What I'm Watching on Thursdays
Fall Sweepstacular / The TV Whore
November 16, 2006
Thursdays are a freakin’ clusterfuck and there’s a ton to go through, so let’s just get to it.
“My Name is Earl” (NBC, 8 p.m.). I was very excited when this show started last year, and I gave it a pretty glowing review. A year-and-a-half later, I still enjoy it, but my enthusiasm has mellowed just a little. I think all the characters are great (especially Crab Man — he rules), they manage to pull in some solid guest stars (Giovanni Ribisi’s recurring role is particularly stellar), and the stories are generally pretty entertaining. As a result, the show pulls at least a few good laughs out of me on any given week.
So. Why aren’t we quite the best friends we once were? Because something about the show’s moralizing rubs me the wrong way — it’s just a little too cheesy. And I get that some moralizing is necessary, as it’s kind of inherent in the whole “karma list” premise of the show. But my complaint isn’t meant to say that I mind some heart getting thrust into my comedies — for example, “Scrubs” has been doing it for years and does it pretty flawlessly. No problem there. But here, it sorta irks me because it feels like they’re trying a tad too hard. And I think it’s that “trying too hard” that gives it the sheen of cheese that irks me so. But in the grand scheme of things, this is still a relatively minor complaint, and “Earl” is a fine way to start off the night.
“The Office” (NBC, 8:30 p.m.). Of course, “Earl” is simply an appetizer for the tasty entree that is “The Office.” With the departure of “Arrested Development,” and the decline of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” this really is the best comedy on TV. Yes, you can make a solid case for “Scrubs,” “Weeds,” and/or “Entourage,” but you’d just be wrong. While this season has been just a teensy bit lighter on the laughs, to me at least, than season two, it’s still been funny as hell. And at least once an episode I have to hit pause because I’m just laughing so hard.
Perhaps most impressive is that tonight will be the 36th episode of the series, almost three times what we got from the U.K. original. And so far, they’ve done a fabulous job at expanding the storyline of the original and keeping things fresh and interesting at the same time. You’d think it would be hard as hell to keep coming up with funny shit when you’re confined, more or less, to a drab office as your main setting. That this hasn’t remotely been an issue is a testament to the writers and the fantastic characters they’ve created. Speaking of which, props for the new characters, too — it ain’t easy to bring new folks into a successful show and get them to smoothly integrate (I’m looking at you “Lost!”), but, again, “The Office” has handled it like champs.
I’m simply hooked on this sucker, and it’s one of the shows I most anticipate on a weekly basis.
“Survivor” (CBS, 8 p.m.). I’m really not that interested in this season. The “twists” haven’t been very twisty (and the tribes-of-different-races gimmick was just stupid). The contestants aren’t all that exciting. There hasn’t been any truly entertaining plotting or scheming or backstabbing (one hopes that’ll show up down the road, once it turns to an individual game, but you just never know). But none of that matters. I’ve been hooked on this show from day one back in Summer ‘00, and try though I might, I just can’t manage to write its name down on that little card to get it off my list. I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’ll watch every bloody season for as long as it’s on the air, and that’s just that.
“Ugly Betty” (ABC, 8 p.m.). Salma Hayek, who exec produces this show, started a guest stint two weeks ago, and in her very first scene, she stripped down to her bra.
That one moment alone gives this show enough cred and goodwill for about two seasons in my book. But so far, it doesn’t even need it, because I’m enjoying the hell out of this puppy. It’s campy and cheesy, but all in the name of having fun with itself. And when a show has that kind of sense of humor about itself and doesn’t take itself too seriously, well, it’s easy to join along for the ride.
My only real complaint with it has been the secondary story of the “deceased” former editor-in-chief, and her subversive plan to get back at the magazine’s owner (Caleb from “The O.C.”). I understand the desire for this ultra-cheesy darkly tinted storyline, considering the show’s telenovela origins, but it’s just not working for me as well as the rest. This whole business has actually been toned back over the last couple of weeks, and I’m wondering if that tone-down is permanent. I hope so. Although even if it comes back full swing, it won’t detract me enough to really complain.
