The Clip Show / The TV Whore
July 10, 2007
I recently realized that, weekly trade round-ups aside, it’s been a while since I’ve written anything new here. It only took about two seconds after coming to that realization, however, to figure out why — it’s because this year, more so than most, summer TV is leaving me feeling flat and underwhelmed. There really isn’t anything so good that it compels a raving write-up and, similarly, there’s little which is so bad (at least, out of what I’m actually watching) that it mandates a written evisceration. There’s just not much worth writing home about.
In fact, instead of having new shows streaming in the background all day while I do “real work,” I’ve had to resort to other forms of worktime entertainment — trying to put a dent in my 400+ Netflix queue, catching up on my backlog of audiobooks, watching some of the DVDs I’ve purchased over the years yet never actually watched, and catching up on lots of summer CDs (the new discs from the Beastie Boys, Queens of the Stone Age and Velvet Revolver have all been rather disappointing, but Sara Bareilles’ debut Little Voices is a surprisingly good love child of Tori Amos, Fionna Apple and Ben Folds, and Mark Ronson’s Version, which while not great, makes for decent-enough background music, if for no other reason than to hear the late ODB spitting lyrics on top of a Britney cover). That’s all been fun, for a spell, but I’m becoming increasingly melancholy — I misses my hour-upon-hour of love-it-or-hate-it TV, damn it! And I suppose that’ll come soon enough, with the impending fall season. But in the meantime, I’m still stuck in these summer swamps.
So for what it’s worth, I thought I’d revisit my earlier column about what I was going to watch this summer by sharing my thoughts on the summer “season” so far. And again, I know there’s stuff I’m not watching (like “The Closer” and “Eureka”) which would probably help this valley I’m in, but I have my reasons (primarily that I haven’t been watching from the beginning, and I hate jumping into shows mid-stream). In any event, here be some rambling thoughts about the junk I’m watching.
“John from Cincinnati” (HBO, Sundays, 9 pm). I just can’t make heads or tails of this show. After the first episode, I thought it could go either way, towards being junk or towards being something good, and I don’t really feel any different about the show now, halfway through the first (and quite possibly, only) season. I do know that “John” is most assuredly not a worthy successor to our beloved “Deadwood.” But there are glimpses of quality that have kept me tuning in so far. The appearance of “Deadwood” regulars Dayton Callie (Charlie Utter on “Deadwood”) and Garrett Dillahunt (both Jack McCall and Francis Wolcott on “Deadwood”) have been welcome additions, particularly Callie who, as the Hawaiin drug dealer Freddie, is delivering a knock-out performance. And the monologues delivered by Ed O’Neill’s Bill to his bird Skippy, while not as rich or vibrant, are surely the kid brother to Swearengen’s “chats” with the Indian Chief. I’m still curious as to where the whole religious thing is going (and there can be little doubt that we are talking some heavy religious mojo here, as opposed to aliens or whatever else). But at the same time, some of the other performances on this show are distractingly appalling. I applaud Milch, I guess, for casting non-actor/surfer-types in the roles of Shaun Yost and Kai, but it’s painfully obvious that neither has any acting chops. Of course, I would take either one of them over Rebecca De Mornay’s histrionics. Her performance as Cissy Yost is like a bad Acting 101 class: “Let me see anger, levels 8 through 10, with more aggression and crazy eyes, please.” And one of this week’s ongoing Cissy tantrums, wherein she yelled through and beat against Kai’s trailer? It was the most godawful performance I’ve seen in a long time. I’m talking terrible to the point that I stopped caring about this week’s episode almost entirely. And I don’t think that’s exactly what Milch is shooting for.
“Entourage” (HBO, Sundays, 10 pm).” I’ve been a huge fan of “Entourage” from its very beginning. And while I’m still watching it and enjoying it well enough, I’m not really excited about it anymore. It’s no longer a must-watch-on-Sunday-night show, and I find that I’m often not getting around to the newest episode until Monday or Tuesday. Now I don’t mind that they experimented last season with more Ari-without-the-gang storylines, nor do I mind the continued focus on Drama and Turtle storylines that have nothing to do with Vince (both of these have been major criticisms of other detractors). What I do have a problem with, however, is that I’m just not laughing as much anymore. I get a couple of good chuckles an episode, and maybe one or two laugh-out-loud bits, but that pales with how I reacted to the first and, especially, second seasons. Now I wouldn’t say that the third season or this current season are necessarily bad, mind you, I just think don’t think they’re as funny as they should be. And for a comedy, well, that’s definitely an issue. So bring the funny, that’s what I’m saying.
