Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Pajiba
The Daily Trade Round-Up / The TV Whore
July 9, 2008
This isn’t exactly TV news, but it sounds better than most things on TV right now, and I know it’ll appeal to many Pajiba readers regardless, so here we go — we’re getting close to the premiere of Joss Whedon’s “Dr. Horrible Sing-Along Blog,” the 42-minute internet movie featuring Neil Patrick Harris and Nathan Fillion in a musical tale of good and evil. The movie will appear in three parts on the official site on July 15, 17 and 19, and will then go away on July 20, so we’ve got a pretty small window to watch the whole thing. However, Whedon hopes to have the videos available for download (for a fee) shortly thereafter, and there’s already work on a DVD which will include, among other things, an entirely sung commentary. Whedon is absolutely losing his marbles, and I have to admit that I’m kinda digging it. Anyway, if you missed the trailer for “Dr. Horrible” when it popped up on a recent Pajiba Love, here it is again:
And if you want to read an eight-page comic about Dr. Horrible’s nemesis, the do-gooder Captain Hammer, well then here you go.
Next week also gives us the premiere of Comedy Central’s revamped “The Gong Show,” on July 17. At first, I wasn’t too excited about this retread, featuring Dave Attell as the host. I mean, Attell isn’t even a former secret assassin for the CIA, you know? But now they’ve announced some of the judges for the show, and I’m a bit more on board. On the premiere episode, I don’t care so much about Steve Schirripa (Bobby Bacala on “The Sopranos”), but I’m a big fan of Brian Posehn and Robert Smiegel/Triumph the Insult Comic Dog and welcome the chance to watch those two being snarky for 22 minutes. Other guest judges will similarly include people some folks who I also want to watch be snarky (Adam Carolla, Andy Dick, Greg Giraldo and Jim Norton), along with people I don’t care about and/or have never heard of (Kate Walsh, Ron White, Dava Navarro and JB Smoove).
July 17 is also when Comedy Central will be premiering “Reality Bits Back,” the network’s first reality show. The show features 10 comedian/contestants who are hoping to win $50,000 while fighting through competitions satirizing other reality shows. The Comedy Central press release says the show will make fun of reality staples like “American Idol,” “Survivor,” “The Amazing Race” and “American Gladiators,” among others. Michael Ian Black continues his ride into obscurity (save a fun guest spin on “Reaper” last season) by hosting the show and, from the trailer included below, it looks like he’s made another fine, fine decision. If one thinks “tedious” suggests career upwards mobility. Because while there are a few bits that look potentially amusing, the show as a whole gives off a strong “ugh” vibe.
Also, if you watch the end of that clip closely, you might catch that one of the “comedian” contestants is himself a former reality TV star. I actually knew he was trying to make a go of it as a comedian, and I wonder if he thinks sticking his toe back into the reality well is the way to keep things moving forward.
In news you probably already heard, rumors are running rampant that Shannen Doherty is giving thought to joining the CW’s “90210,” if the money and story are right. We already know that Jennie Garth and Tori Spelling are returning, and with the possible return of Brenda Walsh, one has to wonder why they don’t just do a proper reunion special and get it over with. I have an increasingly sneaking suspicion that this show is going to blow as long and hard as the night is young, whereas a true reunion special, perhaps done as a three or four hour miniseries, could be a finely toasted nugget of glorious cheese. Sure, Luke Perry and Jason Priestly probably have the good sense to stay as far the fuck away as possible, but why not just use that to your advantage — Luke’s Dylan can be dead, appearing in the form of a CGI ghost, while Priestly’s Brandon can have had severe reconstructive plastic surgery after a fire or something.
In other casting news rumors, word has it that when “Rescue Me” returns to FX many-a-month from now (next March), Michael J. Fox may just be appearing for a multi-episode run as a lover of Janet, Tommy’s ex. No deal has been ironed out yet, but it sounds like one may be forthcoming quite soon. Like all other Children of the 80s, I’ll eternally love Alex P. Keaton/Marty McFly, and I welcome him back onto my TV in whatever form I can get him. And given his sense of humor about himself and the show’s own dark sense of humor, I imagine that there will be at least one cringingly hilarious scene with Leary’s Tommy going off on some sort of “shakes” tirade (even if Fox’s character doesn’t, himself, suffer from Parkinsons, they’ll find a way to meta it in).
Speaking of FX, the premiere date for the Fourth Season of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” has finally been announced. September 18th, bitches — mark your calendars. The long Third Season was a bit more hit-and-miss than the most excellent first two seasons, but there was still plenty of goodness to warrant some excitement about the impending Fourth Season. This link will take you to a music video (which stupid FX won’t let me embed) made in anticipation of the new season although, frankly, it has me anticipating my own upcoming return to Philly for a weekend more than anticipating the show’s return, but that’s just me. There are also a bunch of promos on the FX site, the following of which is the best, because … well, because it’s the fucking truth:
And in our hat-trick of FX news, it seems that the new show Ryan Murphy (creator of “Nip/Tuck”) is working on, “Pretty/Handsome,” is having trouble finding a home. The pilot stars Joseph Fiennes as a married man (married to Carrie-Anne Moss) with kids who decides to have a sex change. While it was originally slated to be on FX, the network passed on the pilot last spring and Murphy has been unable to sell the show to any of the other networks. Which doesn’t really speak too well about it’s quality. So perhaps it’s for the best that we may never be able to see Joseph’s fiennes get lopped off.
