I had saltines and apple cider for dinner last night. And not really by necessity, either. What does that say about me as a person? In less embarrassing news, three cheers for new episodes of Psych, starting tonight. (Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!) And another three for last night's fantastic 30 Rock, of course. (Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!)
Last Night:
30 Rock: Plus side: Last night's episode was all kinds of insanely funny. Minus side: Last night's episode was all kinds of insanely funny. I'm going to miss 30 Rock so much! I mean, did they HAVE to end it with an amazing montage of the characters singing "Midnight Train to Georgia"? Including C.C. via television? I experienced simultaneous elation at the extreme awesomeness of it all, and sorrow at the fact that we won't be seeing 30 Rock again for quite some time. And is it totally crazy to suggest based on that scene that 30 Rock would be able to pull off an incredible musical episode? I mean, Jane Krakowski alone has starred on Broadway! Just sayin'.
Also, Kenneth's coffee sideplot is exactly why I don't drink coffee, even though I could definitely use the extra energy. That would SO be me after a couple days, for reals. God, there's so much more to write about! The comic genius that is Edie Falco, Alec Baldwin, and their characters' shared view that sex is a competition; Grandpa Gilmore as the head of Liz's potential condo board; Liz drunkenly singing "You Oughtta Know" into a wine bottle to said condo board in the middle of the night; Interrogation Bear; "So many different types of sparrows"; "the devil's temperature"... And those are only a few of the best jokes! Daaaamn you, AMPTP!
Grey's Anatomy: Chandra Wilson finally got her episode to shine! Read my full review here.
This Weekend:
Psych: Shawn investigates a missing-person case that comes from Gus' wife. Tonight, 10 PM, USA.
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles: Sarah takes her son, John, to a small town in Mexico, where he befriends the man who will become his protector. Sunday, 8 PM, Fox.
Masterpiece Theatre: Hosted by Gillian Anderson and featuring an all-new production of Persuasion, it will be the first installment of The Complete Jane Austen. Sunday, 9 PM, PBS.
The 65th Annual Golden Globe Awards Announcement: God, that just sounds sad, doesn't it? Still, it's on if you want to watch it. Sunday, 9 PM, NBC.
Yay, Psych!
Friday, January 11, 2008
On the Glowy Box: 30 Rock's Valuable Anti-Coffee PSA
Friday, December 14, 2007
On the Glowy Box: So much Christmas shopping to do!
Props to 30 Rock, Pushing Daisies, and all my other faves for their Golden Globe nominations! Alec Baldwin had better win this year...that's all I'm sayin'.
Last Night:
30 Rock: Elaine Stritch! Andy Richter! Ludachristmas!!! Two valuable lessons in one: The meaning of Christmas, AND something about family! So many exclamation points for this show! (Though, to be fair, it couldn't top last week's hysterical installment. But 30 Rock sets the bar so high for its best episodes that I can't really fault them for being unable to reach it every week.) Merry Christmas/Jewish, everyone!
Boston Legal: From Tuesday. It was so self-referencing that I could hardly handle the meta-ness of it all. But, it's good to know that at least Boston Legal knows how ridiculous it is. Ridiculously awesome, that is.
Private Practice: From last week. You know, the one where Dell and Sam are fighting over Naomi. Sigh. Why am I still watching this show? Seriously, why can't my brain accept that great actors does not equal great show? Help me!
This Weekend:
Umm...there are some hilarious old-school Christmas specials on ABC Family during the day on Sunday, but otherwise I'm probably just going to be running off the DVR.
Friday, December 07, 2007
On the Glowy Box: ...Cajun style.
Taking Friday off work: One vacation day. Taking the bus up to New York to spend my birthday weekend with awesome friends after a crazy week at work: Priceless. Okay, actually $35 round trip. But kind of priceless, right?
Last Night:
30 Rock: I actually find it difficult to write about this show, because it is so goddamn funny that I just want to tell everyone to watch the episode! And if they already did, to watch it again! And yeah, last night's episode was just that funny. From James Carville to a cookie trophy to Kenneth at a dinner party, it just couldn't have had any more jokes. I'm overwhelmed just trying to express how hard I was laughing throughout. So I'm just going to stop and leave you to ponder the awesomeness that is 30 Rock. Seriously, sit for a minute and think about it.
Scrubs: Speaking of awesomeness, last night's episode was all kinds of classic. Read my full review here.
