The Trade Round-Up / The TV Whore
Aug. 1, 2007
Well I’ll always take another excuse to talk about my dearly missed and dearly beloved “Veronica Mars,” and this is a particularly good excuse — as I am generally (with good reason) willing to slam the networks at a moment’s notice, it’s worth recognizing that every once in a blue moon they also manage to get something right. It’s rare, to be sure, but it does happen. And here’s such an instance: Rob Thomas (“Veronica’s” creator) recently said that his original pilot for the show actually had Veronica finding some letters that her pops was hiding from her mom, and that this was going to lead to a very different relationship between dad and V — a lot of cold distrust and the like. The network apparently stepped in and said that it thought Veronica needed one person on the inside; someone she actually had a healthy and trusting relationship with. Thomas was eventually swayed to their line of thinking, and turned Veronica’s relationship with Keith into what we all knew and loved. And I think few fans would argue that Veronica’s relationship with her dad was pretty much the center of the show. So as I say, every once in a while, the networks actually get something right. But then they go and cancel the show, and blow that goodwill right out their arses.
I’m not still bitter or anything.
Speaking of Rob Thomas, you’ll recall that he had already lined up his post-“Veronica” gig, as the showrunner for ABC’s midseason comedy “Miss/Guided.” I was pretty stoked about this, as the show stars one of my comedy crushes, Judy Greer, and we’ve already seen that Thomas can do good things with a female protagonist. I say that I “was pretty stoked” because, only a month-or-so after signing onto the project, Thomas has bailed with the cliched “creative differences” being cited as the reason. Word has it that these creative differences stemmed from the fact that ABC wanted the show to be more of a comedy, and Thomas wasn’t keen on this approach — seems odd to me, since the show already was already considered a comedy. But I guess he wanted to go more in the dramedy route with it, or some such. In any event, the show’s new showrunner will be Mark Hudis, a former writer and exec producer for “That ’70s Show.” Dunno what that means for the show’s direction, but I’m definitely bummed that Thomas is now off the TV landscape for the moment. However, since he’s got a development deal with ABC Studios, I assume we’ll see something from him when the next pilot season hits, which is actually right around the corner (even though this fall season is still over a month away from starting - you gotta love the TV industry!).
Another much-loved showrunner (particularly around these parts), Joss Whedon, has a little bit of interesting news too. Seems that all you “Buffy” fans can saddle up and get your excitement on because Whedon is getting ready to make a 90-minute TV movie with the BBC. That movie will be called “Ripper” and will focus on Anthony Stewart Head’s character Giles in his pre-“Buffy” days. No word on when production will begin, but with Whedon and Head already signed up, I expect it’ll be sooner rather than later. And in related news, y’all remember Whedon’s buddy Nathan Fillion, right? Well he’s confirmed his stint on the upcoming season of “Desperate Houswives,” along with Dana Delany, which leads me to wonder whether the show will be cancelled by November sweeps. Fillion’s track record ain’t so good, know what I’m saying? But maybe that would be for the best, because Fillion seems to be jonesing to team back up with his former “Firefly” boss, that same Joss Whedon guy I was just talking about. Seems Fillion’s written a couple of scenes of a new project that he won’t really discuss yet, and he’s sent the work over to Joss, trying to convince him to write it out into a full-blown project for Fillion to star in. The only hint Fillion would give is that it was a western, but a true-blood cowboys western as opposed to a space western. And while it surely may never see the light of day, since it’s not even a twinkle in the eyes of the development gods, it’s still an enticing notion, right?
In other guest star news, Michael Rapaport has signed on for a recurring role in “My Name is Earl,” where he’ll play an inmate spending some time with Earl in the clink. I’m totally ok with this — while I don’t always love Rapaport, he can be quite good in the right role, and I think the show will exploit his decent comedic chops. Plus, I love the potential for some scenes between him and Giovanni Ribisi (who is, you’ll recall, Earl’s cell-mate, though I’m not sure how much we’ll actually see of him next season). But the bigger casting news, for my tastes, comes with Val Kilmer making a rare appearance on “Numb3rs” next fall. He’ll be playing a mastermind-type bad guy who turns out to be behind some bad shit that went down last season. I love this show, and I love Val, so I’m totally psyched about this. Although there’s no way that he’ll be as good as his guest spot on “Entourage” back in Season One (in the “The Script and the Sherpa” episode). He was unrecognizably brilliant there, and if you haven’t seen the episode, go get the DVD post-haste.