“Flight of the Conchords” (HBO, Sundays, 10:30 pm). I know a lot of you like this show, and love the Conchords as performers and to you, I’ll again say, “to each his own.” Personally, I find this show mind-numbingly bland, unfunny, impersonal and unfunny. Despite slamming the first episode, I stuck with it for another episode and a half, just because I wanted to give it a fair shake. But it just left me cold. Yes, the “binary solo” was amusing, and the name “Hiphopopotamus” is clever (and the Hiphopopotamus’ first line in that song is probably the only laugh-out-loud moment I had while watching), but the forced wackiness of this show just felt like a continual hammer bearing down on my cerebral cortex. Halfway through the third episode I literally said, out loud, “fuck this shit,” and promptly deleted the episode and removed my Season Pass. Not my cup of tea.
“Meadowlands” (Showtime, Sundays, 10 pm). When I reviewed the first episode, I gave it a relatively more positive spin than most other critics. While I haven’t come around to their point of view completely, I am backing off my early strong feelings. I’m still watching the show, about a family that’s been witness-relocated to a community full of other bizarre witness-relocatees, but I’m not as intrigued or excited by it all anymore. I think that Felicity Jones (Zoe) remains my summer TV crush, and I’m really enjoying David Morrissey’s performance as patriarch Danny. But I’m not particularly interested in what happens — I’m just sort of along for the ride. And that’s fine when the ride is awesome. But when it’s just so-so, well, I suspect I would’ve bailed in the thick of fall TV. But for mid-week summer viewing, this dull remains adequate enough. But a note to future writers and showrunners — don’t kill off your most interesting character/actor in the second or third episode. That’s not really the best way to keep things fresh.
“Big Love” (HBO, Mondays, 9 pm). I still love me this show, no bones about it, and I’m enjoying this season as much as I enjoyed the first. And yet, I’m still having the same problem I had with the first season — I just can’t get that about it. I’ll rant and rave about “The Wire” and “Deadwood” until the cows come home and, while I don’t think “Big Love” is on the same level as either of these shows, it may only be one step down. Despite this high quality, I find myself rarely talking about the show or thinking about it in the week between episodes — it just doesn’t tickle that part of my noggin that’s begging for good shows to dig in and take root. The performances are all pretty rock-solid and the storylines are relatively attention-holding (although I could still do with a lot less of the Juniper Creek conflict). Yet, here I am with pretty much nothing to say about the show. I don’t get it, I honestly don’t.
“On the Lot” (Fox, usually on Tuesdays, 8 pm). Well, talk about a complete disappointment and failure — a reality show from Mark Burnett and Steven Spielberg where filmmakers compete for a development deal should’ve been a sure thing, no? No, apparently not. This show is bleeding viewers like a hemophiliac who, uhrm, is bleeding viewers. And for good reason — it’s fucking terrible. The host, Adrianna Costa, is gratingly annoying (and not really any improvement over Chelsea Handler, who unceremoniously vanished after hosting the show’s first episode). The two regular judges, Garry Marshall and Carrie Fisher are terrible — Marshall seems to be a doting fool who’s also a bit of a racist and a misogynist, and Fisher, who typically comes off as smart, acerbic and funny, comes off like a fucking puppet. And then there’s the guest judges, who are just laughable. I mean, listening to Brett Ratner and Eli Roth criticize films for doing the exact same shit they do, or for not doing the exact same shit they do, well, it doesn’t exactly lend the show any meaningful credibility. And then there are the films. It’s one thing for an “American Idol” contestant to put together a performance of one, two or three songs in the course of a week. But it’s quite another for folks to put a film together in a week or two, and it shows. The best of the short films are decent, and the worst are, well, just awful. I sat through bad student film marathons in college and, frankly, I’m not sure why I feel the need to repeat that same thing now, which is what watching an hour of “On the Lot” amounts to. Again, because it’s summer and there’s not enough else pulling my attention, I’ll likely stick with it until the end (if, that is, Fox bothers to stick with it), but I really couldn’t care less who actually wins the bloody competition.
“Last Comic Standing” (NBC, usually on Wednesdays, 9 pm). This show is still in the early audition stage, although I believe tomorrow night’s episode is the last of the audition shows, at which point we’ll jump to the head-to-head performance episodes (and I’m pretty sure there is no house, so those episodes should just be stand-up performances, without the silly “contests” of the first couple seasons). And so far, it’s one of the few summer programs that I’m enjoying well-enough. Of course, I’m a sucker for decent stand-up comedy and each episode has managed to show at least a few decent comedians, and one or two who look like they could be quite good. Not to mention, despite my desire to hate him, I have to confess to kinda digging Mel Silverback (he’s a yutz in a gorilla costume). So I’m totally on board for now, although I would like to ask the producers to change one thing, effective immediately — get rid of Ant. Aside from when he’s doing stand-up particularly directed towards his homosexual lifestyle, he is pretty much as funny as an actual ant. And as a “judge,” he’s not only unfunny, but downright annoying. Please, producers, spare us all.
