I was watching The Apartment and noting that Jack Lemmon was quite a looker in his day. I, of course, posted it to my Facebook page and got a couple of responses. I, then, realized how often I do this, since I watch a ton of old movies. I'm lusting after a guy until I realize, "Wait a tick!" Then I immediately run to IMDb, only to discover that either he's older than my grandmother or dead. This happens especially with musicals because singers and dancer are, by default, hot. (James Mitchell, aka "Palmer Cortlandt"/"Dream Curly," I'm looking at you.)
Anyway, I'm curious about which old stars you find attractive. So far we have Jack Lemmon, Gene Kelly, Paul Newman, Gregory Peck, Cary Grant, Sidney Poitier and Rock Hudson.
Please, add more to the list.
Update: I'm clearly not the only person to have this weighing on my mind. Here are some awesome old dudes over 50. This is a slightly different list than what I'm thinking, really. But it's along the same (vericose) vein.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Happy Effin' New Year from Your Pals at ABC
So, apparently, ABC won't be airing the remaining episodes of Pushing Daisies and Dirty Sexy Money. You have GOT to be kidding me! As I've said, there is nothing else on this network. From a programming standpoint, this is an absolutely moronic decision.
From a fan's viewpoint, this is a major "screw you" to these shows' audiences.
I swear, despite my intense love of television and having survived many an excellent show's cancellation, I have never reacted this way over a show's being axed. But it's the combination of the loss and the network's utter cluelessness that has sent me over the edge.
I still have four ABC shows that I watch (All My Children, Scrubs, Desperate Housewives, and Brothers & Sisters), so I can't officially cut ties with ABC. (Not that, you know, they'd even care. But it's the principle of the thing.) But I can sit here and seethe. Which is, of course, imminently healthy and productive.
From a fan's viewpoint, this is a major "screw you" to these shows' audiences.
I swear, despite my intense love of television and having survived many an excellent show's cancellation, I have never reacted this way over a show's being axed. But it's the combination of the loss and the network's utter cluelessness that has sent me over the edge.
I still have four ABC shows that I watch (All My Children, Scrubs, Desperate Housewives, and Brothers & Sisters), so I can't officially cut ties with ABC. (Not that, you know, they'd even care. But it's the principle of the thing.) But I can sit here and seethe. Which is, of course, imminently healthy and productive.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Forgetting the Alphabet
Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know I was supposed to write about the heat in the Top Chef kitchen, but I've been distracted. For one, SAG is threatening a strike. I -- I can't even begin to go into the foolishness of all this. You may recall that I buried my head in the sand on this matter long, long ago. Besides, my dear friend joy posted a far more eloquent rant at her far more esteemed blog, joymagnetism. I think I could only manage a series of sputters, which doesn't really translate to print very well.
What I can articulate, however, is my fiery anger at ABC for canceling one of the quirkiest, most creative shows on network television, Pushing Daisies. If you've never seen Pushing Daisies, well, then I blame you. Okay, okay. That's not fair. Well, not completely fair. Pushing Daisies is a delightful, whimsical tale of a young man who can bring the dead back to life, but only for 60 seconds, else something or someone else nearby dies in its place. He's also brought back to life his murdered childhood sweetheart, but can't touch her again, lest she die permanently. Sounds creepy. But in the hands of Bryan Fuller (who dealt with death so humorously and stunningly in the late lamented Dead Like Me), what could be fluff and tritely disturbing nonsense, is actually a colorful (literally and figuratively), giddy hour of fun featuring a foursome of detectives solving mysterious murders, as well as a rib-tickling duo of eccentric, retired-mermaid, spinster aunts. Yes, you read that right.
Don't you wish you'd been watching? Yeah, I know you do.
But, alas, it's too late. Because ABC (whom I normally laud for its non-traditional choice of dramas and comedy-drama hybrids) decided to pull the plug, as it were, on this wonderful romp. Ratings, they say. And, to be fair, ABC has enough hits to buoy it. For now.