Grey's Anatomy: It was a lot to take in...but definitely had some high points. Read my full review here.
This Weekend:
Women's Murder Club: The women investigate a drag queen's murder; Lindsay's ex-husband ties the knot; Jill's fiancé discovers a painful secret. Tonight, 9 PM, ABC.
Psych: Gus' dad is the prime suspect when a neighbor is found dead. Tonight, 10 PM, USA.
Yay, Psych! Now if only they could bring Burn Notice back for a special holiday episode...
Friday, November 30, 2007
On the Glowy Box: Fun Times Accomplished
An offer is a step in the right direction, right? Even if it's not a good one? Sigh...
Last Night:
30 Rock: I loved the "Liz dates a younger guy" plot, though it did remind me a bit of the Friends episode where Monica dates a guy whom she thought was a senior in college, but is actually a senior in high school. I'm ashamed to admit that I lead an even safer life than Liz Lemon: I've never been on my roof. That said, my apartment is in a townhouse, so I'm not sure roof access would even be possible. Also, MAD PROPS to the "Gellin' like Magellan" reference, which I'm going to take as an homage to my favorite commercials ever. (Shut up. "Gellin' like a felon, want some melon?" is HILARIOUS!) I wasn't so into the Mighty Ducks-meets-Iraq plot, though it did yield a few amusing lines ("You know at the first practice they asked me what the sun was?"). And I feel like I have to mention Frank's "so weird it worked" gay side-plot. Something about a slob buying a "little peach" a slim-fit sweater is just innately hilarious, I guess.
Scrubs: Hooch is crazy! Read my full review here.
Pushing Daisies: From Wednesday. Yay, Raúl Esparza! (Also, yay, love interest for Olive!) Yay, Mike White! Um...okay, Molly Shannon, who was appropriately cast in an annoying role! Incidentally, I think I can call myself a "Pie Ho" after last week's holiday. Mmm...pie... And oof, Ned, that is NOT the way to break the news to someone that you killed their father. Yeesh.
This Weekend:
Jeopardy: My friend Per is a contestant tonight, so you should all totally watch! Check local listings.
Desperate Housewives: An approaching tornado forces the Wisteria Lane residents into basements, cellars and safe rooms. ABC, 9 PM Sunday.
Man, do I love me some weekends.
Friday, November 16, 2007
On the Glowy Box: Finally Friday
Have you signed the petition to support the WGA yet?
Last Night:
30 Rock: So...Edie Falco is hilarious, in addition to being an extraordinarily talented dramatic actress? That hardly seems fair. And it does take mad skillz to turn a line like, "Who knew the ottoman had wheels?" into comic gold. Also hilarious: Fred Armisen. (And I think this would be an appropriate place to note that I'd be an awesome Amazing Race contestant, aside from the "eating gross stuff" challenges.) Okay, how great is it that they brought back Sheinhardt Wig Co. from that big NBC organizational chart that Jack whipped out last season? That shows a certain Arrested Development-esque commitment to comic continuity. Okay, I could probably go on about this episode forever (the Lifetime movie! Tracy's suggested pick-up lines for Jack! The Nancy Drew/Hardy Boy!), but I'm going to restrain myself, with great difficulty, and go back to pining for tickets to the stage show version.
Grey's Anatomy: RIP Gizzie. Or so I'm hoping. Read my full thoughts here.
Scrubs: I actually kind of hate nicknames. Always have. Read the rest here.
This Weekend:
Women's Murder Club: A club member is abducted; a scary medical diagnosis may change Lindsay's life. ABC, 9 PM tonight.
The Amazing Race: Teams must milk several stubborn camels at a roadblock to receive their next clue. CBC, 8 PM Sunday.
Of all the shows affected by the strike, I think I'll miss 30 Rock the most...
Monday, November 12, 2007
On the Glowy Box: Catching Up is Hard to Do
As you may have noticed, I worked late much of last week and didn't really get a chance to watch TV. Horrifyingly enough. Thus, this weekend has been largely devoted to getting caught up. It was intense. Here's a very quick rundown of what I thought of everything from last week...
Watched Over the Weekend:
Chuck: Though I was happy that they moved the plot along and broke out of the typical formula, I was a bit disappointed to lose Bryce as the mysterious dead potential villain. Now that we know he's definitely a nice guy, though, I'm even more interested to see why he stole the Intersect!
