, as is the return of their grandfather (Good 'ol A.D. Skinner!)
The Good Guys: "Vacation"- 8.8/10
How I Met Your Mother: "Cleaning House"- 7.8/10- Barney believing he was black was hilarious.
Chuck: "Chuck vs the Suitcase"- 8.4/10
No Ordinary Family: "Pilot"- 8.5/10
Raising Hope: "Dead Tooth"-7.8/10- Extra points for casting Kate Micucci ("Oates" of Garfunkel and Oates)
Modern Family: "The Kiss"- 8.6/10
Community: "Accounting for Lawyers"- 9.6/10
30 Rock: "When it Rains, it Pours"- 9.5/10
Fringe: "The Box"- 9.3/10- This was pretty much another season premier, just set in our universe this time
30 Rock: "The Fabian Strategy"-8.3/10
Fringe- "Olivia"- 9.3/10- Sidenote: What is it with J.J. Abrams shows and people impersonating other people looking exactly like them? The weird face-replacing technology on Alias, the smoke monster on Lost, and now Fauxlivia on Fringe.
Supernatural: "Exile on Main Street"- 8.0/10- what should have been major emotional moments for the characters seemed downplayed quite a bit and the pace was too slow, but Dean leading a normal life was interesting enough, as is the return of their grandfather (Good 'ol A.D. Skinner!)
The Good Guys: "Vacation"- 8.8/10
How I Met Your Mother: "Cleaning House"- 7.8/10- Barney believing he was black was hilarious.
Chuck: "Chuck vs the Suitcase"- 8.4/10
No Ordinary Family: "Pilot"- 8.5/10
Raising Hope: "Dead Tooth"-7.8/10- Extra points for casting Kate Micucci ("Oates" of Garfunkel and Oates)
Modern Family: "The Kiss"- 8.6/10
Community: "Accounting for Lawyers"- 9.6/10
30 Rock: "When it Rains, it Pours"- 9.5/10
Fringe: "The Box"- 9.3/10- This was pretty much another season premier, just set in our universe this time
I haven't thought this through....
So, you may or may not have noticed I haven't updated this blog in over a week. To use a cliche excuse, I've been busy. Also, the process of writing an individual review of every episode of television that I watch is ridiculously more time consuming than I thought. So I'm gonna change the format up a bit. Expect a couple regular reviews every week on episodes I find noteworthy and/or have something worthwhile to say about them and at the end of the week (or around that time) expect a post with all the episodes of television I've watched since the last post, a score, and maybe a sentence or two about a couple of them.
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