While we’re talking about the upcoming fall season, some shows gave out some very minor but interesting spoilers over the last week (if you want to know absolutely nothing about the upcoming seasons of “Lost,” “Battlestar Galactica” or “24,” get out of this paragraph now). The “Lost” guys have confirmed that Harold Perrineau’s Michael will be returning to the show next year. He’s making his return as a series regular, not just as a guest star for one or two episodes, and although I first thought they were just going to use him in a bunch of flash-forwards, the statement that his return will be “pretty cool” suggests that he may actually be returning to the island. And the show’s producers also confirmed that next season will see a mix of both flashbacks and flash-forwards, “but how forward and with whom - the audience will be pleasantly surprised.” And it turns out that “Battlestar” will also be bringing back a “missing” character, as Lucy Lawless’ D’anna is coming back mid-season for a 2 or 3 episode stint. Ron Moore has referred to her being unboxed, so we can assume this means a legit return of the Number Three model, and not just something with flashbacks. Lastly, there are hints that we could get a similarly unexpected return on “24.” The show’s producers indicated that Tony Almeda isn’t necessarily dead for sure (in fact, they said they originally planned to have him pop up at the end of last season). No word on whether he actually will show up this season, but as he was one of my favorite characters, I wouldn’t object (and since I’ve already thrown all expectation of believability out the door with this show, I don’t even care what ridiculous method they use to explain away his “death”). As for the upcoming season, it’s been confirmed that things will start out in D.C., rather than in Los Angeles, with Jack testifying before a Senate Committee about his shenanigans over those past six days (and CTU will have been disbanded by this point, something which was a long time coming considering how many times security was breached and protocol was ignored).
Ok, I take it all back. I’m utterly excited now for (motherfucking) “Cavemen.” ABC has announced that it won’t just be cavemen! The fifth episode of the series will feature the first female caveman (or “cavewoman,” if you will). And that’s just awesome, since it gives the show so much more depth and possible direction than those pesky 30 second commercials afford, with their cavemen-only mentality. …Of course, this means we’re pretty unlikely to ever actually see a cavewoman on ABC, as there seems no way in hell that (assfisting) “Cavemen” can possibly make it to a fifth airing.
And lastly, a friendly reminder to all my sci-fi geeks out there — ABC premieres the four-part “Masters of Science Fiction” in the fantastic Saturday 10 p.m. time slot, starting this Saturday. It was originally supposed to be a six-parter, but the network inexplicably axed two episodes, so we’ll just be seeing a four week run. But these four episodes certainly have the potential to be decent, as they’re based on stories by Robert Heinlein and Harlan Ellison, among others, and features actors like Judy Davis, Sam Waterston, Terry O’Quinn, Malcom McDowell, Anne Heche, Brian Dennehy and John Hurt. In fact, the only thing I’m particularly unexcited about is that these stories are narrated by … Stephen Hawking. I mean, look — as a former burgeoning-astrophysicist, I respect the hell out of Hawking for several reasons. But does that mean I want or need to hear his robot voice narrating out of my television? No. …It. …Most. …Cer … tain … ly. … … … Does. …Not. [That was my tasteless attempt at a typed-out version of Hawkings’ robot voice. Thank you very much, good night!]
Seth Freilich is Pajiba’s television editor. He believes “assfisting” should be a more commonly used adjective.
Pajiba Love 07/31/07 | | Pajiba Love 08/01/07
Comments
1. Fuck Lost
2. Galactica, hmmm get started on wrapping it up fellas.
3. Cavemen jumped the shark after the airport terminal ad.
4. fuck Lost
Posted by: BarbadoSlim at August 1, 2007 9:10 AM
I like "24" as much as the next guy, but is it just me or are most of the actors on that show just....bad? I mean, I know it's TV and all, but sometimes the acting and the script just make me want to scratch my eyes out. With a toothpick.