How I Met Your Mother: Well...I'm glad Lily and Marshall aren't getting divorced. I don't have that much more to say about this episode. "Dowisetrepla" had a pretty funny payoff, and there were a few great lines...but none that will go down in history, I'd say.
Samantha Who?: Aaaand, that's it. I've given it a chance, and I just don't happen to find it as funny as the rest of America does. Sorry!
Reaper: Okay, what happened with Sam's dad being mysterious and stealing a page out of the contract? We haven't even seen his parents since! That said, I did enjoy the episode. I think my brain has just settled into "enjoy the mindless fun" mode with this show, rather than trying to make it more than it is. Which is definitely what needed to happen for me to keep watching.
House: A House-ku:
Chase and Cameron
Need to be part of the show
Not squeezed into plots
Boston Legal: I'm not sure why William Shatner farting and then saying, "Denny Crane" is so hilarious, but it totally, totally is. Does anyone else feel like Alan's closing statements at trials are getting a little out of control? I realize that these long speeches have proven Emmy results, but I'm starting to find myself checking email during them. Just sayin'.
Life: Is anyone else out there watching this show? Because I'm totally addicted at this point.
Ugly Betty: Amanda is one of the most underrated characters on television. Period.
30 Rock: As much as I hated Ross on Friends, I loved Greenzo on 30 Rock. Just like the episode on integrated advertising, last week's 30 Rock managed to take an NBC directive and obey it by mocking it openly. Also, Al Gore is my hero. "A whale is in trouble!"
The Office: I'm just going to breathe a big sigh of relief here that The Office is back to its regular half-hour episodes. PHEW.
Scrubs: I empathize with the Janitor--I can't get my coworkers to recycle properly, either. Maybe I should make myself a sash with a bunch of environmental buttons. Also, the sight of Turk's head painted like a basketball was way, way funnier than it should have been. So funny!
Desperate Housewives: Quality stuff. Read my complete thoughts here.
Will Watch or DVR Tonight:
How I Met Your Mother: When Ted thinks he has met a wonderful woman, the gang points out a deal-breaking flaw. CBS, 8 PM.
Chuck: Chuck meets a pretty woman (Rachel Bilson) who is interested in the real him; he and Sarah double-date with Ellie and Captain Awesome; a poison specialist tries to obtain codes to nuclear facilities. NBC, 8 PM.
Heroes: The calendar turns back four months, and Nathan must pay a terrible price for his heroic deeds; D.L. sacrifices for Nikki and Micah; Maya manifests her dark powers for the first time. NBC, 9 PM.
The Bachelor: Bachelorettes return to confront one another and Brad one last time; reluctant Brad must answer questions from heartbroken Hillary; Sarah and Lindsay explain why they could not tell the difference between Brad and Chad; a preview of the final episode. ABC, 10 PM.
Here's hoping I can actually stay caught up this week!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Happy Halloween!
Here's the full version of Tracy's "Werewolf Bar Mitzvah" song from 30 Rock (just the song, unfortunately--no video):
It's HILARIOUS. ("And I nearly dropped the Torah when my hands turned into paws." And that's BEFORE he goes way, way off-script. Or lyric. Or whatever.) Have a spooky, scary Halloween!
Friday, October 26, 2007
On the Glowy Box: Attention, sports fans!
Scrubs is back, and it's still awesome!
Watched Last night:
30 Rock: Did anyone else get the sense that Carrie Fisher played crazy a little too well? If you know what I'm sayin'? There's such a thing as too convincing... And how awesome was the page-off? That's what I love about this show--they throw in crazy things like that (and like Werewolf Bar Mitzvah) without playing them to death. Also, wow, they really let Alec Baldwin go to town on those impressions during therapy! Just when you think this show is the perfect showcase for his comic talents, you realize that it's barely scratched the surface. And dang, multiple H.R. Haldeman references? What demographic are they going for, here? (Actually, never mind...I think the answer to that question is "smart." And I'm all for it.) So basically, last night's episode was awesome, and I'm still not getting sick of the guest star parade. Though, of course, it does bring to mind an unflattering Will and Grace comparison.
Life: From last week. Okay, so I'm still getting caught up on Life, but I just wanted to say that I'm enjoying this show more each week. In case anyone was wondering.
Scrubs: I'm honestly just so glad it's back, I don't think I could say anything negative even if I wanted to. Read my review here.
Grey's Anatomy: Read my review of this somewhat confusing episode here.