“Rescue Me” (FX, Wednesdays, 10 pm). When the first two seasons of “Rescue Me” were airing, they were one of the things I was most excited about watching week-in and week-out. Last season was still better than average, although I found my interest in the show waning ever-so-slightly. And this season, I’m in exactly the same place I was last season — it hasn’t gotten worse, and my interest hasn’t lessened from last season, but my excitement definitely isn’t at 11 anymore. I recently read another critic talking about this show (and I’d give credit and linkage, but I don’t remember who or where it was, although I’m pretty sure it was Alan Sepinwall), and I think he nailed it — the show continues to fire on all cylinders on the comedy side of things, but is severely wanting on the drama side. For example, one storyline has Jennifer Esposito’s character chasing Dennis Leary’s Tommy, who wants nothing to do with her. I guess this is because he feels slightly emasculated that a chick saved him from the fire, but it doesn’t really make sense. Esposito is banging hot, and Tommy has always been a dog — why wouldn’t he take this opportunity and run with it? And from the other side of things, I can’t really find a plausible rationale for why her character continues to chase Tommy, who really isn’t a catch in any way (unless she’s into the “bad boy,” thing but if that’s the case, surely she could find bad boys with far less effort). In fact, more and more when watching this show, it gets me thinking that I need to go buy the DVDs for “The Job,” which was basically the funny half of “Rescue Me” without all the heavy drama. But none of this is to say that I’ve truly soured on “Rescue Me” or am about to give up on the show — far from it. The fine polish has simply worn off, and the dirty underside has turned it into “just another show.” Another show that’s better than most, granted, just not the truly special show that the first two seasons suggested was the direction “Rescue Me” was headed.
“Traveler” (ABC, Wednesdays, 10 pm). I was surprisingly unharsh and optimistic about this show when I reviewed the premiere episode. And actually, my opinion of the show has changed very little. As I said in that review:
Well “Traveler” isn’t a great show. No bones about that. However, it’s also not a terrible show. If it were airing in the fall, among a throng of old standbys and some new shows full of potential — (mother fucking) “Cavemen” is of course not in that category — “Traveler” would be a one-and-done for me. But because it’s airing in the dregs of the summer, I’m actually going to stick with it for now since, upon first blush, it appears to be a perfectly adequate summer diversion.
It remains a not-great show, but it also remains a perfectly adequate summer diversion. Plus, it’s nice to know that this is one of the few serials of the year which will actually get to air an ending. I don’t much care what that ending will be, but it will be refreshing to actually see such an ending, after so many serials simply vanished during the regular season.
“Top Chef” (Bravo, Wednesdays, 10 pm). I love me some “Top Chef” and that hasn’t changed. I will say that, at this point, there’s not a contestant that I’m particularly rooting for or against, so I feel slightly less of a personal investment than with the first two seasons but, beyond that, this show is still a winner for me. And if it weren’t for a dark horse that I’m getting to, it would probably be my most enjoyed show of the summer, to date.
“Pirate Master” (CBS, Thursdays, 8 pm). I love pirates. Pirates versus ninjas? Pirates, any day of the mother fucking week. And yet, god damn it! This show is preposterously bad. Everyone takes it all so damn seriously, from the host to most of the ridiculous contestants. Burnett has crashed and burned twice this summer, and this one is the far more disappointing burnout. With “On the Lot,” he tried to move his reality empire into a new niche (filmmaking) and simply failed. Fair enough. But here, he’s not really trying to do anything new, instead choosing to just put some “twists” and “spins” on the “Survivor” formula, while moving everything from islands to a pirate ship. It’s a lazy and stupid way to go about things so it’s unsurprising that the resultant show is also lazy and stupid. I barely pay attention to the first half of the show, where the contestants divide up into two teams and seek out “buried treasure,” and only pay slightly more attention to the second half, where the crew deals with treasure sharing and black spots and pirates’ court. Feh. As with “On the Lot,” I have no rooting interest in any of the contestants, and I’m really just watching for the sake of watching, waiting until the final episode airs and CBS sets this turd adrift.