Posted by: Agent Scully at August 1, 2007 9:14 AM
I....think....I...just....peed.....my...self.
And wahoo for 24 changing shit up. I have been loyal to that show for 6 years, NEVER missing 1 episode, and i have 1-5 on DVD. But fuck me running, last season was just fucking mind-numbing.
Posted by: PissBoy at August 1, 2007 9:20 AM
It is about damned time that CTU disbanded. There is no way to breach it or be an internal spy that has not been thought of yet. Let us also not forget CTU's "superior" skills of setting up a perimeter and keeping it intact. Oh and Tony Almeda is coming back? Isn't that convenient? Next will probably be a "twin sister" of Nina's who suspiciously looks just like her. I guess I should expect Tony's return given the overwhelming fan outrage and that he was up and running around in Season 3 about 2 hours after getting shot in the neck.
Please tell me that they are not going to make Chloe a mommy. That might be the most ridiculous idea from this last season. I still want to know what the hell ever happened to the Logans. 24 has forced me to suspend my disbelief farther than Alias ever did, and that is saying something. Also, is the thing about a female President true?
I did not realize just how bitter I was at this last season of 24. I knew it was bad, but still.
Over/Under for Cavemen: 2 episodes.
Shut up Lost. You lost me during an interview with the show runners in which they essentially said that they have no idea what they are doing. Not a great way to keep viewers, jackasses.
Where exactly has Val Kilmer been hiding? Does he come out once a decade?
Posted by: Melody at August 1, 2007 9:28 AM
Where exactly has Val Kilmer been hiding?
Detox.
Well, not really. But it is Hollywood, y'know.
Posted by: idiosynchronic at August 1, 2007 9:51 AM
For fuck's sake! We already had a great true blood western. It was called Deadwood. It stole my heart and then they cancelled it. If anyone remotely thinks there's a market for that genre, please bring Deadwood back instead of stealing some second hand sets and costumes and watering the whole thing down.
Oh, and Stephen Hawking narrating, that's just bad gimmicky casting.
Posted by: PaddyDog at August 1, 2007 10:04 AM
Assfisting is my new cuss-word of choice. I shall use it at every opportunity.
I already knew about the two news items I care about (the two Whedon-centric ones)--but I'm panting to see 'Ripper' already. That moment years ago on Buffy in which Giles unwrapped the milquetoast-librarian persona to reveal the dead-eyed stone killer...Fantastic. It gave me chills.
Posted by: Jerce at August 1, 2007 10:16 AM
Although it's scary not to have Rob Thomas involved in a tv project, I'm somewhat relieved that he's left _Miss/Guided_. I'd much rather have him create and run his own show (or move to Hollywood), even if that means he's off my screen next season.
When the hell does VM s3 come out?
Posted by: Chris at August 1, 2007 10:28 AM
I don't care who writes or stars in it, I want a GD western on (network) TV again. I have the cheesy DVDs of the "Lonesome Dove" series and the last decent western was "Young Riders"...hello, a character named Teaspoon!? gold!!...we will not mention the blasphemy that was the crappy "Bonanza" spin off on the pseudo-religious channel.
I second the "fuck 'Lost'". WHERE ARE THE POLAR BEARS NOW!?
Posted by: Rebekah at August 1, 2007 10:37 AM
Joss Whedon?!? Ripper?!? ANTHONY STEWART HEAD!?!? Be still my heart.
Posted by: Constance at August 1, 2007 10:47 AM
Val Kilmer is the most underrated actor in Hollywood today. He was awesome in that flick in which he portrayed John Holmes. I may actually start watching that Num3ers show.
Posted by: Diablo at August 1, 2007 11:04 AM
Fuck YOU guys for fucking LOST.
With as complex a story line in a format that's never been done before, you actually think it's possible for them to have EVERY SINGLE THING planned out from the beginning?
Of COURSE they know what's going on with it, but there are too many variables with actors, locations, time constraints to possibly anticipate how every single 100+ episode is going to go to the end.