Oh yeah, and did I mention, Salma Hayek in her bra.
Oh yeah, and did I mention, Salma Hayek. In her bra (she’s great on this show even when fully clothed, mind you, but I’m just saying).
“The O.C.” (FOX, 9 p.m.). When I reviewed the first episode a couple weeks back, I said things looked to be stepping up from last season’s plummet, and with two more episodes under the belt, I stand by that assessment. It’s not first-season good, but it’s probably better than it’s been in a year and a half, and any complaints I have about it so far are outweighed by the good bits and, more importantly, the fact that it’s showing some real potential. Of course, it needs to live up to that potential at some point, and it feels like it’s trying to get there, so we’ll see. But I’m relatively pleased with things for now, no doubt due, at least in part, to the fact that I came in with rather low expectations.
“Grey’s Anatomy” (ABC, 9 p.m.). I’ve said it before — this isn’t a great show, but there’s just enough good to make up for all the bad. They could go a long way to making it better, mind you, if they got rid of Meredith Grey and her whiny voiceovers and her selfish love story and all the baggage that goes with her. But I’m not saying anything here that hasn’t been said many times before.
The one other improvement I’d make, and this isn’t something I’ve seen said so much, is that I’d maybe tone down the sap a little and focus a tad more on the funny. I’m not saying it needs to suddenly become a comedy, but I think the balance has fallen a little too far away from the comedy angle.
“30 Rock” (NBC, 9 p.m.). Alec Baldwin. Ever since he was Pete Schweaty on that infamous “SNL” clip back in the day, he’s been gradually building up to the pinnacle he has achieved here. He is a show-stealer through and through. His performance during the poker episode (for those who saw it — I’m specifically thinking of when he was trying to psych out the intern during their first go-round) was simply inspired. The rest of this show is mediocre at best, but as long as he keeps doing what he’s doing, I’ll keep watching.
“Scrubs” (NBC, 9:30 p.m.). Sure, I’m not actually watching this on Thursdays yet. But it’s coming in just two weeks, and I can’t turn down another excuse to plug it, especially since there’s a reasonable chance that this could be the last season. And I’m just pleased as punch that the two best comedies will be airing on the same night. Good on you, NBC — you should’ve listened to me six months ago, when I told you to have exactly this schedule.
“Real World/Road Rules Challenge” (MTV, 10 p.m.). Our own Dan Carlson recently discussed this show on his personal blog, and he pretty much covered the wonder and mindless joy that this show is: “Casey used some of her prize money from last season to buy breast implants, which she bragged about in the first episode of this season. Really, how can you not cheer on someone like that?” Exactly. So I’m just gonna’ send you his way.
And with that, my work here is done. Check back tomorrow, as we’ve still got one more day to go, and if you missed any of my earlier discussion, click away:
What I’m watching on Sundays and Mondays.
What I’m watching on Tuesdays.
What I’m watching on Wednesdays.
What I’m watching on Fridays and Saturdays.
Seth Freilich is Pajiba’s television columnist. After typing this whole column with his laptop sitting on his lap, he feels a little like Pete Schweaty, with a big ol’ heaping of the Schweaty Balls.
Gobble Gobble Goo and Gobble Gobble Giggle. I Wish Pajiba Only Cost a Nickel | | Pajiba Love 11/16/06
Comments
With you on the Ugly Betty. Also, the magazinbe owner will forever be Jim Robinson from Neighbours. Maybe that's the fact that I'm in the UK, (torrents are great), or that the O.C. was a pile of crap. Hmmm, a little from column A, a little from column B.
Posted by: nevin at November 16, 2006 9:19 AM
Seth - you forgot to mention Ugly Betty has Salma Hayek in her bra
Posted by: Brian at November 16, 2006 9:21 AM
Brian, that was indeed a glaring omission. How could you miss that Seth?