Yes, Lost is returning in January, a return I'm eagerly awaiting, especially now that there's an end date which has really focused the writing. Ugly Betty is still holding strong, as is ABC's Sunday night line-up. But let's face it, just how long are Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice going to hold up? By all accounts (and that's all I have to go on since I don't watch either), both shows have dipped in quality so far that they're pretty much irredeemable. So what does ABC have left? Life on Mars? Heh. Spare me.
Not only did they scrap Pushing Daisies, they got rid of fellow critical darling Eli Stone and Dirty Sexy Money.
I called it. I knew the changes would doom Dirty Sexy Money to the trash heap. The network called for the drastic change in tone, demanding something soapier. What they got was soap scum. So good riddance to that. However, Eli Stone is a different story. I've only seen a few episodes of Eli Stone, but I've heard nothing but praise for it.
So what's the deal ABC? Why cancel these shows when you've got nothing lined up and when you have shows that are inarguably flagging in quality, if not ratings? In a season blighted by a drought of new, quality pilots due to the strike [*shakes fists at SAG*], you've chosen to do away with shows that may not have the audience, but definitely have the promise.
This was the perfect time for the Alphabet to show its commitment to excellence. Instead, it's shown nothing but a slavery to idiotic programming decisions.
So, my darlings, what do you think? Am I off-base, here? Letting my love of a show cloud my judgment? Weigh in on ABC's decision.
What I can articulate, however, is my fiery anger at ABC for canceling one of the quirkiest, most creative shows on network television, Pushing Daisies. If you've never seen Pushing Daisies, well, then I blame you. Okay, okay. That's not fair. Well, not completely fair. Pushing Daisies is a delightful, whimsical tale of a young man who can bring the dead back to life, but only for 60 seconds, else something or someone else nearby dies in its place. He's also brought back to life his murdered childhood sweetheart, but can't touch her again, lest she die permanently. Sounds creepy. But in the hands of Bryan Fuller (who dealt with death so humorously and stunningly in the late lamented Dead Like Me), what could be fluff and tritely disturbing nonsense, is actually a colorful (literally and figuratively), giddy hour of fun featuring a foursome of detectives solving mysterious murders, as well as a rib-tickling duo of eccentric, retired-mermaid, spinster aunts. Yes, you read that right.
Don't you wish you'd been watching? Yeah, I know you do.
But, alas, it's too late. Because ABC (whom I normally laud for its non-traditional choice of dramas and comedy-drama hybrids) decided to pull the plug, as it were, on this wonderful romp. Ratings, they say. And, to be fair, ABC has enough hits to buoy it. For now.
Yes, Lost is returning in January, a return I'm eagerly awaiting, especially now that there's an end date which has really focused the writing. Ugly Betty is still holding strong, as is ABC's Sunday night line-up. But let's face it, just how long are Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice going to hold up? By all accounts (and that's all I have to go on since I don't watch either), both shows have dipped in quality so far that they're pretty much irredeemable. So what does ABC have left? Life on Mars? Heh. Spare me.
Not only did they scrap Pushing Daisies, they got rid of fellow critical darling Eli Stone and Dirty Sexy Money.
I called it. I knew the changes would doom Dirty Sexy Money to the trash heap. The network called for the drastic change in tone, demanding something soapier. What they got was soap scum. So good riddance to that. However, Eli Stone is a different story. I've only seen a few episodes of Eli Stone, but I've heard nothing but praise for it.
So what's the deal ABC? Why cancel these shows when you've got nothing lined up and when you have shows that are inarguably flagging in quality, if not ratings? In a season blighted by a drought of new, quality pilots due to the strike [*shakes fists at SAG*], you've chosen to do away with shows that may not have the audience, but definitely have the promise.