“Man vs. Wild” (Discovery, Fridays, 9 pm). This would be the dark horse I mentioned during my quick discussion of “Top Chef.” This show was never on my radar and, in fact, it’s the only show I’m currently watching which I didn’t even mention in my pre-summer write-up. I only learned about “Man vs. Wild” a few weeks ago, while staying at a friend’s house during my back surgery recovery weekend. And at first, I was resisting liking the show because it sounded an awful lot like “Survivorman” - that is, it’s about a dude who gets planted down in ridiculously tough and dangerous terrain, and shows the viewers how to survive. Of course, that’s pretty much exactly what “Survivorman” is, with the main difference being that “Survivorman’s” Les Stroud does all the camerawork himself, while “Man vs. Wild’s” Bear Grylls has a small camera crew in-tow. The other difference is that while I found Stroud relatively annoying, I think I’ve got a bit of a man-crush on Grylls, a former member of British Special Forces who has climbed Everest and done all other sorts of manly man things. Grylls is just awesome. From glaciers in Iceland to African deserts, he puts himself into these seemingly unbearable situations and manages to do things which I’m not sure I’d ever be able to pull off, no matter how strong my will to survive. I mean, I know dehydration is bad for you and all, but drinking water squeezed directly from elephant dung? Eating the raw flesh right off a recently felled zebra? Relatively nonchalantly sliding down a glacier? My balls just aren’t that big. But Grylls’ balls apparently are, which is why this show is, for lack of a better word, just awesome. The Discovery Channel recently re-aired the whole first season, so I’m quite excited to have a bunch of “Man vs. Wild” episodes waiting for me on my TiVo, as this has totally become my summer show of choice. And here’s a glimpse of just one of the crazy things that Grylls does throughout this series (hat tip to Kissing Suzy Kolber for spotting this clip):
So that’s literally every Season Pass I have running at the moment. It’s quite depressing, actually. But next week offers a glimmer of hope, as VH1 premieres reality shows featuring Brett Michaels and Scott Baio (Bob Loblaw!), which certainly have unintentional comedy potential through the roof. And August gives us “Weeds” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” (we think/hope), plus David Duchovney’s “Californication” which will hopefully be better than its relatively shitty title. So there may be hope for this summer yet.
In the meantime, I’m going to go watch Bear Grylls survive in the European Alps, if anyone needs me.
Seth Freilich is Pajiba’s television editor. He will neither confirm nor deny that he also, once, drank his own piss, although he will admit that if he did so, it had nothing to do with dehydration or survival.
Whiskey Baby Ninja Star T-Shirts on Sale
Pajiba Love 07/09/07 |
| The Kids in the Hall
|
Comments
Man vs. Wild is one of the greatest guilty pleasures ever. Bear is absolutely insane. I believe a few months ago he paraglided over Everest. Have you seen the episode where he eats the fish that he just caught out of the river without killing it?
Way better than Survivorman. The husband and I watch Bear for the extremely high unintentional comedy factor. Check out the European Alps episode for some really fantastic moments.
Posted by: Melody at July 10, 2007 9:25 AM
I feel exactly the same way about John from Cincinnati. I've been waiting and hoping that you would write about it again in order to validate the fact that I'm still watching it (my fiance gave up in disgust). Thank you.
The thing about Big Love is that, though it's a solid show with good character development, acting, dialog, and plot, I really have nothing invested in the characters, probably because I have nothing in common with them. It's one of my favorite shows on television right now, but I'm not going to cry if and when it goes away (because I actually did cry when it was revealed to me that Deadwood was finished).
Posted by: Jen at July 10, 2007 9:30 AM
What no love for Burn Notice? I caught the first two episodes last night (DVR) and think it's a perfect summer diversion- part spy, part detective, part MacGyver- with the sunny porno-riffic coloring of a USA network show (think Monk or Psych) set in Miami. Alas, Gabrielle Anwar's character is off-key but Jeffrey Donovan is hilarious and Sharon Gless looks like she's having fun.
My problem with Big Love is Chloe Sevigny. She's got the droopy eyed brattiness of a stoned teenager yet she's playing a righteous Mormon with dowdy clothes and Elaine Benes hair. I can't tell if she's brilliant or just a pain in the ass snot. The rest of the show is 'eh'.
Posted by: Amanda47 at July 10, 2007 9:54 AM
Good to hear I'm not the only one with a stack of unwatched, purchased DVDs. Slowly making a dnet, but Netflix keeps getting in the way.
MUST STOP BUYING (I keep repeating it, but it doesn't work)
Posted by: Brian at July 10, 2007 10:01 AM
Did you catch Bronx is Burning last night? I was kind of hoping I'd catch a review of it from my favorite TV Whore.
Posted by: Patrick at July 10, 2007 10:01 AM
"From glaciers in Iceland to African desserts..."
Well, I've got to admire a guy who'd throw himself on a slice of chocolate cake to save others from those dangerous calories. Or is it some kind of tie-in to "Top Chef"?
Perhaps you mean African deserts?