This is possibly the greatest quality show on television right now (acting, writing, cinematography, editing, music, sound, effects), and you got tired of waiting for answers.
Well FUCK you guys. Go watch Cavemen if you haven't got the attention span for one of the greatest mini-series/TV/long format EPICS of our time.
PS- The Polar Bears are still there, you asshole.
Posted by: Sean at August 1, 2007 11:09 AM
Wow so Ripper's back in the works then is it? I remember the idea first being thrown around during the last couple of seasons of Buffy - it'll be interesting to see what they do with it and also if it's a BBC production I might not have to cringe every time I hear a "British" character speak - Hurrah!
And as far as a western starring our beloved Nathan Fillion goes: well gosh darn if I don't love him when he's talkin like a cowboy!
+1 for the "Fuck Lost" mentality. Lost is dead to me. Dead. To. Me.
Posted by: Alex the Odd at August 1, 2007 11:20 AM
I honestly don't care or mind that there are still fans of Lost. But I'm no longer one of them. So fuck off for getting upset that other people don't like the show anymore.
Posted by: Rebekah aka "you asshole" at August 1, 2007 11:35 AM
Has anyone ever seen Ricky Gervais's comedy tour "Politics" when he's talking about Stephen Hawking's nurse allegedly abusing him?
*whacks S.H. on the head*
*robot voice* "Ow..."
"Finish it!"
*robot voice* "Ow...ch."
I can't do it justice here, but it's hilarious.
Posted by: Geetch at August 1, 2007 11:39 AM
Seth, have you checked out Damages yet? I think it's off to a great start. Gleen Close has been fantastic, and Ted Danson was excellent in last night's episode. It does have some issues (Rose Byrne, I'm looking at you), but it's better than 99% of the crap that's on right now.
Posted by: Priya at August 1, 2007 11:42 AM
Joss Whedon?!? Ripper?!? ANTHONY STEWART HEAD!?!? Be still my heart.
Constance, I couldn't have said it better myself. Oh Rupert Giles, I still love you.
Posted by: Jen at August 1, 2007 11:50 AM
The blind loyalty to Lost makes me laugh and laugh. Add me to the 'fuck Lost' camp.
I'd love to catch that Masters of Sci-Fi thing, but with that timeslot, I'll be missing it while at work. Oh well.
Posted by: Gabs at August 1, 2007 11:52 AM
Thank you Rebekah. I do not insult those that still faithfully watch Lost, however, much like you, I am no longer one of those people. The arrogance and absolutely asinine statements that have been made by the producers of the show and the belief that romantic triangles/quadrangles/pentagons make compelling television have killed any and all interest that I had in what could have been, at least in my opinion a great show. Damon and Cuse need to learn that borderline insulting the intellectual level of your audience with an overwrought love story and creating new characters in order to avoid having to flesh out the ones that you already have or to have someone to kill as a sweeps stunt is not the best way to retain an audience like the one that Lost once had.
I will at least give Lost this, it is better than some other shows on ABC's schedule.
Posted by: Melody at August 1, 2007 11:55 AM
The shows that I feel it is better than are ones like, Cavemen and According to Jim.
That is all of the cred I am giving to Lost. I do not think it will ever be a great show.
Gabs, the blind loyalty to Lost is hilarious. Over at TWOP (Television Without Pity) in the Lost forums, the largest thread is the Bitterness Fiesta, filled with former fans of the show who are angry at the downhill slide. It is a fun place to hate on Lost. Occasionally a fanboy of Lost would come in to the thread to try to explain the greatness of the show. He would then be subsequently beat down by the posters there. The mods have stopped fanboys from inciting fights in the Fiesta now.
Posted by: Melody at August 1, 2007 12:01 PM
Assfisting! Haha, ohh joy.
It'd be good to see if Nathan Fillion could stay on a TV show for any reasonable period of time -- he's a great actor and, on a more shallow note, pretty damn good-looking as well -- but seeing as I find Desperate Housewives irritating as all fuck, I don't know that I'll be able to sit through it, even to see Nathan. Ohh sigh.
Exciting Whedon news! Buffyverse lives!! Geeks rejoice!