Posted by: TK at November 16, 2006 9:36 AM
On a more serious note - Thursday night is now a logistical nightmare with the move of 30 Rock, a show I was watching on its previous night (Tues? Wed? I forget).
I have no Digital Video Recorder like the one made by the Tivo corporation (I know thye hate their product be used as the name for teh device, like walkman).
I am able to handle the OC/Greys conflict by watching Greys on ABC.com. Do the same for Betty as well since the 8:00 hour is tough dinner/work/commute schedule wise. But a 3rd show in this timeslot, and NBC does not post episodes of its sitcoms on their site and FOX still only has episode 2 up of the OC, I'm going to have to miss one of these. Unless Fox s planning on carryong the OC on myspace.
PS - Salma Hayek, bra, always nice. Worth mentioning Seth
PPS - I like how Mr. Nichol is now the go-to-guy for tough-guy, industrialist dad. OC, Betty, Lost Cameo (father of the girl the Scottish prisoner was engaged to)
Posted by: Brian at November 16, 2006 9:45 AM
What about Supernatural? Come on... you guys get Salma Hayek, we ladies get Jensen Ackles and Jared Padelecki. With ghosts. With 80's metal!!! What more can I want in a show???? Anything that starts off with AC/DC in the first 5 minutes, gets my vote...
Posted by: Beth at November 16, 2006 10:05 AM
Salma Hayek. In a Bra. Just making sure I included that. Funnily enough, I have yet to hear anyone complain about it. Those people are out there, but they must be too busy playing the scene over and over, trying to figure out why they hate it.
And everybody knew that 30 Rock was basically going to be a showcase for Alec Baldwin to act completely insane. Nice to see that he is fufilling his part of the bargain. The poker scene was absolute insanity. And I loved every second of it. It helped that the intern had that look on his face; he was both uncomfortable and unaware of his boss' irrational fear/hatred of him.
It will be interesting to see the new love rectangle on The Office. But I will kinda miss the unbridled idiocy of Michael and Dwight when Jim wasn't there to thwart them.
Posted by: Vermillion at November 16, 2006 10:33 AM
Normally this would be the point where I chime in with some sort of feminist rant, but I saw that ep with Salma Hayek in her bra, and damn if it didn't make me question my heterosexual leanings. Now *that's* hotness...
Posted by: Mustang Sally at November 16, 2006 10:56 AM
But where's today's made-up word??? I was really looking forward to it...
Posted by: pinkcheese at November 16, 2006 11:41 AM
Regarding 30Rock, Alec is da man, I wonder when they'll do a Walken cameo.
Posted by: BarbadoSlim at November 16, 2006 11:58 AM
Despite my hatred for the Mer/McDreamy crap (not fond of the characters or the actors), I still watch Grey's Anatomy. It is entertaining, not fabulous. I love the Office. I can only hope that Steve Carrell, Rainn Wilson and Ed Helms together lives up to my expectations. 30 Rock is definitely more enjoyable with smatterings of Tracy Morgan, little to no Jane Krakowski and following the ripple effect of Alec Baldwin's craziness on the staff. Loved the poker game and Kenneth running Tracy's errands.
Posted by: Daisy at November 16, 2006 12:29 PM
Does the Salma Hayek scene rival that dancing in Dogma or From Dust Till Dawn? The bar was set pretty high.... with pigtails. PIGTAILS!
Seriously though, my girlfriend watches Ugly Betty, and that was never much of an endorsement for me, but now I may have to check it out.
For Salma. In a bra.
Posted by: Cory at November 16, 2006 12:29 PM
Selma Hayek, sweet Jesus! Her hotness could rip a hole the space-time continuum. Then where would we be??? She needs to be careful with that stuff.