Either way, "Man vs. Wild" sounds like it could be interesting; I'll have to check it out
Sigh ... yes, that's what I meant. Although "Man vs. Wild" meets "Top Chef" could be quite fun! -- Seth
Posted by: Tatertot at July 10, 2007 10:02 AM
Well this just proves the whole "diff'rent stokes" vibe. Big Love IS that show for me. Some of that could be personal experiences showing through (take that as whatever you'd like to dream it to be. And if you're inclined and you "e-know" me, ask), but mostly I think that it's just that I find the show fucking brilliant. The issues that the wives have to deal with together and also seperately regarding each others presence is right on. As well as their fear of being outed. I rave about it to everyone I know. Sadly, I get from them much the same response as what I've read here.
Posted by: Lauren at July 10, 2007 10:15 AM
Amanda - ditto here on Burn Notice. Bruce Campbell is great in it as well.
For those who like the British TV, BBC America has apparently dropped all the Benny Hill stuff and is starting to sow alot more of the good shows from accross the pond. MI-5 (already available here on DVD, but still very good) Murpy's Law and others. Hotel Babylon is coming in August - a perfect guilty pleasure show for the summer time (pleading the 5th on how I have seen the show already).
FYI - Netflix is offering a preview DVD (1st epidoe I believe) of Californication. Availble for rent or Watch Now 7/24. Was actually being promoted on my homepage when I accessed the site last night. Not the first time they have done this with Showtime (They did this with Tudors as well).
Posted by: Brian at July 10, 2007 10:18 AM
While I usually get slightly annoyed by the Grammar Gestapo, Tatertot, that was pretty funny. Mmmm... cake on a 110 degree day...
This is slowly becoming one of the few shows I follow. It's fascinating. Speaking of nature shows - Seth, I'd love to read your take on Planet Earth.
And while I've never drank my own urine, my cousin almost peed on me once when I got stung by a jellyfish.
Fuck, I hope Manny doesn't read this, or I'll never hear the end of it.
Posted by: TK at July 10, 2007 10:21 AM
Understandable attitude about the Grammer Gestapo, TK. I, too, hate it when people focus on the small things in order to avoid adressing the larger point. Deliberate? Simple obtuseness? Simply deliberate obtuseness? You decide.
But, yeah, big diff between desert and dessert.
I would love a Man vs. Wild/Top Chef mash-up. Take the cheftestants (especially the ones who whine about how the challenges are beneath their culinary artistry), drop them in the middle of the desert, and have them whip up a dessert using nothing but they can forage and a hot, flat rock.
Now that's summer entertainment!
Posted by: Tatertot at July 10, 2007 10:51 AM
I have to say, having seen "Survivorman" first, "Man vs. Wild" just seems incredibly staged and glossy by comparison. The former keeps nothing from the audience, including Stroud's occasional displeasure with his producers. And it's interesting that you find Stroud annoying, while I find Grylls' "I'm gonna hafta--" approach phony, like he's showing off for the camera. Stroud's motivation seems to be to show the actions that would be genuinely wise in a real survival situation, instead of doing the most extreme and disgusting things just to make an entertaining show.
Posted by: Diana at July 10, 2007 11:03 AM
I enjoy watching "Big Love" but my problem with it is I have nothing to say about it all week. Yes I have a standing TV date to watch it with my friends, but after it's over we don't really have anything to say until it's Sunday and we're making plans again. The only comment any of us seem to make about the show is "man I hate Nicki" or "Nicki is a crazy bitch".
Man vs. Wild is amazing! Also, I LOVE DIRTY JOBS!!! I will pretty much watch anything on Discovery Channel though, so I am not a great opinion on these shows.
Posted by: jmurae at July 10, 2007 11:06 AM
Maybe I'm in the minority, but I think Nicki is the greatest thing about Big Love. Her inner turmoil is the emotional center of the show, and when she gets her back up it is something to behold.
Posted by: sansho1 at July 10, 2007 11:17 AM
Ditto the Burn Notice comments. I hadn't planned to watch it, but accidentally caught an ep last night. It's entertaining enough, and I heart Bruce Campbell. But Psych is the one I'm really looking forward to.
Posted by: Gabs at July 10, 2007 11:25 AM
Good God, Bear Grylls is my fucking hero.
Posted by: em at July 10, 2007 11:32 AM
Hi. First time poster, long time reader. I just had to say A-fucking-men to "John from Cincinatti". I just asked my husband this past Sunday, "why are we still watching this crap? Where the hell is the plotline going???" JFC sucks so hard, it swallows. Deleted.
Posted by: terpsichore at July 10, 2007 11:33 AM
the next food network star! it's AWESOME!!!!!
Posted by: Grace at July 10, 2007 11:44 AM
I don't know why everyone has completely overlooked Planet Earth! It truly is an amazing glimpse into the inner life of our planet. It's beautifully shot and narrated. I've DVRed every single episode and still laugh out loud at the bird of paradise's mating ritual.
Posted by: j at July 10, 2007 11:52 AM
j - I just bought the DVD boxed set of Planet Earth and Oh... My... GOD. It is absolutely incredible.