And finally, here’s that preview for “Reality Bites Back.” And I have to admit that, with as warm as it’s been in L.A. lately, a hamsicle sure does sound mighty refreshing:
Seth Freilich is Pajiba’s television editor. He didn’t even mention his moratorium once this whole … dang.
Pajiba Love 07/08/08 | | Fuzzy Navel |
Comments
You're... you're a fan of Andy Dick, Seth?
:pales visibly:
Now I have to rethink everything...
Posted by: PaleoLithchick at July 9, 2008 9:08 AM
I seriously can't wait for Dr. Horrible. The whole thing caters to every desire I have for an internet superhero musical.
The people over at Whedonesque.com are crazy-observant. They noticed that the news anchors in that teaser are David Fury and Marti Noxon, former Buffy writers.
I just can't wait for that to come out.
Posted by: Caillan at July 9, 2008 9:10 AM
NPH and Mal? Are you kidding me? This could be the beginning of revolutionary parrings in cinema! We could be witness to the ultimate duo since Butch met the Kid! This could blow the wheels off your TV and impregnate your mother...while she's washing dishes!
Oh...and Joss is somehow involved too...which turns this to 24-carat gold!
No, I'm not visibly excite right now. Shut up...my coworkers are used to it.
Let's see...{scans rest of round-up}...Michael J Fox may be coming bacl to TV! Yay!
Okay, I'm spent.
Posted by: Shadows of Dakaron at July 9, 2008 9:22 AM
that would be one of a few comics Joss has written for that My Space/Dark Horse thing.
Sugarshock is also wonderful.
Posted by: twig at July 9, 2008 9:43 AM
Ron White? Ugh. So not funny. He performs the same routine over and over again. I don't think he actually appears places sober either, which I can usually admire, but in his case, not acceptable.
If they ever do a proper 90210 reunion, I am so there. The cheesier and more ridiculous, the better. What else is anyone from that show doing, excluding BAG and Terminator? Tori Spelling needs to lay off the plastic surgery soon. Unless she is going for Joan Rivers' cat-face.
Of course, if a 90210 reunion show is aired, then I demand a Melrose reunion.
Posted by: Melody at July 9, 2008 9:50 AM
Seth, thank you for the Dr Horrible news. Time to go and buy myself some new computer speakers.
Posted by: StephanieS at July 9, 2008 9:54 AM
As annoying as Andy Dick can be, I'm always hoping to catch a glimmer of what he was on The Ben Stiller Show.
Posted by: Bucko at July 9, 2008 10:00 AM
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along blog gives me yet another reason to get drunk off my ass and belt out of key, incoherent show tunes into a hair brush. Can't wait!
Posted by: Jeremy at July 9, 2008 10:01 AM
Seth, I'm sorry man, but all of this pales in comparison to the unabashed glory that is...
Armenian Superstar.
That show is...it just...my Godtopus. I haven't laughed so hard since I found that picture of Prisco online.
That show redefines the term "product placement" in the most glorious way possible. Case in point: Someone that I can only assume is one of the hosts is interviewing one of the "singers" and on the arm of the couch the host is sitting on...is a giant bag of rice. On the table in front of the host...about 30 different products (i.e. soda, soap, cosmetics, butter)
Posted by: Manny at July 9, 2008 10:12 AM
Theo is actually a surprisingly good comedian. I had free tickets to a show of his at a local comedy club this past weekend. I had pretty low standards going in, since, you know, it was Theo, but he was actually pretty funny.
Posted by: Matt at July 9, 2008 10:33 AM
Hey, if you think about it, bring us back some of those great pretzels from the Redding Terminal Market--yes I want mine dipped in butter. Oh, and some lobster ravioli from Io et Tu. (I really miss Philly.)
Posted by: Brigette at July 9, 2008 10:40 AM
Oh God. Whedon, how I adore you. Motherfucking Fillion and even though I know he's gay as springtime, NPH. Ahhh. People are going to be staring blankly at me while I giggle hysterically by myself.
Posted by: Jaci at July 9, 2008 10:40 AM
PaleoLithchick -- I'm not a "fan" of Andy Dick. However, he used to be quite funny and while he's now mostly an annoying druggydouche, he still has moments of snarky funny (see, e.g., the Pamela Anderson roast). So I guess I'm just cautiously optimistic that he'll be an entertaining judge.
Posted by: Seth at July 9, 2008 10:48 AM
Harris -- Fillion -- Whedon -- SQUEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Posted by: BWeaves at July 9, 2008 10:51 AM
I watched the original "Gong Show" as a child, and even then it was funnier in concept than in reality. Every preview for the new incarnation makes me shudder. I like Dave Attell, but I prefer my humor a bit more subtle than extended fart gags.