The Office has been brillant since day one. It is the rare show in which every character brings something to the table, no matter how much face time they get. I nearly choked to death when the alcoholic lady (name escapes me) snuck a handful of hand sanitizer only to stuff it in her mouth hoping to catch a buzz. Brilliant. I was nervous about Pam and Jim kissing so early in the series, but they've managed to parlay that into a threesome involving some sort of impish Gelfling. Anyway -
Selma, Selma, Selma!!!
Posted by: Kballs at November 16, 2006 1:01 PM
"But where's today's made-up word??? "
How's this?
SalmaHayekinabra
Posted by: Brian at November 16, 2006 1:20 PM
Yeah, I don't know why I watch Grey's either. I guess I have this notion that they'll get rid of 50% of the cast at some point and then it will really be a great show.
Saw the original Betty la Fea, so it's tough to get with this version. Seems too PG and campy for American sensibilities.
Scrubs is the best. It's freakin' Newsradio in a hospital.
Posted by: courtney at November 16, 2006 1:48 PM
Hell, I like Salma Hayek in a bra, and I'm a chick. (I do want that bra, though. It's fabulous). The subplot with Caleb from the OC is getting a little tired, but overall, I'm gonna keep watching...in hopes of getting more bra tips from Salma Hayek.
I do have to say that I really like Grey's--it truly has its moments and its supporting cast makes up for whiny, self-centered, I-could-really-use-a-nice-steak-and-potato-dinner Meredith. Plus, Dr. Kurev is hot. Yeah, I said it. Screw McDreamy and McSteamy.
Posted by: em at November 16, 2006 2:28 PM
Entourage? Entourage?!? I thought we were all agreed that that show sucks ass.
Posted by: Stacy at November 16, 2006 3:27 PM
Forget "Entourage!"
Am I the only one who is shocked (shocked, I say!) that Seth watches "The OC??" I suppose we can't agree on everything, but I must say that I am very, very disappointed to hear that you bother watching this show. Although I guess its crap factor has gone down about 75% with the demise of Marissa Cooper.
Then again, I love "America's Next Top Model," so I'm really not fit to judge good television. Never mind. I still love you, Seth.
Posted by: Jelinas at November 16, 2006 3:51 PM
I just recently watched the whole first season of 'Earl' on the internet at my friend's request. I really liked it and I am excited about it now.
But my problem is that I don't have Tivo, which is a crime agains humanity. But I have to watch Smallville, which I think is on at the same time as 'Earl'. Yes partly because all of the women are gorgeous, especially Kristin Kreuk. But I enjoy the writing for the most part. They are really starting to get into the heavy stuff with Clark and Lex. It has its cheesy moments, which may be a result of the network its on, but overall I like what they do. I would recommend at least a try if you are a Superman fan.
Posted by: Dave at November 16, 2006 3:52 PM
Fuck that, I'm not ashamed to admit that I absolutely LOVE Entourage. I can't help myself. I know it's shallow and silly, but it cracks me up and I refuse to hide it. Hell, it's the only TV show I watch, honestly.
Posted by: TK at November 16, 2006 4:26 PM
About America's Next Top "model" (come on, really?) I used to enjoy it, but now, I'm sick of Tyra, really, really, sick of Tyra.
Posted by: BarbadoSlim at November 16, 2006 4:27 PM
I'm with ya on the supernatural, Beth, although I usually watch the beginning scenes through my fingers! Creepy!
Posted by: Erin at November 16, 2006 4:27 PM
I love Scrubs. But the show comes to a screeching halt for me when the Moment of Clarity cues up in the 25th minute. Not flawless at all.
Crab Man rocks.
Posted by: Frank at November 16, 2006 6:19 PM
I'm not afraid to delare my love for Entourage either. God I love that show. It just makes me happy.
The Office episode a few weeks back where Dwight takes Ryan to his family's farm. That was freakin hilarious.
And Ugly Betty rocks. Thursday nights kick ass!!