Posted by: TK at July 10, 2007 12:06 PM
I can definitely see how Big Love just wouldn't click with everyone, even though I, myself, love it. I *do* find myself thinking about it between episodes, and discussing various subplots and so forth. But, then again, I felt about the same way toward Deadwood (at least second season on) that you do toward Big Love - I liked it, I just didn't LOVE it. Great performances, solid writing, but not necessarily "my thing."
Still, compared with the OTHER stuff on TV...
And, yeah, less Juniper Creek WOULD be nice.
Posted by: Landon at July 10, 2007 12:14 PM
Not to mention, despite my desire to hate him, I have to confess to kinda digging Mel Silverback (he's a yutz in a gorilla costume).
*shakes head sadly*
I don't get it. Normally I tend to agree with you, but on this ... I guess the thing that galls me the most about the gorilla guy is that it used up one (of only three!!!) slot set aside for Canadians. There were a bunch of actually funny, really great comedians competing for that slot and a stupid guy with a gorilla suit with lame puns for jokes gets it. I just don't see the funny.
Posted by: Zanna at July 10, 2007 12:16 PM
I watch Man vs. Wild strictly based on the fact that Bear WILL get naked in at least one of every three episodes. That's enough for me.
Posted by: BtotheU at July 10, 2007 12:17 PM
Just poking my head in to say 1) anything on Discovery Channel rules and 2) Burn Notice is indeed pretty entertaining. Discovery Channel shows are like L&O reruns: if you watch even a couple of seconds of it, you will want to see it through to the end. And every once in a while, they bring out something like Planet Earth that destroys any notion of blandness. That stuff is addictive. And same goes for History Channel in a smaller capacity.
Burn Notice is pretty much like the other USA summer shows. Not terribly deep, but just enough to fill you up. And they are pretty much made where you can get in on them mid-season and not miss much. Plus, it has THE CHIN. I cannot resist THE CHIN.
Posted by: Vermillion at July 10, 2007 12:22 PM
AND another one I get sucked into is..I Shouldn't Be Alive. You know they're going to live, but you've got to watch every last minute of torture these poor people go through. What a great show.
Posted by: BtotheU at July 10, 2007 12:22 PM
I'm not going to complain about bad tv, because it forced me to look around and discover that all of the episodes of 30 Rock are online. It was like discovering an extra season of Arrested Development sitting on my bookself!
The only show I watch on a tv now is Hell's Kitchen, but I don't care about the competitions or who wins or anything- I just like listening to the hot chef swearing and yelling at everyone.
Posted by: majandra at July 10, 2007 12:56 PM
I would like to add to the group singing the praises of "Psych" and "Burn Notice." It seems that USA is one of the few networks that understands (and attempts to capitalize on) the "crime show addict" withdrawl that occurs during the summer months. Plus, the USA crime shows are much lighter than, say, L&O:SVU (my boyfriend likes the USA shows because there are usually no molested children or body chunks in garbage bags).
Another really entertaining show that is just getting going is "No Reservations" with Anthony Bourdain on the Travel Channel. He's not to everyone's taste, but I find him hilarious and fascinating.
Posted by: Siege at July 10, 2007 1:22 PM
Bear Grylls is *so* on my freebie list.
That Australian Outback episode had him half-nekkid in the rain... hot diggety!
Plus, really, can a name get any better for a Special Forces soldier? It's straight out of central casting.
I second (or third) the Planet Earth series, visually it is just unbelievable. Sigourney Weaver's voice over grates on me just a wee bit, but DAMN we live on an amazing planet.
Posted by: Stella at July 10, 2007 1:24 PM
Great to see some Man vs. Wild love on here! The only thing aside from HBO that's made me consider getting cable again. He is crazy and perhaps it seems just a tad staged, but I don't care. I way prefer it to Survivorman. yes, I think he's cute. There, I said it.
Freebie list!
Posted by: savoyeve at July 10, 2007 1:37 PM
My husband lerrrves Anthony Bourdain, and I find him interesting more often than not.
Husband has recently discovered Bear Grylls and can't get enough of that show--but when I saw ole Bear about to chow down on a dead sheep's eyeball in Iceland or wherever the fuck that was, I had definitely had enough of that show.
Husband will also drop whatever he's doing for 'MythBusters' and both of us love 'Dirty Jobs.' The host, whatever his name is, makes that show.
Posted by: Jerce at July 10, 2007 1:40 PM
Stella! I recommend buying it (or renting, I suppose), because there is NO Sigourney Weaver. The DVD version is narrated by... wait for it... David Attenborough! It is a gajillion times better, and I actually liked Weaver.
Posted by: TK at July 10, 2007 2:20 PM
Ahh, yes, Mythbusters. The husband and I love that show. The Discovery and History channels are the reasons I have cable. Especially History International. The Travel channel is more of a guilty pleasure.