This was the perfect time for the Alphabet to show its commitment to excellence. Instead, it's shown nothing but a slavery to idiotic programming decisions.
So, my darlings, what do you think? Am I off-base, here? Letting my love of a show cloud my judgment? Weigh in on ABC's decision.
Friday, September 19, 2008
The Emmys
Huh. Surprisingly, I have nothing to say about the upcoming Emmys -- or, rather, the nominees. Of course, I'll be watching; I love awards shows. Always and forever. But I've decided to stop hoping for anything other than the same ol' stuff. There are never any surprise wins, all the speeches are pretty run of the mill, and even the red carpet just seems like a been-there-done-that obligation for most of the nominees.
The fact is that no one's fooling themselves anymore. The Emmys aren't about rewarding excellence or innovation in the television arts. It's about the Academy telling themselves that they are. And that just goes against everything I love about the entertainment industry.
I'm not naive. I know the old chestnut: "It's show business." But it's a creative business. Most other industries strive for and reward innovation and change. Indeed, the science half of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences seems to be doing pretty well in this vein. Why is it that the arts side is not only content to churn out more of the same, but actually heaps praise on those who stay on the hamster wheel?
And that's just what the Emmy has become. A big nut cluster treat for the most dogged hamsters.
So I'll watch, as I always do, I'll simulpost to the extent that the shifty wireless coverage in my neighborhood allows, and I'll resign myself to yet another win by Tony Shaloub.
The fact is that no one's fooling themselves anymore. The Emmys aren't about rewarding excellence or innovation in the television arts. It's about the Academy telling themselves that they are. And that just goes against everything I love about the entertainment industry.
I'm not naive. I know the old chestnut: "It's show business." But it's a creative business. Most other industries strive for and reward innovation and change. Indeed, the science half of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences seems to be doing pretty well in this vein. Why is it that the arts side is not only content to churn out more of the same, but actually heaps praise on those who stay on the hamster wheel?
And that's just what the Emmy has become. A big nut cluster treat for the most dogged hamsters.
So I'll watch, as I always do, I'll simulpost to the extent that the shifty wireless coverage in my neighborhood allows, and I'll resign myself to yet another win by Tony Shaloub.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Zachary Morris, Esq.
Not that I left any room for doubt about my intentions, but... I watched Raising the Bar last night. And, good lord on a graham cracker it was terrible. Just abominable.
It should be called Raising the Barf since all of Mark-Paul Gosselaar's pontificating made my gorge rise. (FYI: Holier-than-thou grandstanding is only palatable coming from Jack McCoy.) Earnestly wanting to defend your clients doesn't give you carte blanche to be a douchebag to everyone. I was prompted to answer Zack's oft-promo'd question: "Yes, I am gonna hit a lawyer."
Or perhaps Raising the Soap Bar since Zack looks like he needs a bath throughout the episode -- even after he's just bathed. (Incidentally, I can't remember the character's actual name, which doesn't matter because I'd call him "Zack" no matter what.)
Or maybe Raising the Gay Bar due to the only real surprising element of the pilot. I immediately pegged the judge's clerk as gay. And then he's making out with Jane Kaczmereck. Wha? But then he actually is gay. Dude. It's one thing to be in the closet. It's a completely other thing to sex up your boss just to soften her towards your best friend with whom you're clearly actually in love. I mean, it's so soap operatic that you just have to love it.
My point being this: The pilot was so bad, that I was driven to punny alternative titles just to amuse myself.
That said, I'm still going to watch because, whatever, I'll follow Zack Morris to the cheesiest ends of the earth. Plus, it's my policy to give all shows 3-5 episodes to find their footing. And, finally, Stephen Bochco is infamous for pushing the envelope. And by "pushing the envelope," I mean "there's naked man ass in our future."