Will Watch or DVR this Weekend:
(Descriptions from Zap2it.com's TV listings)
Women's Murder Club: Jill takes a big risk to try to help a teenager whose mother was murdered; Lindsay considers dating again; Claire tries to bring the romance back into her relationship. ABC, 9 PM Tonight.
Desperate Housewives: Bob and Lee's front-yard water sculpture prompts the neighborhood association into action; Edie finds out about the affair Carlos is having with Gaby; the Solis' former gardener, John (Jesse Metcalfe), wants to rekindle his romance with Gaby. ABC, 9 PM Sunday.
Wow, is that seriously all that's on over the weekend? Bananas!
Monday, October 22, 2007
On the Glowy Box: Blerg.
So I totally watched, oh, a zillion hours of 30 Rock this weekend. Yay, first season DVDs!
Watched Over the Weekend:
Desperate Housewives: Crabs are funny. Read my full review here.
Private Practice: From Wednesday. Yeah, this show has officially sucked me in and isn't letting go. I can't tell if it's actually getting better and more interesting, or if that's just the addiction talking. But man, I was really feeling for Addison when no one RSVP'd to her party. That's rough! (And no, I'm not even being sarcastic. That totally sucks.)
Ugly Betty: From Thursday. What a great episode! Ugly Betty does a great job being beautifully over-the-top, while still maintaining enough humanity for us to care for the characters. Bad-Ass Justin is such a real, heartbreaking response to his dad dying, but is still carried off in an entertaining way(Justin/young hoochie). I found Betty's mistaken writing class thievery to be a bit too cringy to watch, though, perhaps because Victor Garber terrifies me, much as I do love him. Also, "Ugly Willie" = Best Ever.
30 Rock: From Thursday. First off, yay, Steve Buscemi! Also, yay, "Vic Nightingale." Cookie jars are innately hilarious. And I totally think Dot-com should write TGS from now on, by the way. My favorite quote of the episode had to be, "You can't ask a bird not to fly. You can't ask a fish not to swim. You can't ask a tiger not to turn back into a Chinese dude at midnight!"
Viva Laughlin: From Thursday. More on this after I've seen last night's episode, but essentially, this show is a tragic waste of money, talent, and concept. And for the love of God, WHY on EARTH would they have the talent sing over the original vocals on the songs? WHY?!
Will Watch or DVR Tonight:
(Descriptions from Zap2it.com's TV listings)
How I Met Your Mother: Ted's new girl is jealous because the story of how Ted met his friends is better than the story of how he met her. CBS, 8 PM.
Chuck: Chuck must decide if he should go against the U.S. government and his friends by helping a top Chinese spy with an unauthorized mission; Buy More forces Morgan into a sales competition that could cost him his job. NBC, 8 PM.
Heroes: In Ireland, a lost hero discovers that a mysterious woman (Kristen Bell!) is willing to kill to find him; Matt and an unexpected ally fly to Philadelphia to hunt down the "boogeyman"; Monica tries to come to terms with her new abilities. NBC, 9 PM.
Samantha Who?: Samantha discovers what she does for a living and tries to diverge from her old workaholic lifestyle. ABC, 9:30 PM.
The Bachelor: Brad takes one woman on a romantic gondola ride; four bachelorettes go to a pool party; one of the women gets a one-on-one date at a mansion; emotions run high at the cocktail party; Brad cuts two more women, one of whom makes an emotional exit. ABC, 10 PM.
I'm so behind on TV at this point that I may need to burn my DVR and start a new life for myself in a country with only two TV channels. We'll see. I blame the 30 Rock DVDs.
Friday, October 12, 2007
On the Glowy Box: Boys becoming men / Men becoming wolves
Have you entered the Veronica Mars season three DVD contest yet?
Watched Last Night:
30 Rock: Tons of Kenneth (who does it "all the different ways"), a guest appearance by Will Arnett (whose character is now a scientologist practicologist), Jane Krakowski on the Japanese Porn Star diet ("...but you can eat all the paper you want"), and Ikea-style office furniture labeled "BLËRG"? Last night's episode was all kinds of awesome. I probably laughed the hardest at Tracy's line: "Things have been said that can't be taken back! She called my license plate 'inscrutable'!" Also, last night marked the return of mind grapes! I've personally had the "Werewolf Bar Mitzvah" song stuck in my mind grapes all morning. Liz got a bit shrill and repetitive with her "changing the world" thing (much like the Liz who's writing this, so apologies to those who know me in real life), but it was worth it for the "It's like those Dove commercials never even happened" line. I LOVE THIS SHOW!