Posted by: Katy at November 16, 2006 6:32 PM
Should I be ashamed, as a hetero female, that I would prefer to see Salma in a bra than Jared or Jensen? Fuck it - I'm not. Because those two do absolutely nothing for me. Neither do most of the seemingly "prepubescent/androgynous/can barely emote to save their lives" CW boys. Call me a lesbian, but I prefer Kyle Chandler any day of the week, and twice on Sunday. And Tuesday. And the man is a good 15-16 years older than I am.
I'm with Mustang Sally on the hotness of Salma. That's a WOMAN, and I damn sure appreciate her representing us well. Not that I can proclaim to be at her level of hotness, mind you. I'm pretty cute, though.
Posted by: Daphne at November 16, 2006 6:45 PM
Seth,
I'd like to know what you think about the American version of The Office in comparison to the English one. I loved the original, and the first couple episodes of the new one used some of the exact same jokes, which yielded no laughs for me. Therefore, I didn't watch it.
Posted by: Charles Watson at November 16, 2006 7:09 PM
Love love love The Office. I never miss an episode, and tonight will be no different.
Posted by: Sarah at November 16, 2006 7:12 PM
Shame on you for ignoring CSI yet again. I know it's not as 'hip' as Ugly Betty or The Office, but it's still a great hour of TV every week.
Posted by: Nick at November 16, 2006 7:50 PM
Charles Watson,
The pilot episode the American version of The Office was admittedly kind of weak, but the show has progressed by leaps and bounds since then. I know I saw the pilot and refused to ever watch it again. Of course, there often isn't much on, and I started watching it about five months after it premiered. It was SOOOOO much better. It definitely has its own voice by now, and could never be accused of being a milquetoast ripoff of the original. I think you'll find that there is no attempt to make an American version of British show, but to make an American show. I think that was wisest choice ever, and that's coming from someone who isn't American. This is why it doesn't feel as if it's labouring under a 'circle into a square peg' scenario--it isn't forced. A lot of other adaptations of Britcoms would be pretty smart to follow suit. I remember being warned to avoid the American version of 'Coupling' for this very reason.
The tone is a little different, new stories are added, and stories returning from the original version play out differently, so I, at least, don't think 'Didn't I see this done in a much better way three years ago?' when I'm watching. And because the show is in its third season, it's really compelling to see how the characters do, or don't, grow. And this is coming from someone who harbours a rabid love for the original series, so I completely understand your concerns--they were mine as well.
So you won't find a 'Freelove Freeway', but you will get horrifying renditions of 'Mambo No. 5', the world's most brittle accountant (who believe green is a whorish colour), and a character's lifelong ban from Chili's. Try watching the second season, once the show has really hit its stride. I'm pretty sure you'll grow to love the show as much as the rest of us do.
Posted by: M at November 16, 2006 8:19 PM
Totally called it. Earl, Office, Scrubs, 30 Rock. When is NBC going to realize Scrubs is better than a midseason replacement? Will there be a full season order?
Posted by: Noel at November 16, 2006 9:34 PM
So on the topic of The OC, a question came to mind....
When Mischa Barton left the show, did she get to go back to her old hostess job at TGI Friday's, or does she have to work her way up from busboy again?
Just curious...
Posted by: Scott at November 16, 2006 10:24 PM
One more vote for Supernatural.
Posted by: Sally at November 16, 2006 10:46 PM
How is it that I went from watching absolutely nothing on Thursdays for years to having an overload?
I miss the cable. Otherwise, I would be right there with the Jensen Ackles. As it is, I only have a VCR and it only tapes on ABC, and poorly at that. I'm not Amish, it's a monopoly of the major information structure in my town being controlled by dinks. Anyways, TMI.
I don't know what to do for the whole Scrubs/30 Rock/The O.C./The Office/Ugly Betty showdown.
Just when I try to give The Office up (seriously, I loved the UK one first, and I know, they are really two different shows, but still...), I saw that orientation video on a commercial break. Too funny.