It should be called Raising the Barf since all of Mark-Paul Gosselaar's pontificating made my gorge rise. (FYI: Holier-than-thou grandstanding is only palatable coming from Jack McCoy.) Earnestly wanting to defend your clients doesn't give you carte blanche to be a douchebag to everyone. I was prompted to answer Zack's oft-promo'd question: "Yes, I am gonna hit a lawyer."
Or perhaps Raising the Soap Bar since Zack looks like he needs a bath throughout the episode -- even after he's just bathed. (Incidentally, I can't remember the character's actual name, which doesn't matter because I'd call him "Zack" no matter what.)
Or maybe Raising the Gay Bar due to the only real surprising element of the pilot. I immediately pegged the judge's clerk as gay. And then he's making out with Jane Kaczmereck. Wha? But then he actually is gay. Dude. It's one thing to be in the closet. It's a completely other thing to sex up your boss just to soften her towards your best friend with whom you're clearly actually in love. I mean, it's so soap operatic that you just have to love it.
My point being this: The pilot was so bad, that I was driven to punny alternative titles just to amuse myself.
That said, I'm still going to watch because, whatever, I'll follow Zack Morris to the cheesiest ends of the earth. Plus, it's my policy to give all shows 3-5 episodes to find their footing. And, finally, Stephen Bochco is infamous for pushing the envelope. And by "pushing the envelope," I mean "there's naked man ass in our future."
Thursday, August 21, 2008
When It Rains...
I'm not entirely sure where to begin. Just last week, I was kvetching about a lack of material on which to comment. Now there suddenly seems to be a great deal going on.
Let's start off with Christina Applegate who recently underwent a pre-emptive double mastectomy in her battle against breast cancer. I've always been a fan of Ms. Applegate. She's an incredible actress, and she just seems like a swell lady. I wish her nothing but the best.
Then, there's been some talk about a possible Veronica Mars movie. I huffed awhile back regarding chatter about a Friends film and I blasted the idea of a Sex and the City sequel. Honestly, I'm sort of on the fence about a VM movie. I loved the show, but I have reservations, natch.
First, I'm not sure its cult hit, sassy charm would translate to the big screen. The series relied on a season-long mystery, as well as the smaller mysteries-of-the-week. A movie of 90+ minutes would have to deviate from that formula and could just flounder. Secondly, the series ended rather shoddily, and I think it might be best to just leave it be.
On the other hand, there had been talk about a leaping forward several years in the future for a VM spin-off, but the pilot landed with a thud. Perhaps, it could be parlayed into a VM franchise. From what I've read, the project is in production. Honestly, though, the fans I've been in touch with are rather miffed with Rob Thomas, so I'm not sure the film would be received as warmly as he might think.
And, finally, ABC's foreign formats memo. I haven't seen much written about this outside of the blog to which I've linked. Seems pretty straight-forward and not terribly incendiary to me. Mind you, I'm not an attorney, but I've acquired a bit of knowledge from the ones for whom I work. My understanding is that there's nothing illegal about what the studio lays out here. An idea is not protectable; only the fruits of that idea (characters, storylines, locations, etc.) are. So the practice is borderline at worst. Should the memo have been leaked? Probably not. It makes ABC Studios look shady to a layperson. But it's nothing to cause a furor about. Again: Not a lawyer here.
That all came to my attention a couple of days ago. Perhaps the summer wasn't a total bust, after all. Or, even better, this all foreshadows an exciting fall to come!
Let's start off with Christina Applegate who recently underwent a pre-emptive double mastectomy in her battle against breast cancer. I've always been a fan of Ms. Applegate. She's an incredible actress, and she just seems like a swell lady. I wish her nothing but the best.
Then, there's been some talk about a possible Veronica Mars movie. I huffed awhile back regarding chatter about a Friends film and I blasted the idea of a Sex and the City sequel. Honestly, I'm sort of on the fence about a VM movie. I loved the show, but I have reservations, natch.