The Office: Last night's episode was better than the past couple hour-long shows (and I'm sure many fans were placated by all the Jim/Pam moments in the second half), but The Office is still not quiiiite back to its usual self. Instead of focusing on the negative, though, let's focus on the positive! I loved: Angela in general, Andy doing acapella ABBA with the help of speakerphone, Pam and Jim's IM prank on Dwight, and the possibly burgeoning Kelly/Darryl relationship. Oh, and Michael finally standing up to Ryan, in his own way.
Grey's Anatomy: I'm finally, slowly, getting on board with this show again. Read my thoughts here.
Will Watch or DVR this Weekend:
(Descriptions from Zap2it.com's TV listings)
Women's Murder Club: Lindsay, Claire and Jill cautiously welcome a new member into the club; Jacobi and Lindsay work together to solve a crime of passion; Jill makes some major domestic adjustments. ABC, 9 PM, Tonight.
Desperate Housewives: Bree tells her friends what she overheard in the Mayfair house; Stella makes Lynette some special brownies to help her through chemotherapy; Susan throws a charades party for the neighborhood. ABC, 9 PM, Sunday.
Life is Wild: Popular girls at school volunteer to help Katie write a poem in the Zulu language for a class project; Tumelo befriends Katie and teaches her about an African concept embracing respect; Jesse visits a local hangout, where the bartender attracts him. The CW, 8 PM, Sunday.
Plus about a million hours of stuff saved on my DVR. Yikes.
Friday, October 05, 2007
On the Glowy Box: Presented in SeinfeldVision!
Let's all take a minute to thank the TV gods for 30 Rock's safe return to television, and to pray for a well-deserved ratings bump to go along with its well-deserved Emmy.
Watched Last Night:
Dirty Sexy Money: From Wednesday night. I'm kind of getting into this one, though not entirely, since the characters aren't exactly likeable. My favorite so far is definitely Tripp, but that's probably because I'm a little afraid of Donald Sutherland. After all, he did produce The Kiefer. I suspect this show will get more exciting as the mystery progresses, so it's staying on my schedule for now. Also, I love the brother who's a priest. "Wait, what's your Swedish name?" Ha!
30 Rock: By the Hammer of Thor, this show is still the highlight of my TV-watching week. While last night's episode didn't quite reach the comedic heights of a few of last season's episodes, it was still fantastic, and made even more so with the presence of Jerry Seinfeld. I loved the jokes at NBC's expense ("You're gonna buy NBC? You've got $4 million just lying around?" and "I like Lost...is that you guys?"), and I'm pretty sure that America's Next Top Pirate would be 100% awesomer than Pirate Master. Also? Kenneth as Tracy's "office wife" = best ev. Let's keep our fingers crossed that America has caught on to the awesomeness!
The Office: You know, I'm just not loving the hour-long episodes as much as I thought I would. Still loving the show, but it just seems like jokes get pushed a little past their breaking point. The Office in half an hour is like a hilarious, awkward punch in the face. The impact wears off when you stretch the story to twice as long, so its more like a bunch of funny slaps in the face. Or something. That metaphor fell apart on me a bit, but you see what I'm saying? Keep it short and sweet, guys. That said, I really, really love what they're doing with Toby's character in the face of Jim and Pam's relationship. I also like that Ryan is emerging as a sort of villain, which this show hasn't ever truly had. And the episode had tons of hilarious moments (like, everything with Creed). So...really still awesome, but just a biiit too much in there.
Grey's Anatomy: You can read my full review here, but in a nutshell: Shut up, Meredith.
Will Watch or DVR Sunday night (I take Friday and Saturday nights off from TV):
(Descriptions from Zap2it.com's TV listings)
Desperate Housewives: Lynette kicks Tom out of her chemotherapy sessions; Susan gets mistaken for a stripper; Bree attempts to steal a prize-winning recipe. ABC, 9 PM.
Not too much on Sundays for me, which is well and good, since I'm already behind on this week's shows! (And going out of town for the three-day weekend.)
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Happy Independence Day!
Now get out there and enjoy some sweet, sweet freedom! Well, what freedom you have left, at any rate. Mmm...quasi-freedom...