Posted by: Melody at July 10, 2007 2:22 PM
I have to agree with Zanna about Mel Silverback wasting that spot in Canada, where there was a lot more to pick from. I find his schtick completely tiresome and began to suspect that either the hosts were totally stoned or knew this guy when they kept laughing at him. His material reminds me of Jay London, just less funny. And I never saw much appeal to Jay. I have wished a pox upon Mel, although I am curious how much (more?) blood he can squeeze out of the turnip that his his gorilla persona. I would love to see him crash and burn on stage. And maybe get actually stoned by the audience.
Posted by: kx2 at July 10, 2007 2:29 PM
Jerce-Mike Rowe. He and Nathan Fillion vie for the top of my freebies list. There is just something so sexy about a dirty man.
Posted by: Jennifer at July 10, 2007 2:31 PM
I highly recommned So You Think You Can Dance. I hate reality TV, but this is a big winnah for me.
Posted by: Roger at July 10, 2007 2:38 PM
i think tommy is just afraid that his dick wont stand up for the Esposito challenge (you know, according to Sheila, this dick situation started the fire, and he is afraid since then)
Posted by: mike at July 10, 2007 3:02 PM
'Ice Road Truckers' on History Channel anyone? With 'Deadliest Catch' over, it is my new guilty pleasure. They Drive heavy stuff- over cracking ICE!!! Also, gotta love 'Dirty Jobs'. Mike Rowe whines a bit, but it is fun. Agree with both props and criticisms of 'Planet Earth'. I think 'Blue Planet' was a better series, but 'Planet Earth' definitely goes where none have gone before.
Love 'Rescue Me' and 'Psych'. Really love that all of these shows are aired multiple times for those of us without DVR's and busy schedules.
Posted by: lindsey at July 10, 2007 3:28 PM
Summer TV pretty much sucks. Of course, spring, fall, and winter TV pretty much sucks too. It's some kind of torture that my favorite shows don't return in 2008. Except "Weeds" Season 3, only another month to go for that one. Is it just me or is Nancy getting genuinely unlikeable?
I have to check out "Burn Notice". I keep getting badgered by friends to watch it.
BTW, Circuit City has Season 1 of "Weeds" for $12.99. I too share the addiction of buying DVDs and then never seem to get around to watching them. I probably need to get help.
Posted by: Rob at July 10, 2007 3:32 PM
Edit: should have read "favorite shows don't return UNTIL 2008". Sorry 'bout that.
Posted by: Rob at July 10, 2007 3:34 PM
woot! David Attenborough sounds better than Sigourney... I guess I just feel like I can hear her reading her script, if you know what I mean. It's petty I know, but there it is.
Posted by: Stella at July 10, 2007 3:36 PM
I drool over "Big Love"!! I have been highly anticipating this season and it hasn't disappointed. My neighbor and I pause and discuss this show a lot. I think you probably have to care about religion a little bit to find discussing this show interesting.
Posted by: bebemiqui at July 10, 2007 3:57 PM
About all I am watching this summer is Passions, the worst best soap opera ever. There is a he/she blackmailer and demon elves and witches. It's not exactly good, and moves slow as heck, but it has its moments of sheer brilliance.
Posted by: Cait at July 10, 2007 4:14 PM
I came on here all ready to protest that "Burn Notice" is quite enjoyable, but about a dozen people have already beat me to it.
Season 3 of "Doctor Who" just started on Sci-Fi Friday nights, as well. That's some great summer viewing, in my opinion. Also "Ghost Hunters," which is one of my favorites.
I agree with you on "Rescue Me." The first two seasons were brilliant television, but my addiction to the show is waning. I still make a point to watch it, and I still enjoy it, but I'm not as invested as I have been in the past.
Posted by: Mimi at July 10, 2007 5:24 PM
A-freaking-MEN to the disappointment over On the Lot. I was so excited about the show, hoping it'd give us glimpses into the Mysterious World Of Movie-Making (or something...). I watched the first few episodes, hoping it would get better, and then gave up in despair. (And to avoid putting my fist through the screen every time Carrie Fisher was speaking. The woman is a waste of space and oxygen - at least on the show.) The real low point was when Michael Bay gave the most constructive comments to the contestants. No, really. Michael Bay.
Roger - So You Think You Can Dance owns me. I feel guilty about basically scheduling my life around that show, but... yeah, I basically schedule my life around that show. Dinner Wednesday night? Sure, but I gotta be home by 8! So impressed at the level of talent this year, both from the contestants and from the choreographers. Last year I remember a few really badly-choreographed numbers - this year, every single piece has been a knockout. Anyway. [/Shameless plug]
Posted by: alanna at July 10, 2007 6:07 PM
"Burn Notice" is a great show. Ditto for "Psych."
