A Hodgepodge of TV News, Take 2

By Seth Freilich | Posted Under Trade News | Comments (18)

Welcome back to the Humpday Hodgepodge. In this installment, we begin by learning that ABC, like many a pitcher before it, is apparently going to take a mid-season break to have its way with Alyssa Milano. The Alphabet is believed to be ready to pick up 13 episodes of her sitcom “Romantically Challenged,” a surprise to many because (a) the network seems to already have a full midseason slate, (b) the network kicked Milano to the curb last season, dumping whatever shitty pilot it was she was peddling then, and (c) the show sounds lame. It’s about a dude who is torn between his best friend who’s all “pay attention to me” and his girlfriend (Milano) who’s all “pay attention to me.” And I’m sorry, but when Alyssa Milano is one of the ones playing tug-o-war with you, the best friend loses. Every time. Which is why this is a stupid premise.

Meanwhile, I have to confess that I still watch “Grey’s Anatomy.” I don’t know why, I can’t explain why I watch a show that I largely detest, and I deserve and accept your scorn. And yet I watch it. So it does make me happy to know that the infinitely-annoying Ellen Pompeo will be missing a few episodes next season so she can spit out a kid (they won’t be writing the pregnancy into the show). And she may wind up missing more than just a few episodes, because her dangerously thin self may split right the fuck in two when that kid comes jolting out. In other “Grey’s” casting news, Martha Plimpton is going to have a multi-episode arc because, while Goonies never die, they do need to eat.

And because it’s been a while since we’ve seen any news about remakes, what with Hollywood being flush with ripe, new ideas, it brings joy to my heart to tell you that NBC is remaking “The Rockford Files.” An excellent classic TV show, beloved by many just begs to be remade, right? The remake is being penned by David Shore, the creator of “House,” and what’s confusing about this is that he apparently hates updated remakes, but took this one because he loves the show so much. Someone explain that fucking logic to me, eh?

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Unless Rockford is played by Nathan Fillion I'm not going to bother with it.

Posted by: Jerce at August 5, 2009 10:23 AM

I already called that, Jerce. But we know it won't happen.

Posted by: Jay at August 5, 2009 10:37 AM

My best guess - the remake was inevitable, so David Shore took it on to make sure it didn't end up with some hack writer. He wants to do it justice.

Jerce,
ooh, great casting! Let's start an internet rumour..;-)

Posted by: Tarn at August 5, 2009 10:38 AM

Meanwhile, I have to confess that I still watch “Grey’s Anatomy.”

You are a brave man to admit that in public. Frankly, I'm embarrassed for you. A chick show! A really awful chick show! With Skank what's her face! Shit, you'd have to staple me to a chair to get me to watch that crap.

Posted by: Cindy at August 5, 2009 10:43 AM

And she may wind up missing more than just a few episodes, because her dangerously thin self may split right the fuck in two when that kid comes jolting out.

No such luck Seth. Everybody knows big stars just have a C-section. Mind you, the incision would have to be the width of her entire torso, so there is some hope.

Posted by: admin at August 5, 2009 10:46 AM

Help me out here ... is "The Rockford Files" reboot a new TV tactic? I mean, I know a lot of BBC type product gets remade for the U.S., but remaking a show that was already U.S., when has this happened before? TV shows get made into movies, and movies get made into TV shows, and movies get remade, and remade again, and maybe I'm a numbskull or it's just too early in the a.m. but I can't recall this happening to a U.S. TV show.

Posted by: , (the commenter formerly known as bucdaddy) at August 5, 2009 10:49 AM

Homies before . . . You know what? Nigga get out my car. Did I stutter? I said, nigga get out my car. Alyssa and I gotta go antiquing. You heard me. Antiquing. Then we might go watch "Desperate Housewives" and buy some tampons. So get out. Why? Why?! Fool, look at her. Now look at you. Now look at me. Now. Get. The Fuck. Out.

Posted by: Tracer Bullet at August 5, 2009 10:59 AM

90210--while the body was much less cold. And if the result there is any indication, Rockford Files will blow hard. See also the forthcoming Melrose Place...likely to suck by virtue of the presence of a Simpson spawn.

Posted by: kx2 at August 5, 2009 11:01 AM

Battlestar Galactica

Posted by: Jay at August 5, 2009 11:01 AM

maybe I'm a numbskull or it's just too early in the a.m. but I can't recall this happening to a U.S. TV show.

Um, Knight Rider? Although I don't blame you for forgetting.

Posted by: Vermillion at August 5, 2009 11:09 AM

Knight Ryder
V

Posted by: TylerDFC at August 5, 2009 11:11 AM

Sorry. Ryder should have been Rider. My brother's name is Ryder so I nearly always use the wrong spelling.

Also Melrose Place is being remade.
and Bionic Woman

No, this is unfortunately not a new trend.

Posted by: TylerDFC at August 5, 2009 11:14 AM

Can I third starting the internet rumor that Fillion with be Rockford? I was thinking it before I even read it. And James Garner can be his old drunk grandpa, because James Garner is awesome.

Posted by: BWeaves at August 5, 2009 11:43 AM

Also, if they remake The Rockford Files, they HAVE to keep the theme music. I have it playing in my head right now.

Posted by: BWeaves at August 5, 2009 11:45 AM

Thanks, all. It should be obvious I don't watch much TV.

Posted by: , (the commenter formerly known as bucdaddy) at August 5, 2009 12:44 PM

NBC is remaking “The Rockford Files.”

THIS is the news I come back to??? WTF? I'm with Jerce...give me Captain Tightpants as Rockfish and I'm in. Otherwise...

I mean, can't you just hear this coming out of Mal?

Alec Morris: I was told that you were very reliable...
Jim Rockford: Reliable... but chicken.

Posted by: dammitjanet at August 5, 2009 1:03 PM

If Cap'n Tightpants current show hasn't been canceled, let's make that happen and then petition Mr. Chase to cast our boy as the new Rockford.
If this happens, I will break down and get a cable subscription

Posted by: Spender at August 5, 2009 2:19 PM

Meanwhile, I have to confess that I still watch “Grey’s Anatomy.” I don’t know why, I can’t explain why I watch a show that I largely detest,

Me. Fucking. Too. Argh. I hate that I can't stop watching that damned thing. But hurrah, less Meredith! does that mean less Derek? please let it mean less of both of them.

Posted by: figgy at August 5, 2009 3:09 PM

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A Hodgepodge of TV News, Take 2

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