You could also enjoy some sweet, sweet TV marathons. (My favorite!) Best bets: Mythbusters on the Discovery Channel, Project Runway on Bravo, Twilight Zone on Sci Fi, Monk on USA, and Eddie Izzard (from 1-7) on BBC America. Personally, I'm going to try and get my DVR down to 65% full. It's a long shot, I know, but a girl's gotta dream!
Thursday, May 10, 2007
They Are Women, Hear Them Dork
With the '06-'07 season drawing swiftly to a close, I'm ready to declare it the Season of the Nerdy Woman. In addition to the elevation of preexisting nerd Cindy "Mac" Mackenzie to the main credits of Veronica Mars, this season added two more female nerds to the roster: Betty Suarez and Liz Lemon. (One of the other members of the club, Chloe O'Brian, got a stupid never-ending ex storyline, but you can't have everything.) In fact, the two new geeks on the block are the stars of their respective shows, and while they ostensibly serve as the sane centers around which all the zaniness of Mode and TGS revolve, they're still able to dork out in their own unique ways. And it's a large part of what makes them interesting, engaging characters, and makes their shows even more fun to watch. 30 Rock allowed Liz to get geekier as time went on, and I don't think it's a coincidence that the show became more appealing at the same time. Anyone who can swear by the hammer of Thor in her everyday life is a) not someone you see on TV all the time, and b) someone you should be seeing more of. Besides, there's a huge, underrepresented group of nerdy women out there and, speaking as part of this group, I'm pleased that we're getting some serious role models on TV.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
30 Rock: Where Do You Think You're Going?
Poor Alec Baldwin. I know he's going through a rough time right now. He left his agency, someone leaked a damaging voicemail, and he's not going to win any Father of the Year awards (but if it's any consolation for him, he's still better than that guy who ran out on his son when he needed a kidney). But leaving 30 Rock? He made the show; this would break it.
I respect that Baldwin wants to spend more time figuring out whatever it is he's got going on, and to work on his relationship with his daughter (and, I'd hope, with his ex-wife, for the sake of his daughter). And I appreciate that, if Baldwin really has the acting fatigue that he says he does, he's not going to be invested in the show and won't give his all. But, as a fan of 30 Rock, I'm happy that NBC has shut him down. Without him, 30 Rock wouldn't have much to offer. Just good writing, Kenneth the Page, and the occasional laugh from Tracy Morgan. I believe that Baldwin was most of the reason why NBC renewed it, why it's gotten such good critical reviews, and he's going to be the draw for new viewers, either because they've heard how good he is as Jack Donaghy or because of everything that's going down with him personally. He's easily the funniest person on the show, and he has a rapport with Tina Fey that is both sweet and absurd. 30 Rock without him would be an empty husk of its former self, like The X-Files after David Duchovny left or NewsRadio after Phil Hartman died or ER now. So I hope that Baldwin can use the summer hiatus to deal with as much as he possibly can, and come back to the 30 Rock set refreshed and ready to work again, because a cranky Baldwin is not going to be good for anyone on that set or at home.
Anyway, watch the 30 Rock season finale tonight!
Friday, April 13, 2007
30 Rock: Jefferson Lives!
I underestimated 30 Rock. I thought the Thomas Jefferson thing would be a one-episode gag, one that would disappear like Jenna did. (Seriously, where did she go? And if the answer is not "Muffin Tops world tour," I will be sorely disappointed.) But it's back, and will probably be around for a while. And while I'm reserving judgment for now, I am hopeful that it's going to be funny, because a) Kenneth is involved, and b) that trailer is great. Besides, it's 30 Rock, and I've come to trust Tina Fey. I wasn't sure about Floyd, either, but she made me like him. That scene in Liz's apartment? Awesome. Okay, most of that was because of Jack, and the rest was pretty much Liz, but still, Floyd was there. He gets credit for that.
Friday, April 06, 2007
30 Rock: Break Out the Fireworks!
Score one for good TV: 30 Rock has been renewed for next season! Since the show's ratings are middling at best, as pretty much every article covering the renewal will point out, the fact that NBC has picked it up this early means that they must really believe in it. Because when was the last time they let a sitcom build up an audience over time? Interestingly, they give the same "upscale viewers" explanation that was once associated with Studio 60, but I suspect that "upscale viewers" in this case is code for NBC execs, and they love it because of all the NBC/GE shenanigans. If only Sorkin had set Studio 60 at NBC instead of "HBC," the suits might have been more interested.