Gotta agree on "Rescue Me." It's still better than about 80% of network shows, but the last couple seasons have been kinda off and it's because they weren't as funny as the first season. Last season was fucking depressing. I understand it's a drama, but it's best when it's mostly funny.
Man vs. Wild - can't argue with the manly manliness of the host, but can't get into this show because if you're stupid enough to go into the Outback or the mountains or wherever alone, you kinda deserve to die. Call it natural selection. I mean, who accidentally ends up alone in the wilderness with no food or water or any kind of shelter? Stupid people (and war refugees, I guess, but I don't think that's the target audience here). I know it's TV and a show that says simply "don't go out there unprepared" would be a bore, but still. I think people watch it just to watch the guy eat and drink gross shit, and NBC already did that with Fear Factor. So what's the point of this?
Posted by: LL at July 10, 2007 7:13 PM
I'm glad I have some support for Man vs. Wild, 'cause it's pretty flippin' amazing. It's just... well, awesome. That really is the best word.
And savoyeve, yeah, he's kind of adorable.
My biggest guilty pleasure on TV, though, has to be Great Hotels. Does anyone else watch this? It's so simple (host goes and stays at a hotel, talks about the hotel), but there's something really interesting about it. ::shrugs:: It's good mindless television.
But the king of the crappy summer shows has GOT to be Big Brother 8. I caught a bit of the show and one of the contestants was sobbing over her picture that they hung in the house because it made her look like she had bags under her eyes and she like, SO didn't OMG!!
Yeah, that show is awesomely bad.
Posted by: Ben at July 10, 2007 7:17 PM
Phew. So glad I'm not alone in refusing to jump on the Flight of the Concords bandwagon. Suh. Nore.
Listen, if you want to learn how to survive in the wilderness, watch "Survivorman." If you want to watch a hot brit get naked and do push ups in the French Alpes, "Man v Wild" is for you. And now that my Edgar the crab fisherman is on vaca, Bear is all I've got.
And let me just echo the chorus of So You Think You Can Dance Dance Revolution fans. Best competition show ever. It's impossible to watch and not have your heart warmed. Leave your snark and irony at the door. Raindrops on roses, whiskers on kittens and petticoats made outta old drapes. Shit makes me boundlessly happy.
Posted by: Beckylooo at July 10, 2007 7:18 PM
Somewhat off topic, but the 3 Mexican guys he mentions probably weren't drifting at sea for 9 months. A magazine lying around at my gym had a big article about them, and it found some holes in their story.
Posted by: Crinn at July 10, 2007 7:51 PM
This guy is an idiot. You can drink your own urine but it decreases your period of survival as opposed to not drinking anything in the same way that you can drink seawater but people who drink seawater live about 5 days as opposed to people who don't drink anything will live 10 days. Discovery had a show called I Shouldn't Be Alive and in one of the episodes 5 people were on a dingy after their sailboat sank and their life raft blew away in the storm and the people who drank seawater all died and and the 2 who didn't were rescued by a Russian freighter out in the Atlantic. Discovery shouldn't air crap like this.
Posted by: OscarTamerz at July 10, 2007 9:50 PM
1. Man v Wild is just a beefcaked version of the immensely superior Survivorman. I'll admit to watching but, I still find it lacking when compared to the original. Les is NOT annoying at all and this new dude is, well, a little hammy, apart from the fact the he seems to "set-up" many of his situations.
2. Top Chef, seems to have taken shark jumping turn at some point. It has a LOT to do with the creator's giving a big FUCK YOU to fans and the critics who wished for Tom Colicchio to become a mentor and to 86 the superfluous spokes model who's absolutely WRETCHED. They did it by not only making Tom act like a real douchebag, but also ratcheting up Padma's screentime and relegating the other judges to what are nothing more than cameos.
Posted by: BarbadoSlim at July 10, 2007 10:29 PM
I too love Man vs Wild. And I too have a man crush on Bear. The guy is just a badass. There is just something about trying to survive in the wild that speaks to the masculinity in me. And the fact that he drinks piss and crazy shit like that is entertaining.
Posted by: Dave at July 11, 2007 1:24 AM
No love for Gordon Ramsey and "Hell's Kitchen"?
Posted by: Mimi at July 11, 2007 2:25 AM
I love Man vs. Wild so much. Bear is infinitely more charismatic than Stroud, though I still enjoy Surivorman.
Posted by: Kevin Longrie at July 11, 2007 4:17 AM
Yep Burn Notice definitely worth a view. Nice, light, summer fare.
According to IMDB, Always Sunny has been pushed back to SEPTEMBER. ArrrrGH!
Posted by: Tracy at July 11, 2007 5:48 PM