Posted by: Telis at August 1, 2007 12:27 PM
Wait, is Anthony Stewart Head going to be playing a young version of the character he played, for seven years, starting 10 years ago?! Dude is in his fifties. I love me some Giles, but I am not sure this is the most credible way to expand the Buffyverse.
Posted by: Brenda at August 1, 2007 1:14 PM
Giles/Ripper!! I had to stifle a scream when I saw the news (I don't think anyone in my office would understand). So very, very exciting. I love ASH and try to watch any show he is in.
Can't wait for Nathan Fillion on DH. Years ago, he and Dana Dalaney were on a show called Pasadena that only lasted 9-10 episodes. She was a scheming housewife, he was a priest and they were going at it. Lots of family secrets and intrigue. Nice little show.
Posted by: Marianne at August 1, 2007 1:42 PM
Nathan Fillion's going to be on Desperate Housewives?? Damn...I'm going to have to start watching that show again.
Posted by: Crinn at August 1, 2007 4:08 PM
Sean: Fuck US? nah fuck YOU for telling US to get fucked, for saying fuck Lost.
On to Desperate Housewives, oh boy, I know Nathan Fillion and Dana gotta eat, but soiling themselves with such hacky filth. Let's hope they put that limp pony out of its misery with all due haste.
Posted by: BarbadoSlim at August 1, 2007 5:01 PM
Maybe the younger version of Giles will be played by someone else and half the film will be present day?
More Whedonverse news: Season 6 of Angel will begin (in comic book form) in November. While Joss isn't going to be writing it like he is much of the new Buffy comics, he is retaining considerable creative control, deeming himself the "watcher" for the series, titled Angel: After the Fall.
Posted by: bartap at August 1, 2007 5:18 PM
RE "assfisting" as the new cool curse word: I have no objection to it, but I won't be helping its dissemination because that may be too descriptive, even for me.
I still like Lost. So sue me.
RE Fillion on Desperate Housewives: he can only improve it. Actually, I've watched it from the beginning. It's stupid, but can be pretty funny. You can't really blame a guy for jumping at the chance to be on a highly rated network show (as opposed to the practically strangled-at-birth ones he's been on previously).
24 is ridiculous. Stopped watching last season because it was on at the same time as Heroes (I think). CTU have to be the worst counterterrorism people in history, worse even than the Bush administration. The show should have had Jack execute CTU's HR people.
And I agree with the thumbs down on the Hawking narration. That's just stupid. No offense intended, I know he's handicapped, but give the viewers a break. Still, his voice is less annoying than Gilbert Gottfried's.
I like Damages too. So far, it's pretty compelling. Better than that sorta cruddy Courteney Cox show (which I watched most of, but still didn't really like).
Posted by: LL at August 1, 2007 6:33 PM
(*meekly*) Um, still watching Lost here; not among the "faithful," which I take to mean watching out of habit or obligation; we just watch it every week (in-season, of course) because we really enjoy the heck out of it. Beautiful cinematography, high production values, great acting, hot girls, and a veritable Benetton ad of rainbow inclusiveness (though ol' whitey is typically the leader/love interest - I really think Sayid should take over in both categories). When the episode is over, I always feel like about 5 minutes went by. Sometimes the story is crap, but I just don't get that betrayed feeling; they can't all be gems.
And believe me, we don't readily suffer crap, even among our favorite shows; we quit on 24 after five episodes last season, and I loved that show.
[I won't tell you where he ranks exactly, but Sayid is on the "If I Had to ..." list, along with Daniel Dae Kim (Jin). Mmmmmm, torture me, Sayid...]
Posted by: socalledonlycousins at August 1, 2007 7:23 PM
perhaps lost could bring LINDSEY LOHAN to the island for a season or too.Thats for you SLIM.ENJOY
Posted by: pasadenamike at August 1, 2007 9:17 PM
Everything socalled said, except for that "meekly" shit. Even the subpar episodes are fascinating--and last season had very few subpar episodes. This household is in it for the long haul. And most of the male cast of Lost are hotter than the females.