So how does 30 Rock celebrate getting renewed? With more of what the suits love: Will "GOB" Arnett as another NBC exec, and fireworks. NBC brass love fireworks. But Tina Fey remembers the ordinary fans, too – you know, the ones not employed by GE. I love that 30 Rock is starting to bring back things from previous episodes as in-jokes to fans, now that they've reached a point where they can do that. Dr. Spaceman is to 30 Rock what Dr. Beardfacé is to Scrubs and that doctor who delivers news badly was to Arrested Development. It's great. And I may have mentioned this before, but I really only like Tracy when he's crazy - and I mean seriously, bughouse crazy - which is why his dream sequence was the best. Well, that and Alec Baldwin. Dressed as Thomas Jefferson. Flipping off the Maury audience. Yeah. I'm so happy this show is coming back.
By the way, if you've ever wondered what the deal is with Kenneth, Jack McBrayer can tell you: Kenneth is part magic.
Friday, March 09, 2007
30 Rock: The Black Donaghys
I thought the best part of last night's episode would be Nathan Lane as Jack's brother. But then came the other Donaghys, the Donaghy fight, and the stupidest fist names ever, and I was proven completely wrong. It has to be a huge point in 30 Rock's favor that big names like Nathan Lane, Wayne Brady, and Molly Shannon are lining up to be on the show, much as the stars used to for Arrested Development. It could also mean that between them, Alec Baldwin and Tina Fey know everyone in Hollywood, but I prefer to look on the bright side. I like to think it means that they know good comedy when they see it, and they're trying to support the show. NBC, are you listening?
Oh, and another great thing about this episode? Liz becoming The Decider. Awesome.
Friday, March 02, 2007
30 Rock: Give Kenneth His Own (Talk) Show
Thank the TV gods for 30 Rock. On a night otherwise filled with repeats or clip shows, it comes through with a new episode, with all the Wayne Brady (nice taste in sitcoms, Wayne - first How I Met Your Mother, now this), LL Cool J, Ghostface Killah, and Kenneth the Page you can handle, as well as an inspiring message of intolerance. And, as a bonus, no "wacky" Rachel Dratch character this week. Everyone wins! Except Jane Krakowski, who didn't get a whole lot to do this week - which, surprisingly, I found disappointing. I guess after "Muffin Tops" and her America-hating antics of last week, Jenna has really grown on me. I still only like Tracy when he's being non sequi-tastic, though, which is why I liked the scene between him and his "manatee," Kenneth.
And while I'd love for Kenneth to get his own show, I don't necessarily want to see him in another sitcom. I want to see him host a show. It doesn't really matter if it's a talk show, a gardening program, Top Design, or a newsmagazine. He'd be a lot more interesting than several other show hosts I could name, and he's got a unique perspective. Wouldn't you love to see Kenneth introducing a "To Catch a Predator"-type show? Wait, on second thought, scratch that - I don't want to expose him to that. He's far too innocent. Maybe just a talk show, in which he could chat with celebrities and show the viewers how to make their own wrapping paper.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
NBC-palooza!
It's the winter Television Critics Association press tour, which means it's time for the networks to make all their mid-season announcements. NBC had quite a bit of news, and we'll start with the best: Heroes will be back next season! Sure, it was a given, but it's always nice to have confirmation (as fans of Veronica Mars or Scrubs will tell you). Heroes is also getting another episode added on to this season's order - good news, but unusual enough that I have to wonder if the producers asked the network for it. Maybe they needed another episode to cram everything in? Whatever, as long as it means more Hiro.
NBC also provided some hope for fans of good, but bubble-y, shows like Friday Night Lights, 30 Rock, and Studio 60, with president Kevin Reilly saying he will "stick with quality" (more encouraging than another comment of his: "[A]t least some of those shows will be back next season"). A network that prides itself on quality, even when it's low-rated? Are we in the Sorkin-verse? Or perhaps they don't want to be the network that canceled all of its new shows except for the one hit. I'm sorry I'm being so cynical here, but years as a Scrubs fan have taught me not to trust NBC.
Finally, Today continues its quest to slowly take over the entire NBC schedule - it'll be creeping into a fourth hour in September. It will still only have 15 minutes of actual news content.
Friday, January 12, 2007
30 Rock: An Open Letter to Tina Fey
Dear Tina,