Posted by: Wednesday at July 9, 2008 10:56 AM
My "Insult-A-Day" desk calendar says for today:
"He's not very famous for taking care of his body. His burps set off smoke detectors and the only exercise he gets is vomiting. When he sits at the bar and eats peanuts, you can hear them splash."
- Jeff Foxworthy on Ron White
Posted by: nancy at July 9, 2008 11:14 AM
You know, Caillan, I had no idea I even HAD a desire for an internet superhero musical. And now that I've discovered it.... there's one coming! It's like all my planets are aligning.
Posted by: megbon at July 9, 2008 11:22 AM
The Gong Show looks like a great idea...for me to poop on!
Was that Aretha Franklin in a bustier? There is nothing right about that. I need to purge.
I am counting down to the return of Burn Notice...who's with me!?
Posted by: amanda47 at July 9, 2008 11:35 AM
Here they come to save the day!
Dr. Horrible is on the way!
Joss Whedon has written the tale,
that has Captain Hammer on his trail!
The Internet world will be a-gog,
while we all watch the Sing-Along Blog.
July 15 is days away,
and the blog won't be here to stay.
Please put out a DVD!
Mr. Whedon, can't you see?
We love singing superheroes on-line,
especially ones that look so fine!
With Fillion/Mal, NPH/Barney/Doogie,
and Whedon the cool,
this will make us all drool!!!!!
Posted by: dammitjanet at July 9, 2008 11:53 AM
The whole Dr. Horrible thing looks and sounds amazing. I wasn't paying attention, but now, thanks to Pajiba, I will be.
Two minor observations: is it just me or NPH looks A LOT like Gordon Ramsay in Dr. Horrible's clothes?? And I see a small scene with that guy Howard from The Big Bang Theory. I love that dude.
Posted by: gargumma at July 9, 2008 12:14 PM
The girl in the Dr. Horrible clip is Felicia Day, Codex, from WatchtheGuild.com. I'll check out the movie just to see her.
Posted by: EricD at July 9, 2008 12:25 PM
I'm glad he will appear as a judge on Gong, but when will they find a proper vehicle to display the hillarity that is Greg Giraldo? I went to see him live a month ago and it was hands down the best show I've ever seen. He was funny on that crappy Colin Quinn show but he needs something where he is the star. He is the best at the CC roasts too. He said flavor flav looked like a skeleton rapped in electrical tape.
I have such a hard time believing Theo is funny.
Posted by: Handel at July 9, 2008 12:39 PM
Harris -- Fillion -- Whedon -- SQUEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Posted by: BWeaves at July 9, 2008 10:51 AM
BWeaves, I'll see your squeeeeeeeeeeee and raise you an OMFG!!!!!
The girl in the Dr. Horrible clip is Felicia Day, Codex, from WatchtheGuild.com. I'll check out the movie just to see her.
Posted by: EricD at July 9, 2008 12:25 PM
She was also a potential in Season 7. I only know this because I just rewatched it. For the 4th time. (What!? It does actually get better with repeated viewings!)
Anyway. Squeeeeeeeeeee! and OMFG!
Posted by: Anastasia Beaverhausen at July 9, 2008 12:57 PM
Bizarro confession time: I had a long run of Michael J. Fox nightmares involving chasing butterflies through fields and then being kidnapped by Alex Keaton. Back to the Future still gives me the willies, and I almost cried the other day when I caught a few minutes of Teen Wolf. It's a frigging miracle I survived the 80s.
Posted by: frumpiefox at July 9, 2008 5:59 PM
That shot of Doogie in those stupid goggles? I would make that my desktop background at work if it weren't against company policy.
Stupid company policy.
frumpiefox, I...I don't know what to say.
Posted by: greer at July 9, 2008 7:28 PM
Actually, before I realized that was NPH in the photo up top there, I thought it was Dominique Pignon from "The City of Lost Children." Maybe it's just the lighting?
Posted by: BWeaves at July 9, 2008 10:02 PM
Count me among the many looking forward to Dr. Horrible, 'natch.
But the thing buried at the end of this post? C'mon people, Jospeh Fiennes as a transexual married to Carrie-Anne Moss? How is that not fucking made of win?!
Posted by: telesilla at July 9, 2008 11:12 PM
IDK if 90210:TNG will or won't work, but i'm hoping that the new 90210 is actually good. I'm looking forward to it. But bringing back old cast members? Is that such a good idea? I really don't see the point of bring back Brenda, Kelly. But obviously CW are doing all they can to attract fan's of the original...
'In other casting news rumors, word has it that when "Rescue Me" returns to FX many-a-month from now (next March), Michael J. Fox may just be appearing for a multi-episode run'
Best news ever...hope he signs...I love Michael J Fox. I still miss Spin City...
Posted by: Neena at July 11, 2008 6:16 AM