I quit watching 24 at the end of Season 2. Frankly, the immorality of the main characters' actions made me a little sick...though every time I see "President Palmer" doing a State Farm commercial, I still wish he was really our President.
The show should have had Jack execute CTU's HR people.
Hee. Word.
Posted by: Jerce at August 1, 2007 9:25 PM
I don't watch Lost just for the eye candy, but it surely doesn't hurt to have a wide variety of attractive people to look at while you're trying to figure out what the hell is going on.
And I think the same thing when I see the pretend black president in those spots: I wish he was our real president. I'd watch his press conferences just to hear his voice. He's smooth.
Posted by: LL at August 1, 2007 9:37 PM
Re President Palmer: Funny, that's the feeling I get every time I watch DeNiro recruit the short order cook in Heat to be the bank robbery driver.
Posted by: socalledonlycousins at August 1, 2007 10:07 PM
Sorry-the commercials are for Allstate, not State Farm (although the filming was hilarious as Dennis Haysbert kept saying, "You're in good hands with Jack Bauer".
Posted by: Michael Nutt at August 1, 2007 10:27 PM
Kind of scary thinking of the horrible things they're gonna do to 'Jerry was a Man'. 'Least it wasn't 'All You Zombies'.
Posted by: Ray at August 1, 2007 11:32 PM
Michael Nutt is of course right about the commercials being for Allstate. It's a bit ironic that the ads stick in the mind the way they do, but the product they're promoting does not...
Posted by: Jerce at August 2, 2007 10:53 AM
Love, love, love Lost! I don't blame the Lost haters who gave up after season two and are steel reeling from it, but you really have no place to speak if you didn't finish the third season. The show has moved on from it's frustrating days, and you should too. Many things were answered by the end of the third season, and the new story lines that were proposed seem to be more fascinating than frustrating. I think that by the time the series ends the Lost lovers will be in awe at the overall story arc, and those who stopped after season two will still be bitching their ignorant vitriol.
Posted by: katy at August 2, 2007 1:26 PM
It'd be good to see if Nathan Fillion could stay on a TV show for any reasonable period of time -- he's a great actor and, on a more shallow note, pretty damn good-looking as well -- but seeing as I find Desperate Housewives irritating as all fuck, I don't know that I'll be able to sit through it, even to see Nathan. Ohh sigh.
You took the words right outta my mouth.
he's confirmed his stint on the upcoming season of "Desperate Houswives," along with Dana Delany, which leads me to wonder whether the show will be cancelled by November sweeps. Fillion's track record ain't so good, know what I'm saying?
Oh God, let's hope so. As much as I love the Fill, I LOATHE those stupid jobless whores.
Posted by: ciji at August 2, 2007 3:25 PM
I won't watch Lost until they cancel it. I absolutely refuse to get hooked into that shit, just look what happened with Alias (Yes, lost may be the better show, but still).
As far as the Cavemen are concerned, if all stop talking about it and cover our eyes, maybe it will just go away.
Hope springs eternal, I suppose.
Posted by: Smokin at August 3, 2007 12:01 AM
WORD, Smokin'. All the bullshit that happened to Alias when JJ went off to develop Lost happened to Lost when JJ went off to make MI:3 and play in the movies. Reading former Lost fans complaints is like deja vu of bitter Alias fans.
The fucked up love tri-angles? Check.
Complete and total loss of continuity? Check.
Introducing new characters instead of figuring out how to write for the amazing compelling ones you had? Check.
Sooooooo glad I avoided getting into Lost. Fool me once...
Posted by: hoorah at August 3, 2007 3:21 AM
stop it, right now.
do not be excited for 24. what the hell is wrong with you?!
every
EVERY YEAR they promote "this year it's going to be new and FRESH! WE PROMISE!!!! and then every year it turns out to be the same shit. i totally get that they need to keep similar themes to bring new people aboard and have them get it without knowing any background info, but seriously....not even a little character development? is that out of the question?
sigh
although i am excited for lost. AND RIPPER!!! WOOOOO thanks seth, waited a looooonnnggg time for this one
Posted by: MAx at August 3, 2007 2:18 PM