First, I'm not sure its cult hit, sassy charm would translate to the big screen. The series relied on a season-long mystery, as well as the smaller mysteries-of-the-week. A movie of 90+ minutes would have to deviate from that formula and could just flounder. Secondly, the series ended rather shoddily, and I think it might be best to just leave it be.
On the other hand, there had been talk about a leaping forward several years in the future for a VM spin-off, but the pilot landed with a thud. Perhaps, it could be parlayed into a VM franchise. From what I've read, the project is in production. Honestly, though, the fans I've been in touch with are rather miffed with Rob Thomas, so I'm not sure the film would be received as warmly as he might think.
And, finally, ABC's foreign formats memo. I haven't seen much written about this outside of the blog to which I've linked. Seems pretty straight-forward and not terribly incendiary to me. Mind you, I'm not an attorney, but I've acquired a bit of knowledge from the ones for whom I work. My understanding is that there's nothing illegal about what the studio lays out here. An idea is not protectable; only the fruits of that idea (characters, storylines, locations, etc.) are. So the practice is borderline at worst. Should the memo have been leaked? Probably not. It makes ABC Studios look shady to a layperson. But it's nothing to cause a furor about. Again: Not a lawyer here.
That all came to my attention a couple of days ago. Perhaps the summer wasn't a total bust, after all. Or, even better, this all foreshadows an exciting fall to come!
Friday, August 8, 2008
Brain Hiatus
Y'know, I started this blog because 99% of the time I have something smart alecky and/or insightful to say about what happens on television. Admittedly, that percentage dips to, let's say, 80% of the time when you expand to the entertainment industry in general, but still. But here's the thing: This summer has been supremely boring.
I came in to this thing assuming I'd be posting everyday. But it seems as though Hollywood has taken a summer vacation away from crazy. (Yeah, yeah. I know Shia LaBeouf's dangling his toes in the deep end, but I really couldn't care less about him.) And summer television's been boring.
So You Think You Can Dance? Not as good as last season, in my opinion. Project Runway? The contestants are too aware of being on-camera at all times and have, therefore, spent these first three episodes mugging and tossing out what they think are witticisms like breadcrumbs to lure that pigeon of screen time. Swingtown? Good, but not long for this world. And Mad Men? Too good to be snarked on. Besides, it just started. Even my beloved Kathy Griffin seems to have lost her luster.
Yes, the summer hasn't been particularly noteworthy. But I am very much looking forward to the coming fall season. Some pilots have been "leaked" to the internets, and I can resist their siren call for only so long. And now the teasers and print ads for returning shows have appeared, ramping up my excitement. I unabashedly squealed -- on the train! -- when I saw a print ad for Heroes and sniffled a little when I realized that Pushing Daisies returns in October, not September.
I've never been a boy of summer, anyway. So I'm just biding my time till the new season begins.
I came in to this thing assuming I'd be posting everyday. But it seems as though Hollywood has taken a summer vacation away from crazy. (Yeah, yeah. I know Shia LaBeouf's dangling his toes in the deep end, but I really couldn't care less about him.) And summer television's been boring.
So You Think You Can Dance? Not as good as last season, in my opinion. Project Runway? The contestants are too aware of being on-camera at all times and have, therefore, spent these first three episodes mugging and tossing out what they think are witticisms like breadcrumbs to lure that pigeon of screen time. Swingtown? Good, but not long for this world. And Mad Men? Too good to be snarked on. Besides, it just started. Even my beloved Kathy Griffin seems to have lost her luster.
Yes, the summer hasn't been particularly noteworthy. But I am very much looking forward to the coming fall season. Some pilots have been "leaked" to the internets, and I can resist their siren call for only so long. And now the teasers and print ads for returning shows have appeared, ramping up my excitement. I unabashedly squealed -- on the train! -- when I saw a print ad for Heroes and sniffled a little when I realized that Pushing Daisies returns in October, not September.
I've never been a boy of summer, anyway. So I'm just biding my time till the new season begins.
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