Posted by: Cait at November 16, 2006 10:51 PM
It's all about The Office. Best show on TV, no question. And I think this season picked up steam with last week's episode... the Ed Helms-Rainn Wilson-Steve Carell trifecta will play out very, very well I think. Also, Jim is hot.
Posted by: Katie at November 16, 2006 11:12 PM
About ANTM, I never said I watch for Tyra. I put up with Tyra because I enjoy laughing at the so-not-self-aware antics of the hamsters.
While I'm sitting on my giant booty eating a pack of Ding Dongs and a Double Western Cheeseburger, natch.
Oh, and I am entranced by Jensen Ackles' hottness. I've loved him since he was Sami's twin brother on "Days of Our Lives." Seriously. So hot.
Posted by: Jelinas at November 17, 2006 3:47 AM
I'm sure I'm not the only one who's noticed with ANTM that there's now only two potential (car show) models per season.The photographers must photoshop to the max! Also the prize spread in a magazine has almost downgraded completely to penthouse! Bring back janice!
My gosh, Australian television on a Friday night is nothing but a couple of mid level movies. And I am waiting for shows like weeds, which is apparently coming in a few months. I wish TiVo would come down here!
Anybody checked out a british show called Suburban Shootout. Quite good, great one liners too, an example escapes me atm.
Posted by: Timperament at November 17, 2006 5:21 AM
I watched the American "The Office" for the first time last night (huge fan of the British version). I don't live under a rock, I've just had uncannily humane hours lately - perhaps I'm getting fired. Anyway, I thought it was hysterical. I really like how they've tailored it to an American audience. It's succeeding because it's not trying too hard to be the Gervais version (that'd be tough, frankly).
The Brits, man. Funny bastards.
Posted by: Samantha T at November 17, 2006 7:31 AM
"Call me a lesbian, but I prefer Kyle Chandler any day of the week, and twice on Sunday. And Tuesday. And the man is a good 15-16 years older than I am."
Then I'm a lesbian too. Do you remember him on that show "Homefront"? For the life of me I can't remember if the show was good--I was pretty young at the time--but I do remember the Kyle Chandler hotness.
Posted by: em at November 17, 2006 10:30 AM
Hmmm. Don't watch any of these except the occasional DVRed My Name is Earl, which just isn't as funny to me any more. I'll be sticking with CSI and Shark. James Woods is the man!
Posted by: Jen at November 17, 2006 6:50 PM
Scrubs rules. Salma Hayek in a bra - that's hard to beat on any night. Agree that the Meredith chick on Gray's Anatomy should die and they continue the show with the others, then maybe I'd watch it. She's the Calista Flockhart. She could disappear and it would only improve it. I guess every ensemble drama has to have a neurotic chick who is unrealistically irresistible to hot men. Maybe the networks make it part of the contract.
And I like Shark, too. Sure, it's sorta cheesy and very formulaic, but James Woods is highly entertaining. And second on CSI. Yeah, it's getting a little old, but it's still pretty good. And it was the first.
Posted by: LL at November 17, 2006 7:57 PM
I think the Office has definitely come in to its own. I agree that when the pilot came out, it was pretty much a carbon copy of the plot with a new script. NOw it is its own beast.
Glad Ed Helms is now after Dwight. Takes the pressure of Jim, let her focus on takin down that woman. :)
Posted by: Noel at November 18, 2006 11:56 AM
em,
I never watched Homefront. My first KC sighting was Early Edition. And seriously, the man is like fine wine - he's only gotten better with age.
Posted by: Daphne at November 18, 2006 12:17 PM
Thank you for mentioning Grey's the best show on television! Meredith is amazing...AMAZING! Also love the O.C. I've given up on Suvivor and CSI though.
Posted by: JJ at November 20, 2006 1:22 PM
Love.
Alec.
Baldwin.
Posted by: Fabiola Thing at March 6, 2007 3:40 PM